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220,988 | aa12f36dc62236b724c03175f436ed75ea15e4e4 | A mother who set up a website for her murdered daughter ended up being stalked by an internet crank who travelled half way around the world to declare his love, a court heard. Karen Downes, 48, started the site in memory of her 14-year-old daughter Charlene, who vanished ten years ago after being groomed by a child-sex gang. But the court heard it led to her striking up a friendship with New Zealander Mark Bailey. Horror: Karen Downes, left, the mother of murdered teenager Charlene, right, has been stalked by a man who was obsessed with her . He then became so besotted that he saved up enough cash to travel to Britain, before demanding that Mrs Downes leave her husband and family to ‘be with me and nobody else’. When she refused, he attacked her and pulled her hair during a confrontation earlier this month. Bailey, 27, was given a six-month restraining order and fined £75, plus a £20 victims surcharge, at Blackpool Magistrates’ Court. Last night, Mrs Downes spoke of how the incident had left her terrified. ‘He wanted to see me but got me trapped in an alleyway,’ she said. ‘I became frightened and started to scream. He could have had a knife or anything and he was threatening me. He had shown an interest in my website – the Charlene case – and it snowballed from there. ‘When he told me he was coming over here I thought it would not happen. ‘I was surprised when he arrived but he wanted me to leave my family and control me, but that was never going to happen.’ Mrs Downes’s daughter disappeared in Blackpool in November 2003. Police believe her body was put in a mincing machine and made into kebabs and burgers sold from a takeaway in the town. Case: Charlene's disappearance was linked to this kebab shop in Blackpool, whose owners were put on trial for her murder although the case against them collapsed . Although two business partners were later tried for her murder, they were acquitted and no-one has ever been held responsible. After setting up the site dedicated to her daughter and the investigation, Mrs Downes chatted to Bailey online for 12 months, Neil Cheesbrough, prosecuting, told the court.The New Zealander then arrived at the seaside resort seven months ago. He claimed he and Mrs Downes were lovers, but she denied they were having a sexual relationship. The court was told that Mrs Downes ended their ‘affair’ earlier this month and police warned Bailey not to harass her. But two days later, the pair met in Cookson Street in the town. When they started arguing, he grabbed her hair, which was tied in a bun. Gary McAnulty, defending, said his client believed he was in a genuine relationship with Mrs Downes and had moved from New Zealand to allow it to flourish. The lawyer added: ‘It was slightly bizarre because Mrs Downes is married and lives with her husband. After being warned by police he arranged to meet her to discuss matters and said he loved her. ‘I have had to explain to him she wants nothing more to do with him. It is a sad end.’ Police believe Charlene fell victim to child-sex gangs, centred on takeaway restaurants in Blackpool, at the age of 12. They claim she was sexually abused by as many as 100 men in the run-up to her death. In 2007, Iyad Albattikhi and Mohammed Reveshi were tried for murdering Charlene but a jury failed to reach a verdict and a retrial collapsed. They later received six-figure compensation sums for false imprisonment. | Karen Downes is the mother of Charlene Downes, who disappeared in 2003 .
Mark Bailey started talking to her online about her daughter's case then decided to move from New Zealand to Blackpool to meet her .
But after she refused to leave her family for him he attacked her in street . |
75,336 | d595367f3766a6add42909897838ca50a19d5d67 | By . Mark Duell . PUBLISHED: . 19:45 EST, 21 October 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 04:08 EST, 22 October 2013 . Death: Amy Bannister, the University of Derby student whose body was found in a tent at a campsite . A 21-year-old student who went missing has been found dead inside a tent at a campsite. The body of Amy Bannister was found at the Peak District site in Buxton, Derbyshire, three days after she was reported missing to police. The University of Derby student - originally from Nuneaton, Warwickshire - was found on Sunday evening after she was said to have vanished last Thursday. Officers do not believe there were any suspicious circumstances surrounding the death. Relatives and friends had been desperately appealing online for details on her whereabouts. Today, they posted tributes to the zoology and psychology student on Twitter. Megan Smith from Nuneaton said: 'Can't even begin to explain how the whole family must feel. R.I.P. Amy Bannister.' Jordan Hayward added on Twitter: 'Rest in peace Amy Bannister, you will be missed dearly. Thoughts go out to the rest of her family for having to go through this.' And Viki Fordham said on Facebook: 'I am so sorry to hear the loss of Amy. 'Thoughts go out to her friends and family. I am saddened by the fact that many never got to know her very well.' Her cause of death has not yet been revealed - but an inquest was expected to be opened by the end of this week. Miss Bannister was involved with the university's ramblers society and is believed to have celebrated her birthday earlier this month, on October 13. She disappeared from her university home on Wednesday, prompting appeals by family and friends on Facebook and Twitter for details of her whereabouts. Studies: Miss Bannister was a zoology and psychology student at the University of Derby (pictured) She disappeared from her university home on Wednesday, prompting appeals by family and friends on Facebook and Twitter for details of her whereabouts . A Derbyshire Constabulary spokesman . said: ‘Police were called to a camp site in Buxton, High Peak at around . 5.30pm on Sunday, October 20 after concern was raised for the safety of . someone staying at the site. ‘When officers arrived a woman was . found dead inside a tent. The woman has now been identified as . 21-year-old Amy Bannister who was reported missing from Derby on . Thursday, October 17. Police do not believe there to be any suspicious . circumstances.’ A university spokesman said: ‘The University of Derby was saddened to hear of the tragic death of one of its students, Amy Bannister. ‘Amy enrolled at the university in 2012 and was studying on the BSc (Hons) Zoology and Psychology degree course. She was a valued and well liked student, and will be much missed by our community. ‘Our thoughts are with her family and friends at this moment in time. The university will continue to offer and provide support to anyone who felt close to Amy at the university.’ | Body of Amy Bannister found in Buxton, Derbyshire, on Sunday night .
University of Derby student was said to have vanished last Thursday .
Relatives and friends had been desperately appealing online for help .
Zoology student was a rambler and to have been camping alone . |
79,982 | e2b580e253d0435039be9011e1dcc35f403353c8 | By . Daily Mail Reporter . PUBLISHED: . 19:49 EST, 1 April 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 19:49 EST, 1 April 2013 . New priority: Cambridge city councillor Sarah Brown wants to focus on Class A drugs . Cannabis use in parts of Cambridge is so rife that police should turn a blind eye to it, a local councillor has suggested. Sarah Brown said the drug is ‘omnipresent’ in some areas of the historic university city. And she wants police to stop targeting cannabis use and focus on more serious drugs. She told a meeting of Cambridge City . Council last week: ‘It’s pretty much impossible to walk more than 100 . metres in Petersfield and Romsey [areas popular with academics and . students] without smelling it. ‘The wards are more or less awash . with it. 'I wonder if it’s a good use of resources to go after this. 'It’s . more or less omnipresent.’ After the meeting she wrote on . Twitter: ‘It seems obvious that public opinion on cannabis, at least in . my ward, is at odds with the law. 'Resolving the disconnect is a national . issue.’ She added: ‘If you want a councillor . who thinks the police should ruthlessly target recreational cannabis . users, don’t vote for me.’ Sgt Colin Norden, from Cambridgeshire . Constabulary, told the meeting his officers would challenge anyone . spotted with the drug, but said his priority was Class A drugs. ‘If we . get reports in, particularly of dealing, we will deal with that,’ he . added. Cannabis is a class B drug, but thousands are given a written warning each year for possession. Wasting time: Councillor Brown said some parts of Cambridge is so awash with cannabis, going after users may not be the best way to utilise police resources . | Councillor Sarah Brown says cannabis is 'omnipresent' in Cambridge .
Lib-dem Brown questioned if battling the drug is a 'good use of resources' |
59,167 | a7f28821a9ebea8ba056d9b0c86ca0a046dde3c9 | President Obama left a New Jersey military audience awkwardly silent Monday with an awkward Christmas joke that totally bombed. 'You never stop giving,' Obama told a Fort Dix audience of military members and their families. 'You guys are like Santa in fatigues.' Only a polite chuckle followed. Scroll down for video... Bombed: President Obama's 'Santa in fatigues' joke bombed at a New Jersey military base . Crickets: The audience fell silent following the joke, which the president made Monday at Ft. Dix in New Jersey . According to Business Insider, the president managed to salvage the humorous moment with another joke comparing a cargo plane that sat nearby to Santa's reindeer-drawn ride. 'Although I'll bet one of those C-130's is a little more efficient than Santa's sleigh,' he said. The audience reacted slightly better that time. Obama spoke to hundreds of the camouflage-wearing troops in a hangar at Fort Dix to thank the U.S. military for its actions around the world. In a display of bipartisan support for the troops, Obama was joined by New Jersey's Republican Governor Chris Christie, a potential candidate to succeed Obama in 2016. The U.S.-led coalition in Syria and Iraq has had some successes against the Islamic State group but has yet to force a major rollback from the territorial gains the extremists made in seizing large swathes of Iraq last summer. 'Make no mistake. Our coalition isn't just going to degrade this barbaric terrorist organization. We're going to destroy it,' Obama said. 'Although I'll bet one of those C-130's is a little more efficient than Santa's sleigh,' was the president's follow-up quip. It got a bit more of a laugh . Obama said gains are being made. Hundreds of vehicles and tanks and more than 1,000 fighting positions have been taken out, he said. 'We are hammering these terrorists,' he said. 'They may think that they can chalk up some quick victories, but our reach is long. We do not give up. You threaten America, you will have no safe haven. We will find you and like petty tyrants and terrorists before you, the world is going to leave you behind and keep moving on without you, because we will get you,' Obama said. Obama also said the United States is on track to end its combat mission in Afghanistan at year's end, leaving behind a force dedicated to training Afghan security forces and carrying out counter-terrorism operations. Obama last month approved a slight expansion in the U.S. role in the counter-terrorism operations. There are concerns in Afghanistan, however, about increasing Taliban attacks in the capital, Kabul. Obama, who made ending the war in Afghanistan a priority, said challenges remain there. New Jersey mayor and potential Obama replacement Chris Christie was there to greet the president, as were Newark mayor turned U.S. Senator Cory Booker and Senator Robert Menendez . | The president got nothing but a polite chuckle or two after comparing his audience with Saint Nick on Monday .
The president was greeted in New Jersey by U.S. Senators Robert Menendez and Cory Booker as well as Governor Chris Christie . |
274,816 | f00042b4ab8d9d1455e1f99dc628f0f245dc8195 | David Cameron and George Osborne are facing questions about their roles in the controversial BSkyB bid after James Murdoch claimed he had discussed it with both men. Mr Murdoch said he raised the subject with the Prime Minister during a cosy Christmas dinner at the Cotswolds home of former News International boss Rebekah Brooks. Downing Street spent months dodging questions about that occasion, which took place on December 23, 2010, two days after Business Secretary Vince Cable had been stripped of responsibility for the bid and Culture Secretary Jeremy Hunt had taken charge. Cosy relationship: David Cameron and former News International boss Rebekah Brooks together. James Murdoch discussed the BSkyB takeover with the Prime Minister at her dinner . Initially, Number Ten refused to provide a date or even suggest whether the dinner took place – and when it did, sources were quoted as saying neither Rupert Murdoch’s takeover bid for BSkyB nor the phone hacking scandal were discussed. Top Gear host Jeremy Clarkson, a guest at the dinner as another member of the so-called ‘Chipping Norton set’, insisted: ‘BSkyB was not mentioned. Nor was phone hacking.’ The Prime Minister himself later told Parliament he ‘never had one inappropriate conversation’ with Mr Murdoch and ‘completely took myself out of any decision making about this bid’. But appearing at the Leveson inquiry yesterday, Mr Murdoch, 41, revealed he had used the Christmas get-together to seek assurances from the PM about News International’s plans to buy BSkyB. He said he wanted to know that Jeremy Hunt, the new minister overseeing the bid, would be more ‘objective’ than his ‘acutely biased’ predecessor Mr Cable. Mr Murdoch said he and Mr Cameron discussed the revelation that Mr Cable had been caught privately ‘declaring war’ on the Murdoch empire, a disclosure which meant Mr Hunt being handed responsibility for the bid. Little chat: Mr Murdoch told the Leveson inquiry that he . had a 'tiny, side conversation' with the Prime Minister about the takeover of BskyB ahead of a . dinner for up to 15 people at the Chipping Norton home of Mrs Brooks . ‘He reiterated what he had said . publicly, which is that the behaviour had been unacceptable, and I . imagine I expressed the hope that things would be dealt with in a way . that was appropriate and judicial,’ Mr Murdoch said. ‘It was a tiny conversation ahead of a dinner where all these people were there, so it wasn’t really a discussion.’ Mr Cameron was accused last year of . breaking Parliament’s ministerial code of conduct, which requires . ministers to avoid even an appearance of a conflict of interest, by . attending the Christmas dinner, a claim which was dismissed. But for the Prime Minister, the . revelations about the Christmas dinner mark an unwelcome return to the . subject of his closeness to Mrs Brooks, the former chief executive of . News International. It also has uncomfortable echoes of . last month’s ‘horsegate’ saga, in which Mr Cameron was reluctant to . admit riding a retired police horse that Mrs Brooks had been loaned by . the Metropolitan Police. He was eventually forced to confess he . may have ridden the horse with Mrs Brooks’s racehorse owner husband . Charlie, a friend from their Eton days. Scrutiny of Mr Cameron’s friendships . with News International executives is likely to be heightened by another . disclosure by Mr Murdoch yesterday – that he personally informed him . The Sun would be backing the Conservatives at the next election. Over drinks at The George Club in . London on September 10, 2009, Mr Murdoch said ‘it was made clear to Mr . Cameron by me’ that The Sun would be switching allegiance from Labour. Dinner hosts: Mrs Brooks and her husband hosted the Christmas meal at their home in the Cotswolds . The media baron denied this was part of a deal to trade favours with Mr Cameron. His wife, Kathryn Murdoch, who was . sitting in the public gallery along with Mr Murdoch’s brother Lachlan, . was overheard saying ‘outrageous’ when this suggestion was put to her . husband. The inquiry heard how James Murdoch had met Mr Cameron a total of 14 times, 12 of them before he became Prime Minister. There were seven breakfasts, lunches . and dinners between June 2006 and May 2009 for what Mr Murdoch said were . the purposes of ‘general social conversation’, often with their wives . present. Mr Cameron dined at Mr Murdoch’s . London home in September 2009, nine days before The Sun switched . allegiance to the Tories, and on November 2 that year, James Murdoch and . Rebekah Brooks joined Mr Cameron for breakfast, to discuss ‘politics’. The two men have met only twice since . Mr Cameron became PM, once at the Christmas dinner and a lunch at . Chequers in November 2010. Mr Murdoch said he was ‘curious’ as to . Cameron’s views ‘on a variety of topics’ when he met him. Hacking probe: Rebekah Brooks, pictured with media mogul Rupert Murdoch, was first arrested under Operation Weeting last July . It also emerged that Tony and Cherie . Blair invited James Murdoch to Chequers for lunch when Labour were in . power, and he met Gordon Brown three times – all three at the request of . Mr Brown. Mr Murdoch told the inquiry yesterday . he was also ‘friendly’ with Mr Osborne and had visited the Chancellor’s . grace and favour house, Dorneywood in Buckinghamshire, with his family. David Cameron and News International chief executive Rebekah Brooks and her husband Charlie are at the heart of what has become known as the ‘Chipping Norton Set’. It is made up of powerful political and media figures who have homes in a tiny triangle in one of the most scenic parts of England – the Cotswolds. The group go to the same house parties, dine together and even ride together. Key players in the 'set' also include Top Gear presenter Jeremy Clarkson and daughter of media mogul Rupert Murdoch, Elisabeth who is married to PR fixer Matthew Freud. They met socially until the phone hacking scandal erupted. He claimed he had a discussion with . the Chancellor about News Corp’s bid to take over BSkyB, which was . eventually dropped last July after a public outcry over the revelation . that the News of the World hacked murdered schoolgirl Milly Dowler’s . phone. Mr Murdoch said his conversation about . the proposed buy-out of the satellite broadcaster with the Chancellor . ‘would have just been to be grumpy about it taking a long time and being . referred to (regulator) Ofcom, which I was very clear in public about . at the same time’. Last night Labour MP John Mann raised . questions about the response from the then Cabinet Secretary Sir Gus . O’Donnell – now Lord O’Donnell – to his questions last year about . conversations between the Prime Minister and Mr Murdoch regarding the . BSkyB bid. Last July, the MP was told that decisions ‘were at all times taken properly and in accordance with the relevant legislation’. Lord O’Donnell concluded: ‘The Prime . Minister was not the decision maker. Nor did he seek to influence the . decisions of the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, Jeremy . Hunt. ‘The fact that he had meetings with Rebekah Brooks and James Murdoch last year is a matter of public record. ‘The fact that the Prime Minister was . not the decision maker meant that he would not have had to consult me . before meeting them.’ But Mr Mann said: ‘The ex-Cabinet Secretary and Prime Minister both face critical questions that must be adequately answered. ‘Why was there no investigation . carried out last year into the Prime Minister’s dealings with James . Murdoch regarding the BSkyB bid?’ A Downing Street spokesman denied that . journalists had been misled last year, insisting it had been right to . say Mr Cameron had not been involved in formal discussions about BSkyB. These are the meetings James Murdoch held with senior British politicians disclosed by the Leveson Inquiry: . Meetings with David Cameron as leader of the opposition: . June 26 2006 Dinner at Brooks’s Club in London, at which the Conservative leader talked about his ‘vision for the country’ to a group of business executives . Wooing the Murdochs: David Cameron and James Murdoch together in 2007 while the Tory leader was in opposition . July 4 2006 Dinner hosted by George Osborne and his wife Frances attended by Mr Murdoch, his wife Kathryn, Mr Cameron and his wife Samantha . April 4 2007 Dinner with Mrs Murdoch and Mrs Cameron. January 22 2007 Breakfast at the Stafford Hotel in London initiated by Rupert Murdoch. They discussed Mr Cameron’s political views . July 15 2008 Dinner attended by Mr Murdoch and his wife, the Camerons and other couples. The conversation covered ‘general topical subjects, politics’ October 29 2008 Dinner with Mrs Murdoch, Mrs Cameron, William Hague and his wife Ffion . May 5 2009 Lunch also attended by Rebekah Brooks and her husband Charlie . September 10 2009 Drinks at The George Club in London. Mr Murdoch initiated the meeting to discuss The Sun’s proposed endorsement of the Conservative Party at the upcoming general election . September 21 2009 Dinner at Mr Murdoch’s house in London . November 2 2009 Breakfast also attended by Mrs Brooks . November 19 2009 Dinner also attended by Mrs Brooks and others . January 21 2010 Dinner also attended by Mrs Brooks and Mr Osborne at Mr Murdoch’s house in London. The topic was politics . Meetings with David Cameron as Prime Minister: . November 7 2010 Lunch at the Prime Minister’s country retreat Chequers in Buckinghamshire with other guests . December 23 2010 Dinner with the Camerons and several other couples hosted by Mr and Mrs Brooks. The discussion was ‘mostly social’ but Mr Murdoch and Mr Cameron briefly mentioned Vince Cable’s removal from overseeing News Corp’s BSkyB takeover bid . Contact with Tony Blair as PM: . July 17 2004 Lunch at Chequers, along with his wife and Cherie Blair. The discussion covered ‘general social conversation’ October 7 2005 Conference call which may have related to European Commission proposals for regulating broadcasting rights for English Premier League football . Meetings with Gordon Brown as Prime Minister: . March 10 2008 Dinner at 10 Downing Street with Mrs Murdoch, Mr Brown’s wife Sarah and about 14 other people . December 15 2008 Dinner at 10 Downing Street . January 19 2009 Dinner at 10 Downing Street with Mrs Murdoch and Mrs Brown . | Dinnertime takeover chat happened in Cotswold home where Mrs Brooks and her husband were arrested last month over allegations of a phone-hacking cover up .
Prime Minister has never explicitly admitted having the discussions at the Christmas meeting . |
95,828 | 07330b6070f90d641f6c37dd8b62fc635efcf03d | (CNN) -- Five workers at an Idaho dairy have been fired after an undercover video by animal rights activists showed mistreatment towards cows, the dairy owner said. Three of the workers have been charged with misdemeanor cruelty to animals, according to Twin Falls County District Court records. Luis Bettencourt, owner of Bettencourt Dairies, told CNN his family-owned operation of 30 years was "appalled" at the video -- which the Mercy for Animals group says depicts workers and supervisors "violently hitting, stomping on, punching and kicking cows in the face and body." The Idaho Department of Agriculture informed the dairy of the tape about five weeks ago, and Bettencourt fired all the individuals filmed in the mistreatment, he said. Since then, the business has installed video cameras to watch employees, he added. Opinion: Farmers aren't evil. Now can we have a civil conversation? "We are all devastated by it. We are family owned and we love our cattle," Bettencourt told CNN. "It's something we don't allow, and it's been a hard five weeks." Bettencourt Dairies, based in Wendell, Idaho, has 13 milking facilities with about 60,000 cows and about 500 employees, its website says. The video was taken at the firm's Dry Creek Dairy site outside Hansen, Idaho, where about 10,000 Holstein cows are kept, the animal rights group said. All 500 employees at 11 dairies have seen the video, and each has signed a document about zero tolerance on animal abuse, Bettencourt said. The workers who have been charged are Jesus Garza, 24; Jose Acensio, 28; and Javier Victor Rojas Loayza, 39. Previously on CNN.com: USDA suspends slaughterhouse after video appears to show animal cruelty . Kraft Foods said the dairy provides milks to a supplier, which processes raw material for Kraft, spokeswoman Angela Wiggins said in a statement. "While Kraft does not raise dairy cows or have milking operations, we want animals to receive proper care and be treated with respect. We have long believed high-quality dairy products begin with quality animal care," Wiggins said. "Kraft condemns the handling behaviors shown in this video as they are both upsetting and unacceptable," she said. Burger King Corporation said the Bettencourt Dairies "may be an indirect supplier of a small percentage of cheese products" used in the chain's U.S. restaurants, spokesman Bryson W. Thornton said in a statement. "Burger King Worldwide does not have a direct relationship with Bettencourt Dairies," Thornton said. "Burger King Worldwide estimates that a fraction of our dairy products, less than 1%, could have originated at the Bettencourt facility where the video that depicts inhumane treatment of dairy cows was allegedly filmed." The firm "does not tolerate or condone cruelty to animals," he said. Jane Velez-Mitchell: USDA needs to clean up its act . CNN's AnneClaire Stapleton contributed to this report. | An undercover video by an animal rights group shows mistreatment to cows .
The owner of a 30-year-old family dairy fires five workers .
Three of the workers are charged with misdemeanor animal cruelty .
The dairy provides milk to a supplier of Kraft Foods . |
115,603 | 212da6418f6dc731ebb4a5ac0c9d3b0950d3493c | (CNN)A nurse contracts Ebola. An urgent care center in Boston shuts down when a sick man recently returned from Liberia walks in. Health care workers complain they haven't been properly trained to protect themselves against the deadly virus. Public health experts are asking whether the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is partly to blame. Here are five things they say the CDC is getting wrong. 1. The CDC is telling possible Ebola patients to "call a doctor." When passengers arrive in the United States from Liberia, Sierra Leone or Guinea, they're handed a flier instructing them to "call a doctor" if they feel ill. Never mind how hard it is to get your doctor on the phone, but even if you could, it's quite possible she'd tell you to go to the nearest emergency room or urgent care center. We saw how well that worked at Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital in Dallas. On September 25, the hospital sent a feverish Thomas Eric Duncan home even though he had told them he'd recently been to Liberia. And we've seen how well that worked in Massachusetts, where an ill man recently returned from Liberia walked into an urgent care center, which then evacuated its other patients and closed for several hours. One way to do it differently: Set up a toll free number for returning passengers that would reach a centralized office, which would then dispatch a local ambulance to get the patient to a hospital. The hospital would be warned that a possible Ebola patient is on the way, and the patient would not be brought through the main emergency room. That's the idea of Gavin Macgregor-Skinner, an assistant professor at Penn State's Department of Public Health Sciences. "Do you really want someone with Ebola hopping on a bus to get to the hospital? No," he said. "And once they get there, do you want them sitting in the waiting room next to the kid with the broken arm? Again, no." CDC Director Tom Frieden faces rising tide of criticism . 2. The CDC director says any hospital can care for Ebola patients. "Essentially any hospital in the country can safely take care of Ebola. You don't need a special hospital to do it," Dr. Thomas Frieden said Sunday at a press conference. "I think it's very unfortunate that he keeps re-stating that," said Macgregor-Skinner, the global projects manager for the Elizabeth R. Griffin Foundation. He said when it comes to handling Ebola, not all hospitals are created equally. As seen at Presbyterian, using protective gear can be tricky. Plus, it's a challenge to handle infectious waste from Ebola patients, such as hospital gowns contaminated with blood or vomit. Dr. Michael Osterholm, an infectious disease epidemiologist at the University of Minnesota, said some hospitals have more experience with infectious diseases and consistently do drills in how to deal with biohazards. "If you were a burn unit patient, wouldn't you want to go to a burn unit?" he said. The CDC may already be moving in that direction. Designating certain hospitals as Ebola treatment units "is something we're exploring further," said Tom Skinner, a spokesman for the agency. CDC 'doubling down' on Ebola training efforts . 3. The CDC didn't encourage the "buddy system" for doctors and nurses. Under this system, a doctor or nurse who is about to do a procedure on an Ebola patient has a "buddy," another health care worker, who acts as a safety supervisor, monitoring the worker from the time he puts on the gear until the time he takes it off. The "buddy system" has been effective in stopping other kinds of infections in hospitals. Skinner said the CDC is considering recommending such a system to hospitals. 4. CDC didn't encourage doctors to develop Ebola treatment guidelines. Taking care of Ebola patients is tricky, because certain procedures might put doctors and nurses in contact with the patient's infectious bodily fluids. At Sunday's press conference, Frieden hinted that Presbyterian might have performed two measures -- inserting a breathing tube and giving kidney dialysis -- that were unlikely to help Duncan. He described them as a "desperate measure" to save his life. "Both of those procedures may spread contaminated materials and are considered high-risk procedures," he said. "I'm not familiar with any prior patient with Ebola who has undergone either intubation or dialysis." Osterholm said CDC should coordinate with medical groups to come up with treatment guidelines. "We could have and should have done it a few months ago," he said. 5. The CDC put too much trust in protective gear. Once Duncan was diagnosed, health authorities started making daily visits to 48 of his contacts. But that didn't include several dozen workers at Presbyterian who took care of Duncan after he was diagnosed. They weren't followed because they were wearing protective gear when they had contact with Duncan. Instead, they monitored themselves. Public health experts said that was a misstep, as the CDC should have realized that putting on and taking off protective gear is often done imperfectly and one of the workers might get an infection. How did Dallas nurse contract Ebola? "We have to recognize that our safety work tells us that breaches of protocol are the norm, not the exception in health care," said Dr. Peter Pronovost, senior vice president for patient safety and quality at Johns Hopkins Medicine. "We routinely break precautions." Skinner said that in this case, self-monitoring worked, but that monitoring from health officials can be beneficial, too, and so health care workers who were involved in Duncan's care will now get daily visits from health authorities. | Public health experts question some CDC actions on Ebola .
Patients are told to "call a doctor," but expert says an ambulance would be better .
Not just any hospital can care for Ebola patients, experts say . |
238,054 | c01d744e3f57141b96cf8e1658f9fdfef38fd267 | By . Julie Anne Barnes . and Darren Hamilton . PUBLISHED: . 18:28 EST, 25 December 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 11:10 EST, 26 December 2013 . It was shaping up to be the perfect Christmas for a young couple who were very much in love. But yesterday heartbroken teenager Lauren White was left with only the gift of a ring and memories of the boyfriend cruelly taken from her in a fatal car crash on Christmas Eve. Louis Kefferty, aged 20, died after his red Vauxhall Astra hit a roadside tree only half-a-mile from his home in Seafield, West Lothian. Louis Kefferty, 20, and his girlfriend Lauren White, 18. Louis died when his red Vauxhall Astra left the road and collided with a tree near Seafield, West Lothian . Apprentice stonemason Mr Kefferty and passenger Miss White, 18, were taken to hospital in Edinburgh, where he later died of severe head injuries sustained in the crash. Yesterday, his girlfriend poured out her feelings on Facebook in an emotional tribute to the man she credits with saving her life. The seriously injured teenager, who is expected to remain in hospital for some time, wrote: ‘Yesterday I lost the most precious person in my life. He has been there for me no matter what, and it has left a hole in my heart that will never mend. ‘He saved my life and made sure I was protected before attending to himself, and I am so grateful, but just wish he was here to tell me “Everything is going to be OK”, to hug me and comfort me. ‘He will always be in my heart and I will never move on from the loss that we all have lost. ‘He was the rock to everyone and he is the type of person that will be there for anyone he cares about.’ Miss White told how the pair had 'the best relationship' and how Mr Kefferty made her smile every day . Miss White also posted a picture of herself and her boyfriend together, along with a picture of the ring Mr Kefferty had given to her as a Christmas gift. In a heartbreaking message to her dead boyfriend, she wrote: ‘I have opened my Christmas present and the ring you had got for me is absolutely gorgeous, and I will wear it and cherish it, and that will make me aware that you are always with me.’ Miss White told how the pair had ‘the best relationship’ and how Mr Kefferty made her smile every day. She added: ‘I will never be able to mend the pain I’m feeling. I love you more than anything, babe, and I will never forget you, you will always be in my heart. I love you more than words can say, baby!’ The fatal crash happened at 11.05am on Tuesday on the A705 near Seafield. The road was closed for five hours following the accident and police have appealed for witnesses to come forward. Friends of Mr Kefferty paid tribute to him on Twitter yesterday. Charlene Marshall said she had ‘never met a happier boy’, while Claire Todd described the news as ‘so sad’. Crash: Apprentice stonemason Mr Kefferty and passenger Miss White, 18, were taken to hospital in Edinburgh . Mr Kefferty bought a new car in August, and is understood to have passed his test two years ago.Miss White’s father, Paul White, wrote online: ‘My beautiful girl. We all know how much he meant to you and everyone saw it. He will always be in our hearts.’ Her sister Becca said: ‘He was some character, and we will always love him. He had the best of friends and we all know that you had made him an even better person than he already was, and that he loved you so dearly. ‘We all love you and your friends have been so supportive. I know a few that are eager to get through and see you.’ Miss White’s father and sister both travelled to the hospital in Edinburgh yesterday to visit the grief-stricken teenager. Friends of Mr Kefferty paid tribute to him on Twitter yesterday. Charlene Marshall said she had 'never met a happier boy', while Claire Todd described the news as 'so sad' Mr Kefferty’s cousin, Holly Thompson, was stunned to hear the news of the accident, writing on her Facebook page: ‘So hoping I wake up tomorrow and today has just been one big nightmare.’ Miss White was intending to start a new job with budget airline Jet 2 next month. Last night, Sergeant Brian Jones, who is leading the investigation into the crash, said: ‘This tragic collision appears to have involved only one car. ‘However, I am appealing to anyone who saw the collision or was driving on this road around this time and has any information which can assist us, to call Police Scotland on 101 or provide the information through Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.’ | Louis Kefferty, aged 20, died after his red Vauxhall Astra hit a roadside tree .
Heartbroken teenager Lauren White was left with only the gift of a ring .
Miss White told how the pair had ‘the best relationship’ |
120,303 | 277ec00e2259495d046fc82f92dfe23be34f5a88 | Ryan O'Neal, a junior at Arizona State University, is a columnist for Scoop08.com, a national student newspaper dedicated to coverage of the 2008 presidential race. CNNU is a feature that provides student perspectives on news and trends from colleges across the United States. The views expressed in this article are not necessarily those of CNN, its affiliates or the schools where the campus correspondents are based. Ryan O'Neal: "I couldn't help but be suspicious of everything and everyone." TEMPE, Arizona (CNN) -- College students are faced with many challenges each day. It's tough to balance a job with hours of homework, and to pay attention in class while planning an escape route from a lecture hall seat. As I sat in class following the Virginia Tech shootings a year ago, I couldn't help but be suspicious of everything and everyone. It's not that I thought someone was going to walk into my particular classroom and start unloading -- I realize the chances of this happening are about as small as my chances of retiring by age 30 -- but the events pushed my mind into "what if" mode. Going to school on a large campus can be scary at times -- especially for incoming freshmen who are used to high school classes with less than 30 students -- but never more so than the days following tragedy. The fear doesn't necessarily stem from the notion that danger is imminent, but rather from the idea that you don't know who people really are and what they are capable of, or how you would react to straits so dire. The collective picture of the perpetrators is not an encouraging one, and rightfully so. The images of students banding together at memorials and vigils get locked in your mind. And after all the fear and frustration and anger and hopelessness dissipate, all we've got is the future, where we ask, "How do we prevent this?" Of course, to know the accurate prevention measures, we have to know the cause. Though everything from violence in media to Goth culture have been examined, there is only one major link behind the motives of the shooters of past school shootings: mental instability. Looking back, everything from the Virginia Tech and Northern Illinois University incidents of the past year to the University of Texas clock tower and Cal State Fullerton Library massacres of 1966 and 1976, respectively, have had killers who had previously been receiving psychological treatment. In the 1989 École Polytechnique massacre in Montreal, Quebec, the psychological and psychiatric profile of the killer contained in the coroner's report said, "The multiple homicide/suicide strategy is ... known to be a characteristic of individuals who have a serious personality disorder." Perpetrators of violent massacres do not think rationally, and if they are social isolationists who don't have a close support group, prevention via medication and therapy can only be successful in stopping the relatively tame. Trying to ensure nonviolence on this micro level is like trying to eliminate interethnic combat on the macro level. Not gonna happen. So we focus on our safety. What do we do to protect ourselves? I know... Let's talk about gun control! With the increase in both violence and the attention paid to it with respect to college campuses, gun rights have been a topic that's been under much discussion. Fantasies of vigilante justice fuel some students' desires to carry a concealed weapon to class. Currently, only Utah allows students to carry guns on campus. Even Texas has explicit bans. Three years ago, a Virginia Tech student was reprimanded for carrying, and ensuing legislation to allow concealed weapons on colleges faltered before reaching the floor of the state Congress. With this knowledge, one wonders if, had decisions been made differently, there is a small possibility there would have been less than 32 balloons released at Virginia Tech's first home football game. On the contrary, guns shouldn't need to be allowed on campus. After all, dorm rooms -- where many a party takes place -- are hardly the ideal setting for a gun to be readily available, and the frequency of school shootings is not high enough to convince many Americans that the rewards outweigh the risks. Unfortunately, it is high enough that all campus and city police departments need to have measures in place for such emergencies. In September 2006, Montreal's Dawson College learned response lessons from the aforementioned École Polytechnique episode. Instead of police waiting until the SWAT team arrived, they took immediate action, and only one student was murdered. Arizona schools have begun purchasing long-range rifles for use in similar situations, and many other schools are re-evaluating their emergency-response procedures, but even those don't guarantee safety. It takes a collaborative effort to keep us safe, but the burden should not be placed entirely on the students or the institution. Legislation needs to continue to be passed to help keep weapons from those who are dangerous to us, while preserving our individual rights, and we as concerned Americans need to encourage discussion of these matters within our congresses. Colleges and universities are a place of wisdom and expansion. Fear and bullets surely seem the antithesis. E-mail to a friend . (c) 2008 Scoop Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved. | O'Neal says he couldn't help but be suspicious of everything and everyone .
Images of students banding together at memorials and vigils get locked in your mind .
Guns shouldn't need to be allowed on campus, O'Neal says . |
263,528 | e1527031fe8cada4ae93d18bae8fb63e0607da0e | By . Emma Innes . Insulin injections for diabetics could soon be a thing of the past thanks to the creation of a revolutionary new implant. The device, which has been created by British scientists, works like an artificial pancreas by releasing insulin into the bloodstream. It can be implanted into the abdomen from where it releases a precise amount of insulin meaning injections are no longer needed. A new abdominal implant could spell the end of insulin injections for people with diabetes . The supplies of insulin in the implant can be topped up every two weeks using a tube which passes out through the skin. The wristwatch-size device was created by scientists at De Montfort University, in Leicester. They say it is the next best thing to a cure for diabetes because it means the patient no longer has to manage the condition themselves. Professor Joan Taylor, professor of pharmacy at De Montfort University in Leicester, said: ‘The device will not only remove the need to manually inject insulin, but will also ensure that perfect doses are administrated each and every time. ‘By controlling blood glucose so effectively, we should be able to help reduce related health problems. ‘We are extremely close to embarking on clinical trials. Diabetes is costing society more than £1 million an hour in treatment, and much of that is spent on treating complications.’ Human trials of the device are due to . begin in 2016 and the researchers hope the first implants will take . place on the NHS within a decade. The implant, which has to be inserted surgically, contains a reservoir of insulin that is kept in place by a gel barrier. The implant was invented by Professor Joan Taylor (left) who says it is as good as a cure for diabetes as it means patients no longer need to monitor and control their condition themselves . The researchers hope their device could save millions of people from daily insulin injections (pictured) and that it could help to prevent the health problems associated with poor diabetes management . When glucose levels in the body rise, the gel liquefies and releases insulin into the body, mimicking the normal behaviour of a pancreas. As the insulin lowers the glucose levels, the gel reacts by hardening again and preserving the reservoir. It would eliminate the need for diabetics to inject insulin up to four times a day. The artificial pancreas could help all type 1 insulin-dependent diabetics and some type 2 diabetics who need daily injections. ‘This device is cheap and simple to use,’ said Professor Taylor. ‘It has the potential to bring an end to the misery of daily injections for diabetics.’ | The wristwatch-size device can be surgically implanted into the abdomen .
It contains a reservoir of insulin held in place by a gel barrier .
When glucose levels in the body rise, the gel liquefies and releases insulin into the body - just like a normally functioning pancreas would do .
As it lowers the glucose levels, the gel hardens again preserving the reservoir - the insulin reservoir has to be topped up every two weeks .
Human trials are set to begin in 2016 and the first implants could take place on the NHS within a decade . |
89,495 | fe21a26ed11f0772c5195da40314239199aad828 | Vitriolic insults hurled by North Korea's state-run media are so frequent that they're usually not news. But recent KCNA articles use such racially-charged rhetoric that they have drawn criticism from the White House's National Security Council, which called them "particularly ugly and disrespectful." North Korea's state media KCNA described President Barack Obama using racial epithets and likened him to a "wicked black monkey." The most offensive piece, published in Korean on May 2 under the title "Divine punishment to the world's one and only delinquent Obama," repeatedly refers to him as a monkey. "You can also tell this by his appearance and behavior, and while it may be because he is a crossbreed, one cannot help thinking the more one sees him that he has escaped from a monkey's body," it stated. It's not unusual for North Korea's propagandists to hurl vitriol at state leaders -- especially those from the U.S. and South Korea. But the intensity and sheer volume of racial slurs in this latest piece surprised North Korea watchers. Recently, KCNA has directed misogynistic slurs at South Korea's President Park Geun-hye, calling her an "indecent philistine and vile prostitute serving the U.S." They've accused her of bungling the Sewol ferry accident and criticized her close association with U.S., saying she has a mental disease. South Korean president apologizes for response to ferry sinking . The racist rant on Obama was flagged by a blog, One Free Korea, which started the entry with, "Oh, yes they did" and highlighted excerpts from the epithet-laced official news service. A KCNA Watch tool shows that both Obama and Park have been increasingly mentioned in recent months, as North Korea watchers anticipate that the country may conduct its fourth nuclear test. South Korea: North Korea ready for nuclear test . N. Korea could be preparing nuclear test . | KCNA describes Obama with racial slurs .
The piece repeatedly likens Obama to a monkey .
North Korea state media often ridicules state officials, including South Korean president . |
240,870 | c3d740c9148df85cc25d291d2a43551f90cc2b81 | By . Hugo Gye . PUBLISHED: . 06:00 EST, 27 December 2012 . | . UPDATED: . 06:00 EST, 27 December 2012 . Mystery: Codebreaker Gareth Williams was found dead in his London flat in August 2010 . The MI6 codebreaker who was found dead inside a holdall probably locked himself inside the bag, according to police. An inquest into the death of Gareth Williams found that he could have been the victim of foul play, as the coroner expressed doubts that he could have locked the bag himself. However, Scotland Yard detectives investigating the case discovered that it is possible to lock the type of holdall he was found in from the inside, and now say it is likely that no one else was involved in Mr Williams' death. The body of the codebreaker, who was on secondment to MI6 from GCHQ, was discovered in a bathtub in his flat in Pimlico, central London, in August 2010. Coroner Fiona Wilcox ruled earlier this year that it was unlikely Mr Williams could have locked himself into the red North Face holdall which contained his body and whose keys were also locked inside the bag. Experts testified that they had tried to lock themselves inside the bag more than 400 times, and said even famed escapologist Harry Houdini would have had difficulty doing so. But just a few days after Dr Wilcox delivered her verdict, a retired sergeant revealed that the feat was in fact possible, casting doubt on the assertion that someone else must have been involved in Mr Williams' death. Police refined the experiment to mirror the exact way the bag had been locked - and agreed that Mr Williams could have secured the holdall himself, according to the Daily Telegraph. In addition, detectives do not believe there is any evidence of forced entry which could suggest that the codebreaker was murdered. Locked: Mr Williams' body was found inside a red North Face holdall similar to this one . 'They have been unable to find any trace of anyone who should not have been in the flat and every reason to believe that Gareth may have climbed into the bag himself and been unable to get out,' an inquiry source told the Telegraph. Police are now apparently planning to inform the coroner of their belief that Mr Williams died alone. Dr Wilcox initially dismissed the idea that the spy could have been the victim of 'auto-erotic activity' - but detectives say there is no other plausible explanation for his death. The mysterious circumstances surrounding Mr Williams' death sparked speculation that he could have been assassinated by the security services. His MI6 colleagues did not report him missing for a week, and failed to hand over key evidence from their office, which raised the possibility that they could have been involved in a cover-up. Investigation: Police have denied that foul play was responsible for the codebreaker's death . However, others pointed to an apparent interest in bondage and cross-dressing as a more likely explanation for his death. Mr Williams was once found by his landlord tied to his own bed wearing only underwear, while he apparently kept £20,000 worth of women's clothes in his flat. A spokesman for the Metropolitan Police declined to confirm the detectives' latest findings, saying: 'This remains an active investigation and officers continue to explore a number of lines of inquiry. 'Officers retain an open mind in relation to the circumstances surrounding the death of Mr Williams.' | Investigation finds Gareth Williams could have locked himself in bag .
Coroner claimed that someone else must have been involved with death .
Codebreaker found dead in bathtub in central London flat in August 2010 . |
158,920 | 59753bcc506dc69d8c790dc5a95cffbd536fde9d | (CNN) -- In hopes of raising its game off the court as well as on it, 2K Sports has announced a partnership with hip-hop impresario and part-NBA owner Jay-Z, who is the executive producer of the upcoming "NBA 2K13" video game. The megastar, whose real name is Shawn Carter, has been focusing his efforts on the game's presentation and entertainment elements away from the ball -- the music, crowd reactions and interactive in-game menus. He is part owner of the Brooklyn Nets, so his involvement is one that is personally appealing, he said. "This has been a unique opportunity to collaborate with 2K Sports and be a part of one of the best sports video games in history," Jay-Z said in a statement. " 'NBA 2K13' will be the next evolution in sports and basketball culture, and I'm ready to usher in the new era of the franchise." Review: 'NBA 2K12' lets you create your dream player . Jason Argent, vice president of marketing for 2K Sports, said Jay-Z transcends music and his early involvement in the title's off-court activities reflects the artist's creative vision and presentation. "Jay-Z's role represents a unique fusion of basketball, music, art and entertainment, and illustrates the evolution of 'NBA 2K' into something much bigger than simply the best basketball video game series ever made," Argent said. "He was obsessed with authenticity and he really wanted to add his influence early on to make the experience better. "We are never just satisfied with the best. We asked how we can challenge ourselves to make the game and the overall experience even better." Argent said Jay-Z's influence would be felt immediately in the game, starting during its video introduction. Jay-Z also handpicked the game's soundtrack with tracks from U2, Puff Daddy, Coldplay, Kanye West and even some of his own creations. 'NBA 2K12' cover art features Bird, Magic, Jordan . Argent said the entertainment mogul worked with the development team on how to bring the entire entertainment presentation to the video game without affecting any of the gameplay. He said Jay-Z was highly engaged and understood the line between on-court and off-court experiences. 2K Sports wasn't ready to talk about gameplay improvements at this time, but Argent said it was ready to make a "giant leap forward." The basketball simulation game is due for release October 2 for the Xbox 360, Windows PC, PlayStation 3, PSP and Wii. The Wii U version is expected during the holiday season. | Jay-Z tries his hand as an executive producer of "NBA 2K13" video game .
The hip-hop impresario worked on non-gameplay elements such as music .
Soundtrack includes U2, Coldplay, Kanye West and Jay-Z .
The artist, whose real name is Shawn Carter, is part-owner of Brooklyn Nets . |
26,034 | 49c703c7a674ba6bea44fc1c09b94de770288449 | Ben Youngs is out of his rut, back in the England team, and the way he managed to relocate his missing spark may serve as a useful message for the entire national squad. The Leicester scrum-half worked out that he was thinking too much, fretting too much, analysing and training and playing with tension. He decided to go back to basics; to just play and not worry so much. The results have been encouraging, as he prepares to start against Samoa on Saturday. Ben Youngs has recovered from his loss of form and is set to start for England against Samoa . The scrum-half blames over analysing his game as part of the reason for losing his place . Youngs (centre) looks dejected following England's 31-28 defeat at the hands of South Africa last week . He said: ‘Last year, when I wasn’t involved in the Six Nations, the biggest thing was to go back to my club and find that spark again; find that thing that got me there in the first place, which was just playing rugby and enjoying it. 'I was struggling for form and I didn’t know how to get out of that rut because I hadn’t been in that situation before. I found myself training longer, kicking longer. I found myself passing longer, doing more weights — whatever it may be to find a way through. And in fact the best thing I could have done was to have done nothing. The Leicester Tigers star (centre) has warned team-mates that everyone goes through a 'dark patch' England are looking for a first autumn international win, having also been beaten by New Zealand (above) ‘I’m going to strip it right back to the minimum and focus on enjoying the performance on Saturday.’ Starting two Tests on the tour of New Zealand in June helped revive Youngs’s self-belief, and he added: ‘Some guys haven’t been through a dark patch, but they will at some point because everyone does. ‘I think when you first come in and you’re young, you’re too naive to understand the pressures of it. I’ve come full circle — back to realising what got me here in the first place.’ VIDEO O2 Inside Line: Season 5, Episode 3 . | England take on Samoa in Autumn International on Saturday .
Ben Youngs has returned to the side after missing the Six Nations .
Leicester scrum-half has found his form again by analysing his game less . |
157,463 | 579a7a58a105842f238ba278ede13bc055792ff1 | Plans have been drawn up for an advertising campaign denouncing Britain as cold and wet to deter Romanians and Bulgarians from coming to the UK. Ministers are working on ideas to prevent an influx of immigrants from Eastern Europe when restrictions are lifted on citizens from the two countries moving to the EU next New Year's Day. A public information campaign would warn those considering a move that they won't be able to cash in on state largesse – and that the weather is bad. With a lifting of regulations on Romanians and Bulgarians in the UK the Government is considering a number of options to avoid the country's border being clogged with new migrants . Under proposals being examined in Downing Street, the Home Office and the Department for Work and Pensions, the new migrants – who are expected to number at least 70,000 over the next five years – would face tough restrictions on the benefits they could claim. One option would see new arrivals deported after three months if they don't have a job. Another plan would require those arriving from Romania and Bulgaria to show they have the means to support themselves for six months. The 'nuclear option' would be to declare an 'economic emergency' to defer arrivals – though government lawyers are nervous about the legality of such a move. Once the plans to limit the amount of money new arrivals can claim are in place they are likely to form the heart of an advertising campaign later this year. A senior Government source told the Mail: 'By the time people are able to come here we would want to have something in place and we would want people considering coming here to know what they could expect.' A minister said an advertising campaign was needed to 'correct the impression that the streets here are paved with gold'. David Cameron and Home Secretary Theresa May are concerned new arrivals will wreck efforts to slash immigration – a key election pledge. One of those involved in discussions said: 'Every single thing we've done on immigration risks being blown out of the water by this. Bettering Labour on immigration is one of the best cards we have.' But despite the warnings of restrictions, agencies have sprung up in Romania and Bulgaria offering to arrange work in the UK. Britain has a buoyant job market, in contrast to some EU nations, and access to welfare payments is easier than in Germany or France, which will be relaxing work restrictions at the same time. One job agency in the Romanian capital Bucharest told undercover reporters it has hundreds registering for work in the UK and the waiting list is so long they are no longer accepting applications. While the minimum wage in the UK is £6.19 per hour, in Bulgaria it is just 73p and, in Romania, 79p. The average weekly wage is £63.50 in Bulgaria and £86 in Romania. The only state benefit available in either country is child benefit, which is £3.50 per child per week in Bulgaria and £3.69 in Romania. In Britain, a single person can claim up to £71 a week in jobseekers' allowance. Housing benefit varies depending on local authorities. Child benefit adds another £20.30 a week for the first child and £13.40 for each one after that. Visitors from the European Economic Area who demonstrate they 'have or retain worker status may be able to claim income-based jobseekers' allowance, income support, housing benefit, council tax benefit, income-related employment and support allowance, and state pension credit. | At least 70,000 thought come to UK over the next five years .
Government considers plans to limit money new arrivals can claim .
Home Office wants to show migrants London's streets 'not paved with gold'
New arrivals could damage Government plans slash immigration . |
15,617 | 2c57477d014f20755b94e5f63b61761ed72fe084 | Lost in the snow: Julie Abrahamsen, 20, was in the wilderness for three days - but survived . A snowboarder who vanished into icy backcountry and was lost for three days and nights has been found alive. Julie Abrahamsen, 20, set off for a day on the slopes at Whistler resort in Canada on Wednesday - but got lost after heading off-piste, and was gone for two nights before the alarm was raised. Abrahamsen, who is from Norway, hadn't told her roommates when to expect her back, so neither they nor her family in Europe realized anything was amiss until days had passed. On Friday, police, dog teams and a rescue helicopter scrambled to comb the snow-covered mountainside where they feared she had been stranded. She was found more than a mile away from the limits of the resort after a rescue pilot spotted her footprints through thick fog, Canada's Global News reported. Thanks to mild conditions, which had seen temperatures higher than 40 degrees, Abrahamsen had been able to survive the nights, even though the fog and rain made her harder to track down. Her last known location had been 11am at the top of the Glacier Express chairlift in Whistler's Blackcomb resort. Rescuers said she was soaked to the skin when they found her, and had apparently tried swimming across a part-melted creek in the hope of finding help. She was more than two days' walking from the nearest roads. Rescue experts said that had the temperatures been more typical of the high-altitude ski resort, she could easily have died. They also said her Nordic heritage may have helped her survive the cold. Rescued: Abrahamsen is pictured above on Saturday getting off the helicopter that saved her. Rescuers say she was soaked through, but otherwise apparently unharmed . Two day gap: Abrahamsen's roommates did not realize anything was amiss until Friday - by which time she had been gone two days already . Abrahamsen's condition was not immediately clear, but she was able to walk a few paces to be loaded onto an ambulance from her rescue chopper. Global News reported that she is believed to have been discharged Saturday night, and she has since been pictured by friends on social media in her apartment. Brad Sills, of Whistler's Search and Rescue team, said of her survival: 'It’s not just three normal days. It’s three days of extremely inclement weather... To find somebody with a strong spirit that’s able to endure that past three night’s weather, that’s a big win for all of us'. Tough spot: The helicopter's pilot noticed Abrahamsen's footprints in the snow - despite fog and rain impeding the search . Safe an sound: Abrahamsen, center with chips and KFC, was reportedly discharged Saturday evening and was seen enjoying herself with friends later that day . Abrahamsen's father, Knut Peder, said he and his family feared the worst. He revealed: 'We were in deep, deep, deep grief and panic about our little girl, knowing that she was out there in the mountains alone. 'We were praying and hoping she was alive, fearing that she was injured or even worse.' In the wake of her resuce, Abrahamsen posted her thanks on Facebook, saying: 'After three rough days lost in the mountain, I have never been happier to be back to civilization and dear Whistler. 'Thanks to my concerned dad, the best roomies, a good rescue staff, good doctors and all the friendly, caring, helping people/seaoners of Whistler.' | Julie Abrahamsen went off-piste in Whistler, Canada, on Wednesday .
She didn't come back, but roommates did not realize anything was amiss .
Took until Friday for the alarm to be raised, and she was found Saturday .
Had wandered miles from the resort, and was reportedly soaked through .
Helicopter made it through rain and fog to find her apparently unharmed .
Rescuers said unusually high temperatures - in the 40s - helped her survive . |
72,660 | ce05e3549d16103493da8385d7df3dc6c2251483 | New details provide a clearer chronology about what might have happened to Malaysia Airlines Flight 370 between its takeoff and its last known spotting seven hours later. Here's how experts and officials have reconstructed key moments of the flight, which disappeared March 8 with 239 people aboard. 12:41 a.m.: Takeoff . All tracking systems are working as the Boeing 777-200ER takes off from the Malaysian capital of Kuala Lumpur, headed for Beijing. 1:07 a.m.: ACARS sends communication . One of the plane's communication systems sends what turns out to be its last transmission, according to Malaysia Airlines CEO Ahmad Jauhari Yahya. "It showed nothing unusual. The 1:07 a.m. transmission showed a normal routing all the way to Beijing," according to a statement from Malaysia's Ministry of Transport. The Aircraft Communications Addressing and Reporting System is the onboard computer that collects information -- a lot of it -- about aircraft and pilot performance. It's akin to computers in automobiles that track oil levels and engine performance. Aboard aircraft, ACARS computers measure thousands of data points and send the information via satellite to the airline, the engine manufacturer and other authorized parties, according to CNN aviation and airline correspondent Richard Quest. See maps of possible debris field, search areas . The information is useful for operations, maintenance, scheduling and performance purposes, Quest said. 1:19 a.m.: Voice check-in . Someone in the cockpit makes a voice check-in with air traffic controllers as the plane is apparently leaving Malaysian airspace and entering Vietnamese airspace. Initial investigations indicate it was the co-pilot, Fariq Abdul Hamid, according to Malaysia Airlines officials. "All right, good night" were the final words from the cockpit, said Zulazri Mohd Ahnuar, a Malaysian civil aviation officer. The phrase "good night" is the radio parlance used by pilots when executing a handover from one airspace to another, Quest said. "That is normal. That happens a gazillion times," Quest said. " 'All right, good night' is a pleasantry at the end of radio communication." It remains unclear, however, whether Vietnamese air traffic controllers had any contact with the plane during the handoff, Quest said. 1:21 a.m.: Transponder off . The plane's transponder stops communicating at 1:21 a.m., said Azharuddin Abdul Rahman, director of the Malaysian Department of Civil Aviation. A transponder sends electronic messages from the plane: "squawks" to radar systems about the flight number, altitude, speed and heading. This is enormously useful information to air traffic controllers who are looking at scores of blips on their screens, and each blip is a plane emitting identifying information, thanks to the transponder. With the transponder off, "now the plane is flying blind from the ground's point of view," Quest said. "If there is radar there, the radar will see a blip, but they won't know who it is, where they are going. They will just now know it's there." That's because the transponder isn't sending identifying information about the plane. Shutting off the transponder is a simple turn of a switch in the cockpit, Quest said. "The air traffic controller should notice. I suppose it would cause alarm. ... (The information from) a plane that you're monitoring all of a sudden disappears," Quest said. 1:22 a.m.: Plane disappears from Thai military radar . Thai military radar is tracking the plane's signal, but it disappears at 1:22 a.m., a Royal Thai Air Force spokesman told CNN. 1:28 a.m.: Thai radar picks up unknown aircraft . The Thai radar station in southern Surathani province picks up an unknown aircraft flying in a direction opposite to what Flight 370 had been traveling, a Royal Thai Air Force spokesman told CNN. 1:21 a.m.-1:28 a.m.: Plane appears to change course . The plane appears to have changed course in this time frame. The Malaysian government has not said when or if the plane was reprogrammed to fly off course. Again, according to the Malaysians, the last data from the ACARS at 1:07 a.m. indicated that it "showed normal routing all the way to Beijing." About 1:30 a.m.: Civilian radar loses contact with plane . Malaysian air traffic controllers in Subang, outside Kuala Lumpur, lose contact with the plane over the Gulf of Thailand between Malaysia and Vietnam at coordinates 06 55 15 N and 103 34 43 E. 1:37 a.m.: Expected ACARS transmission doesn't happen . The ACARS was supposed to transmit a half-hour after it last did so. Therefore, it was supposed to transmit at 1:37 a.m. -- but it didn't, Yahya said, . So, the ACARS stopped communicating sometime between 1:07 and 1:37 a.m. It's a significant event: Turning off ACARS takes know-how, Quest said. If the flight were hijacked or a target of terrorism, cutting off ACARS would be a strategic move because the system reports to satellites anything being done to the aircraft, Quest said. 2:15 a.m.: Military radar detection . Though the Malaysian plane is not transmitting information -- by ACARS or transponder -- radar on the ground or elsewhere can still detect a plane in the air. According to a Malaysian Air Force official, military radar tracked the plane as it passed over the small island of Pulau Perak in the Strait of Malacca. At this point, the plane was hundreds of miles off course. In fact, it was on the other side of the Malay Peninsula. Military radar showed that it flew in a westerly direction back over the Malay Peninsula, Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Raza said. It is then believed to have either turned northwest toward the Bay of Bengal or southwest elsewhere into the Indian Ocean. This was the last time any civilian or military radar is known to have tracked the aircraft. The focus now is searching for the missing flight in the southern Indian Ocean, according to a U.S. official. "The southern scenario seems more plausible," the official said. The Malaysian military is handing over its raw radar data to U.S. and British officials, apparently setting aside concerns about any sensitive military intelligence. Quest called this sharing of information a "huge" development in the case. "They don't want anyone to know how good their radar is. They obviously decided that doesn't matter," he said. "We don't know much about the Malaysian military and that has been one of the issues," Quest added. "It appears that Malaysia was providing an interpretation of the analysis -- and not the raw data. Now they are handing over the raw data." 2:40 a.m.: Malaysia Airlines says it learns plane missing from radar . Malaysian air traffic controllers told Malaysia Airlines at 2:40 a.m. that Flight 370 was missing from radar, according to the airline. 2:40-3:45 a.m.: Malaysia Airlines preliminary search . During this time, the airline "sourced every communication possible to (Flight 370) to locate its whereabouts before declaring that it had lost contact with the aircraft," the company told CNN. "During this period of uncertainty, Malaysia Airlines needed to establish facts by contacting other air traffic controllers and aircraft flying within the same route," the company said. 3:45 a.m.: Malaysia Airlines issues alert . Malaysia Airlines said it issued a "code red" alert that the plane was missing from radar. The airline said "code red" is when it declares that a crisis requires immediate deployment of emergency response plans. It said it took about an hour to issue the alert because it was trying to locate the plane and confirm that it was missing. To verify, it used various measures, including sending messages to the plane and awaiting a response. 6:30 a.m.: Plane should have arrived in Beijing . This was the time that Malaysia Airlines Flight 370 should have landed in China's capital. 7:24 a.m.: Public announcement of disappearance . Malaysia Airlines announces the plane's disappearance on Facebook. 8:11 a.m.: Satellite 'handshakes' Najib revealed that a satellite tracked the plane at 8:11 a.m., more than seven hours after takeoff. Najib didn't provide details on the satellite tracking, but it appears that orbiters high above the ocean detected the plane as the satellite or satellites attempted a series of "handshakes" -- or electronic connections -- with the plane below, Quest said. It's likely that the plane didn't complete the handshake because its communication systems were disabled, Quest said. Nevertheless, the satellites would have been able to trace a plane flying below them and would have extended an electronic message equivalent to a hailing: "There's a plane: Hello, hello, hello? Do you have anything for us?" Quest said. The Malaysian Prime Minister said the "raw satellite data" confirms the plane was Flight 370. The U.S. National Transportation Safety Board and the Federal Aviation Administration, along with Britain's Air Accidents Investigation Branch, concur, Najib said. "Due to the type of satellite data, we are unable to confirm the precise location of the plane when it last made contact with the satellite," Najib said. Authorities believe the plane was in one of two flight "corridors": A northern route stretching to northern Thailand, Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan in Central Asia or a southern route toward Indonesia and the southern Indian Ocean. Growing number of airplanes scour southern Indian Ocean . | The Malaysian government has not said when or if plane was reprogrammed .
A 1:07 a.m. transmission showed a "normal routing all the way to Beijing"
Co-pilot believed to have checked in by radio, ending with "All right, good night"
Two communication systems stopped transmitting shortly after takeoff . |
244,013 | c7d5c7e54c807ab318a786abe6c055bea96d11e8 | By . Sean Poulter . Supermarkets could be forced to pull copycat products from shelves after a small British food firm won a High Court injunction against the budget chain Aldi. The German retailer has been forced to remove its ‘Saucy Salmon Fillets’ from sale following complaints from the Saucy Fish Company. The packaging and product recipes of the Aldi products bear an uncanny resemblance to those made and promoted by the Grimsby based firm. Likeness: The Saucy Fish Co. sells salmon fillets in a black container with a clear film and a cardboard sleeve (right). The Aldi product (left) looks virtually identical in terms of pack design and sauce options . Aldi is among a number of high street stores who are trying to win sales by copying the pack design, colours and names used by big brands, which spend millions developing and promoting their products. The interim injunction won by the Saucy Fish Company is a prelude to a full court hearing that could see Aldi forced to pay compensation for effectively stealing the idea. That could set a precedent that would allow other brands to take on all the big supermarkets which try to boost sales and profits by developing copycat products. The Saucy Fish Co. sells salmon fillets in a black container with a clear film over the top and a cardboard sleeve with the company name and description of the contents. One product contains a chilli, lime and ginger dressing, while the other has a watercress and crème fraiche dressing. The Aldi product looks virtually identical in terms of pack design and the two sauce options, while the bold label describes them as ‘Saucy Salmon Fillets’. Uncanny: Aldi's Jive caramel and chocolate shortcakes bear a resemblance to the world famous Twix bar . Confusing: Aldi's Norpak Spreadable (right) could easily be mistaken for Lurpak Spreadable (left) The interim injunction won by the Saucy Fish Company is a prelude to a full court hearing that could see Aldi forced to pay compensation for effectively stealing the idea . The Saucy Fish Co is a British success story. It was recently voted a CoolBrand and signed a listing with Waitrose earlier this year, while its products will soon be going into stores in the USA. It is easy to see why Aldi, which is making a concerted effort to attract middle class shoppers, should want to emulate its success. However, head of brand at the Grimsby fish company, Simon Smith, said: ‘Aldi’s imitation of The Saucy Fish Co. undermines the trust and confidence consumers have built with us. Our brand represents a promise of consistency, not easily replicable by packaging alone. ‘Originality and innovation are two of our watchwords, built through investment over the last three years as we've nurtured and grown a unique and desired brand, now valued at £35m. It’s really important for us to protect our distinctive brand identity as a mark of premium quality, as we grow our brand globally. '’Ghost’ brands that trade on the halo effect of an established brand simply should not be tolerated and I’m sure other brand owners will be watching this case with interest.’ Research by the consumer group Which? found many shoppers are angry at supermarkets who try to mislead them by copying brands. A study found one in five of its members have accidentally bought a supermarket version of a product thinking it was a well-known brand. Of those, 38 per cent said they were annoyed and 30per cent felt misled. Similar: Drinkers could easily be forgiven for confusing Aldi's own-brand alcohol with more famous products. Austin's Summer Punch closely resembles Pimm's, while its Sainte Etienne lager looks like Stella Artois . Crunch: Orange packs of Aldi's Belmont Oaties (right) look very much like McVitie's Hobnobs (left) Its research among 150 own-label products found that the cheeky monkey on boxes of Harvest Morn Choco Rice sold by Aldi could quite easily be mistaken for the character used by Kellogg’s for its Coco Pops. Similarly, the orange packs of Aldi’s Savour Bakes Cream Crackers look very much like the Jacob’s product, while its Norpak Spreadable could be mistaken for Lurpak Spreadable. The firm’s Belmont Oaties were also similar to McVitie’s Hobnobs and its Tower Gate Milk Chocolate Digestives look like the McVitie’s product. Asda has also come under fire for its Puffin brand of chocolate biscuits, which are very similar to the Penguin brand from McVitie’s, while Lidl’s Samson Malt Vinegar could be mistaken for the Sarsons brand. However, other mainstream stores have also been accused of using the same tactic by Which? and the British Brands Group, which speaks for manufacturers. Examples include Boots anti-dandruff shampoo, where the white bottle and blue cap and lettering look remarkably similar to Head & Shoulders. Similarly, Boots vibrant pink bottle for its ‘Fruit Essence’ shampoo is remarkably like the one for Clairol’s popular ‘Herbal Essences’. Tesco’s tubes of ‘Chipz’ look very much like the market leaders ‘Pringles’, while ‘Beasty Bites’ from Asda appear to owe much to the look of packs of Monster Munch. Lidl’s Samson Malt Vinegar (left) could be mistaken for Sarson's famous version of the same product (right) Director of the British Brands Group, John Noble, said this is the first time a food company has won an interim injunction in these circumstances. ‘Mimicking the packaging designs of familiar brands is a trick to boost sales. A recent government study shows that shoppers make more mistakes and perceive products to be better quality, and are therefore more likely to buy them, than if the packaging is clearly distinctive,’ he said. ‘It is extremely rare for Courts to grant interim injunctions so this is a good result for the Saucy Fish Company. The penny is beginning to drop that shoppers are not well served by such copying and the Government is consulting on making consumer protection law more effective in this area. ‘This would be good news. Such copying free-rides off brand reputations and does not offer shoppers real choice. Products should compete on their own merits and not mislead shoppers or act as parasites on brands.’ Aldi’s Giles Hurley, who is managing director of corporate buying, confirmed an interim injunction had been implemented, but he said the firm had planned to remove the product from sale. He said the injunction was under review and no final decision had been made by the court as to whether it had wrongly or unfairly copied the product. He said: ‘This matter refers to a product that was being trialled in our stores and which has since reached the natural end of the trial period. It is important to note that no decision has been made regarding the upholding of the injunction.’ | Saucy Fish Company claimed supermarket's products resembled its own .
Aldi salmon fillets have very similar packaging and recipes to Saucy Fish Co.
High Court agreed and demanded the German retailer remove the product .
Case may have implications for other supermarkets selling 'copycat' items . |
179,972 | 7506439d76b21b6734eb7f6ab68bcb3953152aaa | (CNN) -- Before making judgments about the shootings at Fort Hood, a thorough investigation needs to take place, Sen. John Cornyn of Texas said Thursday. "It is imperative that we take the time to gather all the facts, as it would be irresponsible to be the source of rumors or inaccurate information regarding such a horrific event," Cornyn said in a statement. "Once we have ascertained all the facts, working with our military leaders and law enforcement officials on the ground, we can determine what exactly happened at Fort Hood today and how to prevent something like this from ever happening again," he said. Maj. Nidal Malik Hasan, an Army psychiatrist, shot and killed 11 soldiers and one civilian, officials said. Thirty-one people were wounded, officials at the Army base said. A federal official said Hasan is a U.S. citizen of Jordanian descent. Cornyn, a Republican, said people should not jump to conclusions about what happened and why. "We do not yet have these details," the statement said. President Obama, who was speaking at a conference in Washington, said his administration "will make sure that we get answers to every single question about this horrible incident." He asked Americans to keep the soldiers and families of Fort Hood in the thoughts and prayers. Former President George W. Bush, who was governor of Texas from 1995 to 2000 and lives in Crawford about 20 miles from the post, expressed his family's sorrow. "I was saddened to learn of the tragic incident at Fort Hood. Laura and I are keeping the victims and their families in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time," he said. iReport.com: Are you there? Send pics, video . Two prominent Muslim organizations condemned the shootings. The Council on American-Islamic Relations, based in Washington, said there was no reason for such violence. "We condemn this cowardly attack in the strongest terms possible and ask that the perpetrators be punished to the full extent of the law," a statement from the organization said. "No political or religious ideology could ever justify or excuse such wanton and indiscriminate violence." The Muslim Public Affairs Council offered its sympathy to the victims and their families. "MPAC and the Muslim American community unequivocally condemn this heinous incident," said a statement from the Los Angeles, California, based group. "Our entire organization extends its heartfelt condolences to the families of those killed as well as to those wounded and their loved ones." The group said it was working with law enforcement and government officials. "American Muslims stand with our fellow citizens in offering both prayers for the victims and sincere condolences to the families of those killed or injured," the statement said. The Secretary of the Army said that while an investigation will come, the well-being of his soldiers was the Army's first concern. "This is a terrible tragedy that we will know more about in the coming days. For now, our focus is squarely on taking care of our soldiers and their families," said John M. McHugh in a statement. "Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and friends of those who have been killed and wounded. The leadership at Fort Hood is marshalling the medical support and counselors necessary to take care of our soldiers and their families and to notify the next of kin." Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison of Texas said her heart went out to the people affected by the violence. "Our dedicated military personnel have sacrificed so much in service to our country, and it sickens me that the men and women of Fort Hood have been subjected to this senseless, random violence," said Hutchison, a Republican. Texas Gov. Rick Perry said the flags of his state would fly at half staff through Sunday. | Sen. John Cornyn of Texas says investigation needs to take place .
President Obama asks Americans to keep soldiers at Fort Hood in their prayers .
Two Muslim organizations based in the United States condemn the attack .
Gov. Rick Perry says Texas to fly flags at half staff for rest of week . |
156,960 | 56f3bbdd439f0c178bbbb328526b91f9495e4ffd | By . Helen Pow and Daily Mail Reporter . PUBLISHED: . 20:13 EST, 26 February 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 04:44 EST, 27 February 2013 . A grand jury in New Jersey has decided to let a woman who became an overnight sensation as ‘the tanning mom’ bronze away in peace. Prosecutors in Newark said Tuesday a grand jury refused to indict Patricia Krentcil on a charge she took her young daughter into a tanning booth with her. New Jersey state law bans children under 14 from using tanning salons. ‘We presented all the available evidence in the case to the grand jury, both the state's evidence and the defense's evidence,’ Assistant Prosecutor Gina Iosim stated in a press release. ‘The grand jurors voted not to indict Mrs. Krentcil. We respect their decision,'' she added. Spared: A grand jury in New Jersey refused to indict Patricia Krentcil on a charge she took her young daughter into a tanning booth . The 44-year-old Nutley woman was arrested last April and charged with second-degree child endangerment for allegedly bringing her then-five-year-old daughter into a tanning booth. Police became involved after school officials noticed burns on Krentcil's daughter's legs. Krentcil said that her daughter's burn came from staying in the sun in the backyard on an unusually warm day and that she would never take the girl into a tanning booth. The arrest generated wide publicity partly because of Krentcil's deep tan and professed love of tanning salons. Her instant fame even extended to a toy company making a ‘tanoerexic’ action figure based on her. The arrest and subsequent media frenzy also brought unwanted attention to the northern New Jersey tanning salon that Krentcil had frequented, and the salon incurred fines unrelated to the allegation against Krentcil. According to the Prosecutor's Office, Krentcil has been free on $25,000 bail. Her daughter remained in her parents’ custody while the jury deliberated. Prosecutors said the case is now over. Krentcil was arrested on the morning of April 24, 2012, and charged with child endangerment for allegedly taking her five-year-old daughter, Addison, to City Tropics tanning salon on Centre Street in Nutley. The 44-year-old has maintained her innocence, claiming that the entire episode was a big misunderstanding. According to CBS New York, Krentcil said when a school nurse asked her daughter how she got burns on her legs, the girl replied: 'I go tanning with mommy.' Following her arrest, the woman explained that she treated her trips to the tanning salon as an errand in which she brought her daughter along, but she insisted that the child had never been exposed to harmful UV rays. Living hell: Patricia Krentcil, pictured left, said her life had become 'a living hell' since she was arrested for allegedly taking her six-year-old daughter, right, to a salon last April . 'It's like taking your daughter to go food shopping,' she told NBC News. 'I tan, she doesn't tan. I'm in the booth, she's in the room. That's all there is to it.' The grand jury's decision to clear . Krentcil in the case comes just days after the ultra-bronzed woman . revealed her plan to escape her 'living hell' in New Jersey by moving to . rain-soaked London where she plans to launch her own tanning lotion - . and resume her favorite pastime. Krentcil, . 44, said her life had become unbearable since she was arrested for . allegedly taking her six-year-old daughter to a salon last April, and . subsequently banned from tanning beds across the tri-state area. 'It . is almost a year now since I was arrested and, no exaggeration, my life . has become a living hell. I can't sleep, I can't eat and all I do is . cry,' she said. The mother of five, who denies the charges against her, told the UK's The Sun . newspaper she's struggled to keep it together since being branded the . 'world's most evil mum' and has contemplated suicide over the past year. Her husband, Richard, 47, lost his job . on Wall Street and her children, including fair-skinned . four-year-old Addison, who sparked the controversy when her teacher . noticed burns on her body, have been bullied at school. She said they no longer wanted to be . seen with her because of the abuse hurled at them every time they go out . in public and added that her marriage was hanging on by a thread. But Krentcil, who was spotted dancing . provocatively at a New York nightclub earlier this month, wasn't . planning to give up her habit. Keeping it classy: A lighter-skinned Patricia Krentcil was photographed throwing back a glass of wine at XL Cabaret in New York City in August . Banned: Patricia Krentcil, pictured left and right, was banned from tanning beds across the tri-state area after her arrest . New life: Krentcil, pictured, said she hoped moving overseas would salvage her family . She said she was eager to take up . tanning again when she gets to England - where rules on sun beds are far . more relaxed than they are in the US. 'I was born to tan,' she told The . Sun. 'But in the past year I have been banned from tanning salons. Now I . have to spend hours covering myself in tanning lotion to get the color . I want.' However Krentcil, who last year was . cooking herself up to 20 times a month, told The New York Daily News the . move was more about escaping the pandemonium her arrest has caused than . finding a tanning salon that would take her business. 'I could go tanning if I wanted to. I just haven't,' she told the newspaper. She said she loved London and was hoping the move would salvage her family, adding that there was no future for in New Jersey. Take two: Krentcil, pictured, was recently spotted dancing at New York nightclub XL . Escape: But the woman wants to escape her hellish life in the US . Moving overseas was the only way she . and her family could find happiness again she said, adding that she is . looking forward to being anonymous in the UK where she believes people . are more educated and open-minded than they are in the US. According to The Sun, Krentcil is also planning to launch her own range of tanning products when she touches down. 'I want to start selling my own . tanning lotion there and I'm so excited about finally being able to . live my life in peace,' she told The Sun. Tanning Mom is facing charges of child endangerment, and if convicted could spend a decade in jail. She said as soon as they can, the family will put their home on the market and move to the dreary city. | Patricia Krentcil, 44, faced a second-degree child endangerment child stemming from her April arrest .
Krentcil said her life had .
become 'a living hell' since she was arrested for allegedly taking her .
six-year-old daughter to a salon last April .
She was subsequently banned from tanning beds across the tri-state area but wants to resume the habit when she gets to London . |
185,359 | 7c167359c102692fa07303c1945e1546b0509974 | By . Richard Hartley-parkinson . PUBLISHED: . 04:48 EST, 6 June 2012 . | . UPDATED: . 07:48 EST, 6 June 2012 . A South African schoolgirl has had to have part of her little finger amputated after she was bitten by a tiger at an animal reserve. Karla Malan was visiting Predator's Rock Bush Lodge in Rustenburg, to the north of the country, with her family when she lost part of her finger while stroking the big cat. Her father said they had been assured that the tigers were tame and could be stroked through the fence. Indeed a tour guide proceeded to do that moments before the tiger turned on her and grabbed her hand. Karla Malan had half of the small finger on her left hand bitten off by a tiger while visiting a wildlife park in South Africa . Speaking after the ordeal she said: 'I got such a fright, my hands and fingers were full of blood. 'My dad shoved his hand into the tiger's mouth to help me.' Mr . Malan initially told his daughter not to get too close but was . reassured when Zelna Blom, daughter of the lodge's owner Gert Blom, said . the tigers were hand reared. 'She said the tigers do not bite, they just nibble,' Mr Malan said. But then he heard his daughter scream 'Ow, he bit me.' 'I . saw her hand in the tiger's mouth,' he added. 'I just knew I had to let . my child loose when I pressed my hands into his mouth'. The tigers were hand reared by Gert Blom and his family at Predators Rock Bush Lodge in Rustenburg, in northern South Africa . Karla's father Jacques, left, put his hand in the tiger's mouth in a bid to free his daughter from its jaws . Mr Blom said that, although the tigers were tame, the Malans should have paid attention to signs warning not to touch them . There . are signs at the lodge telling people not to get closer than a metre . away from the fence, according to South African newspaper Beeld. However, they ignored the signs despite Mr Malan's initial reservations because of reassurance from park staff. Karla . was rushed to hospital where it was discovered the tiger had bitten off . part of her little finger. Doctors then had to amputate a further . section, to just beneath the middle joint. Mr Blom said that, although the tigers were tame, the Malans should have paid attention to signs warning not to touch them. | Karla Malan's father put his hand in tiger's mouth to free his daughter .
Signs at the park warn people not to get too close to the animal's enclosures .
Mr Malan said he was reassured by park owner's daughter that tigers were safe . |
225,835 | b069efb8a969c98bd26102e7fab8a30e36f618cc | (CNN) -- Three years ago, obsession took hold of Republicans in Congress. In the third week of January 2011, John Boehner's newly-elected House held its first-ever vote to repeal the Affordable Care Act and go back to letting insurance companies do whatever they want. Fast forward to today -- nearly 50 votes to repeal or undermine the law later -- and it's clear to the American people that Republicans in Congress aren't on their side. Pick an issue: Jobs. The economy. Education. Infrastructure. Minimum wage. Unemployment insurance. Immigration reform. The list of failures, neglected issues and missed opportunities goes on and on -- and shows without question that Republicans are on the side of special interests and the Tea Party, not the American people. No wonder poll after poll still shows House Republicans standing at record lows. Americans don't need a pen and a phone, we need a job and a paycheck . Boehner's misguided agenda and one-note tenure have ignored what the American people want. In fact, independent, mainstream polls show that most Americans want to improve and fix the law, not repeal it. Americans know what repeal would cost them: giving the power back to insurance companies to discriminate, deny care, drop coverage, raise rates and drive hardworking Americans into bankruptcy. On the Affordable Care Act and so many other issues that matter to the middle class, the message House Republicans have sent is clear: They are not on the side of hardworking American middle class families, and instead will do everything in their power to protect those who need help the least: the Washington special interests. Obama, the pain and fear must be named . While House Republicans have obsessively voted to turn our health care system back over to insurance companies, that is far from the only damage they have inflicted on the people of this country. Their disastrous government shutdown -- which they launched to oppose the Affordable Care Act -- cost our economy $24 billion. They won't extend unemployment insurance for struggling Americans who lost their jobs through no fault of their own and who are looking for work -- all while they make sure that Big Oil gets its $40 billion in subsidies. They refuse to raise the minimum wage, while seeking maximum tax cuts for the rich. They have yet to pass anything that remotely resembles a jobs bill. Those wrong priorities will come back to haunt them in November. A few Republicans are making the first motions to run away from this unpopular approach and to deny their repeal-only agenda. They're hoping that voters will think that they've woken up and found some common sense -- but voters won't forget nearly 50 votes, and they won't forgive them for turning their backs on hardworking people. This year's State of the Union is a defining test for Obama . Republicans' flawed priorities are hurting real families in this country. With every repeal vote, John Boehner might get a kick out of conservative news headlines and the talk radio echo chamber, but what regular Americans see is a politician who cares more about wealthy insurance company contributors than helping their families. Voters will have a choice this fall between Republicans' wrong priorities, and problem-solving Democrats who have dedicated their lives to helping middle class families get ahead. I believe that choice will be clear. Obama's message: A dysfunctional Congress, but we'll get it done anyway . The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of Rep. Steve Israel. | Rep. Steve Israel rattles off a list of GOP failures, neglected issues and missed opportunities .
Israel: Party showed they weren't on the side of the American people .
Israel: Their wrong priorities will come back to haunt them in November . |
48,642 | 8951fc6020f9b333023a5a0e1657af2cd30fd770 | By . Daily Mail Reporter . PUBLISHED: . 18:55 EST, 24 June 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 15:19 EST, 25 June 2013 . A day after pictures emerged of an autograph hunter allegedly assaulted by NBA star Scottie Pippen wearing a neck brace and strapped to a stretcher, details have emerged giving the basketball star's side of the fracas. Former Chicago Bulls star Pippen was questioned on Monday over the fight that broke out between him and the man, who has not been named, outside Nobu in Malibu on Sunday. Now claims have emerged that Pippen was the real victim in the ordeal and that the . fan started the tussle, spat on the ex-athlete and called . him the N-word, all while Pippen was holding his . 4-year-old daughter. Scroll down for video . 'Victim': This image shows the man on a stretcher and with his neck in a brace after he was allegedly assaulted by basketball star Scottie Pippen outside celebrity favourite sushi restaurant Nobu in Malibu . Questions: Pippen pictured leaving a police station with his wife Larsa after being interviewed over the alleged altercation outside Nobu in Malibu on Sunday . 'Row': The man is understood to have been taking pictures inside the sushi restaurant while Pippen was dining with his family on Sunday . 'Can you imagine, you’re out to . dinner with your wife, your four kids and your mother-in-law, and . someone calls you the N-word and starts to get physical?' a source speaking on behalf of Pippen told the New York Daily News. Pippen is reportedly considering a counter claim against the . autograph-seeker for assault and making a false police report, the . source said. Several witnesses described the fan as intoxicated, said sheriff’s spokesman Steve Whitmore. 'When Scottie left, this guy had no injuries,' said the source. 'Scottie is very upset about the way this has been portrayed.' Treatment: Pippen voluntarily attended a police station to answer questions the day after the incident . Injuries: The man was wearing a neck brace and was strapped to the stretcher as he was loaded into an ambulance outside the restaurant . The man, who was reportedly taking . pictures inside the sushi restaurant on Sunday while Pippen dined with . his family, was pictured being loaded into an ambulance on the . stretcher. Pippen, 47, attended a police station . voluntarily after he was named as a suspect in an investigation of an . assault with intent to commit great bodily injury, Los Angeles County . sheriff's officials said. He was at the police station for about an hour and released pending further investigation. Police spokesperson Whitmore told the LA Times that the incident was 'a more complex situation' and needed further investigation before any arrests were made. Scene: The man can be seen being carried on a stretcher behind the valet parking stand outside Nobu . Scene: The drama unfolded at Nobu after Pippen left the restaurant and went outside to the parking lot . The drama unfolded after Pippen left the restaurant and went outside to the parking lot. The man continued to take pictures and sought the Hall-of-Famer's autograph. An argument erupted that led to the altercation. The man was taken to hospital with a head injury and was treated and released. He was pictured being put into the back of an ambulance wearing a neck brace. Investigators were interviewing several witnesses who apparently saw the incident. 'Right now it's under investigation,' Whitmore said. 'We have to interview everybody to find out what happened.' Investigations: A detective in an unmarked police car was photographed outside the restaurant - a favourite of the many celebrities living in the area - in the wake of the incident . Luxury: The sushi restaurant Nobu in Malubi has stunning views of the California coast . Nobu has been a Malibu mainstay for nearly 15 years and is frequented by celebrities including Leanne Rimes, Halle Berry and Gerard Butler. The restaurant recently moved to a beachfront location that offers views of the Pacific Ocean from nearly every seat. Inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2010, Pippen won six NBA titles with Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls and was on a list of the league's 50 greatest players announced in 1996. He is a special adviser to the team's president and chief operating officer. The Bulls declined to comment on Monday. NBA star: Pippen had been eating at the exclusive restaurant overlooking the coast with his family . | Pippen, 47, was dining at celebrity sushi hang-out on Sunday with his family .
A man was reportedly taking .
pictures inside the restaurant while Pippen dined with .
his family .
There was an alleged altercation and the man was pictured being loaded into an ambulance on a .
stretcher and wearing a neck brace .
A source speaking on behalf of Pippen has claimed the man was hounding the star and his family .
Police are carrying out interviews, but no one has been charged . |
86,206 | f492109519a3c18eaa14858b03beddae3fc4a95d | By . Emma Thomas . PUBLISHED: . 05:34 EST, 23 November 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 08:07 EST, 23 November 2013 . Sixties: William Hartnell as Dr Who in 1963. A fan taped seven episodes from the Marco Polo series in 1964 and they are now due to be aired by the BBC . The BBC is preparing to air seven lost Dr Who episodes after a fan revealed he recorded them in 1964. The series was thought to have been lost forever until a cine camera-owning fan came forward saying he had captured them when they were first aired in the 1960s. Although the camera didn't record the sound, staff at BBC Worldwide have been painstakingly restoring the footage and adding the audio so they can be shown next month. An insider told the Mirror: 'This is a big deal for "Whovians". The series was hugely popular when it was first shown and is set to be a hit again.' The . source added: 'They are silent but the fan did it in a very . professional way. Audio was kept so the Beeb had to match it all up. It's been painstaking.' In the rediscovered series, called Marco Polo, William Hartnell plays the Doctor. The Time Lord is based in China in 1289 and stars alongside Mark Eden, 85, who played Coronation Street villain Alan Bradley. Nine missing episodes from the same decade were found in Nigeria last month. Dr Who is as popular as ever with a three-day event at London's ExCel centre this weekend. Anniversary: The seven lost episodes have been found and restored just in time for the show's 50th anniversary which was celebrated this week. Star Matt Smith will be leaving Dr Who at the end of this year . Fans will relive 50 years of Doctor Who adventures in space and time as well as behind-the-scenes demonstrations and workshops, stunts, explosions, monsters, props & costumes, official merchandise and memorabilia. It is just one of a number of celebrations going on to mark the 50 year anniversary show, which airs on BBC One on Saturday night. The Day of the Doctor is the 50th Anniversary episode of Doctor Who airs on BBC1 at 19.50 on Saturday night. Dr Who: The lost episodes were restored by BBC Worldwide and are being prepared for broadcast. An insider said the audio had been preserved and was painstakingly being added to the fan's TV cine footage . | One diehard fan used cine camera to record the episodes in 1964 .
They starred William Hartnell in the series called Marco Polo .
BBC Worldwide has restored the films and will air them next month . |
236,469 | be14441e83bb7675dbd8d540b78d12ad648577c6 | By . Leon Watson for MailOnline . A family have thanked their pet cat after escaping from a house blaze with just seconds to spare. Caroline Noble, 30, her husband, Adi, 29, and their three children had been fast asleep when their fridge freezer burst into flames. The blaze tore through their home but their fire alarm failed to go off - despite being tested just two weeks before. Scroll down for video . What a hero: Simba the cat with owner Caroline Noble (left) and her son Charlie after the family pet saved them when fire ripped through their home . It wasn't until their seven-year-old Bengal cat Simba started to repeatedly meow that Mrs Noble woke up to find smoke billowing through her home. The full-time mother was able to gather her family and flee the property - just seconds before it was gutted by the flames. Mrs Noble said she would not be here now to tell the tale if it wasn't for her loveable pet cat. The mother-of-three, from Sudbury, Suffolk, said: 'We owe our lives to our cat. It was just before 6am and we were all in bed. 'When he woke me I couldn't see anything because there was so much smoke. I don't think we would have survived. 'It was like a sauna, it was so hot. When we got down the stairs it was literally blazing. Adi and Caroline Noble with children Charlie, Kyla-Mai and Kayden-Rayce in the burnt-out remains of their kitchen . The blaze tore through their home but their fire alarm failed to go off - despite being tested just two weeks before . The burnt remains of the Noble family house in Sudbury, Suffolk . The family lost all their other possessions in the fire after escaping with nothing more than the nightclothes they were wearing . 'If we were in there even a few more seconds more than I don't think we would have got out. He really did save our lives. 'When you realise how close it actually was, when you wake up and can't see, and take that first breath and taste the smoke, that split second feels like a lifetime.' Mrs Noble has also thanked the local community who have since donated clothes, toys and cash to help them get back on their feet. Sitting pretty: Simba the cat who saved her owners lives by alerting them when their house caught fire . She, tattooist Adi and children Charlie, nine, Kyla-Mai, seven, and Kayden-Rayce, four, have since moved in to a new property while their old home is repaired. They lost all their other possessions in the fire after escaping with nothing more than the nightclothes they were wearing. Mrs Noble added: 'The whole community has been wonderful. 'People have given us clothes and cash, persuaded shops to donate things, and bought toys for the children including teddy bears to help them sleep. 'Adi's customers have been brilliant too. I just want to say thank you so much to everyone who has helped us.' | Caroline Noble and her family were fast asleep when the blaze broke out .
It tore through their home in Suffolk but their fire alarm failed to go off .
But then their 7-year-old Bengal cat Simba started to repeatedly meow .
Mrs Noble woke up to find smoke billowing and the family escaped . |
43,017 | 7951aa77f3f158768fdd329337bc22b107544723 | By . Steph Cockroft for MailOnline . Carol Howard, 35, a firearms officer with the Met Police, has been awarded £37,000 after suffering race and sexual discrimination . Scotland Yard leaked information about the arrest of a glamorous firearms officer in a bid to 'deflect' negative publicity surrounding her discrimination case, it has been found. Carol Howard, 35, won a racial and sexual discrimination case against the London force in July this year, after judges ruled she had been 'bullied' while serving in the Metropolitan Police’s 700-strong Diplomatic Protection Group. Today, Mrs Howard received £37,000 in damages after the tribunal branded the treatment of police chiefs towards the officer as ‘malicious, insulting and oppressive’. The force was heavily criticised for releasing details of PC Howard’s arrest and suspension from duty over an unrelated dispute with her ex-husband. Tribunal judges found the force had leaked the information as a way to 'deflect attention' and to 'portray her in a negative light', once the tribunal had found in her favour. The force was also accused of deliberately deleting findings of discrimination from internal reviews. And Mrs Howard was awarded an extra £10,000 over the fact the Met's commissioner Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe had failed to issue an apology to the officer since the ruling. After the hearing, Mrs Howard, from Coulson, Surrey, said she was glad the tribunal had recognised the force's 'dirty tricks' to 'smear' her name, but said that no amount of compensation could make up for what she had been through. She said: 'Today is not a day for celebration. I have been put through a two-year ordeal in which I have been bullied, harassed and victimised simply because of my gender and race. 'No amount of compensation will ever make up for the hurt and upset that I have been caused. 'Since I won my initial hearing, the Metropolitan Police has failed to apologise to me or express any regret at the treatment I received. The only reaction from the police was to smear my name by releasing misleading details of my arrests. 'I am glad that the tribunal recognised that this leak of information was a dirty trick by the Metropolitan Police aimed solely at deflecting criticism from itself while simultaneously seriously damaging my reputation. 'The arrests were, I believe, also motivated by revenge simply because I made a stand against police bullying. Even today I am still having to fight to clear my name, in this regard, as part of this ongoing nightmare.' PC Howard, who was one of just two black officers in the protection group, was discriminated against for being a black woman by her boss, Acting Inspector David Kelly, the tribunal found. Judges were highly critical of the way the Met Police dealt with the case and called for the force's internal Fairness At Work scheme to be overhauled. She continued: 'I did not willingly seek this employment tribunal but had no other option to pursue it after various attempts to resolve the situation internally with the police proved fruitless. Scroll down for video . The London force was criticised by employment tribunal judges for releasing details of her arrest and suspension from duty over an unrelated dispute with her ex-husband after she won the tribunal . 'In that regard, I am pleased that the tribunal has recommended that the Metropolitan Police's internal complaints system is fully and independently reviewed. 'I worked extremely hard to become a firearms officer in the Diplomatic Protection Group, was proud of my job and always gave 100%. 'It saddens me that I found myself in this position through no fault of my own but I do hope that lessons can be learned from my case which will allow more officers, suffering similar discriminatory treatment, to come forward.' Scotland Yard faced a barrage of negative media coverage over the case in July. Speaking outside court, Mrs Howard said she was glad the judges had recognised the force's 'dirty tricks' but that no amount of compensation could begin to make up for the two-year ordeal . The panel found that, while the force did not name PC Howard, a draft press statement was altered to include more detail about her three arrests linked to a domestic dispute with her estranged husband. The judges said: 'The respondent had received a lot of negative publicity and had been heavily criticised in the media as a result of the tribunal's judgment in favour of the claimant. 'We have no doubt that the second statement was issued to deflect attention and criticism from the respondent and to portray the claimant in a negative light.' PC Howard's solicitor Kiran Daurka, senior employment lawyer at Slater & Gordon, said: 'We are delighted with the tribunal's recognition that PC Carol Howard experienced an extremely distressing and humiliating time throughout more than a year of discrimination against her. The London force was blasted by tribunal judges for being ‘malicious, insulting and oppressive’ and deliberately deleting findings of discrimination from internal reviews . 'The fact the Metropolitan Police did not issue a public apology following the tribunal's decision only exacerbated the hurt and distress felt by our client. This was reflected in the award for aggravated damages and a top award for injury to feelings. 'We now sincerely hope the tribunal's recommendations are implemented as soon as possible, as set out in the tribunal's judgement. 'In particular, we welcome recommendations there be an independent review of previous discrimination complaints brought by its own officers against the Met and also an independent inquiry into how the Met looks into future discrimination allegations. Judges also criticised commissioner Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe for failing to express any regret or to apologise for the way PC Howard had been treated . 'The tribunal's powers to make these wide recommendations is currently under threat from a change in the law. The Deregulation Bill will see these tribunal powers removed in future and we will be writing to the House of Lords shortly to ask that this power be retained. 'The power to recommend significant changes is clearly so important in cases such as this where there have been findings of discrimination with potential wide spread consequences.' PC Howard, who is currently on sick leave, was thrust into the spotlight in 2012 when the Met chose her to be a poster girl for a magazine feature on the 10,000 men and women on duty during the Olympics. She brought a claim of discrimination against the Met which was upheld earlier this year. She told the London hearing that she was subjected to sexual and racial discrimination, for which she was awarded aggravated damages. Her award included £25,000 for injury to feelings, £10,000 for aggravated damages, £350 for the financial loss of not being able to do overtime while she was off sick with stress and depression, a 5 per cent increase of £1,767.50 for delays in dealing with the case, and £282.97 interest. At the end of the employment tribunal, judges found Mrs Howard had been 'singled out and targeted' for almost a year by a senior officer. The case also revealed a practice where advisers involved in the internal Fairness At Work complaints process were not allowed to record findings of discrimination. A report had references to discrimination removed over concerns it would be used in a tribunal, and two other cases were cited where similar material was deleted. The system is now under review. After she won the hearing, it emerged that Mrs Howard had been held twice by Sussex Police - once last year and once in January this year. She was also arrested by Scotland Yard for alleged assault in April this year. Mrs Howard has been told that she will face no further action over the arrest by the Met Police. In relation to the arrests by Sussex police, a file is currently with prosecutors who are considering whether to bring charges. | Carol Howard, 35, won race and sex discrimination case against Met in July .
After she won, the force released details of her arrest in unrelated dispute .
Judges found Scotland Yard leaked details to 'portray her in negative light'
It also deliberately deleted findings of discrimination from internal reviews .
Victim said no amount of compensation could make up for Met's 'dirty tricks'
She was awarded £10,000 alone for failing to receive an apology from force .
Mrs Howard is an armed officer in force's elite Diplomatic Protection Group .
She became Scotland Yard's poster girl for policing of the 2012 Olympics . |
1,219 | 037060e0127f0f3584a19d3b685730d6ef10c315 | A man charged with carjacking is seeking more than $1 million in a lawsuit against police officers who were caught on video beating him. The video, captured by a resident from inside her Grosse Pointe home, shows one male officer apparently punching Andrew Jackson Jr. while he is handcuffed, before another kicks him in the side. Jackson Jr., 51, is claiming for injuries as well as emotional distress during the arrest in Detroit on January 12. His lawsuit was moved to federal court Monday from Wayne County court. Violent: A police officer climbs on a carjacking suspect and punches him while another officer delivers blow to his side. The footage, pictured above, was captured by a woman in a nearby house . The footage shows cops brutally beating a handcuffed suspect in the street - before two officers gave each other a celebratory fist bump. At one point, Jackson, a suspect in an earlier carjacking, calls out for Jesus. 'What did you say?' asks one of the officers, who then kneels on the man back. 'Jesus? You're calling Jesus? Don't you dare. Don't you f***ing dare!' Scroll down for video . Job well done: Another officer, left, then arrives on the scene and fist bumps her fellow officer over the man . After the initial burst of violence, the man stays quiet on the ground and a female officer approaches and fist bumps one of the male officers. 'They're tapping each other, talking about a good job,' says the woman behind the camera, Emma Craig. She later shared the footage to her Facebook page. After the incident, Grosse Pointe Park police issued a statement saying that Jackson had allegedly pointed a gun at a mother and her two children, forcing them out of their car and stealing it. Police tracked the vehicle and took chase, before the suspect got out of the car and fled about a quarter of a mile on foot. Officers then caught up with him and tried to Tase him but it failed to work so they had to use force to take him into custody and remove his weapon, police said in a statement. In custody: The suspect, Andrew Jackson Jr., 51, allegedly stole a car at gunpoint on Monday . Jackson had absconded his parole from April 2014 when he missed a meeting with his parole officer and moved address, police said. Records show he was convicted in 2004 of conspiracy to commit armed robbery, assault with intent to rob while armed and fleeing a police officer, the Detroit News reported. In the footage, the officers can be heard discovering a gun on the man after the arrest. Ron Craig, whose mother shot the footage, told the Detroit News there was no justification for the violence used against Jackson. 'He was in handcuffs,' Craig said. 'You had him captured. He was no threat.' He added: 'It's not a race issue, it's a humanitarian issue.' Shortly after the incident, demonstrators from the Detroit Coalition Against Police Brutality gathered outside the Grosse Pointe Police station to call for prosecution of the officers involved. Coalition director Ron Scott said the group believed 'the officers' actions, once the suspect was handcuffed, were not justified'. Grosse Pointe Police Sergeant Jeff Longo briefly addressed the protesters to say that Chief David Hiller had no comment for them and that an investigation is under way. Hiller previously said officers' actions were appropriate considering the sequence of events. Demands: Ron Scott speaks at rally in front of the Grosse Pointe Park city offices as he and other protesters called for the prosecution of the two officers seen beating Jackson in the video . 'We're looking at it, and we believe the officers actions were proper,' he said. 'In effecting the arrest, they had to kick to get his arms free because he was going for his gun, which was in his waistband.' Michigan State Police investigated the incident after being contacted by Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy, who said she would be 'actively monitoring' the investigation. The Wayne County Prosecutor's Office will now decide whether to file charges against the officers. Meanwhile, Jackson — an ex-convict who was released from prison in 2013 — returns to court on March 3 to see if he will face trial on the carjacking charge. He is accused of robbing a 55-year-old woman who was cleaning snow off of her car and threatening to shoot her grandchildren. | Footage shows two cops punching and kicking a man they were arresting .
Another officer later arrives on the scene and fist bumps one of the cops .
Prosecutor's Office will decide whether to file charges against the officers .
Police said the suspect, Andrew Jackson Jr., had stolen a car at gunpoint earlier that day before fleeing from officers and had parole violations .
The police chief said the actions were 'proper' to get a gun from Jackson . |
23,893 | 43d0bb9eef322b53ef16905311af8e3b1cafd72c | (CNN) -- The puppeteer who gave Sesame Street's Elmo his voice allegedly threw a crystal meth sex party for a teenage boy in 2004, according to a federal lawsuit filed this week. Sheldon Stephens, now 24, is the fourth man to sue Kevin Clash, but he was the first one to publicly claim he had a sexual relationship with him as a teen. Stephens' lawsuit is "meritless and barred by the statute of limitations," Clash lawyer Michael Berger told CNN Tuesday. "Mr. Clash continues to deny any wrongdoing, and we intend to defend this case forcefully." Although Stephens called it an "an adult consensual relationship" last November, the revelation triggered Clash's suspension from Sesame Street and eventually his resignation. Clash, who provided the high-pitched voice of the iconic furry red Elmo since 1984, acknowledged a relationship between "two consenting adults" when Stephens' story first emerged, but he said it otherwise was a "false and defamatory allegation." "I am a gay man," Clash, 52, said in a statement in November. "I have never been ashamed of this or tried to hide it, but felt it was a personal and private matter." When heroes disappoint our kids . Three other men soon emerged with federal lawsuits, filed last November and December, accusing Clash of befriending them as teenager then engaging in sex with them. They are all represented by Florida lawyer Jeff Herman, who also filed Stephens' lawsuit Monday. Clash's lawyer has asked a judge to dismiss the three other suits based on his argument that the men waited too long to sue. The federal statute of limitations on such civil cases is six years, while their allegations involve relationships that ended more than 10 years ago, Berger said in a court filing this month. Each lawsuit contends that the men only realized in the last year or so that they suffered psychological and emotional damage from their encounters with Clash. "Clash was an adult male living a prominent public life centered around the entertainment of toddlers, while at the same time he was, in secret, preying on teenage boys to satisfy his depraved sexual interests," the Stephens suit alleged. While the allegations in the newest suit mirror what the other men contend, Stephens' complaint is the only one to allege drug use by Clash. "Clash smoked crystal meth while engaging in sexual activity with Sheldon," the lawsuit said. "Clash also gave Sheldon 'poppers' as a sexual aide. While Clash had sexual contact with Sheldon, the chauffeur watched and masturbated." "Poppers" generally refers to alkyl nitrites in capsule form that produce a physical rush when broken and inhaled: crystal meth refers to crystal methamphetamine. Stephens was 16 when he met Clash in New York "at a social networking event for models and actors," the suit said. "Clash told Sheldon he would help Sheldon with his acting career," it said. Clash resigned from his job on "Sesame Street" after the first lawsuit was filed in November. "I am resigning from Sesame Workshop with a very heavy heart," Clash said in a written statement at the time. "I have loved every day of my 28 years working for this exceptional organization. Personal matters have diverted attention away from the important work Sesame Street is doing and I cannot allow it to go on any longer. I am deeply sorry to be leaving and am looking forward to resolving these personal matters privately." Despite his stepping down, Clash's voice will be used for Elmo through 2014, as the next season of "Sesame Street" has already been filmed. CNN's Carolyn Sung contributed to this report. | Sheldon Stephens' suit accuses Kevin Clash of causing him psychological harm .
Clash's lawyer says suit is "meritless and barred by the statute of limitations"
Stephens previously called it "an adult consensual relationship"
3 other men using the same lawyer are suing Clash for similar reasons . |
206,680 | 9797f76f3351b9a357631d5f1e0b2ec43e69c229 | By . Carol Driver . A terminally ill woman was evicted by police from a holiday villa, after the travel company failed to inform her it had cancelled her booking. Lorraine Beasant was on a family trip to Mallorca – her last before her latest round of treatment for cancer – when she was forced to leave the five-bedroom property on the first night. The 57-year-old, who was on holiday with her husband, Mike, her three grown-up children and friends, booked the £1,450-a-week break through Villa Parade in 2013. Nightmare holiday: Lorraine and Mike Beasant were evicted from their villa during a family break to Mallorca . Luxury villa: The five-star property which the Beasants were evicted from in northern Mallorca . However, the company failed to tell Mrs Beasant she was no longer able to stay in the property, only sending her an email the day before her April 12, 2014, booking, which she did not read. The 10 adults arrived at Villa Moncho - chosen because it had a downstairs bedroom so Mrs Beasant would not have to carry her medical equipment up stairs - gaining entry at about 2pm by using a code which was provide to them by Villa Parade. However, neighbours alerted the Spanish owner, who called the police, who arrived later that evening. Mrs . Beasant told MailOnline Travel: ‘We were having a barbecue when the owner and the local police turned . up at about 9pm. My son came in and said “I’m sorry to do this mum, but . we’ve got to move out”. ‘It was a shock. It really upset me to be evicted hours after arriving.' Family break: Mr and Mrs Beasant, bottom right, were holidaying with friends and family in Mallorca . Popular destination: The Beasants were staying in Port de Pollenca in northern Mallorca . The . property owner – who did not want to be named - claims he cancelled his . contract with Villa Parade in November 2013. He said he had no knowledge of Mrs Beasant's booking and called the police to help with translation. Mrs . Beasant, who has been told she has up to six months to live without treatment, said: 'We didn't see the email from Villa Parade as we were travelling. ‘They knew we would be, so why they tried to contact us on that date is beyond me. ‘It was to be the last holiday with my children before my treatment, which is going to be horrendous. ‘Because my children live all over the UK, it was incredibly important to get this holiday together.’ Downstairs bedroom: Inside the villa Mrs Beasant booked with Villa Parade . Five-star property: The Beasants had booked Villa Moncho to accommodate their large party . Mrs Beasant's family was moved to a nearby villa through Villa Select, booked through Villa Parade the day before the party was due to arrive in Mallorca, but it didn’t have a downstairs bedroom. She said: ‘I was ill during that week because I had to deal with the stairs all day, and when you’re on oxygen… that was upsetting. ‘I have emailed Villa Parade about the situation, and they said they would look into it and come back to us within 28 days.’ Jason . Kelly, a spokesman for Villa Parade said: ‘This matter is currently subject to an investigation in conjunction with ABTA and we are unable to make further comment at this time. 'Villa Parade would like to stress that they did try on four separate occasions to contact Mrs Beasant by phone to explain that the villa had been changed to a new property, but they could not get a response and on April 11, an email was issued stating that an alternative property had been arranged for her. 'Mrs Beasant however, arrived at the original villa, which, at the time was still being occupied by the owner. 'Shocking': Villa Moncho in northern Mallorca from where the Beasants were evicted . Family destination: The beach of Puerto Pollensa near to the villa the Beasants booked with Villa Parade . 'Villa Parade can confirm the Mrs Beasant was moved to the new property later the same day. 'As a . small independent villa operator, Villa Parade always put its customers . first. And, as members of ABTA and ATOL, Villa Parade works tirelessly . to ensure we provide the high standards expected by our customers, and . the rules and regulations required by ABTA and ATOL. 'Villa . Parade would also like to stress that we were not aware of Mrs . Beasant’s medical condition, but because everyone at Villa Parade are . proactive supporters of Cancer Research UK we would like to offer Mrs . Beasant and her family our sincere apology.' | Lorraine Beasant was spending first night at villa when police were called .
Holiday was last family break before the mother of three starts new round of cancer treatment .
Villa Parade emailed her to cancel booking DAY BEFORE reservation .
Owner claims he cancelled contract with travel company in 2013 . |
223,074 | acc80dc2697d795ed9a1d937fe21644087ce27a5 | (CNN) -- Al Sadd coach Jorge Fossati praised his team for overcoming a "big injustice" to become the first Qatari football club to reach the Asian Champions League final. The former Uruguay coach saw his Doha-based team record a 2-1 aggregate victory over Suwon Bluewings after losing 1-0 to South Korea's two-time Asian champions on Wednesday, despite having key players suspended following an ill-tempered first leg last week. "Of course we are very, very happy," the 58-year-old told the Asian Football Confederation website. "To overcome them was difficult. There were many problems and yet we won and that's why I am happy. "You know we had to play this game with big injustice. We didn't have some players because of non-football issues. In this situation, we tried to do our best with whatever resources we had." Five players and coaches were suspended for the match at the Sheik Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium, after a mass brawl broke out following Al Sadd's controversial second goal in the 2-0 win in Suwon on October 19. The fighting erupted after Senegal striker Mamadou Niang scored his and Al Sadd's late second goal while Suwon's players were tending to an injured teammate, presuming play had been halted. Former Marseille forward Niang was later sent off and missed the return leg along with Ivory Coast attacker Kader Keita and goalkeeping coach Suhail Saber Ali, while Suwon were missing Macedonian striker Stevica Ristic and coach Ko Jong-Su. But even without their star players, Al Sadd held on after Oh Jang-Eun had given Suwon a 1-0 lead with a sixth-minute volley, as Khalfan Ibrahim hit the Koreans' crossbar with a vicious long-range shot before halftime. Earlier on Wednesday, South Korea's Jeonbuk Motors advanced to the November 5 final courtesy of a 5-3 aggregate win over Saudi Arabia's Al Ittihad. After a 3-2 away success last week, the 2006 Asian champions won 2-1 thanks to first-half goals from Brazil forward Eninho. Al Ittihad's only response was a late consolation goal from former Bordeaux winger Wendel Geraldo, after both teams had been reduced to 10 men. Al Ittihad, the 2004 and 2005 champions, suffered an early blow when Naif Hazazi -- the scorer of both first-leg goals -- was sent off in the 11th minute for a headbutt, while Jeonbuk substitute Krunoslav Lovrek received a second yellow card late in the match. Jeonbuk coach Choi Kang-Hee was pleased his team would have home advantage at the Jeonju World Cup Stadium. "We got what we wanted," said Choi, a former Suwon coach. "We are at home for the final and that is an advantage for us. The lead we took from the first leg gave us some breathing space at home but we knew well that Al Ittihad are a very good team. "We expected them to come at us strongly and we were ready for that. Eninho's goals were a big help but we still had work to do and were able to get the result we needed." Jeonbuk will attempt to keep the Champions League title in South Korean hands for the third year in succession, after Seongnam Ilhwa Chunma's victory in 2010 and the Pohang Steelers' 2009 triumph. | Al Sadd the first Qatari football club to reach Asian Champions League final .
Jorge Fossati's team beat South Korea's Suwon Bluewings 2-1 on aggregate .
Al Sadd will face Jeonbuk Motors, after Koreans beat Saudi Arabia's Al Ittihad .
The final will be at Jeonbuk's Jeonju World Cup Stadium on November 5 . |
146,036 | 48d4dade76373a24e52eaa72741882330e9cfd7f | By . Steve Doughty . PUBLISHED: . 12:57 EST, 26 June 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 19:52 EST, 26 June 2013 . The number of people living in England and Wales rose by nearly 400,000 in a year despite curbs on migrants, according to official estimates. They show population growth has not slowed down after the years of large-scale immigration. One reason is a high birth rate among recent immigrants, the Office for National Statistics analysis says. The number of people living in England and Wales grew by almost 400,000 thanks to continuing high immigration and the highest birth-rate for 40 years . The latest figures, for the 12 months . to the end of June last year, mean the population of England and Wales . has grown by 3.97million, or 7.5 per cent, over the past decade of high . immigration and rising birth rates. In the latest 12-month period, the . Coalition’s second year in office, ‘growth is about average to that seen . over each of the last ten years’ – but was still the highest in Europe. Estimates for the whole UK have not . yet been published but figures suggest the total must be close to . 64million – and is likely to reach 70million in around 16 years if the . growth continues. At that point, many analysts believe . overcrowding will put unbearable pressure on housing, transport, water, . power and services such as health and education. More than 250,000 Londoners left the capital city, possibly because of the high cost of living . The England and Wales population grew by 396,900 thanks to a high birth rate and migration . Annual population growth first hit . 400,000 in 2005 after the borders were opened to Poles and other Eastern . European citizens in 2004. Since then, net migration – the number . by which the population grows after both immigration and emigration . have been counted – has often been 200,000 a year or more. Immigration curbs introduced by Home . Secretary Theresa May mean net migration fell to 155,500 in the year to . June 2012. However, total numbers rose steeply because there were . 239,100 more births than deaths – more than double the level in 2003. The ONS said: ‘The number of births was at a 40-year high – the largest since 1972.’ People are flooding south from northern cities, the ONS said. Urban populations in the North East, North West, Yorkshire and the West Midlands fell, while more than 24,000 extra people moved into the South East. The South West showed a gain of nearly 20,000, mainly because of retirees moving to Dorset, Somerset, Devon and Cornwall. Some 52,000 people left London, largely young families moving to commuter towns for cheap housing and better schools. The ONS said: ‘The general trend is for more people to arrive than leave for regions in the south and east, whereas for the more northern regions, the net flows show more people are leaving than arriving.’ Recent migrants tend to have high birth rates, with many of the right age to have children. Sir Andrew Green of think tank Migrationwatch said: ‘This is yet more evidence of the impact of mass immigration. 'We have the largest number of births for 40 years and the greatest addition to our population among European countries. ‘The dual effect of immigration and extra births accounts for about two-thirds of our population growth.’ A quarter of the increase came in London, where birth rates were high and where many immigrants settle. The increase of 396,900 people in . England and Wales was the highest in Europe, followed by France at . 319,100 and Germany with 166,200. | Net migration in England and Wales was 155,000, says ONS .
Birth-rate between June 2011 and 2012 highest for 40 years .
Figures show more than 250,000 'internal migrants' fled London . |
238,423 | c098b3c38044f454df860b1cb66e6bebd137ebdc | The All Blacks rolled into Cardiff on Sunday night with a simple message for Wales: we’re coming at you fully loaded. Head coach Steve Hansen has promised to select his strongest side for the Test at the Millennium Stadium after a second-string New Zealand line-up scraped to victory over Scotland on Saturday. Wales have not beaten the Kiwis since 1953 and Hansen is plotting to extend the 25-match winning run against a side low on confidence after their uninspiring 17-13 win over Fiji. ‘We’ll look to pick the best team we can to counter what Wales will bring,’ said Hansen. New Zealand head coach Steve Hansen says he will pick a side to beat Wales on Saturday . All Blacks stars Richie McCaw and Dan Carter (below) are superstars in rugby mad Wales . Carter struggled on his return to the starting line-up against Scotland at the weekend . ‘We will try and pick the best players we’ve got to do that. Wales are a good side. I’m not sure why they’re ranked where they are; I think they should be ranked higher. ‘They finished fourth at the World Cup and all they’ve done since then is improve their team. They’ve got big wingers and a big back three. Their midfield is strong and there aren’t too many bigger than (Jamie) Roberts.’ The southern hemisphere giants received a far more high-profile welcome in Cardiff than Wales’ previous opponents, with television cameras and eager supporters waiting outside their city-centre hotel to catch a glimpse of Richie McCaw, Dan Carter and Sonny Bill Williams. It was a stark contrast to Fiji’s reception in the Welsh capital and an indication of the huge step up in performance required if Warren Gatland’s side are going to emerge from this weekend’s Test with their credibility in tact. Hansen noted the size and strength of a Welsh midfield featuring Jamie Roberts as reason to be worried . George North forms part of an imposing back three for the hosts who haven't beaten NZ since 1953 . Wales conceded a staggering 22 turnovers against the South Sea Islanders on Saturday and such poor ball retention against New Zealand will be punished. This weekend’s showdown has already been dubbed ‘Black Saturday’ and Wales have to make exponential improvements if they are going to avoid an embarrassing defeat in Cardiff. Luke Charteris says if Wales improve their accuracy they can force an unlikely victory over the visitors . Returning skipper Sam Warburton will need to be at his inspirational best but team-mate Luke Charteris believes an unlikely victory is not out of the question. ‘Against Fiji, they are always going to grab the ball and are capable of scoring some great tries,’ said Charteris. ‘A lot of boys who played last week said this game felt harder. It was just accuracy and, against New Zealand, we know if they turn the ball over they will score. One thing we will work on this week is retaining the ball. If we do that, then we are capable of beating New Zealand.’ Poor performances from Gatland’s fringe players have made some calls easier than others ahead of Monday’s team announcement. But the most difficult decisions rest on the selection of Liam Williams and Richard Hibbard at full back and hooker. Williams made 224 metres — three times more than any of his team-mates — on Saturday but now faces competition from Leigh Halfpenny, who is hoping to be back in contention after suffering concussion against Australia. In the pack, Gatland must decide whether to wield the axe over hooker Hibbard. The Gloucester forward is caught in the crossfire of a club-versus-country row, having shunned medical advice from the Wales team doctor to feature in Friday night’s defeat by Harlequins. His boots were filled on Saturday by Ospreys debutant Scott Baldwin, whose afternoon started well with a dominant performance at the line-out, but fell apart as Fiji launched a comeback in the second half. Liam Williams was man of the match against Fiji but his place is under threat by Leigh Halfpenny's return . Despite having Campese Ma’afu sent off in the 53rd minute, the tourists almost snatched victory with a showing inspired by 20st 2lb centre Nemani Nadolo. The Crusaders goliath will be hoping to continue his incredible scoring record — which now stands at 13 tries in 15 Tests — at next year’s World Cup. Fiji have become the forgotten team of the pool stages, but scrum-half Nikola Matawalu has warned the bigger nations to write-off the underdogs at their peril. ‘We are in the pool of death with England, Wales, Australia and Uruguay,’ said Matawalu. ‘It will be hard but it will be immense. We come over here and we play the next day. If we can have time, like a month, then we can make a difference in that pool. Any team can beat any team, so it is open.’ | New Zealand arrived in Wales on Sunday night to a heroes' welcome .
All Blacks beat Scotland 24-16 and Wales beat Fiji 17-13 on Saturday .
Steve Hansen said he will pick his strongest side against Wales this week .
Cardiff fans came out in force as Richie McCaw and Co arrive in Wales . |
68,953 | c38863ae43da3e46b69c4cbb3b305fc4900b1977 | By . Chris Pleasance . PUBLISHED: . 06:16 EST, 8 November 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 06:34 EST, 8 November 2013 . This is what 1kg (2.2lb) of high-purity cocaine looks like, seized by police as the criminals that smuggled it into Britain are jailed for a total of 23 years. The highly-addictive stimulant was found in the kitchen of a house in Ludworth, County Durham, next to weighing scales and latex gloves as the criminals prepared to sell it. After being cut with other powders like baking soda, caffeine, or powdered milk to increase its weight, the group would have used the highly precise scales to divide the drugs into small plastic bags or paper wraps ready to be sold on the street. Illegal: 1kg of high-purity cocaine waiting to be cut using latex gloves and high sensitivity scales before being sold onto the streets in North East England . David Thompson, 28, from North Shields, was jailed alongside brothers Robert Hall, 40, and Thomas Hall, 35, after all three admitted conspiracy to supply class A and B drugs between January 2012 and May this year. Another 2.5kg (5.5lb) of cocaine was found at the same address, worth a total of £644,000, alongside 380 nine-ounce bars of cannabis resin, worth £402,000. In a 'stash house' police found a further 27kg (60lb) of cannabis with Thompson's finger prints on. The bars would either be sold whole or broken up into smaller lumps and sold as hashish, commonly known as hash. Hashish is made from the resin of the female cannabis plant which is extracted by grinding up the leaves before pressing them into a hard block. Users then heat the drug, causing it to break apart, before mixing it with tobacco and rolling it into a cigarette, or smoking it in a pipe. Alongside the cocaine police found 380 nine-ounce bars of cannabis resin worth around £402,000 . As with cocaine, unscrupulous dealers have been known to spray the plants with sand in order to increase their weight, and in 2008 around 30 people in Germany were poisoned after criminals mixed the class B drug with lead in order to make more profit. Cocaine is usually broken down into 1gram wraps which sell for around £50, but statistics from the UK Forensic Science Service have shown purity levels dropping to new lows, with a up to a third of cocaine seized containing less than 9 per cent of the substance. Heavy cannabis use is linked with developing schizophrenia in later life, and if mixed with tobacco can cause lung damage and cancer, especially as it is usually smoked unfiltered to increase its effects. Robert Hall (left), was sentenced to 13 years after he was found to be the head of the gang, while his brother Thomas Hall (right) was given six years behind bars . Cocaine has been linked with heart disease, with even moderate use leading to thickening of the heart muscles and major arteries leading to increase risk of heart attack and stroke, according to research. David Thompson, 28, was sentenced to four and a half years in jail . Heavy use can also lead to paranoia, anxiety and panic attacks, and also wears away the cartilage in the middle of the nose, as with former EastEnders star Daniella Westbrook. The gang were caught despite using a mixture of 'clean' and 'dirty' mobile phones to set up meetings and avoid detection. Jailing the trio, Recorder Michael Slater said: 'I’m . satisfied from what I’ve heard that this was a well-organised, extensive . and expertly put together drug-dealing operation supplying both cannabis . and cocaine to the North East and beyond. 'The rewards were extremely . high, hence the amounts of drugs being supplied and the amount of money . that was floating around. 'In the course of this ‘snap-shot’ of the operation, cannabis and cocaine with a total street value of £1m was recovered.' As the head of the gang, Robert Hall was jailed for 13 years, while his brother, Thomas, was jailed for six years and Thompson was given four and a half years. The owner of . the house the drugs were found in, Peter Samuel Davies, 65, and his newphew, Wayne Robson, 41, were . jailed previously for five and seven years respectively for conspiracy . to supply class A and B drugs. Robert Hall, a father from Easington, was accused of using his paving company as a front for the drug enterprise, while Thompson, also a father, said he was using drug dealing as a way to better his family. The gang are thought to have imported the drugs from Europe, though the cannabis is likely to have originated in North Africa or the Middle East, while cocaine is often smuggled from South America through Africa and into the UK. Looks like: Tightly packed green leaves called 'buds', hard brown resin, or occasionally in oil form . Costs: Most commonly sold as 1/8 of an ounce for £20 . Used: Can be rolled with tobacco and smoked, put into a pipe, vaporised with special equipment and inhaled or cooked into food and eaten . Effects: feeling of relaxation, drowsiness and happiness, often accompanied with fits of laughter. Also a strong urge to eat, often known as the 'munchies'. Risks: schizophrenia, especially in those either already diagnosed with, or at risk from the condition. Lung cancer associated with smoking, a lack of motivation, and insomnia when use stops. Looks like: White power . Costs: Typically £50 per gram, though as much as £90 for higher purity . Used: Usually snorted in lines, though can also be rolled and smoked. Effects: Body high or 'buzz', feeling of alertness, mental clarity, and increased social skills. Risks: Heart attack, seizure and stroke brought on by raised heart rate and thickening of heart muscle with repeated use. Also causes paranoia, anxiety or panic attacks. Often mixed with other potentially harmful substances which can be impossible to identify in the event of an overdose. | Around 1kg of high-purity cocaine found in a kitchen .
Another 380 bars of cannabis resin found at the same house .
Two brothers jailed for conspiracy to supply class A and B drugs .
David Thompson, an associate, admitted the same charge . |
135,715 | 3b95102889e780ef4265414d0a8447b0583cf034 | Baghdad (CNN) -- Every day that Abu Yaqoub opens his Baghdad liquor store, he believes it may be his last. It's a fear that began months ago for 45-year-old Yaqoub, when insurgents began bombing primarily minority-owned liquor stores in the Iraqi capital after officials rescinded a law banning the sale of alcohol. But in recent weeks as the attacks have mounted in both scope and ferocity, so, too, has Yaqoub's fear. It's not clear who is attacking the stores, though the reasons invoked by stores owners, authorities and lawmakers are as varied as the problems facing Iraq: from political to social, from religious to secular. "It's the most dangerous job to have a liquor store in Baghdad because there are many groups against this kind of business, either within the government or outside it," said Yaqoub, a Yazidi minority that has been a target of insurgents in recent years. Ashur Essa knows Yaqoub's fear. He, too, owns a liquor store in central Baghdad that sits a short distance from a police checkpoint. "It's painful to see this happening to our country, " said 46-year-old Essa, a Christian. "All Iraqis used to live together, and it didn't matter who was Sunni or who was Shiite, who was Muslim or who was Christian." Essa believes the attacks are not really about liquor stores so much as it is about a struggle to balance a fledgling democracy with a conservative religious tradition. "It's about the new democracy that Americans promised us," he said. Under Islamic tradition, Muslims do not drink alcohol. But in many parts of Baghdad, it is not uncommon to see people drinking alcohol at outdoor cafes and restaurants. Within months of the 2003 U.S.-led invasion that toppled Saddam Hussein, liquor stores in Baghdad and elsewhere were bombed and shot up. Store owners blamed the attacks on al Qaeda or Shiite militias, such as radical cleric Muqtada al-Sadr's Mahdi army. Despite the attacks, the number of liquor stores and nightclubs in Baghdad flourished. But elsewhere, outright bans or laws aimed at curbing the availability of alcohol were put in place or enforced in primarily conservative Shiite communities. Last year, with a Shiite-majority government, local officials in Baghdad reintroduced a Saddam Hussein-era law that banned Muslims from selling alcohol and required anyone selling alcohol to have a liquor license -- essentially banning the sale of alcohol. At the time, officials said the crackdown was aimed at regulating alcohol sales, much like other countries. But in January the head of the Baghdad Provincial Council, Kamil al-Zaidi told The New York Times, "We are a Muslim country, and everyone must respect that." During the same period, al-Sadr -- an ally of Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki's Shiite-dominated government -- railed against liquor stores and nightclubs, going so far as to issue a fatwa, a religious opinion, asking his followers to support the ban and stand against those who want to be "immoral like the West." But when tens of thousands of demonstrators, inspired by popular uprisings in Egypt and Tunisia, took to the streets across Iraq to protest corruption and lack of personal freedoms, Baghdad officials rolled back the law. Within weeks, attacks began against liquor stores. Since March, at least 25 stores in Baghdad have been bombed, an interior ministry official told CNN. The official spoke on condition of anonymity because he is not authorized to speak to the media. Most of the liquor stores targeted were owned by Christians or Yazidis, the official said. Religious minorities, such as Christians and Yazidis, make up less than five percent of Iraq's population, according to the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees. Since 2003, attacks against these minorities by insurgents and religious extremists have driven more than half of these minorities out of the country, according to UNHCR statistics. Yazidis, among Iraq's smallest minorities, are of Kurdish descent, and their religion is considered a pre-Islamic sect that draws from Christianity, Judaism and Zoroastrism. On a recent day, a liquor store owner swept up debris left after a roadside bomb planted outside his store exploded. The owner, who would only identify himself as Khalil, said he was hopeful when Iraq's Ministry of Tourism granted him a license that allowed him to reopen his store after the law was rescinded. But two weeks later, his store was bombed during the daily overnight curfew in Baghdad. It's a time, Khalil says, when only Iraqi security forces are supposed to be on the streets. "If the Iraqi army and police cannot stop such simple attacks, then what is the point of a curfew?" said Khalil, a Yazidi. Khalil, 28, said he was considering closing his store and leaving Baghdad for the Kurdish north, an area he considered safer than the Iraqi capital. "I'm telling you, there is no safe place in Baghdad," he said, "and I'm thinking I will have to leave." He stopped sweeping and stared silently at the cars driving past his damaged store. Then he shuffled back inside to continue cleaning. CNN's Mohammed Tawfeeq reported from Baghdad; Chelsea J. Carter from Atlanta . | Iraqi officials says 25 liquor stores have been bombed .
Most of the stores are owned by Iraqi minorities, officials say .
It's not clear who is responsible for the attacks .
Store owner: "It's not about liquor stores. It's about the new democracy" |
260,874 | dddcaaa59765e468dfae02004acd8b765131ed90 | (CNN) -- Attorneys representing the family of Marlise Munoz -- a pregnant Texas woman they say is brain dead -- revealed Wednesday that the "fetus is distinctly abnormal." "Even at this early stage, the lower extremities are deformed to the extent that the gender cannot be determined. The fetus suffers from hydrocephalus. It also appears that there are further abnormalities, including a possible heart problem, that cannot be specifically determined due to the immobile nature of Mrs. Munoz's deceased body. "Quite sadly, this information is not surprising due to the fact that the fetus, after being deprived of oxygen for an indeterminate length of time, is gestating within a dead and deteriorating body, as a horrified family looks on in absolute anguish, distress and sadness," attorneys Jessica Janicek and Heather King said in a statement. Munoz's family has said she has been brain-dead since her husband, Erick Munoz, found her unconscious at their home on November 26. At the time, she was 14 weeks' pregnant with the couple's second child. Mom of pregnant woman on life support: Change the law . Munoz's husband asked a court last week to force a hospital to take her off a respirator, ventilator and other machines, saying her wishes shouldn't be disregarded just because she is pregnant. Erick Munoz filed an emergency motion as well as a complaint against John Peter Smith Hospital, both with the same goal: to have the hospital disconnect the machines so that her family can take her body and give her a proper burial. "Marlise Munoz is legally dead, and to further conduct surgical procedures on a deceased body is nothing short of outrageous," her husband says in the motion. Notably, officials at the Fort Worth, Texas, hospital where 33-year-old Marlise Munoz is have not publicly declared her dead, though they have not disputed her husband's assertions either. Woman with flu miscarries, battles for her life . A hearing in the case is set for Friday, and both the hospital and the Tarrant County district attorney's office said Wednesday they would not comment before then. Erick Munoz -- like his wife, a paramedic by training -- said the doctors told him his wife "had lost all activity in her brain stem," and an accompanying chart stated she was "brain dead," according to his lawsuit. Hospital spokesman J.R. Labbe said last month that doctors were simply trying to obey a Texas law that says "you cannot withhold or withdraw life-sustaining treatment for a pregnant patient." Munoz's husband responded by saying that "Marlise cannot possibly be a pregnant patient -- Marlise is dead." Furthermore, he argued that her wishes -- relayed, he said, in conversations but not in writing that she not be on "life-sustaining" measures when she is brain dead -- shouldn't be treated differently from a man or other woman simply because of her pregnancy. When life support is really 'death support' Husband: She wouldn't want to be on life support . Lawyers: Records back claim that woman is brain dead . CNN's Ed Lavandera, Greg Botelho and Jason Morris contributed to this report. | "Quite sadly, this information is not surprising," say attorneys for the family .
Marlise Munoz was 14 weeks' pregnant when stricken .
Hospital has said it must follow state law . |
91,475 | 01aa6f1458c727389ff52eb4f031b02a91ec6af2 | Atlanta (CNN) -- Bishop Eddie Long has apologized to the Anti-Defamation League over an incident in which he was wrapped in a Torah scroll and crowned "king." As shown in a video that went viral, the televangelist was wrapped in a "Holocaust Torah" and crowned king during a recent ceremony at New Birth Missionary Baptist Church, his suburban Atlanta congregation. "The ceremony was not my suggestion, nor was it my intent, to participate in any ritual that is offensive in any manner to the Jewish community, or any group. Furthermore, I sincerely denounce any action that depicts me as a King, for I am merely just a servant of the Lord," Long wrote in a letter dated Saturday. The letter was addressed to Bill Nigut, southeast regional director of the Anti-Defamation League -- a Jewish group that fights anti-Semitism. "While I believe that Rabbi Ralph Messer has good intentions during his message at New Birth, I understand that the ceremony he performed on Sunday, January 29th, caused harm to the Jewish community, for which I am deeply sorry," Long wrote. On Sunday, Nigut acknowledged the apology and said he was grateful for it. "I thought it was a very heartfelt, sincere, humble apology," he told CNN. "I was very gratified by Bishop Long apparently recognizing what our concern was." Nigut said he was deeply offended by the "fake ritual," and by how the Torah was handled during it. Video from the ceremony showed Messer wrapping Long in the Torah scroll, which he said was recovered during the Holocaust. He then directed four men to lift a seated Long in his chair and parade him before the New Birth congregation. "He is a king. God's blessed him. He's a humble man, but in him is kingship, royalty," Messer shouted. He said during the ceremony that the Torah was a "priceless" 312-year-old scroll that had been recovered from the Auschwitz concentration camp during World War II. He said he wanted to honor Long "on behalf of Jewish people, and the land of Israel." Rabbi Hillel Norry of Congregation Shearith Israel in Atlanta said last week the ceremony was "ridiculous." There's no Jewish coronation ceremony where someone is wrapped in a Torah and made a king, he said. "We just don't do that. We treat it with deference," Norry said of the Torah. "It's not a shawl, not a crown. Don't treat it that way." Norry said Messer doesn't appear to be an ordained rabbi in the Jewish faith. He also doubts that the Torah scroll that Long was wrapped in is actually 312 years old, and had somehow escaped detection in a concentration camp. Long is one of the most well-known televangelists in America. At its peak, New Birth had around 25,000 members, and Long's sermons were broadcast around the globe. Two years ago, Long's public image took a hit when four young men accused him of misusing his spiritual authority to coerce them into sexual relations. He settled out of court. Long's wife, Vanessa, filed for divorce last year. CNN's Dana Ford contributed to this report. | Eddie Long writes a letter of apology to the Anti-Defamation League .
In a ceremony, Long was wrapped in a Torah scroll and crowned "king"
He says the recent ceremony at his church was not his idea .
"I am deeply sorry," Long writes. Jewish leader calls apology "heartfelt, sincere, humble" |
159,621 | 5a5301bf1e7a4185e58b56b5085e9634a2bb2fe1 | State Farm Insurance has pulled a television ad they created using actor Rob Schneider from the air following a social media outcry over the comedian's controversial opposition to child vaccinations. The Deuce Bigalow star, 50, caused a stir several years ago when he said that childhood vaccines are the likely cause of autism. The Saturday Night Live veteran has continued to stand by his views, which have been discredited by the medical community, according to Mediaite. While Schneider's TV appearance for State Farm Insurance had nothing to do with vaccinations, viewers united in a chorus of condemnation, calling for him to be ousted. Scroll down for video . Controversial: Comedic actor Rob Schneider, 50, appears in a new TV commercial for State Farm Insurance (pictured), which has now been pulled from the air because of his opposition to child vaccinations, which he believes can cause autism . Backlash: The TV ads sparked an outcry on social media, with a subsequent video (pictured) saying Schneider is not an eligible spokesperson for a major insurance company . They claimed that someone who publicly dispels 'dangerous opinions' should not be a spokesman for a major insurance company. The campaign quickly spread on social media, pushed by a video that asked supporters to post comments on State Farm's Facebook and Twitter pages. 'State Farm provides health insurance, and nothing ensures public health more than getting vaccinated,' the video said. 'It is time to end the anti-vaccination movement; with your help, we can elicit change.' As a result, State Farm removed the commercial. '(Schneider's) ad has unintentionally been used as a platform for discussion unrelated to the products and services we provide,' Phil Supple, the insurance company's director of public affairs, told PR Week. 'With that, we are working to remove the ad from our rotation at this time.' In 2012, Schneider - a father-of-one and member of the Rerpublican Party - publicly opposed California Bill AB 2109. Outspoken: Schneider was opposed to California Bill AB 2109 in 2012, which inevitable passed . The bill required parents to better understand the risks and reswards of child vaccinations. When the bill passed, Schneider hit out the decision on Twitter, Yahoo TV reported. 'Today California passed a law to force parents to get a Doc's permission to not vaccinate their kids or they can't attend school! Nazi's,' he wrote. Schneider is yet to comment on State Farm's decision regarding the ad. The commercials first hit TV at the end of August, and didn't take long to spark controversy. In them Schneider portrays his famous and long-running SNL character, Richmeister. The ads were developed by DDB Chicago. | TV ads promoting State Farm Insurance first appeared in late August .
Sparked a social media backlash from people claiming Schneider was the wrong representative for the company .
Actor has been vocal over the years about how he believes child vaccines cause autism and are dangerous .
State Farm have bowed down to the backlash and announced they will remove the commercials .
'(Schneider's) ad has unintentionally been used as a platform for discussion unrelated to the products and services we provide,' the company said . |
170,669 | 68e9d053fdd639b21ec289fec182d82eb27a9e33 | (CNN) -- We throw around the word "epic" so casually that we have to dig deep into our thesaurus to accurately convey what happened at Missouri's Kauffman Stadium Tuesday night. Historic. Colossal. Monumental. The long-suffering Kansas City Royals finally made it to the MLB playoffs -- and gave the city a postseason to look forward to after 29 dry years. The last time that happened was in 1985, when we were still rocking Swatches, smoking on planes and hating on New Coke. The dude who held up the sign, "We have waited our whole lives for this ... literally" wasn't kidding. And what a game it was. What a down-to-the-wire, come-from-behind American League Wild Card win against the Oakland Athletics it was. Every time the Royals fell behind, they rallied. They fell behind, they rallied. For nearly five hours. Everyone was hooked. "We really need everyone to not commit crimes and drive safely right now," the Kansas City police tweeted. The game that began in September went into its 12th innning -- and almost into October -- before the Royals clinched it, 9-8. The crowd thundered. The drought had ended. "Trying to process what I just saw. I can't," tweeted Bob Fescoe, host of a sports radio show in Kansas City. "This is up there as one of my best sports moments ever." The National League Wild Card playoff is Wednesday. Let's see you bring it, San Francisco Giants and the Pittsburgh Pirates. . | The Royals make it to the postseason for the first time in 29 years .
They beat Oakland 9-8 .
The game lasted nearly 5 hours . |
109,786 | 1980fd4f63f2e4073853f386c6ffcb5a087b1eca | By . Michael Zennie . The ex-wife of a Los Angeles publishing heir will be getting just $2,000 a month in spousal support, despite living for 20 years in the lap of luxury, that included multimillion-dollar homes, private jets and purchases of art, designer jewelry and fine wine. Before their marriage ended, Frederick and Mary Kate Williamson were spending up to $50,000 a month living in and renovating a $2.75million estate outside Santa Barbara, California. Neither Mr or Mrs Williamson were working, but were living off gifts - including a one-time lump sum of $900,000 - given to Mr Williamson by his parents, Courthouse News Service reports. Mr Williamson's great-grandfather was Harry Chandler, the second publisher of the Los Angeles Times and a Los Angeles real estate mogul. Split: Frederick and Mary Kate Williamson, age 51 and 50, had access to seemingly unlimited funds for the 20 years they were married. When they split, the spigot dried up and Mrs Williamson was left receiving $2,000 a month in support payments . The couple's second home was on the grounds of the Ritz Carlton Huntington Hotel in Pasadena and included full access to the property's swimming pool, spas and gyms . However, when the marriage ended in 2006, Mrs Williamson found that the spigot had been shut off. Mr Williamson's parents who had generously given 'loans' and 'advances' on his inheritance, now said he was all but cut off. A judge, therefore, ruled that the only income Mrs Williamson was entitled to was $99,000 a year a made from his trust fund and working as a classified sales manager for the Santa Barbara News Press. Based on that figure, she was granted spousal support of $2,000 a month - less than a tenth of the $26,000 she requested, according to court documents. Mrs Williamson appealed. She protested that Mr Williamson's potential assets and income was much higher. 'Everybody in the family just gets money when they need it,' she wrote. Starter home: The couple bought this estate on the Ritz Carlton grounds for $900,000 and sold it years later for nearly $3.5million . Mrs Williamson, a former Ann Taylor sales clerk who never finished college, met and married Mr Williamson in 1986. They had three children, all of whom are now over 18. In court documents, she listed a long history of Mr Williamson's parents giving the couple money for homes and other expenses. Each year, the family received $130,000 in 'gifts' from his parents - $26,000 each for Mr and Mrs Williamson and their three children. In 1991, Mr Williamson's father 'loaned' his son $395,000 to buy their first home. The loan was later forgiven. A few years later, the family received $1.2million to buy and renovate the historic Harton Hall home on the grounds of the Ritz Carlton Huntington Hotel. The purchase of the $900,000, 7,000-square-foot home gave them access to the grounds of the Ritz Carlton and its pools, gym, tennis courts and spas. The couple also had a full-time housekeeper. The last home was a a 2.2-acre estate in Santa Barbara that cost $2.75million and millions more to renovate. In the end, the couple sold it for a massive loss when they divorced . Furthermore, account to court documents: 'Frederick and Mary Kate drove luxury automobiles and had a full-time housekeeper. They belonged to several exclusive private clubs, including The California Club, The Valley Hunt Club and The Pasadena Athletic Club. 'They traveled frequently, both internationally and domestically, sometimes by private jet. During ski season, the family spent most weekends at Mammoth Mountain. Mary Kate shopped at high-end stores, purchasing designer jewelry, clothes, handbags and shoes. Frederick collected fine wine.' Then, in 2003, the couple sold their home for $3.4million and purchased a $575,000 ski lodge in Mammoth, Colorado, as well as $2.75million, 2.2-acre estate in a private community in Santa Barbara. Mr Williamson received a $340,000 advance for that transaction, as well. The couple then undertook a lengthy renovation of the new property. Mr Williamson quit his $120,000-a-year job at the Los Angeles Times to work on the renovation fulltime, court documents say. During this time, the court had no income from jobs but were spending $45,000 to $50,000 a month. Last week a state appeals court upheld nearly all of the lower court's ruling after the bitter divorce - including the $2,000 a month payment. Judges found that no matter how wealthy Mr Williamson's parents were or how willing to give him money they were, they could not be forced to pay for his ex-wife's support. | Frederick and Mary Kate Williamson were living on $50,000 a month when they divorce - despite neither of them having jobs .
They lived in a series of multi-million-dollar homes, including a $2.75million estate in Santa Barbara .
When they divorced, Mr Williamson's parents cut him off .
A court found his income was only $99,000 a year and awarded his wife $2,000 a month in spousal support .
Mr Williamson in heir to the fortune of former Los Angeles Times publisher Harry Chandler . |
28,970 | 523be8f40dd23903b106ab032cf4bfc20b7e7e98 | By . Mark Prigg . PUBLISHED: . 09:31 EST, 26 September 2012 . | . UPDATED: . 12:39 EST, 26 September 2012 . An ancient tomb dubbed Cornwall’s answer to Stonehenge is to be rebuilt 5,000 years after it was first constructed by early man. Carwynnen Quoit (a term for a giant tomb) - known as ‘The Giant's Quoit’ - marked a macabre mass burial site used between 4,000BC and 2,300BC. The stone structure, set in five acres of farmland, was originally built on top of a huge tomb thought to contain the remains of Neolithic men. The 'Giant's Quoit' before it collapsed in the 1960's. An ancient tomb dubbed Cornwall's answer to Stonehenge it is to be rebuilt. Carwynnen is one of around 12 megalithic tombs, or quoits, that survive in Cornwall. It is believed quoits were built as tombs for complete bodies and when the one at West Lanyon collapsed two centuries ago excavation revealed a number of skeletons. Some archaeologists believe the structures were left partially open and bones were removed and returned. It was later used by the Victorians for picnics and was a meeting place for members of the traditional Celtic religion. But the Stonehenge-like structure collapsed in 1834 and was rebuilt but then fell again in 1967 following an earth tremor. Officials at The Sustainable Trust and English Heritage are now planning to rebuild the structure which lies in Troon, Cornwall. Pip Richards, trust director, said they have begun a dig at the site and want to turn it into a tourist attraction like Stonehenge. She said: 'It’s such a waste for these stones to just lie on the floor. 'English Heritage will need to be satisfied that the monument will stand for 100 years before permission to proceed is granted, but we are confident. Carwynnen Quoit - known as 'Giant's Quoit' - marked a macabre mass burial site used between 4,000BC and 2,300BC. It was later used by the Victorians for picnics before it collapsed in the 1960s. Known as 'Giant's Quoit' - marked a macabre mass burial site used between 4,000BC and 2,300BC. 'The dig is helping show us where the stones would have originally stood . 'So far we have found shards of pre-historic pottery and a green stone pestle or axe-head.' The capstone is 3.3m long, 2.5m wide and 0.3m thick and would originally have had a covering of earth. Carwynnen is one of around 12 megalithic tombs, or quoits, that survive in Cornwall. It is believed quoits were built as . tombs for complete bodies and when the one at West Lanyon collapsed two . centuries ago excavation revealed a number of skeletons. Some archaeologists believe the structures were left partially open and bones were removed and returned. The 'Giant's Quoit' being moved to allow archaeologist to examine the site. Officials at The Sustainable Trust and English Heritage are now planning to rebuild the structure which lies in Troon, Cornwall. | Structure built on top of a huge tomb used between 4,000BC and 2,300BC.
Became a popular picnic spot for Victorian families before collapsing in the 1967. |
132,813 | 37be56c8a4d004feaea924c0c90462e2654071f5 | Ohio executed a condemned killer for fatally stabbing the 15-year-old son of his former employers in what was the state's first execution in six months. Mark Wiles, 49, dropped his final appeal last week, and died by lethal injection earlier today, ending an unofficial moratorium on the death . penalty that occurred while the state and a federal judge wrangled over . Ohio's lethal injection procedures. For his special meal, . Wiles requested a large pizza with pepperoni and extra cheese, hot . sauce, a garden salad with ranch dressing, a large bag of Cheetos, a . whole cheesecake, fresh strawberries, vanilla wafers and Sprite. Mark Wiles, 49, dropped his final appeal last week, and is scheduled to die by injection later today . Wiles broke into the house of his former employer, Carol Klima, but was caught in the act by Mark Klima, the couple's son. Afraid of leaving behind a witness who could return him to prison, Wiles stabbed and beat the boy until he finally stopped moving, then left the knife buried in his victim's back. Wiles told members of the Ohio Parole Board during a March 2 interview he wasn't sure he deserved mercy but was asking for clemency because he had to. The execution marked the first . time in six months Ohio has put someone to death. Wiles' defense team had argued he should be spared because he confessed to the . crime, has shown extreme remorse and regret and has a good prison . record. 'Mark does want to live out his natural life in prison,' his attorneys said in their application for clemency. They added, 'his remorse and regret are so overwhelming that he could not articulate reasons his life should be spared.' Mark Wiles stabbed and beat Mark Kilma until he finally stopped moving, then left the knife buried in his back . Wiles could easily have escaped the farmhouse after Mark Klima surprised him, Portage County Prosecutor Victor Vigluicci told the parole board. 'Instead Wiles chose to repeatedly plunge the eight-inch kitchen knife into Mark Klima again and again,' Vigluicci said. A report to the parole board said Wiles had suffered a head injury in a bar 12 days before the slaying in Rootstown in northeast Ohio, and a doctor testified that tests indicate he may have an injury to part of the brain that regulates impulse control. Another doctor agreed that Wiles has a brain injury and said he also has a substance abuse problem and personality disorder. The parole board earlier this month ruled unanimously that Wiles' execution should proceed because he exploited the family's kindness and because his remorse doesn't outweigh the brutality of the crime. Gov. John Kasich, without additional comment, agreed with the board last week. Wiles went to prison in 1983 for stealing tools, jewelry, a wallet, a checkbook, a pistol and other items from a Tallmadge home in November 1982. Carol Klima agreed to fill out a form that March ahead of a parole hearing for Wiles. The farmhand was 'polite, very helpful and did a nice job,' she wrote on March 21, 1983. 'Yes,' she answered to the question: 'If possible, would you re-hire him?' Ohio's most recent execution delays stem from inmates' lawsuits over how well executioners perform their duties. U.S. District Court Judge Gregory Frost sided with inmates last summer and postponed executions while the state updated its procedures. Two weeks ago, after a week-long trial over the latest procedures, Frost said the state had narrowly demonstrated it was serious about following its rules. He warned prison officials to get it right the next time. | Mark Wiles, 49, died by lethal injection .
Told parole board in March he wasn't sure he deserved clemency . |
129,769 | 33c2443527cb47525abf667dbe635d992547c884 | By . Mark Duell . A mother of two feared she would need an emergency operation to save her sight after she suffered a horrendous allergic reaction on her face - allegedly to Piz Buin sun cream. Marie Goldie, 37, of Glasgow, who was on holiday with her partner and two teenage children in Tenerife, Spain, was taken to hospital days after she started using Piz Buin 1 Day Long. Doctors at a hospital in Playa de las Américas feared the catering worker’s reaction was so bad she would require an emergency operation - but steroid injections eventually brought it under control. Allergic reaction: Marie Goldie, 37, of Glasgow, who was on holiday with her partner and two teenage children in Tenerife, Spain, was taken to hospital days after she started using Piz Buin 1 Day Long . But Miss Goldie said she was furious when Johnson & Johnson, the makers of the popular sun lotion, offered her only a £5 refund following her ordeal she claimed was caused by using the product. She said: ‘I thought my time was up. I have never suffered anything like that before. I first used the cream on Wednesday. By Thursday I had a rash which the local pharmacist said was prickly heat. ‘By Friday, one eye had swollen over. But by Saturday I couldn't see at all. I go abroad every year on holiday with the family. The previous few years I've been to the Dominican Republic and Turkey. ‘(They were) far hotter than Tenerife, which was only 23C when I was there. The only thing that was different was the sun cream I used. It was the first time I had used Piz Buin.’ Doctors gave Miss Goldie - who was abroad earlier this month with partner Russell, 40, and children Kieran, 13 and Nicole, 19 - four steroid injections and antihistamines over the course of a day. She claimed medical staff discharged her after saying she would need to pay for her own treatment because her travel insurance would not cover the treatment an allergic reaction. Miss Goldie added: ‘Luckily my condition had already begun to calm down after the injections and I was only left with a doctor's bill of around €100. It could have been much worse.’ After leaving hospital, medical staff gave her strict instructions to avoid sunlight, sugary and fatty foods, and she spent the next week trying to get home earlier than planned. Unhappy: Miss Goldie was furious when Johnson & Johnson, the manufacturers of the popular sun lotion, offered her just a £5 refund following her ordeal she claimed was caused by using the product . She said: ‘The holiday was ruined and we were just desperate to get home. I spent the next week in my room trying to get cheap flights, to no avail. ‘I also looked up Piz Buin on the internet and couldn't believe how many people were complaining about allergic reactions. I'm convinced using the cream caused the reaction.’ Last week, the sun cream featured on . the BBC's Watchdog show after producers were inundated with . health complaints about it. Leading . dermatologist Dr Ian White, of St John's Institute of Dermatology in London, said two of the cream's ingredients could be the reason . for the severe reactions he had seen. He . said his organisation had demanded urgent action into the safety of one . of the chemicals used in Piz Buin, C30-38 Olefin/Isopropyl Maleate MA . Copolymer, two years ago. He also claimed that one in 10 of the patients he now sees were allergic to another active ingredient in the cream - Methylisothiazolinone. Since Marie arrived back in Britian last Saturday, her GP confirmed she suffered an allergic reaction, and further tests were planned to see if Piz Buin was behind this reaction. A Johnson & Johnson spokesman said: ‘The safety of our products is our first priority. ‘All ingredients in our products are reviewed by experts and all our final formulations are assessed for safety and efficacy, including the potential for skin irritation and toxicity caused by sun exposure. 'In principle nearly every substance or product in our daily life may cause irritation in some people with a particular sensitivity. ‘This applies to the ingredients of all cosmetic and personal care products, and includes those ingredients in Piz Buin 1 Day Long - C30-38 Olefin/Isopropyl Maleate MA Copolymer and Methylisothiazolinone. ‘We have received some consumer complaints that Piz Buin 1 Day Long Day Long has led to skin irritation or rashes. Compared to the number of people using the product across the UK and Ireland, the number of reported incidents is small - approximately 0.01 per cent of sales. ‘Since the Watchdog report was broadcasted we have been contacted by a number of consumers, and we are currently investigating their complaints. ‘We have provided Ms Goldie with a questionnaire and requested that she return the product to us so that we can investigate her complaint. We have offered her a refund or replacement for the product.’ | Marie Goldie, 37, was on holiday with partner and children in Tenerife .
Was taken to hospital days after she started using Piz Buin 1 Day Long .
Doctors feared severe reaction would require an emergency operation .
But steroid injections brought catering worker's condition under control .
Sun-cream featured on BBC Watchdog last week after health complaints .
Johnson & Johnson says it's investigating complaints since show aired . |
177,660 | 7200dbdcc0f3ee2306a95aad15242eb86c671da9 | Police arrested 17-year-old Will Campbell Monday for a mass shooting last month that injured 15 people inside a Miami restaurant hosting a teen club night. Campbell is being charged with attempted murder after he fired point blank into a 15-year-old school rival's stomach at The Spot then shot into the crowd as he fled. He will also be charged with one count of aggravated battery with a firearm for each of the 14 people he hit during his escape. The Spot: The Caribbean restaurant in north Miami doubled as a nightclub, and was hosting a teen night when 15 patrons were shot . According to the NBC Miami, Campbell is speaking with police in the company of his mother, said Police Chief Manuel Orosa. According to Orosa, bad blood from a fight at Norland Senior High School involving Campbell's friend and a 15-year-old spilled over into the club. The Miami Herald reports that Campbell approached the other teen and, pulling out a weapon, shot him 'point blank in the stomach.' The victim is in critical condition at Jackson Memorial Hospital. Campbell left the club still holding his weapon, firing multiple shots into the crowd and striking 14 other club goers from ages 11 to 25. The 17-year-old had a troubled past, having been kicked out of several schools in recent months. Aftermath: Shooting victims receive treatment from emergency services outside of The Spot after 17-year-old Will Campbell fired into the crowd . Aftermath: Shooting victims receive treatment from emergency services outside of The Spot after 17-year-old Will Campbell fired into the crowd . Crime scene: The area around The Spot is taped off as emergency responders treat victims. Campbell escaped Sunday morning after the shooting, allegedly with the help of a driver . At two schools Campbell had previously attended, he'd been in trouble for fighting, bringing a knife on school grounds and marijuana possession. In 2013, he was arrested on a charge of resisting with violence. Police said Campbell is currently booked as a juvenile, but that this status may change considering the circumstances of the crime. Detectives are still looking for a get-away driver. 'We need to show people you cannot go into an establishment and shoot indiscriminately and get away with it,' Orosa said. 'A lot of innocent people were hit by bullets.' Last week, the Spot's manager, Tiffany Johnson, 31, was arrested for distributing liquor without a license. The Spot is only licensed for beer and wine, and several liquor bottles were found behind the bar, though detectives are looking into whether any alcohol was served to minors. The Caribbean restaurant is not licensed to operate as a club, though management has hosted events in the past months, with some Saturdays being dedicated to an all-ages 'teen night.' | Will Campbell shot a 15-year-old student from Norland Senior High School in the stomach before fleeing, firing indiscriminately into the crowd .
The other teen had reportedly been involved in a fight with Campbell's friend and is now in critical condition in the hospital .
Last week, police arrested the manager of The Spot, Tiffany Johnson, for distributing liquor without a license .
Police are still investigating whether underage patrons were served alcohol . |
184,511 | 7af8835d9f8a5d1f5d9cd9311c28077a9f840938 | (CNN) -- They came from all across America -- from Connecticut to Florida to Illinois and many points in between. One had been in the Marines for nearly four and a half years, another for just a few months. Many served in Afghanistan, earning numerous honors before making it safely back home to the United States. On Wednesday, the military released the names of the seven Marines killed Monday night during a training exercise at Hawthorne Army Depot in western Nevada. 7 killed in explosion at Nevada Marine training exercise . "Our hearts, thoughts and prayers go out to the families and friends of our fallen angels," said Lt. Col. Andrew J. McNulty, commanding officer of the 1st Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment. Those killed are: . • Lance Cpl. David P. Fenn II: The Polk City, Florida, resident joined the Marines in June 2010 and was promoted nine months later. In that time, he'd deployed to Afghanistan where -- among other honors -- he earned a NATO Medal-ISAF Afghanistan and Afghanistan Campaign Medal. The mortarman was 20. • Pfc. Joshua M. Martino: The 19-year-old from Clearfield, Pennsylvania, was a mortarman in the regiment. He joined the Marines in July, but already had earned the National Defense Service Medal and Global War on Terrorism Service Medal. • Lance Cpl. Roger W. Muchnick, Jr.: Muchnik, 23, hailed from the southwestern Connecticut town of Fairfield, and ended up in Afghanistan as a mortarman with the 1st Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment. Like his fallen colleagues, he amassed a host of honors in his military career, such as the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal and Sea Service Deployment Ribbon. • Cpl. Aaron J. Ripperda: At 26, Ripperda was the most senior of those killed Tuesday, both in his age and rank. The Madison, Illinois, resident joined the Marine Corps in September 2008, with his latest promotion to corporal coming in April 2011. Among his numerous honors were a Navy Unit Commendation and a Humanitarian Service Medal. • Lance Cpl. Joshua C. Taylor: The Marietta, Ohio, resident, 21, was a teenager when he joined the Marines in June 2010. In 2011, the decorated mortarman was promoted to lance corporal -- the same year he deployed to Afghanistan as part of Operation Enduring Freedom. • Lance Cpl. Mason J. Vanderwork: Another mortarman with a host of medals to his name, the 21-year-old Vanderwork was from Hickory, North Carolina. He, too, served in Afghanistan and accumulated a number of medals along the way. • Lance Cpl. William T. Wild IV: In October 2010, the Anne Arundel, Maryland, resident joined the Marines. By December 2011, the mortarman had earned his new rank -- and he also earned a number of recognitions, such as the Combat Action Ribbon and Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal. He was 21. Authorities still don't know how the men died. McNulty said Wednesday they know only that the "60 mm mortar system failed to function as designed," and are trying to find out why. Hawthorne Army Depot, about 140 miles southeast of Reno, is used for storing ammunition and weapon stocks awaiting demilitarization. The facility also provides high-desert training facilities for military units. The night after the incident, the Marines issued a statement saying that 60 mm mortar rounds and tubes used to fire them are being pulled pending the investigation. In addition to the dead, eight servicemembers were injured in the explosion. The Wednesday night update from the Marines indicates that a Navy Corpsman remains "very seriously injured," while five others are "seriously injured" and two Marines have been treated for minor injuries and released. CNN's Barbara Starr, Mike Mount and Tina Burnside contributed to this report. | Those killed hail from seven states .
One has been in the Marines since 2008, another joined a few months ago .
8 were injured in the explosion, one of them "very seriously," the Marines said .
Authorities still don't know why the mortar system "failed to function as designed" |
81,631 | e752797463543897151c211d7864ed4a0e794f13 | By . Mark Duell . PUBLISHED: . 09:40 EST, 30 September 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 12:16 EST, 30 September 2013 . A late Formula One champion’s seven-bedroom mansion was today on the market for £5.8million. James Hunt lived in the beautiful home in Wimbledon, south-west London, for more than a decade and was known for driving his Austin A35 van around the area before he died aged 45 in 1993. The house, near Wimbledon Common, boasts a pool, half an acre of landscaped gardens, more than 7,000 sq ft of accommodation, five reception rooms, four bathrooms, a swimming pool and a library. Residence: Driver James Hunt lived in the home in Wimbledon, south-west London, for more than a decade . Beautiful: The home boasts more than 7,000 sq ft of accommodation, five reception rooms and four bathrooms . Swimming: The house near Wimbledon Common also features a pool and half an acre of landscaped gardens . The Wimbledon residence was home to Mr Hunt between 1982 and his death in 1993 . Going up: Knight Frank described the home as a 'country house in Wimbledon in an exceptionally wide plot' Mr Hunt, who was twice married, once famously claimed to have slept with more than 5,000 women . The house was home to a menagerie of animals, including a German shepherd called Jackson, a foul-mouthed parrot called Humbert and budgerigars in a state-of-the-art aviary in the back garden. Knight Frank described . the mansion - where Hunt lived from 1982 to 1993 - as a ‘country house in Wimbledon in an exceptionally wide plot . formerly owned by the Formula One World Champion'. The estate agents' description also said: ‘There is excellent entertaining space including . a large drawing room with character fireplace, library, dining room, . family room plus a study. ‘Unusually . all the bedrooms are on one floor and there is a second staircase . linking the two floors. There is a useful indoor exercise pool and large . integral garage plus plenty of off-street parking.' Twice-married . Hunt had two children and famously once claimed to have slept with over . 5,000 women. He was a poster boy for F1 in the Seventies and won the . world championship in 1976. In the garden: Hunt pictured mowing the lawn at his mansion in Wimbledon, south-west London, in 1984 . Men and motors: Racing legend James Hunt is pictured with his McLaren M26 car in September 1976 . Partners: Hunt was married to Suzy Miller (left) from 1974 to 1976, and Sarah Lomax (right) from 1983 to 1989 . Movie: Hunt's rivalry with driver Niki Lauda, which captured the imagination of millions of fans, this month became the basis of director Ron Howard's film Rush, starring Chris Hemsworth (left) and Daniel Brühl (right) Hunt, who had the nickname of 'Hunt The Shunt', was married to Suzy Miller from 1974 to 1976, and Sarah Lomax, 54, from 1983 to 1989. They had two children - Tom, 27 and Freddie, 25. The driver later proposed to girlfriend Helen Dyson, now 47, the day before he died of a heart attack. 'The gardens are gorgeous - mature and beautifully landscaped with large lawns and great entertaining space' Knight Frank description . His rivalry with driver Niki Lauda, which captured the imagination of fans, this month became the basis of director Ron Howard’s film Rush, starring Chris Hemsworth and Daniel Brühl. The house description added: ‘The garden house has a shower room and is useful for a multitude of purposes such as a gym or games room, or guest house. ‘The gardens are gorgeous - mature and beautifully landscaped with large lawns and great entertaining space.’ | F1 champion James Hunt lived from 1982 to 1993 in the Wimbledon home .
Known for driving Austin A35 around area before he died aged 45 in 1993 .
Mansion for £5.8m has five reception rooms, four bathrooms and library . |
67,637 | bfdc2084f97627d18c5ba71e11e46f643f0eb88f | By . David Kent . South Korea coach Hong Myung-bo has ordered QPR to release defender Yun Suk-young for his country’s pre-World Cup camp. Rangers will play Derby County on May 24 at Wembley for a place in the Premier League and have yet to release him. FIFA rules mean South Korea can stop Yun playing in the Championship play-off clash as May 19-25 has been designated as an ‘official rest period’ for all players selected for the tournament in Brazil, apart from the Champions League final. Blow: Yun Suk-young looks set to miss QPR's play-off final with Derby . Seventeen of Hong’s 23-man squad play abroad and he said: ‘If Yun . reports to the camp late, then it could set a bad precedent. Watchful eye: South Korea coach Hong Myung-bo (top left) observes his players during training on Thursday . 'There’s no . shift to our stance that Yun must be here at the earliest date . possible.’ QPR have been granted permission by Croatia to play Niko Kranjcar and haven't given up hope that Yun could still be given the green light. The 24-year-old has featured 11 times since his arrival at Loftus Road in January 2013, but has played a part in the past three games. Instructions: Hong talks with his World Cup squad and players in training at the National Training Centre in Paju . | Defender set to miss Wembley showdown with Derby County on May 24 .
FIFA designate May 19-25 as official rest period ahead of World Cup .
Hong Myung-bo says left-back must report to training camp . |
225,327 | afc9c5959e71308ba158eabe0a8fcd72e35e7dec | Determined D.A.: Tom Sneddon, seen here during the 2005 trial against Michael Jackson, died on Saturday at the age of 73 . Tom Sneddon, the former district attorney who sought twice to try Michael Jackson on child molestation charges and was disparaged in one of the pop star's songs, has died. Sneddon, aged 73, died Saturday at Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital after a battle with cancer, said Patrick McKinley, a retired assistant district attorney for Santa Barbara County. Sneddon investigated Michael Jackson on child sexual abuse allegations in 1993 and again a decade later. The first case fell apart after a young boy's family accepted a multimillion dollar settlement from Jackson and declined to testify against him. The probe closed with no charges. Jackson shot back in a thinly disguised swipe at the prosecutor in a song called 'D.S.' on the 'HIStory' album. The song contains the lyrics, 'Dom Sheldon is a cold man.' A second set of allegations against Jackson made by a young cancer survivor resulted in a televised trial in 2005 which ended with Jackson being acquitted. Jackson's defense attorney, Thomas Mesereau Jr., painted Sneddon as an overzealous prosecutor who had a 'personal vendetta' against Jackson after the first case fell apart. Sneddon continued to insist that he believed Jackson could be a danger to children and said he would have considered a conviction tragic, considering Jackson's accomplishments. Doubts still linger: Jackson, at his 2005 hearing, always denied allegations he molested children at his Neverland Ranch in Los Olivos near Santa Barbara, but he allegedly paid one family $20 million to end a case . In a thinly disguised swipe at the prosecutor on the 'HIStory' album Jackson sang 'Dom Sheldon is a cold man' 'If he had been convicted I think that part of it would have been a tragedy — like a Greek tragedy play of a person who obviously can bring great joy and entertainment to the people around the world, (who was) obviously a great entertainer at one point in his career, (who) could end up this way for whatever reason,' he told the Associated Press in an interview after the verdict. Sneddon retired in 2006. Joyce Dudley, Santa Barbara County's current district attorney, said Sneddon's expectations of his prosecutors were always clear. 'Be the most prepared person in the courtroom, work smart, work hard, step right up to the line but never over it,' she said. 'I don't think you will find a prosecutor in the district attorney's office who worked for him who has one bad thing to say about him. He was just a helluva boss,' said McKinley, who worked with Sneddon for more than three decades. 'He wasn't afraid to make a decision,' he said. 'He would make a decision and away we'd go.' McKinley said he learned of Sneddon's death from Sneddon's wife. Sneddon is survived by his wife and nine children, McKinley said. Sneddon investigated Michael Jackson on child sexual abuse allegations in 1993 - which allegedly took place at his Neverland ranch pictured - and again a decade later . | Tom Sneddon passed away in Cottage Hospital in Santa Barbara .
Sneddon first went after Jackson in 1993 for allegedly molesting a boy at his opulent 2,700-acre Neverland Ranch in Los Olivos .
In 2005 he lost second case against Jackson, in which he was accused of plying alleged victim with wine and sexually assaulting him at Neverland .
Jackson, who died in June 2009, repeatedly denied the allegations . |
68,742 | c2ed29a7492a5a25ddad0fcca48de4e9d15acbe6 | (CNN) -- Colleen Whiteaker's three eldest daughters looked at her with concern. They were beautiful, she thought, with their slim, athletic builds and porcelain skin. She hadn't wanted them to deal with the pain of being overweight, so she had taught them to eat nutritious foods and stay active. Now they were throwing those lessons back in her face. Miriam, Candace and Chloe tried to pitch their "intervention" like a fun plan. They bought their mom a gym membership and some new workout clothes. They tried to avoid talking about her weight problem directly, but eventually the truth came out. "It was terrible," Candace remembers. "It's never something you want to bring up, especially to your mom. But really it was just hurting us to see her like that. We didn't want to have to worry about her dying." Their mother was 5 feet 2 inches tall and weighed more than 200 pounds. She had become isolated and never wanted to participate in family get-togethers. The older girls were worried their youngest sister Celeste, 5 at the time, wouldn't get to know the wonderful, energetic mom with whom they had grown up. "They were crying. I was crying," Colleen says. "It really hurt my feelings. ... I was like, 'I know I'm heavy. I know that, but I'm not unhealthy. I'm just supposed to be that weight.' "They were like, 'Mom, I don't think that's true.' " 'I was trying to lose weight' Colleen isn't sure how she put on so much weight. She was chubby as a child, and her weight fluctuated throughout adulthood. She didn't eat a lot of bad foods, staying away from fast food and fried fare. But she rarely exercised and says she has a slow metabolism. Shortly after Celeste's birth, Colleen and her husband divorced. Stress, combined with an unusual work schedule and a new baby, kept the pounds on despite multiple attempts at dieting. "It was discouraging because I wasn't just pretending like I didn't know I needed to lose weight," she says. "I was trying to lose weight. I wanted something to change." Unfortunately, her daughters' intervention didn't work. It wasn't until Chloe and Candace's college graduation nearly six years later that she really took a good look in the mirror. She was thrilled for her daughters and proud to be their mother, but she wasn't proud of the way she looked. She weighed close to 230 pounds. She dreaded meeting their college friends and taking a million photos. On the way home -- embarrassed and miserable -- Colleen thought about what she could do. A few years earlier, her new husband had bought a Bowflex TreadClimber. It was sitting in their North Carolina house, practically unused. She promised herself she would start walking on it three times a week, for 20 minutes. And that's what she did. At the end of September 2011, she met her daughters at Kings Dominion, an amusement park in Virginia, for an annual trip. The girls noticed she had lost a bit of weight and complimented her. "I was excited, but I didn't really want to ... make a huge deal of it because I didn't want her to feel like we were adding pressure," Candace says. The girls' comments encouraged Colleen. She added another day to her routine, then another. Soon she was walking for 45 minutes, six days a week. The more she exercised, the more she was conscious of what she was eating. She started writing down her meals in a journal to get an idea of how much she was consuming each day. Her goal was to go from a size 20 to a size 12. By May 2012, she was a size 2/4. She had lost more than 110 pounds in about 10 months. "She was ready to take on the world," Candace says. "She wanted to go out and do all these things. ... It was like having our old mom back." Have you lost weight? Share your story on iReport . Raiding daughters' closets fun . When she was overweight, Colleen says she never felt bad physically. "I did whatever I wanted to do, but I didn't want to do that much," she says with a laugh. Today she says she feels "100% better." "She has more energy than we do now," Candace says. "She's just very inspiring, and she just keeps going, and I love her for that." Colleen was laid off before she jumped on the TreadClimber. She went on multiple job interviews that amounted to nothing. But her first interview after losing the weight resulted in a job offer. She's not sure if it was her new body or her newfound confidence, but she knows people treat her differently now that she's slim. "They see you as maybe having something to offer," she says. Perhaps her favorite part of losing weight is borrowing her daughters' clothes. Before, she hated to go shopping to buy new clothes. Now when she visits, she doesn't even bother to pack -- instead preferring to raid their closets. Celeste just turned 13, and Candace is happy her youngest sister will get to experience Colleen as the mom she remembers. "She's very free-spirited and encouraging and happy," Candace says of her mother. "And that was being covered up by all that extra weight she was carrying around." Follow Jacque Wilson on Twitter @jdwilson2 or Google+ . | Colleen Whiteaker weighed more than 230 pounds at her heaviest .
She went from a size 20 to a size 2/4 by exercising six days a week .
Whiteaker is ready to take on the world now, one of her daughters says . |
85,254 | f1cf320e05cf2c52e79e529924972b26aabd233f | Standing in the cold night air at Burnley, Joe Cole could have been forgiven for thinking about the grander stages he has graced in his career. The former Chelsea and England star’s mind could have wandered to the lucrative offers he turned down to finish his career abroad last summer instead of taking a pay cut to join Aston Villa on a free transfer from West Ham. But after scoring on his first Premier League start for Villa in a typically full-blooded English encounter, there was nowhere Cole would rather have been than Turf Moor. Joe Cole wheels away after scoring his first goal for Aston Villa to put them ahead at Turf Moor . Cole's strike was his first since December 2013, and came on his first start for Aston Villa in the league . ‘This is what it’s all about, playing in the Premier League,’ he said. ‘I could have gone and filled my pockets, and that’s not a criticism of the players who do that because it’s a short career and we’re not really qualified to do anything else after football. ‘I’ve been lucky enough and the fire still burns for me. I just want to play. I prefer to be in Burnley at Turf Moor than playing in the Middle East somewhere in 100 degrees. You know what I mean? It’s a proper game. ‘You have to respect the little kid who just dreamed of playing one minute in the Premier League. If you keep that in mind, you can keep playing for as long as you want.’ Cole has revealed that he turned down the opportunity to play for more money outside of England this summer . The former England midfielder is mobbed by his team-mates as Villa took the lead on Saturday . Cole knows his days at the top of the game, when he was an England regular, are behind him . At 33, the one-time prodigy of English football knows his best years are behind him. Even playing a full game might be asking too much these days. But Cole was excellent for the 67 minutes he was on the pitch, showing some of his old movement and anticipation to fire Villa ahead just before half-time and silence any doubters who question if he still has anything to offer at this level. ‘You deal with things like that,’ he added. ‘Once you get past 30 nowadays, people tend to question you. ‘They always have opinions. Have you got it, have you not got it? Are you going to be good enough to play for West Ham, for Chelsea or for England? Would I be able to go and play in France (with Lille)? ‘It’s just how you feel in yourself. I’m hungry to play, I’ve got the desire. While that’s still there, I’ll have a go.’ Danny Ings' late penalty denied Villa all three points, and Burnley almost snatched a late winner . Cole’s first goal since last December was not enough to prevent Villa’s winless run from stretching to nine games after Danny Ings equalised with a late penalty for Burnley and then hit the post in added time. That was the cue for a section of Villa’s fans to turn on manager Paul Lambert who 24 hours earlier had confirmed the shock departure of his No. 2 Roy Keane. First-team coach Scott Marshall sat alongside Lambert on the bench on Saturday, and afterwards the Villa boss said that he will ‘mull it over for a few weeks’ before appointing a new assistant. Lambert’s side are away again on Tuesday night at Crystal Palace while Burnley have another home game against Newcastle after picking up seven points from their last three games. ‘Momentum is a big factor,’ said goalkeeper Tom Heaton. ‘It shows how far we’ve come from the start of the season that we were a goal down in the Premier League and were disappointed not to have won. We’ll take a point and move forward.’ | Joe Cole scored his first goal for Aston Villa in draw with Burnley .
The 33-year-old still determined to play at the highest level .
Cole was offered chance to play abroad, but wanted to stay in England . |
157,509 | 57a691fc01830ac3ded4481d88738e27742bcef9 | An American brewery has been criticised for selling a beer called 'Dumb Blonde' which they claim 'goes down easy'. The Texas-based Deep Ellum Brewing has been condemned for relying on 'rape culture' to sell the product, which uses a picture of a doll wearing a blonde wig on the can. The company has also been using the controversial logo and catchphrase on a pink van as part of a marketing campaign to celebrate a year since the drink was first released. Too far? Dallas Blonde beer which is sold in cans with a picture of a doll wearing a blonde wig with the phrase 'goes down easy' written on the side . In a post on the political blog Burn Orange Report, writer Genevieve Cato said the way the company was selling the beer was 'unacceptable'. 'Deep Ellum's lazy use of this well-worn sexist comparison of women to alcohol is disappointing and insulting to their female customers, but it goes deeper than that. Anniversary: The controversial beer celebrated its first birthday with the slogan 'A year older. None the wiser' 'You need to look no further than the comments on their Facebook picture to see the way advertising like this fuels the acceptability of rape culture in our society. 'As a craft brewery in Texas, Deep Ellum is already well situated to be profitable and popular amongst beer drinkers across the state. 'It is completely unacceptable, and unnecessary, for breweries to continue to use this kind of language to sell their products.' John Reardon, who owns the brewery told the Dallas Observer he thinks the rape culture claim went too far. He said: 'We knew the play on words there,' but insisted Dallas Blonde beer was meant to be fun. 'We're not saying that all blondes go down easy,' he adds. But, he does admit he has had some negative responses to the advertising campaign. He has addressed the complaints by email. He also says he's trying to fine the most appropriate way to respond to Cato's article. He added: 'If there are women out there who are offended, then we should apologise.' | Deep Ellum Brewing criticised for using 'rape culture' to sell beer .
Have used the logo and catchphrase on pink vans in marketing campaign .
Texas-based firm claim it is just a play on words and is 'meant to be fun' |
56,526 | a031a72f46efaf67ffc62aa996c546bbeedd2884 | Living in fear of a partner or family member does not stop over Christmas . It’s a time for family gatherings, celebrations and present-giving. However, excessive alcohol consumption and money worries over Christmas contribute to a peak period for domestic abuse. For thousands of women, men and children up and down the country, the festive period remains a time where their own home is not safe. Living in fear of a partner or family member does not stop over Christmas, and statistics reveal incidences of domestic violence increase over the holidays. During the last quarter of 2013, there was a 15.5 per cent rise in victims suffering abuse at home. And it is estimated that one in four women will experience domestic violence in their lifetime. In the UK, two women are killed every week by a current or ex-partner, and many police forces across the UK see a spike in reports around Christmas. Sandra Horley CBE, chief executive of national domestic violence charity Refuge, says: 'Christmas can be an incredibly difficult time for women and children experiencing domestic violence. ‘Christmas is meant to be a time of joy, a time of generosity, a time of caring. But for too many women and children, the 25th December will be yet another day of living with fear, intimidation and violence.' The physical, economic, and psychological abuse suffered by victims of domestic violence can make it incredibly difficult for victims to leave. Isabel*, 35, explains how she was a ‘successful, independent businesswoman’ when she first met her ex-husband Mark, who started being violent to her when she fell pregnant. 'I wasn't sure about him at first, but he pursued me relentlessly, charming me with gifts, flowers and surprise trips abroad,’ she said. Christmas is a peak time for domestic violence, according to statistics . 'He was at the top of his profession and he bowled me over. 'He wanted to get married and have children straight away. It was exciting and romantic - I thought I had met the love of my life. 'It's only now, looking at back at the whole picture that I can see that this was controlling behaviour and his inability to take no for an answer. 'After we had moved in together, he kept starting arguments. I put it down to the stress he was under at work. Sandra Horley CBE, chief executive of national domestic violence charity Refuge, says: 'Every couple has arguments and disagreements – we all say and do things we later regret. 'Domestic violence is systematic, purposeful and patterned behaviour designed to control another person. 'If a woman is forced to change her behaviour because she is frightened of her partner's reaction, then she is being abused. 'Domestic violence can be physical, emotional, psychological, financial or sexual. 'Abuse tends to become more frequent and more severe over time; even if you are not being hit, you may still be being abused. If your partner is excessively jealous or possessive, or if he controls where you go, who you speak to, how you dress or wear your hair, these are all warning signs of domestic violence.' ‘We had been together for about a year when one of these rows ended with him threatening me with a kitchen knife. ‘I decided to leave him, but when he agreed to go to relationship counselling, I gave him another chance.' Like many abusers, Mark began isolating Isabel and making her economically reliant on him, encouraging her to leave the business that she ran with a colleague. She said: 'The moment the business had a bad time he was encouraging me to sell up and leave it, promising he would take care of me and support me. ‘There were subtle pressures to force me under his economic control and take away my independence.’ 'The next year, we got married and I fell pregnant. That was when the violence started. 'We were arguing after we had missed our flight for a holiday. Suddenly he hit me and threw me across the room.' As with many cases of abuse, the violence outburst was not a one-off, and Mark became increasingly abusive towards Isabel. 'Throughout the pregnancy, I had to explain away the bruises from his punches and kicks. I told the midwife I had fallen down the stairs,’ she said. 'Anything could set off a violent outburst from Mark. I was constantly walking on eggshells. 'But whenever I tried to leave, he would reel me back in, telling me that he would change and that he wanted us to be a family.’ Emotionally manipulated and abused by Mark, Isabel felt unable to leave him and isolated from friends and family. Arguments can often happen in front of the children - and escalate out of control . 'They [abusers] are very clever. He made me believe it was things I was doing wrong that was setting him off. 'After the birth of our second child he had a massive falling out with my family and gave me an ultimatum; him or them. We had just had a baby and I was desperate to keep the family together. So I was totally alone. 'The violence was sporadic and I began to question whether I was causing it. I didn't have the term domestic abuse in my head at all. ‘It sounds silly but I thought domestic abuse meant having a black eye. Because I wasn't turning up at the school gate covered in bruises everyday it wasn't domestic violence.' Despite his promises to change, Mark became worse after the birth of the couple's second child. For more information visit www.refuge.org.uk . 'One day a normal conversation suddenly turned into a frenzied attack,’ Isabel explained. ‘He punched me to the ground, kicked me in the back, and then threw me across the room - all in front of our two-year-old and the baby.' It was only after this incident in the presence of the children that Isabel called the police. However, it took several more attacks and calls to the emergency services before Isabel found the strength to leave permanently, getting legal help to set up restraining orders. 'The police were not very supportive, it was like they were just ticking things off their check list and rolling their eyes,’ she said. 'Eventually the police put me in touch with Refuge. One of their outreach workers, Anna*, started helping me. 'The very act of being believed allowed everything to just come pouring out. 'We talked about everything I had been through and she helped me to understand that Mark's behaviour was all about power and control. Just that initial emotional support was so important. 'But then she also calmly helped talked me through the practicalities, navigating the next stage. With her support, I made a plan to stay safe. 'Anna supported me as I went through the divorce and child contact proceedings. Thanks to her I was able to start rebuilding my life away from Mark. 'I was devastated when the crown prosecution service said there wasn't enough evidence to prosecute him, but I have had to move on. 'Now things are so much better. It isn't easy to break away from a violent partner; I don't think I could have done it without Refuge's support. ‘I would urge anyone who is living with fear and intimidation at home to visit Refuge's website and find out more - you are not alone and there is life on the other side of domestic violence.' Sandra Horley CBE, chief executive of national domestic violence charity Refuge, said: 'People often ask, “Why do women stay with violent men?”. 'The answer is complicated. There are a huge number of practical and psychological barriers to leaving an abusive partner. 'Victims of domestic violence are frequently isolated by their abusers: systematically cut off from friends and family. It can be incredibly hard for women to reach out for help in situations like this. If a woman is forced to change her behaviour because she is frightened of her partner then she is being abused. This list may help you to identify whether you are experiencing domestic violence: . 'The grinding impact of emotional abuse can chip away at a woman's sense of self. She may begin to believe her abuser when he tells her, day in, day out, that she is worthless, that no-one will believe her, that no-one cares about her but him. 'Abusers manipulate their victims carefully and purposefully; they switch readily between charm and rage, like Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde. 'Fear can be a paralysing force: many women stay with their abusers because they are terrified of what will happen if they leave. This is a well-founded fear. Domestic violence takes a staggering death toll, killing two women every week, and the vast majority of domestic homicides happen when a woman is trying to separate from her abuser. 'Some women may not be able to support themselves and their children financially on their own. Refuges and other support services are being closed across the country as a result of ongoing funding cuts – reducing the number of escape routes available to women and children. 'Domestic violence will not end unless we stop asking “Why does she stay?” and instead ask the right questions: “Why does he abuse?” and “What can we do as a society to end domestic violence once and for all?”.’' * Names have been changed. | Christmas is a peak period for domestic violence attacks, figures show .
Woman reveals how she was kicked and hit by partner while pregnant .
*All names in this story have been changed to protect identities . |
176,511 | 708618f42fb795342d2abc5dd448d16fdf45674e | By . Rebecca English . PUBLISHED: . 09:08 EST, 15 March 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 12:37 EST, 15 March 2013 . Dressed in a flowing turquoise headscarf, the Duchess of Cornwall arrived with her husband in Saudi Arabia today. As a member of the British royal family, Camilla is not required to wear an abaya, the traditional voluminous black gown women in the hardline Islamic state are forced sport in public, but still dressed demurely as a mark of respect. Prince Charles and his wife were met by the Governor of Riyadh, His Royal Highness Prince Khalid bin Bandar Al Saud, who escorted them past an honour guard before offering them a cup of traditional cardamon coffee. Mark of respect: The Duchess of Cornwall wore a turquoise headscarf when she arrived in Saudi Arabia with Prince Charles . Dress conventions: As a member of the British royal family, Camilla is not required to wear an abaya, the traditional voluminous black gown women in the hardline Islamic state are forced sport in public . The couple are in Saudi Arabia on the third leg of their nine-day Middle East tour on behalf of the British Government. Their presence is designed to strengthen ties between the two countries, focusing on bilateral military links and issues such as education, faith and commercial partnerships. Yet it also comes at a time when the country’s human rights record is, once again, being called into question following the execution on Wednesday of seven prisoners convicted of armed robbery. Welcomed: The couple have arrived in Saudi Arabia on the third leg of their nine-day Middle East tour . Refreshment: Prince Charles tried a traditional cardamon coffee . The men died at the hands of a . ‘humane’ firing squad as the country is, according to reports, . struggling to find enough executioners for traditional beheadings. Two . of the group were said to have been juveniles when they were charged . with being part of a gang of thieves in the Saudi town of Abha. All were . detained for more than three years, subjected to torture and denied . legal representation in court. One of the men was also due to be crucified after his death, with his body tied to a pole in a public square to act as a deterrent to others. FCO Minister for the Middle East Alistair Burt, who is in the country to greet the prince, expressed his deep concern about the deaths earlier this week, saying: ‘The death penalty is a human rights priority for the UK. Feeling the heat: The Prince donned a hat to shade himself from the sun while his wife was draped in a headscarf. Human rights campaigners have urged Charles to raise the issue of the death penalty . ‘As I have said previously, the UK opposes as a matter of principle all use of the death penalty, whatever the crime committed. ‘We . registered our concern at reports of the planned executions in this . case with the Saudi Arabian embassy…..reiterating our opposition to the . death penalty and requesting that leniency be shown, but to no avail. ‘The . alleged circumstances surrounding the executions cause enormous damage . to Saudi Arabia’s reputation internationally and we will press the Saudi . authorities once again to reconsider their application of the death . penalty.’ Saudi . Arabia is one of five states in the world to conduct public executions . and has the widest number of crimes punishable by death, including . murder, rape, sodomy, robbery, theft (after four offences), false . prophecy and witchcraft. Windswept: The Duchess' headscarf billows in the wind as she arrives at Riyadh Airbase . According to Amnesty International UK . at least 17 people, including eight foreign nationals, have already . been executed in Saudi Arabia this year. These . include including Sri Lankan domestic worker Rizana Nafeek, who was . accused of killing a baby in her care when she was just 17 but claimed . to have confessed under duress. Human . rights groups have accused Charles of shirking his responsibilities in . failing to raise the issue of the death penalty with the ruling Saudi . royal family, with whom he enjoys a close friendship. ‘Prince . Charles has always had the tip of his well-polished brogues in the . political world and he should use his influence to tell the royal House . of Saud a few home truths about the country’s dreadful human rights . record,’ said Kate Allen, Amnesty International’s UK Director. ‘Surely, . arriving in the wake of controversial executions and the jailing of . human rights activists Charles will want to at least broach these . matters?’ Strengthening ties: The Prince of Wales meets Governor of Riyadh Prince Khalid Bin Bandar Al Saud . Golden reception: Camilla sips a coffee as she sits in the decadent hall . Although . Clarence House have declined to comment publicly, well-placed diplomatic . sources have told the Mail that issue may be raised in talks between . Charles and the country’s Crown Prince Salman bin Abdel Aziz tonight, . albeit obliquely. ‘The . reason why the government is keen for the prince to come here is that he . enjoys a very different relationship with the Saudi Royal Family to . that of the government. He can get things done in a way the politician . frankly can’t,’ they said.’ ‘In . my experience there is no subject off limits and it is likely that the . prince will talk to him about the issue of the state of reform in the . country.’ Freedom of . speech in Saudi Arabia – or rather the lack of it - is also a matter of . serious international concern, with protests banned and criticism of the . state rarely tolerated. The couple sat in a luxurious hall in the Saudi capital where paintings of late Saudi kings were on the walls . Similarly, . women have few rights in Saudi Arabia and are required, regardless of . age, to have a male guardian - typically a father or husband – who must . give their permission for everything from opening a bank account to . marriage. Queen for the day: Camilla looked happy as she sat on the gold throne . They cannot . vote or be elected to high office and are prohibited from driving. Indeed in 2011 a woman from Jeddah, where the royal couple will fly to . on Saturday, was sentenced to ten lashes by whip after being caught . behind the wheel. Women . are also required to be segregated from men in public: most offices, . banks and universities have separate entrances and they are required to . sit separately on public transport and in restaurants. When it comes to dress, women are also expected to cover all parts of the body that are ‘awrah’ – not meant to be exposed. Saudi Arabia’s strict interpretation of Islam means they must cover their entire body with a black cloak known as an abaya and headcovering, or hijab, leaving just the eyes and the hands exposed. Conventions for dress and behaviour are all fiercely enforced by the notorious religious police or mutawaeen, whose official title is the Commission for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice. For the Duchess of Cornwall, women’s rights are high on her agenda during the three-day visit. She plans to visit a number of establishments, including a women’s university and a female vocation training centre, to highlight some of the steps Saudi women are taking towards equality. Tonight the Duchess will also enjoy the finest hospitality the country has to offer at a lavish women-only banquet thrown in her honour by HRH Princess Hessa Bint Trad Al Shaalan, the King’s second - and favourite – wife of four, who acts as his official consort. Glammed up: The Duchess changed into a gold dress to attend a women-only banquet thrown in her honour this evening by HRH Princess Hessa Bint Trad Al Shaalan . The gathering will be held at the quaintly named The King’s Farm, which is actually a vast estate the size of London an hour’s drive out of Riyadh where the monarch likes to spend weekends. Around 100 guests – including most senior woman in the Royal Family - will enjoy cultural performances such as sword dancing as they drink coffee before moving into dinner. According to local custom, serving staff bring tray after tray of local delicacies until the principle guests ‘can eat no more’. Charles will meanwhile attend a similar all-male banquet at another palace on the edge of the Diriyah wadi and its 18th Century ruins. The country's ruler, King Abdullah, 89, will not be present at the dinner as he is recovering from back surgery. | The couple are in Saudi Arabia on the third leg of their nine-day Middle East tour .
Visit comes as the country's human rights record is, once again, being called into question . |
196,499 | 8a4e5e24cda9aab9d3df30060bd74e9276babdae | Felipe Massa has described last week’s Japanese Grand Prix as the ‘worst race of my life’. The Williams driver was speaking at a sombre press conference ahead of Formula One’s inaugural visit to Russia which came only five days after Jules Bianchi’s horror crash at Suzuka. The 25-year-old Frenchman remains in a stable but critical condition at Mie University Hospital after he suffered a severe head trauma following his freak collision with a recovery vehicle during the closing stages of Sunday’s rain-hit race. Felipe Massa was very emotional during Thursday's pre-race Russian Grand Prix press conference . Fans show their support for Jules Bianchi who remains in intensive care following his crash at Suzuka . ‘For me I think it was the worst race of my life,’ said Massa, who finished seventh, but revealed afterwards that he was ‘screaming’ about the difficult conditions in the laps leading up to Bianchi’s accident. ‘It was a really bad race, worse than the race of my accident - because I didn't remember,' he added. Massa was alluding to his life-threatening crash during qualifying for the 2009 Hungarian Grand Prix. Driving for Ferrari, he was struck on the helmet by a spring which had fallen off Rubens Barrichello’s Brawn. The Brazilian had surgery on a fractured skull and was ruled out for the remainder of the 2009 campaign. But he made a full recovery and returned to fitness in time for the opening race of the following season. Massa is lifted from his Ferrari following the crash during qualifying for the Hungarian Grand Prix back in 2009 . The Brazilian was flown to hospital but miraculously went on to make a full recovery . ‘It's a very difficult weekend for all of us,’ Massa added. ‘Maybe tomorrow it will get a little bit better because at least you are working, at least you have something to think about, some issue to put inside your brain.’ Still trying to cope with Bianchi's accident, the majority of the grid said they had to be professional and focus on the race, despite the dark cloud hanging over this weekend's event in Sochi. ‘All our thoughts are with Jules,’ said Fernando Alonso, whose Ferrari team will carry the words ‘Forza Jules’ on their car this weekend. ‘I have a huge respect for our sport but when big accidents happen, there are no words to describe the feeling. ‘It's going to be emotionally very difficult, we will race for him, in our minds we are with him, praying.’ Bianchi, a graduate of the Ferrari academy, was diagnosed with a diffuse axonal injury after his Marussia slid off the track in rainy conditions and ploughed into a crane picking up the Sauber of Adrian Sutil, who had crashed out at the same spot only minutes earlier. Sutil, who witnessed Bianchi's accident, said: ‘We have to pray, that's all we can do. Although there is a grey cloud over us, we have to try to be professional and race for him.’ Massa was joined in the press conference by Adrian Sutil (top right), Sebastian Vettel and Fernando Alonso . | Williams driver was speaking at sombre press conference on Thursday .
He described the race as worse than his life-threatening crash during qualifying for the 2009 Hungarian Grand Prix .
Massa had surgery on fractured skull but made a full recovery .
Bianchi remains in intensive care following his crash at the Japanese GP . |
204,806 | 9527cc748ceeaa1986d9bbfaca813ae7d6227708 | (CNN) -- Russia began to cut off natural gas supplies to Belarus on Monday as talks over unpaid debts continued, Russian state media reported. President Dmitry Medvedev gave the order for Russian energy giant Gazprom to start restricting gas supplies, company CEO Alexei Miller said, according to official Russian news agency RIA-Novosti. Miller said the cut, which began Monday, will be "gradual, daily and proportional to the volume of debt." Belarus has refused to pay Russian gas rates of $169 per 1,000 cubic meters for the first quarter of the year and $185 for the second quarter, RIA-Novosti reported. The former Soviet republic has instead been paying $150 since Jan. 1, ringing up a large debt in the process. Russia's action could hurt customers farther down the pipeline. Belarus has said it will be technologically unable to ensure complete natural gas transit to Europe, if Russia cuts gas supplies to Belarus by 85 percent, state media reported. In the past, other countries including Austria, Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Germany, Romania, Greece and Turkey have complained that their gas supplies have been affected as Russia trimmed output to upstream customers like Belarus and Ukraine. Gazprom is the world's biggest producer and exporter of natural gas -- and Russia's most powerful company. It controls 20 percent of the world's natural gas reserves and operates the world's largest gas distribution network covering an area from Europe to the Far East, according to its website. Gazprom exports energy to 32 countries and provides around 25 percent of the European Union's gas supplies. Formed in 1989 to replace the Soviet Ministry of the Gas Industry, Gazprom is closely tied to the Russian government, which owns a controlling 50 percent stake in the company. Medvedev is a former Gazprom chairman. In recent years, an increasingly confident Moscow has used Gazprom to assert its authority over Russia's former sphere of influence by offering heavily subsidized gas to ex-Soviet countries. But that policy has led to disputes as Gazprom has then sought to raise prices. Gazprom has switched off gas supplies to another former republic -- Ukraine -- several times in recent years in a row over payments and Kiev's rejection of proposals to hike rates. Those disputes ended earlier this year when Russia agreed to a 30 percent drop in the price of natural gas sold to Ukraine, in exchange for permission to extend Russia's lease of a major naval base in the Black Sea port of Sevastopol, Ukraine, for 25 years. | NEW: Belarus says it can't guarantee natural gas transit to Europe .
Talks to continue over debts owed to Russia by Belarus .
Gas cuts will be "gradual"
Gazprom operates the world's largest natural gas distribution network . |
2,540 | 0764d8aba3ab247eacc9b13d41438d82f131e4a4 | By . Francesca Chambers . Barack and Michelle Obama are just like any 'normal' parents when it comes to raising teenagers. Even the President and First Lady of the United States face teen troubles, Michelle Obama said in an interview Monday. And like other parents, Barack and Michelle have had to come up with their own secret parenting weapons. Scroll down for video . 'If they're like looking a little, you know, uninvolved in an event, I'll just lean over and be like, "If you don't smile, I'm gonna start dancin'," ' Obama said, gearing up to get her groove on, during an interview with Michael Strahan, co-host of Live with Kelly and Michael, on Monday . 'We're like any parents. We love to embarrass them,' the First Lady said of her and the President's approach to parenting daughers Sasha and Malia Obama . 'We're like any parents. We love to embarrass them,' the First Lady told Michael Strahan, co-host of Live with Kelly and Michael, during an interview on the White House lawn Monday. 'If they're like looking a little, you know, uninvolved in an event, I'll just lean over and be like, "If you don't smile, I'm gonna start dancin'," ' Obama said while gearing up to get her groove on in her seat. 'And it's like, "No mom, please. Whatever you do, just don't move," ' the First Lady continued, mimicking Sasha and Malia, the first daughters. The President's approach? Threatening to sing, the First Lady said. 'And Barack is like, I'm gonna sing, I'm gonna start singin'. Here I go. Here I go.' 'A little Al Green's comin' on,' Strahan said, referencing the President's 2012 performance of Al Green's hit Let's Stay Together. 'Dad feels like a number's comin' on,' Michelle Obama chimed in. More... First Lady of Nashville! Michelle Obama to guest star on the hit ABC drama alongside Connie Britton next month . Fit for a Mc-Queen! Elegant in a designer dove grey coat dress, Kate attends church with William on Easter Sunday in Sydney . Royals on Easter parade: Queen is joined by royal family members for service at St George's Chapel in Windsor . Fellow show co-host Kelly Rippa, who joined the interview via satellite from New York, had a parenting question of her own for Michelle Obama. Who is teaching the girls to drive, the President or the First Lady? 'It will be neither of us,' Michelle said. 'I think our agents don't want us driving with teenagers,' she continued. 'Especially the President's detail. I don't think they want him in the state when she's learning how to drive.' Malia Obama turns 16 in July. Sasha . Obama, who turns 13 in June, will not reach driving age until the Obamas . leave the White House. The President and First Lady are not allowed to drive in Washington, D.C. because of security concerns. Presidents have been known to drive their personal vehicles while on their personal property, but it is not common for the Commander-in- Chief to drive, even after he leaves office. 'We will fortunately be able to hand that responsibility over to someone else,' the First Lady told Rippa. President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama cheer a little egg roller as they host the White House Easter Egg Roll on the South Lawn of the White House on Monday. First Daughters Sasha and Malia Obama were not in attendance because today is a school day . Michelle Obama (center) walking with her daughters Malia (left) and Sasha (right) last month as they visit the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall of China in Beijing. President Barack Obama did not travel to China with the rest of the First Family . During the interview with Strahan, Michelle Obama also discussed how difficult it was to get the whole family together for family time on the weekends now that the girls have differing schedules and activities. She remarked that while the family tries to go to church as much as it can, as it did the day previous on Easter, it's not always possible. The Obamas often uses Sunday as a time to relax and catch up on the news, the First Lady said. 'We could be loungin' or nappin' or something like that,' the First Lady said. Strahan interviewed Obama at the White House as part of NBC's coverage of the annual White House Easter Egg Roll. The First Lady wore a colorful, checked shirt and belted kimono wrap and gray pants on Monday. She also sported a new hair do, sans bangs, which Rippa noted that the show's audience 'loved.' Sasha and Malia Obama were not in attendance of the Easter Egg Roll on Monday. 'They are in school today,' FLOTUS Press Secretary Joanna Rosholm told a White House pool reporter. | Michelle Obama gave an interview to Live with Kelly and Michael during the White House Easter Egg Roll on Monday.
During the interview she discussed her and Barack's parenting techniques.
'We're like any parents. We love to embarrass them,' she said of First Daughters Sasha and Malia Obama.
The First Lady also divulged that neither she nor the President would be teaching the girls how to drive.
'I think our agents don't want us driving with teenagers.' |
287,051 | ffec4ef56785d564409786985a8f69cadc48bf36 | By . Martin Robinson . PUBLISHED: . 02:44 EST, 14 January 2014 . | . UPDATED: . 04:07 EST, 14 January 2014 . Low numbers: Dr Ion Jinga, Romania's ambassador in Britain, says only two dozen of his countrymen have entered the UK since January 1 . Fewer than 25 Romanians have entered Britain since labour market restrictions were relaxed on January 1, according to the country's ambassador in London. Dr Ion Jinga claims the predicted rush of his countrymen to the UK after EU border controls were relaxed has not happened. The diplomat also says that ten companies have contacted his London embassy trying to get Romanians to work for them, and they have been forced to direct them to the Jobcentre. British border officials have not published figures showing how many Romanians and Bulgarians have entered the country since New Year's Day. But in Holland they say that 21 from Romania and 15 from Bulgaria have arrived in the past two weeks, and Mr Jinga says it will be similar for the UK. 'I do not see any reason why Holland would be less attractive than the . UK, with the geographic proximity playing in favour of the Dutch. What . we know is that on the flight into Luton airport on Jan 1, only two . Romanians took advantage of the lifting of border restrictions in . Britain,' he told the Daily Telegraph. Mr Jinga said that companies who have contacted them were urged by Romanian officials to advertise in the Jobcentre, not directly through them. 'British companies are currently advertising 5,000 posts for Romanians to plug gaps in the highly skilled jobs market,' he said. Romania is trying its hardest to stop a surge of its nationals leaving the country for the rest of the EU to keep its own economy stable. But the promise of higher wages elsewhere is difficult to resist now controls on movement were lifted. Victor Spirescu, 30, was treated to Costa Coffee by Labour MP Keith Vaz when he landed in England on New Year's Day after labour market restrictions were relaxed. He insisted he was here to work and not 'rob your country' when he arrived and said he was off to clean cars outside Aldi in Biggleswade, Bedfordshire. But his his career at a car wash lasted just a day before he quit and disappeared. Nwcomer: Romanian Victor Spirescu pictured meeting Keith Vaz as he arrived in the country on New Year's Day. He disappeared after spending one day working at a car wash . It came as former Tory Chancellor Kenneth Clarke dismissed suggestions that the EU is to blame for ‘unsustainable’ levels of immigration. Mr Clarke, who sits in the Cabinet as the prime minister’s trade envoy, said: ‘I just don’t think it’s true that the European Union is responsible for unacceptable waves of migration. The idea that you can have some fundamental debate that somehow stops all these foreigners coming here is rather typical right-wing, nationalist escapism.’ It caused a clash with Foreign Secretary William Hague, who insisted the lifting of controls on incomers from eastern European countries who joined the EU had triggered ‘large-scale migration’ and had been a ‘mistake’. But Laszlo Andor, the EU’s social affairs commissioner, suggested Britons were ‘emotional and misguided’ over the issue and would ‘pay more attention to the facts’ in the absence of a big influx from Bulgaria and Romania. | Dr Ion Jinga says influx of migrants since January 1 never happened .
Britain has not released figures but in Holland, 21 Romanians entered there .
'I don't see why Holland would be less attractive than the .
UK', Dr Jinga said . |
175,835 | 6f9c4930d02673932f0b7a3c5e9b22a3d543d16e | (CNN)There used to be an ad campaign for American Express featuring the line, "Do you know me?" Larry Wilmore could probably be its poster boy. The writer and comedian, whose new "The Nightly Show" debuts on Comedy Central on Monday after Jon Stewart's "Daily Show," has generally stayed behind the scenes. Sure, he's popped up occasionally on "The Daily Show" as "Senior Black Correspondent," but he's devoted much of his career to writing and producing. It didn't start out that way. In the 1980s, he dropped out of college to become an actor and stand-up comedian. (You may remember him as a police officer on "The Facts of Life.") It was a few years later when he decided to become a TV writer. As Wilmore tells it, he was just being practical. "I knew Hollywood wasn't going to find me," he told New York magazine of his acting years, when the standard casting call wanted black men closer to Eddie Murphy's fast-talking types. "I needed to be able to control my own destiny. Being an actor was too flighty." After success as a writer for "In Living Color," "Sister, Sister" and "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air," he turned producer with "The PJs," the animated Eddie Murphy show, and the offbeat "Bernie Mac Show." He had returned to standup and done some hosting with a touring show called "Larry Wilmore's Race, Religion and Sex," but was ready to go back to producing as the show runner for "Black-ish." Instead, he decided to stay in front of the camera to host "The Nightly Show," which is taking over the "Colbert Report" time slot. He doesn't seem intimidated. Not only is he going to be in Colbert's old offices and using his old studio, "I'm also moving into Stephen's house and driving his old car," he told The New York Times. Wilmore grew up in the Los Angeles area, where comedy was a regular part of his growing up. It's still a family affair: His brother Marc is a writer for "The Simpsons." Hard work is also in his makeup. His father was a probation officer who decided to become a doctor -- in his 40s. "He started taking premed courses, and he just did it. He was a really solid student because he had perspective," Wilmore told The New York Times. "He wasn't out playing beer pong every night. It was such a lesson to me." Wilmore has distinguished himself on "The Daily Show," where his Senior Black Correspondent has chimed in on such subjects as Black History Month, Barack Obama's presidency and the Ferguson violence. He's already had to adjust to changes at "The Nightly Show," which was originally announced as "The Minority Report with Larry Wilmore." Unfortunately for Comedy Central, Fox decided to develop a project based on the 2002 Tom Cruise movie, so Comedy Central opted for "The Nightly Show." But the easygoing Wilmore is OK with that. Besides, the show wasn't just going to be about people of color, he told The New York Times. "It was never intended to be a show only about minorities," he said. "It's a show about underdogs, and that happens in a lot of different forms, whether it's race, gender or whatever." According to New York magazine, the new show will have some regular cast members, a few panelists and Wilmore, anchoring it all with monologues and his distinct take on the news. Rory Albanese, the "Nightly Show's" executive producer, told The Wall Street Journal that Wilmore's training behind the scenes will serve him well. "Larry's like a Jedi" of TV and comedy, he said. Wilmore himself is taking a casual attitude to the inevitable attention. You didn't know him before? You may soon see him everywhere, but he'll be the same Larry Wilmore regardless. "It's too late for success to do anything to me. I'm too old. Success had its chance," he told The New York Times. "It's too late for you, success. You had your shot. You're not going to change me at this point." | Larry Wilmore's "Nightly Show" taking over Colbert's old time slot .
Most of Wilmore's experience behind scenes, though he's appeared on "Daily Show" |
239,711 | c2551df1d5e71032e816295d5d61646e061a8ae1 | By . Daily Mail Reporter . PUBLISHED: . 14:17 EST, 12 November 2012 . | . UPDATED: . 02:57 EST, 13 November 2012 . Angela Merkel was greeted with Nazi jibes from protesters in Lisbon today as she arrived in the Portuguese capital to advocate the benefits of austerity and economic reforms. As with her recent trips to bailed-out Greece and debt-stricken Spain, demonstrators unhappy about tax hikes and pay cuts devised to improve public finances turned their anger on the German leader. Portugal needed a 78 billion euro ($99 billion) rescue package last year when it was engulfed by the eurozone's debt crisis and living standards have dropped sharply. Heated debate: Protesters burn a puppet of German Chancellor Angela Merkel during a demonstration against austerity cuts and tax increases in Lisbon, Portugal . Pulling the strings: A demonstrator holds two puppets representing Portuguese Prime Minister Pedro Passos Coelho and German Chancellor Angela Merkel during a protest in front of the Palace of Belem in Lisbon . A protest march in Lisbon featured dummies with Merkel's face and with T-shirts saying 'Adolf Merkel' and including a swastika. Banners said 'Merkel Nazi, Go Away!' and, in German, 'Merkel Raus' (Merkel Out). 'I think it's wrong what they are doing,' said Luis Miguel, an actor who was carrying puppets representing Merkel and Portuguese Prime Minister Pedro Passos Coelho. 'It's not right what they are taking from the people.' Merkel told a news conference with Passos Coelho she was 'not particularly bothered' by the Nazi references, saying people had a right to express their views. Germany is the eurozone's biggest and strongest economy and contributes more than the other 16 members to bailouts for financially troubled members. In return, it has demanded that rescued eurozone members adopt spending cuts and enact reforms that take away long-standing workers' entitlements in order to improve competitiveness. Feelings run high: As with her recent trips to bailed-out Greece and debt-stricken Spain, demonstrators unhappy about measures devised to improve public finances turned their anger on the German leader . On the frontline: Some hooded protesters pushed over a barricade keeping them away from a venue where Merkel was due to appear and riot police with shields and dogs were deployed to push demonstrators back . That has made Merkel a lightning rod for public discontent. In a startling example of how a consensus on deficit-cutting has broken down within the Portuguese establishment, a major business newspaper, Diario Economico, ran an opinion piece on Monday condemning Merkel for pushing the Portuguese government to impose austerity measures in the depth of a recession. 'Merkel has made an economic Frankenstein out of Portugal,' the newspaper said, warning of a downward spiral in activity. Reactions to Merkel's visit illustrated the split in Europe over how to handle the continent's debt crisis. Merkel and the Portugal's center-right government insist austerity policies must continue. Battle lines drawn: Reactions to Merkel's visit illustrated the split in Europe over how to handle the continent's debt crisis . Face-off: A protester gestures at police officers during a demonstration against German Chancellor Angela Merkel in central Lisbon . Portugal's main opposition Socialist . Party, like French president Francois Hollande, wants a softer emphasis . on cuts and greater focus on measures to improve growth. That demand has . won broad public support in Portugal. Authorities laid on heavy security . for the visit, but the marches drew only a few hundred people, unlike in . Athens and Madrid, where demonstrations have drawn tens of thousands . and sometimes become violent. Some hooded protesters pushed over a barricade keeping them away from a venue where Merkel was due to appear, and riot police with shields and dogs were deployed to push demonstrators back. Merkel praised Portugal's coalition government for complying with the terms of its bailout agreement. Germany and other bailout lenders - the other eurozone countries, the International Monetary Fund and the European Central Bank - are keen for Portugal to stay the course, sparing the continent more difficulties like those in Greece. In the firing line: Portuguese President Anibal Cavaco Silva (right) welcomes Mrs Merkel before their meeting at Belem Palace in Lisbon . The Portuguese government predicts a third straight year of recession in 2013, and the jobless rate has risen to almost 16 percent. 'I think Portugal's conditions for growth have improved greatly recently because of this adjustment program and the courageous action of the government,' Merkel told reporters. 'We have to keep our word' on promises to cut debt levels, she said, adding that austerity must go hand-in-hand with reforms to make eurozone countries more internationally competitive. 'It will be a tough path,' she said. The visit came at a tense moment for the government, which is steering another austerity budget through Parliament. The 2013 state budget includes what Finance Minister Vitor Gaspar has called 'enormous' income tax hikes that many observers say will choke growth and make it harder for the country to pay off debt. The government has an overall parliamentary majority, allowing it to force through the measures in a vote scheduled for the end of the month. Merkel's visit coincided with the start of the sixth regular assessment by international inspectors of Portugal's progress in implementing the bailout agreement. The assessment is expected to last about two weeks. | Demonstrators wore T-shirts saying 'Adolf Merkel' and including a swastika .
Signs say 'Merkel Nazi, Go Away!' and, in German 'Merkel Raus' (Merkel Out)
German Chancellor arrived in Lisbon to renew endorsement of spending cuts and tax increases .
Local newspaper says measures have 'made a Frankenstein out of Portugal' |
86,701 | f60d593ab9786578bbedfebe658c4c537618327b | The scientist who pioneered the cervical cancer vaccine was found dead by her husband at their £2million home after he warned she was ‘heading for a crisis’ by working too hard. Dr Anne Szarewski, 53, a university lecturer whose discovery has saved thousands of lives, was begged to slow down by her husband, who was becoming increasingly concerned about the pressure she was putting on herself. In August he found her dead in their four-bedroom home in West Hampstead, north London, after he spent two hours drilling through a door she had locked from the inside. Mystery: Doctors are still at a loss to explain Dr Anne Szarewski's death in her Hampstead home in August . Doctors are still at a loss to explain what exactly caused the researcher’s death. She was found with high levels of an anti-malarial drug in her bloodstream, but doctors said this was not thought to have caused her death. Her husband Lester Venter said that, before her death, he and many of her friends had become extremely worried about her heavy workload. Dr Szarewski, who used her maiden name, was preparing for five international work trips and had been complaining that she was experiencing all-over body pains with ‘mounting intensity’. University lecturer: Dr Anne Szarewski's discovery has saved thousands of lives . Mr Venter, 63, told the inquest into her death at St Pancras Coroner’s Court: ‘I was in the habit of telling her that she was heading for a crisis. I just realised she couldn’t maintain the pace that she was setting for herself.’ Dr Szarewski is credited with . discovering the link between the human papillomavirus and cervical . cancer, leading to a vaccine for HPV – the first-ever vaccine against . any form of cancer – which is now routinely given to girls across the . country. Her husband described her work as ‘nothing short of historic’. Born . in London to Polish parents, she studied medicine at Middlesex Hospital . before working at the Whittington Hospital in Highgate, North London. Latterly . she worked as a gynaecologist at the Margaret Pike Centre in King’s . Cross, was a clinical lecturer at the Wolfson Institute, Queen Mary, . University of London, and also worked for Cancer Research. Her . husband of ten years, a former political journalist from South Africa, . told the court the couple slept in separate bedrooms because they . enjoyed their own space. Mr . Venter said that he woke up on August 24 after a night at the theatre . and when his wife did not come down for breakfast he was initially . pleased that she was having a well-deserved lie-in. When she still had not emerged at 2pm, however, he became concerned and found her bedroom door was locked. Employment: Born in London to Polish parents, she studied medicine at Middlesex Hospital before working at the Whittington Hospital (pictured) in Highgate, North London . After . two hours trying to open it with an electric drill, he forced his way . inside. ‘As I entered the room I saw her on the bed and I realised . straight away that she was dead,’ he said. The . couple’s home contained two-and-a-half cupboards of medication, a . collection Mr Venter described as one of his wife’s ‘charming . eccentricities’. A pathologist’s report read out to the inquest found the scientist died with a fatally inflamed pancreas. 'She was unique. She was cheerful, erudite and quite the finest person it has been my privilege to know. On the scientific level, her achievements have been nothing short of historic' Lester Venter, husband . The . anti-malaria drug Chloroquine was discovered in her blood. It is known . to be highly toxic in overdose quantities. A packet was later found in . the house but this is not thought to have been the cause of death and . the coroner recorded a verdict of death by natural causes. Mr Venter said he had received messages ‘from all over the world’ in tribute to the ‘extraordinary woman’ he had married. ‘I . needed no reminding,’ he said. ‘She was unique. She was cheerful, . erudite and quite the finest person it has been my privilege to know. ‘On the scientific level, her achievements have been nothing short of historic. ‘Her . discovery of the cause of cervical cancer led to the first-ever vaccine . against any form of cancer. Women all over the world are now getting . the vaccine and thousands owe their lives to Anne’s work. ‘We had a wonderful life. I am heartbroken that it has been cut short. ‘But I will remain boundlessly proud of my wife for as long as I will miss her, which is till the end of my days.’ | Discovery by Dr Anne Szarewski, of London, has saved thousands of lives .
Husband was worried about pressure 53-year-old was putting on herself .
Found her dead in their £2million four-bedroom home in West Hampstead . |
47,443 | 85c2c9c4786480a6c5c99ed409f28b13fabec4b3 | By . Francesca Chambers for MailOnline . The Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agency released more than 600 criminal aliens into the U.S. amid a budget shortfall in 2013, an audit of the department released today revealed. The year-long investigation found that ICE released 2,226 illegal immigrants in February 2013 just before the sequestration went into effect in an effort to cut costs. On the weekend of February 23 alone, the inspector general report says ICE released 1,450 illegal immigrants. Conservative news website The Daily Signal, which first obtained the audit, reports that 617 of the aliens released were criminals whose detention was mandatory. The surge of Central Americans illegally entering the country throughout the last two years has overwhelmed Immigration Customs and Enforcement officials. An audit of ICE found that it released 2,226 detainees, including 617 criminals, last year in the face of a budget shortfall . The Houston and Phoenix areas saw the largest number of criminals releases, while the largest total number of immigrant releases occurred in the Phoenix and San Diego areas . The Houston and Phoenix areas saw the largest number of criminals releases, while the largest total number of immigrant releases occurred in the Phoenix and San Diego areas. Immigration officials 'did not release aliens they considered a danger to the community,' however, the audit states. While ICE initially told Congress that the releases were tied to budget cuts caused by the sequestration the Department of Homeland Security's Office of Inspector General says the agency was already facing a $90 million budget shortfall. 'ICE did not anticipate the potential consequences of its decision to release 1,450 immigration detainees over one weekend,' the watchdog agency's report states. 'As a result, ICE was unprepared to respond to congressional inquiries about the detainee releases and provided incorrect data.' According to the report, ICE secretly ran into financial trouble after the U.S. border with Mexico began being inundated by Central American immigrants. Between fiscal year 2011 and 2012 the . number of illegal immigrants captured in the Rio Grande Valley area of . Texas rose by 66 percent, the report states. 'ICE executive leadership did not plan adequately for increased Border Patrol apprehensions on the southern border in the Rio Grande Valley,' the audit found. Compounding the issue is that the same area saw a 139 . percent increase in non-Mexican arrivals. Non-Mexican immigrants take longer for ICE to process because they must have certain travel documents and have to be flown home. Mexican immigrants can be immediately deported and bused home. Congress requires ICE to be able to hold 34,000 immigrants at all times, but only provides funding for 31,300 detainees, or beds, as immigration officials say. The rest of ICE's funding comes from other, less reliable means, the report explains. 'This funding structure leaves ICE with inadequate resources when there is an increase in detainees,' it said, noting in its recommendations that ICE needs to request of Congress funding for the total amount of beds it needs. The IG audit state that each bed costs ICE $122 a day, or $4.15 million a day or 34,000 detainees. If ICE maintains the bare minimum detainee population at its facilities, that makes for a grand total of $1.5 billion a year. Deporting non-Mexican illegal immigrants takes longer, causing pile ups at ICE detention centers . The influx of illegal immigrants put ICE over its legally required capacity at 35,610 beds at the beginning of 2013, causing a budget shortfall just as additional budget cuts from sequestration were scheduled to kick in. ICE had intended to meet its budgetary obligations by releasing even more illegal immigrants and reducing it's number of detainees to 25,700, but Congress informed the agency of the 34,000 requirement. The Office of Inspector General says that ICE then asked the Office of Management and Budget for $22 million in additional funding, but before it could make a final decision ICE secretly released the 2,226 illegal immigrants without permission from its parent agency, the Department of Homeland Security. Because ICE's 'detention population included few . detainees whose detention was not mandatory and who did not have . criminal convictions,' many criminals were included in the release, the Inspector General audit released today found. Other non-criminals 'were not suitable for release' the report said. 'This . caseload included national security and extradition cases, aliens . awaiting sentencing in criminal cases, and aliens already scheduled for . removal' After the initial release, ICE reportedly redetained 54 aliens but did not say why. The Associated Press first reported the massive discharge of detainees in early March, a charge that Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano denied, claiming that hundreds, not thousands, of aliens were released. Later that month, ICE director John Morton publicly admitted that the number did run in the thousands. 'We were trying to live within the budget that Congress had provided us,' he told Congress. 'This was not a White House call. I take full responsibility.' | A year long investigation of Immigration and Customs Enforcement found the agency released 2,226 illegal immigrants in an effort to cut costs .
That number includes 617 criminal aliens whose detention was mandatory .
On the weekend of February 23 alone, the inspector general report says ICE released 1,450 illegal immigrants .
The report found that ICE kept the release secret from it's parent agency, the Department of Homeland Security . |
60,221 | ab2539c9d36d7a1688b06f0960cfe0598f9d2457 | Al-Qaeda terrorists in Syria have been ordered to target the Queen at British sporting events such as Wimbledon and Cheltenham races. FA Cup matches are also on the list of recommended events, with 'martyrdom bombers' advised to detonate explosives at the final whistle. In a series of recommendations published in the terror group's English-language magazine, jihadists are told to act as a 'lone wolf' and use car bombs for 'killing individuals'. Target: Inspire magazine, published in the Arabian Peninsula, lists events attended by the Queen to target . It comes as it is revealed the top five MI5 and MI6 operations involve tracking British terrorists trained in Syria. More than half the 400 extremists who travelled from the UK to fight in Damascus have returned home, sparking a surge in security measures. Inspire magazine, published in the Arabian Peninsula, lists Britain as Al Qaeda's biggest target after America. It suggests attacks on London's Savoy hotel and French seaside towns popular with UK tourists as places where terrorists can cause 'maximum carnage'. 'Hit two birds with one stone; both the English and the French,' it states, according to the Sunday Times. Wimbledon is one of the tournaments where jihadists could cause 'maximum carnage', the author claims . Specific advice tells readers to detonate bombs at tournaments such as the FA Cup final on the final whistle . 'In the beginning of summer we have . Cheltenham, and [at] the end of summer we have Epsom, whereby horse . races are attended by thousands from around the kingdom including the . Queen.' The author, named as . AQ Chef, adds: 'You have soccer stadiums, especially during Premier . League and FA Cup matches. They have worldwide live [sic] media . coverage. 'The best time is after the final whistle, when huge crowds leave the stadium and celebrate around the entrances.' The twelfth issue of the magazine, published on March 14, . encourages readers to build their own car bomb - which it provides . instructions of how to do - and detonate it outside the hotel. The magazine published by Al Qaeda names Britain as the group's main target after America . It suggests carrying out the attack at 10pm when, it says, 'high profile targets' will be exiting. According to the article, this is 'a perfect place and time to detonate your car bomb.' Home Office minister James Brokenshire told the Sun plots by British jihadists like these are a 'significant and growing proportion of the security services' work'. Last year, 24 people were arrested in connection with Syrian terror; this year there have been 20. Ten charities linked to Syria are also under surveillance after it emerged the head of a Midlands coach firm, Adeel Ali, was pictured with an AK47. A spokesman for the Metropolitan Police said counter-terrorism officers monitor the magazine closely but would not release details of any additional security measures. He said: 'The MPS Counter Terrorism Command is aware of the website and appropriate steps have been put in place. 'As part of our continued work, we regularly work with, and support, industry and crowded places with a variety of briefings and advice.' Both the Savoy and the company that manages it, Fairmont Hotels and Resorts, were contacted but no one was available for comment. Suggestions for attacks include Bastille Military Day Parade and the Louvre art gallery, both in Paris, Sears Tower in Chicago and popular holiday destinations for western tourists, such as the Dordogne. The magazine carries an article about Al-Qaeda cleric Anwar al-Awlaki, who was killed in a US drone strike in 2011. In the piece, al-Awlaki is quoted justifying the killing of civilians by saying: 'Soldiers are expected to die… But a civilian is not. So when you you hit the civilian you hit them where it hurts and that is what our tactics are about.' As well as these sort of instructions, the magazine contains practical advice on how to carry out an attack. The Dordogne in France is listed as it is popular with British tourists, as is London's Savoy hotel . The article comes as both MI5 and MI6 angle their top five operations to focus on Syria-trained British jihadists - 250 of whom have returned home. This image emerged this week of a UK attacker calling for people to join him . These include methods of making bombs, which it claims can be made with easily accessible items and are simple enough to be followed 'in the kitchen of your mom.' The magazine's letter from the editor mocks the American government for failing to be able to 'protect its citizen from pressure cooker bombs in backpacks,' a reference to the attack on the Boston marathon in April 2013. It goes on to ask: 'I wonder if they are ready to stop car bombs.' | Propaganda magazine lists London's Savoy hotel and Cheltenham to target .
French British tourist spots advised - to 'kill two birds with one stone'
English-language article tells readers how to build car bomb .
Top five MI5 and MI6 operations tracking Syria-trained British jihadists . |
48,957 | 8a399765b444e06961eb3b7924419f2e4d8bed61 | By . Hanna Flint . PUBLISHED: . 05:07 EST, 5 July 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 10:56 EST, 5 July 2013 . Over: Jessie J has quit The Voice UK to focus on her new album and world tour . Jessie J has quit as judge on The Voice UK after two . series of the show, causing another blow to the BBC talent competition after dwindling viewing figures. The singer confirmed the news on Twitter, stating that the promotion of her new album must 'take priority.' 'I've absolutely loved my time on The . Voice and I hope everyone saw and knows how passionately I felt about the show. However, I can't wait to promote my new record around . the world and that has to take priority,' Jessie, 25, wrote on Friday. The Price Tag singer went on to say: ' I shall be keeping a very close eye on . series three, showing my support in every way I can, and really hope that in . some way that I can be part of the show.' Audience figures for the second . series failed to match those of the first run in 2012, however during . the final month of the show, they increased just as disabled contestant . Andrea Begley was crowned the winner. But will.i.am voiced his concern over . the result, tweeting after the final: 'Andrea is amazing... #dontGETmeWRONG...but we know who has the incredible #voice'. His act Leah McFall was the bookies' favourite, however she didn't have the public's backing in the end, despite achieving four top 30 hits in the iTunes chart prior to the final. Now Jessie will be leaving behind Tom Jones, Danny O'Donoghue and Will on the judging panel, but there is no guarantee the other celebrity coaches will not follow suit. In the past the judges have said that they take an 'all or . nothing' approach to the BBC1 talent competition, and would only continue their roles if they all were in it together. Scroll down for video . Music first: Jessie confirmed the news via Twitter on Friday morning . Do you think Jessie J made the right decision in quitting The Voice? Jessie has failed to see either of . her final contestants - Vince Kidd in series one and Matt Henry in . series two - win the competition with Tom Jones and Danny O'Donoghue the . victorious mentors across the board so far. But . the merits of winning the series have also been called into question as . the previous winner Leanne Mitchell, mentored by the Welsh warbler, . sold fewer than 1,000 copies of her debut album. Despite her . departure, Jessie may have some involvement in the third series which . the broadcaster announced would take place next year. Farewell: The singer will be leaving behind Tom Jones, Danny O'Donoghue and will.i.am on the judging panel . Not goodbye: Despite confirming her departure, the BBC hope she will return to perform on series three . Worth the time? The first series winner Leanne Mitchell only sold 1,000 copies of her debut album . 4/11 Tom Jones, Danny O'Donoghue 2/5 will.i.am 5/2 Cheryl Cole 5/1 Nicole Scherzinger 8/1 Jamelia, Robbie Williams10/1 Kylie Minogue, Alexandra Burke12/1 Adele, Kian Egan, Olly Murs16/1 Emeli Sande20/1 Ana Matronic, Leona Lewis20/1 Nicola Roberts, Professor Green20/1 Noel Gallagher, Nicki Minaj25/1 Annie Lennox25/1 Dannii Minogue25/1 Russell Watson, Plan B25/1 Madonna, LeAnn Rimes33/1 Ed Sheeran, Paloma Faith33/1 Louis Walsh40/1 Rod Stewart, Joss Stone40/1 Geroge Michael, Cliff Richard40/1 Labrinth, Samantha Mumba66/1 Sharon Osbourne80/1 Shane MacGowan, Grace Jones . The . short-haired singer had already had to postpone a major tour because of . her commitments to The Voice a few months ago and her second album had . to await completion until the show had ended. The . BBC's entertainment team also confirmed the singer's departure via . their own Twitter account, writing: 'Jessie J confirms she's leaving The . Voice to concentrate on promoting her album around the world.' Mark Linsey, controller of entertainment commissioning, . said: 'We're so sorry to see Jessie go as she's been an exceptional coach . on - and advocate for - The Voice, but we totally support her decision to leave . due to touring commitments overseas. 'We very much hope that Jessie will remain part of the . show and come back and perform for us next series. In the meantime, we will now . start the search for a new coach.' Paddy Power have suggested a number of potential replacements, giving Cheryl Cole the highest odds at 5/2 that she will be the newest member of the panel. Will they stay? With Jessie's departure, the other judges may follow suit . | The Price Tag singer said her music and new album 'has to take priority'
Audience figures dropped significantly during the show's second series .
Will.i.am condemned Andrea Begley's win over his act Leah McFall .
Last year's winner Leanne Mitchell sold just 1,000 copies of her debut album . |
222,981 | acaa8fa8773ca7208b1916cccd4c5acbb8282927 | An Oklahoma police department wants drug users to know 'the dope man' is done dealing in their town. Officers from the Warr Acres Police Department posted a note on the front door of the home of suspected drug peddler Aaron Phelps after they arrested him. The message read: 'The Dope Man is Out Of Business. 'If you have any questions contact Warr Acres Police 789-3329.' Scroll down for video . The Warr Acres Police Department posted this note at the home of a suspected drug dealer in Oklahoma . Officers arrested alleged drug dealer Aaron Phelps (pictured) and posted the sign when he was in custody . The WAPD hit Phelps, 19, with a number of charges and he is being held in the Oklahoma County Jail . The department was hoping to serve notice that drug use would not be tolerated in Warr Acres. According to neighbors, there were people coming and going from the 19-year-old's home 'at all hours of the day and night' and there was even a 'waiting line' outside the door at times. A search of the house turned up drug paraphernalia, a digital scale, a hand-drawn picture that said 'WEED,' and substances believed to be drugs, News 9 reported. The search also revealed sandwich bags labeled 'OG Green' and 'Crack'. Oklahoma County records show Phelps was charged with distributing a controlled dangerous substance, maintaining a place where a controlled dangerous substance was kept, possession of an offensive weapon while committing a felony and possession of drug paraphernalia, last month. The department was hoping the sign would serve notice that drug use would not be tolerated in Warr Acres . After the police department posted the sign on Twitter, people began commenting how funny it was . One of Phelps' neighbors said the sign was 'kind of bad' but also 'hilarious,' KFOR reported. He wasn't the only one who found it funny. After the department posted a photo of the sign on Twitter - only the WAPD's third tweet ever - social media users began sharing and commenting about it. They tagged the post with: 'WAPD Criminal Investigations Unit shutting down another dope house in Warr Acres! #whosenext #wewontstop.' The Oklahoma County Sheriff's Office re-posted the image on Facebook. The sheriff's office then posted a picture of its own and incorporated some Valentine's Day humor. The Oklahoma County Sheriff's Office re-posted the sign on Facebook and followed it up with another image that attempted to incorporate some Valentine's Day humor (pictured) The tweet the WAPD sent out with the image of the sign was only the third time the department had tweeted . Warr Acres Sergeant John Gray said that although some found the sign funny, the department 'didn't mean it as a joke' and takes the situation very seriously. He said: 'We wanted the citizens to know that we're doing everything we can to make their neighborhood safer for them and for their children. 'If we have information that there's narcotics activity within our city limits, we will do everything we can to shut them down.' Phelps is being held in the Oklahoma County Jail on a $15,500 dollar bond, according to reports. | Officers from Warr Acres Police Department in Oklahoma posted the note .
It was put on the home of alleged drug dealer Aaron Phelps after his arrest .
Search revealed a scale and sandwich bags labeled 'OG Green' and 'Crack'
A neighbor said the humorous sign was 'kind of bad' but also 'hilarious' |
207,056 | 981b6a0e560331301de47b1fafaf4f2e22dde1c8 | Algeria (CNN) -- Mohammed Qassi Al Saeed, Mohammed Shoaib, Saleh Larbas, Jamal Manad, and Tak Ben Sawlah all played international football for Algeria in the 1980s. But, as well as being teammates for their national side, the players also share another common bond -- each one of them has fathered a child that suffers from mental health problems. The players say they suspect this is no coincidence, more a direct consequence of taking performance-enhancing drugs while playing for their country, without their knowledge or consent. Rashid Hanafi is a respected figure in Algerian sport. He is president of the Algerian Olympic Committee, but was once doctor for the national side. He admits that suspicious practices occurred during the 1980s. "When Russian Gennady Rogov took over as coach in 1981, I was not allowed to take a look at the medical records of the players any more," Hanafi told CNN. "I suspected he was trying to do some suspicious tests, and this is why I submitted a detailed report to the national center of Algeria sports and medicine and the ministry of sports. "But they asked me not to interfere in the work of the Russian team, which is why I decided to resign. "Whether the coaches used drugs on the players, and whether that affected their children negatively is something I cannot confirm. But nonetheless, Russians were known in the late 1970s and early 1980s for their suspicious behavior on the sport field." Hanafi added: "It is not necessarily true that these drugs had a direct effect on the children, but if we look at the whole situation we'll find that most players' children have some mental issues." Rogov, who is no longer alive, led Algeria to a famous victory over West Germany at the 1982 World Cup. CNN's efforts to reach any doctors who worked with the Algerian team at that time proved unsuccessful. But could these players and their families merely be victims of coincidence? Professor Richard Sharpe, a senior scientist at the Medical Research Council Human Reproductive Sciences Unit in Scotland, doubts that any performance-enhancing drug or steroid could be transferred to offspring in such a manner. "It is possible you can take a drug that would cause mutations of DNA and therefore result in children being born with disabilities," Sharpe told CNN. "But I think it is extremely unlikely that this would happen -- and I know of no drugs or substances that would be used to enhance sporting prowess that could be transferred and therefore cause these abnormalities." Like Hanafi, none of the players can prove there is a direct link, but they want answers to what has happened to their children -- and it is their words that are most poignant of all. Shoaib had three daughters who all suffered mental health problems, with one of them, he says, dying as a result of her condition. "Nobody can understand our suffering," he told CNN. "I am shocked because I never took drugs in my life -- unless of course I was given them without our knowledge and that the Russian coaches knew it." He added: "Some years later, I met with some of my former teammates and we discovered that we were all in the same situation: me, Qassi Al Saeed (his daughter), Larbas (a son), Jamal Manad (three sons) and Ben Sawlah (daughter). We all played at the same time, so we decided to make it public, and find out why." None of the players would elaborate on those mental issues, which is not uncommon given cultural taboos surrounding the issue in that part of the world. Larbas' son Bilas is now 12 years old. "When he was born, I said, 'This is our fate, and we should accept it,' " Larbas told CNN. "It did not come to my mind that this could be something related to drugs, until I met up with the other guys. "I remember the Russian doctors who used to supervise our treatment during training sessions; all we cared about was playing and winning. I know it will be difficult to reveal the truth without sufficient evidence, but opening an investigation is very important." Al Saeed also wants answers. "I believe in fate, but having the same mental problem among everyone in the team is something very strange," he told CNN. "I don't understand what Dr. Hanafi said in terms of not allowing him to view the files, which means that a group of people were doing something in the dark, but we will not stop asking for our right to know." He added: "My second daughter, Madina, was born in 1989. When she reached school age, she said to me: 'Why can't I go to school like other girls?' I did not know what to say, so I held her and cried. "Is there anyone in this world who prefers money and fame and have some unhealthy children? I don't think so, so we need immediate answers from authorities. We know that reopening this case is difficult, but we need to know the reasons that made us reach this point." | Several former Algerian footballers have fathered children with disabilities .
These players believe they were administered drugs in the 1980s without their consent .
The Algerian national team had Russian coaches and doctors at the 1982 World Cup .
Scientist doubts that effects of performance-enhancing drugs can be passed on . |
174,175 | 6d6a6a204be86a3d6d8fed738c7407759c29884d | An incredible video has emerged showing the moment an elderly woman bravely confronted two Islamic State militants, telling them their terror group is cursed and that they are not back by God. The video, which is believed to have been shot in Syria, shows the woman walks up to the fighters' car, brand them both 'devils' and tell them: 'I swear nothing you have done was in the way of God'. Clearly shocked at being confronted, the men initially plead with the woman, telling her to explain what she means and asking if 'everything is good between us?'. The woman chooses to ignore the men's attempts to justify ISIS' brutality, however, and instead attacks their bloodthirsty savagery and accuses them of 'killing each other like donkeys'. Scroll down for video . Condemned: The video, which is believed to have been shot in Syria, shows the woman walks up to the fighters' car, brand them both 'devils' and tell them: 'I swear nothing you have done was in the way of God' Becoming increasingly frustrated, the men eventually tell the woman they are busy and order her to go away . The video begins with the elderly woman walking up to the militants car and berate them for being members of the barbaric terrorist organisation. Repeatedly urging them to 'turn back to God' she tells the fighters that ISIS is cursed and that neither they nor Bashar al-Assad's Syrian regime will emerge from the bloodshed victorious. The men initially respond to her berating them by asking her what has prompted her attack. They then try to justify their actions by telling her of their recent prayer sessions. The woman, who wears traditional Arabian clothing, ignores the men and continues her attack, swearing at them at insisting that ISIS' brutality is 'making us go backwards'. Becoming increasingly frustrated, the men change their tone and begin telling the woman they are busy and she should go away. They then resort to mockery when she begins reciting verses from the Koran that warn against fighting and slaughter when it is possible to make peace. 'You don't want this slaughtering, nor do you want this murder,' she says, prompting one of the militants to chillingly reply: ' We have come to you with slaughter'. Angry: The video begins with the elderly woman walking up to the militants car and berate them for being members of the barbaric terrorist organisation . Brave: The men initially respond to her berating them by asking her what has prompted her to say ISIS is cursed. They then try to justify their actions by telling her of their recent prayer sessions . ISIS militants (pictured) have brought a regime of brutal rape and torture to vast swathes of Syria and Iraq . Throughout the video the woman's face twists in fury as she demands they stop killing people. 'Do not slaughter anyone and nobody will slaughter you. It's all forbidden. I swear nothing you have done was in the way of God,' she says. 'God is watching what you are doing. 'Those who deny our verses and are arrogant towards them, the gates of heaven will not be opened for them, nor will they enter paradise,' she adds. The video then comes to an end without showing what became of the brave elderly woman. Yesterday Jordanian air force jets bombed ISIS hideouts in Syria, state television said, resuming the intensified raids that ended at the weekend after three days. The raids are the first the Jordanian military have announced since three straight days of aerial bombing - in retaliation for the killing of a pilot - that ended on Saturday. Mouath al-Kasaesbeh was burned to death by Islamic State militants two weeks ago. 'The airforce has bombed and destroyed select targets of the Daesh criminal gang this afternoon,' it said. 'Daesh' is a derogative Arabic term for the militants. Islamic State hostage John Cantlie has told his family to 'let him go' and 'get on with their lives' - days after appearing on a propaganda video which he ominously warned was the last in the series. In an article released last night for the terror group's magazine, Dabiq, Cantlie thanks his relatives and fiancee for their 'tireless efforts' campaigning for his release. However, he adds: 'Let it go. Leave it be and get on with your lives, all of you'. In an article released last night for the terror group's magazine, Dabiq, Cantlie thanks his relatives and fiancee for their 'tireless efforts' campaigning for his release . Referring to an interview given by his partner, the photo journalist says: 'That was my fiancee, whom I hope now has long since forgotten me and moved on. 'What can the remnants of one family, smashed and emotionally exhausted after two years of campaigning, be expected to do by themselves.' In the article, Cantlie, 44, has also been made to criticise the international campaign of air strikes against Islamic State, claiming that 'every bomb dropped in Syria or Iraq serves as a recruitment tool for the Islamic State'. Cantlie - who has previously claimed to have accepted that he is likely to be brutally murdered by the terrorists - said the video released three days ago (pictured) was 'the last in this series' The magazine and video have been released in the wake of the horrific video showing the burning to death of captured fighter pilot Moaz al-Kasasbeh by IS fighters and claims by the group that US aid worker hostage Kayla Mueller had been killed in air strikes in revenge for the Jordanian's shocking murder. There has been concern for the safety of Cantlie since he was captured in Syria in November 2012 together with the now murdered US correspondent James Foley. Eight international hostages, including two Britons, have been executed by the group but during the period of their murders Cantlie has been used for a series of nine expertly-made propaganda videos by IS. | Two ISIS fighters were sitting in a car when the elderly woman approached .
She told them the terror group is cursed and that they are not backed by God .
Militants initially plead with the woman to explain why she is so angry .
But they soon begin mocking her and angrily tell her to leave them alone .
The footage, believed to have been filmed in Syria, then cuts out and it is not known what happened to the elderly woman . |
121,367 | 28e24b2310220c427aa6010850b5e677d2c6db05 | (CNN) -- Israeli warplanes struck five targets in Gaza on Saturday evening in "retaliation" for what a military spokesman called "terrorist aggression." Four of the "targeted ... terror sites" were in northern Gaza while one was in southern Gaza, according to the Israel Defense Forces. Lt. Col. Peter Lerner, a military spokesman, said the strikes were "precision" and "intelligence-based." Dr. Ashraf Elkdra from Gaza's Shifa Hospital told CNN that there were no deaths or injuries reported as a result of the Israeli strike. The military actions follows what the Israeli military says were about 131 rockets launched from Gaza into Israel since last month. "It is our obligation to seek out those that wish to attack us, eliminate their capabilities and pursue them wherever they hide," Lerner said in a statement. It also comes as a tenuous point in effects to reach an elusive peace deal between Israeli and Palestinian leaders. Efforts to reach an agreement stalled last week, as Israel reneged on a scheduled release of Palestinian prisoners and the Palestinians responded by signing on to join 15 international bodies in defiance of their own commitment not to seek international recognition as a state. U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry stated the obvious when he called both moves "not helpful." | Israel say its warplanes "targeted" five locations in Gaza .
The strikes are in "retaliation" for what a military spokesman calls "terrorist aggression"
A doctor at a Gaza hospital reports no one killed or injured . |
117,830 | 2422198fcb0e200f2a987a298208b86cef59e123 | Paddy McNair has signed a new contract with Manchester United that will run until June 2017 and has the option of a further year. The 19-year-old made his first-team debut under Louis van Gaal against West Ham last September and has made 12 appearances in all competitions. McNair told MUTV: 'I'm very happy. It's a boyhood dream [to be in the first team]. I never would have expected this 12 months ago but it just shows how fast football can change. VIDEO Scroll down to watch Louis van Gaal confirms Paddy McNair's new contract . Paddy McNair signs his new Manchester United contract alongside manager Louis van Gaal . McNair has emerged as a key first-team player under Van Gaal at the Old Trafford club this season . 'It's great to be playing in the first team most weeks, playing at Old Trafford and going to different stadiums, playing against some of the best teams in the world.' Van Gaal added: 'Paddy has risen through the ranks to become an integral part of the first-team squad. He has all the attributes to develop into a top player. 'Promoting youth players is very important both to myself and to the club and I am delighted Paddy has signed a new contract.' The Dutchman even hinted at the weekend that McNair's future could be at right-back where United have been looking at right-sided centre-back Marquinhos of PSG and Barcelona veteran Dani Alves. He added: 'It is not only Paddy McNair who has impressed with his development, as I have given a lot of chances to younger players. But Paddy McNair has developed himself very well, not only as a central defender but now we are giving him the chance to develop as a fullback and he did it very well. 'He has done it already in the second team [Under-21s] and has done it now at a higher level in the first team. Maybe he shall be the right fullback of Manchester United for the next 10 years, you never know. He has the chance.' McNair impressed in United's recent victory over Cambridge as they progressed to the FA Cup Fifth Round . | Paddy McNair has extended his Manchester United contract until 2017 .
The defender made his senior debut against West Ham last September .
He has played 12 times for United this season, mainly at centre back .
But McNair has been backed to be the club's long-term right back .
CLICK HERE for all the latest Manchester United news . |
64,241 | b66eba0e67d1351bed882042e5124f011629ece1 | (CNN) -- Liverpool dumped Manchester United out of the English FA Cup with a dramatic late winner from Dirk Kuyt at Anfield on Saturday. In their first meeting since the Luis Suarez/Patrice Evra race row erupted in October last year, it was Liverpool who gained the early advantage as Daniel Agger headed home from a corner in the 21st minute. But United, who dominated possession in the first half, were back on level terms before the break as Park Ji-sung fired low past Jose Reina in the 39th minute. A scrappy second half ensued with neither side looking likely to score before Kuyt latched on to a flick from Andy Carroll to drill home an 88th-minute winner in front of a delirious Kop. The result capped a fine week for the Merseyside club as they eliminated both the blue and red sides of Manchester from English football's domestic cup competitions. Chelsea kept their hopes of winning a seventh FA Cup alive with a 1-0 win at local rivals Queens Park Rangers -- a Juan Mata penalty in the 62nd minute proving decisive. In the other all-Premier League ties, Bolton Wanderers came from behind to beat Swansea City 2-1 at the Reebok Stadium. Luke Moore put the visitors ahead in the 43rd minute only to see former Swansea player Darren Pratley equalize moments later. Bolton's winner came from Chris Eagles 10 minutes into the second period. West Bromwich Albion couldn't make the most of home advantage though, losing 2-1 to Norwich City. Grant Holt put the Canaries in front in the 34th minute with Marc Antoine-Fortune equalizing early on in the second half. But Simeon Jackson made sure of Norwich having their name in the fifth round draw with a goal five minutes from the end. Newcastle United won't be in the draw for the next round as they were beaten 1-0 by Championship side Brighton -- a Mike Williamson own goal in the 76th minute sending Gus Poyet's team through. Goals from Cameron Jerome and Robert Huth ensured last year's finalists, Stoke City do progress to the next round as they beat Derby County 2-0. In an all-Championship division tie, Millwall drew with Southampton, while a League One clash saw Stevenage beat Notts County 1-0. Championship side Hull City were sent crashing out by Division Two side Crawley Town -- Matt Tubbs getting the deciding goal in the 57th minute. Blackpool -- another Championship side -- drew 1-1 with League One's Sheffield Wednesday. Birmingham City enjoyed a comfortable 4-0 win over Sheffield United, while Leicester City beat Swindon Town 2-0. | Late winner from Dirk Kuyt sees Merseyside club progress to fifth round of historic English cup competition .
EPL giants Chelsea also progress with 1-0 win over Queens park Rangers .
Norwich City beat West Brom 2-1; Bolton Wanderers beat Swansea City by same margin . |
99,717 | 0c7acf71bd2f0eaab617e965141cf6931548dff2 | LONDON, England (CNN) -- Cholera is caused by becoming infected with a bacterium called vibrio cholera. It's a disease that affects the bowels and in its most severe form is characterized by acute watery diarrhoea that can lead to immediate death through severe dehydration and kidney failure. A man from Zimbabwe wheels his sick relative to a cholera clinic. Almost 12,000 people have contracted cholera since August in Zimbabwe, and the outbreak threatens to kill even greater numbers as the water situation becomes more desperate. Unicef says it plans on providing a month's supply of water treatment chemicals for the capital Harare where water supply has been cut off because the government of Robert Mugabe is unable to buy chemicals needed to clean tap water. With the world's eyes on Zimbabwe where it is estimated that more than 500 people have already died , many myths and misconceptions abound about cholera. CNN compiles some crucial cholera facts: . --Unlike other diarrhoeal diseases, cholera can kill a healthy adult within hours. --Cholera's short incubation period of two hours to five days enhances the potential for increased outbreaks . --Seventy-five percent of people infected with cholera do not exhibit any symptoms. --A total of 236 896 cases were reported in 2006, an overall increase of 79% compared with the number of cases reported in 2005 . --People who have HIV or are malnourished have a greater risk of dying from cholera than others. --The disease is mostly spread through contaminated water and food supplies. --The belief that cholera epidemics are caused by dead bodies after a disaster is false. --Cholera remains a problem in almost every developing country . --If untreated, as many as one in two people may die. --The true burden of the disease is grossly underestimated as not all cases are reported. Source: World Health Organization . | Cholera is a disease that affects the bowels and untreated .
Malnourished and HIV-infected people are at a high risk for death if infected .
Cholera is transmitted through contaminated water and food supplies . |
111,780 | 1c284fed923bd97590de78adf43155d5716de1ad | Carl Froch delivered his riposte to the unfortunate 'Death Row' taunt from George Groves, which is also likely to get the Londoner in a little trouble with the authorities. At the weigh-in in front of 4,000 boisterous fans, Froch said: 'I want to send him back into the hole he crawled out of and put this saga behind me'. Groves had likened Froch to a man on death row and his comment has not gone unnoticed by the Boxing Board of Control. VIDEO Scroll down to watch the pair showboat at the weigh-in and their intense square-up . Job done: Carl Froch and George Groves both made weight ahead of their rematch on Saturday . Face to face: Froch did the talking as both men came together for the final time before the first bell . General Secretary Robert Smith said: . 'It was a silly thing to say. We know that boxers sometimes say silly . things as a fight nears but this was unfortunate. 'It . is not appropriate to talk in terms of death in relation to this very . hard game of ours because unfortunately death sometimes happens. 'We . won't do anything about this until the fight is over but we will have a . think next week as to whether to have a word with George.' Froch was reprimanded by the Board after threatening to kill Mikkel Kessler before their rematch. The . Nottingham Cobra, who is defending his world super-middleweight titles . in front of a Wembley crowd of 80,000, was booed and jeered as he took . to the scales by a predominantly London crowd in the nearby Arena. Surprisingly, given that he is naturally the heavier man, Groves came in 1lb 4oz lighter than Froch. No worries: Groves looked confident as he weighed in well within the 12st limit at Wembley Arena . Inside: Froch weighed in just within the limit to ensure the rematch goes ahead on Saturday night . The . Cobra said to The Saint as they posed for the eyeball-to-eyeball . photographs: 'You look drawn and dehydrated. You've come in under . weight.' Later, Froch said: . 'He looks to me like he has put himself under pressure by saying he'll . knock me out in three rounds. Very nervous, if you ask me.' Groves responded by saying: 'I did the weight comfortably, we wanted to moan about the 4pm weigh-in for the sake of moaning. Business time: The trash talk will stop between Froch and Groves when they go toe-to-toe at Wembley . Cheeky to cheeky: Both Brits try to show they're relaxed ahead of the super middleweight world title bout . 'I feel perfect in mind, body and soul. I couldn't be more ready. 'Carl needs reassurance but he can't find it and for that reason he's going to struggle. I'd beat Carl Froch every night of the week.' Groves weighed 1lb 10oz under the 12st limit, while Froch scaled 11st 13lb 9oz. The . closest we came to drama was when one of Groves' sizeable contingent of . bodyguards engaged in a brief scuffle with an official security man. | George Groves weighed in slightly lighter than Carl Froch at 11st 12lb 4oz .
The champion was just under the 12st limit at 11st 13lb 9oz .
Froch was booed by the Wembley Arena crowd .
As many as 4000 fans packed in to watch the two fighters go head to head .
They are expected in the ring at Wembley at 10pm on Saturday night . |
225,317 | afc64a0ee0f0d19e72e9c19a838db6ca80702fd8 | A Texas man fatally shot his ex-girlfriend Tuesday morning before turning the gun on himself in a murder-suicide just hours after the woman went to the police seeking protection, police say. Heather Coglaiti, 33, reported her ex-boyfriend, 46-year-old Jose Calderon, to the Corpus Christi Police Department Monday seeking protection after he allegedly slashed her tires and sent her threatening text messages. Calderon spoke with police in a 37-minute interview and was released without being charged, according to BuzzFeed. Murder: Jose Calderon (right) fatally shot his ex-girlfriend, Heather Coglaiti (left)Tuesday morning before turning the gun on himself in a murder-suicide just hours after the woman went to the police seeking protection . Approximately 16 hours later, Coglaiti and Calderon were found dead in a Corpus Christi apartment. Police say Calderon forced his way inside the mother-of-three's apartment in Flour Bluff, shot her brother, shot her, then shot himself, KRIS-TV reports. Someone called the police around 5am Tuesday morning after hearing gun shots, and police arrived to the gruesome scene. Coglaiti's brother suffered a gunshot wound and was taken to a hospital where he was listed in stable condition, KZTV reports. Coglaiti's two young daughters were in another room when the shots rang out, they were not injured. The tragedy was the culmination of a series of incidents of domestic abuse between the two. The couple had broken up earlier this year after being in an on-again-off-again relationship for two years, according to KRIS-TV. Shot: Police say Calderon forced his way inside the mother-of-three's apartment in Flour Bluff, shot her brother, shot her, then shot himself . Police: Someone called the police around 5am Tuesday morning after hearing gun shots, and police arrived to the gruesome scene . Coglaiti's friends and family told KRIS that the after the two broke up in January, Calderon began harassing Coglaiti and she feared for her safety. In the last month, Coglaiti reportedly filed seven reports with the police against Calderon including receiving death threats, Calderon smashing her windows, and recently slashing her tires. Police say that once Calderon even poured a bottle of liquor on Coglaiti's head and threatened to set her on fire. Coglaiti's friends said she was afraid Calderon would go through with his threats. A friend of Coglaiti's told KIII-TV, that the woman lived in constant fear of Calderon and the victim's younger brother was staying with her and her three children in the apartment to protect them. 'There was a couple of times when police were called,' the friend said, 'but it was pretty much one of those things where she tried to handle it herself and they'd argue and he'd leave and she'd let him back in.' Abuse: Police say that once Calderon even poured a bottle of liquor on Coglaiti's head and threatened to set her on fire . Interview: In the 37-minute interview (photographed), Calderon admitted breaking her car windows but denied threatening her and slashing her tires . When Coglaiti reported Calderon to police Monday, Calderon agreed to give his side of the story. In the 37-minute interview, Calderon admitted breaking her car windows but denied threatening her and slashing her tires, KRIS reports. 'We've done this a lot through the whole two years, Calderon said. 'We go back and forth, we'll fight like this and she knows I won't punch her but she punches the hell out of me in the face and she'll bite, do whatever. 'She said, 'I'm so scared you're gonna kill me,' I've never said that out of my mouth...she's not quite as innocent as she makes it out to be.' There was not enough evidence to arrest Calderon after the interview, NBC reports, and he was released. Officials say this is the fourth homicide of the year and the third related to domestic violence. Police Chief Floyd told reporters Wednesday that the department had done all it could to help Coglaiti. | Jose Calderon, 46, fatally shot Heather Coglaiti, 33, Tuesday morning before turning the gun on himself in a murder-suicide .
The tragic incident occurred just hours after Heather sought police protection against the man .
Coglaiti has filed seven complaints against Calderon in the last month and feared for life as Calderon harassed her after she ended their relationship .
Calderon once poured liquor on Coglaiti's head and threatened to set her on fire .
Coglaiti had her brother come and live with her and her three children to protect them from Calderon . |
134,578 | 3a0c9a8efd011f0fc4cdd65a652cf250b2964abb | Two ivory poachers have been killed after brutally murdering a rare Indian rhinoceros at a wildlife sanctuary in the northeastern state of Assam. The one-horned rhino was found with its horn hacked off and removed in Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary about 28miles east of the city of Guwahati. Forest officials shot dead two of the poachers inside the sanctuary after exchanging fire at the scene of the killing. Scroll down for video . Tragedy: Forest officials inspect the body of a one-horned rhinoceros killed by poachers in a wildlife sanctuary in northeast India . A total of eight poachers entered the sanctuary and hunted down the lone rhino in the early hours of Wednesday. Security staff heard gunshots around 1am and arrived at the scene to catch the poachers in the act. Two men were killed in a gunfight, while the rest of the gang managed to flee with the horn. Unfortunately, the rhino could not be saved. Some justice: Forest officials shot and killed two of the poachers after they killed the rhino in the sanctuary, however, a others managed to escape with the horn . Punished: Bodies of the two poachers killed in the gunfight that followed the brutal killing of the rhino lie in the forest at Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary . Indian laborers dig a grave for the rhino at the Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary,home to 93 of the world's 3,000 Indian rhinoceros . The . sanctuary is home to 93 of the world’s estimated 3,000 wild Indian rhinoceros, a breed mainly found in northeastern India and Nepal. The Indian rhinoceros, also known as the one-horned rhinoceros, is the second largest mammal in Asia, after the Asian elephant. It is the second largest rhino in the world, and males weigh an average of 4,600lbs, but can range up to 8,800lbs . The . Indian rhino was previously found across the entire North Indian River . Plain, but its habitat has been reduced drastically due to excessive . hunting. Horrific: A video showing the injuries a white rhino sustained at the hands of poachers in Kruger National Park in South Africa went viral last month . WARNING: THE FOLLOWING FOOTAGE IS EXTREMELY GRAPHIC . | Rare one-horned Indian rhino attacked by poachers at wildlife sanctuary .
Forest officials managed killed two of the poachers as they fled .
Other members of the poaching gang fled with the animal's horn .
The sanctuary is home to 93 of the world's 3,000 wild Indian rhinos . |
273,781 | eea6ece209d54df68bb92b1f074686d7f14f1191 | Kaufman County, Texas (CNN) -- The memorial service Thursday for a slain Texas prosecutor and his wife was somber, but one phrase made mourners erupt in applause. "Chase 'em down. Go get 'em. Bring 'em to justice," said Chris Heisler, who led the service, drawing cheers and whistles from the crowd. "Take them out of the hole they come from." The emotional plea came as investigators search for suspects in the unsolved killings of two prosecutors that have shaken this Texas county and drawn national attention. Before the memorial, Texas Gov. Rick Perry made a similar appeal, calling the slayings "direct attacks on the core of our civil society" and announcing that authorities were offering a new reward of up to $100,000 for information leading to the arrest and indictment of the killers. "These are heinous crimes, and they've affected not just Texans but people across the country who respect the rule of law," Perry told reporters. District Attorney Mike McLelland and his wife, Cynthia, died in a weekend shooting at their home, almost exactly two months after McLelland's chief felony prosecutor, Mark Hasse, died in a daytime shooting outside the county courthouse. Investigators are considering a wide array of potential culprits but haven't arrested any suspects. Mourners at Thursday's memorial for the McLellands said they were holding out hope. "We don't know what happened," said Skeet Phillips, a family friend. "But I pray every night that one of us, one of these fine law enforcement officers, is just going to accidentally get the right break, the right step, and then we'll find these people." Vows to follow in McClellands' footsteps . Police saluted a flag-draped casket Thursday afternoon at a memorial service for the McClellands as family, friends and members of the community packed the pews of a baptist church. About 1,000 people attended the public service in Sunnyvale, Texas, CNN affiliate WFAA reported. A funeral for the family is scheduled for Friday. Speakers at Thursday's ceremony vowed to follow in the McClellands' footsteps. "We will not stop pursuing justice. We will not give up the good fight. We will not stop doing God's work," said Bruce Bryant, chief investigator of the Kaufman County District Attorney's Office. "We will pause only to celebrate the lives of those we have lost, but we will not stop." Daughter Christina Foreman said she came to the lectern to deliver the message her parents would have wanted her to share. "He was quite eloquent in saying that he didn't give a sh-t if people were scaring him, and he wasn't frightened, and he was going to stand his ground," she said. "And I think that we need to follow in those footsteps, not just the people in law enforcement, not just the people that do the jobs day to day, but everybody. We can't let the fear of what people are going to do to us or say to us, or the fear of them of what they're going to do to our families stop us from doing the right thing. "The right thing is never the easy thing. It's never the easy path. It's hard, and he knew that. And he stood up anyway." Outside after the memorial, bagpipes played taps as Perry presented a folded American flag to the family. On the roof of the church, snipers stood guard. No clear suspects . Authorities are considering a wide array of potential culprits -- such as a white supremacist gang targeted by officials last year, drug cartels, and someone who may have held a personal grudge. While authorities offered no new information on the investigation Thursday, Perry said investigators would leave "no stone unturned" in finding the killers and any group they might be associated with. "Any organization that is operating in the state of Texas outside the bounds of our laws is going to be put on notice that we're going to hunt you down, we're going to punish you and do our best to remove that type of threat to the safety of the citizens of the state of Texas," Perry said. A law enforcement official speaking on the condition of anonymity told CNN Wednesday that authorities "haven't come close to charging anyone." The official was not authorized to publicly release details of the investigation. FBI computer teams searching for evidence . An FBI computer analysis response team has joined the investigation. The team is scouring for digital evidence on computers, phones and other electronics belonging to the McClellands and Hasse, said Katherine Chaumont, a spokeswoman for the FBI's Dallas Field Office. Such forensic investigations could be used to search for threats that might have been made against them and could help investigators learn more about the victims' lives. Chaumont would not specify whether the investigators were examining devices belonging to anyone else, such as witnesses or possible suspects. Investigating local residents . Since Hasse was gunned down near the county courthouse on January 31, authorities have pored through his case files, including public corruption cases, to see if any defendants he tried may have sought vengeance. Authorities met with Eric Williams, a former justice of the peace who was convicted last year of burglary and theft by a public servant. Surveillance video showed Williams apparently stealing computer monitors from the county courthouse. He was sentenced to two years' probation. Saturday night, hours after the McLellands were found dead in their home, investigators met Williams at a local Denny's restaurant, his attorney told CNN Tuesday. Investigators took swab samples from Williams' hand to test for gun residue, attorney David Sergi said. The law enforcement official said Williams is "one angle we are looking at," the official said. Sergi says his client voluntarily cooperated because he has nothing to hide. Another Kaufman County resident has drawn the interest of investigators. The man, who has been trying to open a gun range on his property, was involved in a civil dispute with McLelland and the county. The resident told CNN that FBI agents visited him and asked a few questions, but nothing else materialized. Speculation about the Aryan Brotherhood of Texas . McLelland, in an interview with The Associated Press before his death, speculated that the Aryan Brotherhood of Texas could have been behind Hasse's slaying. "We put some real dents in the Aryan Brotherhood around here in the past year," McLelland told the news agency. McLelland said Hasse wasn't involved in the Aryan Brotherhood of Texas investigation, but his office was one of numerous Texas and federal agencies involved in an investigation that led to the indictment last year of 34 alleged members of the group -- including four of its senior leaders -- on racketeering charges. Authorities have not said whether they have linked white supremacists to the deaths. But weeks after the indictment, the Texas Department of Public Safety said it had "credible information" the Aryan Brotherhood of Texas was planning to retaliate. Asked about the group's possible involvement, the governor said it was too soon to link or discount the it. "I think it's obviously too early to be speculating on whether there is any direct contact, but I think it's wise for us to not overlook any evidence that either may be superficial or otherwise," Perry said on Fox News. "So they are here, they are active in this state. We know the drug cartels are very, very active in our country now," Perry said. Eric Fiegel reported from Kaufman County; Holly Yan and Catherine E. Shoichet reported and wrote from Atlanta. CNN's Gary Tuchman, Ed Lavandera, Carol Cratty, and Vivian Kuo contributed to this report. | "We will not stop pursuing justice," the district attorney's chief investigator vows .
An FBI computer forensics team joins the investigation .
The Texas governor offers a $100,000 reward in the prosecutor killings .
The killings are "direct attacks on the core of our civil society," Gov. Rick Perry says . |
87 | 00464528a306e3c679fdaf61f60c42ba6f7db6ba | A neighborhood have held Christmas early for a father who has just weeks to live after an unexpected diagnosis. Frank Henderson, 60, Shoreline, Washington, only found out he had cancer two weeks ago and has been given a fortnight to live. But already the family have packed in lots of activities they want to carry out with him including celebrating Christmas in September. A Washington neighborhood have held Christmas early for Frank Henderson, 60, who has just weeks to live after an unexpected diagnosis. Pictured: Frank with his wife Jan, children Neil, Nate, Nic, Thea and Cory, and ex-wife Debbie Willis . The family began to decorate their home and once neighbors learned about Frank's condition and his enjoyment of the festive period, they decorated their own houses with lights to show solidarity . The father-of-five was scheduled to undergo unrelated surgery on September 13 when he underwent a CAT scan after complaining of stomach pains. The prognosis left the family stunned - his daughter Thea told Today they found out he had cancer 'everywhere,' leaving him 'a few weeks to a month' to live. She says an oncologist determined it may be only a matter of days and that is when his wife Jan, children Neil, Nate, Nic, Thea and Cory, and ex-wife Debbie Willis threw themselves into making lots of memories. Immediately resourceful Frank made a list Bucket List that started with home-improvement projects, so that his family would not have to worry about such tasks after his death. The family carried out all the tasks together and then realised that Frank, a commercial truck driver, may not be around to put up the Christmas lights as he did every year . Frank and his wife Jan who planned to celebrate their 25th wedding anniversary next year . Immediately resourceful Frank made a list Bucket List that started with home-improvement projects, so that his family won't have to worry about such tasks after his death . The family smile for a photo - they are determined to make some special memories with Frank in the time they have left with him . 'We were all talking about this Bucket List, and someone mentioned in passing, 'Don't worry, we'll make sure we'll put up the Christmas lights, too, at Christmas,' said Thea. 'And then it kind of hit us that that's Dad's thing.' The family began to decorate their home and once neighbors learned about Frank's condition and his enjoyment of the festive period, they decorated their own houses with lights to show solidarity. The family knew that Frank would miss the chance to dance with his Thea at her wedding so they set up a photoshoot with Thea wearing a donated wedding dress and Frank wearing a suit . The Henderson family have been contacted by people across the world who have been inspired by their story . Neighborhood kids even brought over snow they had saved from last winter to make the occassion as special as they could. The family knew that Frank would miss the chance to dance with his Thea at her wedding so they set up a photoshoot with Thea wearing a donated wedding dress and Frank wearing a suit. They danced to multiple songs, including Stevie Ray Vaughan's 'Pride and Joy.' 'For my little dad — who's been in a recliner for 10 or 11 days now — that was his time to sort of bust loose and let it all out. He just started dancing, and that's been our thing, ever since I was tiny,' she said. Frank with his five children Neil, Nate, Nic, Thea and Cory and one of his three grandchildren . Frank with one of his three grandchildren. He has videotaped a private message to each of his children which they can watch in the future . 'It's kinda surreal,' Frank told KBOI2. 'We all sit around and hold each others' hands and cry. We hug each other, and we know it's going to happen. 'But if I was, I think, if I was mad, then that would change everybody's position. But God didn't do this to me, and He's not punishing me or anything. 'It's just a fact. And He wants people to be examples, of loving other people and then letting them share. Because people need to share.' The Henderson family have been contacted by people across the world who have been inspired by their story. His daughter Thea wrote on Facebook: 'My Dad has a 1 of a kind spirit. He is quick to love, quick to trust, quick to forgive and slow, VERY SLOW to anger. 'He has raised 5 children and created one huge loving, supportive and caring family who surround him now. He is a grandfather to 3 beautiful grandchildren and wants nothing more than to watch them grow up. He is SO proud of the father’s his sons have become. He loves my mama more than anything, which you can tell simply by the way he looks at her or calls her “honey-bunny.” 'Their marriage is an amazing example of the love they share, 24 years strong. They have made each other better, and I know my Daddy will always be with her, and making her smile… or making her roll her eyes and laugh at his crazy dance moves. Frank has videotaped a private message to each of his family so they can watch it in the future. | Frank Henderson, 60, only found out he had cancer two weeks ago .
Frank has always been a fan of Christmas and usually puts up the lights .
Neighbors all joined in with the festive celebrations in a show of solidarity . |
202,925 | 92b84d53cb93d8bcf872b4aee8b39ed93d7f0694 | One of Britain's top generals was the subject of a misconduct inquiry just months before he retired, The Mail on Sunday can reveal. Lieutenant General Jonathan 'Jacko' Page, 56, a former chief of Special Forces, was accused of inappropriate behaviour by a member of staff. Last night the Army was accused of a cover-up after refusing to disclose details of the complaint, such as whether it was upheld or if it was made by a female – as military sources have indicated to this newspaper. Complaint: Lieutenant General Jonathan 'Jacko' Page (pictured), 56, a former chief of Special Forces, was accused of inappropriate behaviour by a member of staff . In February 2012, Lieut Gen Page was made Commander of Force Development and Training (CFDT) – a two-year desk job based at Army headquarters in Andover, Hampshire. In May the following year he was notified in writing by the Ministry of Defence that he would not receive another job offer once his term as Commander came to an end in February 2014, a decision that effectively terminated his military career. At some point between Lieut Gen Page receiving the MoD letter and his appointment coming to an end, a formal complaint against him was submitted to Army bosses. But the MoD insisted last night it could not provide further information about the case, a stance that has infuriated the Shadow Minister for the Armed Forces, Kevan Jones. He said: 'This case highlights the Army's determination to keep delicate matters in house. There should be greater clarity and the Lieutenant General should be as responsible for his actions as the most junior private soldier, even if at the time the complaint was made he was about to retire. 'At times like these the wagons tend to circle around senior officers, while the Army as an institution has been reluctant for years to have any independent scrutiny, the like of which is standard for any modern organisation or public body.' Secretive: The Army was last night accused of a cover-up after refusing to disclose any information about the complaint made against General Page (file photo) When Lieut Gen Page was approached at his home, in Norfolk, he refused to answer any questions. He said: 'I finished my time. I was appointed for two years [to the CFDT role]. 'I was told when I was appointed that I would do two years.' Asked whether the misconduct allegation was made by a female colleague, he replied: 'I have nothing to say, thank you.' Lieut Gen Page served with the Parachute Regiment during the Falklands War. He later commanded the SAS before leading the Joint Force Headquarters. | Army refused to disclose details of complaint against General Jonathan Page .
Did not say if accusation was upheld or if it was made by female staff member .
MoD's silence infuriated Shadow Minister for the Armed Forces, Kevan Jones .
He said Page should be 'as responsible for his actions as most junior soldier' |
35,359 | 648223ee39a0759a27d1fa713f0212de22c15c69 | A mother whose sex offender ex-boyfriend murdered her infant daughter has branded his 25-year prison term too lenient. Barry McCarney was today given the life sentence tariff in Belfast Crown Court for the murder of 15-month-old Millie Martin in what the judge described as a 'sadistic sexual assault'. But Rachael Martin, the toddler's mother, criticised the sentence, saying: 'Twenty-five years isn't long enough.' Scroll down for video . Jailed: Barry McCarney (left) will serve at least 25 years behind bars for killing his ex-girlfriend Rachael Martin's (right) daughter Millie. Ms Martin branded the sentence too lenient saying: '25 years isn't long enough' Guilty: McCarney (pictured with his 15-month-old victim in his arms) was found guilty of her murder by a unanimous verdict . Barry McCarney pictured at A&E department of the Erne Hospital with Mille Martin in his arms on the evening she was admitted, she died from head injuries the following day . Her mother and Millie's grandmother Margaret Graham said 33-year-old McCarney, who was not the child's father, should never be freed. She said: ‘It wasn't long enough - life should be life.' ‘He should never see the light of day again. We won't ever see Millie, her mummy won't ever see her wee daughter and life should mean life.’ McCarney took Millie to Erne . Hospital in County Tyrone, Northern Ireland after she sustained serious . injuries from his attacks. He was filmed trying to give her CPR, but the 15-month-old girl later died. McCarney's father Kevin insisted he was innocent of the murder and would be appealing against the verdict. He said: ‘We will be appealing the case and we know he will be proved innocent.' In setting the minimum term McCarney must serve of his life sentence, Mr Justice Ben Stephens explained that the sentencing framework in Northern Ireland was very different to that in England and Wales, where a whole life term could be handed down. Tragic: McCarney took Millie Martin to hospital after she sustained horrific injuries from his attacks . Horrific: Millie died in hospital a day after she was admitted with devastating injuries . Behind bars: McCarney will serve at least 25 years in prison, a sentence criticised by the girl's mother . He said the offence was serious enough to use the upward starting point guide of 15 to 16 years. Explaining that aggravating features, . among them the vulnerability and fragility of the victim, required him . to make a ‘substantial upward adjustment’, he told McCarney he would . have to serve at least 25 years. Once the 25-year term is spent, . McCarney can only be released, on licence, if parole commissioners deem . he no longer presents a danger to the public. Setting . the minimum sentence McCarney must serve, judge Ben Stephens told the . labourer at Belfast Crown Court he was a 'deeply manipulative man'. McCarney was also found guilty of grievous bodily harm with intent and sexual assault of Millie. Mr . Stephens told him he must serve at least six and two years for those . crimes respectively, but those terms will run concurrently with his . murder tariff. McCarney, clean shaven and dressed in a grey jumper, showed little emotion as the judge delivered his sentencing decisions. His . ex-girlfriend Ms Martin looked on from the public gallery. At the same . trial last year, she was acquitted of charges of allowing her daughter’s . death and cruelty through wilful neglect. McCarney met Ms Martin just three months before the little girl's death. He quickly eased his way into the family home in Enniskillen, which allowed him access to Millie. The judge said McCarney had duped Ms Martin into believing he cared for Millie and she was therefore willing to leave her daughter alone with him. He said: ‘You gained the total trust of Rachael Martin, you appeared to her to be very good to Millie,’ he said. On the night the toddler sustained the fatal injuries, McCarney had persuaded his girlfriend to go out to a shop to buy him a chocolate bar. Justice Stephens said he was already on his way up the stairs with the intention of sexually abusing the young child in her bed as Ms Martin was reversing her car out of the driveway. The judge said McCarney had struck Millie's head on a hard surface in response to her cries as he inflicted a brutal sexual assault. That head injury would ultimately kill her. Anger: Rachael Martin, pictured outside court today, said that she thought the sentence was inadequate . Rachel Martin leaves Belfast Crown Court with her family after hearing Barry McCarney's sentence . A pathologist found that Millie had . suffered 21 cracked ribs, seven of which were old, while the rest had . happened in the ten days before her death. Multiple bruises were also found on the youngster's body along with a clearly visible oval shaped bump on her forehead. During the post-mortem examination, the pathologist found injuries to her abdomen caused by punching or prodding which would also have been fatal. Millie had also been sexually assaulted. The prosecution described the attacks on her as vile and sadistic. McCarney blamed Millie's mother, claiming at trial that she had inflicted the injuries on her own daughter and that he was sickened by her death. Speaking only through his barrister, he alleged that Ms Martin did not want social services involved because she had done these 'terrible things' herself. But in a case . with no forensic evidence to suggest who inflicted Millie's injuries, . the jury rejected McCarney's claims and accepted that Ms Martin had . unwittingly let a monster into her home, taking just three hours to . reach a unanimous verdict. He was found guilty of murder, sexual assault and causing grievous bodily harm. Ms Martin's family issued a statement saying the family would now be able to grieve properly as a result of the verdict. They described the last three years as a 'waking nightmare' and described McCarney as a 'disgusting individual'. They also questioned why Ms Martin was ever prosecuted in the first place. Her brother, Matthew, speaking on behalf of the family said the police decision to prosecute her was 'shocking' at a time when she should have been left to grieve for baby Millie. Outside court, Ms Martin's stepfather Noel Graham said he was pleased McCarney, who he described as a ‘scumbag’, would be off the streets away from women and children. He said: ‘We have been dealt a life sentence which will never go away.' On McCarney's protestations of innocence, Mr Graham added: ‘If he had have been half a man he would have gone into the court and told the jury (the truth) and didn't leave everything unanswered.’ | Barry McCarney was jailed for life for the murder of Millie Martin .
The toddler suffered a catalogue of injuries including 21 broken ribs and the head injury that killed her .
Girl's mother Rachael says ex-boyfriend's sentences 'isn't long enough' |
206,625 | 9785aceaeca82ff3e482b576ffdce08b96b93a78 | (CNN) -- More than 10 years after her death, Linda Lovelace probably remains America's best known porn star (apologies to Jenna Jameson and Traci Lords). It's an unlikely distinction given that Lovelace -- by her own estimation -- only spent a total of two and a half weeks working in the adult film industry. But those two and a half weeks included shooting "Deep Throat," the X-rated film that turned into a pop culture phenomenon after its release in 1972. It became the first adult film to cross over to mainstream audiences, earning an astounding $600 million. There are many reasons the film became such a breakout hit. Some have described "Deep Throat" as the first porno film that attempted to tell a story, albeit a ludicrous one. " 'Deep Throat' had a plot," said Darwin Porter, author of "Inside Linda Lovelace's Deep Throat: Degradation, Porno Chic and the Rise of Feminism." "I mean, not a great plot, but a plot. "It had certain comedy overtones to it, too, and this was very unusual and bizarre (for a porno film at that time)," Porter told CNN. Porter says "Deep Throat" also benefited from a legal and moral crusade waged against the film. "So many people wanted to ban (the film), beginning with the government and certainly Mayor John Lindsay of New York," Porter said. "When (Lindsay) banned it in New York, he made the movie famous all over America." Hustler magazine publisher Larry Flynt offers a more straightforward explanation for the film's broad appeal. He told CNN it amounted to fascination with Lovelace's gift for a particular sex act suggested by the film's title. Flynt told CNN, "I think it's the unique talent shown during the film is what piqued a lot of excitement." The huge success of "Deep Throat" might lead some people to imagine that its star led a charmed life. But that was far from the case, to judge from the recent biopic, "Lovelace," starring Amanda Seyfried in the title role. The film actually presents its audience with two versions of the Lovelace story. For most of the film, she is shown as being manipulated into porn by her then-husband, Chuck Traynor. But in an darker version of events shown toward the film's end from Lovelace's point of view, she is depicted as essentially a sex slave. Neither scenario is a happy one. Flynt, who says he knew Lovelace and Traynor, seems to believe the darker version. "She was just being used every step of the way," he told CNN. "It wasn't something where she'd wake up every morning and think, 'I can't wait to get to work in the morning.' That wasn't the situation." Flynt said Traynor prostituted Lovelace, forcing her to make adult films. "That type of coercion did exist," he said. "I think she was being very much controlled by Chuck (Traynor). ... That's why I refer to him as a pimp." But not everyone sees the matter as that black and white, including actor Chris Noth, who plays "Deep Throat" producer Anthony Romano in "Lovelace." "I'm not clear if she was totally pushed into it," Noth told CNN. "In the scope of what you can read and see about her, it's hard to believe that situation in totality." Porter believes Lovelace was coerced into doing porn "to a degree." The author says Lovelace demonstrated considerably more free will during the three years after "Deep Throat," during which, he says, the actress capitalized on her fame to run with a celebrity crowd. "She dated the top stars of Hollywood, and nobody forced her to do that," Porter said. Porter claims many a Hollywood luminary -- including John Wayne, Burt Lancaster, Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin -- was eager to ascertain whether Lovelace's sexual technique lived up to the legend. Porter says it was another member of the Rat Pack who helped her make the rounds of Hollywood's A-list. "Sammy Davis Jr. did more than anyone to make her the queen of porno chic," Porter said. "He suggested that the 'in thing' to do was to have a date with Linda Lovelace. He was virtually her publicist." Lovelace eventually renounced "Deep Throat" and Hollywood. She divorced Traynor, married another man, raised a family and lived, in her words, as a "typical housewife." For a time, she publicly campaigned for the elimination of pornography. "Linda Lovelace became a spokesman for the anti-pornography movement," Porter noted. "She was adopted by the leading feminists, the most important of whom was Gloria Steinem." This phase of Lovelace's life was to have been portrayed in the biopic. Demi Moore was cast to play Steinem, but she dropped out. The part then went to Sarah Jessica Parker, but her scenes were later cut from the film. Lovelace later split with the feminists. "Linda felt that ultimately she was being used by them," Porter said. Lovelace, who preferred in later years to go by her married name, Linda Marciano, died in 2002 as a result of a car crash. Traynor, her ex-husband, died a few months later of a heart attack. Toward the end of Lovelace's life, her views on pornography and "Deep Throat" continued to evolve. "She started attending porno conventions and started selling 'Deep Throat' memorabilia," Porter said. "It was almost a turnaround, a reversal for her." As for her legacy, Flynt says Lovelace will always be an icon because "she was in the right place at the right time." And that time, he said, was a turning point in the culture. "At that point in our history the Supreme Court was trying to figure out how to deal with pornography," he told CNN. "Suddenly 16 millimeter film was available and it wasn't long before Beta and VHS became available and you could move these movies directly into the homes. So you see a very budding industry there (in the '70s) that was no longer something that was in the seedy back room of some adult bookstore." Porter also sees Lovelace as a historic figure. "She did launch a billion dollar industry and she is the queen of it all -- a very unlikely queen, but history sometimes selects unusual people to put on thrones." | More than 10 years after her death, Linda Lovelace remains a porn icon .
Over the course of her career, she embraced and denounced "Deep Throat"
Some, like Larry Flynt, believe Lovelace was used as a sex slave by her husband . |
141,108 | 42758aea77bbfc8e73bf618435d7c59c9a0bf2d7 | A 42-year-old Florida man was arrested Monday after going on a drunken rampage at his mother's home - where he also lives - after she asked him why he hadn't gone to work that day. By the time Paul Rossi's rampage was over, his mother's house was destroyed, her television and some furniture had been thrown in the swimming pool and she was telling police to throw her son in jail. Rossi, of Port St. Lucie, was booked into jail on charges of aggravated assault and battery after he allegedly used a baseball bat to destroy his mother's home during his booze-fueled rampage, authorities say. Scroll down for video . Rampage: Authorities say Paul Rossi destroyed his mother's home in a drunken rampage after she asked him she he didn't go to work on Monday . Wet: Rossi allegedly threw his mother's TV - as well as some of her furniture - in her pool . Rossi's mother called 9-1-1 after she knocked on his bedroom door to ask why he hadn't gone to work. Rossi - according to his mother - has issues with depression and addiction, and has been on an alcohol 'binge' for the last several days. 'He's an alcoholic,' Rossi's mother told the 911 operator in an audio recording first obtained by WPBF.com. 'He needs to go to . jail. I don't care if he's drunk or not. He's throwing stuff at me.' In the recording of the 9-1-1 call, Rossi can be heard in the background smashing things as his fearful mother explains to the dispatcher that her son was destroying her home. Destruction: Rossi used a bat to break windows, smash furniture and destroy antiques at his mother's home . Cleanup: Boards now cover the broken windows at Rossi's mother's home . Antiques: Some of Rossi's mother's valuable antiques were destroyed during her son's rampage . 'He was stumbling through the house and he went in his room and slammed . the door,' Rossi's mother told the 911 operator. 'I went in the room after him . because there's a sink full of soap and I asked him what it was, and he . was smoking in bed which he's not allowed to do. I took the ash tray and . put it outside and took the cigarette, and he said I attacked him.' Rossi's mother retreated to her vehicle as her son continued to smash things inside the house with the baseball bat. However, he soon left the home and shifted his focus to his mother's car. 'He's breaking my car window. He broke both of my car windows with me . sitting in the car ... with a baseball bat,' his mother said on the 9-1-1 recording. No escape: Rossi smashed his mother's car window as she tried to flee her home in the midst of his tantrum . Police arrived at the home and discovered Rossi's path of destruction, which included the TV and furniture in the pool, shattered antiques, dishes and other glass collectibles. Authorities also discovered Rossi's mother's car, which had the driver's side window shattered and was covered in dents, presumably from getting hit with a baseball bat. Rossi surrendered to police without incident. | Paul Rossi went into a rage when his mother found him drunk in his bedroom at her home and asked him why he wasn't at work .
Rossi grabbed a baseball bat and started smashing his mother's windows, antiques and dishes .
When police arrived at the home, they found a plasma-screen TV at the bottom of the swimming pool .
When Rossi's mother tried to flee the home, he chased her with the bat and broke the windows of her vehicle . |
153,050 | 51cbb517cfb7f79d5e27952099a26727ddfe3278 | Jimmy Kimmel quips: 'Why don't you try it for a little while like Kim did?' By . Daily Mail Reporter . PUBLISHED: . 12:59 EST, 7 June 2012 . | . UPDATED: . 01:45 EST, 8 June 2012 . She's pregnant for the second time, but Kourtney Kardashian has no plans to make baby daddy Scott Disick her husband. The reality TV star, 33, who has a two-year-old son Mason and a daughter on the way, is hesitant to walk down the aisle because of her 'commitment issues.' No wedding bells: Kourtney was quizzed about her relationship while on Jimmy Kimmel Live last night with sisters Khloe and Kim . Disick, 29, has previously expressed his desire to marry her. Kourtney was asked why she didn't want to wed during her appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live last night with sisters Kim, 31, and Khloe, 27. 'Do you wanna be in my therapy session?' Kourtney responded with a laugh. 'First of all, I have realised that I have major commitment problems during this pregnancy. 'I'm really claustrophobic, and all my issues - and I have a lot of them - they all stem from this thing. I can't commit to anything... but I love Scott, and he is my partner.' Keeping up the cash flow: The stars were on the show to promote their new make-up range . 'We have a great partnership': Kourtney with Scott last year . She added: . 'We are committed to each other, we are together, we have a great . partnership - I don't think I'm any different than Khloe and Lamar . [Odom, 32].' Kimmel then made a biting reference to her sister's failed 72-day marriage to basketball player Kris Humphries. 'Why don't you try it for a little while like Kim did?' The sisters managed a smile but didn't comment on the quip. Kourtney and Scott have endured plenty of ups and downs, many of which have been documented on the Kardashian's reality show over the years. During the early stages of their relationship she suspected he was unfaithful to her and they split up for a time. He also had a violent episode while in Miami after the birth of their son as well as several other alcohol-related outburst. He sought therapy and Kourtney's family have been impressed by his transformation. Bruce - who is married to Kourtney's . mother Kris Jenner - told Australian radio station 2Day FM recently: 'I have to . give him credit. He really has turned his life around. 'He doesn't drink anymore; he's been a . great dad with Mason, he's there all the time. He's really been doing a . great job. I commend anyone who can do that.' The Kardashian are currently promoting their new business venture - a make-up range called Khroma Beauty. Baby daddy: The couple, pictured last month with son Mason, are expecting a girl . Scarlet lady: Kourtney tweeted a picture of her bright red lip colour today . | Jimmy Kimmel quips: 'Why don't you try it for a little while like Kim did?' |
173,755 | 6cd8d485c81e6b5d40353b65e377b1cb2abf8874 | Friends of a man who has been arrested five times for drink-driving have staged an elaborate prank in a bid to prevent him doing the same again. YouTube prankster Tom Mabe, of 'MabeInAmerica', from Louisville, Kentucky, decided to take matters into his own hands when his friend passed out after his latest bender. Using an office mocked up as a hospital theatre, and a team of actors who posed as medical teams, he convinced his pal he had been in a coma for 10 years. SCROLL DOWN FOR VIDEO . Friends of a man who has been arrested five times for drink-driving have staged an elaborate prank in a bid to prevent him doing the same again . YouTube pranksters 'MabeInAmerica' (Tom Mabe and Jim Clarke) turned an empty office into a hospital room and convinced their mark (a friend of theirs who who remains nameless) that he had been in a coma for 10 years . They launched the prank after receiving a phone call to say that he has passed out in his truck . After filming the results he then posted the video online to discourage others from drinking and driving over the festive season. After first asking his family for permission, he set up the room - including the 'doctors and nurses' - and woke his friend, the Huffington Post reports. He even screened fake news reports into the room as his baffled and still groggy victim wakes to the realisation he has been out cold for ten years. As he wakes, a 'nurse' leans into him and tells him he is in hospital and that she is going to get a doctor, who informs him: 'Some time ago you were out drinking and you were in an accident. The pranksters transform the room into a hospital, with bed, telephone, and television so they can teach the man a lesson . Once they were told that he had passed out once again, they quickly enacted the plan. After he was first transported to the bed, he wakes up to a 'nurse' who then runs to fetch a 'doctor' 'This accident took place in 2013. It is now 2023. 'You have been in a coma for the past ten years.' He immediately asks for his wife and daughter, before he is told to settle down to watch some TV news - which include fake reports that Miley Cyrus is facing eviction from a trailer park for 'refusing to stop defecating in her neighbour's yard'. The doctor arrives in the room and tells him: 'Some time ago you were out drinking and you were in an accident. This accident took place in 2013. It is now 2023' The confused man immediately asks for his wife and daughter, before he is told to settle down to watch some TV news . A second medical professional comes in, who carries out some medical 'tests' to see of he can feel his feet . He then moves to his patient's side where he begins to slap him around the head and shout: 'You have five DUIs'. As he does so, his mask falls from his face, and the man realises it is his friend Mr Mabe who has pulled the prank . It also reports that Justin Bieber is celebrating his ten year anniversary with his 'life partner'. A second medical professional comes in, who carries out some medical 'tests' to see of he can feel his feet. He then moves to his patient's side where he begins to slap him around the head and shout: 'You have five DUIs'. As he does so, his mask falls from his face, and the man realises it is his friend Mr Mabe who has pulled the prank. YouTube pranksters 'MabeInAmerica' have since posted the video online where it has already attracted more than 333,000 hits. It may have been carried out in good humour, but the video creators say it is punctuated with a serious message. The video ends with a reminder: 'Happy holidays, don't drink and drive.' | YouTube prankster Tom Mabe used team of actors posing as medics .
He even screened fake news reports into the room to his baffled victim .
The unidentified man had been arrested five times for drink driving .
The pranksters said they wanted to discourage people from DUI .
Watch in full and subscribe to the channel online HERE . |
5,491 | 0f99d41dc5c019b16f96da1dfa400185914f0476 | Phil Mickelson could get his wish after Paul Azinger said on Monday he was open to a second spell as US Ryder Cup captain. Mickelson caused controversy on Sunday when, within two hours of the United States suffering a third straight defeat in the biennial contest, he criticised the approach of captain Tom Watson. With Watson sitting just a few feet away, Mickelson - who had been left out of a full day's play on Saturday for the first time in 10 Ryder Cup appearances - stated his support for the methods of Azinger, who captained the side to their last win at Valhalla in 2008. Phil Mickelson (left) alongside Tom Watson, who he criticised swiftly after the conclusion of the Ryder Cup . Tom Watson's (pictured) captaincy produced a 16½ - 11½ loss for the USA . Phil Mickelson plays out of a bunker on the 17th hole at Gleneagles, Scotland on Sunday . 'Unfortunately we have strayed from a winning formula for the last three Ryder Cups and we need to consider maybe getting back to that formula that helped us play our best,' Mickelson said. Asked if he would captain the side again, Azinger told USA Today: 'I'm not going to rule anything out.' The 54-year-old said the United States needed to move away from appointing 'lone wolf' captains, instead copying the European model of selecting players who had experience of the Ryder Cup as vice-captains. 'The PGA of America (which appoints the captain) has officers that move up the ranks, getting sage advice along the way, and then many of them stick around and keep offering advice,' Azinger said. 'I think the PGA of America should recognize their business model is exactly the same as what Europe uses in selecting a captain.' Team Europe celebrate with their partners following their Ryder Cup win on Sunday . Paul Azinger, pictured holding the Ryder Cup, was captain when the USA last overcame Europe . Tom Watson (centre) shakes hands with winning captain Paul McGinley shortly before Europe's win was confirmed on Sunday afternoon . Of the past 10 US captains, only two had previously been vice-captains. 'There is a razor-thin line between winning and losing these matches,' Azinger added. 'Europe has the intangible right now. They give themselves the extra one per cent chance to win through its business model and cohesiveness. 'Even if you play blackjack perfectly in a casino, the casino still has a very slight edge against you. Right now Europe is the casino and the US is the guy walking to the blackjack table with a fistful of 50s.' Mickelson's comments, and the timing of them, drew fierce criticism with former PGA Tour player Brandel Chamblee, who now works as an analyst for the Golf Channel, saying: 'That was as close to a one-man mutiny as I have ever seen. I think that's a moment that Phil would like to have back. Phil Mickelson speaking to the media in the aftermath of the USA's Ryder Cup defeat at Gleneagles . Then USA captain Paul Azinger waves his country's flag after their 2008 Ryder Cup win . 'If you are looking for a reason why the US continues to lose you just saw it, you saw it in one man, Phil Mickelson. 'Phil Mickelson, along with the best players of that era, have so corrupted the experience of the Ryder Cup for their fellow competitors by not having records anywhere near where they should given their rank in the game.' Azinger's success was based on a 'pod' system which involved creating three groups of four players and allowing them to have a major influence on decisions, while Watson appeared to rely almost exclusively on his opinion and that of his vice-captains. Asked whether he was consulted in any of the decision-making at Gleneagles, Mickelson said: 'No. Nobody here was, in any decision.' Watson had said in the build-up that he would use a modified version of Azinger's pod system, but added on Sunday: 'I didn't discount it. I just had a different philosophy right off the bat. 'He (Mickelson) has a difference of opinion. That's okay. My management philosophy is different than his.' | Phil Mickelson caused controversy on Sunday when he openly criticised Tom Watson's captaincy methods less than two hours after close of play .
Mickelson cited Paul Azinger as being a better Ryder Cup captain, and praised his captaincy at the USA's last win at Valhalla in 2008 .
Paul Azinger admits he would be open to a second spell as captain, and has refused to rule it out .
Azinger also stated that the USA need to move away from appointing 'lone wolf' captains, to instead copy Europe's selection process . |
36,438 | 674cc0ecfb854619f3e50df0e4baecc67c73724a | By . Laura Clark, Education Correspondent . Parents in Kent say their children's school has become a 'living hell' since controversial 'super head' Jane Porter (pictured) was brought in to raise standards . Parents are protesting and teachers quitting their jobs over a controversial new primary school 'super head' who once banned children from mentioning Christmas or David Beckham. King’s Farm Primary in Gravesend, Kent is ‘in crisis’ after more than half its teaching staff resigned and parents holding signs and placards staged a protest outside the school. It follows the appointment of headmistress Jane Porter in January as part of attempts by Kent Council to raise standards at the school. Mrs Porter made headlines last year after she ‘banned’ all 515 at another Kent primary from mentioning Christmas before December 1 in case it distracted them from their work. She said that children would lose their ‘golden time’ if festivities were talked about before December. She said the same would apply to mentions of Beckham. A group of 20 parents convened outside King’s Farm last week to protest that the head had turned the school into a ‘living hell’. They said the school was ‘in crisis’ amid a mass departure of staff and children were missing out on school trips, PE lessons, sports days and other activities. The school has 15 teachers and 27 teaching assistants but 25 of them have announced they will not be returning after the summer holidays. Emma Friend, 28, who has four children at the school aged three to eight, said: ‘Since Mrs Porter came in all communication has broken down. ‘Sports days and trips have been cancelled, since she took over the school has been hell. My children cannot cope with the changes. ‘The two Year 5 and 6 classes have been combined and my boy is chewing his jumper because he is worried about the instability.’ Around half of the staff at King’s Farm Primary in Gravesend, Kent are believed to be leaving over the summer . Ruth Serwotka, a National Union of Teachers representative, said the ‘exodus’ of teachers and teaching staff was an ‘incredible and catastrophic crisis’, telling the local paper: ‘It is obviously a very challenging school. ‘I have put forward a formal complaint from teachers and teaching staff to Kent County Council. ‘There are significant issues and there is a huge amount of insecurity with so many staff leaving the children have no stability.’ Another parent, who asked not to be named, said: ‘Since January it has been all change and you can see by the number of teaching staff leaving that everyone thinks the same - the teachers, the parents and the children, they all want out.’ But other parents gave a different perspective. Tony Hughes, 42, said: ‘They (protesters) are all scared of change. ‘I don’t quite know what they’re hoping for. Do they want the head out because she’s making changes? If it’s not her it will be someone else. ‘From what we’ve seen of her she’s been brilliant and helpful, and the kids love her.’ According to a 2012 Ofsted report the school is ‘satisfactory’, which means it is deemed to ‘require improvement’ under new Ofsted categories. Ms Porter has caused controversy in the past by threatening to punish children for talking about David Beckham or Christmas, claiming pupils were getting distracted from their work . In November last year, Mrs Porter was branded a ‘Scrooge’ after banning children at nearby Whitehill Primary from mentioning Christmas before December 1. She said at the time: ‘I’m not joking when I say this started 2,000 years ago. ‘The long and short of it is that one of the golden rules is to work hard, so if children are not working hard, talking about Christmas for instance, then they will lose their golden time. ‘That would be the case with anything not related to school; they shouldn’t be talking about David Beckham either. ‘If they are talking about something they shouldn’t be, they’re not working hard; we are a school, we’re about education, not retail.’ Mrs Porter remains in charge of Whitehill as well as King’s Farm. A Kent County Council spokesman said: ‘Jane Porter was brought in at the request of the local authority to raise academic standards and the quality of teaching - as she had done at Whitehill Primary School in Gravesend. ‘KCC takes complaints seriously and the governing body at King’s Farm Primary School will make sure they are properly investigated and that any response is appropriate.' | Trouble-shooting headteacher Jane Porter brought in by local council .
But parents say the school has become 'a living hell' for youngsters .
Around half of school's staff are said to be leaving over the summer .
Teachers' Union says the exodus shows the school is in 'crisis'
But local council insist Ms Porter is 'raising academic standards' |
266,374 | e50415982506eb1c68c79a3b1f932ed56b8b6ae2 | (CNN) -- Doctors will attempt to determine Monday why actor John Travolta's teenage son died. An autopsy is scheduled for Monday to determine Jett Travolta's cause of death. Jett Travolta, 16, was found unconscious Friday while on vacation with his family in the Bahamas. He was taken by ambulance to a hospital and pronounced dead on arrival, local police said. Doctors will conduct an autopsy Monday, and the boy's body later will be transferred to Ocala, Florida, for burial, Travolta attorney Michael Ossi said. In a statement posted on the actor's Web site, Travolta and his wife, Kelly Preston, described Jett as "the most wonderful son that two parents could ever ask for and lit up the lives of everyone he encountered." Gallery: Jett Travolta and his family » . "We are heartbroken that our time with him was so brief," they said. Jett Travolta had a seizure Friday at the West End resort where the Travoltas were staying, Ossi said. Watch how the boy had a history of seizures » . Bahamian police said that a caretaker at the resort found the teenager unconscious in the bathroom. Ossi said that Jett struck his head on the bathtub after the seizure. Watch what could have happened to Jett Travolta » . Jett's death "was completely out of the blue," he said Friday. "John and Kelly are happy when their children are happy. This is the worst day of John's life." The Travoltas, who arrived in the Bahamas on Tuesday, bought property there several years earlier, said former Bahamian Tourism Minister Obie Wilchcomb, who rushed to the hospital Friday to be with the family. "Mr. Travolta spent a tremendous amount of time with his son Jett. He never left him at home. He always brought him with him. And once you saw John Travolta, you saw his son Jett. They were very close, very affectionate. Lots of love you see at all times," Wilchcomb told CNN's "Larry King Live." The teen had a developmental disability that his parents have linked to Kawasaki disease, an inflammatory disorder of the artery walls that most commonly occurs in young children and that can lead to heart disease. According to the American Heart Association, "About 80 percent of the people with Kawasaki disease are under age 5. Children over age 8 are rarely affected." Watch CNN's Dr. Sanjay Gupta discuss Kawasaki disease » . The causes of Kawasaki disease are unknown. Some scientists think it's caused by an infectious agent, such as a virus. Some studies have noted a link between the disease and carpet-cleaning chemicals. "With my son ... I was obsessive about cleaning -- his space being clean, so we constantly had the carpets cleaned," John Travolta told CNN's King in 2001. "And I think, between him, the fumes and walking around, maybe picking up pieces or something, he got what is rarely a thing to deal with, but it's Kawasaki syndrome." The boy was about 2 at the time he developed the illness, the actor said. The Travoltas also have a daughter, Ella, 8. CNN's Valerie Streit contributed to this report. | Jett Travolta died Friday while on vacation with family in the Bahamas .
The 16-year-old had seizure, struck head on bathtub, lawyer says .
Boy had suffered from Kawasaki disease, an inflammation of artery walls .
The teenager will be buried in Ocala, Florida . |
175,482 | 6f1e42c81dd00f9ebbd74fe27272462efba49850 | Perhaps she was very tired or just having a bad day. But speculation is rife that a local news anchor presented a live broadcast while drunk on air. Annie Stensrud, a reporter on KEYC-TV in Mankato, Minnesota, slurred and mixed up her words during a 10pm broadcast on Sunday night. The CBS affiliate has not yet explained her bizarre performance, which finished after three minutes as the station moved on to weather and sport. Scroll down for video . Embarrassing: Annie Stensrud, a reporter on KEYC-TV in Mankato, Minnesota, slurred and mixed up her words during a 10pm broadcast . Slurred: She has been anchoring weekend evening broadcasts for a year and her Sunday show had been cut down because of an over-running NFL game . She has been anchoring weekend evening broadcasts for a year and her Sunday show had been cut down because of an over-running NFL game. In one of the strangest segments, Ms Stensrud says: ‘Today’s event featured Christmas fo… music, food and a chance to meet the Santa dog. ‘They felt three ways for Christmas…parents and grandparents,’ Ms Stensrud adds, as she speaks over a man giving a pre-recorded interview. ‘Sunday night's uncharacteristic newscast on KEYC Mankato can hardly be considered private,’ KEYC vice-president Dennis Wahlstrom said. Anchor: She has been a professional journalist for less than five years but has already interviewed Barack Obama, Joe Biden and Nancy Pelosi . ‘Nonetheless, in our judgment, the . matter represents a personnel issue to be resolved internally,’ he said . in a statement on the station’s website. The Huffington Post suggested Ms Stensrud could have been drunk, whereas Gawker added that she might just have a strange accent. KEYC news director Dan Ruiter told TV Spy that although station may work in a ‘very public business, personnel issues need to remain private’. He told the Mankato Free Press that there is no proof she was intoxicated and viewers are jumping to conclusions if they believe this. The incident had echoes of when CBS Los Angeles journalist Serene Branson garbled her words live on air, causing speculation she had a stroke. Doctors said she was suffering from symptoms of a stroke, but had actually suffered a complex migraine during a live Grammys broadcast. See video here . | Annie Stensrud is a reporter on local Minnesota station .
Slurred speech and mixed up words on Sunday night .
KEYC anchor has been a pro journalist for five years . |
218,767 | a7319c794cf3f8cfd85365cf1a9b525d1379817d | Unsettling video footage has given the first look into the massive sinkhole that opened up beneath a Florida home and swallowed a man from his bed in February. Jeff Bush, 37, was sucked into the sinkhole while he slept in his family home in Seffner and when his brother, Jeremy, jumped in the hole to try to save him, he was nowhere to be seen. Footage taken by a contractor who examined the hole shortly before the home was demolished has now been released by the county, and shows that every piece of furniture has vanished. Most bizarre is how the ground has completely given way - revealing the brown dirt beneath - yet hats, high-visibility jackets and shelves remain on the wall above where Bush's bed once was. Scroll down for video . Frightening: A bird's eye view shot shows the sinkhole which swallowed Jeff Bush from his bed in February . A day after the accident, authorities stopped their search for Bush as tests showed no sign of life in the hole. The house has now been torn down and the family hopes to set up a memorial at the site. Neighbours left their properties and the county has said that the houses on each side of the sinkhole house will have to be condemned, Fox News reported. 'The results of the geophysical tests concluded that the subsurface soils were unstable as subsidence activity is evidenced at each site,' County Administrator Michael Merrill said. He added that residents should speak with engineers before they try to collect their belongings. Bizarre: Hats are still hanging on a doorknob in the bedroom in Seffner, Florida yet the ground beneath the wall has completely vanished. The freak accident claimed the life of 37-year-old Jeff Bush, right . Gone: This video still shows the hanging hats, left, above the massive hole in the ground. The video was taken by a contractor shortly before the home was demolished . Bush, 37, was in his bedroom in Seffner - a suburb of 8,000 people 15 miles east of downtown . Tampa - when the earth opened up on the night of February 28. Five others in the house escaped unharmed. Jeremy . Bush, 36, recalled how he desperately tried to pull his brother, Jeff, from the rubble . as he heard his screams for help. 'I ran in there and heard somebody screaming, my brother screaming, and I ran in there,' he told My Fox Tampa Bay . 'And . all I see is this big hole. All I see is the top of his bed. I didn't . see anything else, so I jumped in the hole and tried getting him out. Hidden: The hole was largely hidden beneath the home but was seen as the property was demolished . Crushed: Demolition experts watched as the Bush's home was destroyed three days after his death . 'The . floor was still giving in and the dirt was still going down, but I . didn't care. I wanted to save my brother. I could hear him screaming for . me, hollering for . me. I couldn't do nothing.' Jeremy had tried to save his brother . when he heard him screaming, but was unable to reach him. A deputy . pulled Jeremy out of the sinkhole, and likely saved his life. Following the tragedy, Jeremy Bush said he believed the rescue teams should not have given up so soon. 'I feel like they could . have tried harder to get my brother out of there,' he said. 'That was my . brother. No one is even talking about what my mom and dad are going . through. They don't want to be on camera. My mom and dad are going . through hell right now.' Break down: Jeremy Bush, right, told reporters that not enough was done to get his brother Jeff out of a sinkhole during an emotional interview as the family house was demolished . Remembered: Jeremy Bush set up a makeshift memorial for his brother before demolition began . The 20-foot-wide opening of the sinkhole was almost covered by the . house, and rescuers said there were no signs of life after the hole . opened. Experts say thousands of sinkholes . erupt yearly in Florida because of the state's unique geography, though . most are small and deaths rarely occur. 'There's hardly a place in Florida . that's immune to sinkholes,' said Sandy Nettles, who owns a geology . consulting company. 'There's no way of ever predicting where a sinkhole . is going to occur.' Watch out: Florida, Texas, Alabama, Missouri, Kentucky, Tennessee, and Pennsylvania are the states most affected by sinkholes, according to the U.S. Geological Survey . A sinkhole is a hole that opens up suddenly in the ground. They mostly occur because of erosion or underground water that gathers naturally or due to man-made activities. When this water dissolves the foundation beneath the surface layer, spaces and caverns develop underground. Limestone, carbonate rock, . and salt beds are particular vulnerable to this erosion. Meanwhile, the top layer of Earth usually stays intact. When the dissolving area beneath the surface becomes too large, the surface suddenly gives way. According . to the U.S. Geological Survey, Florida, Texas, Alabama, Missouri, . Kentucky, Tennessee, and Pennsylvania are the states most affected by . sinkholes. While they often . occur from natural causes, sinkholes can be man-made and caused by . human activity. Groundwater pumping and construction are the most likely . culprits. They can also occur when water drainage systems are changed. Source: USGS . | Jeff Bush, 37, was sucked into the hole under his home in February .
Footage taken by a contractor shows the damaged room for the first time .
Coats, hats and shelves still hang on the wall above huge sinkhole .
The house was later demolished and Bush's body was never recovered . |
209,195 | 9ae64ef6e1ab285c6ab3345c23abb430ea5b85b6 | Tehran, Iran (CNN) -- Gas and oil prices rose in Iran Monday after the country dramatically cut subsidies for its citizens to bolster the nation's sagging economy. The initiative went into effect Sunday, with the country saying it will gradually remove all subsidies within five years. The price of subsidized gasoline rose four-folds -- from 1,000 rials (9 cents) per liter to 4,000 rials, the Mehr news agency said. Officials say energy subsidies have cost the Iranian government around $100 billion dollars a year, state run Press TV said Monday. While some have said the plan will stoke inflation, others say it is in line with recommendations from international financial organizations to solve Iran's economic woes, Press TV said. Five years ago, Ahmadinejad's government announced its plan to cut government subsidies and help adjust prices in Iran's economy. That includes a policy to phase out subsidies on staples such as fuel and food, likely causing consumers' costs of such items to rise. Iran has $10 trillion in oil resources alone, plus natural gas reserves worth between $3.5 and $4.5 trillion, International Monetary Fund mission chief Dominique Guillaume said in an interview posted earlier this fall on that world body's website. But its economy nonetheless has seen lackluster growth, including between 1% and 2% of GDP this past year. Despite its abundance of fuel, Iran has been pushing to expand its nuclear program. Many in the international community, including U.S. officials, have expressed grave concerns and successfully pushed for sanctions fearing that Tehran might be trying to develop nuclear weapons. But Iranian leaders have said the nation wants nuclear power, in part to free up more oil to export and pump more money into the economy. With subsidies that effectively allowed domestic consumers to pay relatively little for oil and gas -- far below what they or people anywhere else would pay on the world market -- Iran was forfeiting potentially huge revenues, explained IMF Senior Economist Roman Zytek on his group's website. The IRNA news agency reported Saturday that Iranians' use of commodities like fuel "has not followed a reasonable pattern" -- with Zytek saying that many Iranian citizens have been buying excess amounts of oil and gas. Iran's subsidy reforms, he said, aim to decrease domestic demand for fuel, make the country more fuel-efficient, and allow Iran to profit more from its natural resources. | The country plans to remove all subsidies in five years .
The price of gasoline goes up four-folds .
Iran has trillions of dollars in natural resources but still struggles, experts say .
The changes aim to dampen domestic demand for fuel and oil, and bolster overall revenues . |
63,516 | b45ddf9c2b5cdfe5d1f252136ac0df111f2aa1fe | (CNN) -- For Alex Zanardi, losing both legs in a life-threatening crash was only the beginning of a new chapter. This year, the Italian racing driver, who has competed in Formula One and Indycar series, added two Paralympic gold medals and a win in the New York marathon's handcycle division to his career highlights. Reflecting on what lies next, he says: "I have to tell you that the possibilities are not lacking in my life, and this is something for which I feel very lucky." At school, Zanardi didn't compete in sports much, "because I was really fat as a kid." After his sister was killed in a car crash his parents were eager to keep him off the road -- but they did allow Zanardi to race go-karts. "I clearly remember that first day on the go-kart being the best in my life," he says. Zanardi first raced in Formula One in 1992. After a contract with Lotus ended, he switched to Indycar racing, ultimately winning two championships. In America he became a popular driver, making a signature move out of performing post-race donuts on the track, and earning the nickname Latka (a reference to a character in '80s sitcom "Taxi"). The crash . In 2001, Zanardi was leading in a Champ car race at Lausitzring in Germany, with 13 laps to go. But as he emerged from a final pit-stop, something went wrong. "I lost control of the car in the acceleration lane, spun around and basically ended up ... a sitting duck in the middle of the racing line." Zanardi awaited his fate as his fellow drivers sped by at more than 350mph. Struck by the second car to pass, his car -- and his body -- were effectively sliced in two. The blood loss was massive. "It was like having the sink opened," he says. "Both arteries were completely ripped apart; the amputation was immediate." As a racecar driver, he'd had plenty of opportunity to ponder how he would react to such a fate. "I said I would probably kill myself," Zanardi says. "Then I found myself in this situation and that thought never went through my mind." "I had a clear perception that I had cheated death. I was very happy, and full of joy at being alive." Friends and family worried about how he would manage to get by without legs. But Zanardi says the question he asked himself on emerging from a coma was "not that much different in the wording, but technically very different." It was: "My question was, how the hell am I going to do all the things I have to do with no legs?" His attitude was one of "pure curiosity." "I knew I was going to find a way to overcome my problems," he adds. More from Human to Hero: From builder to Pritzker-winning architect . Being a professional athlete served Zanardi well during his rehabilitation -- he already knew that it simply takes persistence to achieve a good result. "Having been involved in sport a long time made me learn that you cannot magically make things happen overnight. You can only do what you can each day, and take the next day to add to what you have done the previous day." "The method which allowed me to get out of my troubles was setting a list of priorities, as I did previously in sport, preparing a race." "My first goal was to try to get out of that bed, and then to get rid of all those tubes and wires that were keeping me alive. Then go on the toilet on my own and then, step-by-step -- very metaphorical in my case -- slowly, I got to the point of thinking about rehabilitation over a pair of prosthetic legs." The comeback . Within a year, he had crossed all of those problems off his list. Two years later, Zanardi returned to Lausitzring to complete his 13 laps, averaging nearly 200mph in a hand-operated car. Three years later, he was contracted to race for BMW in the European Touring Car Championships. Four years later, he won a World Touring Car Championship race, using his hip to work a modified brake pedal attached to a prosthetic leg, an accelerating device mounted under the steering wheel, and a clutch mechanism worked by hand. He celebrated by doing donuts on the track. Five years later, he was back in a modified BMW Formula One car, steering with one hand and accelerating with the other. He was again subject to the same dangers, but says "life itself is that way." "The simple fact that we are alive and breathe means we have something to lose. In this philosophical way, I found it absolutely normal to jump back in the car and do things as I did before. "I knew that if there was a way to connect my brain to the racing car, I would be the same driver as before." If anything, he says, he is now less vulnerable than before: "If I break one of my legs, it only takes a 4mm screw to fix it." More from Human to Hero: Opera singers are athletes . Handcycling . It was an invitation to speak at the 2007 New York marathon that first inspired Zanardi to try handcycling. "I thought, since I'm there, I may as well do the marathon," he says. With only a month's preparation, he finished fourth in his division, discovering that, not only was handcycling a great way to keep fit, but it also allowed him to apply his knowledge of aerodynamics. By 2009, he had a new goal in his sights -- the London 2012 Paralympic Games. As well as physical training to prepare, Zanardi spent hours working as his own race engineer, fine-tuning his cycle until it perfectly complemented his body. "Every athlete has different needs, because every athlete has different residual abilities ... you have to modify in order to find the perfect machine for you." Just as a racecar driver must interpret what the instruments on his dashboard reveal, Zanardi says he also had to learn to interpret his own body's inputs and outputs. "There's nothing you can do about power in a racing car, other than telling your engineers your engine doesn't sound or feel as good as it should ... here, I'm the engine. I need to be aware of what's going on ... " A year after winning the handcycling division of the New York Marathon -- completing the race in one hour, 13 minutes and 58 seconds -- Zanardi won golds in both the H4 men's road and time trial races at the Paralympics. Victory was sweet, but being a paralympian was also fulfilling because, Zanardi says, "finally, I saw people realizing what kind of message can come out of sport in general." "You are surprised by the result they're achieving, but you can't help but think, the starting point for these guys was much further back than yours." | Italian racecar driver Alex Zanardi lost his legs in an Indycar crash in 2001 .
This year, he won two handcycling gold medals at the London Paralympic Games .
Recovering from his injuries and mastering a new sport is a matter of taking things step by step, he says. |
170,347 | 687eb4323aa3e46b620549738b1fb7698583f844 | By . Pa Reporter . Ahead of this weekend's Premier League action, Sportsmail will be providing you with all you need to know about every fixture, with team news, provisional squads, betting odds and Opta stats... Here is all the information you need for Manchester City's home clash with Stoke... Manchester City vs Stoke City (Etihad Stadium) Kick-off: Saturday 3pm . Odds (subject to change): . Manchester City 1/5 . Draw 5/1 . Stoke 14/1 . Referee: Lee Mason . Managers: Manuel Pellegrini (Manchester City), Mark Hughes (Stoke) Head-to-head league record: Manchester City wins 38, draws 22, Stoke wins 30 . Team news . Manchester City . Manchester City strikers Sergio Aguero and Edin Dzeko are both fit for the Barclays Premier League visit of Stoke on Saturday. There were reports Aguero may have suffered a training ground injury this week, but the club have dismissed them and the Argentinian continues to build his match-fitness. Dzeko has recovered from the blow to a thigh sustained against Liverpool on Monday. Scoring non-starter: Despite failing to start a Premier League game this term, Sergio Aguero has already scored twice for Manchester City and is passed fit as the champions take on Stoke this Saturday . New £32million defender Eliaquim Mangala and loan midfielder Frank Lampard remain short of match-fitness while striker Alvaro Negredo (metatarsal) is out long term. Provisional squad: Hart, Caballero, Zabaleta, Sagna, Kompany, Demichelis, Nastasic, Boyata, Clichy, Kolarov, Silva, Nasri, Milner, Navas, Toure, Fernandinho, Fernando, Aguero, Jovetic, Dzeko. Stoke . On-loan Chelsea winger Victor Moses is likely to start on the bench at Manchester City on Saturday despite impressing on debut in midweek. The Nigeria international featured significantly in the Capital One Cup victory over Portsmouth, but is not yet fit enough to play 90 minutes. Pick me, boss: Victor Moses impressed mid-week but is unlikely to start at Manchester City . Utility player Geoff Cameron is out with a thigh problem sustained in the cup game, but defender Phil Bardsley and Bojan Krkic could be fit after being rested in midweek. Provisional squad: Begovic, Bardsley, Wilson, Shawcross, Pieters, Sidwell, Whelan, Odemwingie, Arnautovic, Nzonzi, Biram Diouf, Sorensen, Wilkinson, Muniesa, Adam, Walters, Bojan, Crouch, Moses. Key match stats (supplied by Opta) Manchester City have conceded just five goals in 12 Premier League encounters with the Potters. Stoke have won just one of their 12 Premier League games against Manchester City, and none of the last 10. Manchester City have scored at least once in 69 of their last 70 Premier League home games. Sergio Aguero has played only 29 minutes this season but is the league’s joint-top scorer with two goals. Manchester City have scored at least two goals in each of their last 10 Premier League games. Lone striker: Yaya Toure (centre) scored the only goal in the two league meetings between the teams last season, pouncing with 20 minutes left to secure a 1-0 win for Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium . The Premier League record for scoring 2+ goals in consecutive games is held by Man City (14 games in 2011). Stoke have conceded exactly one goal in each of their last six Premier League games (W2 D2 L2) Stoke have played 12 Premier League games in Manchester (City & United combined) and lost all 12. Stoke have not kept a clean sheet in a Premier League away game since last December (at Hull City). Stevan Jovetic has scored three goals in his last three Premier League appearances, this after scoring two in his previous 12. | Manchester City strikers Sergio Aguero and Edin Dzeko fit for visit of Stoke .
Eliaquim Mangala and Frank Lampard short of match fitness for Man City .
Alvaro Negredo remains long term absentee for Manuel Pellegrini's team .
Chelsea's on loan Victor Moses likely to start on bench for Stoke City .
Nigerian forward not fit enough to feature full 90 minutes at Etihad Stadium .
Phil Bardsley and Bojan Krkic should be fit after being rested midweek .
Geoff Cameron out with thigh injury from 3-0 win over Portsmouth . |
38,528 | 6cf5244cf73f81a4b1903482a2e593aac0dcf20a | Cheering, smiling and, ultimately, grimacing, Sophie Wessex was the Queen's loudest supporter today as her filly Estimate attempted to retain the Gold Cup title she won last year. But unfortunately for the Countess, her efforts were in vain with the horse narrowly missing out to Irish contender Leading Light in the most prestigious race on Ladies' Day. Consolation for the Queen came in the form of a family day out, with Princess Beatrice, Princess Eugenie and the Princess Royal joining the monarch and the Countess of Wessex in the Royal Box. Scroll down for video . Tense: Sophie Wessex clutches her face as she watches Estimate defend the Gold Cup . Come on! Sophie Wessex cheers as she roars the Queen's bay thoroughbred filly on . Oh no! The Countess grimaces as Estimate is narrowly pipped to the post by Leading Light . Enjoying . the day: The Queen was resplendent in turquoise as she was driven down . the course at Ascot, the Duke of Edinburgh perched in the landau beside . her . Fine . form: The Duke of Edinburgh chats to Prince Andrew as he, the Queen and . Prince Harry are driven down the racecourse on Ladies Day . Pensive: . The Queen was left disappointed after her filly Estimate failed to replicate last year's Gold Cup winning form - finishing in second place instead . Big day: Although the Queen failed to win . anything yesterday, she is hoping Estimate can change her fortunes. Right: Princess Eugenie waves to the crowds . Looking . lovely: The Princess Royal was chic in a bright pink hat and navy blue . jacket, while Princess Beatrice opted for a bright orange hat by Sarah . Cant . While the Queen might not have managed a win on the racecourse, she took home the prizes in the style stakes with her brightest ensemble of the week so far - a turquoise Angela Kelly coat and matching Rachel Trevor-Morgan hat. The Countess of Wessex, by contrast, went for dark glamour in a black calf-length dress and a matching hat, using pearl earrings to take the sombre edge off the look. Meanwhile, Princess Beatrice joined the Queen and plumped for brights courtesy of a cream . coat and a tangerine Sarah Cant hat, while Princess Eugenie plumped for pale and interesting in a beige trench coat and a matching pillbox hat by Welsh milliner, Robyn Coles. Glamorous . though the York princesses were, all eyes were on the Princess Royal . who joined them in the carriage and looked marvellous in a fuchsia . titfer and a navy blue coat delicately patterned with flowers. Despite her losses on the field, the Queen did at least have Prince Harry on hand to entertain her and he did - jinking across the Royal Enclosure, twirling an umbrella in his hand, and regaling his family with tales. Commiserations: . The Queen is reflected in the Gold Cup as she prepares to present it to . the owner of Leading Light after her horse Estimate came second . Beautiful: Princess Eugenie was pretty in a hat . by Welsh milliner Robyn Coles while Princess Beatrice opted for a . glamorous tangerine hat by Sarah Cant . Glamorous: A smiling Sophie Wessex was glamorous . in a dramatic all-black ensemble as she joined Prince Harry and the . Queen in the Royal Enclosure . Looking good: Prince Andrew was dapper in . morning dress, while Princess Anne looked lovely in navy and pink, and . Princess Beatrice in a tangering ensemble . Wonderful: . Princess Anne was elegant in a bright pink hat enlivened with marabou . feathers and beading, a matching pink shift dress, and a pared down navy . jacket . Day . out: The Princess Royal, who has been at Royal Ascot every day, was . joined by her nieces Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie for the ride . down the racecourse . Joker: Prince Harry's antics kept his . grandparents and uncle Prince Andrew entertained as they drove along the . course - and he carried on in the Royal Enclosure . Also on . hand for the fun was Peter Phillips who laughed along with Prince Harry . as they cheered on Frankie Dettori in the Norfolk Stakes before bursting . into laughter as he dropped the trophy during the subsequent . presentation. And while she . might not have won, the Queen, who later presented Leading Light's . owners with the Gold Cup, does at least have happy . memories of last year's race - and wrote glowingly of her experiences in . last year's event in the official foreword to the Ascot programme, . 'I would like to thank those of you who . were here for the wonderful welcome the filly received after performing . so well, and also those who were kind enough to send messages . afterwards,' she wrote. 'To win at . Royal Ascot is challenging and I know how much work goes into preparing . every one of the horses racing. All those involved deserve great credit . as well as our gratitude.' And . the Queen certainly does know a considerable amount about readying . racehorses for action, thanks to a career as a breeder and owner that . spans more than 60 years. Since inheriting a handful of animals on her father's death in 1952, her horses have since triumphed in more than 1600 races, . including all five British Classics apart from the Epsom . Derby, although did manage a second place finish with Aureole in . 1953 and came third in 2011 with Carlton House. While . the Derby has so far eluded her, the Queen has bred some of the finest . horses ever to race in the UK, among them Dunfermline who managed to win . both the Epsom Oaks and St. Leger Stakes in 1977, Carozza, who . triumphed in the Epsom Oaks in 1957 and Pall Mall who took the 2,000 . Guineas in 1958. Enjoying himself: Prince Harry makes a lady . guest laugh (left) and right, twirls his umbrella with a cheeky grin on his face as he strolls through the Royal . Enclosure . All . smiles: Prince Harry, dapper in morning dress jazzed up with a . cornflower blue tie, laughed and joked with his uncle, Prince Andrew . Winning . ways: Leading Light (far right with a blaze) streaks past Estimate . (centre, sheepskin noseband) to take the Gold Cup on Ladies Day at Royal . Ascot . Winning . ways: Frankie Dettori leaps from Baitha Alga after the pair triumphed . in the Norfolk Stakes watched by Prince Harry and the Queen . Enjoying . themselves: Ladies stop to chat as they enjoy their day out at Ascot, . with one lady looking particularly elegant in a pink lace dress and . matching titfer . Exciting . stuff: Colourfully dressed racegoers sit in the Grandstand as they wait . for the racing action to begin, starting with the Norfolk Stakes . Smart: A lady dressed in an all-crimson ensemble . topped with a black hat, left, and right, a dapper gentleman in morning dress and his equally well-dressed companion . Green . and pleasant land: Racegoers stroll towards the course along a pretty . tree-lined avenue festooned with Union flag bunting on Ladies Day . Wonderful: . The sun shone on Berkshire's Ascot racecourse as excited guests arrived . for Ladies' Day and the chance to see Estimate compete in the Gold Cup . | The Queen, who was elegant in turquoise, was accompanied by the Duke of Edinburgh and Prince Andrew .
Behind them rode Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie, the Princess Royal and her son Peter Phillips .
Prince Harry, on typically jokey form, set about entertaining the ladies as they watched the races .
Unfortunately for the Queen, her filly Estimate could only manage second place in the Gold Cup .
Colourfully dressed racegoers lined the grandstand and filled the paddock, with outlandish hats dominating . |
98,528 | 0adf51f362c086f891d5fdc5a557e77992419869 | By . Mark Duell . Last updated at 11:49 PM on 30th November 2011 . The Dow Jones today closed up almost 500 points in an astonishing rally after the world’s major central banks announced a desperate move to kick-start the global financial system. The operation, led by the U.S. Federal Reserve, came amid fears that at least one major European bank . may be teetering on the brink of collapse. The dramatic move to shore up the world's creaking economy was undermined after the credit ratings agency Standard & Poor’s downgraded its . ratings on 15 global banks by one notch. All smiles: Traders work on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange before the closing bell this afternoon . Cheered by traders: A view of a board on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange, as the Dow shot up . The central banks of Europe, the U.S. and others agreed to give banks cheaper access to loans in U.S. dollars, which aims to avert a credit crisis like the one after Lehman . Brothers collapsed in 2008. The . Dow jumped 490 points in its biggest gain since March 2009 - rising 4.2 . per cent to close at 12,045. The S&P was up 52 points to 1,245; and . the Nasdaq jumped 105 points to 2,620. This move, akin to interest rate cuts, gives credit markets extra liquidity by effectively providing banks with unlimited U.S. dollars to fund themselves. 'Cutting swap costs is the equivalent of interest rate cuts. The banks will be hoping this is a turning point in the crisis,' economist Jeremy Cook said. But last night John Higgins, . of the Capital Economics research consultancy, . said the central banks’ intervention would provide temporary relief for . Europe, but warned that it was ‘not a game changer’. He added: ‘Welcome . as the news was, we do not think it signals a turning point in the . crisis.’ In a bleak assessment of the crisis engulfing Europe, a UK government spokesman said: ‘We are experiencing a credit crunch.’ The surprise plan was aimed at preventing global financial markets from coming under pressure that could potentially lead to a seizing up of credit. For November, the Dow edged up 0.76 per . cent, but the S&P fell 0.50 per cent and the Nasdaq Composite . dropped 2.39 per cent overall. Gesture: Specialist Michael McDonnell, right, works with traders on the floor of the stock exchange today . Huge increase: The Dow jumped 490 points in its biggest gain since March 2009 - rising 4.2 per cent . The Federal Reserve has joined with other central banks to kick-start the global economy. They want to make it easier for banks to get dollars when needed and avert a credit crunch. Non-U.S. banks need dollars to fund American operations and make dollar loans to firms. But banks are afraid to lend because nobody is sure who holds bad government debt. If a European government defaults then it will probably put the U.S. back into recession, so it is in everyone's interests to avoid this. The central banks will reduce the cost of temporary dollar loans offered to banks - called liquidity swaps - to a half percentage point. The Fed noted banks were not having difficulty now getting funds in short-term markets - but it still has a ‘range of tools’ for use as a backstop. Britain’s FTSE closed up 3.2 per cent to 5,505, the DAX in Germany was up 5 per cent to 6,089 and France’s CAC was up 4.2 per cent to 3,155. Traders said the move recalled the co-ordinated action to steady global markets that was taken during the 2008 financial crisis. Economist Mark Cliffe said policymakers are ‘beginning to address the problem’. He stated there was a ‘very dark mood’ developing last week. Mr Cliffe added that policymakers must step in with ‘aggressive measures’ and begin to ‘confront the financing problems of the sovereigns’. Other economists welcomed the move but warned that a lot of work remains to deal with the underlying sovereign debt crisis. Variations: This is a colour-coded table of credit ratings of euro zone nations, as well as the U.S. and Japan . Compared: This graphic charts latest growth forecasts for major world economies from the OECD . Silvio Perruzzo said 'the ECB has more scope to go' and it is expected to announce more measures in its next policy meeting on December 8. 'Cutting swap costs is the equivalent of interest rate cuts. The banks will be hoping this is a turning point in the crisis'Jeremy Cook . 'Doing more on the collateral side is probably the second step. The ECB is helping the banking system while sovereigns do their homework,' he said. The shock agreement came as European Union finance ministers met in Brussels to discuss radical plans to address the debt crisis. It could see member states handing over control of their finances. Leaders have been warned they have 10 days to complete a crisis response. Euro zone ministers agreed detailed . plans to leverage the European Financial Stability Mechanism (EFSF), but . warned they may have to turn to the IMF for more help to avert . financial disaster. Europe trouble: The giant Euro sign is seen in the centre of the protest camp Occupy Frankfurt in front of the European Central Bank in Germany . Olli Rehn, Economic and Monetary Affairs Commissioner, said: 'We are now entering the critical period of 10 days to complete and conclude the crisis response of the European Union.' Italian and Spanish bond yields resumed . their inexorable climb towards unsustainable levels on today, as markets . assessed the rescue fund boost as inadequate. 'We are now entering the critical period of 10 days to complete and conclude the crisis response of the European Union' Olli Rehn . It comes as stock markets rose after buoyant consumer confidence figures renewed optimism in the strength of the U.S. economy. Europe's ongoing battle to contain its debt crisis will remain a key driver in markets for a while to come, especially if countries continue having to pay elevated interest rates to get investors to lend to them. Italy was yesterday forced to pay a high interest rate on an auction of three-year debt. The 7.89 per cent rate was nearly three percentage points higher than last month. If Italy was to default on its debt of 1.9 trillion euros, the fallout would damage the euro and send shock waves throughout the global economy. | Dow Jones surges as Wall Street markets jump more than four per cent .
Key U.S. index finishes 490 points up and goes back above 12,000 mark .
Central banks announce move to drop price on existing U.S. dollar swaps .
Should raise liquidity and basically give banks unlimited $ to fund themselves . |
175,350 | 6eeec252fb139e9c5c4d99cf189fe09833fb95ee | Unhappy: Sir Jonathan Miller says he is 'ashamed' to be helping his grandchildren through private education . Socialist Sir Jonathan Miller has admitted being 'ashamed' that he is supporting his grandchildren through private school. In a war of words with his own son William, the renowned theatre director said the decision was made to ensure they got a good education. Sir Jonathan added he was furious about 'belonging to a society which makes such as sharp distinction' between Britain's rich and poor. There was 'something deeply malignant about a structure which makes it necessary to make these invidious choices,' he said. He sent his own children to state schools but his son William called the decision a 'cavalier social experiment'. William has sent his own children into private education, which Sir Jonathan says he is contributing towards. 'I do give them a little bit just to ensure there is some sort of . security, but I feel rather ashamed of it and I feel ashamed of . belonging to a society which makes such a sharp distinction between the . prosperous and the assured, whose future is guaranteed, and those who . are not,' Sir Jonathan told the Sunday Times this week. 'It all ought to be state education. It’s part and parcel of . this profound and malignant separation of the prosperous from the poor. 'People who have huge amounts of can afford to wrap their children in . all sorts of protective educational devices which guarantee that they . will become like their parents.' Education: Sir Jonathan went to the prestigious St Paul's School and then Cambridge University, pictured . William Miller claims that he and his . two siblings would have fared better had they been sent to public . schools and Oxbridge, like their parents, but instead they were sent to . state schools to appease the couple's socialist principals. Wrong: Son of Sir Jonathan Miller, William, said his parents put him through state school as some sort of 'social experiment' 'It . turned out to be a cavalier social experiment that saw all three of his . children fail to gain a single qualification. He is right to feel . guilty: it was a wholly avoidable disaster,' he wrote in 2009. Miller grew up near London's Regent's Park where his parents' neighbours were intellectuals including Alan Bennett, George Melly, Shirley Conran and AJ Ayer. He started school at Primrose Hill state primary in 1969 and went on to Pimlico comprehensive in 1975. He says: 'If you were to ask me what I remember about learning, I think I could just about recall that the Romans long baths and hated the Scots.' But Sir Jonathan himself went to the prestigious St Paul's School in London and then on to Cambridge University. 'One wants to have freedom of choice – it is a very important thing – but there is something deeply malignant about a structure which makes it necessary to make these invidious choices to guarantee your children are enveloped in protected devices,' he said. | The theatre director went to the prestigious St Paul's School but sent his own children into state education .
But his son William called it a 'social experiment' by his parents so is sending his own children private .
Sir Jonathan admits he is helping fund it, but calls education system 'malignant' |
54,205 | 9993ffc11715d9624d0fd3e4fe7f28c820c6b20e | (CNN) -- American Airlines grounded flights nationwide on Tuesday due to problems over several hours with its computerized reservation system. The decision also resulted its regional affiliate, American Eagle, holding flights at Dallas Ft. Worth, Chicago's O'Hare and New York LaGuardia -- all major airports for the carrier's domestic operations. The glitch caused big delays and flight cancellations for the company, which sought court approval on Monday to exit bankruptcy. It plans to merge with US Airways. American CEO Tom Horton apologized the customers in a video Tuesday evening, saying that the glitch was "a software issue impacting both primary and backup systems." Bad weather often forces airlines to halt flights in specific regions, but a nationwide grounding is highly unusual. American estimates it flies about 275,000 passengers a day and receives more than 239,000 reservations calls. American first reported computer problems via twitter at noon ET, then announced a ground stop one hour later. Its reservation systems were restored by 4:30 p.m., but the company said passengers could expect delays and cancellations throughout the day. The Federal Aviation Administration also confirmed that American had sought permission to hold flights. The carrier said in a statement that it saw "no evidence" that the technical outage was in any way related to Monday's deadly bombing in Boston that is under investigation as an act of terrorism. Airlines have long been a target of overseas terrorists, although U.S. officials say they have not determined whether the origin of the Boston attack was domestic or foreign. American's reservation systems are operated by the technology company Sabre, which told CNN that its systems were functioning, but American had trouble connecting. DFW, where American operates 85% of daily flights, used buses to help get passengers off planes because gates were full of aircraft that had not departed, spokesman David Magaña said. Inside the terminal there were some longer lines and the airport was more crowded than it would be on a day with normal operations. The carrier apologized to passengers and said they could rebook on another airline if they must travel on Tuesday and were already at the airport. American was also willing to honor fare differences for rebooked travel, in certain cases, or offer refunds in other circumstances. CNN's Devon Sayers and Mike Ahlers contributed to this report. | NEW: American CEO apologizes, says the glitch affected the backup system, too .
Nationwide move is very unusual for a major U.S. airline, big delays .
Grounding also impacted American's regional partner, American Eagle .
NEW: American said it saw no link between its problems and events in Boston . |
204,471 | 94b8888bfe3b95dddb47e79e693ab43ebe34769b | (CNN) -- The soaring popularity of smartphones and tablets is eroding the distinction between our business and personal worlds, says the head of British telecoms giant BT. Ian Livingston, BT's chief executive officer, told Marketplace Europe the "consumerization" of business -- the trend for personal consumer devices such as smartphones and tablet computers to be used in the workplace -- was redefining the way we do business. "One of the things that we are seeing is the barrier between business and consumer is beginning to come down," he said. "What was assumed in the past was very much [that] your business life is over here and your personal life is over there -- that is not true, certainly not true for most of your business people." The consumer sector was now taking the lead when it came to innovations in communication technology, giving workers the opportunity stay connected on their personal device around the clock -- whether in the office, at home or traveling. "People are going to become networked all the time," he said. "I think we are just at the beginning of this revolution." While there were clear benefits for businesses to be had from the new reality, it also raised challenges around security. "It used to be that the IT department would say: 'How can I stop people from using it on our corporate network?'" he said. "Today it is 'How can I help people use it securely on the corporate network?'" Livingston said BT was meeting some of the infrastructure costs required for the new communications environment by focusing on improving its customer service. "The reason we start with customer service, apart from the obvious fact that customers like better service, is actually the biggest cost of our business and any telecoms business is the cost of failure." Through initiatives such as the company's "First Time Right" program, it had managed to reduce its cost base by £3 billion ($4.7 billion) over three years -- and halved the number of complaints received. "Take the failures out of the business -- and we have done a lot of that -- and the costs fall out automatically," he said. "That cost transformation has got more to go, and it also frees up money and people to invest in the future of business." | BT CEO: The growth of smartphones and tablets is changing our work patterns .
This "consumerization" of business is blurring the lines between work and personal life .
The consumer sector is now driving innovation in communications tech, he says .
While businesses can benefit from this, it also raises security challenges . |
181,518 | 7700913a9a2d2e9344429881d5d9e1c87b002c5a | By . Jessica Satherley . Last updated at 12:21 AM on 13th December 2011 . Vladimir Putin is to be challenged by one of Russia's richest tycoons in the Kremlin presidential election scheduled for March. Billionaire Mikhail Prokhorov - his country's most eligible bachelor - could present a real threat to the strongman premier if he can enlist the support of voters furious over ballot rigging claims in last week's parliamentary elections. This came yesterday as the Kremlin's pollster abruptly stopped issuing figures for politicians' ratings, amid suspicions that Putin's showing has suddenly slumped. Bid for presidency: Mikhail Prokhorov (pictured) has declared he will run against Putin in the election . 'Society is waking up,' said the 6ft 8 inch businessman worth £11.5 billion of dramatic people power protests led by the disillusioned middle classes. 'I have made the most serious decision in my life. I am running for president.' Fraud allegations: Russian PM Vladimir Putin's authority has been dented . The one-time street jeans-seller backed many of the anti-Putin slogans voiced at the demonstrations, he said. Prokhorov, the 46 year old owner of the New Jersey Nets basketball team, declared he would run as Putin slapped down a fresh parliamentary poll, the key demand of tens of thousands of protesters who took to the streets across Russia at the weekend. Often seen with attractive women, Prokhorov was arrested at a French ski resort in 2007 on suspicion of making prostitutes available to guests. He spent several days in jail but was later cleared of all charges. His big cash windfall came in selling the world's largest nickel mine in Norilsk. Putin aide Dmitry Peskov claimed that the fraud allegations touch less than one per cent of the vote so " it will in no way affect the legitimacy of the election". But the strongman faced more problems yesterday as his former trusted finance minister Alexei Kudrin threatened to set up a new right-of-centre political party - and to campaign against Putin. In another blow, at least one regional governor quit in protest over the handling of the elections. And the Public Opinion Foundation - one of Russia's main pollsters - abruptly stopped issuing ratings for politicians. Protesters: Demonstrators rally against election fraud at the Bolotnaya Square in Moscow . Anti Putin: A demonstrator holds a poster showing a manipulated photograph of Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin and bearing the words, 'No! 2050' Tycoon: Mikhail Prokhorov is the owner of the New Jersey Nets basketball team (pictured playing against the Toronto Raptors) 'We continue to conduct surveys on a weekly basis, but the results are not being released to the public,' amid claims it is due to a further slide in Putin's ratings, already down from 80 per cent to just over 50 per cent. Prokhorov - like most business figures - used to be reluctant to cross Putin. But he is furious after his bid to set up a political party Right Cause several months ago ended in failure after it was blocked by Putin crony Vladislav Surkov. Detailed charts of Russia's parliamentary election results . The tycoon said at the time: 'In this country there is a puppet master who long ago privatised the political system, who has long misinformed the Russian leadership about what is going on in the political system, puts pressure on the media, and tries to manipulate citizens' opinions. This puppet master is named Vladislav Surkov.' Yesterday he said he had decided to become Surkov's boss by beating Putin and becoming president. 'It is not in my nature to stop halfway,' he said. Map locating cities across Russia where protesters demanded end to Vladimir Putin's rule . He said he had been working quietly . and calmly building the infrastructure that I need to collect the 2.5 . million signatures" to register in the race. 'We have a parliament that is . completely leftist,' he said, vowing to build his programme "on a . complete lack of populism" and call for reforms that would strengthen . Russia's middle class. Asked if he feared the fate of the . last billionaire to challenge Putin - Mikhail Khodorkovsky, who was . jailed on corruption charges - he said: . 'I am not doing anything illegal. I am going in with my head held high and am not afraid.' | Mikhail Prokhorov declared he will run in the March presidential election .
Poses threat to Putin's campaign - whose authority has been dented by fraud allegations . |
108,749 | 183bf82c2a4aa280ef9859c226f6b7d0bdfdb199 | By . Chris Pleasance . PUBLISHED: . 08:15 EST, 24 September 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 08:34 EST, 24 September 2013 . It may look like a tranquil walk across a beautiful lake, but for one daredevil climber and sportsman this was no country stroll. In stark contrast to the perfectly clam waters of Green Lake, Austria, extreme sport champion Mich Kemeter struggled to stay focused as he edged along 250m of slackline. But after 35 attempts the Austrian-born adventurer finally made it to the other end, breaking his own world record for 'waterlining'. Scroll down for video . Mich Kemeter, 24, walked 250m - the same distance as three football fields - across Lake Green in Austria, beating his previous record of 222m . The record attempt took 20 days to complete including one time which saw Mich make it to within just 6 metres of the finish before he lost his balance . To complete the walk Mich had to hold his arms horizontal for up to half and hour at a time, causing him agony as his muscles burned in pain . The challenge he set himself, to walk the length of three football pitches suspended only by a strip of canvas, tested his mental and physical capabilities to the limits. Holding his arms in a horizontal position for half an hour at a time put the athlete in intense pain as his shoulder and bicep muscles started burning. He also had to stay focused on the other end of the line for balance, while knowing that at any second a slight gust of wind could send him tumbling. On one attempt he made it to within 6 meters of the finish before losing his balance and falling into the water. Easy does it: Mich said the biggest problems were wind and weather conditions which had to be perfect to stand a chance of completing the walk . Serene: Mich said that while on the line he felt connected with nature in the fantastic setting in Austria, near to where he grew up . Extreme: Mich (pictured far right) is also a world renowned free solo climber and basejumper who has climbed a 1000ft sheer cliff with no safety harness . But eventually, 20 days after his first attempt and watched along by family and sports enthusiasts, Mich finally reached the other side. He said: 'It is an incredible feeling to break your own record. The . biggest issue is the wind and the weather conditions - you have to wait . to make it as perfect as possible for the actual walk. 'You have to focus and you have to be really patient and accept certain circumstances.' 'But the water was beautiful, the sun was shining and the lake . was reflecting like a mirror. The whole thing was pure, like the water. I . felt really connected with nature, its energy and spirit.' The successful crossing came on the day Mich had set as the last one to break his record, as worsening weather and shortening daylight would have put the record out of reach. Mich, who is also a world-class free solo climber and . basejumper, added: 'My cousin and his girlfriend were there on the last day and those guys . were just screaming at me for the last few metres - saying "come on, you . can do it".' 'It helped me so much because I hadn't see those people for quite a long time and they gave me so much of their good spirit.' Mich now plans to break the record by 10m a year every year for the rest of his life meaning he will have to walk 400m when he turns 40 . By . crossing the line, Mich smashed his own 2012 waterline record of 222m, . which he set at the same stunning location, where he also grew up. He . now plans to continue breaking his record each year by 10m for every . year of his life - meaning he will have to walk 400m by the time he is . 40. Mich, nicknamed the 'Austrian Daredevil', has always prided . himself on pushing and opening up new levels in extreme sports and has a . total of six records in slacklining disciplines. Some of his other extreme achievements include . climbing 1000ft up a sheer gorge in the Grand canyon du Verdon in the . south of France without a safety rope and scaling 45 floors of the . tallest building in the city of Changsha in China - again without . equipment. | Mich Kemeter held the previous record of 222m which he set in the same place .
The 250m he completed this time is equivalent to almost three football pitches in distance .
The 24-year-old says he now plans to break the record by 10m a year every year for the rest of his life . |
225,068 | af74794d2d6d6900b259bc50a0b9058980edb904 | These terrifying, close-up images capture the moment a group of fearless divers hand-fed some of the world's most dangerous sharks. Surrounded by hammerheads and oceanic white tips the unflappable feeders calmly offered up morsels of fish on skewers. The divers, who wore protective chainmail suits designed to prevent sharks' teeth from piercing their skin, were photographed by Jan Phillip Morton. Scroll down for video . A diver offers up a fish on a skewer to this hungry shark. The feeders wore chainmail suitsto protect their skin from any accidental nibbles . Diver Neal Harvey shows no fear as he feeds a shark, and right, Charlotte Faulkner gets up close to one of the dangerous hunters . In a scene that looks like it belongs in the Jaws films, diver Nordin Siam swims behind the ferocious looking beast . Observers were placed at a safe distance with front row seats for the heart-racing show. Though the shots may look dangerous, Morton, 46, insisted everything possible was done to make sure the feeds are carried out in a safe environment. The snapper, who lives in Nassau, Bahamas, said: 'Sharks are the apex predators of the seas and oceans who throughout the years have taken on a fierce and unjustified reputation. A frightening number of sharks circle diver Neal Harvey as he feeds the ocean predators with morsels of fish on a skewer . One member of the diving squad, Steve Dovey, can't resist taking a picture of one of the magnificent beasts . The divers caused a feeding frenzy, thankfully it wasn't them on the menu, as they fed fish to hammerheads and oceanic white tips . Diver Jan Morton snapped the ultimate shark selfie as swam with the hungry sharks off the Bahamas . 'When visited underwater these creatures are curious and remarkably gentle. 'Shark numbers are declining rapidly through human activity and overfishing and although controversial, shark feeds are an excellent way to educate people on the subject of shark conservation and ocean health. 'Shark feeding is not something anyone should try on their own without the proper training. Beto Barbosa dips into his box of goodies and brings out an appetising looking fish head for this lucky shark . A hammerhead shark fights his way through a shoal of fish as it makes its way to the feeding scene . The sheer scale of the diving challenge is all too apparent here as at any moment things could take a dramatic turn for the worse . 'It is a dangerous activity best left to professionals.' According to renowned oceanographer Jacques Cousteau oceanic whitetips should be considered as 'the most dangerous of all sharks'. The reason for this theory is large numbers of shark deaths have been attributed to whitetips due to their presence around the likes of shipwrecks and aircraft crashes. Neal Watson Jnr comes face-to-face with a shark during the dive off Nassau, in the Bahamas . The sharks take a rest and swim to the bottom of the sea during their feeding time, but will soon be ready for second helpings . Georgie Merlusca observes a shark twisting in anticipation of the food that she has just dropped down for it . Charlotte Faulkner and Stuart Cove pet the shark with a gentle rub of its nose in one of the more tender moments of the dive . | Photographer Jan Phillip Morton captured the fearless divers off the coast of the Bahamas .
Divers hand-fed hammerhead and oceanic white tip sharks, and wore chainmail for protection .
Morton says it was a 'safe environment' and the sharks are 'curious and remarkably gentle' |
220,911 | a9fadb5f788672ac2e00ed3e783b6e30fccf1793 | (CNN) -- The building where a gunman killed five people at Northern Illinois University two weeks ago will be demolished, state officials said Wednesday. Police tape and flowers sit outside Cole Hall at Northern Illinois University on Sunday. Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich's office confirmed that the state will provide the funding for the university to demolish Cole Hall, the site of Steven Kazmierczak's February 14 rampage. Cole Hall will be replaced by a high-tech classroom building to be named Memorial Hall, the office said. Kazmierczak, of Champaign, Illinois, opened fire on a geology class, shooting 21 people before killing himself. He used a shotgun hidden in a guitar case and three handguns hidden under a coat, NIU Police Chief Donald Grady said. Grady said he didn't know how many shots had been fired, but he said investigators recovered 48 bullet casings and six shotgun shells. About 160 students were registered for the class that met in the large lecture hall. Kevin McEnery said he was in the classroom when the gunman, dressed in a black shirt, dark pants and black hat, burst in carrying a shotgun. "He just kicked the door open, just started shooting," McEnery said. "All I really heard was just people screaming, yelling 'get out.' ... Close to 30 shots were fired." Student Zach Seward said, "We were having lecture as normal, a PowerPoint presentation. All of a sudden, the side door on the stage opens. Average-height male Caucasian comes out, draws a shotgun, pumps it and fires the first round on the first couple of rows. "After that, everybody ducked down, started screaming, going toward the door. On the way out, I heard shots still being fired. Everybody was screaming and running out of the room. It was chaos." See map of where the shootings happened » . Kazmierczak's girlfriend told CNN that the 27-year-old had stopped taking an antidepressant three weeks before the shooting. Jessica Baty said Kazmierczak had been taking Xanax, used to treat anxiety, and Ambien, a sleep agent, as well as the antidepressant Prozac. Baty did not say whether Kazmierczak stopped taking Prozac abruptly or whether he consulted with his psychiatrist before doing so. She said Kazmierczak had been taking the antidepressant for obsessive-compulsive tendencies and anxiety caused by school. Baty told CNN that, during their two-year courtship, she had never seen him display violent tendencies, and she expressed bewilderment over the cause of the rampage. "He was anything but a monster," Baty said. "He was probably the nicest, most caring person ever." "There were no red flags," said Grady, the university police chief. "He was an outstanding student; he was an awarded student; he was someone that was revered by the faculty, staff and students alike. ... So we had no indications at all." NIU President John Peters said the gunman was a former graduate student who had a good record as an undergraduate, receiving a degree in sociology at the school in 2006. "There's no indication that there was any trouble," Peters said. All the victims were from Illinois. The DeKalb County coroner's office identified four of them: Daniel Parmenter, 20, of Westchester; Catalina Garcia, 20, of Cicero; Ryanne Mace, 19, of Carpentersville; and Julianna Gehant, 32, of Meriden. The fifth victim, Gayle Dubowski, 20, of Carol Stream, died at a hospital in Rockford and was identified by Winnebago County authorities. Read about the victims' lives » . Though authorities said they responded within seconds to the incident, they also vowed to see what might have been done better. "If there is a way where this tragedy could have been anticipated, or stopped beforehand, we will find it," said Blagojevich. Northern Illinois University has an enrollment of more than 25,000. The campus covers 755 acres. E-mail to a friend . | Cole Hall, site of shootings, to be replaced by high-tech "Memorial Hall"
Steven Kazmierczak opened fire in geology lecture hall February 14 .
Kazmierczak shot 21 people, killing five of them, then killed himself, police say .
Shooter's girlfriend says he stopped taking antidepressant a few weeks earlier . |
123,707 | 2befb077c27fc2b506f5f6ceff54968b4aac196a | She is remembered as the 'toad-faced' Hogwarts professor who forced Harry Potter to cut the words 'I must not tell lies' on to his hand. But it has now been revealed that Dolores Umbridge, played by Imelda Staunton in the film franchise, was based on a teacher novelist JK Rowling hated from her school days. The author said the malicious character, who is just as fond of pink fluffy cardigans and kittens as she is of barbaric teaching practices, was inspired by a woman she 'disliked intensely on sight'. Scroll down for video . Harry Potter author JK Rowling (left) revealed that character Dolores Umbridge, played by Imelda Staunton (right), was based on a teacher form school . She said she feels the 'purest dislike' for the 'toad-faced' teacher as her desire to control, punish and inflict pain in the name of law and order rivals Lord Voldemort's incarnation of evil. Ms Rowling did not reveal the identity of the woman, but said she had been her teacher or instructor 'long ago… in a certain skill or subject'. 'The woman in question returned my antipathy with interest,' she wrote on her Pottermore website. 'Why we took against each other so instantly, heartily and (on my side, at least) irrationally, I honestly cannot say. Professor Umbridge is remembered as the 'toad-faced' Hogwarts professor who forced Harry Potter to cut the words 'I must not tell lies' on to his hand, pictured in the Order of the Phoenix . JK Rowling said she feels the 'purest dislike' for the teacher as her desire to control, punish and inflict pain in the name of law and order rivals Lord Voldemort's incarnation of evil . 'What sticks in my mind is her pronounced taste for twee accessories. I particularly recall a tiny little plastic bow slide, pale lemon in colour that she wore in her short curly hair. 'I used to stare at that little slide, which would have been appropriate to a girl of three, as though it was some kind of repellent physical growth.' Umbridge who first appears in the fifth book, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, was installed at Hogwarts by the Ministry of Magic. Madam Undersecretary Professor Dolores Jane Umbridge is a half-blood witch and Ministry of Magic bureaucrat. She served as Senior Undersecretary to the Minister for Magic under Ministers Cornelius Fudge, Rufus Scrimgeour, and Pius Thicknesse. In 1995 by order of the Ministry, she was installed as Defence Against the Dark Arts Professor at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. She later became Hogwarts High Inquisitor and Headmistress. Birthday: 26th August . Wand: Birch and dragon heartstring, eight inches long . Hogwarts house: Slytherin . Special abilities: Her punishment quill is of her own invention . Parentage: Muggle mother, wizard father . Family: Unmarried, no children . Hobbies: Collecting the 'Frolicsome Feline' ornamental plate range, adding flounces to fabric and frills to stationary objects, inventing instruments of torture . The professor is the only person other than Lord Voldemort to leave a permanent physical scar on Harry. She is also known for her many infamous deeds, including orchestrating the Dementor attack on Harry and Dudley at Magnolia Crescent and sacking Hagrid. Ms Rowling was quick to point out that the teacher she based the character on was not sadistic or vicious to her or anyone else. 'I never heard her express a single view in common with Umbridge (indeed, I never knew her well enough to know much about her views or preferences, which makes my dislike of her even less justifiable),' she said. 'However, it is true to say that I borrowed from her, then grossly exaggerated, a taste for the sickly sweet and girlish in dress, and it was that tiny little pale lemon plastic bow that I was remembering when I perched the fly-like ornament on Dolores Umbridge's head.' The author also revealed she shared an office with a woman who covered the wall with pictures of fluffy kittens, but was also a bigoted champion of the death penalty. 'I have noticed more than once in life that a taste for the ineffably twee can go hand-in-hand with a distinctly uncharitable outlook on the world,' she said. 'I once shared an office with a woman who had covered the wall space behind her desk with pictures of fluffy kitties; she was the most bigoted, spiteful champion of the death penalty with whom it has ever been my misfortune to share a kettle. 'A love of all things saccharine often seems present where there is a lack of real warmth or charity.' She has previously used the website to update the Potter stories and offer fans a glimpse into the lives of her characters after the books ended. In one, she wrote about a school reunion that saw a now 34-year-old Harry back at Hogwarts with 'threads of silver' in his black hair and a mysterious cut over his cheekbone which signifies his membership of a top-secret group of wizards called the Aurors. Professor Umbridge is the only person other than Lord Voldemort to leave a permanent physical scar on Harry, JK Rowling has revealed . | JK Rowling said hated character was based on a teacher from school days .
She did not reveal the identity of woman who inspired Dolores Umbridge .
But she said she disliked the teacher on sight because of twee accessories .
Hogwarts professor was played by Imelda Staunton in the film franchise .
She forced Harry Potter to cut the words 'I must not tell lies' on his hand . |
103,437 | 1162db4f9a6d2c5e2b2e31450ed69df5b8b9a7b8 | A Virginia lawmaker who resigned his seat following a sex scandal involving a teenage employee won it back during a special election Tuesday. Apparently plenty of voters in Joseph Morrissey's Richmond-area House of Delegates district were OK with his conviction in the scandal involving his 17-year-old secretary, whose nude photo was found on his cellphone and allegedly shared with a friend. Morrissey has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing, saying his phone was hacked. The young woman, who denies they had sex, is now pregnant. But he successfully conducted a political campaign – for the seat he was forced to vacate upon his guilty plea to the crime of contributing to the delinquency of a minor – from behind bars. With all the precincts reporting, Morrissey defeated Democrat Kevin Sullivan and Republican Matt Walton by a comfortable margin. He won 42 percent of the vote, compared to 33 percent for Sullivan and 24 percent for Walton. Joe Morrissey (left) crushed the competition for his old Virginia House seat on Tuesday, including rival Matt Walton (right), despite having to wear a court-ordered ankle bracelet and sleeping each night behind bars; he learned of his victory via a jailhouse pay phone . HANDS UP, DON'T JUDGE: Morrissey has said he might try to commute to the statehouse from jail during his sentence related to an alleged sexual relationship with an underage girl . 'This is a victory for the ages,' University of Mary Washington political science professor Stephen Farnsworth told the Richmond Times-Dispatch. 'Rarely has a politician with as many problems emerged victorious. For a man who has more baggage than Amtrak to win speaks volumes for his ability to connect with the district despite all of his liabilities.' Prosecutors in Morrissey's criminal case said that in addition to the sexual relationship he carried on with Myrna Pride, now an 18-year-old college freshman, he sent a naked photo of her to a friend. Part of the evidence against him, which he read to reporters on the courthouse steps in July, was a text allegedly from his young paramour to a third-party, reading: 'OMG, I just f***ed my boss.' He claimed the photo and the text messages were planted by a 24-year-old woman named Brittany McKinney, who grew jealous after Pride rejected her lesbian advances. But special prosecutor William Neely told the Richmond Times-Dispatch at the time that Morrissey 'had sex with her twice in his law office and texted someone about it.' Morrissey's victory was not unprecedented: Through four previous elections, most voters overlooked or even embraced the lawmaker's flamboyant history of fistfights, contempt-of-court citations and disbarment. The 57-year-old bachelor, who fathered three children out of wedlock with three different women, repeatedly won at least 70 percent of the vote as a Democrat. Morrissey said in a telephone interview that the results show people aren't interested in the drama that landed him in jail. 'They're interested in my body of work in the General Assembly,' Morrissey told the Associated Press. 'Nobody works harder for their constituents than I do.' He also said Sullivan's ads focusing on his latest scrape with the law backfired: 'People hate negative campaigns.' The lawmaker has made a career of never backing down. He hung boxing gloves in his office and promised 'Joe will fight for you' in campaign ads on city buses. In 2013 he waved an AK-47 rifle inside the House chamber while arguing for gun control. That brought back memories of a 1994 incident when police recovered an Uzi submachine gun in from a heroin dealer – a gun that police had loaned Morrissey, then a prosecutor, for use as a prop when he spoke at schools about drugs and violence. The 57-year-old has seen his law license suspended and revoked, has paid a $500,000 judgment to a man he brutally beat in 1999, lost a job teaching law in Australia for hiding his disbarment, and earned his nickname – 'Fightin' Joe' – for engaging in a courtroom fistfight while he was a prosecutor in 1991. He resigned his seat — effective Tuesday, the day of this special election — as part of a plea deal. The misdemeanor conviction allowed him to avoid a felony trial that could have barred him from office and put him in prison for years. He originally faced grand jury indictments on charges including taking indecent liberties with a minor, possession of pornographic images of an underage female, and solicitation to obtain the images. But Morrissey wouldn't give up — he promptly quit his party to run as an independent for his seat, sleeping in jail and wearing an electronic monitoring device as he campaigned during the day. Legislators from both parties denounced him as unfit to serve and began studying how to expel him if he won. 'Mr. Morrissey's election tonight does not change the fact that his actions fall grievously short of the standards of a public servant in the House of Delegates,' House Speaker William Howell, a Republican, said in a statement. MUG SHOT: Morrissey has been in and out of jail for decades, in between suspensions and revocations of his law license . NOT SHOOTING STRAIGHT: Morrissey brandished an AK-47 during a floor debate about gun rights, but had earlier admitted losing track of an Uzi that law enforcement officers had loaned him for use as a prop during speeches . House Democratic Minority Leader David Toscano and party caucus chairman Scott Surovell said in a joint statement that Morrissey's 'conviction and actions over the past two months were reprehensible, and we will be exploring every avenue in regard to his status as a member of the House of Delegates.' According to House Clerk G. Paul Nardo, it takes two-thirds of the 100-member House to expel a member – something that hasn't happened since 1876. The Virginia Constitution says a legislator can be kicked out for 'disorderly' behavior – which isn't defined. Morrissey vowed to wage a voting rights battle on behalf of the people who re-elected him if his foes try to remove him. His latest troubles began when Coleman Pride told authorities that the lawmaker was preying on his daughter when she worked at his law office in 2013 — allegations he repeated in campaign ads last week for Morrissey's Democratic opponent. But Morrissey's staunchest defender is Myrna Pride, now 18, who went public this month with her side of the story. She insists she never had sex with Morrissey but has refused to identify the father of her unborn child. And she publicly defended Morrissey on Monday in a radio interview. Richmond radio host Jack Gravely was interviewing Coleman Pride on WLEE about his daughter's relationship with Morrissey when the lawmaker called in to defend himself. Ms. Pride then showed up at the broadcast studio in person, accusing her father and others of manufacturing the entire scandal to get back at Morrissey for his help in a dispute over her father's child support. It was Morrissey's role in that family dispute that reportedly prompted police to serve a search warrant of his office Monday afternoon, with only hours to go before the voting started. Morrissey called that a political dirty trick. 'The only person that has shown any respect or kindness, or been there for me, is Mr. Morrissey,' Myrna Pride told a WTVR reporter on Monday. 'Right now it's a friendship. I don't speak with him often. I call here and there to check on him. I want to see how his spirits are going.' Morrissey supported her in turn. 'She is a very smart young lady,' he told the radio host. 'She is kind, she is considerate. She will go on to do very well.' OPPOSITION: On Sunday, Jan. 11, women protested against Morrissey as he left the Richmond Crusade for Voters, Inc. 74th District forum . Neely, the special prosecutor, has a long history with Morrissey. He unsuccessfully opposed the reinstatement of the politician's law license in 2011, claiming he 'completely lacks any moral compass' and engaged in 'notoriously unethical practices.' That opinion came with a litany of evidence. He landed two fists on the face of a flamboyant defense attorney during the 1991 courtroom brawl, landing in jail. In 1993 the Virginia State Bar Association yanked his license to practice law after he was indicted on a bribery charge. That case concerned his decision to dismiss a rape charge against a defendant whose father allegedly paid his victim $25,000 to get himself off the hook, and another $25,000 to a list of charities Morrissey chose. Charges against Morrissey in that case were later dismissed. Five years later, his license was suspended a second time after a 90-day stint in jail for contempt of court, for tainting a drug prosecution by leaking information to reporters. A judge in that proceeding banned him from arguing cases in court for two years. In 1999 Morrissey was sentenced to 300 hours of community service after physically assaulting a home contractor. According to a legal brief filed by the home contractor's attorneys, Morrissey shouted, 'I'm going to kill you. I'm going to beat your head in,' before beating the victim and 'smash(ing) his head into the corner of a brick wall.' In 2002 the victim won a judgment against him in civil court, which he paid off with a $500,000 check in 2007, The Daily Caller reported. But Morrissey wasn't as diligent with his community-service sentence: A court found he tried submitted phony documentation showing how many hours he had worked off, and sent him to jail for another 90 days. The bar association 'disbarred' him for that offense, tearing up his law license permanently – but relented a decade later and reinstated him in 2012. But meanwhile, Morrissey made headlines for losing his job teaching law in Australia when authorities there learned of his disbarment in the U.S. | Last year Joseph Morrissey was arrested for allegedly sleeping with a 17-year-old office assistant and sending a naked picture of the now-pregnant 18-year-old to a friend .
Both denied a sexual relationship despite mounting evidence of time they spent together; he claimed a hacker planted photos and texts on his phone .
One text, allegedly from the young girl, read: 'OMG, I just f***ed my boss'
'Fightin' Joe' got his nickname from a 1991 courtroom fistfight during his years as a prosecutor .
In 2007 Morrissey paid a man $500,000 to settle a court judgment against him for a separate 1999 physical assault .
He won re-election Tuesday as an independent, reclaiming the seat he was forced to vacate by a comfortable margin . |
275,857 | f15c8f0bb921ebe19a3bd07d12e70ed0a7bf688c | By . Nina Golgowski . PUBLISHED: . 20:30 EST, 22 December 2012 . | . UPDATED: . 08:08 EST, 23 December 2012 . The CIA's acting director has sent out a scathing public deploration of film Zero Dark Thirty to his entire staff after watching what he calls entertaining historical inaccuracies in its portrayal of the raid of Osama bin Laden's compound. Billed as 'the story of history's greatest manhunt for the world's most dangerous man' by using firsthand accounts, the film recounts U.S. troops' top secret mission while highlighting the first hours of May 1st of 2011. 'I would not normally comment on a Hollywood film, but I think it's important to put Zero Dark Thirty which deals with one of the most significant achievements in our history, into some context,' Mike Morell began in his note to his staff on Friday. Scroll down to read the full statement . Hollywood portrayal: Actress Jessica Chastain is seen in a scene from new film Zero Dark Thirty which has been most recently criticized by acting CIA director Mike Morell for historical inaccuracies . Not a fan: Acting CIA Director Michael Morell lambasted the film in a public statement to his employees on Friday claiming it doesn't fairly portray what really happened in 2011 or the decade of work beforehand . Mr Morell accuses the film as being overwhelmingly misleading in its timeline, depiction of CIA personnel and their actions, as well as its shown use of torture to generate information. 'What I want you to know is that Zero Dark Thirty is a dramatization, not a realistic portrayal of the facts,' he begins. Among three points, Mr Morell argues the hunt for bin Laden having been a group effort of hundreds of officers over a decade, contrasting the Hollywood film attributing it to, as he writes, 'just a few individuals.' In the film written by screenwriter Mark Boal, the mission’s leading intelligence operative is played by Jessica Chastain who is largely credited in the film for finding bin Laden’s secret compound in Abbottabad, Afghanistan. 'This may make for more compelling entertainment, but it does not reflect the facts,' he writes. 'Second,' he begins, 'the film creates the strong impression that the enhanced interrogation techniques that were part of our former detention and interrogation program were the key to finding Bin Ladin. That impression is false.' He argues multiple sources outside of a primary use of 'enhanced interrogation' - the CIA's popular chosen description of torture - in finding bin Laden. Hot and cold: The film, one scene pictured, has since been nominated for four Golden Globes despite mutually searing criticism from Washington . 'Some came from detainees subjected to enhanced techniques, but there were many other sources as well,' he wrote. 'Third, the film takes considerable liberties in its depiction of CIA personnel and their actions, including some who died while serving our country. We cannot allow a Hollywood film to cloud our memory of them,' he concluded. ‘CIA interacted with the filmmakers through our Office of Public Affairs but, as is true with any entertainment project with which we interact, we do not control the final product.' The film that’s currently playing in select theatres before its full release in January has been since nominated for four Golden Globe awards. But critics arguing its factuality, like Mr Morell, have come from the nation’s top politicians as well. Last week Senators Diane Feinstein, Carl Levin and John McCain wrote a letter to Sony Picture chairman and CEO Michael Lynthon accusing it as being 'factually inaccurate.' The three asked for a disclaimer before . the film on its accuracies, contrasting its current reading: ‘based on . firsthand accounts of actual events.’ Criticisms: Among Mr Morell's complaints of the film, pictured, are its depiction of torture used by U.S. troops to gain information and the mission's credit given to a select number of people . Like Mr Morell, they also target the film's shown use of torture. 'Zero Dark Thirty is factually inaccurate, and we believe that you have an obligation to state that the role of torture in the hunt for Usama Bin Laden is not based on the facts, but rather part of the film's fictional narrative,' they wrote. Feinstein is chairwoman of the Senate Intelligence Committee, the group who will oversee President Obama's selection of CIA director which Morell is considered a top candidate for. Earlier this month the film's screenwriter Mark Boal defended his work to the New York Times, expressing the complexity in cramming such a timeline of events into a film of approximately two and a half hours. 'I’m trying to compress a program that lasted for years into a few short scenes,' he said, adding that it also aims 'to reflect a very complex debate about torture that is still going on.' Mr Boal and director Kathryn Bigelow have previously defended it as a film not intended to withstand nit-picking historians. Statement to Employees from Acting Director Michael Morell: "Zero Dark . Thirty" December 21, 2012 . I would not normally comment on a Hollywood film, but I think it important to . put Zero Dark Thirty, which deals with one of the most significant . achievements in our history, into some context. The film, which premiered this . week, addresses the successful hunt for Usama Bin Ladin that was the focus of . incredibly dedicated men and women across our Agency, Intelligence Community, . and military partners for many years. But in doing so, the film takes . significant artistic license, while portraying itself as being historically . accurate. What I want you to know is that Zero Dark Thirty is a dramatization, . not a realistic portrayal of the facts. CIA interacted with the filmmakers . through our Office of Public Affairs but, as is true with any entertainment . project with which we interact, we do not control the final product. It would not be practical for me to walk through all the fiction in the film, . but let me highlight a few aspects that particularly underscore the extent to . which the film departs from reality. Commentators will have much to say about this film in the weeks ahead. Through it all, I want you to remember that Zero Dark Thirty is not a . documentary. What you should also remember is that the Bin Ladin operation was . a landmark achievement by our country, by our military, by our Intelligence . Community, and by our Agency. Michael Morell . | Acting CIA Director Mike Morell lambasted the film for its meager credit to his entire team, its depicted use of torture as well as of his staff and their actions . |
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