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74,440 | d30b6282d40393df1d402939e79e6047df01adc4 | There was no champagne celebration in the nightclubs of Tallinn for Estonian defender Artur Pikk on Sunday night, despite the fact he was making his first start for his country. The 21-year-old left back, who had to stop Jordan Henderson and Calum Chambers, had no time to contemplate a fine performance in which his team almost took a point off England as he is currently on national service and was due back in barracks at midnight. The Estonian army impose a strict curfew with no exceptions so Pikk had to head off immediately after the game to ensure he made it in time to his Tallinn army base. Artur Pikk was back in uniform in the post-match interview room ahead of his military service return . The 21-year-old full back was tasked with taking on Wayne Rooney and co before going back to barracks . Pikk had only played five minutes for his country as a substitute before last night but was chosen by Estonian manager Magnis Pehrsson, and fits in national service around playing for his club team, FC Levadia Tallinn. Meanwhile Pehrsson seemed unimpressed with England’s struggles to break down his team after the sending off of Estonian captain Ragnar Klavan just after half time. Pehrsson said: ‘I felt that England were not that dangerous. When they scored from the free kick, it felt like they should do more to win the game. 'It’s mixed emotions at the end really. I’m proud of my player who fought very hard. We stuck to out tactical plan very well but in football it’s all about the result.’ The FC Levadia Tallinn defender keeps an eye on Arsenal star Jack Wilshere as Estonia blunted England . Pikk tracks the run of Raheem Sterling during an impressive performance on his full Estonia debut . Estonia manager Magnis Pehrsson says England were poor and his side were unlucky not to get a result . | Artur Pikk made his full debut for Estonia on Sunday night .
Young full back needed to be back on base by midnight .
Defender fits his football career around national service .
Estonia manager says England 'were not that dangerous' |
249,909 | cf6ce6a5b75f86e8fc9f537fbe60622be3d5cba6 | By . Sara Malm . and Meghan Keneally . A close friend of L'Wren Scott has revealed that the 49-year-old fashion designer was planning to announce the closure . of her business today. According to fashion writer Cathy Horyn, Ms Scott committed suicide just two days before she was set to go public with the news that her . fashion label would be discontinued. Scott, who was also famous for being the girlfriend of Rolling Stones' Mick Jagger, was found dead in her Manhattan apartment shortly after 10am on Monday. Friends: Fashion critic Cathy Horyn (right, with L'Wren Scott at an event in October) has written a moving tribute to her deceased friend, saying how there were warning signs that she was stressed about her business . Ms Horyn, the New York Times former fashion critic, writes that she did not find out about the designer's plans to close her business until after Ms Scott's death. In an article for the paper titled 'Memories of a Friend, a Teacher and a Fighter', Ms Horyn tells of how their friendship was tested when she adviced Ms Scott to give herself a deadline to sort her financial problems, or close the business for the sake of her health. Tribute: Fashion critic Cathy Horyn revealed Ms Scott's plans in a moving tribute to her friend . 'Two years ago, our friendship was tested when, after hearing her troubles, I told her she should give herself a time limit to resolve matters or get out. Putting her health in jeopardy because of stress was not worth it, I told her,' Ms Horyn wrote. Ms Scott did not like the advice and instead worked even harder on turning her business into a success, which saw her collaborate with Banana Republic. Ms Horyn explained that they communicated on close to a monthly basis since the fall, once with Ms Scott texting her about how a fitting in London was going very well- months before she cancelled her line's fashion show in the city. Accounts . for her business, filed in the UK in October 2013, show her company, LS . Fashion LTD, had a deficit of £3,546,000 with the designer owing . creditors £4,592,000. She told an interviewer around that time she felt the . financial pressure. ‘Every cheque, every penny, I have to be responsible . for because it’s my own money.’ Ms Horyn said that the subject of Ms Scott's health came up again in February when, after sending condolences following the death of Ms Horyn's partner, a conversation made it clear that Scott was stressed. She told Ms Scott that if she put the fashion line on hold, it would not be the end of her career, . 'You’re entrepreneurial — that’s your strength. You’ll have new ideas. Just give yourself a break now,' Ms Horyn recalled telling her. Former home base: Scott used to live in the Hollywood Hills neighborhood of Los Angeles before selling the three-bedroom home (pictured) for $860,000 in 2009 . Memorable: Horyn wrote how she had Thanksgiving dinner in 2006 in Scott's walled-in backyard with Jagger and a group of The Rolling Stones . Their last communication- a text sent from Ms Horyn- went unexpectedly unanswered just three days before the suicide. 'Her death is inexplicable to me, and it makes me angry, too. Angry . because it’s the loss of a vital, intelligent woman, and angry because, . this once, I don’t want her to be a mystery to me,' Ms Horyn wrote. The tales of financial woe at the end . of a long friendship between the two women. Ms Horyn said that they met . in the 1990s but became close around 2000. She praised Mormon-raised . Scott for being warm, protective of young designers and caring when it . came to her friends, citing a moment last fall when she offered advice . in a time of need by texting Ms Horyn 'Dr Scott is on the line'. Ms . Horyn wrote of how Scott would host dinners in her Hollywood Hills . home, including a memorable outdoor Thanksgiving dinner with a number of . Jagger's bandmates and their significant others in the home's walled . garden. According to property records and real estate reports, Scott sold the three bedroom home in July 2009 for $860,000. 'I . can’t help thinking, now, that a huge part of L’Wren’s spirit, what . gave her grit and endurance, remained in the West. And without it, maybe . she was maybe was a little lost, a little less sure of herself,' Ms . Horyn wrote. Close: Ms Horyn wrote how Scott was very encouraging of young designers, protective of her friends, and private about her personal history, joking that Ms Horyn didn't know if she had been married once or twice before . GFlossy front: Despite a long line of famous fans, including Michelle Obama, L'Wren Scott's fashion line was a financial failure and she owed creditors nearly $6million . Although it was initially reported that she refused any financial help from Mick Jagger, her partner of 13 years, it appears the did help fill the gaps. Another source today told The Mirror that Jagger, who is worth around £200m, has 'always supported L'Wren financially up to the hilt'. The . friend added: ‘He knew she wasn’t a great businesswoman, but he had no . idea about the extent of the debts. But he always supported her, . financially and in other ways.’ Since he received the news of her . suicide, the 70-year-old Rolling Stone has not slept and is allegedly so . grief-stricken that he can barely speak. Jagger's . fellow Rolling Stones have today paid their tribute to L'Wren Scott as . they join his family in supporting him through his grief. Yesterday Jagger offered a touching . tribute to his longtime love, as . the Rolling Stones announced their Australia and New Zealand tour has . been cancelled. Under the surface: A friend of late fashion designer L'Wren Scott, pictured with long-term partner Mick Jagger, has revealed she was about to announce the closure of her fashion label . In shock: Mick Jagger,seen leaving Coco's Restaurant in Perth, Western Australia, just moments after hearing the news of girlfriend L'Wren Scott's death, has reportedly not slept since . Family support: Georgia May, left, who cancelled an appearance at a Melbourne fashion event, and her sister Elizabeth Jagger, right, have allegedly both flown to Perth to support their father at this difficult time . 'I am . still struggling to understand how my lover and best friend could end . her life in this tragic way,' the Rolling Stones frontman wrote on his website in a heartbreaking post titled 'L'Wren'. 'We spent many wonderful years together and had made a great life for ourselves. 'She had great presence and her talent was much admired, not least by me. 'I . have been touched by the tributes that people have paid to her, and . also the personal messages of support that I have received. 'I will never forget her,' he wrote before signing off, 'Mick.' Tribute: Jagger posted this note and picture on his official website the day after his longtime partner L'Wren Scott was found dead in an apparent suicide . | Fashion designer L'Wren Scott, 49, who committed suicide on Monday was reportedly going to announce the close of her business today .
Friend Cathy Horyn described Scott as 'Glinda the Good Witch'
Horyn, a top fashion writer, praised Scott's grit, spirit and hard work ethic .
Scott was nearly $6million in debt from her floundering luxury line .
Several sources say her Rolling Stone boyfriend supported her financially .
For confidential help, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 or visit http://www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org/ .
For confidential support on suicide matters call the Samaritans on 08457 90 90 90 or visit a local Samaritans branch or visit http://www.samaritans.org/ . |
20,322 | 39a8145b9aa0e449aab4d984f1e757899b47015d | By . Paul Thompson . PUBLISHED: . 19:50 EST, 21 August 2012 . | . UPDATED: . 20:43 EST, 21 August 2012 . What boy? Stacey Kerres was found by police lying topless in a Florida hotel parking lot . A babysitter was discovered lying topless in a hotel parking lot - while the five-year-old boy entrusted to her care was left to his own devices for almost an hour. Stacey Kerres, 47, of Fort Pierce, Florida, had no idea where her young charge was when police discovered her in the middle of the lot. ‘I don’t even know where (the boy) is right now,’ she babbled to officers after she was found. The nanny appeared incoherent and lethargic as she was interviewed by officers in Melbourne, Florida, according to the police report. She was and arrested on charges of child neglect. Kerres told police she was looking after the boy while his mother gambled at a nearby casino. Police had earlier found the boy in the care of the hotel staff. Investigators said Kerres and the boy were staying at the River Palm Hotel. Bad Nanny: Kerres was found lying topless in the hotel's parking lot by police, who said she appeared lethargic and incoherent . Authorities were called there after hotel staff found the boy wandering alone. When officers questioned the youngster, he said his mother had gone to the casino and he had been left with a woman named Stacey. Police searched the property and found Kerres, identified with a dagger-and-rose ankle tattoo, lying topless in the hotel parking lot. Police booked Kerres into the Brevard County Jail Complex and searched unsuccessfully for the mother before turning the case over to the Department of Children and Families. Kerres, who was ordered by a judge to have no further contact with the child pending the outcome of the case, will have a September 18 hearing on the child neglect charges. Booked: Police slapped Kerres (pictured left with two unidentified acquaintances) with child neglect charges . | Stacey Kerres, 47, was in charge of the child while his mother gambled at Florida casino . |
269,436 | e901205aa03f8a542cf298ca9d3b82072948279f | (CNN) -- One mall Santa might be getting some coal in his stocking this year. Last week, Santa Claus and a helper elf from The Shops at Mission Viejo in California turned away a 7-year-old girl with autism and her service dog, a pit bull named Pup-Cake. According to the Orange County Register, Abcde Santos, who pronounces her first name "ab-suh-dee," and Pup-Cake stood in line for 30 minutes to meet with the unnamed mall Santa. But he declined to meet the girl because he feared the 5-year-old pit bull. "After the Santos family offered to remove the dog from the area, the building, Santa still refused to see the child," Julie Miller, a family friend who runs a Facebook page dedicated to Pup-Cake and service animals, told the Register. "Autism is accompanied by many sensory issues, included self-harm behaviors and feeling overwhelmed at times by lights, sounds, especially when waiting," according to the dog's Facebook page. "Pup-cake the service dog's job is to intervene in those moments." Word of the diss led to a viral campaign, #savePupcakesChristmas, with sympathizers angered over the incident posting comments on the Facebook page for The Shops at Mission Viejo. The mall posted a statement that said, "We share in your concerns regarding the situation today involving a Santa at The Shops at Mission Viejo. We do not condone the behavior displayed by Santa and have worked with our partners at Noerr, the company that hires our Santas, to replace this Santa with one that is more compassionate to our guests' needs." It later shared a note from Miller about how property management and the mall had moved swiftly to correct the Bad Santa problem. The mall added, "We look forward to welcoming back the Santos family and Pup-Cake for a special Santa experience." A representative for the Noerr Programs, which provided the Santa and helper, said the pair have been transferred and given other duties. "For 26 years, The Noerr Programs has devoted itself to sharing the heart of Santa through the creation of magical Christmas experiences for all children and their families," CEO Judy Noerr said in a statement. "The entire team at The Noerr Programs sincerely apologizes for any distress caused by this situation, and truly regrets the incident. We have reached out to the girl's family, in an effort to extend a private Santa visit with complimentary photos of both the child and her service dog." The Santos family has declined to be interviewed. Miller told the paper the family is pleased with the decision to replace the Santa and hopes it will lead to better awareness. "They want people to get educated not about autism or pit bulls, but about the disabilities act so that little girls like Abcde won't go and see Santa and end up crying," she said. | A mall Santa in California reportedly turned away a child .
The 7-year-old has autism and a pit bull as a service dog .
Santa company says he and his helper elf have been assigned other duties . |
143,203 | 4531366c620a11fd3ef626b9fe5551f55feb8cd1 | By . Leesa Smith For Daily Mail Australia . Fast food giant McDonald's has been slammed by medical professionals for trialling a home delivery service in a Queensland town where one in four children are overweight. Population growth in the Hervey Bay region was the main reason for McDonald’s choosing the location, but the community's growing waistlines was a strong argument not to deliver burgers and fries to resident’s front doorsteps, according to Australian Medical Association (AMA) Queensland president Dr Shaun Rudd. This comes as AMA Queensland launched a campaign last week to highlight the obesity crisis facing regional and rural Queenslanders which revealed two out of three adults, and one in four children, are overweight or obese in Hervey Bay. Hervey Bay residents will be able to order McDonald's to their front doorstep which has incensed medical professionals as the town has an obesity crisis . New health statistics reveal two out of three adults and one in four children are overweight or obese in Hervey Bay . Hervey Bay’s population is also expanding with a growth in the area - which located about three hours north of Brisbane - of 14, 556 people within a decade from 2001 to 2011. Dr Rudd said it was sad that the fast food chain had chosen an already overweight population to have easier access to junk food. ‘These large corporations have a look where they're going to get the most bang for their buck and they choose places like that,’ Dr Rudd told the ABC. ‘I think unfortunately they'll sell more food and that means there's going to be more burgers and more fries eaten by the population there, and they are already extremely overweight.’ McDonald's Australia corporate communications manager Chris Grant said the company would look at extending the service, which will operate seven days a week adn has a minimum $25 order and a $4.95 delivery fee, once the trial ended. Fraser Coast Mayor Gerard O'Connell said the trial would bring investment and employment opportunities to the area but urged residents to use their common sense. ‘If you don't do things in balance, if you rely on takeaway food being delivered to the door, don't exercise and don't keep a check on your health, that's a recipe for disaster,’ he said. There are already two home delivery trials being tested in Sydney, one is starting in Melboune later this month and home delivery is also earmarked for Karratha in Western Australia. Population growth in the Hervey Bay region was the main reason for the fast food chain to decide to run the trial seven days a week . Hervey Bay's population is expanding with a growth of 14, 556 people within a decade from 2001 to 2011 in the town located about three and a half hours north of Brisbane . | A McDonald's home delivery trial will be run in Hervey Bay .
Two out of three adults, and one in four children, are overweight or obese in in the town which is located about three hours north of Brisbane .
Australian Medical Association says decision is extremely concerning .
Customers can expect a minimum $25 on orders and $4.95 delivery fee .
The McDelivery service is already on offer at two Sydney stores and one earmarked for both Melbourne and Western Australia . |
111,089 | 1b3eb2a3801da17f0ee21c84417ba275e0ec5bf0 | By . Emily Sheridan and Lucy Buckland . PUBLISHED: . 20:33 EST, 30 December 2012 . | . UPDATED: . 04:50 EST, 4 January 2013 . Hollyoaks star Jennifer Metcalfe is devastated after being suddenly dumped by her Dancing On Ice star boyfriend after he reportedly 'developed feelings' for his new onscreen partner Samia Ghadie. Pals of the 29-year-old have revealed the brunette, who met her ex when she was partnered with him on the show two years ago, was in bits after Sylvain Longchambon dumped her by phone. And in news that will shatter the stunning actress her skater boyfriend is said to have 'developed feelings' for new partner Samia, 30. The ice dance is over : Jennifer Metcalfe is 'in bits' after being dumped by professional ice dancer Sylvain Longchambon who she met on show Dancing On Ice . Lovers: Jennifer and Sylvain fell in love on the ice as they filmed the hit ITV show . A . source close to the French professional ice skater revealed that . Sylvain had been open with his current girlfriend, actress Jennifer, . that he was developing feelings for his new co-star. The . Hollyoaks beauty was said to have thought it just a phase, so was . devastated when he called her on Friday night from France - where he had . flown to for Christmas - to tell her that their two-year relationship . was over. But pals told The Daily Star . that Jennifer was far from prepared for a phone call calling time on . their romance and they added the slim star, who plays mouthy Mercedes in . the Channel 4 teen soap, won't stay sad for long and warn her ex that . her upset will soon turn to anger. Brave face: Jennifer Metcalfe seen leaving the Stage Door in Newcastle on Sunday night, and right Samia leaving Dancing On Ice rehearsals . One said: 'Jennifer is absolutely gutted. She just did not see this coming. She is in bits. 'She feels like she has been kicked in the teeth and is devastated. But it won't be long before her upset turns to anger.' But Samia, who split from ex Corrie co-star Will Thorp in Decmeber, has denied there is anything romantic going on between her and Sylvain. A source close to Samia told the MailOnline: 'She isn't dating Sylvain . and they haven't seen each other for three weeks. There has been no . date, there is nothing going on between them.' Working relationship: The pair hung out with their Dancing On Ice colleagues at a London hotel earlier this month . Hot stuff: Viewers will be even more intrigued to see the chemistry between Samia and Sylvain when the show starts in January . The source told the Sunday Mirror: 'When Sylvain first admitted that he had real feelings for Samia, she was gutted. Love split: Samia, pictured at the British Soap Awards in April, is said to have parted ways from actor Will Thorp after two years together . 'It's been a difficult time but she thought it would pass. She has . been putting on a brave face for the audiences... he is a consummate . professional.' It is sure to be a difficult concept for Jennifer, who is currently . starring in pantomime, to accept as she and Sylvain met and fell in love . while working on the 2010 series. At . the time, their on-screen chemistry was impossible to ignore, with . Jennifer apparently inquiring as to his relationship status as soon as . they first met. Since . the end of the show, the couple have remained together, even moving in . together and happily posing at red carpet events until recently. It . is as yet unclear if Samia, best known as Maria Connor in Coronation . Street, shares the same chemistry with the handsome Frenchman. She . has been skating with the Olympic skater since October, and in an . interview with the Sunday Mirror's Celebs magazine, due to be published . next week, she gushes about him - but refuses to discuss Will. She tells the magazine: 'I've only . got good things to say. Sylvain is brilliant. He is so kind, patient and . thoughtful. I can see how you'd end up in a relationship with your . partner. You get to know each other intensely and there is a lot of . trust. 'They ask you what . you want in a partner and I said, someone nice, someone strong, someone . patient and someone with a good sense of humour, and he's got all that.' When . asked if she gets annoyed with him for leaving her with aching ribs . after training she says: 'No I couldn't, he's so lovely.' Samia had been throwing herself into skating practice after quietly splitting from Will in early December. Similarly, the Daily Star Sunday reports that friends of Samia claim she is seeing the French skater. Ice queen: (left) Samia practicing for the start of Dancing On Ice in Manchester, and in costume (right) They add that Sylvain and Jennifer . split after a 'rocky couple of weeks', at around the same time that . Samia and Will's union drew to an end. The . couple started dating in January 2011 - just a few weeks after Samia . left her husband Matthew Smith after six years of marriage. In December 2010, Will - who played builder Chris Gray in the soap - had left his wife Samantha, mother of his two children. However, both Samia and Will insisted they didn't start dating until their marriages were over. At the time Samia and Will's romance was made public, Matthew - father of her daughter Freya - said: 'They have to live with what they have done... She's my wife. I love her.' Metcalfe's spokesperson declined to comment when contacted by MailOnline. | Dancing On Ice professional 'dumps former partner and Hollyoaks star Jennifer Metcalfe on Friday over phone'
Pals say she is 'gutted' and feels like she has been 'kicked in the teeth'
Sources say Sylvain has 'developed feelings' for Dancing On Ice partner Samia . |
112,399 | 1cfce79f005c296da38c1a9d75020667690b16da | The schoolboy who murdered teacher Ann Maguire is on 24-hour suicide watch and has already been moved from a young offender institution after violence threats, it was claimed today. William Cornick, 16, was sentenced on Monday to life in jail with a minimum of 20 years after stabbing to death 61-year-old Mrs Maguire at Corpus Christi Catholic College in Leeds in April. At first the boy was held at Wetherby Young Offender Institution (YOI) in West Yorkshire but is said to have since been moved to another undisclosed YOI for his own safety. Behind bars: William Cornick (left), 16, of Leeds, was sentenced on Monday to life in jail with a minimum of 20 years. At first the boy was held at Wetherby Young Offender Institution (right) in West Yorkshire . Jail: An HM Inspectorate of Prisons report last year said the vast majority of young people at Wetherby Young Offender Institution, which holds about 230 youths, reported feeling safe . Cornick - one of 16 children serving indeterminate life sentences in Britain’s YOIs - had been held on the Anson wing in Wetherby, which is designed for long-term inmates, reported The Times. The boy was seen to be at risk from other convicts and placed in solitary confinement in a cell with a glass door, according to a report submitted to Leeds Crown Court by his defence team. The Anson wing is now the only dedicated juvenile unit in England and Wales for young people with life or long-term determinate sentences, according to an HM Inspectorate of Prisons report last year. It said the vast majority of young people at Wetherby, which holds about 230 youths, reported feeling safe - although incidents of self-harm were ‘higher than in comparable establishments’. Spanish teacher: Ann Maguire (left), 61, was killed at Corpus Christi Catholic College (right) in Leeds in April . Frances Crook, chief executive of the Howard League for Penal Reform, claimed yesterday that the decision to by Mr Justice Coulson to lift Cornick’s anonymity order was not in the public interest. She wrote in The Guardian: ‘The child will be notorious inside prison and will never be able to grow past the crime he committed. The crime is now his permanent identity.’ And Penelope Gibbs, who chairs the Standing Committee for Youth Justice (SCYJ) umbrella group of charities and campaign groups, said yesterday that the sentence was too long. She told BBC Radio 4: ‘I don't think a child - and he was a child - should get a life sentence because they are young, their brain is not mature and a life sentence is indeterminate, it could last forever.’ Mrs Gibbs added: ‘He needs to be in prison, he needs to be rehabilitated so he's no longer a danger to himself and others - but a minimum of 20 years is too long.’ Part of Cornick's rehabilitation could see him return to a classroom during his sentence. Murder scene: This is the classroom at at Corpus Christi Catholic College in Leeds where Cornick killed Mrs Maguire. Part of his rehabilitation could see him return to a classroom during his sentence . Brian Hamilton, chair of the Manchester College: University and College Union prison branch, said Cornick could be taught in a class of around eight people with a focus on basic literacy and numeracy skills and vocational training to ensure prisoners are employable on their release. Cornick, who took and passed five GCSEs a year early, would be unlikely to be able to study for higher level qualifications. Mr Hamilton, who teaches in prisons, said: ‘I believe this young man is quite intelligent. He would probably be above the level they are trying to take them to in that establishment.’ Cornick attacked Mrs Maguire after boasting to friends that he was going to kill her. He also said he was going to murder other teachers, including a pregnant woman ‘so as to kill her unborn child’. He later told doctors: ‘I said I was going to do other stuff but I never got the chance, other murders. It was a triple homicide.’ After the murder the teenager told psychiatrists that he ‘couldn't give a s***’ and added: ‘Everything I've done is fine and dandy.’ A Ministry of Justice spokesman declined to comment when contacted by MailOnline today. | William Cornick, 16, was jailed for life with 20-year minimum on Monday .
He stabbed to death teacher Ann Maguire, 61, at school in Leeds in April .
At first he was held at Wetherby Young Offender Institution in Yorkshire .
But has since been moved to another undisclosed YOI for his own safety .
Cornick was being held on Anson wing, designed for long-term inmates . |
24,485 | 456fa2e03be90483c234c3d0bffeaa0e0c7df6b2 | It was a morning when her velvet and fur coronation robe might have come in handy. The February weather looked a tad too bracing for the Queen yesterday, who grimaced as she ventured out in a north-westerly wind and temperatures just above freezing for a service at West Newton Parish Church in Norfolk. Despite being wrapped up in a dusky pink coat and hat, a white scarf and black gloves, she could not help but shiver as she left the royal car flanked by her husband, Prince Philip. Scroll down for video . Frozen: The Queen grimaces as she arrives at church on the Sandringham estate yesterday, where temperatures were just above freezing . Her Majesty tried to stay warm on her visit to church by wearing a dusky pink coat and hat as well as a floral hat and black gloves . Well-wishers turned out to greet the Queen with many handing her bunches of flowers as he made her way to Sunday service . The couple were met by well-wishers as they arrived and afterwards opened a new fire station in King’s Lynn. Yesterday’s engagements were the Queen’s last in Norfolk before she and the Duke of Edinburgh leave Sandringham and return to Buckingham Palace next week. The Queen seemed in lively spirits, opting to walk and talk to her subjects outside the church. Fellow church-goers offered her bouquets of flowers, which a helpful royal aide held in her arms to give the monarch a free hand. The Queen talked to the Reverend Canon Jonathan Riviere, who took the service in the Sandringham church. The Queen faces the bracing wind as she talks to the Reverend Canon Jonathan Riviere, who took the service at the church on the Sandringham estate . The Duke of Edinburgh, right, accompanied his wife the Queen, left to the church. They are expected to return from their private royal estate in Norfolk to London next week . They are expected to return from their private royal estate in Norfolk to London around 6 February, which marks the anniversary of Her Majesty taking the throne. Meanwhile it has been revealed that Her Majesty has decided against introducing any new dogs to Buckingham Palace. She no longer replaces the pets as they die and, as she gets older, she is worried about tripping over the small dogs. The Queen seemed in lively spirits, opting to walk and talk to her subjects outside the West Newton Church . Fellow church-goers offered her bouquets of flowers, which a helpful royal aide held in her arms to give the monarch a free hand . It comes after the Queen declined the offer of two puppies from her granddaughter Princess Beatrice. She asked her grandmother if she would like two of four Norfolk terriers, born to her own dog Ginger last September. A senior courtier told the Daily Express: 'The Queen thought it was a lovely offer but she politely declined. The Queen's Corgis have been a regular sight during her reign but she has ruled out introducing any new dogs . The Queen photographed in Windsor Great Park taking snaps of her Corgis in the 1960s . 'The fact is she worries about too many dogs around her feet and the danger she will trip up and hurt herself badly. She is after all 88 and not getting any younger. 'Her corgis are getting on a bit and move along at a sedate speed but a young dog would obviously be very lively and much more active. 'Her main fear is that if she fell and broke her arm or even a leg she would not be able to perform her duties for many weeks if not months, and that would upset her greatly.' | The Queen felt the cold while attending church on the Sandringham estate .
Her Majesty was wrapped up warm in a dusky pink coat and hat and gloves .
But she couldn't help but shiver as she left her car with Prince Philip .
The couple were greeted by well-wishers as they attended Sunday service .
Royal pair are expected to return to London from Norfolk next week . |
276,401 | f21e5b6662ff29f13e57c310ff20c6521a074c0e | For many mothers, the school run can be one of the most stressful parts of their day. Spare a thought then for Melissa Stowe, who faces a four-hour journey involving 12 buses to get her daughter Olivia to and from school after the little girl was turned down by primary ten minutes from their home. When the four-year-old starts school in September, Miss Stowe, 22, will have to take three buses from their home in Methley, Leeds, West Yorkshire to drop her off in Allerton Bywater, and three buses back. Scroll down for video . Long journey: Melissa Stowe faces a four-hour journey involving 12 buses to get her daughter Olivia to and from school after the little girl was turned down by primary ten minutes from their home . Miss Stowe will then have to repeat the exhausting . two-hour round trip - along with eight-month-old baby Daisy and her pram . - when she collects Olivia at the end of the day. Miss Stowe had applied to get Olivia into the reception class at her nearest school in Methley, which is just 10 minutes walk from the family’s home. However, the school, which has been rated 'outstanding' by Ofsted is massively oversubscribed and she lost an appeal. Olivia cannot get in, even though she is already at the nursery there. Olivia . has now been placed on the waiting list, and at an appeal hearing Miss Stowe was told there is nothing she can do but wait for a place, if one becomes available. The school where Olivia has been offered a place is 4.7 miles away by road, but school places are allocated 'as the crow flies' - with that distance being 1.78 miles away. Route: Miss Stowe will have to get her first bus at 6.50am, travelling from Methley to Whitwood. From there she will go to Castleford and finally on to Allerton Bywater to drop off Olivia . Arduous: When the four-year-old starts school in September, Miss Stowe, 22, will have to take three buses from their home in Methley, Leeds, West Yorkshire to drop her off in Allerton Bywater, and three buses back . Neither Miss Stowe, nor her partner James Sheard, 24, drive. Miss Stowe also cares for her disabled mother, which makes her situation even more difficult. 'We did two test runs of the journey and Olivia was completely exhausted,' Miss Stowe said. 'We will be setting off just after my partner leaves for work every morning, but he will actually get home before us. It’s crazy.' The full-time mother says she will have to set off at 6.40am for the 6.50am bus to be . able to get Olivia to school for 8.40am - meaning in total she will . spend almost eight hours a day on buses. 'We are having to rely on three buses,' she said. 'Those buses run at . half-hourly intervals so if one of those buses doesn’t turn up we are . going to be late. 'I . feel so sorry for Olivia having to make that journey. I took her on the . bus for a couple of taster sessions and she was so tired at the end of . it' Melissa Stowe . 'The schools are now talking about fining for lateness so that is another worry. I am so stressed about it.' Because . the crow flying distance is relatively low the family do not even . qualify for any help with bus fares - it will cost them £35 a week. 'James is looking into passing his test and if he did he would . have the possibility of a work’s van, but he still wouldn’t be able to . take us because he sets off at different times to us,' said Miss Stowe. Miss Stowe said she will have to wake at about 5.30am to get ready and feed Daisy . before waking up Olivia at 6am to get ready for school, and would not get home until after 5pm each evening. She . said: 'When I went for the appeal I took Daisy with me for them to see . how difficult it would be for me but they did not seem to consider it . would be a problem. 'There . was even a suggestion for me to walk across a canal towpath but that . journey would be no good with children in tow and in dark, damp mornings . and evenings.' There are . other schools that are closer to Miss Stowe but, because they are also . oversubscribed she has been placed on their waiting lists, and because . she is further away from those, she is further down the lists. Allerton Bywater is also a popular school but it has recently expanded, making places available. Waiting game: There are other schools that are closer to Miss Stowe but, because they are also oversubscribed she has been placed on their waiting lists, and because she is further away from those, she is further down the lists . Miss Stowe claims she did not receive an admissions form when they were sent out at . the end of last year and wonders whether this could be why she didn’t . get a place at her preferred school. She says she phoned Leeds City Council’s Admissions department in November when she had not received her forms. 'I rang the department and was told to wait and see if the forms . came because there had been changes with the postal service and it was . Christmas. I was told to call back in January,' she said. 'I rang back in January as the deadline for applications was nearing and was told I would be sent a form. 'I . still didn’t receive a form and made several calls between then and . April to ask for forms. They said they could not understand why I was . not receiving them and kept sending me forms out. 'I finally received forms in April, on the same day that parents got their letters confirming school places. 'I . feel so sorry for Olivia having to make that journey. I took her on the . bus for a couple of taster sessions and she was so tired at the end of . it. 'And poor little Daisy will be spending even more time on the bus. We are going to have no life.' Miss Stowe is the latest among a string of parents who have failed to be allocated slots in their nearest or chosen schools for the new school year starting this September. While education bosses insist every child in Leeds does have an allocated school place, they admit they are 'acutely aware of the pressure' on spaces. Paul Brennan, Leeds City Council’s deputy director of children’s services, said: 'We are aware that a number of parents in Methley have expressed concerns about securing places at local schools and we are working hard to address this. 'This year has seen us managing an unusually high demand for places in the area which we anticipate will fall next year. 'We will continue to talk to local schools about possible expansion and will do all we can to support parents to get places in a good school as close as possible to their home. 'National legislation, which limits early years class sizes to no more than 30 pupils, also means that school place appeals can only be granted under exceptional circumstances.' He stressed the importance of parents completing their applications on time as this is 'vital' in helping secure places at preferred schools. Miss Stowe also expressed concern that a major new 180-house development planned for Methley will add additional strain to school places in the area. However, the council said no decision has yet been made regarding planning permission for the new scheme and discussions are ongoing with the developers to ensure full community contributions from the developer regarding education provision are secured. Leeds faces a potential shortfall of more than 4,000 primary school places within three years. | Melissa Stowe's daughter Olivia, four, will start school in September .
Oliva was turned down by oversubscribed school near family home .
Miss Stowe, 22, will need to take three buses to get Olivia to school .
She will then need to get home again, and repeat the journey to collect her - and all this will cost £35 a week .
Miss Stowe says journey from Methley, Leeds, to Allerton Bywater will be a two-hour round trip, and they will have to leave home at 6.40am .
Leeds City Council says there is 'unusually high demand' for school places . |
218,390 | a6b8de4f818edeadf06f2adc0439e435be61d3ae | (CNN) -- Mac computers are known for their near-immunity to malicious computer programs that plague PCs. Some security experts say viruses are moving toward Mac as those computers become more popular. But that may be changing somewhat, according to computer security researchers. It seems that as sleek Mac computers become more popular, they're also more sought-after targets for the authors of harmful programs. "The bad guys generally go toward the biggest target, what will get them the biggest bang for their buck," said Kevin Haley, a director of security response at Symantec. Until recently, the big target always was Microsoft Windows, and Apple computers were protected by "relative obscurity," he said. But blogs are buzzing this week about what two Symantec researchers have called the first harmful computer program to strike specifically at Mac. This Trojan horse program, dubbed the "iBotnet," has infected only a few thousand Mac machines, but it represents a step in the evolution of malicious computer software, Haley said. The iBotnet is a sign that harmful programs are moving toward Mac, said Paul Henry, a forensics and security analyst at Lumension Security in Arizona. "We all knew it was going to happen," he said. "It was just a matter of time, and, personally, I think we're going to see a lot more of it." The malicious software was first reported in January. It didn't gain widespread attention until recently, when Mario Ballano Barcena and Alfredo Pesoli of Symantec, maker of the popular Norton antivirus products, detailed the software in a publication called "Virus Bulletin." Mac users at large, however, should not be alarmed by the incident, experts said. The program infects only computers whose users downloaded pirated versions of the Mac software iWork. The harmful software is a Trojan horse, meaning it tries to sneak into the computer with some sort of permission from the user. Computer worms travel differently. They wiggle their way into computers and replicate without the owner's approval or knowledge. The Mac program is called a botnet because infected computers become part of a network that is controlled by the program's author. The Mac botnet is significantly less threatening than computer worms like the much-publicized Conficker.c, said Jose Nazario, a senior security researcher with Arbor Networks. Conficker was thought to have infected up to 10 million computers, compared with thousands for the iBotnet, researchers said. There's also some question as to whether it is the first botnet to target Mac. Others have targeted both PCs and Apple computers. "This isn't the first botnet that's been built using Mac computers," Nazario said. "This is an interesting one in that it's a little more flexible and includes some new features. ... It's getting a lot of press mostly because it's Mac and people are talking about how Macs are immune to malware -- and, sure enough, they're not." The potential damage that could be caused by the Mac botnet is also less severe than other attacks, said Darrell Etherington, a contributor to theAppleBlog, which is not affiliated with the computer company. "It's a very low-level attack," he said. "Some people won't even notice the effect of it." It is in the interest of software companies like Symantec, who spread the news, and McAfee, which has downplayed the presence of the Trojan, to raise concerns so they can promote their antivirus software packages, he said. "Yes, it is going to become a bigger problem and, yes, people have to become more aware, but I think that what McAfee and Symantec would like is for the panic to start and for people to start rushing to antivirus software," which isn't necessary yet, Etherington said. In a statement, Apple said it is working to prevent security problems. "Apple takes security very seriously and has a great track record of addressing potential vulnerabilities before they can affect users," the statement says. Only about 7.4 percent of computer users work on Macs, according to Gartner, a technology research firm. That user base is proportionally more affluent than PC users, Etherington said, which may make Mac a bigger target. But overall, Macs are still far less vulnerable to attack than PCs, he said. Haley said news of the Apple botnet is significant in part because it's something other authors of malicious code can build from. "I don't think it's a tipping point; I think it's an evolutionary step. We see virus authors often use what somebody else has done," he said. "There's a model. There's something out there to follow." | Researchers find computer malware aimed at Mac computers .
The "iBotnet" infects a small number of Mac users through pirated software .
Still, researchers say it is a step in the evolution of harmful computer programs .
As Macs become more popular, they're more likely to be targets, experts say . |
242,786 | c63d70cc9e838751a95125f93654101ef5061d2f | By . Allan Hall . PUBLISHED: . 10:04 EST, 27 September 2012 . | . UPDATED: . 01:40 EST, 28 September 2012 . He made the world hold its breath as he spun a tall tale of abandonment and loss. But when his lies unravelled 'Forest Boy' disappeared without a trace - until he was spotted tossing burgers at a fast food joint in Berlin. This photo of the Forest Boy in the urban jungle hit the website of the Germany's biggest selling newspaper last night. Finally found: Missing 'Forest Boy' Robin Van Helsum, 20, has been spotted working in a Burger King fast food restaurant in Berlin . Bild printed a photo of who they said is Robin van Helsum, 20, flipping meat patties at a Burger King franchise in Berlin. It comes as authorities pursue him for the lies he told about being orphaned and living in a forest. Vanishing act: The 'Forest Boy' has been missing for three months but is thought to remain in Germany . They want to charge him close to . £25,000 for the cost of keeping him in a children's home after he . wandered into a Berlin town hall last year spinning a tale taller than . the Empire State Building in New York. He had wandered into a town hall in Berlin last September, speaking broken English and claiming he was called Ray. He . said he had been living in a forest with his father called Ryan for . five years but had buried him after his sudden death two weeks . previously. Berlin social . services paid for bed and board, clothing and German lessons for the . English-speaking Dutchman. They also gave him a staggering £200 a month . in pocket money. But in . reality he was a disaffected Dutch boy with a complicated home life and . an illegitimate child who simply wanted to disappear off the radar and . start a new life. Van Eslum had vanished from his hometown of Hengelo only days before his arrival in Berlin. After . ten months of living on taxpayer's money he was exposed after police . released a photo of him in June and his step-mother came forward. He . then disappeared again for three months and last week, neither his . stepmother, his ex-girlfriend from the town of Hengelo, German or Dutch . police said they knew where he was. His . stepmother Ellen told a Dutch newspaper last week: 'A day after his . unmasking he phoned me and asked if he could come home because he needed . to rest. 'Of course I said yes, you're welcome. 'He responded with the words: "I'll call you tomorrow or the day after." 'But I have heard nothing more. 'I was assuming that he would show up one day on the pavement outside, but nothing.' His stepmother added: 'I think he is . still in Germany but I don't know for sure. 'There were rumours he was . sighted in Hengelo, but Robin is smart enough to know that he would have . problems if that was the case.' Friends said Van Helsum left home because of 'personal problems' and to 'start a new life'. Berlin's youth authorities did believe he might have taken up with a community of . itinerant fruit pickers moving from village to village throughout the . summer. Expensive: 'Ray' was looked after for ten months after he walked into the city claiming to have lost his memory . Possessions: Van Helsum said his mother had died when he was 12 and cut contact with family and friends . Schoolmates in Hengelo, however, spotted him on the news when the pictures were published around the world. His step-mother identified him and asked him to come back home . But last night he was on the website of Europe's biggest paper serving up . burgers for one of the world's biggest fast food chains. A spokesman for Berlin's youth authorities said: 'It pleases us that he is working and will soon be able to pay us back.' Berlin prosecution authorities were not available to say if he has contacted them to start paying back the money for his care. Left without a word: The house of the father of the 'forest boy Ray' in Hengelo, the Netherlands . ROC Twente, the school where 'forest boy Ray' studied in Hengelo: Friends there told Dutch media that he had personal problems and his disappearance and reappearance was 'his way of starting a new life . Accommodation: The tent which Ray was apparently using when he was in the woods . | Robin van Helsum claimed to have been living in forest for five years with his father .
Said he had lost memory and had buried his father after the man's sudden death two weeks earlier .
In fact, the troubled youngster had left the Netherlands just days before .
Fled again when German authorities said they wanted to sue him for the cost of his care and searches to find his family - at least £25,000 .
Has now been found working in a Burger King in Berlin . |
96,470 | 08204ceda825fd6a45b7755828f2fc53da12d737 | By . Luke Salkeld . PUBLISHED: . 07:05 EST, 30 May 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 19:17 EST, 30 May 2013 . Many parents will concede that the school gates can be a hotbed of gossip and competition between proud mothers and fathers. Those tensions appear to have boiled over at one infant school when a brawl broke out between two mothers. The fight became so heated as more and more parents entered the fray that police were forced to use pepper spray to control the situation. The headmistress said she was left ‘disgusted’ by the incident. Playground fight: Police used pepper spray on a man in the grounds of Penryn Infant School, Cornwall, following a dispute . Officers arrived on the scene at the end . of the school day after teachers reported two women having a ‘full on . fight’ in front of terrified pupils, who are aged three to seven. Police separated the mothers who were trading punches and using . ‘disgusting language’, according to witnesses. However, the violence . spiralled as parents who had gathered at the gates to pick up their . children joined in the argument. It is not known what they were . fighting about. When a man became violent outside the school, officers were forced to . use CS spray to restrain him. An unnamed man was arrested at the scene. One parent of Penryn Infant School in Cornwall said the incident last week left her child too afraid to attend classes. She said: ‘As the children came out these people started fighting and the language was disgusting. ‘It was horrible. The children were all stunned, diving to their mums’ sides. ‘School should be the safest place for kids to go and seeing it happen there was unbelievable. ‘We were all shaking and I was in tears when I got home. Lots of other . mums said their children were too upset and having nightmares to go back . the next day.’ Probe: Police were called to the infant school in Cornwall after two mothers were allegedly fighting. They arrested a man after using pepper spray on him . Row: Officers had been called to the playground after two women had a fight. They used pepper spray on a man . A spokesman for Devon and Cornwall Police said that as children were . waiting to be collected, parties ‘related to the women’ started . ‘behaving in a disorderly way’. Officers used captor spray, a pepper-based CS spray, to subdue a man who was allegedly assaulting a pupil’s mother. Police Constable Jules Evans said: ‘We went to prevent a breach of the . peace but the male involved would not heed advice and became very . aggressive and assaulted another parent. ‘As a result of his behaviour we were forced to use the spray and physically restrain him.’ Officers visited the school again the following day. PC Evans said: ‘The . police spend a lot of time ensuring children feel safe approaching us . and we felt it was important we get back to the school to reassure . children and parents.’ Headteacher Gillian Wright said she was ‘disgusted’ by the incident. She said: ‘Children who are very young have witnessed something they . never should have. That behaviour should never have happened. ‘Safety and happiness are the most important things for children at the school.’ She said the parents involved had been banned from both the infant . school and neighbouring junior school sites until the end of the July . term. She added that police were right to use pepper spray to break up the fight. She said: ‘They dealt with it quickly and could not have done it any . more efficiently. If I had to call the police and wait for them to . arrive it could have been so much worse.’ The arrested man was released on bail without charge pending inquiries. | Officers called after two mothers had a 'full-on fight' in the playground .
Police used pepper spray on a man who was allegedly assaulting a mother .
Fight happened at Penryn Infant School as pupils left for the day . |
63,268 | b3b26c6fa49fe84b4a87eeeb052866831d858edf | By . David Martosko, U.s. Political Editor . Police in Mississippi said Friday that Mississippi attorney Mark Mayfield killed himself on Friday, following his arrest in a case that highlighted the smash-mouth political environment in the Deep South. Mayfield was accused of conspiring with other tea party officials to take secret photographs of Republican Sen. Thad Cochran's bedridden wife in a nursing home. The pictures were used in an online political video targeting the six-term senator. Rose Cochran has lived in the nursing home since 2001 and reportedly suffers from severe dementia. Mark Mayfield, a member of the board of the Central Mississippi Tea Party (R) appeared in court on May 22 to answer charges that he conspired to illegaly photograph the ailing wife of U.S. Sen. Thad Cochran . Visitors entered the home of tea party official Mark Mayfield on Friday after he committed suicide . Police in Ridgeland, Mississippi are treating Mayfield's death as a suicide, and say he left a note before taking his own life in his garage . Pat Bruce, a tea party leader in Madison County, Mississippi, sent an e-mail to conservative activists Friday morning announcing that Mayfield had just shot himself to death in his garage . 'MARK . MAYFIELD HAS COMMITTED SUICIDE TEN MINUTES AGO,' Bruce wrote. 'SHOT . HIMSELF IN THE HEAD IN HIS GARAGE. FAMILY JUST CALLED ME. OH LORD,,,,OH . LORD.' 'Deborah and [I] are saddened to hear of the loss of Mark Mayfield,' Mississippi Gov. Phil Bryant said in a statement. 'He was a long-time friend, and he will be missed. Our prayers go out to his family in this tragic moment.' Ridgeland . Police Chief Jimmy Houston told the Associated Press that Mayfield's . body was found Friday morning at his home in a gated community outside . Jackson, and that he had left a suicide note. Police have not released the contents of that dying message. Dead: Mayfield committed suicide on Friday at his home in a Mississippi gated community . Mayfield, a respected attorney in Mississippi conservative political circles, lived in an exclusive gated community . U.S. Sen. Thad Cochran appeared to win his Republcian primary run-off on Tuesday against tea party-backed Chris McDaniel in a campaign that has seen dirty tricks on both sides . Cochran appeared to win a primary run-off on Tuesday against tea party darling Chris McDaniel, a state legislator. But McDaniel hasn't conceded the race and may challenge it before the result is certified on July 3. His campaign claims that pro-Cochran forces organized thousands of Democrats to cross party lines and support Cochran in the Republican primary, voting illegally after they had already cast ballots in the June 10 Democratic primary. About 61,000 more people voted in the runoff than in the Republican Primary, a development that hasn't been seen in Mississippi since 1984. Political shenanigans tied to Cochran's side of the race include racially charged 'robocalls' and radio ads, paid for by a PAC friendly to Cochran and founded by former Gov. Haley Barbour, which encouraged Democrats in primarily black precincts to cast ballots for Cochran. One radio ad claimed that supporters of McDaniel had connections to the Ku Klux Klan, and that McDaniel had a 'racist agenda.' | Republican primary race for US Senate has been marked by dirty tricks on both sides .
Mark Mayfield was arrested in May in connection with a plot to illegally photograph Sen. Thad Cochran's wife and use pictures in an online video .
He faced significant prison time if he was convicted .
Cochran appeared to win a primary run-off on Tuesday but tea party candidate Chris McDaniel hasn't conceded and may challenge the result . |
253,500 | d420e62b474c0e3a5af9e6a156fda76e2e34ca22 | By . Daily Mail Reporter . A mother who took her children to a controversial church in which the minister held naked rituals with followers and engaged in oral sex lost her battle to maintain custody after an appeals court upheld another judge's ruling. The court concluded that the father was rightfully given custody of the children, according to the ruling, which was issued Wednesday. The custody case focused on the woman's involvement in Light of the World Ministries, whose pastor, Philip Livingston, used what he called 'light therapy' to treat his congregants. An image taken from Google Street View showing the Light of the World Ministries church building in Illinois . The ritual evolved to the point Livingston's female followers got naked in the back room of a small house overlooking a lake in Wauconda. In one-on-one sessions, Livingston would get naked, insert his fingers in their private areas and told them to touch his, according to the Chicago Tribune, which in 2011 conducted an investigation into the church. Livingston claimed in court testimony that the 'spiritual guidance' helped cure everything from drug additions to yeast infections, the paper reported. The mother in the custody case testified that she participated in the ritual. Philip Livingston, pictured in this 2007 photo, testified in court that he repeatedly performed a naked ritual with his congregants, claiming it helped cure everything from drug addictions to yeast infections. He said it was done only with consenting adults who were members of his donor-funded Light of the World Ministries . The children's involvement in the ritual was the crux of the custody case. A former follower testified that she saw the mother and two of her female children, then aged 13 and 10, naked in Livingston's home, and that he asked her to groom one of the children for the ritual. Livingston, the mother and others insisted only consenting adults were involved. A criminal investigation was launched, but no charges were filed, the Tribune reported. A Kane County judge in TK said Livingston was not believable. He gave custody of the children to the father after ruling that the evidence suggested 'knowing and reckless conduct which creates an immediate risk of physical harm' to them. Cook County prosecutors later moved to make the children wards of the state in a process that cemented the father's custody of the children while requiring they be kept away from the church and its members. The mother appealed, arguing the case wasn't handled fairly and that her religious freedom was violated. The three-judge appellate panel disagreed. 'When a parent puts his/her children in a social setting with naked adults, and encourages his (or her) daughter to receive therapy from a man who sometimes, in the course of therapy, digitally penetrates the vaginas of the recipients of his therapy, the evidence sufficiently supports a finding that the parent exposed his/her children to an injurious environment,' according to the synopsis published by the First District Appellate Court. | Appeals court rules father was rightfully given custody of children because of mother's role in Illinois church .
Light of the World Ministries pastor used what he called 'light therapy' to treat his followers of various ailments .
The ritual evolved to the point Philip Livingston took female followers individually to a back room of his house, where they got naked and touched each other's genitalia . |
274,721 | efe0a96985e924fc04ee42a5b8ef5fa3cdb6a65a | By . Mike Jaccarino . PUBLISHED: . 21:22 EST, 7 August 2012 . | . UPDATED: . 05:52 EST, 8 August 2012 . A news director at a Minnesota Fox affiliate resigned Monday after penning a Facebook post about a “drunk, homeless, Native American” who last week wandered into his yard, smiled, and then flashed him the peace sign. Jason Vincent, formerly of KQDS Fox 21 in Duluth, wrote on his Facebook page Wednesday night: . 'Add drunk, homeless, Native American man to the list of animals that have wandered into my yard … Then he proceed (sic) to wave at me and give me the peace sign when he spotted me in the window. Wow …' He said what? Jason Vincent, former news director at a Minnesota Fox affiliate, got into hot water for labeling Native-Americans 'animals' in a Facebook post . A screen grab of the unfortunate update was re-posted on the Fond du Lac People’s Forum, a second Facebook page that invites area residents, and specifically Native-Americans, to voice opinions on one topic or another. Vincent did not return phone calls to area reporters covering the story, but issued an awkward apology in which he confessed, 'I myself am Native,' too. 'I have deleted the post and I certainly understand why it’s being taken out of context and viewed as offensive,' he wrote in his apology. 'I would never insult the Native American community, especially since I myself am Native. 'I did not realize how poor the choice of words were I used until I looked back and saw what I had posted. I sincerely apologize for my words and to anyone offended by them.' “Add drunk, homeless, Native American . man to the list of animals that have wandered into my yard … Then he . proceed (sic) to wave at me and give me the peace sign when he spotted . me in the window. Wow …” Vincent was a reporter and anchor in Fargo before he was hired as Fox 21’s news director in early 2010, according to The Duluth News Tribune. A public furor followed the original post and Vincent's subsequently strained mea culpa. Notably, Duluth’s American Indian Commission and the Human Rights Commission issued a joint statement demanding an on-air apology and that the station’s staff complete an educational workshop on racism. 'As a white man in a position of power, he contributes to our thinking and structures of stereotypes, images, metaphors and emotions,' the joint statement reportedly said. 'This is an opportunity for the community to be further educated on issues of race in Duluth, and we hope that there comes growth from this incident.' Quick Action: Following Vincent's gaffe, Fox 21 in Duluth first required the beleaguered newsman to issue an apology on its own Facebook page, then forced him to resign his post . Brian Flick of St. Paul was one of the first of many to comment on Vincent's by-now-viral status update. 'It made me upset,” said Flick, according to The News Tribune. 'It’s a racist comment.' Meanwhile, Rob Peacock, another commentator, said he was equally offended by Vincent's characterization of Native-Americans as 'animals.' Damage Control: The Fox affiliate aired its statement about 10 minutes into Friday's 6 p.m. broadcast; the station manager apologized for Vincent's gaffe . 'What he (said) didn’t hurt me,' Peacock reportedly noted. 'It did hurt other people. A lot of people, (but) they kind of expect that stuff. And even me personally. I’m a light-skinned native and I’ve heard a lot of comments about natives.' Peacock told The News Tribune that many northern Minnesotans could use cultural sensitivity training and that Vincent’s controversial status update could serve as a flashpoint for a productive conversation about racism. 'It gives us a moment to talk about it,' he said. 'I have deleted the post and I certainly . understand why it’s being taken out of context and viewed as . offensive. I would never insult the Native . American community, especially since I myself am Native.' Vincent had reportedly been news director at Fox 21 since 2010, but began his career as an anchor at KEYC-TV in Mankato, another Minnesota town. Before coming to Fox 21, he was an anchor and reporter for WDAY-TV in Fargo, according to The News Tribune. In announcing Vincent's resignation - it wasn't clear whether he resigned of his own accord or was forced out - Fox 21's general manager, Jackie Bruenjes, wrote, 'Jason has elected to take a new job assignment.' In closing, the terse, three-sentence statement added, 'We wish Jason the best.' | Jason Vincent's status update went public Wednesday and characterized Native-Americans as 'animals'
On Thursday, beleaguered T.V. station director apologized for stunning gaffe, confesses, 'I myself am Native,' too.
Viewers, as well as two public agencies, issued harsh rebukes over the flap prior to newsman's resignation . |
54,421 | 9a2780628617cb28c09104cfe0233403a213f588 | By . Mail Foreign Service . Last updated at 1:42 AM on 2nd December 2011 . The former head of the International Monetary Fund believes his ‘uninhibited’ sex life cost him his chance to become president of France. Dominique Strauss-Kahn denies paying to sleep with prostitutes but admits attending ‘sex parties’ in a biography released yesterday that explores the allegations of attempted rape that effectively ended his political career. The 62-year-old, who admits that his ‘flesh is weak’, says he deeply regrets his sexual encounter with a maid at the Sofitel hotel in New York, which led to his arrest on May 14. Happily married: Strauss-Kahn lives in Paris with his third wife, Anne Sinclair (pictured), who has stuck with him throughout the recent scandals . ‘Nothing would have happened if I . hadn’t had this consensual, but stupid, relationship with Nafissatou . Diallo,’ said Mr Strauss-Kahn, referring to the 32-year-old Guinean who . claimed to have been attacked. ‘That day, I opened the door to all the other affairs.’ Hotel maid: Nafissatou Diallo, accused DSK of sexually attacking her in New York . Prosecutors eventually dropped all criminal charges in August, but Miss Diallo has pursued a civil case. The Frenchman was also investigated . over the attempted rape of writer Tristane Banon, now 32, in 2001. In . October, prosecutors said there was clear evidence that Mr Strauss-Kahn . had sexually assaulted Miss Banon, but it had been too long ago for . legal action to be taken. Mr Strauss-Kahn, who was the . favourite Socialist candidate to defeat Nicolas Sarkozy in France’s . elections next year, says: ‘I could have been in a position to be . president. Now, I’m no longer in that position, that’s all.’ Mr Strauss-Kahn admits to an . ‘uninhibited sex life’, but says this is not ‘illegal’ nor ‘unusual’, . especially in France, where politicians are notoriously promiscuous. Biographer Michel Taubmann also uses . DSK’s Affairs – The Counter Enquiry to explore fresh accusations that Mr . Strauss-Kahn was involved in an illegal prostitution racket based at . the Carlton hotel in Lille, northern France. Responding to claims that he . regularly attended orgies in France and the U.S., Mr Strauss-Kahn said: . ‘In the Press, they link my name to prostitution. ‘It’s unbearable. I did go to sex parties, it’s true, but usually those who came to these events were not prostitutes.’ He adds: ‘I have a horror of prostitution and pimping. Can you imagine the damage caused to my wife, our children?’ Arrested: Dominique Strauss-Kahn, center, being taken into the Municipal Court on May 16 in New York after the alleged attack . Alleged crime scene: This is the view of the door to DSK's presidential suite he stayed in in New York's Sofitel Hotel, where he received oral sex from the hotel maid . Mr Strauss-Kahn said he was keen to . meet prosecutors so he could clear his name of ‘dangerous and malicious . insinuations’ connected to the Carlton Affair. More accusations: DSK was also investigated over the alleged attempted rape of writer Tristane Banon (pictured) in 2001 . The book also touches on recent claims that Mr Strauss-Kahn was ‘set up’ in New York by his political opponents. His biographer refers to ‘the French . secret service’ knowing what was going on, and suggests that Mr . Strauss-Kahn’s BlackBerry – which was thought to have been hacked . before going missing – could have been stolen by Miss Diallo and a . ‘mystery’ second man. The conspiracy theory surfaced over . the weekend in an investigative report by U.S. journalist Edward Epstein . based on information provided by Mr Strauss-Kahn’s defence lawyers. It was dismissed by Mr Sarkozy’s ruling UMP party as nothing more than ‘an obvious manipulation’. Before the Sofitel incident, Mr . Strauss-Kahn had been warned by a French diplomat friend that an effort . would be made to embarrass him with a scandal. However, Mr Taubmann . confirms that Mr Strauss-Kahn could not ‘resist the temptation’. Mr Strauss-Kahn claims Miss Diallo ‘gazed’ at his naked body when he came out of the shower – and he saw this as a proposition. Accordingly he ‘agreed’ to allow her . to perform a sex act, even though Miss Diallo was in fact plotting to . steal his BlackBerry, he alleges. Lawyers for Miss Diallo attacked the book as ‘complete fantasy’. Mr Strauss-Kahn is currently living . in Paris with his third wife, former TV presenter Anne Sinclair, who . has supported him throughout the recent scandals. | DSK insists he never paid for sex at any of the orgies he attended .
His biographer says DSK was too weak to resist the temptation of oral sex with maid .
Biography touches on claims DSK was 'set up' by political opponents . |
155,470 | 54f33a2b5266cf60565f4696ff3f282de6b545c7 | Police have made contact with seven bush walkers who failed to return from a bush walk in the Blue Mountains yesterday after they spent the night huddled in a cave. Police began searching for five men and two women aged between 27 and 69, yesterday after they failed to return from their hike in the bush near Katoomba. Fears were held for the group who were not equipped for an overnight stay. Scroll down for video . Police made contact with seven missing bush walkers in the Blue Mountains this morning. The group went missing yesterday after they failed to return from a hike . This morning one of the group members managed to call a relative to inform them that they were safe. 'We have now been in touch with that group of walkers. They are all save and well, there's no injuries reported to us and they have spent the night huddled together in a cave down there in the bush,' Blue Mountains Inspector Ken Shack-Evans told ABC radio on Monday morning. The exact location of the group is unknown, but the group have been told to stay put and it is hoped they will be out of the bush by midday. Police said the group were quite experienced bush walkers, but they were not prepared for an overnight stay, particularly in the Blue Mountains where temperatures dropped to seven degrees overnight. 'They certainly weren't dressed for overnight activities. Between the seven of them they only had two torches,' Insp Shack Evans told ABC Radio. The hikers spent the night huddled in a cave and were able to call a relative this morning to let them know they were safe . | Five men and two women went missing in Katoomba yesterday .
They were supposed to return from a bush walk at 5pm .
They managed to call a relative this morning to say they were safe .
Spent a chilly night huddled in a cave . |
51,647 | 9237da2bdb964d031b20b7eb1aa3a7af9bb4b57d | By . John Stevens . PUBLISHED: . 03:57 EST, 5 November 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 20:19 EST, 5 November 2013 . Tax worker Ruth Kevan has been jailed for two and a half years for an elaborate scam to con her colleagues out of cash . It started as a little fund to encourage her tax office colleagues to save a few pounds for Christmas. But as it took off, so did Ruth Kevan’s money-making ambitions. The 58-year-old HM Revenue and Customs manager made bogus promises of interest rate returns up to 14.5 per cent to encourage 40 staff to invest thousands of pounds in her Christmas savings club. As a result, some paid in their retirement and wedding funds. By now, however, Kevan had turned the club into a Ponzi-style scam and was siphoning off cash to fund her own luxury lifestyle. In all, the civil servant stole more than £160,000 which she spent on extravagant holidays, expensive clothes and trips to watch Scotland play in the rugby Six Nations. Even her husband, who worked in the same office, was unaware of the scam. Yesterday, as her duped colleagues spoke of their ‘betrayal’, Kevan was beginning a two-and-a-half year jail term. Basildon Crown Court heard she had run the Christmas savings club at the tax office in Southend, Essex, since the late 1970s. The scheme started as an honest way to encourage workers to save for the festive season. But from 2001 she urged them to invest larger sums with the promise of interest rates way above levels offered by banks and building societies on the high street. Some of those who invested their money thought she had negotiated a special rate with the bank where the money was deposited. In fact, she was using the cash from new investors to spend on herself and pay out fake interest rates when it came to Christmas withdrawals. To prevent a ‘run’ on the fund at Christmas she offered bonus interest rates to keep the money in the account. One of Kevan's colleagues at HMRC Offices in Southend said: 'I feel betrayed by Ruth as I trusted her implicitly' Colleagues invested a total of more . than £212,000, but only £48,000 remained by the time the fraud was . discovered. Michael Warren, defending, said Kevan had resorted to the . scam after she became used to having more money thanks to a £35,000 . bequest from her father-in-law. He . said: ‘What is abundantly clear is that she is extremely remorseful and . ashamed of what happened. This scheme was not fraudulently run from the . outset. ‘I think we can . only speculate as to what happened but around the time the fraud started . her father-in-law passed away and left her with an inheritance of . £35,000, and she probably got accustomed to a nice lifestyle. She was . not aware the deficit had reached such a level – the matter had just got . out of hand.’ The fraud . was discovered when HMRC investigators became suspicious of large sums . of money being deposited in Kevan’s personal account. She . was arrested at work in April and confessed during a police interview. At court she admitted 21 charges of fraud and one of theft. Sentencing . her, Recorder George Pulman QC said: ‘You ran the Christmas club at . HMRC in Southend and encouraged people to put in more than just a few . pounds. ‘You lied to them as to the rates of interest, rates which were not available anywhere else commercially. ‘You . have expressed shame and made clear you know your behaviour has let . down friends and others who trusted you with their savings. ‘You frittered the money away on a luxury lifestyle of holidays and nice clothes.’ Kevan was sentenced at Basildon Crown Court to two-and-a-half years in prison for a string of fraud charges . One colleague wrote in a victim impact statement: ‘I feel betrayed by Ruth as I trusted her implicitly.’ The . court heard that Kevan, who lived in a £200,000 house in Southend, . planned to try to pay back the money when she started receiving her . pension in a few years’ time. Proceeds . of crime proceedings are ongoing to recover the victims’ money, . although investigators believe they may receive as little as a quarter . of what was invested. Kevan worked in a clerical role at HMRC. Following her suspension from duty she was dismissed in August 2012. | Ruth Kevan, 58, jailed for two-and-a-half years for string of fraud charges .
She blew cash on clothes, holidays and going to watch rugby in Scotland .
Kevan ran scheme for a decade before investigators uncovered deception . |
183,680 | 79ed63442764292473b17c569b0a48250adea2f4 | MODESTO, California (CNN) -- The photograph became an icon of the Great Depression: a migrant mother with her children burying their faces in her shoulder. Katherine McIntosh was 4 years old when the photo was snapped. She said it brought shame -- and determination -- to her family. Katherine McIntosh holds the photograph taken with her mother in 1936. "I wanted to make sure I never lived like that again," says McIntosh, who turns 77 on Saturday. "We all worked hard and we all had good jobs and we all stayed with it. When we got a home, we stayed with it." McIntosh is the girl to the left of her mother when you look at the photograph. The picture is best known as "Migrant Mother," a black-and-white photo taken in February or March 1936 by Dorothea Lange of Florence Owens Thompson, then 32, and her children. Lange was traveling through Nipomo, California, taking photographs of migrant farm workers for the Resettlement Administration. At the time, Thompson had seven children who worked with her in the fields. See Lange's photos of the migrant family » . "She asked my mother if she could take her picture -- that ... her name would never be published, but it was to help the people in the plight that we were all in, the hard times," McIntosh says. "So mother let her take the picture, because she thought it would help." Watch a Depression-era daughter's recollections » . The next morning, the photo was printed in a local paper, but by then the family had already moved on to another farm, McIntosh says. "The picture came out in the paper to show the people what hard times was. People was starving in that camp. There was no food," she says. "We were ashamed of it. We didn't want no one to know who we were." The photograph helped define the Great Depression, yet McIntosh says her mom didn't let it define her, although the picture "was always talked about in our family." "It always stayed with her. She always wanted a better life, you know." Her mother, she says, was a "very strong lady" who liked to have a good time and listen to music, especially the yodeler named Montana Slim. She laughs when she recalls her brothers bringing home a skinny greyhound pooch. "Mom, Montana Slim is outside," they said. Thompson rushed outside. The boys chuckled. They had named the dog after her favorite musician. "She was the backbone of our family," McIntosh says of her mom. "We never had a lot, but she always made sure we had something. She didn't eat sometimes, but she made sure us children ate. That's one thing she did do." Her memories of her youth are filled with about 50 percent good times, 50 percent hard times. It was nearly impossible to get an education. Children worked the fields with their parents. As soon as they'd get settled at a school, it was time to pick up and move again. Her mom would put newborns in cotton sacks and pull them along as she picked cotton. The older kids would stay in front, so mom could keep a close eye on them. "We would pick the cotton and pile it up in front of her, and she'd come along and pick it up and put it in her sack," McIntosh says. Watch "we would go home and cry" » . They lived in tents or in a car. Local kids would tease them, telling them to clean up and bathe. "They'd tell you, 'Go home and take a bath.' You couldn't very well take a bath when you're out in a car [with] nowhere to go." She adds, "We'd go home and cry." McIntosh now cleans homes in the Modesto, California, area. She's proud of the living she's been able to make -- that she has a roof over her head and has been able to maintain a job all these years. She says her obsession to keep things clean started in her youth when her chore was to keep the family tent clean. There were two white sheets that she cleaned each day. "Even today, when it comes to cleaning, I make sure things are clean. I can't stand dirty things," she says with a laugh. With the nation sinking into tough economic times and analysts saying the current economic crisis is the worst since the Great Depression, McIntosh says if there's a lesson to be learned from her experience it is to save your money and don't overextend yourself. iReport: Are you worried about losing your job? "People live from paycheck to paycheck, even people making good money," she says. "Do your best to make sure it doesn't happen again. Elect the people you think is going to do you good." Her message for President-elect Barack Obama is simple: "Think of the middle-class people." She says she'll never forget the lessons of her hard-working mother, who died at the age of 80 in 1983. Her gravestone says: "Migrant Mother: A Legend of the strength of American motherhood." "She was very strict, but very loving and caring. She cared for us all," McIntosh says. CNN's Traci Tamura and Gregg Canes contributed to this report. | Dorothea Lange snapped iconic Great Depression photo of "Migrant Mother" in 1936 .
Daughter in photo says it brought shame and determination to her family .
"I wanted to make sure I never lived like that again," Katherine McIntosh says .
McIntosh says her mom, Florence Owens Thompson, was "backbone of our family" |
136,799 | 3cf97f6e55c186f431365ac8e51f370613a02e96 | By . Daily Mail Reporter . PUBLISHED: . 16:51 EST, 20 March 2012 . | . UPDATED: . 16:55 EST, 20 March 2012 . 'Terrified': Anne Bass has testified against her former butler who allegedly held her hostage at her estate in Connecticut in 2007 . Multimillionaire socialite Anne Bass has revealed she thought she was going to die when three armed men broke into her Connecticut home, howling 'war cries', brandishing knives and demanding cash. Testifying in court against her former butler - allegedly one of the three men who attempted to steal millions of dollars from her - the 70-year-old wept as she remembered thinking how her murder would affect her two daughters. She also recounted her fear on hearing the men enter the home, before she and her boyfriend Julian Lethbridge were bound and given an injection the intruders claimed was a deadly virus. 'I spent a lot of time thinking about my children and how horrible it . was going to be for them because I was sure I was going to die,' she said. 'I just . didn't see how anyone could survive something like that.' Bass, the former wife of Texas billionaire Sid . Bass, also revealed her guilt that her three-year-old grandson was asleep in her home during the home invasion in 2007. 'I just felt like I had failed as a mother, that I would be in that kind of a position,' she told the court, the Hartford Courant reported. She also revealed she stopped the men from kidnapping her grandson Jasper, by asking: 'Do any of you have children?' She added: 'I thought they would scream at me.' But one of the intruders admitted he did have children. She told them her grandson would be forever frightened if he saw the three men dressed in black, and they did not take the boy. 'Victims': Bass and her longtime boyfriend, Julian Lethbridge (pictured), were allegedly bound by three masked intruders who demanded money and injected them with a 'deadly virus' Bass was in court to testify against Emanuel . Nicolescu, whom she had employed at her South Kent home for two months . in 2008, and whom is accused of holding the pair hostage for 12 hours. Authorities say Nicolescu and at least . two other men broke into the house around 11 p.m. on . the estate that spans several hundred acres. Bass . had just taken a bath and Lethbridge was falling asleep when he heard 'a . loud crashing noise and a sound like boots running up steps', prosecutors said. Bass failed to bar the invaders from getting in through the kitchen door. They . then blindfolded the victims, bound their hands and took . them to a bathroom where they administered the 'poison'. The masked assailants demanded the philanthropist pay $8.5 million for an antidote within 20 hours. Testifying . on Tuesday, Bass added that she heard the men howling terrifying 'war . cries' when they entered the home, the Harford Courant reported. Hostage situation: Bass testified against Emanuel Nicolescu (left), her former butler and allegedly one of the three men who broke into her home. Bass was married to Texas billionaire Sid Bass (right) She had climbed out of the bath, dressed in a terry cloth robe and shuffled to the kitchen. Once there, she 'heard these war cries, very terrifying sounds' and saw hooded men storming the house. Bass said: 'In my memory I see them in some kind of military formation like little . children acting like Indians, beating their chests, trying to frighten . you.' She screamed for Lethbridge and attempted to run, but the men grabbed her and bound her wrists. Bass's testimony comes days after her boyfriend . told the court he thought he would die when three men ‘dressed like . ninjas’ broke into the philanthropist's mansion and 'poisoned' them. ‘It felt like a flu shot,’ he said. ‘They injected me by sterilizing my shoulder, exactly like an . inoculation…I thought it was poisonous or they were putting me to sleep.' Wielding . a knife, one of the assailants announced that they had been injected . with a ‘very virulent virus’ with symptoms taking 20-24 hours to appear. ‘When the symptoms appear, it’s almost certain to be fatal,’ Lethbridge recalled the thugs saying. House of horror: The sprawling Connecticut retreat where Anne Bass and her boyfriend were held captive for 12 hours in 2007 while her three-year-old grandson slept in a separate room . He told the . men Bass did not keep that sum of money in the house and that she would . have to contact associates out of state to get the money. Prosecutors said that Nicolescu, his . former roomate Nicolae Helerea, aka Michael Kennedy, and Stefan Barabas . talked on either cellphones or two-way radios. After . about five hours in the house, the men became concerned with the . presence of the child, the health of the victims and their apparent . inability to immediately obtain the money, the affidavit says. Before . fleeing, the men gave the victims a beverage that they claimed was the . antidote and the victims fell asleep. Nicolescu, who was fired by Bass after . he wrecked one of her cars he was using without permission, faces 50 . years in prison if convicted of the home invasion. Nicolescu's lawyer Audrey Felsen previously told jurors that the butler 'did not do the crimes. He did not participate in them, He didn't plan them. He didn't help anybody plan them. He didn't knowingly help anybody after the fact.' | Former butler, Emanuel Nicolescu, on trial for 'infecting socialite with fake virus and demanding $8.5m for antidote'
Attackers .
brandished knives, blindfolded victims and bound their hands .
Bass recounted her terror on hearing the intruders' 'war cries'
Talked the intruders out of kidnapping her three-year-old grandson . |
169,614 | 6780867d01a02480c8ad448872002872d7a1e5b0 | Few men are better placed to judge the duel between Liverpool strikers Daniel Sturridge and Luis Suarez Thursday night in the Corinthians Arena in Sao Paulo than Sebastian Coates. The giant 23-year-old defender sits next to the England striker in the Liverpool dressing room, or at least did do until he went out on loan to Uruguay’s Nacional in January. That’s Nacional, the former club of Suarez, who took Coates under his wing when he joined Liverpool back in 2011. 'Sturridge is similar to Luis in as much as he’s always looking to score, always trying to force a mistake from the opponent and take advantage of any weakness,' he says of the scorer of England’s goal against Italy on Saturday. In action: Daniel Sturridge impressed up front against Italy in England's 2-1 opening loss . Fighting fit? Luis Suarez missed Uruguay's opening game, but is ready for the England clash . Coates will be on hand to inform Uruguayan first choice centre-backs Diego Godin and Diego Lugano, although after seeing how Arsenal loanee Joel Campbell destroyed the Uruguay defence, many supporters want Coates drafted in ahead of the defender West Brom let go last month. Coates is also well aware of the other threats carried by England. 'Sterling is extremely quick, always looking to get past people and deliver the ball into the box,' he says. 'And [Steven] Gerrard has so much intelligence and quality in that midfield role; we are very aware of how good he is from dead balls, he strikes it so well.' Of course for all that England have Sterling and Sturridge, Uruguay have the real jewel in the Liverpool crown. 'Everyone knows what Luis is like,' says Coates. 'He never gives up on a single loose ball; he chases everything. It doesn’t matter if the team is winning or losing, he always wants more. He is one of the three best players in the world.' Uruguay will need all of Suarez’ quality and determination to turn their World Cup around. Coates says his spirit illustrates perfectly why they have over-achieved so often on the world stage and why they are not about to give up their place at the World Cup lightly. Team-mates: Sebastian Coates (centre) shares a joke with Suarez during Uruguay training . Through his paces: Coates (in red) attempts to block a shot from Cristian Rodriguez in training . 'In Brazil I think there are three million players officially signed up with clubs, and in Uruguay there are only three million people so that puts the size of our country into perspective. But we are passionate about the game; everyone plays from a very young age, and we have the guts and determination that you see reflected in the way Luis plays. He’s the perfect example of how never to give anything up for lost.' Coates showed the same fighting spirit last season to come back from the torn cruciate ligament injury he suffered in August and then ask for a loan move to Nacional that would give him a fighting chance of making Oscar Tabarez’ World Cup squad. He had just been voted Best Young Player of the Copa America which Uruguay won in 2011 when Liverpool signed him that summer. Suarez was in constant contact as the deal went through informing him of Liverpool’s interest and joking that he would ‘represent’ him in England. He helped him settle, but the injury while playing for Uruguay in Japan set back his progress. World stage: Sturridge hits home England's equaliser at the time in Saturday's clash against Italy . Coates' performances at Nacional were enough to convince Tabarez that he was ready for Brazil. And back home in Uruguay he was able to witness first hand just how Suarez has turned the country into the South American branch of the Liverpool’s supporters club. 'Everyone has been watching every game for the last few months' he says. 'Liverpool may have more fans here in Uruguay than anywhere else. No one wanted the season to end as it did. When you’re so close and it slips away from you like that it is so hard.' He texted ‘animo’ a kind of Spanish ‘chin-up’ to a distraught Suarez after the Crystal Palace game. 'What more can you do in that situation?' he says. Frozen out? Coates has found it hard to cement a first team place at Anfield . He hopes there will be no need for similar messages of support after the Group D game tomorrow night. And when the tournament ends he wants to return to Liverpool and establish himself as a Premier League starter alongside Suarez or even at another Premier League club if a loan spell becomes the only way of showing the class that made a South American champion three years ago. It would be a shame if he didn’t make it in England; with a name like Coates he has to have British roots after all? 'The family came from Scotland three or four generations back,' he says. 'And the first one who came to Uruguay, the first Coates, came by boat… from Liverpool of course.' | Sebastian Coates plays with both Suarez and Sturridge at Liverpool .
Suarez and Sturridge face off in England vs Uruguay on Thursday .
Both nations lost their opening game of the World Cup in Brazil .
Coates looking to work his way back into the Liverpool set-up . |
26,538 | 4b5bfb4b1e25623e94a9792b64f2901ef2213762 | By . Chris Kitching . A careless baggage handler has been caught on camera kicking and throwing luggage at an airport in south-western Russia. Angry passengers watched from their seats as the employee, standing alone on a vehicle used to transport luggage, casually slammed the bags on top of each other. A passenger recorded the nearly two-minute video on his mobile phone while the man and off-screen co-workers unloaded bags from a plane at Volgograd International Airport. The rough employee, who appears disgruntled and is clearly not concerned about the fragility of the passengers’ belongings, was filmed flinging bags of all sizes by their straps or handles. At one point, the video shows him grabbing two bags and tossing them onto the pile behind him without looking back to see where they landed. Another moment shows a large suitcase sliding between the man's legs after it was given a push by an off-screen colleague. He doesn't seem to care that he is being watched by the plane's occupants while he manhandles their luggage. Having a bag day: The employee was filmed at Volgograd International Airport in south-western Russia . A passenger recorded the nearly two-minute video on his mobile phone as the bags were being unloaded . The worker used so much force to throw the bags that the vehicle appears to shake at times. He was reportedly suspended after the video was posted online. Passengers are now pursuing compensation for damaged suitcases and broken contents, according to reports. The employee was seen slamming bags on top of each other or flinging them by their straps or handles . Damage control: Passengers are reportedly seeking compensation for wrecked suitcases or belongings . | A passenger filmed the incident at Volgograd International Airport .
Employee casually flings or slams bags on top of each other .
Worker reportedly suspended from work after video surfaced online . |
265,103 | e358e3e666dd6f4bb4e72404c60a92e3f354945d | By . Martha De Lacey . PUBLISHED: . 07:53 EST, 5 June 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 08:59 EST, 5 June 2013 . The washboard stomach of Jessica Ennis, the curvaceous figure of Beyonce, the glossy hair of Katherine Jenkins and the sparkling eyes of Nicole Scherzinger. These are the physical attributes that would make up the ideal woman, according to a new survey of men and women. Interestingly, one lesser-discussed female body part - seldom held in such unanimously high regard - also made the list: Samantha Cameron's strong, straight nose. The washboard stomach of Jessica Ennis, the curvaceous figure of Beyonce, the glossy hair of Katherine Jenkins, the sparkling eyes of Nicole Scherzinger and Samantha Cameron's nose are the physical attributes that make up the ideal woman . Gold medal-winning heptathlete Jessica Ennis, left, had the most enviable stomach, while singer and marathon runner Katherine Jenkins, right, received most votes in the best hair category . Meanwhile, the ideal man would have the taut body of either David Beckham or Jenson Button, the crooked grin of Ryan Gosling's smile, Brad Pitt's jawline and the shimmering eyes of Daniel 'James Bond' Craig. The survey, commissioned by Morrisons, asked 1,000 men and 1,000 women which body parts they most admired on celebrities. The survey also revealed many shoppers are focused on improving their own bodies, with 46 per cent claiming they are currently working on improving their own health and fitness . One in five respondents claimed they were not currently happy with their body shape, and 61 per cent said starting a healthy eating regime would give an instant boost. Singer Beyonce, left, was voted as having the best figure, while former Pussycat Doll Nicole Scherzinger was heralded as having the sparkliest eyes . The surprise vote went to Samantha Cameron, who was voted as having the most perfect celebrity nose . Almost a third (27 per cent) said avoiding chocolate makes them feel more confident about their figures, and 30 per cent said visiting the gym for a workout. And a deep-pocketed 13 per cent said a shopping trip had the same effect. Nutritionist for Morrisons NuMe healthy eating range Bryonie Holleart said: 'While we all want to look like a celebrity, we know getting that perfect body requires hard work - both in the gym and in the kitchen. 'It's clear too that many people will give up their best intentions, often because it's hard to keep cooking healthy meals, maintain an expensive diet plan, all while putting in hours in on the treadmill.' The ideal man, meanwhile, would comprise Ryan Gosling's slightly wonky smile, right, and former footballer David Beckham's well-trained body . | Body parts of Ryan Gosling, Brad Pitt and Daniel Craig made up best man .
Ideal physical attributes voted for by 2,000 shoppers in Morrison's poll . |
87,722 | f8eade2fbdef080fae4d64d33effbbc7dd981daa | By . Tamara Cohen . PUBLISHED: . 12:26 EST, 6 January 2014 . | . UPDATED: . 03:58 EST, 7 January 2014 . The Lib Dem women’s minister Jo Swinson was ridiculed yesterday for suggesting that mothers should be allowed to bring their babies into the House of Commons. Respected Channel 4 newsreader Cathy Newman, who is also a working mother, said allowing MPs to bring their ‘bawling’ babies to Parliament would not ‘greatly advance the feminist cause’. In a scathing article entitled ‘Has this MP gone gaga?’, Miss Newman suggested bringing a baby into any office, let alone Parliament, would distract women from the demands of their work because being a mother is a full-time job in itself. Channel 4 News presenter Cathy Newman (left) warned Lib Dem minister Jo Swinson was not advancing the cause of feminism by complaining about not being able to take her baby to a place of work . ‘Juggling life and work is hard enough . without having a baby in the office competing with your boss for your . time and attention,’ Miss Newman wrote. Miss . Swinson, 33, who is also a business minister, gave birth to her first . child, Andrew, just before Christmas. She is married to Lib Dem MP . Duncan Hames. An MP who is . breastfeeding may bring a baby into her own office, but not into the . House of Commons or House of Lords chambers, or the division lobbies . they pass through to vote. Miss Swinson said: ‘I hardly think it would . be too much of a disruption. You can take a sword through there but you . can’t a baby.’ Miss Newman, . who is married with two children, said while she understood the . minister wanted to ‘bang the drum for working mums’, her policy of . ‘carting’ babies around the workplace was ill-judged. ‘Don’t . get me wrong, I’m all for mums being encouraged to breastfeed, though . too many are made to feel terribly guilty if they can’t make it work,’ she wrote in a Daily Telegraph blog. ‘I’m . afraid, though, that it doesn’t greatly advance the feminist cause to . allow MPs to cart their bawling babies through the lobby. The Commons is . a workplace unlike any other, but a workplace nevertheless. Family values: Swinson, here pictured with husband, fellow Lib Dem MP Duncan Hames, and baby Andrew . ‘In . my view, women should be able to breastfeed anywhere they need to, but I . draw the line at looking after a baby – itself a full-time job – when . you’re at work.’ Tory MP Sir Gerald Howarth also weighed into the debate, saying Miss Swinson’s suggestion was ‘wholly inappropriate’. The former defence minister, and father of three, said: ‘The voting lobbies of the House of Commons are not a crèche. ‘Of . course mothers will want to look after their young children but I don’t . see the child’s welfare is served by taking them through the lobbies.’ Miss . Newman, 39, who used to be a political correspondent for Channel 4, . conceded that Parliament still had some way to go in becoming more . family-friendly. The . answer, she said, was for politicians to deliver ‘more flexible, more . affordable childcare’, such as a nanny, childminder or nursery. ‘So I’m . hoping that when Ms Swinson returns to work, she’ll have found loving, . reasonably priced care for baby Andrew, leaving her free to focus on the . tough demands of her day job,’ she said. Not in Westminster: Italian MEP Licia Ronzulli's tiny baby sleeps peacefully in a sling tied round her mother's shoulders at the European Parliament . | Journalist Cathy Newman said the Commons is a workplace like any other .
Lib Dem business minister Jo Swinson slammed 'guilt culture' for mothers .
MPs can take babies to their office but the Commons or Lords chambers .
Wife of Lib Dem MP Duncan Hames gave birth to Andrew before Christmas . |
53,052 | 96819707430692b869918bf07757b0900375e5b0 | By . Tom Kelly and Emine Sinmaz . PUBLISHED: . 03:33 EST, 3 May 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 14:07 EST, 23 May 2013 . Burns victim: Tara Quigley, 28, who had acid squirted in her face when she opened her front door in Romford, Essex . A woman was left badly burned after a man knocked on her door and hurled acid in her face. Tara Quigley, 28, is being treated in a specialist burns unit following the attack. Her dog, which she was carrying at the time, was blinded and may have to be put down. Her sister, 30-year-old Tina Quigley, said: ‘She’s in a bad way. About a third of her face was badly burned. She’s finding it very tough and struggling to come to terms with it. ‘It’s really bad. We fear she’s going to be left really badly damaged. I have been with her at the hospital ever since it happened. We just have no idea why anyone would want to do this.’ A stain was still visible on the door of the two-storey terraced house in Romford, Essex, where she was attacked shortly after 9pm on Tuesday. Miss Quigley, who neighbours say lived in the house with her sister and two young children, opened her front door to a man asking for ‘Michelle’. He left, but returned half an hour later and threw an unidentified substance at her, believed to be acid. Attack: Tara's elder sister Tina said she is in a 'bad way' following the attack with burns to around a third of her face . She slammed the door and rushed to a sink where she washed her face with water. Minutes later she was heard groaning in agony and calling out for help as she was taken to hospital by ambulance. One neighbour, who declined to be named, said: ‘I had just had a shower and was about to go to bed. ‘I looked out and there were police . cars and ambulances all over the street. I could hear the woman crying. She was groaning and shouting.’ Victim: Tara, 28, was attacked when she opened her frontdoor by a mystery attacker in Romford . Acid: The front door of the terraced property has been stained by the unidentified liquid which was thrown in the victim's face . Miss Quigley’s aunt, Carol Ferris, added: ‘We’re all in shock. No one knows why or what’s happened. ‘Tara is a lovely, bubbly girl, . always smiling. I hope whoever did this to her gets what they deserve. No one deserves that treatment.’ Another neighbour described the . Quigley sisters as ‘friendly and popular’. She said: ‘It was a busy . house. They had a lot of friends come and visit. It was always quite . lively.’ Detectives described the suspect as . white, short, about 20 years old and was wearing black clothing. Officers said that they were keeping . an ‘open mind’ as to the motive for the attack. DC Paul Swift, from . Romford CID, said: ‘This was a cowardly attack during which the victim . suffered substantial injuries and I would appeal to anyone who may have . witnessed this offence, seen a male loitering around the area before the . incident occurred or has knowledge of this matter to come forward.’ On Tuesday, a woman was charged with . an unrelated acid attack on a shop worker. Naomi Oni, 21, suffered burns . and lost her hair and eyelashes during the attack in Dagenham, East . London, last December. An . earlier version of this article stated that the attacker spoke with a . foreign accent. On 9 May a revised press release was issued by Scotland . Yard changing the attacker’s accent to English. The article has been . updated to reflect this. Home: The terraced property in Romford which Tara shares with her sister Tina . | Tara Quigley, 28, has burns to around a third of her face, her sister said .
She answered door to an unknown caller who asked to speak to 'Michelle'
Half an hour later he returned and hurled acid in her face .
Tara's sister Tina said she fears her face will be 'left really badly damaged' |
242,756 | c6341d6cc9c12c381e3d0a3b3d827baa9f959e85 | By . Mark Prigg . Microsoft has finally fixed a disastrous bug in its Internet Explorer web browser so severe the U.S. Department of Homeland Security advised computer users to abandon the software. Adrienne Hall, general manager of Microsoft Trustworthy Computing, said in a statement that the company decided to fix the problem quickly for all customers, saying it takes the security of its products 'incredibly seriously.' The firm also decided to issue a fix for users of Windows XP, even though it officially no longer supports the software. Scroll down for video . Clean-up: Microsoft is rushing to fix a bug in its widely used Internet Explorer web browser after a computer security firm disclosed the flaw over the weekend . Microsoft disclosed on Saturday its plans to fix the bug, which targets Internet Explorer versions 9 through 11. Those versions take up 26.25 percent of the browser market, according to FireEye, the cybersecurity software company that caught the bug. The bug, however, reportedly affects versions 6 through 11. Together, those versions dominate desktop browsing, accounting for 55 percent of the PC browser market, according to tech research firm NetMarketShare. In addition to possibly switching to an alternative web browser, US-CERT advised businesses to consider using a free Microsoft security tool known as EMET, or the Enhanced Mitigation Experience Toolkit, to thwart potential attacks. Security experts say EMET is helpful in staving off attacks, but businesses are sometimes reluctant to use it because it can cause systems to crash due to incompatibility with some software programs. Microsoft first reported the problem on Saturday, saying it was aware of 'limited, targeted attacks' and that the vulnerability affected Internet Explorer versions 6 through 11. The company said users with automatic updates enabled don't need to take any action. 'For those manually updating, we strongly encourage you to apply this update as quickly as possible following the directions in the released security bulletin,' it said. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has advised computer users to abandon Microsoft's Internet Explorer browser until the company fixes a security flaw that hackers have used to launch attacks. The bug is the first high-profile security flaw to emerge since Microsoft stopped providing security updates for Windows XP earlier this month. That means PCs running the 13-year old operating system could remain unprotected against hackers seeking to exploit the newly uncovered flaw, even after Microsoft figures out how to defend against it. The United States Computer Emergency Readiness Team, a part of Homeland Security known as US-CERT, said in an advisory released on Monday morning that the vulnerability in versions 6 to 11 of Internet Explorer could lead to 'the complete compromise' of an affected system. 'We are currently unaware of a practical solution to this problem,' Carnegie Mellon's Software Engineering Institute warned in a separate advisory, that US-CERT linked to in its warning. Microsoft Corp is rushing to fix the bug in its widely used Internet Explorer web browser after a computer security firm disclosed the flaw over the weekend, saying hackers have already exploited it in attacks on some U.S. companies. Microsoft disclosed on Saturday its plans to fix the bug, which targets Internet Explorer versions 9 through 11. Those versions take up 26.25 percent of the browser market, according to FireEye, the cybersecurity software company that caught the bug. The bug reportedly affects versions 6 through 11 of Internet Explorer . The bug, however, reportedly affects versions 6 through 11. Together, those versions dominate desktop browsing, accounting for 55 percent of the PC browser market, according to tech research firm NetMarketShare. PCs running Windows XP will not receive any updates fixing that bug when they are released, however, because Microsoft stopped supporting the 13-year-old operating system earlier this month. Security firms estimate that between 15 and 25 percent of the world's PCs still run Windows XP. FireEye Inc said that a sophisticated group of hackers have been exploiting the bug in a campaign dubbed 'Operation Clandestine Fox.' FireEye, whose Mandiant division helps companies respond to cyber attacks, declined to name specific victims or identify the group of hackers, saying that an investigation into the matter is still active. It described the hackers as 'extremely proficient at lateral movement' and 'difficult to track.' 'It's a campaign of targeted attacks seemingly against U.S.-based firms, currently tied to defense and financial sectors,' FireEye spokesman Vitor De Souza said via email. 'It's unclear what the motives of this attack group are, at this point. It appears to be broad-spectrum intel gathering.' He declined to elaborate, though he said one way to protect against them would be to switch to another browser. The firm has come under fire for the amount of time it took to issue a fix . Microsoft said in the advisory that the vulnerability could allow a hacker to take complete control of an affected system, then do things such as viewing changing, or deleting data, installing malicious programs, or creating accounts that would give hackers full user rights. FireEye and Microsoft have not provided much information about the security flaw or the approach that hackers could use to figure out how to exploit it, said Aviv Raff, chief technology officer of cybersecurity firm Seculert. Yet other groups of hackers are now racing to learn more about it so they can launch similar attacks before Microsoft prepares a security update, Raff said. 'Microsoft should move fast,' he said. 'This will snowball.' Still, he cautioned that Windows XP users will not benefit from that update since Microsoft has just halted support for that product. The software maker said in a statement to Reuters that it advises Windows XP users to upgrade to one of two most recently versions of its operating system, Windows 7 or 8. | Microsoft first acknowledged bug on Saturday .
Internet Explorer bug is present in versions 6 to 11 - which dominate 55 percent of PC browser market .
Department of Homeland Security advised computer users to consider using alternatives .
Attacks are currently against U.S.-based defense and financial sector firms . |
40,599 | 728f3ca7b0313680640316594d951b369d339f5d | Mexico City (CNN) -- A powerful earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 6.3 struck southern Mexico on Monday, the U.S. Geological Survey said. The quake's epicenter was about 17 miles (27 kilometers) from Ometepec, Guerrero. It was about 7.6 miles (12 kilometers) deep, the USGS said. There were no immediate reports of damage or injuries. Officials described the quake as an aftershock of the 7.4-magnitude temblor which struck in the same area on March 20, damaging hundreds of homes. There have been 280 aftershocks since that quake, Mexico's National Seismological Survey reported. Residents felt Monday's quake in Mexico City, hundreds of miles from the epicenter. There were no initial reports of major damage in the capital, Mayor Marcelo Ebrard said on Twitter. The USGS describes Mexico as one of the most seismically active areas of the world. The country sees an average of seven earthquakes daily with a magnitude greater than 3.0, according to Mexico's National Seismological Service. CNN's Krupskaia Alis, Rafael Romo and Sean Morris contributed to this report. | NEW: The earthquake is an aftershock of a 7.4-magnitude quake that struck March 20 .
The quake's epicenter was about 17 miles from Ometepec, Guerrero .
There are no immediate reports of injuries or major damage .
Residents in Mexico City felt the temblor . |
157,074 | 57152f0c9c2a3df30b461fba8a61ecc8db3d8472 | A teen video blogger who has courted controversy by saying that domestic abuse is a sign of love has been told that her logic is 'flawed at so many levels.' Romina Garcia, 18, appeared on Dr Phil's show in response to a video she posted online last year. In the video, which has been viewed more than five million times, Romina told viewers not many boyfriends 'care enough' to beat their girlfriends but those are 'willing' to do so are 'amazing'. Scroll down for video . In a video she uploaded last year, Romina Garcia (pictured) urged girls to stay with their abusive boyfriends . During a talk with Dr Phil (right) on his show, Romina said that a boyfriend risking jail time over domestic abuse charges was a sign of love and that 'not anyone is just going to go to jail for you' Romina, of Las Vegas, Nevada, added: 'I just wanted to say that if your boyfriend or the guy that you're with puts his hands on you, like he hits you or beats you up or whatever he does, stay with him. '[He] loves you because he's risking for you to press charges on him, he is risking for you know, you calling the police. 'He's gonna do time or he's gonna have to pay money to get out of jail or whatever the case may be. 'He's risking all of that for you.' During her appearance on the show, Romina told Dr Phil she suffered a backlash after posting the video and that she is misunderstood. She mentioned she received messages of support and understanding as well and feels she is a role model for her 153,000 fans and followers. Dr Phil questioned her belief that a boyfriend risking jail time over abuse charges was a positive. He said: 'Your theory is that because they're willing to put themselves at risk of going to jail, paying fines, whatever, that you must mean an awful lot to them, or they wouldn't put themselves in harm's way for you and therefore, you must really be loved?' She replied: 'Exactly. Not anyone is just going to go to jail for you. 'You know, they're investing time and money, and it's just a lot. So, like, he must really care. 'I really do believe that.' The video was met with criticism online (pictured) and Romina told Dr Phil that she felt misunderstood . After he let Romina have her say and defend her reasoning, Dr Phil told the teen: 'Your logic is flawed at so many levels.' He continued: 'I am very concerned that the idiotic message that you're putting out there could cause an innocent young girl to put herself in harm's way following that logic and get herself hurt. 'I think what you're saying is irresponsible. I think it is ridiculous. Somebody needs to tell you straight up what's wrong with what you're saying.' Dr Phil isn't the only one who is critical of Romina's message. The 'Unfollow And Destroy Romina Garcia' page was created on Facebook for the purpose of exposing Romina and 'her awful posts and statuses'. Following Romina's appearance on the show, the page creator wrote: 'Not only is what she's saying dangerous, but it's completely disgusting that she thinks domestic violence is a joke and a way to get attention. 'Let's stop her and the violence against young women all together.' Another user wrote that Romina was more affected by appearing on the show than she let on: . 'Romina honey without sounding rude you need to understand that someone hitting you doesn't mean they love you. 'Your eyes showed u know this is wrong by the tears u were holding in. 'I truly hope u see a different side now u have heard how wrong this is from millions of people.' The full transcript of the shocking video uploaded by Romina Garcia on her Facebook page. Okay you guys, I wanted to address something, mainly with you girls, about your boyfriend or the guy you're talking to and I just wanted to say that if your boyfriend or the guy that you're with puts his hands on you like he hits you or beats you up or whatever he does. Stay with him. That n***** f****** loves you because he's risking for you to press charges on him, he is risking for you know, you calling the police or you know, he - he's gonna do time or he's gonna have to pay money to get out of jail or whatever the case may be, he's risking all of that for you. So that n***** f****** loves you! And you need to get on your f****** knees and just pray and hope that he doesn't give you another black-eye or he doesn't kill you. Because honestly, like, a guy that's willing to do that for a girl, it's - I mean, it's amazing, like, not many guys you have out there care enough for the girls to do that. But the guys that do that they're the real like the real ass n***** and you - you girls need to appreciate it. And you know the other day my boyfriend gave me a black-eye, it was my fault, like, he didn't mean - I mean he, he - he was going to hit me but like I moved, so he got my eye. 'Like, he hit me in my eye whatever, he gave me a black-eye. But I'm wearing make-up right now so you can't tell but it's on this eye. I was going to go out somewhere today so he took me to get my make-up done because he didn't want people seeing me with him, you know, because I had a black-eye, they were gonna be like 'what f***', you know. 'Or whatever, he just didn't like that or whatever. So I went to go get my makeup done but the fact that he put his hands on me means a lot to me because that shows me how he cares. 'And as you asked like he hit me, like, after I realized how stupid I was, how I could have avoided everything, I got on my knees and I begged him like please 'do not leave me', like, I am so sorry for what I, you know, for what I did. 'Like, you gave me an order and I didn't follow it and now I know not to disrespect you, not to talk back, if he gives me an order to follow it and I know you b*****s are gonna be like, well where's your proof, well you know well my proof of like my black-eye, I took a picture of it, it's on my Instagram and my Instagram is romina-kdashian so you can always follow me on there. 'And I just wanna let ya'll know that you need to appreciate your man and if he hits you - stay with him. He f****** loves you. | Romina Garcia's video urges girls to stay with abusive boyfriends .
Video viewed more than five million times after it was uploaded online .
The teen says she's a role model for her 153,000 fans and followers .
Dr Phil is 'concerned' that her 'idiotic message' will get her hurt .
She thinks not many boyfriends 'care enough' to beat up their girlfriends . |
88,824 | fc1a001e2f64d478b14ac6bc03b6fde9f6243696 | A lawyer for an American who has spent more than four years imprisoned in Cuba said Monday that his client cannot take life in prison much longer and has said his goodbyes to his wife and a daughter. Alan Gross was arrested in Cuba in 2009 while working covertly in the Communist-run country to set up Internet access. His attorney, Scott Gilbert, said in a statement Monday that his client 'has withdrawn' and told him 'life in prison is not a life worth living.' Gross has previously said through his lawyer that his 65th birthday, which took place in May, would be the last one that he 'celebrates in Havana, one way or the other.' American Alan Gross aid goodbye to his wife and youngest daughter during a recent visit in Cuba. Gross has stopped exercising and his health is not good, his attorney said . Gross said goodbye to his wife and youngest daughter during a recent visit. Gross, who lived in Maryland before his arrest, had previously told his two daughters not to come see him in prison. Gross has stopped exercising and his health is not good, said Gilbert, who plans to visit his client this week. His hips are failing and he has lost most of the vision in his right eye. Gross' 'emotional deterioration has been severe,' Gilbert said, particularly following the death in June of his 92-year-old mother. Gross and his mother talked frequently by phone, and when Gross went on a nine-day hunger strike in April it was his mother who persuaded him to end it. Gross had asked the Cuban government to be able to return to the United States for her funeral, but the request was denied. Gross' wife, Judy Gross, said in Monday's statement that she has never seen her husband in such bad shape during the time he has spent in prison. She wrote that 'his decision to say goodbye to us was wrenching.' At the time Gross was arrested he was working as a subcontractor for the U.S. government's U.S. Agency for International Development, which promotes democracy on the island . Gross is also now refusing to see officials from the U.S. Interests Section in Havana, which Washington maintains instead of an embassy since the two countries do not have formal diplomatic relations. At the time Gross was arrested he was working as a subcontractor for the U.S. government's U.S. Agency for International Development, which promotes democracy on the island. Cuba considers USAID's programs illegal attempts by the U.S. to undermine its government, and Gross was tried and sentenced to 15 years in prison. Also on Monday, Gross' lawyer released a letter from a group of 300 rabbis to President Barack Obama urging him to take action to secure Gross' release. Gross, who is Jewish, was working with Cuba's small Jewish community on Internet access when he was arrested. | Alan Gross, 65, was arrested in Cuba in 2009 while working covertly in the Communist-run country to set up Internet access .
His attorney, Scott Gilbert, said in a .
statement Monday that his client 'has withdrawn' and told him 'life in .
prison is not a life worth living'
Gross said goodbye to his wife and youngest daughter during a recent visit .
His hips are failing and he has lost most .
of the vision in his right eye .
At the time Gross was arrested he was .
working as a subcontractor for the U.S. government's U.S. Agency for .
International Development, which promotes democracy on the island .
Cuba considers USAID's programs illegal .
attempts by the U.S. to undermine its government, and Gross was tried .
and sentenced to 15 years in prison . |
203,652 | 93a1f994f727993250347c4430483de8b32cfc73 | Gus Poyet has urged Connor Wickham to determine his own future amid talk of him signing a pre-contract agreement with a foreign club in January. The Sunderland boss has taken a swipe at those advising the 21-year-old and has even warned that they won’t be forgotten when it comes to future deals with other players. Wickham is out of contract in the summer and is free to discuss terms with foreign clubs from the New Year. A move abroad, however, would significantly reduce the compensation received by the Black Cats. Sunderland manager Gus Poyet is angered by the advice being given to striker Connor Wickham . Wickham is free to talk to foreign clubs next year, although a move abroad would mean less for Black Cats . And Poyet said: ‘Sometimes people don’t want to agree. They want to play a certain way. They want to tell you we will take him to Europe so the club has to pay us less compensation. ‘Fair enough, we know who we are dealing with. You know who you are dealing with for the rest of your life, not just one deal. It’s not a problem, everyone has a reputation. ‘Here we are talking about players, agents, family. Last time I was talking about Connor, the father was quick to reply. Now we’ll see who is going to make the decision about staying at the football club or going to play abroad. ‘My advice is to make the decision yourself. If he makes the decision I will respect it, good or bad.’ Wickham is not agitating for a move but has been played out of his preferred central position . Sportsmail understands that Wickham is not agitating for a move away from the Stadium of Light and remains in discussions over a new deal with sporting director Lee Congerton and chief executive Margaret Byrne. However, the £8million striker – signed by Steve Bruce in 2011 – has been used in a wide-left position of late rather than his preferred central role, from where he scored four goals to help keep Sunderland in the Premier League during the closing weeks of last season. | Connor Wickham is out of contract at the end of the season .
The Black Cats striker is free to speak with foreign clubs in the New Year .
Gus Poyet has warned that his agents' advice will not be forgotten when it comes to future deals with other players . |
194,464 | 87baeda7f083a4fcf19ae6e6bf7baffc47c70def | By . Matt Chorley, Mailonline Political Editor and Jason Groves . PUBLISHED: . 09:51 EST, 18 April 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 03:34 EST, 19 April 2013 . For a man who seeks to claim the statesman-like mantle of Margaret Thatcher, Ed Miliband has an odd way of going about it. The Labour leader triggered comparisons with the much-mocked soapbox of the Iron Lady’s hapless successor John Major yesterday as he stood awkwardly on a pallet, microphone in hand, to address voters outside a shopping centre. Despite cutting a rather ridiculous figure campaigning in the South Shields by-election – the seat left vacant by his brother David’s move to New York – Mr Miliband is clearly determined to acquire some of Lady Thatcher’s gravitas. Scroll down for video . Boxing clever? Labour leader . Ed Milliband used a wooden pallet to address locals in South Shields but was confused with his brother David who quit as the town's MP . Onlookers questioned how useful the box was at making him visible to shoppers as they milled around the town centre . In an audacious speech today, he will suggest he has the same strength of conviction and determination to change Britain as Lady Thatcher did in 1979. ‘Back in the 1970s it was clear the country needed a new way of doing things – a new settlement – and so too today,’ he will say. ‘The old way of running our economy just doesn’t work any more.’ In a separate interview he praises Lady Thatcher’s ‘utter consistency of ideas’, which he suggests he shares. He adds that his flirtation with ‘wonky’ concepts like predistribution – his complicated plan to tackle inequality – is comparable with the manner in which Lady Thatcher’s policies and convictions were underpinned by ideology. ‘People sometimes say I’m too interested in ideas,’ he tells the Left-wing website Politics for the Common Good. ‘But getting the ideas right – the intellectual foundations – is absolutely crucial. And they’re particularly crucial in tough times. In tough times you’ve got to have a robust sense of where you stand.’ He suggests David Cameron lacks similar convictions, adding: ‘There’s no sense of consistency.’ But Tory MP Nick de Bois gave the claim short shrift, saying: ‘Ed Miliband’s record as Labour leader is one of no policies, jumping on bandwagons and never making one tough decision. Lady Thatcher would have enjoyed handbagging him to political oblivion.’ Meanwhile an Ipsos-Mori poll suggests voters also believe Mr Miliband has a long way to go before he is seen as a potential prime minister. Just 24 per cent believe he is ready to be Prime Minister, with 66 per cent saying he is not ready. Ballot boxes: Mr Miliband's use of a pallet drew immediate comparisons with Sir John Major's soap box tour during the 1992 general election campaign . To the left: The Labour leader points during a speech in which he rejected David Cameron's claim that 'we're all Thatcherites now' Brother David’s decision to quit British . politics for a big money job running a charity in New York triggered the . by-election in the North East constituency. Ed made a visit there today to drum . up support for Labour’s candidate Emma Lewell-Buck during a walkabout . and apparently impromptu speech in the high street. He . was immediately compared with former Tory Prime Minister Sir John Major, . who used a wooden box measuring 4ft by 3ft by 1.5ft to speak to voters . in the run-up to his surprise election win in 1992. He . said at the time: 'People say that you cannot do it these days. It is . fashionable to say, for security and other reasons, that you cannot get . up on a soapbox. I think you have to and I am going to do it.' Aides to Mr Miliband clearly think the idea should be dusted off again. An . aide to Mr Miliband insisted there was nothing unusual about the . pallet. 'Politicians use platforms so people can see them when they are . speaking,' he said. South Shields has had a Labour MP since 1935, securing a majority of 18,995 in the 2010 general election. The campaign push comes as a new poll puts Labour on its lowest level of support for a year. Alan Beatie (right) was among the people to mistakenly call Ed 'David' during a town centre walkabout' Spot the difference: Ed (left) was confused with his brother David (right) who resigned as South Shields MP to take up a job with International Rescue Committee in New York . The IpsosMORI survey found 38 per cent of people backing Labour, with the Tories on 29, UKIP 15 and Lib Dems 10. Two thirds of people disagree that Mr . Miliband is ready to be Prime Minister, 'significantly' behind both Tony . Blair and David Cameron at the same point before they took the keys to . Number 10. Two and a half . years before Mr Blair became Premier, 59 per cent said he was ready for . the top job while 43 per cent backed David Cameron. Tom . Mludzinski, deputy head of political research at Ipsos MORI said: . 'Labour are at a 12 month low as voters have doubts that Ed Miliband and . his party are ready to move into Number 10. 'While he does have two years to change their minds, even his own supporters are not yet fully convinced.' Speaking in South Shields, Mr Miliband used his address to dispute David Cameron’s claim yesterday that ‘we are all Thatcherites now’ because no one would seek to reverse the Iron Lady’s legacy. Mr Miliband said: ‘I don't agree with him and we are not all Thatcherites now," he said. ‘He may have been making the point that there are some things that happened in the 1980s that have not been reversed and people are not planning to reverse. ‘But there are lots of things that do need to change, we have learned about deregulation and the problems that creates. ‘There's things about our society that need to change as well so I certainly don't consider myself to be a Thatcherite and there are lots of people in the country who don't consider themselves to be Thatcherite either.’ Not ready to be PM: A new opinion poll reveals Labour at its lowest level for a year, with two thirds of people thinking Mr Miliband is not ready for power . Safe seat: South Shields has had a Labour MP since 1935, securing a majority of 18,995 in the 2010 general election . More than 30 months after becoming Labour leader, beating his brother David in a bitter contest, it seems voters still have trouble telling them apart – even in South Shield. According to reports he had to correct several people, including local resident Alan Beatie, who mistakenly called him David. He told locals: ‘It's great to be here in South Shields. Over the last 11 or 12 years since David became an MP, I have really enjoyed my visits here.’ He later had an ice-cream at Minchella's parlour. Last month David Miliband stunned colleagues by confirming he was moving to New York to take up a lucrative job with aid charity, International Rescue Committee. He made little attempt to hide the fact that his decision stemmed from the 2010 leadership defeat he suffered at the hands of younger brother Ed. He said it would be better for him to be ‘3,000 miles from the front bench’, adding: ‘I didn’t want the soap opera to take over the real substance of what needs to be done.’ | Ed Miliband mimics John Major's soapbox - with a less impressive platform .
Campaigning in seat vacated by brother David for a job in New York .
New poll puts Labour on lowest level of support for a year .
Two thirds of people do not think Miliband is ready to be Prime Minister . |
59,474 | a8dc82cf2f25f8a137bd9baa919589afe52ff855 | A dying mother was forced to wait almost six months before seeing a cancer specialist - when a surgeon downgraded her case because she was aged under 35, a court heard today. Katie Maytum, now 35, of Maesteg, South Wales, is suing the Welsh NHS for £750,000, claiming surgeons ignored official cancer guidelines - robbing her of seeing her children grow up. The mother-of-two, who has terminal breast cancer, told the High Court in Cardiff that she was forced to wait five and half months before being seen by a specialist because of her age. Dying mother: Katie Maytum (left), 35, of Maesteg, is suing the Welsh NHS for £750,000. Surgeon Vummiti Murali-Krishnan (right) classed the case as not one of 'urgent suspected cancer' - because she was under 35 . Three breast cancer surgeons at the Princess of Wales Hospital in Bridgend, South Wales, went against national guidelines of treating all lumps in women over 30 as urgent, the hearing was told. Miss Maytum was aged 31 when she went to her local GP after noticing a lump in her left breast. She told the court today: ‘I couldn’t but think that there was cancer inside my body. ‘I know the feeling of a cyst and this was a hard lump which got bigger. It started off as a lump the size of a pea and continued through my menstrual cycle and continued afterwards. ‘I went to my GP as I was concerned with my family history - my grandmother and great aunts all had breast cancer.’ Her GP was so worried he faxed an ‘urgent referral’ form to the South West Wales Cancer Network - which brings together groups involved in planning, commissioning and provision of cancer care. But when surgeon Vummiti Murali-Krishnan received the referral form he downgraded her to ‘routine’ and classed the case as not one of ‘urgent suspected cancer’ - because she was under 35. Government guidelines state any woman aged 30 or older with a discrete lump which has persisted after her period should receive an urgent referral and be seen by a specialist within two weeks. In Wales this means Miss Maytum should have seen a specialist and had surgery to remove the tumour within two months. Treatment: Three breast cancer surgeons at the Princess of Wales Hospital (above) in Bridgend, South Wales, went against national guidelines of treating all lumps in women over 30 as urgent, the hearing was told . But because she had been downgraded to a routine referral she had to wait five and a half months to see a specialist, with the tumour growing in her breast and spreading through her body. An ultrasound scan performed on the day she finally saw the specialist confirmed her fears that she had cancer. She underwent surgery and lengthy chemotherapy and was cancer for free for several years until a lump appeared in her neck in April this year and she was told by doctors she had only 18 months to live. Miss Maytum told the hearing: ‘Standing or sitting for long periods of time is uncomfortable because of the cancer in my pelvis, spine and lower back. ‘It’s hard cleaning the house or lifting my youngest son. I receive a lot of help from my partner and mother-in law - they help with the children and cleaning.’ Nigel Poole QC, representing Miss Maytum, told the hearing that medical experts were in ‘broad agreement’ that a woman of her age would have had a 90 per cent chance of surviving more than 10 years with urgent treatment. He said: ‘That is what oncologists would regard as being cured. In the five and half month wait for treatment her chances of survival fell to between 70 and 80 per cent.’ Terminal cancer: Miss Maytum (pictured) is due to marry her partner next month and her children Megan and Zac will be by her side at the service . Miss Maytum is due to marry her partner next month and her children Megan, 14, and Zac, 10, will be by her side at the service. The mother, who was training to be a nurse when she was diagnosed as terminal, has been given 18 months to live. Miss Maytum is suing the Abertawe Bro Morgannwg University Health Board claiming Mr Murali-Krishnan was negligent in downgrading her case to routine. Miss Maytum’s damages claim includes the ‘loss of unquantifiable services of a wife and mother’. These include £7,500 a year from April 2017 to April 2027, when her son Zac will be 21, to cover the cost of a nanny for 20 hours a week at £6.93 an hour. Mr Murali-Krishnan denies the accusation of negligence and said it was ‘reasonable’ to downgrade her case with the information he was given. He said because of the aggressive form of cancer Miss Maytum suffers from, the delay in her treatment has made no difference to her eventual terminal illness. He admits negligence in failing to tell her GP about the downgrading of her case and in not arranging for her case to be reviewed within three months. The court hearing was told Mr Murali-Krishnan and two other surgeons at the hospital have now changed their policy to meet national guidelines. It also heard that Miss Maytum would have been seen within two weeks if she had lived in England rather than in Wales. Mr Poole told Mr Murali-Krishnan: ‘A woman of Miss Maytum’s age with a discrete breast lump which had persisted for six weeks, referred on an urgent basis by her GP - certainly in England, that woman would expect to be seen in two weeks. ‘But at your hospital it was five-and-a-half months and you were happy for her to wait this long with a lump in her breast.’ Mr Murali-Krishnan said: ‘This is a hospital policy which I have to follow.’ The surgeon told the hearing he ‘definitely’ would have changed the referral back to urgent if he had received a letter or telephone call from the GP who initially referred her saying how concerned he was. But the hearing has been told Miss Maytum’s GP was never made aware his patient had been downgraded against all national guidelines. The hearing continues. Sorry we are not currently accepting comments on this article. | Katie Maytum, of Maesteg, South Wales, is suing Welsh NHS for £750,000 .
Mother, now aged 35, claims surgeons ignored official cancer guidelines .
Says she was forced to wait 5.5 months before being seen by specialist . |
171,962 | 6a8f178f938a511130b661100a744e4dc1fd3726 | By . Steve Nolan . PUBLISHED: . 07:56 EST, 30 July 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 06:53 EST, 31 July 2013 . With rolling green fields stretching as far as the eye can see and stunning sunsets that wouldn't look out of place in the Caribbean, the views from Upton Fold Farm could be mistaken for something from a picture postcard. Set in 4.5 acres of land, the Cheshire farm boasts incredible views over seven different counties with Liverpool Cathedral visible on the distant horizon. And what is arguably Britain's finest view could be yours - Upton Fold Farm has been put on the market for £1.2million. The four bedroom home was a derelict ruin 12 years ago, but now boasts four bathrooms, two reception rooms, a huge kitchen and its own two bedroom barn which is run as a holiday let. What a view: Upton Fold Farm in Cheshire has been put on the market for £1.2million. The immediate countryside is Cheshire and Jodrell bank in this picture with part of Lancashire also visible . Stunning: The impressive house was a derelict wreck 12 years ago, but its current owners completely restored it . Room with a view: Sat on top of a hill, the home may be somewhat exposed to the elements, but views like this one from one of the bedroom windows more than makes up for that . Vast views: An aerial view shows the panorama of views that the new owner of Upton Fold Farm will enjoy . But its main selling point is the magnificent view afforded by its position perched on the top of a hill near Macclesfield, more than 900ft above sea level. It's current owners, marketing consultant Miranda Rijks and her husband Harmen, described looking out of the window as like seeing a Caribbean sunset in Cheshire. Mrs Rijks: 'It is absolutely extraordinary, there is nowhere I would rather be in the world than here when the sun is shining. 'We'll be sorry to leave as when we bought the property it was derelict and we have put our heart and soul into it but we are having to move back south for family and business reasons. 'It needs another family who can enjoy it as much as we have.' Red sky at night: The owners of the farmhouse say that they are regularly treated to spectacular sunsets. The hills surrounding Peckforton Castle in Cheshire are just visible to the left . Colourful: Warrington estuary is usually visible depending on the light in this view, with Liverpool Cathedral just off to the right . Like being abroad: The home's current owner, marketing consultant Miranda Rijks, said looking out of the window was like seeing a Caribbean sunset in Cheshire. Bosley Cloud between Cheshire and Staffordshire is visible to the left of this shot . One new owner required: Mrs Rijks said that she hopes another family can enjoy the view and the sunsets as much as her and her husband have . On a clear day, the Rijks can see Cheshire, Staffordshire, Derbyshire, North Wales, Shropshire, Lancashire, Greater Manchester, the peaks of Snowdonia, the Malvern Hills, the sea estuary at Ellesmere Port, Liverpool cathedral on the horizon and the hills north of Clitheroe. The house is on the market for £1.2 million with Savills' Wilmslow office. Mark Holden, managing the sale, said: 'The property sits in an impressive elevated position, affording the most incredible views over rolling countryside, which creates a wonderful sense of space. 'You're certainly exposed to the elements, providing a dramatic outlook in both summer and winter months. 'The house has a fantastic live in kitchen with vaulted ceiling, which is the perfect place for the family to congregate, there's also a separate barn with letting accommodation providing income potential.' Winter wonderland: A stunning view of the Cheshire hills covered in snow which shows that even in a bleak winter, living in such a remote location in worth it. This shot is looking across the hills towards Manchester . Airy: Sitting 900ft above sea level on top of a hill, Upton Fold Farm's living space lets in plenty of natural light . Room to entertain: The four-bedroom home boasts a huge kitchen area complete with its own island of worktops . Picturesque wake up call: The new owner of Upton Fold Farm will enjoy waking up to unrivaled views of the British countryside . Home sweet home: The house boasts, four bedrooms, four bathrooms, and a two-bedroom converted stable which is currently used as a holiday let . | Upton Fold Farm near Macclesfield, Cheshire, was a derelict wreck 12 years ago but has been lovingly restored .
The location affords views of Cheshire, Staffordshire, Derbyshire, North Wales, Shropshire and two other counties .
The home boasts four bedrooms, four bathrooms, a huge kitchen and its own two bedroom converted barn . |
167,692 | 64e11b3f015f17b1bc40d58f4e5aef53035ba0a0 | With Muhammad Ali and Snoop Dogg cheering you on in the freezing cold stands, the pressure was undoubtedly pretty high. But Ali's grandson Biaggio Walsh and Snoop's son Cordell Broadus dominated the field, scoring two touchdowns each, to become Nevada high school state champions. Snoop and Ali sat together at the game at Damonte High School in Reno, Nevada, as the Bishop Gorman High School earned a 70-28 victory over Reed High. Snoop Dogg and Muhammad Ali cheered on their family's youngsters at a high school championship game in Reno, Nevada yesterday . Snoop Dogg posted this picture on Instagram hugging his son with the caption: 'what a ball playa u have become [sic]' It was a sweet last game as a senior for Snoop's son, who has yet to announce where he will be attending college . And incredibly, one of Walsh's touchdowns was a 91-yard run. After the result, the Las Vegas team finished their season ranked the best high school football team in the US. TMZ reported the sophomore, who is the son of Ali's daughter Rasheda, is set to be one of top running backs in the state next year. Speaking about his grandfather's support, Walsh has previously said: 'He always tells me how proud he is of me. That makes me feel happy and strong.' Muhammad Ali, pictured with grandson Biaggio, have a strong bond and talk regularly . The sophomore, who is the son of Ali's daughter Rasheda, is set to be one of top running backs in the state next year . And it was a sweet last game as a senior for Snoop's son, who has yet to announce where he will be attending college. But the talented player has plenty to choose from after being offered scholarships from some of the country's best programs. After the game, his proud father posted a picture on Instagram with the words: 'Congrats @cbroadus I watched u okay from 5 years old till now what a ball playa u have become it is a pleasure watchin u play Fight on young man !! [sic]' On Saturday, 72-year-old Muhammad Ali posted a selfie on Instagram donning a red Louisville shirt to cheer on the Cardinals against the Kentucky Wildcats . | Ali's grandson and Snoop's son dominated the field in Reno, Nevada .
Scored two touchdowns each to make their team state champions .
And one of Ali's grandson Walsh's touchdowns was a 91-yard run . |
267,241 | e61c47a6b9d66c128f651c2d9da64f5b3908563c | A Spanish ebola victim’s pet dog was put down last night over fears it could transmit the disease, prompting outrage from animal lovers who chanted ‘murderers’ outside the woman’s home. Fury erupted after a government health spokesman confirmed that Teresa Romero Ramos’s dog, Excalibur, had been destroyed. The official explained: ‘Unfortunately we had no other choice.’ The animal was put to sleep inside Mrs Romero Ramos’s home, which was disinfected before the animal’s body was taken away in a white van to a nearby incinerator. Scroll down for video . Pet: A government health spokesman confirmed Teresa Romero Ramos's dog Excalibur has been put down . Fury: A demonstrator blocking the road to stop the van transporting Excalibur is removed by a police officer, outside the housing development in which the nurse lives in Alcorcon, outside Madrid . Frenzied: A woman is helped after fainting following the exit of the van transporting Excalibur in Alcorcon, Spain . On their way: Veterinary workers wearing protective masks drive a van containing Excalibur from an apartment building . Charging the vehicle: Demonstrators run in front of policemen and in front of the van transporting Excalibur . Officers: A man is held by police in front of the van transporting the dog 'Excalibur', who has been put down . Demonstrators who mounted a vigil outside to try to stop the move shouted ‘murderers’ and several threw themselves on the ground as the vehicle left. Some 300,000 people had already signed a petition urging authorities to spare Excalibur. Twitter was awash with photographs of dogs, cats and birds which were posted alongside the hashtag ‘SalvemosAExcalibur’ – Spanish for ‘Let’s save Excalibur’. Mrs Romero Ramos, 44, from Galicia in north-west Spain, who is one of the medical team that treated two repatriated Spanish priests who died from ebola, has been in quarantine since it was confirmed she was carrying the virus. Gone: Ebola victim Teresa Romero Ramos with her beloved dog Excalibur, which authorities have put down . Emotional: Two women cry after locals and members of animal rights groups clashed with police to stop the removal and euthanasia of Excalibur . Outcry: Animal rights activists react as the van (bottom) carrying Excalibur, the dog of the Spanish nurse who contracted Ebola, leaves her apartment building in Alcorcon . Some 50 people protest against the killing of the nurse's dog outside her home in Alcorcon, outside Madrid . Animal rights activists scuffle with police as an ambulance arrives at the entrance of the apartment building of Mrs Romero Ramos . Spanish police block animal rights activists protesting outside the apartment building of Mrs Romero Ramos . She has now admitted touching her face with her gloves as she took off a protective suit after leaving the room of one of the priests. Mrs Romero Ramos confessed her accident to a doctor after earlier insisting that she had no idea how she became infected. Hospital chief German Ramirez said yesterday – 48 hours after the launch of a probe into how Mrs Romero Ramos caught the virus – ‘It looks like we have found the origin.’ But the speed with which he attributed the shock transmission to a ‘slip-up’ failed to silence critics who demanded that heads rolls after a string of spectacular mistakes by health co-ordinators. Final day of freedom: Excalibur, the dog of the Spanish nurse, barks from her balcony in Madrid, on Wednesday . Leaving: A vetenary van carrying Excalibur, the dog of Ebola-infected Spanish nurse Teresa and her husband Javier Limon, as it leaves the couple's residence . Some 50 people protest against the killing of the Spanish nurse's dog outside the Ebola infected nurse's home in Alcorcon . A worker wearing protective clothing stand outside the private residence of Teresa Romero Ramos on Wednesday . Health minister Ana Mato is facing calls for her resignation after it emerged that Mrs Romero Ramos complained of feeling unwell six days before she was eventually admitted to hospital. She was rushed to hospital by unprotected paramedics in a normal ambulance only taken out of service 12 hours later and found out she had ebola by reading a Spanish newspaper website as she waited to be quarantined. Her home in Alcorcon near Madrid that she shares with husband Javier Limon Romero, one of those quarantined at Madrid’s Carlos III Hospital, was not disinfected until yesterday morning. Six people in total have now been quarantined since the start of Monday’s crisis. They include three other hospital nursing staff who helped treat Miguel Pajares and Manuel Garcia Viejo, the Spanish priests who died after they were repatriated from West Africa. Twitter is awash with photographs of dogs, cats and birds which have been posted alongside the hashtag 'SalvemosAExcalibur' – which is Spanish for 'Let's save Excalibur' - in a bid to save the Spanish 'Ebola' dog . Twitter users have been desperately posting photos of their own animals as part of a campaign to save the dog . One Twitter user even took a photograph of his pet bird for the campaign, which has been trending on Twitter . The adorable photos of the pets is part of the attempt to save Excalibur - the dog threatened with death . As well as posting photographs of dogs, some users put pictures of their cats on the social media site . Mrs Romero Ramos was reportedly feeling better after being treated with antibodies from an ebola survivor. She told a Spanish TV station by phone: ‘Today I’m better. It’s slow going but I’m better.’ Revealing how she discovered she was infected, she said: ‘Nobody told me anything. ‘I suspected something because at the beginning the nurses and doctors came in every hour, then they stopped coming in and I thought that something was up. ‘I got hold of my mobile and that’s when I saw on the website of El Pais newspaper that I had tested positive for ebola twice. Nobody ever told me to my face, “Teresa you’ve got ebola”.’ She went on to say that she had been given only 20 minutes’ training in how to put on and take off her protective suit. Javier Limon Romero (pictured with Excalibur) had called for the dog to be saved and even tried to get ownership of his beloved bed temporarily passed over to a friend and veterinary nurse while he is in quarantine . Mixed-breed Excalibur had been scheduled to be put down after Spanish authorities got a court order to do so . Save Excalibur! The photos of pets 'asking' for the Spanish dog to be saved kept on coming overnight . Twitter users made their photographs look as though it was their pets who were calling for the dog to be saved . Some even digitally edited the photograph to include the SalvemosAExcalibur hashtag which started trending . As part of the campaign, thousands of people started sharing and tweeting this poster in a bid to save the dog . Officers with handguns stood outside the house of Teresa Romero Ramos in the suburb of Alcorcon yesterday . Police stood guard outside the residence of Mrs Ramos, the Spanish nurse infected with the deadly Ebola virus . | Fury erupts after health spokesman confirms pet dog has been destroyed .
Teresa Romero Ramos's animal was put to sleep inside her home in Spain .
House disinfected before Excalibur's body was taken away in white van .
Demonstrators mounted a vigil outside to try to stop the move yesterday .
300,000 people had already signed petition urging authorities to spare dog .
Nurse said she found out she had Ebola from reading a newspaper website . |
234,603 | bbb6c916aa0912befd1ff9baa92c961b05c98a47 | The intriguing behaviour of animals across the globe from tiny ants attacking a fly to a heron catching a fish in its sharp beak has been captured by amateur photographers. The Society of Biology has announced the shortlist for its annual amateur photography competition, which includes beautiful and thought-provoking images of humans such as female farmers drying paddy and a small girl collecting water after a drought. The theme for the competition this year was 'feeding life' and it received almost 600 entries. Dinner Plate by Kristhian Castro Valencia: A plant feeds an ant through a kind of plate with food in exchange for protection creating a symbiosis between the two species, vegetable and animal . Squirrel Feast by Rebecca Condruti: This picture of a squirrel from the Grand Canyon (pictured in the background) nibbling on a piece of apple show how just a crumb of food or discarded fruit can help an animal survive . Partha Pratim Saha took a photograph of female farmers drying, cleaning and de-stoning the paddy in a rice mill in India. Rice milling is the oldest and largest agricultural processing industry in the country, where the grain is the staple food for 65 per cent of the population. Paddy in its raw form cannot be consumed by humans and needs to be processed to obtain rice. Hunting nectar by Putu Sudiarta. A . Bee is collecting the nectar of sunflower and it is possible to see pollen caught on the animal's body that helps with pollination . De-stoning by Partha Pratim Saha: Here female farmers are drying, cleaning and de-stoning paddy in a rice mill. Rice is the staple food for 65 per cent of the population in India . Rain, the source of drinking water by Khalid Rayhan Shawon: A girl is collecting rain water from the drought soil of an open field where the rain water gathers in Gabura . In contrast to the plentiful food, Khalid Rayhan Shawon captured a girl collecting rain water that had gathered over hard drought soil in Gabura in Bangladesh. While the image is a snapshot in time, it tells the bigger story of a community deprived of clean drinking water following a cyclone that saw the whole area submerged by sea water. Another photo shows fishermen in West Bengal casting their nets into water bodies created in the drought that serve as a food source to the local villages, while a different image shows a solitary fisherman in the West emptying his left-over catch after finishing work so that seagulls can enjoy leftover food, showing how nature can live in harmony with humans. Good day, bad day by Paddy Ryan: This picture shows an unfortunate minnow jumping to its death, having been caught by a blue heron, who must eat fish to survive . Feeding young by Kim Chong Keat: A mother bird hunts to provide food for her hungry chick . A number of photographers focused on the feeding habits of insects to be shortlisted in the competition, including Putu Sudiarta who took a beautiful close-up of a bee collecting nectar from a sunflower. Another amateur photographer captured the intriguing scene of ants using a kind of natural plate growing on a plant in exchange for protection, demonstrating a symbiotic relationship between the two species. However, another image shows red ants ganging up on a fly to kill it for food as both animals struggle to survive. The Fishermen by Debdatta Chakraborty: Fishermen casting their nets in a water body, which was created in the drought prone districts of West Bengal to combat dry spells. These water bodies also serve as food suppliers to the local villages . Fight for life cycle by Bambang Setyawan: Red ants kill a fly for food that is clinging to a small circular root . Jack Settle took a photograph of a Habronattus coecatus jumping spider feasting on an insect. The spiders use their keen vision to calculate the exact distance between themselves and their prey. At just the right moment, they will pounce on their unfortunate target and inject venom into their captured creature, effectively liquidising the insides of the prey. Kim Chong Keat took a more wholesome image of a mother bird feeding her young, while Paddy Ryan captured the exact moment a tiny minnow fish leaped precariously between a blue heron's beak. Jumping spider eats insect by Jack Settle: A Habronattus coecatus jumping spider eats a winged insect. Jumping spiders use their keen vision to calculate the exact distance between themselves and their prey. At just the right moment, they will pounce on the prey item, and inject venom into it . Feeding the Nature by Alexandre Porto da Rocha Coutinho: A fishman feeds waste fish to waiting seagulls at the end of his working day . A common squirrel pictured at one of the world's natural wonders - the Grand Canyon - nibbles on a piece of apple in Rebecca Condruiti's photograph. She said it shows the struggle of life in the animal kingston as a crumb on the ground or a discarded apple can make all the difference to an animal's survival. The winner of the competition will be announced at the Society's Annual Award Ceremony no October 17 during Biology Week 2013. | The Society of Biology has announced the shortlist for its annual amateur photography competition .
The theme for the competition this year was 'feeding life' and it received almost 600 entries .
Entries included furry mammals to creepy insects and humans gathering food across the world . |
122,815 | 2abd1ab5640c11201f3e2f279e32400f869a128f | Blackberry has revealed a radical new handset - and it is square. The odd shaped device is is set to go on sale in December, and is called passport. It features a physical keyboard - but also a large screen. The Passport combines a large touchscreen with a physical keyboard. BlackBerry chief executive John Chen first revealed the square phone (pictured) during the Canadian company's annual general meeting in June . The Fire handset was unveiled by Jeff Bezos at a special event in Seattle. 'It's time to whip the crown from Apple,' said Mr Bezos before showing off the new handset for the first time. The Fire will use head-tracking technology to make images on the smartphone's display appear to be 3D with a feature called 'dynamic perspective'. However, Blackberry has remained tight-lipped about the device. New boss John Chen announced during BlackBerry’s quarterly earnings report that the company’s next phone will be called Passport. Previously known as ‘Windermere‘, the often-leaked QWERTY device will sport a 4.5-inch 1440×1440 pixel display and what is believed to be a touch-sensitive keyboard panel for easier autocorrection. Chen announced that the Passport will be announced at an event in London in September, but wouldn’t divulge any more information, according to MobileSyrup. He also said that BBM for Windows Phone will launch in July. It comes just a day after news broke that BlackBerry is set to offer 240,000 Android apps to its smartphone users in a surprise deal with Amazon. The deal will allow BlackBerry to add a vast array of consumer-focused apps to its devices, and to focus on developing enterprise and productivity applications. However, many believe the move could be a last roll of the dice for BlackBerry after its devices suffered poor sales. In June, BlackBerry announced it was offering 240,000 Android apps to its smartphone users in a surprise deal with Amazon. The deal lets BlackBerry add a selection of consumer apps to its devices, and to focus on developing enterprise and productivity applications. BlackBerry Bold 9900 is pictured . BlackBerry customers using devices powered by its 10 operating system will be able to access popular Android apps such as Groupon, Netflix, Pinterest, Candy Crush Saga and Minecraft. The apps will be available on BlackBerry 10 devices from this fall, when the company rolls out the BlackBerry 10.3 operating system, the statement said. The Passport (right) was unveiled alongside Blackberry's touchscreen phone the Z3 (left), and the Classic (centre) in a slide, earlier this year. It is unclear how comfortable the phone will be to hold, when making a call for example . The move is the latest by the smartphone pioneer to streamline its focus as it attempts to reinvent itself under new Chief Executive John Chen as BlackBerry phones have lost ground to Apple Inc's iPhone and Samsung Electronics Co Ltd's Galaxy devices. Chen wants to remain a competitor in the smartphone segment, but is focused on making BlackBerry a dominant force in machine-to-machine communications. The company's QNX software already is a mainstay in the automobile industry, powering electronic and other systems in a wide range of cars. The announcement came on the same day Amazon launched fire, its $199 handset that will go on sale next month . BlackBerry already works with hundreds of large enterprise clients including corporations and government agencies to manage and secure mobile devices on their internal networks. Chen intends to build on those ties and BlackBerry's touted security credentials to allow these enterprise clients to build and customize in-house corporate and productivity applications for their employees. 'Making the Amazon Appstore available on BlackBerry 10 devices will help BlackBerry continue to meet two essential needs: greater app availability for our smartphone users and enhanced productivity solutions for enterprises,' Chen said in the statement. | Passport set to be unveiled in September .
Comes as Amazon launches its own handset . |
72,655 | ce03c92917195c0ba3c73a546aae143304b94cc4 | PHILADELPHIA, Pennsylvania (CNN) -- Shoppers who listen closely as they approach Franklin Mills Mall in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, can hear the sounds of gunfire from inside. But it's nothing to worry about. Potential recruits play virtual-combat games at an Army recruiting center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The noise is coming from a 14,500-square-foot unit tucked in next to the Banana Republic and Victoria's Secret shops -- the Army Experience Center, a state-of-the-art facility with a Humvee, a Black Hawk helicopter and an Apache gunship. The facility, the only one of its kind in the nation, represents a $12 million, two-year experiment by the Army to boost recruiting numbers. "Enemy right, enemy right!" echoes from the Black Hawk simulator room, where new recruits Zach Ziegler and Spencer Elmore grip M4 assault rifles as they fire at the enemy in a virtual war zone. The two 19-year-olds said they like the upscale feel of the center and the fact that the recruiters were not pushy when they came to inquire. "It helps them recruit people, but it doesn't force them," Elmore said. "You come to play games, and your eye starts to wonder what the Army does have to offer, and maybe it's something for me." The Philadelphia area has proven difficult for Army recruiters, they said, and they hope this center will increase enlistment. The center and its 22 recruiters replaced five smaller recruitment offices in the area. Four months into the experiment, the center has signed up 37 full-time soldiers and five reservists. See the Army Experience Center » . The new marketing approach includes 60 computers and 19 Xbox games for a hands-on, virtual reality experience that youth of all ages can participate in. Some come just to play games after school. "They have all these kids in here that are 13, 14, 15 years old," said new recruit Brett Verbich, who signed up to be a Black Hawk mechanic. "They get more exposed to it now because, you know, they are not going to walk into a regular recruiting station at 14 years old thinking about going into the Army." Maj. Larry Dillard, a program manager based at the Pentagon, has been intimately involved with the creation of the center. One of its goals, he said, is to help overcome misconceptions about the Army. "You can get all of your questions answered, and in the Army experience center you're not going to get a pushy, hard sell," he said. "I mean, we really just want people to understand the Army. If you come in and decide the Army's not for you, but you leave understanding the Army better, then from our perspective that's success." As the U.S. wages wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, the Army has been looking at new approaches to attracting soldiers since a dismal recruiting year in 2005. Other steps have included increasing bonuses, hiring more recruiters and easing some standards. High unemployment tends to be good for Army recruiting, so the latest downturn also has helped sign up more people. The Army surpassed its goal of 80,000 recruits in the fiscal year that ended September 30. | U.S. Army opens a virtual-combat gaming center in a Philadelphia, Pennsylvania mall .
State-of-the-art facility is a two-year Army recruiting experiment .
The center includes a Black Hawk helicopter that provides a feel for combat .
Potential recruit: It "helps them recruit people, but it doesn't force them" |
284,457 | fc8b9ae80498461daec0dd1ccc2f6e00404f3f33 | By . Lizzie Parry . PUBLISHED: . 08:30 EST, 8 January 2014 . | . UPDATED: . 09:00 EST, 8 January 2014 . Nadia Lee, dubbed the 'Pigeon lady of Pimlico' has been found guilty of flouting an Asbo banning her from feeding the birds in her exclusive neighbourhood . A pensioner nicknamed the ‘Pigeon Lady of Pimlico’ has been found guilty of flouting an ASBO banning her from feeding the birds near her home. Nadia Lee, 67, spent 25 years fattening pigeons in the exclusive London borough, much to the dismay of locals. She became renowned for scooping stricken birds up into her Gucci handbag and taking them to her £750,000 Georgian maisonette where they are rubbed in lavender in a ‘homeopathy treatment.’ But Lee was slapped with the ASBO after neighbours complained their luxury cars were being peppered with droppings and said the feed was encouraging rats. Westminster City Council took action in December 2011, banning her from feeding birds in the local area for three years. But Lee was found to have breached the order on October 14, 2012. A jury at Southwark Crown Court were unable to agree on two further alleged breaches in July 2012, which were discharged. Lee, who suffers from multiple personality disorder, was deemed unfit to plead to the charges. Adjourning sentence for reports, Judge Martin Beddoe said: ‘ASBO or no ASBO, it’s going to be a condition of her bail not to discharge any food stuff in any public place, covered by the area as identified in the existing order.’ Addressing Lee, the judge said: ‘Regressing into a different personality is one thing that has rendered you at least temporarily unfit to be tried, but the extent which you can control your behaviour is another issue. ‘I’m not satisfied there is any evidence you can’t control this behaviour and the court expects you to control it.’ Privately educated Lee, a former secretary and pilot’s daughter, appeared crestfallen as the ruling was passed. Wearing a bright blue scarf, black fleece jacket, jeans and trainers, she sat in stunned silence before being accompanied out of the court by a friend. Lee, who suffers multiple personality disorder, was given the ASBO in December 2011 by Westminster Council . Residents in Cumberland Street, Pimlico complained their luxury cars were being peppered with bird droppings, and said the food was attracting rats . When the ASBO was originally granted, Lee said she had turned into a self-styled ‘bin lady’ after her mother’s death two decades ago. Seven residents and two council officials told how they were unable to enjoy the roof terraces and gardens of their multi-million pound homes because of pigeon dirt. One neighbour, Austen Iverleigh, complained: ‘She generates squalor on an industrial scale. ‘Whenever I have spoken to her, she has been very polite and I am sure that in any other respect, she is a very nice and reasonable person. ‘The problem is the feeding of pigeons on a huge scale, which causes serious disturbance to those around her. I have seen rats in her basement.’ Lee said she catches the pigeons with a net, which she carries with her, . before taking them home. She said: 'If they are too injured, I take . them to a pigeon sanctuary. I love them and they depend on me because I . have raised them all their lives . Egyptian-born Lee told the court: ‘You cannot rescue pigeons without putting down seed and getting them all together. ‘I then catch them in a net, which I carry with me everywhere I go. ‘Then I put them in Gucci bags hanging off my Mamas & Papas pram. I take them home and take the string off their feet, rub them in lavender and treat them with homeopathy. ‘If they are too injured, I take them to a pigeon sanctuary. I love them and they depend on me because I have raised them all their lives.’ Lee, of Pimlico, will be sentenced on February 4. | Nadia Lee was banned from feeding pigeons in the street in December 2011 .
Westminster Council took action after neighbours complained their cars were being peppered with bird droppings .
67-year-old Lee said she rescues the birds, taking them to a pigeon sanctuary in her designer handbag .
Lee will be sentenced on February 4 after being spotted feeding the birds . |
61,156 | adb1b21c82ea9b756d1e7b4a9b343860e3a7e125 | Billionaire Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban has fended off social media criticism after admitting that he would cross the street if he saw 'a black kid in a hoodie'. Cuban made the remarks as he spoke about bigotry after he was asked at a business conference to address the controversy over banned Los Angeles Clippers owner Donald Sterling. In the interview, which was shown on Wednesday at the GrowCo convention hosted by Inc magazine, he said that overcoming bigotry requires acknowledging internal prejudices. 'I know I'm prejudiced and I know I'm bigoted in a lot of different ways,' he said. Scroll down for video . Remarks: Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban has said he would cross the street if he saw 'a black kid in a hoodie' or 'a guy that has tattoos all over his face' while he spoke in an interview, pictured . 'If I see a black kid in a hoodie and it's late at night, I'm walking to the other side of the street. And if on that side of the street, there’s a guy that has tattoos all . over his face - white guy, bald head, tattoos everywhere - I'm walking . back to the other side of the street.' 'The list goes on - of stereotypes that we all live up to and that we're fearful of,' he continued. 'I know that I'm not perfect. While we all have our prejudices and bigotries, we have to learn that it's an issue that we have to control, that it's part of my responsibility as an entrepreneur to try to solve it, not just to kick the problem down the road.' After the interview was shared online, Cuban was lambasted for his comments. Accusations: After reports of the interview emerged, some Twitter users branded Cuban 'racist' Response: Cuban tweeted back to his critics, saying that he was simply being honest about his failings . Backup: Other Twitter users jumped to Cuban's defense, saying he was simply stating the way things are . Critics . said his 'hoodie' reference recalled the 2012 shooting of unarmed, black . Florida teenager Trayvon Martin, who was wearing a hooded sweatshirt . when he was fatally wounded in a struggle with a man who said he feared . for his life. Cuban defended his views on Twitter, saying that his quotes were not meant to advocate racism. Mark Cuban . 'The point was that before we can help others deal w racism we have to be honest about ourselves,' Cuban wrote in a tweet. 'You're trying to make this about a Hoodie,' he said to another tweeter. 'You know damn well its not [sic]. It's about whatever makes you feel threatened.' Fellow NBA owner Sterling was banned for life from the sport and fined $2.5 million after a recording of him surfaced where he made comments about race that included telling his girlfriend not to bring black people to his team's games. Last month, Cuban, who is worth $2.6 billion, condemned his comments as 'abhorrent' and 'obviously racist', the New York Daily News reported. Outspoken: Cuban, pictured left with his daughter Alexis and wife Tiffany, and right celebrating a Mavericks win with daughters Alexis (left) and Alyssa, has owned the team since 2000 . Opinion: He made the comments while talking about bigotry after he was asked about Donald Sterling, who could be forced to give up the LA Clippers after he was recorded making racist remarks . But he initially opposed calls to ban him from the NBA, saying it would be a 'very slippery slope' if the league forced an owner to sell the team. 'In no uncertain terms am I supporting what Donald Sterling said, or his position,' Cuban said. 'He's obviously racist, he's obviously bigoted. And in this day and age when you're in the public eye you've got to be damn careful - if that's your position and that's unfortunately where you're at - you better be damn careful what you say, even in the privacy of your own home. 'But regardless of your background, regardless of the history they have, if we're taking something somebody said in their home and we're trying to turn it into something that leads to you being forced to divest property in any way, shape or form, that's not the United States of America. I don't want to be part of that.' See below for video . | The outspoken Dallas Mavericks owner made the comments after he was asked to address the controversy about Donald Sterling's racist remarks .
He admitted that he was not perfect and would cross the street if he saw a black kid in a hoodie or a bald white guy covered with tattoos .
When the interview was shared online, Cuban was branded a racist .
But he explained that he was saying that we need to understand our own prejudices before we can overcome bigotry . |
225,711 | b046e0388963851710e2e67893df87c78bbc7957 | A woman has raised hundreds of pounds for a cancer charity after growing a moustache for Movember. Linda Cook, who describes herself as 'quite a hairy girly', did not pluck, wax or remove any of her facial hair for the whole of last month. The 49-year-old wanted to raise money and awareness after her husband Robin, 54, was diagnosed with prostate cancer in March. Getting involved: Linda Cook, who describes herself as 'quite a hairy girly', did not pluck, wax or remove any of her facial hair for the whole of last month to raise funds for Movember . Linda, who helps her husband run an online soft toy business from their home in Horncastle, Lincs., said: 'I wanted to do something to help the cancer charity and I thought "why not grow a moustache?" 'Robin wasn't keen to start with but he's got used to it, which is more than I have. It doesn't feel right to poke your tongue out of your mouth and touch fuzz. 'I have tried putting lipstick on too but I look like a bad transvestite.' Robin was diagnosed with cancer after he went for a routine prostate cancer check-up earlier this year. After diagnosing it in the early stages, doctors removed the tumour in October and Robin was given the all-clear. Movember is an annual event in which men around the world grow moustaches to raise awareness about prostate and testicular cancer and mental health issues. Linda wanted to raise money and awareness after her husband's prostate cancer diagnosis in March . Telling it like it is: LInda has been wearing a T-shirt to explain her facial 'fuzz', which is being waxed off today . Linda, who has been married to Robin for 28 years, added: 'I was watching TV when an advert came on with Bill Bailey telling men to get themselves checked for prostate cancer. 'I nagged Robin to go and it came back positive. Luckily, they caught it early before it had a chance to spread. 'After he was given the all-clear I was determined to raise money for the charity and when Movember came along I thought to myself, "I can do that." 'Because I have multiple sclerosis I can't do sponsored walks or runs but I can grow facial hair. 'I've always been quite a hairy girly right from a teenager. I used to bleach it and now pluck it with tweezers. It just seems quite a simple thing to do. Linda has multiple sclerosis so can't do sponsored walks or runs so instead decided to grow her facial hair . 'Most of the ladies go "Gosh, you are so brave" but I'm not doing anything. 'Normally I pluck every morning. It's like the routine - you cleanse, tone, moisturise, brush your teeth, pull the hairs out.' Linda has been wearing a T-shirt to explain why she has facial hair. She is having her 'fuzz' waxed off today at a local beauty salon. Off it comes: Linda is having the hair removed at a beauty salon today after raising hundreds of pounds . She added: 'It's so going to hurt - I'm like a wolf. My tweezers are coming back to being my best friend again, if they forgive me. 'Back in Victorian times I would be in a freak show for bearded ladies.' Husband Robin added: 'I'm looking forward to having a smooth faced Linda back. I'm overwhelmed by her courage. She is bonkers but she's got a heart of gold.' | Linda Cook describes herself as 'quite a hairy girly'
She didn't pluck, wax or remove any of her facial hair in November .
Her husband was diagnosed with prostate cancer this year . |
14,826 | 2a0b62ee40e978f5b3ac4c1fc56c54bb6cc0d737 | (CNN) -- The religious leader behind plans to erect an Islamic center and mosque a few blocks from New York's ground zero said Wednesday night that America's national security depends on how it handles the controversy. "If we move from that location, the story will be the radicals have taken over the discourse," Imam Feisal Abdul Rauf told CNN's Soledad O'Brien on "Larry King Live." "The headlines in the Muslim world will be that Islam is under attack." The imam, who repeatedly said his mission was to promote peace and build a bridge among faiths, said he was also speaking about "radicals" on both sides of the debate on the Islamic center. "Our national security now hinges on how we negotiate this, how we speak about it." "The battlefront is between moderates of all sides... and the radicals on all sides," he said. Moving the project to another location would strengthen Islamist radicals' ability to recruit followers and will likely increase violence against Americans, the imam said. Rauf said that "nothing is off the table" when asked whether he would consider moving the site. "We are consulting, talking to various people about how to do this so that we negotiate the best and safest option." The imam told O'Brien "had I known [the controversy] would happen we certainly would never have done this." Asked if he meant he would not have picked the location, Rauf said, "we would not have done something that would create more divisiveness." Worry over what some observers have termed "Islamophobia" has been heightened by a Gainesville, Florida, church's plan to burn copies of the Quran on Saturday, the ninth anniversary of the 2001 attacks on New York and Washington. Rauf said he hopes the church reconsiders. "It is something that is not the right thing to do." "With freedom comes responsibility," he said. "This is dangerous to our national security and is also the un-Christian thing to do. ... Jesus said to love your enemy. We are not your enemy." Responding to a poll showing 71 percent of New Yorkers oppose the center's location, Rauf he was going on television to explain his background and vision. "I want to show them my face. Show them my track record." The imam spoke of "a vision I've had for almost 15 years ... to establish a space that embodies the fundamental . beliefs that we have as Jews, Christians and Muslims, which is to love our God and to love our neighbor -- to build a space where we have a culture of worship." Rauf said he would continue speaking with families of those killed in the September 11, 2001, attacks. "You cannot heal a trauma by walking away from it," he said. Opposition goes against "the fundamental American principle of separation of church and state," said Rauf, adding he has been surprised by the controversy. The project, known as Park51, is slated to include a variety of facilities, including a prayer room, a performing arts center, gym, swimming pool and other public spaces. It is planned for a site two blocks from the World Trade Center. A source familiar with Park51 told CNN's Allan Chernoff last week that the structure is being planned as an 11-story building. It will cover 120,000 square feet -- 10,000 feet of which would be designated for the Muslim prayer space. The developer is considering the possibility of an interfaith education/meditation/prayer space as well, the source said. Opponents of the plan to build the center say it is too close to the site of the terror attacks and is an affront to the memory of those who died in the al Qaeda strike. Backers cite, among other things, First Amendment rights and the need to express religious tolerance. Those who know Rauf describe him as a thoughtful man, a bridge builder who seeks to unite all faiths but who won't parse words when he sees religion used for nefarious ends. But he has landed in controversy before. He has chided the U.S. for killing civilians in Baghdad. He said in 2005 that the U.S. had more Muslim blood on its hands than "al Qaeda has on its hands of innocent non-Muslims." He has refused to accept Western governments' designation of Hamas as a terrorist group. Shortly after the 9/11 attacks, he told CBS' "60 Minutes" that "United States policies were an accessory to the crime." Earlier this week, Rauf wrote a commentary published online by the New York Times. "I have been struck by how the controversy has riveted the attention of Americans, as well as nearly everyone I met in my travels," Rauf wrote. "We have all been awed by how inflamed and emotional the issue of the proposed community center has become," wrote Rauf, who had just returned from a State Department-sponsored Middle East trip to promote U.S.-Muslim relations. "The level of attention reflects the degree to which people care about the very American values under debate: recognition of the rights of others, tolerance and freedom of worship." Soledad O'Brien is the host of CNN's "In America" series that covers untold stories in underreported communities. | NEW: Imam says he is open to considering other locations .
NEW: Feisal Abdul Rauf says a church's plans to burn Qurans are 'un-Christian'
NEW: He says if he had foreseen controversy "we certainly would never have done this"
Critics say the center and mosque should not be built close to the World Trade Center site . |
105,623 | 1438170511e0ed631609f3622b50051dc98816ac | San Diego, California (CNN) -- "Let the word go forth from this time and place, to friend and foe alike, that the torch has been passed to a new generation of Americans -- born in this century, tempered by war, disciplined by a hard and bitter peace, proud of our ancient heritage ..." — John F. Kennedy, inaugural address, 1961 . At the risk of being accused of ageism, let me suggest that the Republican Party should set its mind in 2016 to nominating a presidential candidate who is young enough to make their likely Democratic opponent look, well, not so young. In November 2016, Hillary Clinton — who won't be the only Democrat running in the primaries, but will surely be the frontrunner — will be 69 years old. Already, we've seen one headline that spells out what a lot of Americans may be thinking: "Is Hillary Clinton Too Old to be President?" We're not supposed to ask that question or mention Hillary's age. That's because she's a woman and a Democrat and we're only allowed to bring up a candidate's age when we're talking about men and Republicans. Besides, Clinton is a baby Boomer, and that demographic of 70 million Americans is determined -- by virtue of sheer size -- to redefine every stage of life. We can expect to read plenty of articles in the months to come, green lit by baby boomer editors, about how 70 is the new 40. Or something like that. All spinning aside, here's the bad news for Democrats: While Americans have come to expect that being president tends to prematurely age whomever occupies the office, when it comes to electing a president, they still seem prefer to vote for people for whom the aging process isn't already too far along. That's a polite way of saying that voters often prefer younger candidates to older ones. In the field of politics -- as in sports and entertainment -- many people worship at the altar of youth and what President Kennedy used to call "vigor." Even in the best of times -- economic prosperity, a healthy job market, no threats to our national security and so on -- being president is a tough gig. The job is intellectually taxing, emotionally draining, and physically demanding. I would imagine that just the daily terror briefings alone, where the president is informed of all the plots that were foiled by authorities the night before, is enough to turn one's hair white. There have been exceptions. In 1984, President Reagan -- at 73 -- famously quipped during a debate with his 56-year-old Democratic opponent, Walter Mondale, that he wouldn't "exploit for political purposes my opponent's youth and inexperience." In his runaway bid for re-election, Reagan carried 49 states. But there are lots of examples of youth carrying the day. -- Kennedy had no qualms about exploiting youth for political purposes. In 1946, the Massachusetts Democrat vied for the state's 11th congressional district. Campaign posters offered the slogan: "A New Generation Offers a Leader." Kennedy won; he was just 29 years old. It was 15 years later, at 44, as he was sworn in as president, that he talked about how the "torch" of leadership had been passed to his cohort -- the fabled "World War II Generation." -- In 1992, 46-year-old Bill Clinton went on MTV, played the saxophone on "The Arsenio Hall Show" and told Americans -- in the words of Fleetwood Mac -- "don't stop thinking about tomorrow." In that race, Clinton defeated the incumbent president, 68-year-old George H.W. Bush. In 1996, a 50-year-old Clinton beat Sen. Bob Dole of Kansas, who was 73 years old. -- In 2008, after a campaign full of whispers about his opponent's health and vitality, 47-year-old Barack Obama handily defeated Sen. John McCain of Arizona, who was 72 at the time. Four years later, in 2012, a 51-year-old Obama cruised to victory over 65-year-old Mitt Romney, the former Massachusetts governor. Now imagine how 2016 could shape up. By then, a 69-year-old Hillary Clinton could find herself slugging through a tougher-than-expected Democratic primary against a 73-year-old Joe Biden or Sen. Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts, who will then be 67 years old. Democrats should take a good hard look at more youthful candidates such as New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, who will be 58 years old, or a 53-year-old Martin O'Malley, the governor of Maryland. Meanwhile, Republicans should definitely be looking for a younger candidate on the assumption that Clinton will be the nominee. In fact, Republican National Committee Chairman Reince Priebus should just flat-out declare that -- for this job -- anyone over 60 years old need not apply. Some might consider this requirement unfair, even tantamount to age discrimination. Not so. All sorts of jobs have mandatory age limits attached to them. Why not the presidency? It's true that, in 2016, there will be millions of Americans who are older than 60. But I would wager that more of them will -- at that stage of life -- be interested in easing into retirement than running for president. Older voters don't necessarily vote for older candidates, just as younger voters don't always support younger candidates. A GOP age limit would still leave an opening for what will be, in 2016, a pair of promising 45-year-old Hispanic senators — Ted Cruz of Texas and Marco Rubio of Florida. Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky would also make the cut since he'll only be 53 years old. Rounding out the top tier of GOP hopefuls, Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker will be 49 years old, and New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie will be 54 years old. The bad news: Capping applicants at 60 would exclude one of the best Republican prospects — former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, who will be 63 in 2016. The good news: It'll also spare the country another Quixotic presidential campaign by Mitt Romney, who would be 69. This isn't about ability. It's about electability. So the question isn't whether a given candidate is too old to serve as president. It's whether voters are willing to hand the presidency over to someone who they perceive as too old. In 2016, the message to both parties should be: "Go young — or go home." | Ruben Navarrette: 2016 GOP candidate should be young, to make Dem opponent look old .
He says we're 'allowed' to mention older male candidates' age but not Hillary's. It's an issue .
Candidates age quickly in tough office. With some exceptions, youth, vigor better, he says .
Navarrette: Candidates should be capped at 60. 2016 message: 'Go young, or go home' |
157,776 | 580285227b863587dabbc105d149e3ac2021cab6 | By . Jeff Powell . Follow @@jeffpowell_Mail . George Groves is likening himself to a naughty boy in the back seat of a car annoying to distraction the driver, who in this metaphorical case is Carl Froch. This is a cute analogy for their roles in the build up to the slugfest to be played out at Wembley Stadium on Saturday night to the guttural sound-track of an expectant 80,000, the largest boxing crowd in post-war Britain. It is also another amusing sample of the witty, intelligent mind games which Groves has been bringing to the ring’s biggest Battles of Britain since Nigel Benn and Chris Eubank went at it in the early Nineties. VIDEO: Froch: My boxing legacy is on the line in for Groves rematch . Glove story: Carl Froch with his wife Rachael and his children as he prepares to face George Groves at Wembley . King of the ring: Froch works out among his adoring fans at Nottingham's Broadmarsh shopping centre . Backseat driver: Groves says he will try to annoy Froch 'like a petulant kid in the back seat of the car' pre-fight . Froch, however, would argue that it is not as relevant as for their contentious first fight in November. ‘George irritated me then,’ says the world super-middleweight champion. ’I’m cool now.’ And the consensus is that a less emotional, more relaxed Froch has won the latest verbal punch-up with Groves, that eyeball to eyeball confrontation in a television studio which should help raise the pay-per-view TV sales as Sky high as the live gate. Five months ago it was the other way around as Groves got under the skin of the world super-middleweight champion. That time the Cobra rose from the canvas to win with a stoppage rendered controversial by the haste with which referee Howard Foster intervened. Will it be a complete reversal of fortunes this time? Lose the slanging match, win the fight? Saint George says so, predicting a third round KO. Froch insists that the Londoner who is nearly 10 years his junior missed his chance the first time. Curiously, Groves was left dumb-struck in front of the Sky cameras when asked for examples to substantiate his allegation that Froch has lied about their rivalry. Now he has found his voice again, to poke fun at Froch’s hiring of a sports shrink. The 26-year-old Groves is back to his more familiar, articulate self when he says: ‘Carl has spent a lot time coaching himself not to lose his rag. That’s taxing. He’s like a father with a petulant kid in the back seat of the car. ‘That’s me. He has to keep turning round to tell me to behave myself. That’s wearing for him. I’m still getting on his nerves. Confident mood: Froch says he will be 'amazed' if he doesn't knock out Groves at Wembley on Saturday . Confident: Froch poses in front of the crowd prior to a work-out . ‘He’s getting help trying to control himself but it’s not a psychologist he needs. It’s a psychiatrist.’ Froch has turned to Manchester United’s mind coach Chris Marshall to help him concentrate on fighting, not feuding. He says: ‘I was guilty of letting George’s nonsense get to me first time out. ‘I just wanted to flatten him. I needed to remind myself that it’s called boxing, not street-fighting. If an expert can be of assistance with that, why not? ‘All the top sportsmen in the world use sports science now.’ Froch staged a Bank Holiday Monday work-out in front of his home-town faithful in a Nottingham shopping centre. He appeared as calm as during the televised exchanges with Groves, when he told his challenger: ‘I will be astonished if I don’t knock you out on Saturday.’ Great shakes: Froch trained in front of an adoring Bank Holiday crowd in his home city . Groves, who is predicting a third-round stoppage of his own, is using the title of that programme - Behind the Ropes – to argue his case. He says: ‘Carl feels like he’s cracked it but rope is the right word for all this. Give Carl enough and he’ll hang himself.’ To which Froch responds: ‘I hope he really does come out rushing to beat me inside three rounds. That will help me stop him sooner rather than later.’ The animosity between the pair is rooted in Froch’s perception that Groves does not show sufficient respect to a six-year champion going into his 12th straight world title fight against the best super-middleweights on the planet. Groves says: ‘I respect what he’s achieved in his career but that doesn’t stop me believing I’m better than him now.’ Their TV debate ended with a handshake-cum-shoving match. Best of enemies: There is a mutual dislike between Froch (left) and Groves but they don't 'hate' each other . It is a rich part of boxing culture that even the fiercest of opponents embrace each other once the fight has been won and lost. Evander Holyfield, for example, has forgiven Mike Tyson for infamously biting off a chunk of his ear and they get on well now. Can Froch and Groves ever be friends, no matter what happens on Saturday night? First time round: Froch beat Groves after a stoppage in the ninth but it was one hell of a fight . Froch: ‘I don’t hate anyone. Not George or anyone else. But I don’t have to like him.’ Groves: ‘I’ve never had a lasting problem with anyone I’ve fought. We don’t have to end up friends but I wouldn’t want to go through life feuding with anybody.’ Perhaps they will just have to settle for becoming the best of enemies. Froch-Groves II will be televised live on Sky Sports Box Office on Saturday night, at £16.95. The IBF have approved Paul Butler’s fight with Stuart Hall on Saturday week as an official challenge for their world bantamweight title. Thus Newcastle will play host to a duel between one of the hottest young prospects on the boxing scene and a man with one of the most intriguing back stories in the ring. Butler, of Ellesmere Port, is the unbeaten super-flyweight champion of Britain and the Commonwealth and so sure of his exciting ability that he is not only moving up a division but happy to take on Darlington’s Hall in his native North East. Hall has found redemption in boxing from a booze and drug-fuelled life in the bars of Ibiza. Duel: Paul Butler (left) and Stuart Hall during the head-to-head photocall in Liverpool . He reached out heroically for unexpected world championship fame when promoter Dennis Hobson bank-rolled his successful battle with Vusi Malinga for the vacant IBF title. Hall kept the title in his first defence, which ended in a technical draw when another British rival Martin Ward sustained an eye-cut. As a 34-year-old late-comer to prominence, Hall’s determination to stay in the limelight has been fanned by the precocious 25-year-old Butler’s predictions of victory. Hall says: ‘I can’t wait to shut him up.’ Hall-Butler will be televised live on BoxNation on Saturday, July 7. Ricky Hatton’s autobiography, already a best seller in hard-back, comes out in paper-back next week. ‘Just in time for Father’s Day,’ says the Manchester Hitman, mindful that many among the tens of thousands of his army of fans spent their life savings following him to Las Vegas for his mega-fights with pound-for-pound kings Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao. Tough times: Hatton lost his unbeaten record to Floyd Mayweather Jnr in 2007 . Turning out in force: Thousands of fans travel to Las Vegas to support the Hitman in action . Booked: Hatton's autobiography is released in paper back next week . Now a promoter working out of his own gym and health club in the Manchester suburb of Hyde, Hatton tells a typically frank and often funny tale of his rise to become the most popular of all British boxers and his temporary fall into drink and drugs abuse. War and Peace: My Story, by Ricky Hatton, Macmillan paper-back, £8.99 . | George Groves in predicting a third round KO on Saturday .
Carl Froch says he is not letting Groves' mind-games get to him ahead of showdown .
Paul Butler to face Stuart Hall in Newcastle for bantamweight title .
Ricky Hatton's popular autobiography released in paperback next week . |
98,510 | 0ad9b62f0064505672368fcff87c730fd2a02aa1 | (CNN) -- The United States does not know where ousted Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi is and does not believe the National Transitional Council has a lock on his whereabouts either, a senior U.S. official told CNN Thursday. That information came after Anees al-Sharif, a spokesman for the new Tripoli Military Council, said anti-Gadhafi fighters had cornered the fallen Libyan leader and that he had no means of escape. Al-Sharif did not divulge a location. U.S. Defense Secretary Leon Panetta said earlier this week that officials believe Gadhafi is on the run. "I don't have any information as to exactly where he's located," he said. Two Libyan convoys passed through Niger this week, officials in that country said. Initial speculation was that Gadhafi was in one of those groups, but on Thursday a second senior U.S. official said the United States now has a list of officials from Libya who were in both convoys. There were "no marquee names," or anyone who was named in U.N. Security Council resolutions, the second source said. The official would not say who was in the convoys but said Gadhafi's security chief was not among them, refuting reports that said he left in the convoy. The Nigerien government is talking to the NTC about what the new Libyan leadership wants to do with those in the convoy but the NTC hasn't decided whether it's worth it to bring them back, the source said. Libyans are leading the search for Gadhafi. The Central Intelligence Agency has agents in the area, and the United Kingdom, France, Jordan and Qater have special forces in the country as well, NATO and U.S. defense officials tell CNN. However, the mission of those agents is not necessarily focused on hunting for Gadhafi. In Washington, Capt. John Kirby, spokesman for the Joint Chiefs of Staff, insisted Thursday that the U.S. mission in Libya is to protect citizens and "is not about capturing or finding Col. Gadhafi." Questions about Gadhafi's whereabouts intensified after the fall of Tripoli and reports that his wife, daughter, two sons and other family members fled to neighboring Algeria, which described its acceptance of the family as a humanitarian gesture. Gadhafi's forces in Bani Walid, one of the last loyalist strongholds, fired Grad rockets at opposition fighters Thursday, according to the NTC chief negotiator for the city, Abdallah Kenshill. He said the rockets were fired randomly and no fighters were injured. "Gadhafi loyalists are just trying to scare rebel ranks with the Grad explosions and booms," Kenshil said. Opposition fighers are advancing on Bani Walid from two directions, according to Kenshil. He also said opposition supporters inside the city attacked some of Gadhafi's military installations, capturing and destroying artillery and rocket launchers. Bani Walid is about 150 kilometers (some 90 miles) southeast of Tripoli. Meantime, NTC leader Mahmoud Jibril told reporters that Libyans have a choice between the past and the future. He warned that the "battle for freedom" was not over, especially in the southern part of the country. He also said that the "national confidence which aimed at bringing the regime down has not been achieved yet." But Jibril was confident the battle would be won if Libyans remained united. "And when the battle's really finished ... there will be an interim government and also a constitution which has been agreed." "My priorities are to finish the freedom, the fight of freedom," Jibril continued, "And to form a civil state and a democratic government -- regardless of the side or color they have to participate equally in all rights and duties. Also Thursday, the International Criminal Court asked Interpol to issue Red Notice arrest warrants for the fallen Libyan leader, wanted for alleged crimes against humanity. "Arresting Gadhafi is matter of time," said Luis Moreno-Ocampo, the chief prosecutor for the International Criminal Court in The Hague, Netherlands. A Red Notice allows Interpol, the international police agency, to widely circulate arrest warrants with an intention to extradite suspects to the criminal court. The International Criminal Court also asked for Red Notices on Gadhafi's son, Saif al-Islam Gadhafi, and his brother-in-law, Abdullah Al-Senussi, who served as the regime's intelligence chief. They are also wanted for alleged killings and persecution in the Libyan uprising that erupted in February. Saif al-Islam Gadhafi is believed to be in Sirte, one of the last pro-Gadhafi strongholds in Libya, said the first senior U.S. official. In addition, that official said another son in is believed to be in Bani Walid. A third son, Mutassim, is believed to be in a town whose name is not a familiar one, the official said. The official did not have the town's name and could not immediately remember it. Earlier, Kenshil said two of Gadhafi's sons had been spotted in Bani Walid. "We know that Saif al-Islam Gadhafi and Mutassim Gadhafi are inside Bani Walid," Kenshil said. "Eyewitnesses we know by name inside Bani Walid told us they saw them." Saif al-Islam Gadhafi was considered the most influential of Gadhafi's sons. Mutassim Gadhafi served as his father's national security adviser. Two other sons, Khamis and Saif al-Arab, are believed to be dead. CNN could not independently confirm any of the interim council's statements. Anti-Gadhafi fighters have made claims before about the arrests or killings of Gadhafi's sons which later were proved false. Gadhafi has not been seen in public in months. In recent days, a Syrian television station has aired several messages allegedly from Gadhafi. "Moammar Ghadafi himself incited violence against our peaceful message in a message broadcast on Al-Rai-TV," NTC member Kenshil said, referring to an audio message purportedly from Gadhafi aired Wednesday. "He asked his supporters to destroy the mosque where the negotiations with Bani Walid elders took place," Kenshil said. Kirby, the Joint Chiefs spokesman, told journalists at Pentagon briefing that the United States believes Gadhafi forces are still a danger and some troops continue to be loyal to the Libyan leader. Neither Kirby nor George Little, the new Pentagon spokesman who appeared with Kirby at the briefing, would comment on recent reports by CNN and others of shoulder-fired missiles and other weapons being looted from Libyan storage facilities, but Kirby did say the U.S. has told the NTC it needs to get control of the various weapons stashes around the country. Little also said the United States remains confident that chemical weapons material in Libya remains secure and said the material has been under constant watch for months. After the news reports about the looted weapons, the Obama administration again contacted members of the TNC to express their concern about those weapons getting into the hands of U.S. adversaries, according to a senior U.S. official. Two senior State Department officials confirmed that the State Department has intensified outreach to the TNC in the past few days, based on several reports about the missing weapons. "We don't know who grabbed them or where they are," the senior US official said of the missing weapons. "We are deeply concerned they are all accounted for. We are hoping the TNC will do what needs to be done." The official pointed out that the United States was concerned about Libyan surface-to-air missiles getting into the wrong hands even during the Gadhafi regime. It's also understood that some rebel forces broke into government warehouses in the early days of the conflict to arms themselves. The concern now is weapons that have been seized by loyalist fighters or that could have been sold to members of terrorists such as al Qaeda operatives in North Africa. A NATO source told CNN that the alliance believes some weapons have "gotten out" either to loyalists forces or other adversaries outside Libya. But he emphasized the alliance has "no idea of the quantity or even whether they're operational." A key issue is whether any of the missing weapons also have functioning battery power assemblies and firing mechanisms. He emphasized that NATO also has regularly talked to the TNC about the problem. Libya's new leaders, meanwhile, have imposed a Saturday deadline on Gadhafi loyalists to lay down their arms or face military force. The calm that prevailed during negotiations for surrender shattered in Bani Walid Thursday as loyalists fired on advancing opposition fighters. The anti-Gadhafi fighters were on a reconnaissance mission when they came under fire in Wadi Dinar, about 15 kilometers (9 miles) outside Bani Walid, Kenshil said. One opposition fighter was injured in the abdomen, he said. The opposition returned fire and killed a pro-Gadhafi fighter. Meanwhile, trucks armed with anti-aircraft guns and rocket launchers pulled into a base 30 kilometers (nearly 20 miles) southwest of the coastal city of Misrata Wednesday. The fighting force known as the Victory Unit was back from its patrol of the desert landscape separating Bani Walid and Misrata, loyal to the NTC. The 70-kilometer (44-mile) buffer zone had been quiet for the past two weeks amid negotiations between tribal leaders from Bani Walid and representatives from the NTC. "We don't want more bloodshed," said Antar Al Birra, the commander of the Victory Unit. "Too many people have died, so we hope the negotiations will be successful." Al Birra's forces are battle-hardened from months of heavy fighting, and with Gadhafi's forces against the ropes, he said the battle to take the city will be short. "If we are ordered to take the city, it won't take us long, maybe two or three hours," Al Birra said. Many soldiers on the front hope for a peaceful solution. But as Saturday's deadline loomed, many were anxious as hope of success began to fade. "Negotiations have completely failed," said Shamsaddin Ben Ali, an NTC spokesman. "We won't agree to their demands." These demands include NTC forces entering the city unarmed, refraining from searching houses and -- the most contentious -- a full pardon for the people of Bani Walid. "We won't grant amnesty because there are people with blood on their hands, and we want them to face a trial," Ben Ali said. "I predict fighting to resume on Saturday." CNN's Elise Labott, Barbara Starr, Adam Levine, Kareem Khadder and journalist Ian Lee contributed to this report. | NEW: Loyalists fire rockets at opposition fighters from Bani Walid .
NEW: NTC leader says Libyans have a choice between the past and the future .
The United States does not believe the NTC knows where Gadhafi is .
Official: The U.S. mission is to protect citizens, not to nab Gadhafi . |
272,243 | eca32a507ca5e6e0f46da8126d7e2914f0ae140d | (CNN) -- Born into grinding poverty and with a degenerative eye condition which left her almost totally blind, Terezinha Guilhermina first became aware of her athletic abilities when fleeing a school bully in her home city of Betim in Brazil. Despite her apparent disadvantage, Guilhermina easily outpaced her much older would-be assailant and, as fear mixed with exhilaration, she inadvertently found her true forte in life. "I love to run. I feel free and complete," the three-time Paralympic gold medalist told CNN's Human to Hero series. "The feeling of moving fast is just magical, it's wonderful." Guilhermina may have been blessed with natural talent, but the handicaps she faced on her journey to track and field stardom would have defeated most mere mortals. Coming from a family of 12, her mother died when she was just nine and the children were often left to forage for leftovers just to feed themselves. "We didn't have much to eat, our diet was always poor," the 34-year-old recalled. Despite her visual impairment, Guilhermina was forced to attend a regular school -- "I suffered from bullying because I wasn't normal" -- and was in her early 20s before she completed her education. Sporting dream . Still harboring a dream to excel at sports, the impoverished Guilhermina enrolled on a disability project being run by the Betim city council, focusing on swimming and running. "I found an association that had sports for the vision-impaired. I joined and started to compete." She initially chose swimming because she didn't own a pair of running shoes, but her sister, who worked as a maid, said "here, take mine." Guilhermina may have had a pair of hand-down trainers and a coach who encouraged her to compete in her first race, but her visual handicap left her at a further disadvantage. "I had to train when no one was around because I had no guide," she said. So for fear of obstructing other runners, Guilhermina took to the track when it was deserted. "I had to train at the hottest time, which was from 12-2 p.m. because there was no one around. I would run and run until I did 40 laps (16 kilometers)." Existing on a diet of flour and sugar, living in a house where there was no real shelter from the rain, only an incredible inner will to succeed kept her going. "I said I wanted to be the best in the world, I thought if I could make it, I would be able to change my future, to change my destiny," she said. "I would push myself to the limits. I would do 70 laps and barely eat." First prize . Guilhermina started taking part in local road races with the aim of making money to fund her activities and buy basic foodstuffs. "The first money that I earned made me believe that I would be able to realize all my dreams," she said. "I won 80 Reais ($40) in a street race, and stopped in a market to buy a yoghurt that I always dreamed of eating since I was little." Her ability came to the notice of Brazilian Paralympic officials and she was selected to compete in the 2004 Games in Athens, over the distances of 400, 800 and 1500m. Categorized as T11 for athletes who have no functional vision, Guilhermina was able to run with a guide, but the athlete nominated to run with her proved of little use. "When we got to Athens, the first thing he said was, 'You are on your own.' The night before the 400m race, he spent the whole night clubbing and during the event he almost fell ... he was more tired than I was!" she said. Despite the near mishap, Guilhermina took the bronze medal in the 400m -- but finished down the field in the other two events. She realized that she was competing in the wrong races, and swapped the two longer ones for sprints over 100m and 200m. It proved an inspired move and, once she had mastered the skill of driving out of the starting blocks, Guilhermina never looked back. First gold . A world record in the 100m for her category came in 2007 and she won a full set of medals at the Beijing Paralympics the following year. Her defeat in 100m was a disappointment though, as Chinese runner Wu Chunmiao won gold. "I was slow getting out of the blocks and I stumbled." But Guilhermina made amends in the 200m to win her first Paralympic gold, and repeated her bronze of Athens in the 400m. Coming into London 2012, Guilhermina was ever more confident, particularly because of the ability of her guide runner, Guilherme Soares de Santana. He is her seventh, having come together in 2010. "He's the best guide in the world because I'm not aware of him on the track. Guilherme has given me back the feeling of running by myself. That's the best gift I could have." The ultimate goal for 2012 was a hat-trick of Paralympic golds and, after a comfortable win in the 200m, they seemed on track. Then disaster struck in the 400m, in one of the most heartbreaking moments of the Games. The pair looked set for victory when Soares de Santana fell in the finishing straight, pulling down Guilhermina in full flight. The capacity crowd gasped in disbelief as France's Assia El Hannouni crossed the line first while the Brazilian pair lay prone on the track. World record . In defeat, Guilhermina had made the headlines and highlighted the fine line between success and failure in disability sport. "I felt literally blind in that moment, and that moment, he stopped being invisible to me," she recounted. But it was to be expected that Guilhermina would not let that setback derail her ambitions and the very next day, still "very sore from all the previous races," she stormed to victory in the 100m in a world-record time of 12.01 seconds. Honor was restored after the bitter disappointment of just 24 hours previously, and she and Soares de Santana shared the glory on the podium. "We are a team. If we lose we do it together, and if we win ... we win together," she said proudly. Despite her advancing years -- she will be pushing 38 by the time of the Rio Paralympics -- Guilhermina is absolutely determined to compete in her three events in front of home fans and achieve the hat-trick which so cruelly eluded her. "I'm going to take care of myself so that in Rio I can win gold medals in every race I compete. I intend to do better than London when it comes to my times." The inspiration is performing for the last time in front of her home fans and being a role model for the next generation. "I feel honored to be an example for others," she said. "It makes it feel worthwhile to have overcome all the challenges I have encountered so I can help others to dream and also fulfill their dreams." Ultimate high . Guilhermina describes the award of the Summer and Paralympics Games to the Rio de Janeiro as a "gift from god" which leaves her with the opportunity to go out on the ultimate high with "unforgettable moments" which could not be topped. Her future after running is unclear, though when she was younger she had ambitions to go into the legal profession. Fearing that her disability would lead to being discriminated against in such a profession, Guilhermina opted for a sporting life. "I feel like I've accomplished all my fantasies and childhood dreams," she said. "I had nothing, now I have everything." | Terezinha Guilhermina is the fastest blind woman runner in the world .
She won two gold medals at 2012 London Paralympics but fell in 400m .
The 34-year-old will retire after the 2016 Paralympics in her native Brazil .
Guilhermina: "I had nothing, now I have everything" |
97,902 | 0a08b1d1c2890e2a8d996034eb41d1523695dc4c | Casey Kasem's wife will bury him in Norway and not Los Angeles as he wished, a publicist for the late radio star's daughter has confirmed. Kasem's widow Jean Kasem has made arrangements for her husband's body to be flown to Oslo after claiming that she has Norwegian heritage. But today in an embarrassing rebuttal for the statuesque blonde, Jean’s nephew spoke out to say his aunt doesn’t have ‘an ounce’ of Norwegian blood in her. Tommy Thompson, the son of one of Jean’s siblings, said: ‘As far as we know, we are English, German and Native American. Scroll down for video . Conflict: Jean Kasem has arranged for her late husband to be buried in Norway and not LA as he wished. The couple is pictured at the Museum of Television and Radio's gala tribute to Barbara Walters on November 15, 2004 at the Beverly Hills Hotel in California . Kerri Kasem, Casey Kasem's daughter, wants her dad to be buried in Los Angeles . ‘We have never ever heard anyone speak of Norway or [speak] Norwegian for that matter in our house. ‘We don''t have an ounce of Norwegian blood to our knowledge.’ Casey's family are now working with LA private investigator Logan Clarke but have few legal options to prevent the overseas burial, publicist Danny Deraney said. Mr Deraney revealed that Casey’s daughter Kerri is planning on writing a letter to the Norwegian government expressing her dismay at the situation. He said: ‘As you may have seen, Jean Kasem is planning to attempt to bury Casey Kasem in Oslo, Norway. She sent an open letter to the Norwegian government declaring among other things, her Norwegian ancestry. ‘The children, the family and friends want Casey Kasem to be buried in the place he requested, Forest Lawn in Glendale. Not to a foreign country he has never visited.’ Teruyuki Olsen, a lawyer for Jean Kasem, didn't return an email seeking comment. As the spouse of the radio personality, Jean Kasem is conservator of his body, said Deraney, . They were married for 34 years. It was unclear when the burial might occur. Kasem, host of 'American Top 40', died on June 15 at a hospital in Gig Harbor, Washington. He was 82 and suffering from dementia. His death followed a lengthy battle over his care between Jean Kasem and his three adult children from his first marriage. Deraney said burial outside the United States would be contrary to what Casey Kasem had wanted. 'He publicly made it clear to his friends, his kids, that he wanted to be buried in Forest Lawn in Glendale, in Los Angeles,' the publicist said. The Norwegian newspaper VG reported that Kasem will be buried in Oslo. 'It's been arranged, he's going to Oslo,' Wenche Madsen Eriksson, the head of the funeral service administration in Oslo, told the newspaper. She declined to say why Oslo was chosen, explaining that the family wants to keep that information confidential. | Jean Kasem has arranged to have her late husband buried in Oslo .
Casey's family claim she sent a letter to the Norwegian government declaring her Norwegian ancestry .
Jean's nephew asserts 'We don't have an ounce of Norwegian blood to our knowledge'
The family of the radio icon wanted him to be interred at Forest Lawn in California .
Kasem, who suffered from dementia, died on June 15 aged 82 . |
268,748 | e81e4b800c427a10aa965a3780baf86d2e569d0d | (CNN) -- Road-tripping to a national park makes for an easy -- and spectacular -- summer getaway. While all the U.S. national parks will be open this summer, forced federal spending cuts mean reduced programs and facility access. The National Park Service has cut 5% from its 2013 budget. The parks will be open and ready for summer visitors, according to Park Service spokesman Mike Litterest, but these changes are likely: . Fewer staff and programs . The Park Service will hire approximately 1,000 fewer seasonal employees to provide programs and staffing during the peak summer season. With fewer park employees, visitors may notice delayed road and park openings, reduced hours of operation, fewer program offerings and longer wait times at entrance stations. Shorter seasons . Several parks, especially those that close in the winter, have delayed their reopening due to a lack of crews to clear the roads. Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming, for example, opened two weeks late this spring to reduce snow plowing costs, and some secondary roads will reopen only as snow melts. At Acadia National Park in Maine, the winter closure of park facilities was extended by an extra month. Similar delays have happened in Bryce Canyon National Park in Utah and Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado. Selected facilities will not open . Portions of a number of parks will not open as a cost saving measure. In Washington state, for example, Mount Rainier National Park will close the Ohanapecosh Visitor Center due to reduced staffing. At Independence National Historical Park in Philadelphia, six interpretive sites in the park will remain closed, including the Declaration House, where Thomas Jefferson drafted the Declaration of Independence. And on the Natchez Trace Parkway in Mississippi, Alabama and Tennessee, 14 restrooms along the 444-mile parkway will be closed two days per week, and four will be closed for the entire 2013 season. Closed selected days . A number of national parks will close for one or more days a week. This includes the Harry S. Truman National Historic Site in Missouri and Ohio's James A. Garfield National Historic Site, which will close on Sundays and Mondays, as well as on all federal holidays. Other examples include the Maggie L. Walker National Historic Site in Virginia, which will close on Mondays, and the visitor centers at Voyageurs National Park in Minnesota, which will be closed two days a week. Fewer campgrounds . Along the Blue Ridge Parkway in Virginia and North Carolina, the Otter Creek, Roanoke Mountain and Crabtree Falls campgrounds will remain closed through the summer; an additional four picnic areas and three visitor centers will not open this year. Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Tennessee is closing three remote campgrounds and two picnic areas this summer. At Grand Teton National Park, several campsites and restroom facilities will not open this year. Fewer ranger programs . Many national parks are reducing the number and schedule of park ranger programs this summer. At Yosemite National Park in California, all programs at the park's Mariposa Grove are cancelled; the Shark Valley Visitor Center at Florida's Everglades National Park is eliminating 60% of its programs due to staff reductions; and Petersburg National Battlefield in Virginia is cutting its offerings by more than half. Curtailed maintenance operations . Visitors may also be affected by a reduction of routine maintenance. Kentucky's Mammoth Cave National Park will delay hiring a park electrician and seven seasonal guides, resulting in the closure of the most remote sections of the cave. Trails damaged by high water in Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park in Hawaii will remain closed due to lack of staff to repair boundary fences and other areas. And at Glacier National Park in Montana, reduced seasonal hiring at the end of the summer will result in less maintenance, mowing, rock removal, patching, striping and shoulder dressing along the Going to the Sun Road and other main park roads. To find out how your visit might be affected, check the National Park Service website. Adjusted hours, programs and the latest information on changes will be updated for each park throughout the summer. | The National Park Service is hiring 1,000 fewer seasonal employees this summer .
Some Park Service sites will close on select days or close certain facilities for the summer .
Ranger programs and maintenance operations will be curtailed in some parks . |
84,287 | ef13e70c8148637cced326df6d81c253f993e583 | By . Steph Cockroft . Guilty: Ian Wilson 'opened fire' on two women using a child's water pistol, filled with his own urine . A middle-aged businessman used a child's water pistol to open fire at two strangers - with his own urine. Ian Wilson, 56, has been ordered to pay £50 to each of the two women after squirting them with his plastic toy while they were out shopping. Wilson, who runs an internet marketing business from his home in Blackburn, Lancashire, was said to have crept up behind his victims in broad daylight. He then pulled on the plastric trigger and 'shot' them in the back with his loaded gun. At Blackburn Magistrates' Court, Wilson pleaded guilty to two charges of common assault. The court heard that, when the incident . took place, his relationship with his Dutch wife had broken down and he was . suffering from a mental breakdown. But Wilson also told officers he could offer 'no explanation' for his bizarre behaviour. The incident took place at around 2pm on October 25 last year while Wilson was walking through Blackburn town centre. Wilson walked up behind both victims and sprayed their clothing, the court was told. Officers from Lancashire Police arrested Wilson when the two distressed women reported being sprayed with an 'unknown substance'. One of the victims was aged 28. The other woman's age is unknown. Officers arrested Wilson nearby and carried out forensic tests to establish what was in the plastic pistol. Police believed the motivation behind Wilson's odd assault might have been sexual, but said his mobile phone and computer showed no abnormal behaviour, the court was told. Wilson also claimed he could offer 'no explanation' for his bizarre conduct. Wilson, a middle-aged businessman, pictured here on his own website, has been ordered to pay £50 compensation to each of his victims after the squirting spree . On his . website Wilson boasts: 'I design and build all (or most) of my own . websites and make my own graphics, when I first started back in 2007 I . thought a HTML document was something you filled out at the social . security office and that PHP was something you rubbed on a wound LOL. 'If . you have any questions please feel free to contact me via the page . provided and I'll do my best to answer them for you. Most . important...Have A Great Day.' Today, visitors who downloaded material from Wilson's website were greeted . with the message: 'WaaaaHaaaahahahaha! I bet you feel a right **** now . don't you. 'That's what you get when you try stealing images from this site. BTW Have a great day :).' In court, Wilson was given a conditional discharge for three months. He was ordered by magistrates to pay £50 compensation to each of his victims. The court also ordered his water pistol to be confiscated. The court . heard Wilson - who said he played in a band - had worked for six years . in Germany and then for 20 years in Holland where he met his wife. He began his internet marketing business in 2007, advising firms on use the internet to improve their business. But he suffered a number of family bereavements and, when his long-term marriage had broken down, he had returned to Britain. Two days after his arrest, Wilson was admitted to the psychiatric unit at Royal Blackburn Hospital where he was treated for three weeks. In mitigation, his lawyer Imran Hussain said: 'He had suffered from depression and had sought help with that in both Holland and the UK. 'He is deeply ashamed of what he did on that day. It was quite bizarre behaviour, with no motivation. 'He is finding it hard to believe he could be capable of this kind of thing. 'He has been having intensive involvement with the mental health services and there have been no further problems.' Blackburn town centre, where Wilson, 56, squirted the women with his own urine in broad daylight. Wilson was said to be suffering from a mental breakdown at the time . Wilson, an internet marketing businessman, was arrested but later told police there was 'no explanation' for his unusual behaviour . | Ian Wilson, 56, squirted the two strangers in broad daylight while walking through Blackburn town centre .
The businessman runs an internet marketing business and uses the catchphrase 'Have A Great Day'
Wilson, from Blackburn, was suffering a mental breakdown due to the breakdown of his relationship with his Dutch wife .
He pleaded guilty to two charges of common assault but said he had 'no explanation' for why he opened fire on the women .
He has been ordered to pay £50 compensation to each of his victims . |
153,389 | 522e1c08667423043b3f244595498ffc485ee02e | Downing Street has backed plans to decriminalise non-payment of the BBC licence fee - with the three main parties voting on the matter on Tuesday . The abolition of the BBC licence fee came a step closer yesterday when Downing Street backed plans to decriminalise non-payment. All three main parties will vote on Tuesday to end the threat of prison sentences for fee dodgers. More than 180,000 viewers – almost 3,500 a week – appeared in court in 2012 accused of watching TV without a licence. Most of them were fined and handed a criminal record. Every year around 70 people end up in jail. Ministers are supporting an amendment to the Deregulation Bill that would withdraw the criminal sanctions when the BBC’s charter comes up for renewal in 2016. A Labour source said the party was open to the idea as long as it did not hit the BBC’s £3.5billion annual income. ‘Nobody wants to see people going to prison for non-payment if they can’t afford the fee,’ a source said. Downing Street’s announcement follows campaigning by Tory MP Andrew Bridgen. He wants civil penalties to replace the jail terms imposed for refusing to pay the £145.50 fee. The amendment would delete references in the 2003 Communications Act to licence fee evaders being ‘guilty of an offence’. Instead those who refuse to pay will be ‘liable to a civil penalty’. The amendment has been backed by more than 150 MPs including former Liberal Democrat leader Sir Menzies Campbell, former Tory shadow home secretary David Davis and Labour former health secretary Frank Dobson. Mr Bridgen’s amendments would give ministers powers to impose ‘civil monetary penalties’. Fines could be levied like parking tickets with offenders paying online rather than facing court. Last night Mr Bridgen claimed decriminalisation heralded the beginning of the end for the licence fee. ‘This is a warning to the BBC that the future of the licence fee is now on the table,’ he said. ‘I expect decriminalisation will be in place by the end of 2016. The public and the Commons will no longer stand for it. Ultimately you will see the BBC having to adopt different mechanisms to collect money.’ Insiders say the BBC will be expected to charge overseas viewers more for watching iPlayer and to roll it out to other countries. It is currently only available in Western Europe. The BBC would also be expected to raise funds from its commercial arm. Ministers are supporting a amendment to the Deregulation Bill which would withdraw criminal sanctions when the BBC¿s charter comes up for renewal in 2016 . The corporation has admitted that up to 2 per cent of households exploit a loophole that enables them to watch ‘catch-up’ programmes online for free. With 26.4million households in the UK, as many as 528,000 could be doing so. Ministers will now launch a review of the penalties for non-payment of the TV licence, which will feed into negotiations with BBC bosses after the 2015 election. Solicitor General Oliver Heald has signed a joint amendment with Mr Bridgen that will require Culture Secretary Maria Miller to carry out a review of the sanctions, lasting up to a year, within three months of the Deregulation Bill being passed. The findings will be presented to the BBC Trust as well as both Houses of Parliament. 'Higher evasion': The BBC says that if it is not allowed to prosecute people, services may have to close . A Downing Street source said: ‘This would give us the power to be able to decriminalise non-payment after the election. There’s a quite compelling case.’ Both Lib Dem and Labour officials said they are expected to vote it through unopposed when the Bill reaches the final day of its committee stage on Tuesday. A source close to Lib Dem leader Nick Clegg said: ‘We’ve come to a common view with the Conservatives to pass this.’ The BBC Trust said any change should be part of the charter renewal process. A BBC spokesman said: 'These amendments make clear that the decriminalisation issue will be reviewed once the bill has past and no decisions will be taken until Charter review.' | Ministers supporting change to Deregulation Bill which would withdraw criminal sanction for fee dodgers when BBC charter is renewed in 2016 .
Three main parties to vote on Tuesday on the matter .
Last year 180,000 viewers went to court for watching TV without licence .
Most given a fine and criminal record, but around 70 people end up in jail . |
248,069 | ccff52892471c5e1688a6b839e56359ee186363a | (CNN) -- How does your sex life measure up? That's the central premise of "The Normal Bar," a new book by Chrisanna Northrup and sociologists Pepper Schwartz and James Witte. Based on the responses of an Internet survey of some 70,000 people, "The Normal Bar" endeavors to ease people's concerns about their sexual relationships by providing readers with an idea of what's "normal" for most couples -- from how often they have sex, to how sexually adventurous they are, to how they romance each other outside the bedroom. "It isn't about a 98.6 kind of normal -- just the normal of exceptionally happy couples (gay and straight) and what we can learn from them," Schwartz says. One juicy nugget -- 86% of all men and women are intrigued by having kinky sex. "This just goes to show that both men and women want to be kept on their toes," says Patty Brisben, sex educator and entrepreneur. "I can't think of any couple who would be 'satisfied' with predictable sex for the same reason people don't watch the same movie every weekend: There's no mystery, no excitement." Admittedly it's hard to resist checking out how we match up to other people between the sheets. "Couples that come into my practice with complaints about their sex life are often comparing themselves to a rather unrealistic and fictitious standard," Dr. Sue Varma says. "They have grown up watching Hollywood flicks believing that bedroom passion should be spontaneous." Adds social psychologist Justin Lehmiller, "Almost all couples, both heterosexual and same-sex, worry about how their relationship stacks up. This naturally leads us to compare our relationships to those of other couples." It may be natural, but is that comparison healthy? It depends, say experts. "It's tempting to think that statistics about how often other people have sex can tell you how often you should be having sex," explains Emily Nagoski, a sex health educator. "But other people's sex lives have nothing to do with yours. Experiencing sex differently doesn't mean you're doing it wrong, it just means you're doing it differently." On the other hand, the quest to keep up with the Jones' sex life can have its perks, too. Although comparison "can be destructive if you think of the 'norms' as being ideals to strive for, it can also be empowering if it makes you feel that your experience has been validated and that you are less alone," says Margie Nichols, a sex therapist and pioneer in her work with the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community. "Because kink and open relationships are more common among lesbian, gay and bisexual people, these couples face more options and choices, something that can add a layer of complexity to a couple's sex life as well as more freedom." Comparison may even inspire you to amp up your sex life a bit. For instance, "The Normal Bar" authors found that 48% of men want their female partners to be more romantic -- and that the No. 1 thing they want more of is communication, not sex. "Responses like these might encourage some women to raise the bar on how they talk and act in the bedroom," sex educator Jamye Waxman says. The survey results call into question stereotypes that men compartmentalize sex and emotions, says Jean Malpas, a psychotherapist in New York. "Men are often described as rigidly separating sex and feelings," he says. "However, many straight, gay or bisexual men I encounter in my clinical practice appreciate meaningful sexual intimacy. They often long for a sexuality anchored in the complicity and playfulness of their romantic relationship." One of the goals of "The Normal Bar" is to get couples talking about their sex lives and trying new things. It's an experience that Nagoski sees reflected in her own work as a college sex educator. "By the end of the semester, my students know they're normal, but not because their quantity, quality or frequency of sex falls within some statistical range, compared to other people," she says. "They feel normal because they understand how varied people are, how many different ways there are to be 'normal,' and that the real measure for 'normal' is mutual consent and satisfaction." | "The Normal Bar" aims to get couples talking about their sex lives .
Survey shows 86% of all men and women are intrigued by having kinky sex .
Expert: It's hard not to wonder how we match up to other couples in bed . |
75,752 | d6d7cc48ad0cc92b07893920ac5119f654dcad3c | (CNN) -- Two days of testimony by a former partner of reputed mob boss James "Whitey" Bulger ended dramatically Tuesday when Kevin Weeks and Bulger -- once so close that they spoke nearly every day for more than a decade -- shouted at one another across a federal courtroom in Boston. Bulger's lawyer, J.W. Carney, tried to portray Weeks as an opportunist who knew how to manipulate the system, someone who cut a deal with prosecutors to serve just five years in prison for aiding and abetting five killings, several of which, Weeks testified, he saw Bulger commit. "You won against the system," said Carney. "What did I win? What did I win," Weeks said, his voice sounding strained and tired. "Five people are dead." Asked whether that bothered him, Weeks shot back, "We killed people that were rats, and I had the two biggest rats right next to me ..." At that, Bulger turned and hissed, "You suck." "F--- you, OK," snapped Weeks. "F--- you, too," shouted Bulger as the jury watched. "What do you want to do?" said Weeks, his eyes locked on Bulger, who was flushed and staring right back. U.S. marshals stood between the two men, and U.S. District Judge Denise Casper instructed them both to follow the rules of the court before Weeks was dismissed, his testimony over. Bulger is charged in the deaths of 19 people during some two decades when prosecutors say he ran Boston's Irish mob. He also faces charges of extortion, racketeering and money laundering. Why we can't get enough of the gangster life . Prosecutors spent most of the morning questioning Weeks about killings he said he saw Bulger commit. Weeks recounted to the court graphic details of how Bulger killed Arthur "Bucky" Barrett, Joey McIntyre and Deborah Hussey. In the summer of 1983, Weeks said Bulger organized a meeting with Barrett under the guise of having stolen diamonds that he needed to have taken off his hands. When Barrett arrived at the house, Bulger, his crime partner Steve Flemmi and Weeks were waiting. The group then chained Barrett to a chair and grilled him for hours about a rival gang and local drug dealings, Weeks said. Barrett tried to buy his way out of being killed, describing to Bulger where he had hidden $40,000 in cash. Weeks said Bulger left the house to pick up the cash while he and another associate watched Barrett. When Bulger returned to the house, he instructed Barrett to walk down to the basement. Then Bulger put the gun to the back of Barrett's head, pulled the trigger, and according to Weeks, "nothing happened." When Bulger realized that the gun's safety was still on, he removed it and shot Barrett. Weeks said he also saw Bulger shoot McIntyre in the same house where he killed Barrett. His methods were the same, too -- he chained McIntyre to a chair, where he admitted to letting authorities capture a boat carrying 40 tons of marijuana slated for sale by Bulger and his gang. "Jim Bulger took out a rope and started strangling McIntyre; it was too thick, it just gagged him and then Jim asked the victim, 'do you want one to the head?' " Weeks said. McIntyre said, "Yes sir," and Bulger shot him five times. Weeks said he also witnessed the killing of Deborah Hussey in that same home. On a day in early 1985, Weeks said he came downstairs after hearing a "thud" and saw Bulger strangling Hussey, whose lips turned blue as her eyes rolled back into her head. After each of the three slayings, Flemmi prepared the bodies to be buried by removing the victims' teeth. This practice earned him the nickname "Dr. Mengele," after the infamous Nazi physician, Weeks said. The victims were buried in the basement of the house only to be moved to another makeshift grave because the owners of the house were selling it. "It was cheaper to move the bodies than buy house," Weeks explained. Most of the cross-examination focused on Weeks' decision to testify against his former crime partners, including Bulger, Steven Flemmi and rogue FBI agent John Connolly. Weeks acknowledged that Bulger hated informants, explaining South Boston's code as: "You never give up your friends. You never rat on your enemies. You take care of your own business." At times Weeks seemed apologetic, saying he had hoped Bulger would never be caught "so he wouldn't be in the circus we're in." After escaping a 1995 indictment, allegedly on a tip from a rogue FBI agent, Bulger went into hiding for 16 years, landing himself on the FBI's most wanted list before being arrested with his girlfriend in Santa Monica, California, in 2011. However, Weeks defended his actions, saying he had been shown Bulger's informant file by fellow South Bostonian, or "Southie," and disgraced FBI agent John Connolly and that, "You can't rat on a rat." He says no one has given him any trouble since he returned to South Boston, not even the Italian mafia, which allegedly continues to operate. In 'Whitey' Bulger's gang, death was way of life . When Bulger's lawyer suggested Weeks had lied at times, Weeks shot back almost in disbelief: "I've been lying my whole life. I'm a criminal." But he clarified that his lies were confined to smaller matters, not the testimony he has provided at nearly five trials. Carney asked, "What lies do you tell your wife?" "I'm not cheating," said Weeks by way of explanation. "Does she know you're lying?" asked Carney. "We're divorced," Weeks responded. | Kevin Weeks, former partner of James "Whitey" Bulger, testifies against reputed mob boss .
Weeks' testimony under cross-examination triggers shouting match with Bulger .
U.S. marshals step in; judge orders men to behave themselves .
Bulger is charged in the deaths of 19 people over two decades . |
80,915 | e551120544b71fca07f7a0bba63557a8de5b6bd7 | By . Daily Mail Reporter . PUBLISHED: . 07:42 EST, 19 March 2014 . | . UPDATED: . 07:57 EST, 19 March 2014 . A plan to boost herds of bighorn sheep in southern Arizona has been mired in controversy after half of the animals that were relocated were devoured by mountain lions. Wildlife officials spent $150,000 taking 31 of the protected species to the Catalina Mountains, near Tucson, only for 15 of them to be eaten by predators within a few months of arriving. Now animal rights activists are calling for the conservation project to be scrapped, arguing that it cruelly exposes the sheep to unnecessary risk. Big horns: Wildlife officials spent $150,000 taking 31 of the protected species to the Catalina Mountains, near Tucson, only for 15 of them to be eaten by predators within a few months of arriving . And they have slammed plans to shoot mountain lions in transplant areas before bringing in the bighorns, saying that the big cats should not be punished for following their natural predatory instincts. Bighorn sheep once flourished across the western U.S. until a precipitous decline in their population over the past century. There are now an estimated 6,000 bighorns in the whole of Arizona. In an effort to rebuild a herd which disappeared from the Catalinas in the Nineties, Arizona's Game and Fish Department in November began a three-year plan to transplant bighorns from Yuma to the mountain range near Tucson. Hungry: Animal rights activists have slammed plans to shoot mountain lions in transplant areas before bringing in the bighorns to cut down on deaths . In the first phase of the $600,000 project, wildlife officials spent $150,000 on catching 31 sheep, fitting them with GPS tracking collars and flying them by helicopter to their new home. But just four months later, 15 of the animals had been caught, killed and eaten by mountain lions, Fox News reports. Now officials are planning to cull the big cats before executing the next stage of their conservation plan, even after the shooting of two in the aftermath of the bighorn feeding frenzy sparked protests. Jim Paxon of Arizona's Game and Fish Department told Fox News that 'in hindsight, we should have taken out some mountain lions.' 'Conservation of wildlife is never easy, never quick and is often what biology professors call messy,' he said, adding that officials are not planning a 'wholesale removal of mountain lions' from the Catalinas. 'All we’re doing is removing mountain lions that prey on bighorn sheep in the best habitat area for those sheep,' he said. The Catalinas: The plan is intended to rebuild a herd which disappeared from the Tucson range in the Nineties . Critics say that Arizona's bighorn conservation plan was badly planned from the start and should be stopped immediately. Ricardo Small of the group Friends of Wild Animals called the planned mountain lion cull 'a mistake', claiming that less competition merely leads to more cubs and 'the result is more mountain lions than were there to begin with.' 'It's a waste of bighorn sheep and a waste of mountain lion,' he added. | Animal activists argue that the project cruelly exposes sheep to predators .
And they slam a plan to cull mountain lions before new transplants .
Project hopes to reintroduce bighorns to the Catalina Mountains . |
49,575 | 8c1d18c18cdb256f257d3c8eec795f86ea6ba516 | By . Ellie Zolfagharifard . PUBLISHED: . 08:55 EST, 26 February 2014 . | . UPDATED: . 11:54 EST, 26 February 2014 . Strange structures found inside a Martian meteorite could suggest that life may have existed on the red planet billions of years ago. The meteorite, named Yamato 000593, was found in Antarctica in 2000 and is thought to have formed on Mars over 1.3 billion years ago. Scientists believe the rock was thrown into space by a huge impact on Mars and fell to Earth within the past 10,000 years. The red circle in this image of the meteorite shows spherules ithat are enriched in carbon, compared with the background material shown within the blue circle . The discovery comes eighteen years after ‘nanofossils’ were found in a 4lb lump of rock that blasted off the surface of Mars millions of years ago. That meteorite, named ALH84001, generated headline news in 1996 when Nasa announced it contained ‘biomorphic’ structures, tubule-like objects that look bacteria. ‘We're convinced that this is another one of the important data points that is going toward answering the big question: Was there life on Mars?’ Everett Gibson, a researcher at Nasa’s Johnson Space Centre who was involved in both studies, told NBC News. This image shows layers of minerals inside a meteorite from Mars, including micro-tunnels that researchers say are suggestive of erosion caused by microbes . The discovery comes eighteen years after ‘nanofossils’ were found in a 4lb lump of rock blasted off the surface of Mars millions of years ago. That meteorite, named ALH84001, generated headline news in 1996 when Nasa announced it contained ‘biomorphic’ structures, tubule-like objects that look bacteria. The report caused a sensation but many experts maintained that the features weren't biological in origin. He added, however, that the latest study won't answer the big question. ‘We don't come out and say we have found life on Mars,’ said Dr Gibson. Writing in the journal Astrobiology, the scientists describe microscopic tunnels found throughout the meteorite's interior. ‘The observed microtunnels display curved, undulating shapes consistent with bioalteration textures observed in basaltic glasses,’ wrote the scientists. They also discovered tiny blobs of carbon-rich minerals that are embedded within layers of rock, which the team claim reveals ancient weathering through biological processes. The researchers say they ‘cannot exclude the possibility that the carbon-rich regions in both sets of features’ are the product of non-biological processes. The team are now following up their findings with more detailed chemical analysis. The black arrows in this image point to the microtunnels found by Nasa scientists . | Structures found in a meteorite that formed on Mars 1.3 billion years ago .
Team claim they may have been formed by erosion from microbial life .
The discovery comes eighteen years after alleged ‘nanofossils’ were found in a 4lb lump of Martian rock . |
248,107 | cd0d896d3689365cf9bbafbea74e8fd7affbad66 | By . Kerry Mcdermott . PUBLISHED: . 06:55 EST, 30 July 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 08:58 EST, 30 July 2013 . Specialist rescue workers are searching for survivors beneath the rubble of a house that collapsed in ruins today after a devastating blaze. It is thought there was an explosion after fire broke out inside the end terrace house in Rochdale, Greater Manchester, shortly after 5am today, and two men, aged 38 and 60, and a 78-year-old woman received medical treatment. The structural damage to the building was so severe it was deemed unsafe to send fire crews inside, and the specialist Urban Search and Rescue team was deployed to sift through the debris amid fears a third man known to have lived at the property could have been inside when fire broke out. Scroll down for video . Collapse: The blaze destroyed four terraced houses as it ripped through the buildings in Rochdale, Greater Manchester - rescue workers said one man remains unaccounted for . Rescue operation: The interior of the end terrace house was exposed to the elements as a result of the blaze, which prompted the first floor and the roof of the property to collapse . The team, accompanied by a sniffer dog, were combing the smouldering interior of the property, much of which was visible from the street today after the roof and external walls collapsed. Police officers and fire crews at the scene of the blaze, which also caused severe damage to neighbouring properties on the terraced street, said one person remained unaccounted for. They are searching for another man who was known to live at the property, although he is not thought to have been resident in the house for around two weeks. The cause of the fire, which broke out in the end terrace house, is yet to be established. The roof and first floor of the property collapsed as fire tore through the building, exposing the charred interior of the house as firefighters scrambled through the rubble today. Debris: A sniffer dog was brought to the scene by rescue workers sifting through the debris today at the house in War Office Road . Aftermath: A crane dangles above the ruined houses in Rochdale, left, as firefighters scramble through the rubble, right, in the end terrace property where the blaze broke out . The devastating fire also caused severe damage to the roof of the next door property, along with more minor damage to the next two properties along. War Office Road was closed to traffic today and police set up diversions as crews worked to bring the blaze under control. Fire service area manager Wayne . Shields said: 'Something has happened in an end terraced property - a . row of four houses - that’s caused the gable end of the house to . completely collapse, caused severe structural damage to that property . and a severe fire on the first floor, which spread into the roof space . of the house next door. 'We used an aerial platform and four jets to extinguish the fire and stop it spreading into the other properties. Ruins: The remains of mattresses and a sink and the charred skeleton of the staircase are visible at the end terrace house, where the blaze began . Charred: It is thought there was an explosion after the blaze broke out in the end property shortly after 5am today . 'There were three casualties - a 74-year-old woman suffering from the effects of smoke who declined hospital treatment, a 38-year-old man suffering a suspected fractured arm and cuts to his head, and a 60-year-old man suffering from the effects of smoke,' Mr Shields said. Both men were taken to hospital. 'We have also received reports of a fourth resident in that end terraced property but neighbours say that person hasn’t been living there over the past few weeks. 'Police are trying to contact this person’s family to see if they are staying elsewhere and we are searching the property as well. 'Due to the structural damage of the end terraced house it’s not safe enough to send firefighters inside, so we have been using the Urban Search and Rescue Team and search and rescue dog Ace to carry out a systematic search. 'It’s far too early to say what’s happened, but we have been working with National Grid and North West Electricity, who have isolated the services to the row of houses and they are going to assist us with our investigations. 'We also have community safety teams and volunteers at the scene to reassure the community and offer advice.' | Fire broke out at end terrace house in Rochdale at around 5am today .
Roof and first floor of end property collapsed as fire tore through .
Two men, aged 38 and 60, and a woman, 78, treated by paramedics .
Fears for a third man who lived in the house who remains unaccounted for .
Believed to have been an explosion after the blaze broke out this morning .
National Grid and North West Electricity assisting with inquiries . |
54,171 | 997da517e96ef30b8d66d0b4e955b0f2744c7580 | (CNN) -- Rock singer Sammy Hagar, a little older since his Van Halen days but still featuring bountiful blond curls, touted single moms, family and sex Monday night on the premiere of HLN's "Dr. Drew." But for Van Halen fans, Hagar's memories of the band and how he would like to regain a friendship with Eddie Van Halen may have been the biggest draw. "The greatest part of my musical career was being in Van Halen," said Hagar, who described to Dr. Drew Pinsky the alcoholism in his father and former bandmates. One of the band members, Hagar said, went into rehab and got clean, but "Eddie keeps falling down and would be in denial." Hagar, 63, claims Eddie Van Halen, who he says is doing better these days, is perhaps jealous of his success since leaving the band, a power hard rock mainstay of the 1980s and 1990s. "They threw me out of the band, and they haven't done anything since 18 years later," said Hagar, author of a bestseller "Red: My Uncensored Life in Rock." "He's got the biggest heart in the world," Hagar said of Eddie Van Halen. In other comments, Hagar: . -- Recalled dreaming as a young man about an alien encounter, with blue beings and beams of light. "You can call me crazy all you want. Anyone who says we are the only life in this whole vast universe, they are crazy." -- Admitted to many sexual consorts during his days on the road and between marriages. Now, "I chase my wife around the house." -- Talked about being raised by a single mother in an abusive marriage. "My mother made me feel love." -- He also spoke about his father who he said died in the back of a police car."Because of my father I am very sensitive to it," Hagar said of alcoholism. -- Touted old-fashioned hard work. "I was willing to work my butt off for anything I could achieve," Hagar said. "I came from nothing." Pinsky, who has been a physician for 30 years, opened the show with an answer to critics who say he can't diagnose at a distance. "I have studied thousands of cases ... It's what I do." He said his work includes family issues, sex, addiction and other aspects of the "human experience. Why we do what we do." | "Dr. Drew" debuts on HLN .
Former Van Halen singer Sammy Hagar among the guests .
Hagar talks about tough childhood and aliens . |
149,718 | 4d97ad88bfb7a4c2e0f5a33189c0ad96164edff0 | A man cut his throat with a knife in a benefits advice office in a protest about the controversial bedroom tax. The middle-aged man said he was 'sick of all this s***' then dragged a blade through skin from his ear down to his throat on each side of his neck. The wounds left him and the floor of the Runcorn office spattered with blood, a witness said. The bedroom tax was widely protested across the country - and was apparently too much for one man who slit his throat in protest about it . The gory outburst happened at about 2pm on Monday, at Halton Direct Link in Halton Lea shopping centre. Staff hit an emergency alarm during the incident. The witness, who was waiting in line to see an adviser, said no other residents reacted to the outburst but that staff seemed 'a little bit shocked'. He said: 'From what I could see, the bloke had gone to see an adviser. Chancellor George Osborne's bedroom tax prompted the dramatic outburst . 'He was upset about the bedroom tax and wasn't getting through and he started to cut his throat on both sides and threw the knife on the floor and he had blood coming from his neck. 'There was a lot of blood but it hadn't come out of his artery, he wasn't gushing out blood. 'He went through the side of his neck from his ear to the front. Everyone was just sat about waiting to go and see the adviser. I was in the queue. Nobody did nothing.' A Halton Council spokesman said: 'We are aware of this incident. 'The person concerned is receiving appropriate support and we are supporting our staff who witnessed the incident.' Cheshire police officers have spoken to the man, who suffered 'minor injuries', about his well-being. No criminal offences were reported. In April the so-called 'bedroom tax' was introduced, which will see social housing tenants with spare rooms docked an average of £14 a week in benefits. Around 660,000 people are set to lose some of their housing benefit from the change, which is expected to save the Government £465million a year. The charge is aimed at reducing over-crowding in social housing and directing benefits towards those who are most in need. But Labour attacked the move, with shadow chancellor Ed Balls denouncing it as 'possibly the worst, most cack-handed and massively unfair piece of policy-making I've ever seen'. | Dragged a blade from his ear down to his throat on each side of his neck .
Gory outburst happened at Halton Direct Link in Halton Lea shopping centre .
Cheshire police officers have spoken to the man about his well-being .
Middle-aged man suffered minor injuries in gory outburst . |
131,161 | 359aaa345a17edbfbd14c7fbfab61f4db1068616 | Gus Poyet will make changes to the team thrashed 8-0 at Southampton when Arsenal visit the Stadium of Light on Saturday. And the Black Cats boss says no player can complain if they find themselves axed from the starting XI. ‘Whatever I want to do on Saturday I can do it – freedom,’ he said. Gus Poyet (right) was stunned by his team's 8-0 defeat to Southampton and wants to see a response . ‘My common sense can go away, I can pick the team I want. No-one can disagree. ‘Because of the squad I can’t change 10, and 75 per cent of the team will have the chance to play. But I would like to play the game now.’ The squad met to go over the club-record loss on Tuesday, and Poyet went on: ‘I didn’t want to see them on Sunday and we had something already planned for Monday. ‘We had a unique meeting on Tuesday. I’m not a great fan of looking at so many negative things, but this was an exception. ‘It was very quiet, as quiet as I remember. It wasn’t easy for anyone. I imagine they felt embarrassed.’ Poyet said he held a 'unique meeting' on Tuesday to work out how the 8-0 Southampton defeat had happened . France defender Anthony Reveillere (above) has been signed by Sunderland to bolster their defensive options . Poyet hinted earlier this week that he was not responsible for the depth of his squad and has since signed defender Anthony Reveillere. And he added: ‘We are still waiting for international clearance. ‘But we are short of defenders, that’s no secret. He will be involved. ‘I meant exactly what I said – I have four defenders and I played four defenders.’ | Gus Poyet held 'unique meeting' with squad after 8-0 loss at Southampton .
Uruguayan Poyet promises to make changes, but admits restricted options .
The manager says that 'no-one can disagree' with the team he will select . |
283,625 | fb658abacd0a5909922d0528f442ad37d8b9005e | As anti-American riots spread to Australia, Al Qaeda urged Muslims to step up protests and kill more U.S. diplomats in Muslim countries in response to the U.S.-made film which mocks the Prophet Mohammed. The terror group made the appeal as riot police clashed . with around 200 protesters at the U.S. Consulate in Sydney on Saturday as . demonstrations against the anti-Islam film 'Innocence of Muslims' spread across the world. The Al Qaeda statement said; 'Whoever comes across America's ambassadors or emissaries should follow the example of Omar al-Mukhtar's descendants (Libyans), who killed the American ambassador,' the group said, referring to Tuesday's attack on the U.S. consulate in the Libyan city of Benghazi. Scroll Down for Video . Protesters clash with policemen on a street in Sydney's central business district, on September 15, 2012 . 'Let the step of . kicking out the embassies be a step towards liberating Muslim countries . from the American hegemony,' a statement posted on an (AQAP) website on Saturday said. In Australia, Ten Network television . news showed a policeman knocked unconscious as the mostly male crowd . hurled bottles and other missiles. Many of the protesters were wearing . Muslim dress. Police used pepper spray against . the protesters, who chanted 'Obama, Obama, we love Osama' and waved . placards saying 'Behead all those who insult the Prophet.' Fury about the . film swept across the Middle East after Friday prayers, with protesters . attacking U.S. embassies and in protests that killed at least seven . people and prompted Washington to send troops to bolster security at its . missions. A policeman, injured by protesters, is assisted by colleagues in central Sydney today after anger over an anti-Islam video spread to Australia . Police confront a group of protestors in central Sydney as an injured demonstrator lies on the ground in the Australian city . A protester holds a home made sign during a rally in Sydney's central business district as anger over a film that insults the Prophet Mohammed spread to Australia on Saturday . An injured protester is detained by a policeman in Sydney's Hyde Park . 'The film . published in America which insults our Prophet Mohammad, peace be upon . him, comes as part of the continuing crusader wars against Islam,' AQAP's statement said, referring to European wars in the region some . 1,000 years ago. Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula, is mostly militants mainly from Yemen and Saudi Arabia, and is regarded by the United States as the most dangerous branch of the network founded by Osama bin Laden. The group has used Yemen, a key regional U.S. ally, to plot attacks on the United States. Washington has backed a Yemeni army campaign that drove al Qaeda and its allies from their southern stronghold this year. Muslims have blamed the U.S. government for the amateurish film of obscure origin. Washington has condemned the film and said it does not condone any insult to any religion. Mourners shout slogans as they carry the coffin of Mohammed al-Tuwaiti, a protester shot dead on Thursday as riot police dispersed protesters who stormed the U.S. embassy's compound in Sanaa, Yemen . Yemeni mourners carry the coffin of a protester who was killed two days ago during clashes with security forces at the US embassy in Sana'a, Yemen . Kashmiri Muslim students shout anti-American and anti-Israeli slogans during a protest against a low-budget US film that depicts the Prophet Mohammed in Srinagar today . Indian muslim women shout slogans against United States of America because of the film made in US called 'Innocence of Muslims' which ridicules Islam's Prophet Muhammad, in Chennai, India today . Praising the attacks by angry demonstrators in Libya, Egypt, Yemen and Sudan on U.S. and other Western missions as 'natural responses to a huge insult', the statement said that American embassies should be burned and diplomats killed. It said defending the Prophet's honor was a "religious duty and obligation to the Muslim nation, each according to his ability". The group also said that Muslims living in the West have an extra duty to be involved in attacks on key targets. 'They are more capable of doing harm and reaching the enemy is easier for them,' it said. Impoverished Yemen is struggling against challenges on many fronts since mass protests forced president Ali Abdullah Saleh to step down last year after decades in power. The United States, eager to help the country recover from the upheaval that has pushed it to the brink of collapse, has said it would provide $345 million in security, humanitarian and development aid this year, more than double last year. A . total of six police officers were injured, including two who were taken . to a hospital. Two protesters were treated for police dog bites and 17 . others for the effects of pepper spray, police said in a statement. There were no details of their condition. In Australia, Eight people were arrested on charges including assaulting police and resisting arrest. Police said they were unsure who organized the protest. 'There . was little or no organization or control of what they were doing, and . their actions were disgraceful,' police Superintendent Mark Walton said . in a statement. Prime Minister Julian Gillard said the protest was unacceptable. 'Violent protest is never acceptable - not today, not ever,' she said in a statement. Shoppers watch from a glass bridge between shopping centres as police pursue protesters in Sydney's central business district on Saturday . Police officers prevent anyone from approaching the building that houses the United States consulate in Sydney on September 15, 2012 . Several hundred people took to the streets of Sydney on Saturday, throwing rocks and bottles during clashes with police. The demonstration that began with about 200 people outside the U.S. consulate in Sydney swelled to more than twice that number, with protesters appearing to catch police off guard as they marched through the centre of the city. Several streets, usually thronging with weekend shoppers, were blocked off by police as the protest grew. Police, many wearing anti-riot equipment and some on horseback, used dogs and chemical sprays, including tear gas, as they tried to control the protest. A man and woman struggle with their stroller while other shoppers attempt to move out of the way as police pursue protesters in Sydney's central business district . A protester hits a policeman with a pole in in Sydney today as anger of the anti-Islamic video produced in the U.S. spread to Australia . Protesters pray in front of a line of police officers in Sydney's Hyde Park today . Television pictures showed one policeman with a head injury being led away by colleagues. A spokesman for paramedics said there were no serious injuries. A police spokesman said the protest was being monitored, with demonstrators gathering in a central Sydney park. A Muslim leader addressed the protesters in the park, calling for calm. Australia, a staunch U.S. ally with troops still fighting in Afghanistan, has a Muslim population of about 476,000, or 2.2 percent of the population, according to 2011 census figures. The violent protests in Australia follow four days of demonstrations across the Arab world, stretching from Egypt, Libya, Yemen, Lebanon, Palestinian territories, Israel, Sudan, Nigeria, Tunisia and Pakistan. | Al Qaeda in the .
Arabian Peninsula urges all Muslims to step up their protests against the U.S. and to kill American ambassadors .
Anger among the global Islamic community over the movie produced in the U.S. that mocks the Prophet Mohammed spreads across the world .
Police clash with hundreds of protestors in the busy centre of Sydney - Australia's largest city .
Police used pepper spray against .
the protesters, who chanted 'Obama, Obama, we love Osama' and waved .
placards saying 'Behead all those who insult the Prophet.' |
226,003 | b0a9e1deeffbc312bd98c075a65615dbae210b05 | By . Rachel Reilly . PUBLISHED: . 08:51 EST, 21 May 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 09:02 EST, 21 May 2013 . The reason why penguins cannot fly has finally been laid to rest, researchers claim. Penguins cannot fly because they are such good swimmers - and no bird can excel at both, said scientists. They started to fly through the ocean instead of the air as they developed wing-propelled diving skills that allowed them to forage for food at increasing depths. Penguins lost the ability to fly as they developed more efficient wing-propelled diving skills that allowed them to better forage for food at increasing depths of the ocean . The evolution of flightlessness in penguins has mystified scientists for decades. But now a study of guillemots - which closely resemble penguins in their diving and swimming, but can still fly - shows there is no such thing as a wing that's good for both. Scientists discovered that guillemots on Coats Island, Northern Canada, used substantially less energy than most other birds when they were diving. But the energy they needed for flight was the highest ever reported for a flying bird - 31 times greater than expended when at rest. There are 18 species of penguin - 13 of which are declining and five of them are considered endangered. While most people associate penguins with Antarctica, penguin populations can also be found in South America, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand, as well as many small islands in the southern Pacific Ocean. While swimming, penguins will leap in shallow arcs above the surface of the water, a practice called porpoising. This coats their plumage with tiny bubbles that reduce friction, allowing them to swim as fast as 20 miles per hour . The light front and dark colour of classic penguin plumage is called countershading and provides camouflage from above and below to protect penguins in the water. Penguins’ eyes work better underwater than they do in the air, giving them superior eyesight to spot prey while hunting, even in cloudy, dark or murky water. Depending on the species, a wild penguin can live 15-20 years. During that time, they spend up to 75 percent of their lives at sea. Professor John Speakman, of Aberdeen University, said: 'Like many people, I wondered why on earth they lost the ability to fly. 'It's great to be part of the team that has collected the data that resolves this issue. 'Our findings for the energy expended when diving and swimming by guillemots fit exactly into the predictions of the biomechanical model. 'The lack of flight in penguins has been an enigma because it leads to some seemingly poorly adapted behaviour. 'Emperor penguins, for example, walk up to 60km between their rookeries and the sea - a journey taking several days that could be covered in a few hours if they were able to fly. 'Also, many penguins are targets of predators such as leopard seals, at the points where they enter the ocean. 'This problem could be easily avoided if penguins could just fly over the top of the predators. 'However applying the [new] theory to penguins, their loss of flight may have been due to the tradeoffs in maximizing wing function in water versus wing function in air. 'As penguins evolved, their wings became more and more adapted to swimming and diving in the oceans where they catch their food - making this part of their lives very energy efficient. 'However at the same time the energy required for flying became greater and greater for the penguin. 'At some point it simply became impossible to sustain the very high energy costs of flight and the birds became flightless. 'Presumably the efficiency benefits when feeding offset the inefficiency of having to walk everywhere when they were on land. 'Our studies of guillemots have now shown that this biomechanical theory is very likely to be correct.' The study monitored guillemots because they resemble penguin ancestors. The birds can fly but also swim very efficiently, although flying uses up around 31 times more energy than flying for the species . Guillemots - members of the Auk . family of seabirds - are common on the Arctic coast and breed in large, . noisy colonies, with each female laying a single egg on a narrow cliff . ledge. In pursuit of a meal . they perform short shallow dives but they are more than capable of . reaching depths of 300ft or more to reach favoured fish and squid. Penguins can dive as deep as 1,850 feet in search of fish, squid and tiny crustaceans called krill but are awkward on land - waddling across the ice or sliding on their bellies. Professor Speakman said: 'Guillemots resemble penguins in their diving and swimming behaviour, but differ in that they are still able to fly. Scientists have been mystified by the penguin's inability to fly until now . 'In many respects they are like a modern equivalent to the ancient ancestors of penguins before they lost the ability to fly.' Paleontologists have proved penguins could once fly by discovering the density of bone has been increasing over the last 36 million years. What this means is a much heavier penguin today compared to its ancestor. Penguin bone used to be hollow. Birds today are able to fly in part due to the fact that they have hollow bones. Hollow bones are lighter then dense bones making it easier to fly. Penguins changed into dense boned, grounded birds, after they followed their food out of the air into the sea. Kyle Elliott, a zoologist at Manitoba University in Winnipeg, Canada, said: 'Clearly, form constrains function in wild animals, and movement in one medium creates tradeoffs with movement in a second medium. 'Bottom line is that good flippers don't fly very well.' The study was published in Proceedings of . the National Academy of Sciences. | Experts at Aberdeen University concluded that penguins started to 'fly' through the ocean instead of the air as they developed diving skills .
Added that birds cannot have wings that are good at flying and swimming .
Scientists studied guillemots which resemble ancient penguin ancestors . |
18,762 | 351d915d471f10cee4b13dca034bf8140f93a449 | By . Damien Gayle . PUBLISHED: . 05:54 EST, 28 July 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 03:59 EST, 29 July 2013 . A subsidiary of chocolate bar-maker Mars has been sponsoring savage bear-baiting contests in in Ukraine, an animal charity's investigation has revealed. Video taken by activists shows tape branded with the name Royal Canin being used at a competition which took place earlier this year near Vinnytsia, at the heart of the Eastern European country. The French pet food company, which was bought by Mars around a decade ago, said it was 'horrified' to learn that it had sponsored the brutal contest. Savage: Hunting dogs attack a chained brown bear in a bear-baiting contest in Ukraine, which an animal charity's investigation revealed was sponsored by the pet food subsidiary of global food giant Mars . Footage released by international animal welfare group Four Paws shows an event staged in woods where several dogs are set on a chained brown bear as a small audience of men look on. The animal has had its claws removed and its movements controlled by several men tugging on the chain, stopping it from mounting an effective defence against the dogs, which continually bite and harry the animal. Eventually the panicked bear begins to foam at the mouth from exhaustion and fear. The video shows a table laden with Royal Canin-branded trophies for the most aggressive dogs in the competition. Royal Canin, which makes food for cats and dogs, promotes itself with the slogan 'respecting the animal nature of dogs and cats'. But the evidence gathered by Four Paws will horrify animal lovers. The charity says it has evidence that Royal Canin has sponsored more than one bear-baiting contest. International animal welfare group Four Paws captured footage of the event near Vinnytsia, central Ukraine, earlier this year. Brown bears are legally protected in the country but are often victims of cruel treatment . The bear in the contest has had its claws removed and its movements controlled by several men tugging on the chain, stopping it from mounting an effective defence against the dogs as they bite and harry the animal . Dr Amir Khalil, a vet and project leader for the charity, speaking to The Observer, questioned Royal Canin's stated commitment to animal wellbeing. 'By sponsoring bear-baiting, Royal Canin is reducing wild animals like the brown bear to the rank of second-class animals,' he said. Four Paws has a memorandum of understanding with the Ukrainian government's department of ecology to eradicate bear baiting. Nevertheless, such contests still take place between four and six times a year, the organisation said. Although brown bears are, on paper, legally protected in the country, it has for a long time faced accusations of cruelty towards the animals, which are often forced to perform in Ukrainian zoos and circuses. 'Cruel lives': There are estimated to be between 15 and 20 baiting bears in Ukraine. They are taken from their mothers at just a few months old, their claws are removed and they are kept most of the time in small cages . 'Humbling': A Royal Canin branded trophy, to be awarded to the owners of the dogs judged to be the bravest. The company said it had taken action to cease its sponsorship of the events after it was alerted to its involvement . There are estimated to be between 15 and 20 baiting bears in Ukraine, according to Four Paws. A spokesman for the charity said: 'They live cruel lives in tiny cages with nothing but a concrete floor, and they are only released from these cages for training or to be attacked by hunting dogs. 'They are usually given insufficient food and water, to make them weaker opponents for the dogs.' Whether sourced from zoos, circuses or the wild, most baiting bears are snatched from their mothers at just a few months old. Most undergo a painful procedure to have their claws removed. Four Paws said Royal Canin had admitted to its involvement in the contest. In a statement to The Observer, the company said: 'Royal Canin has been absolutely horrified to see these images linked with our brand. The sponsorship of this event is not consistent with Royal Canin's animal welfare policy, our philosophy of pet-first or our vision.' Royal Canin said that after Four Paws alerted it to the 'humbling' incident in May it had taken immediate action to cease its sponsorship of bear-baiting contests. MailOnline contacted Mars UK for comment, but at the time of writing was still awaiting a response. | Event revealed in video released by animal welfare group .
It is sponsored by pet food maker bought by Mars a decade ago .
Royal Canin says it has taken action to stop its involvement in the contests . |
114,032 | 1f1ed6f5a28bc087c1a2cb743b3be1af8f7fa1b9 | Zafar Rushdie, 35, was more than twice the legal limit when he was discovered unconscious by officers in his car just yards from his flat. Salman Rushdie’s son has been convicted of drink-driving after police found him asleep at the wheel of his BMW at traffic lights. Zafar Rushdie, 35, was more than twice the legal limit when he was discovered unconscious by officers in his car just yards from his flat. The celebrity publicist, who announced his engagement to classical singer Natalie Coyle this summer, was suffering from ‘personal relation issues’ at the time, a court heard. Rushdie’s lawyer pleaded for leniency on the grounds that the conviction could affect his ability to visit the United States, where he was planning to marry his fiancée next year. Magistrates banned him from driving for 17 months as well as fining him £720 and ordering him to take a drink-driving course. The eldest child of the Booker Prize-winning author, Rushdie trades on his famous surname through his PR agency Rushdie Media. As a young boy he lived for 11 years under the shadow of the fatwah placed on his father’s head after the outcry in the Islamic world over his controversial novel The Satanic Verses. Rushdie was arrested on August 1 after police found his car stopped at traffic lights in upmarket Hampstead, north London. The officers became suspicious when the lights turned green twice and the vehicle made no attempt to move off and so knocked on the window, Highbury Corner Magistrate’s Court in London heard. Prosecutor Emily Maunders said: ‘They could see the defendant, he was described as either being asleep or having a medical episode. They banged on the window and there was no response. ‘They continued on four or five occasions to bang on the window. He then appeared to wake, and he appeared confused and under the influence.’ Rushdie was arrested and given a test, which found he had 182mg of alcohol in 100ml of blood. The legal limit is 80mg. The Exeter University graduate, who pleaded guilty to drink driving, was caught just 100 yards from his front door in Hampstead, where he shares a garden flat with Coyle, 28, the court heard. His lawyer, Mark Haslam, who has previously represented Labour deputy leader Harriet Harman and various sporting stars for driving offences, said Rushdie found his time in police custody a ‘salutary experience’. But he added: ‘The defendant does not accept that he was deeply asleep. The brake lights were on, he was in control of the vehicle. The officers exaggerated things. He clearly was distracted. In this case this is genuinely a person who has acted in a way that is out of character.’ He is the eldest child of the Booker Prize-winning author Salman Rushdie. He lived for 11 years under the shadow of the fatwah placed on his father’s head after the outcry over his novel The Satanic Verses . Rushdie was arrested two days before he was due to take part in the London Triathlon, as part of a year-long fundraising campaign to run 15 half-marathons and triathlons in support of children’s charity Kids Company. Mr Haslam said: ‘He works in public relations and he had personal relation issues of his own which were troubling him. He is a regular raiser of money for charity. He had been working very hard. He was tired. ‘He took a decision to drive back from work at Portland Place to stop with some friends and have a drink. That was a flawed decision in itself. It was not a sensible decision. ‘It was compounded by a further decision to drive the familiar mile home. It is perfectly clear that he was at least distracted by these issues.’ Appealing for a lenient sentence, the lawyer added: ‘There is a personal issue - travel to the US would be a trouble. He spends his time raising money for various charities and the way he raises that money is not the easiest way. ‘I ask you to take that into account. If anyone needed his previous good character to come to their rescue it is this defendant.’ But chairman of the bench Mark Beattie said the court had no discretion and had to disqualify Rushdie from driving. He said the ban would be reduced by 17 weeks if he successfully completed a drink driving course. | Zafar Rushdie, 35, was more than twice the legal limit when he was found .
He was spotted at traffic lights 100 yards from home in Hampstead, London .
Celebrity publicist was suffering from 'personal relation issues' at the time .
Court heard Rushdie found his time in police custody a ‘salutary experience’ |
176,058 | 6fec30177243bd08b8beaea4dc204914421126ee | Los Angeles (CNN) -- The first woman mayor of San Diego has acknowledged in court she misappropriated more than $2 million from her late husband's foundation to fund a casino gambling habit with which she allegedly won and lost $1 billion over nine years. Her attorney said a brain tumor affected Maureen O'Connor's judgment in playing video poker. She's now broke and suffering cognitive impairment following brain surgery and a stroke in 2011, prosecutors said. O'Connor, mayor of San Diego from 1986 to 1992, reported to the IRS more than $1 billion in casino winnings but also reported losses bigger than those winnings, resulting in a net loss from 2000 to 2009, prosecutors said in court papers. Those net losses amounted to $13 million, her attorney said. O'Connor was married to Robert O. Peterson, founder of the Jack in the Box restaurant chain, from 1977 until his death in 1994, but court documents don't disclose the size of the couple's fortune that apparently funded O'Connor's gambling habit. O'Connor, 66, entered a deferred prosecution agreement Thursday in federal court in San Diego in which she admitted misappropriating money from the R.P. Foundation, on which she served as a trustee. Under the agreement, she will repay the foundation $2,088,000, pay owed taxes, and be treated for her gambling addiction, prosecutors said. O'Connor, however, is bankrupt and unable to work, court papers say. Her ability to repay the foundation is "limited," they say. In 2011, surgeons removed a large tumor from O'Connor's brain, and she suffered complications that included cognitive impairment and a pulmonary embolism, prosecutors said. Magistrate Judge David Bartick found that her continuing health problems made it highly improbable she could be brought to trial, prosecutors said. If O'Connor repays the foundation and satisfies the conditions of her deferred prosecution, the government will dismiss its prosecution in two years, prosecutors said. She faces an unlawful monetary transaction charge carrying a maximum prison sentence of 10 years, documents say. "Maureen O'Connor was a selfless public official who contributed much to the well-being of San Diego," U.S. Attorney Laura Duffy of San Diego said in a prepared statement. "However, no figure, regardless of how much good they've done or how much they've given to charity, can escape criminal liability with impunity." O'Connor told reporters Thursday that for a while, she didn't know she had a brain tumor. "There were two Maureens -- Maureen No. 1 and Maureen No. 2," she said. "Maureen No. 2 is the woman that did not know she had a tumor growing in her head." She described that era as "the last chapter of my life where I lost my husband, I lost three of my siblings, I lost my two best friends and I had a difficult time. "I think most of you who know me here would know that I never meant to hurt the city," she told reporters. She began to choke up and cry. O'Connor was described as "a public figure and a civic treasure to the San Diego community" for 30 years, according to court papers filed by her attorney. She is the eighth of 13 children of a mother who was a registered nurse and a father, Jerome, who was a boxer known as "Kid Jerome" and later became a prominent businessman, defense documents said. She was elected to city council at age 25 in 1971 and, later as mayor, "put our city on the map as a destination for international tourism," partly by presiding over the completion of the city's Convention Center, defense documents said. O'Connor's attorney attributed her gambling addiction to her medical condition. "This was not, we think, a psychiatric problem or a characterological defect because there is substantial evidence that during this same time, there was a tumor growing in her brain, in the centers of the brain that affect and control, logic, reasoning and, most importantly, judgment," attorney Eugene Iredale said at a news conference Thursday. O'Connor sat next to him with her head lowered. O'Connor didn't plead guilty this week and the charge is played in abeyance for two years, Iredale said. "It is fair to say in the last eight to 10 years a multiple amount of tragedies have befallen a person who was a great civic leader -- one of the sweetest, funniest people who ever existed in our city's history," the attorney said. "She suffered from terrible loneliness. She began around 2001 to gamble heavily." "Although it's not fair of us to say there is no moral culpability, Maureen acknowledges doing something she ought not to have done," he added. Photographs of her head after surgery show a fluid-filled cavity without brain matter at all, he said. From 2000 to 2008, O'Connor gambled in Las Vegas, Atlantic City and San Diego casinos, court papers said. In 2008, when she became nearly broke, she began to siphon off funds from the R.P. Foundation and continued the activity into 2009, court documents said. To fund her high-stakes gambling, she had liquidated her savings, sold several real estate holdings, auctioned valuables, and obtained a third mortgage on her home in La Jolla, California, the documents say. O'Connor allegedly bankrupted the foundation and tried to avoid paying federal income taxes on the charity's money by characterizing what she took as "loans," court papers say. "Despite having limited, if any, assets other than the funds misappropriated from the foundation, defendant continued high-stakes gambling," the documents say. By March 2009, O'Connor allegedly had paid off casinos' gambling markers, or lines of credit, but hadn't repaid the foundation, prosecutors said. She then enjoyed a streak of "several large gambling winnings after March 2009 that were used to continue gambling, not bring the foundation out of bankruptcy," court papers say. Prior to 2008, the foundation funded such philanthropies as City of Hope, the Alzheimer's Association, Sharp Healthcare, Little Wishes Foundation, San Diego Hospice and the John Burton Foundation, authorities said. CNN's Jaclyn Wang contributed to this report. | NEW: Former mayor is "a civic treasure" in San Diego who put city on tourist map .
Maureen O'Connor was the first woman mayor of San Diego, serving from 1986 to 1992 .
Her late husband, Robert O. Peterson, founded the Jack in the Box fast-food chain .
She won and lost $1 billion playing video poker at casinos from 2000 to 2009 . |
90,913 | 00ecd381468fd506a2184e9f4521e4cd8787950f | Jakarta, Indonesia (CNN) -- Jakarta governor and former furniture salesman Joko "Jokowi" Widodo won Indonesia's presidential election, officials said Tuesday, setting him up to be the first person who didn't boast a military or elite background to take the office. His challenger rejected the election hours before the result was announced, citing what he said was massive cheating. It wasn't immediately clear what effect his complaint would have. Widodo won 53% of the July 9 vote, the country's election commission said. His challenger, former military man Prabowo Subianto, a onetime son-in-law to the late Indonesian dictator Suharto, received 47%. The charismatic Widodo styled himself a man of the people, and his background appealed to the country's poor. Before entering politics, Widodo worked in his family's furniture business and started his own export company, which he made a huge success. Comparing the candidates: Prabowo and Widodo . In 2005, he was elected mayor of Surakarta and became known for his spontaneous visits to slums, which drew media attention, and unannounced drop-ins at government offices to catch underperforming workers. He rose to become Jakarta governor in 2012, where he piloted new health care and education programs. In the presidential election, he overcame his critics, who said he was Widodo too inexperienced and hadn't finished his work in Jakarta. Several major projects, including a new railway, remain behind schedule. Subianto withdraws . Before official results were announced, Prabowo on Tuesday declared he was rejecting the election process and withdrawing. In a speech aired live, Prabowo cited "massive, structural and systematic cheating during the 2014 election," and said, "we will exercise our constitutional right to reject the presidential election and declare it unconstitutional. "We withdraw ourselves from the process." When told of Prabowo's announcement, Widodo replied: "I am sure Prabowo is a statesman who will put the national interest above everything else." There had been indications that a challenge was likely to be launched from Prabowo, but his allegations are unprecedented, said Douglas Ramage, an analyst from Bower's Asia Group, based in Jakarta. "This is the first time anyone has questioned the legitimacy of the democratic process itself," he said. "Since 1999, no participant in the process has asserted that the process itself has been illegitimate. "We're in uncharted territory here." The election commission said Tuesday that the result would be legally binding if no complaints are filed at the constitutional court within 72 hours. Under Indonesia's election laws, either of the presidential candidates has the right to lodge a legal challenge in the court. Whether Prabowo would do so wasn't immediately clear. Prabowo, the leader of the Great Indonesia Movement (Gerindra) party, had touted his military service and projected the image of a decisive man capable of taking charge. He became part of one of the most influential families when he married Suharto's daughter, Siti Hediyati Hari, in 1983. They have since divorced, but his ex-wife backs his candidacy, even appearing publicly in his campaign events. Hours after the polls closed on voting day, unofficial quick counts, or samples from polling stations, revealed a slight edge for Widodo. Widodo declared victory after seeing results of the unofficial quick vote earlier this month, telling his supporters: "It's not a victory for the party, not a victory for the team but this is a victory for all Indonesian people." Jokowi declares victory . Ramage said that the election process has been transparent as results were posted as they've been counted. "The key thing in the next few hours and the next day will be to see the reaction of the rest of Indonesia's political elite and the heads of the country's democratic institutions" Over the weekend, Prabowo asked the election commission to delay the results, because of what he and his camp claimed were cheating and manipulation across polling stations. He asked the election commission to stop counting the votes until the alleged cheating cases were resolved. But on Monday, the election commissioner, Arif Budiman, denied Prabowo's request to delay the release of the election results. Nearly two weeks have passed since election day, meaning the paper ballots have been counted. Fadli Zon, one of the leaders of Prabowo's Gerindra party, said they would not accept the results and will fight "in a non-violent way." Jokowi eyes Mideast involvement . CNN's Kathy Quiano reported from Jakarta, Indonesia and Madison Park wrote from Hong Kong. CNN's Casey Tolan and Jason Hanna contributed to this report. | Indonesian presidential election results are expected Tuesday .
Candidate Prabowo Subianto rejects election process .
Joko "Jokowi" Widodo declared victory after polls closed on July 9 . |
80,120 | e313d2d2a799abccccf6f9d9322326372738f01c | (CNN) -- Mariah Carey is "fine" a day after an accident during a video shoot in New York on Sunday night, her representative said Monday. "Mariah injured herself while filming a video with Jeezy for the remix of #Beautiful, directed by her husband Nick Cannon," said rep Cindi Berger. "She was taken to hospital late last night, where doctors reset her shoulder. She is fine." She recently released two remixes of "#Beautiful" featuring Miguel. The release of her new album, which was set for July, has been delayed "in order to have more time on it," according to her website. 'Idol' to get makeover with exits of Carey, Nicki Minaj . CNN's Denise Quan contributed to this report. | Doctors reset her dislocated shoulder, her rep says .
Carey was shooting a video directed by her husband Nick Cannon when injured . |
84,214 | eed6ad591c7652f7b76f6a211c333f482d350ee0 | Beautiful women and handsome men dance around a set of London town in their flexible yet stylish Burberry macs, accompanied by guardsmen in bearskins and an angelic boy who just happens to be Romeo Beckham, probably the only famous 12-year-old in Britain. Little expense has been spared in the Burberry Christmas advert. And why not? The brand has unquestionably become Britain’s premier luxury label, its only superbrand. With its designer Christopher Bailey at the helm as CEO, Burberry is London's answer to Chanel. Its fashion shows have become the biggest, starriest event at London fashion week. Even in a weakening market for luxury goods, revenues rose seven per cent in the past six months to more than £1 billion. Scroll down for video . Back in style: Romeo Beckham wears the £315 'icon' cashmere scarf in Burberry’s distinctive camel, black, white and red check . Back in 2002, the design had been dubbed 'chav check' after it was embraced by far from A-list stars like actress Danniella Westbrook . Back in 2009, shares hovered below 600p — now they are around 1,400p. Kate Middleton, Gwyneth Paltrow and Keira Knightley are among the stars who wear Burberry — the deluxe, catwalk Burberry Prorsum line, the rainwear and bags. In the current advert, Romeo Beckham wears the £315 ‘icon’ cashmere scarf in Burberry’s distinctive camel, black, white and red check. Hard to believe that it was only a decade ago that the brand seemed in crisis and that check was less icon, more albatross. Far too widespread for its own good, it had become known as ‘chav check’. Immediately recognisable — and affordable, on items such as a £50 baseball cap — it was accessible luxury that became far too accessible. Worse still, it was easy to copy and spawned an industry of counterfeits. Real or fake, it was on everything from bikinis to bags, favoured by football hooligans and — most spectacularly — worn head to toe (including toddler and buggy) by EastEnders actress Danniella Westbrook in 2002. Following in her footsteps: Romeo is making waves in the fashion world, just like his mother, Victoria . Magic dust: Plenty of it is being sprinkled on Burberry whose shares are on the up . It is hard to remember another single photograph doing a brand so much damage. In the words of social commentator Peter York, author of the Official Sloane Ranger Handbook: ‘It was associated with people who did bad stuff, who went wild on the terraces. Quite a lot of people thought that Burberry would be worn by the person who mugged them.’ Some venues banned anyone wearing it, so entrenched was its association with anti-social behaviour. It had come a very long way from its respectable beginnings . Yet how ironic it is that the brand’s slow limp back to respectability has been matched, step-for-step by the very family whose pint-sized representative is being seen as a symbol of salvation. Not so long ago Romeo’s mother Victoria Beckham, although not viewed with quite as much derision as Danniella Westbrook, was far from being a fashion icon. A WAG and popstar known for her fake tan, fake breasts and fake hair extensions she was the very sort of person Burberry didn’t want to wear its merchandise. Golden touch: It's thanks to Christoper Bailey, centre, that stars like Kate Beckinsale, left, and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley are keen to be seen in Burberry . Now named Britain’s top entrepreneur, with a style that’s more Vogue than football terrace, the choice of her son to front the Burberry Christmas campaign is fitting indeed. The brand was founded by Thomas Burberry, teetotaller and devout Baptist, in 1856. He went on to invent gabardine, the waterproof fabric that revolutionised rainwear. Roald Amundsen went to the South Pole and Ernest Shackleton to Antarctica, in Burberry. Then the War Office commissioned the company to design the ‘trench coat’, worn by officers in World War I. In an early case of celebrity endorsement, Lord Kitchener declared himself a fan and civilians started wearing them after the war. Burberry made aviation-wear and skiwear but remained a quiet London firm until Rose Marie Bravo, an American executive, took over in 1997. She raised its profile, expanded into America, commissioned an advertising campaign starring Kate Moss in 1999 and, most significantly of all, hired Christopher Bailey on the design team in 2001. Approved by style icons: The Duchess of Cambridge, left, and Keira Knightley in Burberry coats . By now it was at the height of its ‘chav’ popularity, most pertinently illustrated by the Danniella Westbrook overload. The brand had become a victim of its own success. In luxury, ubiquity is the death knell; luxury is exclusive or it isn’t luxury at all. The idea of anyone being able to resuscitate that check into anything remotely desirable seemed as likely as Burberry opening a shop on the moon. It was vulgar, vulgar, vulgar. But the firm refused to admit defeat. Steps were taken to stop the rot — the caps went out of production, and the use of check was reduced across the board. In 2004 Bailey was promoted to Creative Director. Burberry was becoming a more serious player. In 2006, a turning point came in the form of another American CEO with an impressive CV, Angela Ahrendts. She arrived and, together with Bailey, performed the remarkable feat of carving out a strategy to move Burberry firmly back off the backs of the undesirables into the ‘hot’ zone, using a combination of design skill, marketing savvy and business sense. Even now, the fashion set are still in awe of how they turned things round. One leading magazine editor told me: ‘It’s very hard to know quite how Bailey does it. He runs a design team, a huge company — most fashion brands are like that — and he edits it all. ‘Like Tom Ford, for whom he worked at Gucci, he knows the importance of being on message and on brand. The shows bang one point home again and again — 70 girls wearing the same thing. It’s about one big idea. Plus, the models are acceptably, immediately appealing, like the music he chooses. Or Romeo Beckham. He’s really good at marketing.’ Star-studded front row: The Burberry show is the must-see event at London Fashion Week . The answer seems to lie in the fusion of design and business strategy. In the bad old days, due to complicated global licensing, different stores in the world sold a whole load of different products, at different prices, adding up to what Ahrendts called ‘just a lot of stuff’. Companies she admired such as Starbucks and Apple (where she is now a senior vice president) offered the same experience in any store. She decided to ‘centralise the design’ under Christopher Bailey, who became Chief Creative Officer in 2009. From then on every single design decision was to be approved by him. This ‘control freak’ philosophy meant that the Willy-Wonka-ish figure of Bailey could prevail in all areas of his fabulous fashion factory. Son of a carpenter and an M&S window dresser, Bailey is a famously polite, softly-spoken Yorkshireman with an iron will and a sharp sense for the vagaries of fashion, in fabrics, hemlines, or mood. After his promotion, every new Burberry shop offered the same stock, at the same price. The store design — mirrors, warm wood, videos — was uniform. He decided to concentrate on the brand’s heritage, or the good bits, anyway. The check was further reduced. Burberry would do what it did best: trench coats. They would also come home. The company moved its fashion shows back to London from Milan in 2009 and became a giant fish in a smaller pond, a move that gave it a clearer identity and more publicity. So far so good. But vitally, there were two more strands to the brand’s resurgence. Digital innovation, and wearability. Models, from left, Jourdan Dunn, Edie Campbell and Cara Delevingne have raised the brand's profile . Bailey has the golden gift of knowing just what will take off on the streets, and spreads the word. It wasn’t just that they were the first brand to live-stream their fashion shows in 2010, or to let customers order from the runway, or to garner followers on social media. It was that they deliberately targeted what Ahrendts called ‘millennials’ — young customers — because they believed their competitors were ignoring them. The youth drive was important because in emerging markets such as China, the age of the luxury goods consumer is much lower than it is in the UK. But it had a happy side-effect. Rather than alienating the older, more traditional customer in the West, it ensured they perceived the brand as edgy and exciting. A Burberry gabardine jacket was worn by George Mallory on his ill-fated attempt on Mount Everest in 1924 . One of the many mysteries of fashion is that you would think an expensive luxury brand, which wants to sell to the highly lucrative 40 and 50-something market, would make sure that it offers clothes that are not too short, or too revealing. Bafflingly, most designer fashion labels miss this obvious fact. But part of Bailey’s brilliance was that while there was always enough edge — sharp leather jackets, buckles, trims, glimmery fabric — his clothes didn’t frighten the horses. Like Karl Lagerfeld’s designs for Chanel, Burberry offered high fashion that almost any middle-class, middle-aged woman could wear. They never neglected the core customer — in London, a busy, affluent 30 to 60-year-old woman or man. Expansion continued apace, more stores opened with well-trained staff; online sold bespoke trench coats in endless varieties; Burberry Beauty was launched. This year, as Ahrendts departed for Apple, Bailey became CEO as well as Chief Creative Officer. His first Christmas advert seems sure-footed and accessible. It a sign of Bailey’s supreme confidence that even the once-dreaded check is back in the game. No wonder Romeo Beckham is dancing. He represents sweet victory after a chequered history. | The brand has unquestionably become Britain's premier luxury label .
Its shows have become the starriest event at London Fashion Week .
Back in 2009, shares hovered below 600p — now they are around 1,400p .
Kate Middleton and Keira Knightley among the stars who wear Burberry .
But only a decade ago, distinctive designs were known as 'chav check' |
75,384 | d5b9be57a94ec72aafd09788e11c6e8a65ec1e80 | (CNN) -- Former "Bachelor" contestant Gia Allemand was hospitalized after suffering "a serious emergency medical event" in New Orleans Monday night, her representative said Tuesday. Allemand, 29, was listed in critical condition at University Hospital, according to a statement given to CNN. The representative said details of the medical emergency "are currently not known." "On behalf of the family, we kindly ask for privacy at this time," the statement said. "Further statements will be released as more information becomes available." Her mother and long-term boyfriend Ryan Anderson, who plays for the NBA's New Orleans Pelicans, are with her, her rep said. Allemand appeared on Season 14 of ABC's reality dating competition "The Bachelor," which aired in 2010, opposite commercial airline pilot Jake Pavelka. While she didn't get the final rose, she went on to compete on the first two seasons of the spinoff show "Bachelor Pad." Allemand's Twitter account describes her as "Christian. Bachelor 14. Bachelor Pad 1 & 2. Pescetarian. Wannabe Poet. Shark Week Enthusiast. Professional Giggler. Pure Barre instructor" from New Orleans. Her biography calls her an actress, model and reality TV contestant. CNN's Jane Caffrey contributed to this report. | Allemand, 29, is in critical condition at New Orleans' University Hospital .
Details of the "serious medical event" are "currently not known," rep says .
She appeared on season 14 of "The Bachelor" opposite Jake Pavelka . |
200,521 | 8f9148274cf4b41f43c34a16ed1dc3249e11b3b0 | MEXICO CITY, Mexico (CNN) -- Mexican authorities have detained the country's former drug czar on suspicion that he may have accepted $450,000 a month in bribes from drug traffickers, Mexico's attorney general said Friday. Noe Ramirez Mandujano was in charge from 2006 through August of fighting organized crime in Mexico. Noe Ramirez Mandujano was in charge from 2006 until this August of the attorney general's office that specializes in combatting organized crime. Ramirez is accused of meeting with members of a drug cartel while he was in office and agreeing to provide information on investigations in exchange for the bribes, Attorney General Eduardo Medina Mora Icaza said at a news conference Friday. The arrest was part of an ongoing investigation called "Operation Limpieza," or "Operation Cleanup," the attorney general said. The operation targets officials who may have passed information to drug cartels. The arrest was announced Thursday night, four days after the house arrest of Ricardo Gutierrez Vargas, the director for International Police Affairs at Mexico's Federal Investigative Agency and the head of Mexico's Interpol office. Authorities say more than 30 officials have been arrested since July in connection with the anti-corruption operation. Interpol, which is based in France, announced Wednesday it is sending a team of investigators to Mexico to investigate the possibility that its communications systems and databases may have been compromised, a prospect raised by the arrest of Gutierrez, the top official working with the agency in Mexico. "A war of master proportions" between authorities and narcotics traffickers and traffickers among themselves has left more than 4,300 dead so far this year, according to the Council on Hemispheric Affairs, an independent research and information organization. By comparison, the council said in a report this week, there were 2,700 drug-related deaths in 2007. "Homegrown drug cartels operating from both within and outside the country are engaging in a vicious turf war to seize control of major trafficking corridors while engaging in almost open warfare against the mobilized forces of the state," the council said about what it calls "narco-fueled crime." Mexican leaders have been trying to tamp down the violence by tightening controls on money-laundering and cracking down on corruption among local and municipal police forces infiltrated by drug traffickers. It may not be enough. "Due to pervasive corruption at the highest levels of the Mexican government, and the almost effortless infiltration of the porous security forces by the cartel, an ultimate victory by the state is far from certain," the Hemispheric Council concludes. Drug trafficking in Mexico is a $20 billion- to $50 billion-a-year industry, as much as the nation earns from tourism or remittances from Mexicans living in the United States, said Robert Pastor, a former National Security adviser to President Jimmy Carter and now a professor of international relations at American University in Washington. He has been studying Latin America for more than four decades. "This is a huge industry with an extraordinary capacity to corrupt and intimidate the country. And they're doing both right now," said Pastor, also a former director of the Carter Center's Latin American and Caribbean Program. The drug cartels are paying some Mexican officials bribes of $150,000 to $450,000 a month, authorities have said. This in a country where the per capita income is $12,500 a year and one of every seven Mexicans lives in poverty, according to the CIA World Factbook. | Noe Ramirez Mandujano arrested, suspected of taking $450,000 a month in bribes .
About 30 officials arrested in massive operation investigating collusion with cartels .
Report: 4,300 dead this year in war between authorities and narcotics traffickers .
Drug cartels pay some officials bribes of $150,000 to $450,000 a month . |
248,056 | ccfb3fbb2b94af5dc917c524534a04b53c1ddf61 | Hong Kong (CNN)Student leaders will meet with Hong Kong government representatives Tuesday, the first time the two sides have met since pro-democracy protesters took to the streets of the city more than three weeks ago. But while the talks present the best chance for a peaceful resolution to the chaotic demonstrations that have convulsed the city and divided its residents, they are unlikely to yield major concessions given that the government and protest leaders remain poles apart. "The start of talks is not an end in itself," said Anson Chan, a former senior government official. "Only the government can break the current impasse. It must show the leadership that has been totally lacking in the past three weeks, by coming to the table with proposals that offer genuine and substantial reform." But this seems unlikely. Beijing unlikely to budge . Hong Kong Chief Executive C.Y. Leung has said repeatedly that he would not step down -- a key demand of protesters. Nor, Leung has said, is Beijing unlikely to budge on its prescription for electoral reform in the city and offer the kind of democracy protesters are seeking. Even the moderator of the talks, Lingnan University President Leonard Cheng, warned not to expect too much: . "I'm not going to speculate at all about whether there will be a resolution," he said on Monday, adding that this would not be the only round of talks. Five representatives from the Hong Kong Federation of Students including Alex Chow, the group's secretary general, and his deputy Lester Shum will meet with Chief Secretary Carrie Lam, Hong Kong's second in command, Justice Secretary Rimsky Yuen and three other senior government officials or advisers. The talks begin at 6 p.m. local time and will be broadcast live from The Hong Kong Academy of Medicine in an event that will likely have the city's seven million residents gripped. Some say they will hold viewing parties and the talks will be live-streamed to crowds on big screens set up in some areas -- including Mong Kok, a busy commercial district that has seen some of the most violent confrontations between demonstrators, police and residents that oppose the protests. Poor can't be trusted? On Monday, Leung offered a controversial defense of Beijing's plan for elections in the financial capital, telling foreign media that an open nomination process would give the city's poorest residents greater influence over the political system. "You have to take care of all the sectors in Hong Kong as much as you can," he said, according to the New York Times. "And if it's entirely a numbers game and numeric representation, then obviously you would be talking to half of the people in Hong Kong who earn less than $1,800 a month. "Then you would end up with that kind of politics and policies." His comments are likely to rankle the protesters and their sympathizers given Hong Kong's yawning wealth gap and a widespread perception that the current system of government is stacked against ordinary citizens. Wiggle room . One possible concession the government could make to immediately defuse tensions would be to re-open Civil Square -- a fenced off courtyard outside central government headquarters that students stormed at the end of September, triggering the unprecedented protests. There is also still some possibility of give-and-take on electoral reform, such as allowing more democrats on the nomination committee or by promising to introduce greater democracy in elections slated in 2022. The framework proposed for the election of the city's next leader in 2017 will allow registered voters to select their leader, although candidates must be approved by a committee that critics say will be stacked with Beijing loyalists and not be representative of Hong Kong. Currently, the chief executive is elected by a specially-appointed 1,200-member election committee. However, even if the talks yield concrete concessions, there is no guarantee that the protesters on the streets will go home. There are several protest groups and it's not always clear who calls the shots or whether Hong Kong's young protesters will listen. "I would want C.Y. to step down and for the government to show that they are sincere," protester Janice Tung told CNN. CNN's Esther Pang, Anjali Tsui, Paula Newton, Pamela Boykoff and CNN Money's Charles Riley contributed to this report. | Student leaders will meet with Hong Kong government representatives on Tuesday evening .
It's the first time the two sides have met since pro-democracy protesters took to the streets .
Talks best chance for peaceful end to protests that have convulsed the city .
However, few expect major concessions. |
81,467 | e6d3bbbbe787faedcfdf2f28d1740bb744df212d | By . Steph Cockroft . It boasts that it has the most 'intriguing' display of wax sculptures - and that's certainly not a false advertisement. But it seems the creations at the Movielands Wax Museum of the Stars might be intriguing for all the wrong reasons. Visitors to the museum in Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada, might find themselves not only trying to work out which waxwork they are looking at, but trying to cast their mind back to the film in which they starred. Scroll down for video . Clever . disguise? Waxwork versions of George Clooney, Julia Roberts and Brad . Pitt, who starred in Ocean's Eleven, Ocean's Twelve and Ocean's Thirteen, . are just some of the models on show at the museum in Ontario, Canada . No, baby, no: The museum features celebrities from the music and film world, including Austin Powers, left, who was huge in the 90s, and an in-demand Miley Cyrus, right - but from her more demure days as Hannah Montana . Recognise these Hollywood stars? Michelle and Barack Obama get a wax makeover at the Movieland Wax Museum of the Stars - even though it features stars from the film and entertainment world . The collection of works bills itself as a walk through 'entertainment history' - but it seems to have largely forgotten about any history past 2000. While many big stars are featured in the display, they are either unrecognisable in their wax forms or are from films which they starred in during the 1990s. The exhibition does feature scenes from classic films, including the likes of Marlon Brando from the Godfather and Clint Eastwood in Unforgiven. But the display also includes an unrecognisable version of heartthrob George Clooney as Danny Ocean in Ocean's Eleven, as well a confusing version of Colin Pharrell in Phone Booth - despite him having starred in several more blockbusters since that film was made in 2002. And those hoping to catch a glimpse of Miley Cyrus might be confused - because she has been mocked up as Hannah Montana, a role she played as youngster on the Disney Channel. The exhibition also features a questionable version of Michelle and Barack Obama - despite it being home to the 'stars' from the 'movie and entertainment world'. Eddie Murphy as Dr Doolittle and onscreen legend Meryl Streep - in no specific role - are arguably two of the more life-like models at the waxwork exhibition . Joke-r? Jack Nicholson as he starred in Batman - in 1989 - pictured left, while Superman is given a spot - but using Christopher Reeve from the 1978 film . Halle Berry and John Travolta are on display at the museum for their parts in Swordfish, made in 2001, while a baffled-looking Tom Hanks is shown in his seminal role as Forrest Gump - one of the biggest films of the nineties . Other odd-looking models include Michael Douglas in Fatal Attraction, Tom Hanks in Forrest Gump and Elijah Woods as Frodo from the Lord of the Rings. And the reviews on TripAdvisor will not have done much to boost the curator's confidence. One review said he and his guests had a great time at the museum - because they could not stop laughing at the adaptation of the famous characters. Another person said it was 'comical' to look at the models, which looked 'nothing' like the real people, while one reviewer described it as 'by far the worst wax museum I've ever visited anywhere in the world'. Who's there? A barely recognisable Colin Farrell is featured from the 2002 film Phone Booth, while Clint Eastwood is given a spot for his role in Unforgiven . The Odd-father: A confused-looking Marlon Brando is one of the . waxworks on display for his role in The Godfather . Elijah Woods as an expressionless Frodo and Ian McKellen as Gandalf from the Lord of the Rings, left, while what appears to be Freddy Krueger is pictured right . Paul Hogan as he starred in Crocodile Dundee is one of the more life-looking characters at the museum - which reviewers have said is a 'laughable' collection of waxworks . A young-looking Michael Douglas and Glenn Close star in a a scene in Fatal Attraction, left, while the King of Rock n' Roll Elvis Presley is given a spot for his 'numerous' TV appearances, right . The Movieland Wax Museum at Niagara Falls, Canada, has received mainly bad reviews on TripAdvisor, with one saying the models looked 'nothing like' their characters . | Models include an unrecognisable George Clooney in Ocean's Eleven and even Michelle and Barack Obama .
The museum in Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada, promises it has the most 'intriguing' display of wax sculptures . |
178,786 | 73778ab5ddf7723639e77071cf92a98d59bc0173 | Every day we're urged to be more and more energy conscious. But it has been revealed that wind farms were paid £8.7 million to switch off last month because there wasn't enough demand for the energy they generated. And the National Grid has been making the 'constraint payments' for years, with £32 million paid in the last year to keep the turbines powered down. According to the Renewable Energy Foundation (REF), the 'largest monthly amount paid for wind farms not to generate (£8.7 million)' was in March of this year. Wind turbines were paid a record amount of money to shut down last month as they generated more electricity than was needed . The turbines were shut down because, during periods of increased electricity generation and low-peak usage, there is not enough demand for energy. There is currently no adequate method to store the large amounts of energy they produce when it's not being used, so the turbines must be turned off. The 'constraint payments' are made to operators of various wind farms to stop them generating the surplus electricity. 'Wind farm constraints are essentially caused by difficulties in exporting excess wind electricity generated in Scotland,' the REF states on their website. 'In March 2014 approximately 12 per cent of the potential wind power output of large Scottish grid connected wind farms had to be constrained off the system, thus incurring costs to the consumer in the form of constraint payments.' But the REF suggests that the wind industry is 'attempting to conceal the scale of this market abuse, by claiming that wind power receives less in constraint payments than conventional generation. 'This is untrue, and fails to convey the significant distinction between payments to conventional generators to start generating, and additional payments to wind power to stop generating.' More tea? The National Grid claims it is necessary to pay operators to turn the turbines off to cope with periods of fluctuating demand . According to the National Grid, however, these payments are required to cope with periods of increased demand. 'Constraint payments are made when there is congestion on the network,' a spokesperson for the National Grid tells MailOnline. 'It's a bit like with motorways, you get jams but you wouldn't necessarily build new motorways to eliminate the jams. 'So using wind constraint payments we're expecting that to work out as more cost-effective than building lots of new pylons and wires. 'Our job is to manage the electricity . system minute by minute. 'We choose whatever generation is the cheapest . to constrain at a given time to keep costs as low as possible. 'Constraint payments can be made for any number of reasons, including . high winds or parts of the grid being out for maintenance or improvement . work.' The amount of constraint payments has increased considerably since March 2013 when they amounted to just £10,000. The National Grid says this due to a number of factors including windier weather over the past year and more wind turbines coming online. But they hope to reduce constraint payments by increasing the capabilities of the network in the next two years. By 2016 they plan to complete the £1 billion Western Link project 'that will have more than double the capacity from Scotland to England from 2.2GW in 2010 to 5.8GW in 2016.' | A record £8.7m was paid to turn wind farms off last month .
This compares to about £10,000 in March 2013 .
The so-called 'constraint payments' were made by the National Grid because too much electricity was being generated .
The Renewable Energy Foundation claims the wind industry is 'attempting to conceal the scale of this market abuse'
But the National Grid say it is a necessary measure to cope with periods of increased demand . |
40,841 | 732e9a0237d011cc3e6c61b385fbe42f1a6b29c1 | A 15-year-old girl whose burned body was discovered in Indianapolis over the weekend was likely abducted, strangled to death and then set on fire by a 'random' attacker, say police. Dominique Allen was last seen sitting on her sister's porch at 4.30am on Sunday. Her burned body was discovered at 12.30pm the same day in the yard of a home three-minutes drive away. Yesterday police discovered her purse and shoes in the back yard of an abandoned home across the street from where her body was found, and officers now believe she was taken there and killed, before the corpse was moved. A coroner has also revealed that Allen was likely strangled to death before being set alight, after an autopsy revealed there was no smoke in her lungs. The burned body of Dominique Allen, 15 (left), was discovered in Indianapolis at the weekend. Police believe she was strangled to death, then set alight. Today, her family gathered at the spot where she was found (right) One of Allen's sisters, Shenika Poindexter, issued a stern warning to whoever was responsible during a news conference Tuesday at the site where the body was found. A small makeshift wooden cross was placed next to scorch marks in the grass, and decorated with flowers and stuffed animals. She said: 'I don't know why you had to do this. Whatever you do, wherever you go, justice is going to be served, in this life or the next. 'I don't care, they will hunt you until you die. ... She did not deserve this, she did not deserve this, she was 15 years old.' Poindexter added that her sister wasn't the type to talk to strangers or get in a car with someone she didn't know. The victim had been staying with another sister, Mareeka Allen, before she vanished. Mareeka Allen said the crime was a 'careless random act,' and a detective investigating the case agreed. 'At this time, we believe it was random,' Indianapolis Metro Police Detective Marcus Kennedy said. Investigators are combing registered sex offenders for possible leads and checking for reported runaways in case there are other victims. Allen was last seen at 4.30am on Sunday before going missing. Her burned body was found at 12.30pm the same day (pictured, Allen's family mourn her death at the scorched spot where she was discovered) Kennedy distributed a photograph of Dominique Allen taken the last night she was alive. In it, she's smiling and wearing the sandals that were discovered Tuesday. Her sisters said Allen, who attended Ben Davis Ninth Grade Center, wanted to be a model and to attend Spelman College in Atlanta. Deputy Mayor Olgen Williams, who lives a few blocks away from where the girl's body was found, comforted the family at the news conference. 'Pretty young lady, she had a future, and this evil person, or persons, destroyed her life,' Williams said in an interview afterward. Allen was last seen on Sunday sitting outside her sister's house after getting into an argument with friends and going outside to cool off. Police then believe a car was used to take her to an abandoned house a block away where she was killed. Officers do not know how many people were involved. Wayne Township school officials brought in counselors at the girl's school to help students and staff cope with Allen's death. | Dominique Allen, 15, taken from outside sister's house in Indianapolis at 4.30am on Sunday .
Burned body found at 12.30pm on the same day in yard of house nearby .
Allen's shoes and purse found inside different abandoned house yesterday .
Police think she was abducted and strangled to death in abandoned house .
Officers believe her body was then dumped and set alight to hide evidence . |
167,589 | 64bd0593ef792598067ac7116489c94c60cca0ee | By . Bianca London . PUBLISHED: . 05:45 EST, 11 July 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 12:35 EST, 14 July 2013 . It has been the society soirée of the season for countless years, and Lady Annabel Goldsmith's summer garden party didn't disappoint this year. 79-year-old Lady Annabel, mother to Zac Goldsmith MP and Jemima Khan, holds her annual party at Ormeley Lodge, the family’s elegant house in Ham, south-west London. Known in London as a society hostess during the 60s and 70s, judging by last night's glamorous party, it seems that nothing has changed. Attendees included the likes of Jemima Jones and Bunter Somerset, The Marquess of Worcester, as well as Prince Michael and Princess Michael of Kent. Tara Palmer-Tomkinson (L) and Jemima Khan (R) attended Lady Annabel Goldsmith's summer garden party, well know as the social event of the summer in the society calender . Lord George and Lady Annabelle Weidenfeld were among the guests, which included royalty and society figures alike . Isabel Goldsmith (L) and Leona Frieda (R) dressed in style for the summer garden party, which was held at Ormeley Lodge, the family's elegant house in Ham, south-west London . Widow of Sir James Goldsmith and mother of Robin, India Jane, Jemima, Zac and Ben, Annabel is also grandmother to ten. An extremely wealthy widow - her fortune is estimated at . around £1.48 billion- she is still a striking woman and it . is easy to see why she was the darling of London's fashionable, . rich, gambling Clermont set in the Sixties, which attracted such . people as Lord Lucan, Lord Lambton, Claus von Bulow and Bobby . Kennedy. Prince Michael and Princess Michael of Kent with their daughter Lady Gabriella Windsor . British historian and biographer Robert Lacey attended with his wife Lady Jayne Raine . Lord Peter and Lady Hyatt Palumbo (L) as well as film producer and actress Trudie Styler (R), who is also the second wife of musician Sting, were at the event . Lady Annabel's MP son Zac Goldsmith greets Henrietta Conrad . She was married for two decades to entrepreneur Mark Birley, the creator of iconic private member's club Annabel's, which she helped make a glamorous success. In 1964, she embarked on a decade-long extramarital affair with the entrepreneur Sir James Goldsmith and gave birth to their daughter Jemima in 1974 and Zac in 1975. Her last child Ben Goldsmith- whose divorce with Kate Goldsmith was one of the most public break-ups in recent memory- was born when she was 46 in 1980. As a descendant and heiress of the . Londonderry family, Lady Annabel's main job has been mothering her six children . whose births span 25 years. She is also an author and founder of the Democracy Movement, a Eurosceptic political advocacy group. Julian and Emma Fellowes (L) and Viscount David Linley (R) attended the garden party . Lady Cosima Vane-Tempest-Stewart and former British government Cabinet minister Jonathan Aitken joined the partygoers . Simon and Annabel Elliot with their daughter Katie Elliot ( R) and Ayesha Shand (L) Ivan Julian Massow, British financial services entrepreneur and Tara Palmer-Tomkinson posed for a photo . Sir David and Lady Carina Frost, and restaurant critic AA Gill and Nicola Formby graced the party . Nicky Haslam meets Nat Rothchiild and his dog Nicky . Mollie Dent-Brocklehurst and her mother Lady Ashcombe arrived at the party . Lady Victoria Getty (L) and Jemima Jones (R) looked glamorous at the event . Nat Rothschild bought his four-legged friend Nicky along to the event . Bill and Biddy Cash were seen leaving the party late, as was Zac Goldsmith (R) Gavin Rankin smoked a cigarette as he left the party in his sports car . Ben Elliott and his wife Mary-Clare were seen chatting to chef Tom Parker-Bowles . Jemima Jones, Ben Goldsmith's girlfriend showed off a glowing tan as she left the party in a taxi . Sir Evelyn de Rothschild and Viscount David Linley (L) as well as Jemima Jones and Bunter Somerset, The Marquess of Worcester were in good spirits as they left the event . | 79-year-old Lady Annabel is mother to Zac Goldsmith and Jemima Khan .
Holds annual party at Ormeley Lodge in Ham, south-west London .
Guests included Tom Parker-Bowles, A A Gill and Trudie Styler . |
186,917 | 7e1123e0bd6abe65e4ab3390eae9d0fa7ff49125 | By . Sarah Michael . and Freya Noble . and Aap . Police have charged a man following a series of explosions that rocked a street in Sydney's inner-west as investigations into the matter continue. The explosions forced the evacuation of local residents on Wentworth Park Road in Glebe and brought peak-hour traffic and the light rail system to a halt on Wednesday evening. Emergency services raced to the scene about 5pm after reports of an explosion and fire at the public housing apartment block. Scroll down for video . Police responded to the scene after a series of explosions rocked a public housing block in Glebe on Wednesday . They are now searching for a 32-year-old male resident of one of the units on Wentworth Park Road . On Thursday morning, police took a 32-year-old man into custody after he was located outside a cafe on Abercrombie Street in Redfern about 9.30am. He was charged with a revocation of parole warrant and possession of a prohibited drug. The man remains in custody and will appear at Central Local Court on Friday. Police said the man had suffered some minor burns to his hands but was otherwise uninjured. Inspector Winston Pisani from Leichhardt Local Area Command told MailOnline: 'He had a number of items that can be used to make explosive devices.' Inspector Pisani said police searched the unit and found multiple gas cylinders and other ordinary household items that could be used to make a bomb. He ruled out the possibility that it was a drug lab. Police investigating whether the apartment was being used as a drug laboratory . Firefighters got the blaze under control and found items of concern that are believed to be linked to the blast . 'We're still investigating but it appears to be a gas explosion,' he said. Inspector Pisani added that police believe he was at the unit by himself at the time of the explosion. On Wednesday night, firefighters got the blaze under control and found items of concern that are believed to be linked to the blast. Bomb squad officers removed gas bottles from the apartment. Witnesses also described seeing a man fleeing the building seconds before the blasts. Dozens of residents were evacuated from nearby homes but were allowed back in about an hour after the blasts. Roads around the apartment block were closed and the light rail system, which crosses Wentworth Park, was shut down for a brief period. Dozens of residents were evacuated from nearby homes but were allowed back in about an hour after the blasts . The explosion rocked Wentworth Park Road in Glebe, forcing residents to evacuate their homes . Sorry we are not currently accepting comments on this article. | A series of explosions rocked a suburban street in Glebe on Wednesday .
Man, 31, was charged on Thursday night over the blasts .
Residents evacuated after the explosions set a public housing block alight .
Police investigating if unit was being used as a homemade bomb factory . |
34,438 | 61e0c7da769c45819731a818c29878858cf29a38 | By . Alex Peake-tomkinson For The Mail On Sunday . Priory House is so large that when I ask its owner, film and television composer Laurie Johnson, how many bedrooms there are, he confesses he doesn’t know. ‘Seven, I think,’ he ventures, which turns out to be correct. Not only is the house, in the North London suburb of Stanmore, huge, it is also extremely old. It was built in about 1530 and has a range of original features, including Tudor fireplaces throughout. And there is also a secret tunnel, which is said to lead to the neighbouring stately home, Bentley Priory. Sprawling: Priory House in Stanmore, North London, owned by film and television composer Laurie Johnson, has been put on the market for £4.6million . Johnson, 87 – who wrote the theme tunes for the television shows The Professionals, This Is Your Life and The Avengers – did much of his composing at the Grade II listed house, where he has lived since 1962. It is on sale for £4.595 million. Included in the grounds is a rose garden that was started by the late author Dame Barbara Cartland. They were great friends and, through his film production company, Laurie made several movies of her novels. When Laurie mentioned how much he liked her rose bushes, Dame Barbara – who lived for 50 years at Camfield Place, the other side of Hertfordshire from Stanmore – decided he must have them, and the bushes were transported to his garden. ‘She was a great professional, first-class,’ Laurie says of her. ‘She was a very good historian. 'She basically was always telling the same story, a love story, but it was the authenticity of the background that mattered.’ Long history: The Grade II listed house has seven bedrooms and has a range of the original features from the Tudor age when it was built . Priory House was built on the foundations of what is believed to have been the original 13th Century priory. As well as the seven bedrooms, one of which has an en suite shower room, the house has two bathrooms, a drawing room, a formal sitting room, separate dining room, family room, library, study and conservatory. The property also includes a former coach house and garage with attached stables. Planning permission has been granted for this area to be converted into a separate three-bedroom home. Laurie wants to sell because ‘my mobility is not great, so we [he and his wife Dot] want to find something more suitable’. But he has no intention of retiring: he is currently planning a film version of The Professionals and is working on new scores. He seems unfazed by the MBE he was awarded this year. All he will say is that ‘it sounds good!’ He is happier, unsurprisingly, talking about his work. ‘Theme tunes are like sneezing – they happen very quickly,’ he says. ‘They are like calling cards so that the audience knows what they are in for.’ Laurie has also written film scores at Priory House, including the one for Dr Strangelove, the Stanley Kubrick-directed 1964 satire starring Peter Sellers. ‘Film scores are a much more detailed, lengthy process,’ he says. ‘You are writing for specific scenes and developments in stories and you have to play on the subconscious of the audience. That’s the purpose of a film score.’ Hot shots: Mr Johnson, who has lived in the house since the 1960s, wrote theme tunes for The Professionals, pictured, This Is Your Life and The Avengers at the house . He says that while he does discuss each of his scores with the film’s director, ‘you have to come to your own conclusions of how to interpret the film musically’. He explains how the writing process works: ‘You see the whole film and then you identify where the music is going to play’ – and adds that great film-makers set themselves apart because they ‘realise you have to combine all the senses’. ‘Fifty per cent of film-making is down to the soundtrack,’ he says. He recalls Stanley Kubrick asking him what he thought of Dr Strangelove when he saw it. Laurie told him: ‘If you want the audience to feel as if they have been punched in the stomach, you’ve done it!’ Kubrick replied: ‘That’s exactly what I want!’ Lee Martin, director at estate agents Preston Bennett, says: ‘Priory House is the epitome of tranquillity and offers the ultimate in security and peace of mind. 'Perfectly designed to offer respite, this home boasts truly exceptional grounds and private access to Bentley Priory Nature Reserve. ‘With its enchanting grounds, which extend to 3.3 acres, it’s no surprise that one feels as if they are miles out in the countryside instead of in the heart of suburbia.’ Preston Bennett (020 8954 0060, email [email protected]) | Laurie Johnson, 87, wrote themes for The Professionals and The Avengers .
He is now selling home where he wrote them, Priory House in London .
Grade II listed, seven-bedroom property on the market for £4.595million . |
100,454 | 0d6ba1d04d1b4144da62b183f5edf5939379b209 | By . Aaron Sharp . PUBLISHED: . 08:11 EST, 16 October 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 09:10 EST, 16 October 2013 . Almost half a million Iraqis have died as a result of the conflict in their country, shock new figures have revealed. According to a study of the war-torn nation, an estimated 461,000 natives have been killed between March 2003 and June 2011 as a direct or indirect result of the fighting. The research, published in the PLOS Medicine journal, concludes with grave warning that the war in Iraq is 'far from over' and continues to claim lives at an 'alarming rate'. Traumatic memories: Householders in Iraq were asked to recall how many family members they had lost and how their loved ones died. In this picture, from 2006, an Iraqi 13 year-old-boy's coffin is carried by relatives . Shocking: The figures were edited with a note from researchers who said that the war in Iraq was 'far from over'. In this picture, from 2006, men mourn over the coffin of a victim of bombings in the holy city of Najaf . Most of the fatalities in the grim total are attributable to violence, the study said. But around a third were the result of indirect war-related events such as failures in health care systems and collapses in the crucial supply of networks and sanitation. Gunshots were the cause of 62 per cent of violent deaths, with car bombs and other explosions accounting for 12 per cent and 9 per cent, respectively. Heart conditions are the leading cause of non-violent deaths in the country. The figures were drawn up by a team of researchers from Iraq and the US, led by Amy Hagopian, of the University of Washington, after a survey of 2,000 households in Iraq between May and July 2011. Every household head was asked about births and deaths since 2001 and all household adults were also asked about mortality among their siblings. Leaders: Tony Blair, (left), former Prime Minister and former USA President George Bush sanctioned the Iraq invasion to bring down Saddam Hussein's regime . The study calculated that there was a more than 50 per cent higher crude death rate in the period between March 1, 2003 and June 30, 2011 than in the 26-months which preceded the war. The researchers that say that is a total in 405,000 'excess' which can be attributed to conflict. A further 56,000 deaths were missed, the study estimated, as a result of migration out of the country. British troops joined the US invasion of Iraq to overthrow Saddam Hussein in March 2003. The British forces lost 179 servicemen and women in the conflict whereas the American's death toll reached 4,448 during their eight year operation. Combat operations by UK troops ended in 2009 with the US ending combat operations the following year. The editors' summary of the report said the Iraqi death toll figures represented the most up-to-date estimates available from the middle eastern nation. But it said the estimates could still be associated with 'substantial difficulties' because there was such a small representative sample of households. Researchers also had to draw numbers based on recollections from respondents of incidents which could have happened up to a decade earlier. Military deaths: Two-thirds of the death toll were military related. Here, US soldiers remove the body of a victim after a suicide bomber attack in Ramadi in 2006 . Cost of war: The report concluded that there has been 405,000 'excess' deaths as a result of the war, meaning that is the number of people who may have lived had the conflict never happened . The researchers also had to rely on outdated census figures for their overall population figures. In a summary, the report said that they were 95 per cent sure that the actual death toll lies between 48,000 and 751,000.' I continued: 'More than two years past the end of the period covered in this study, the conflict in Iraq is far from over and continues to cost lives at alarming rates.; . The estimate is the first to be issued since 2006. Then, claims that 655,000 Iraqis had died as a result of the conflict were described as 'nowhere near accurate' by the then Labour Government. US researchers came up with that figure based on interviews with more than 1,800 households. | Study claims to show true, shocking cost of the conflict in Iraqi deaths .
Researchers surveyed 2,000 households to make their casualty estimate .
Editors of the study issue chilling warning that war is 'far from over' |
21,699 | 3dabd3fe1c10ca5876a792d2bcf7fec40d1d5db1 | Hong Kong (CNN) -- When American pop artist Andy Warhol visited Beijing in 1982 and was told there wasn't a McDonald's, he replied: "Oh, but they will." Twenty-six years after his death, Warhol, whose much-lauded prescience extended across visual and consumer culture, has popped up in China once again -- and he was right about the fast-food chain. "Andy Warhol: 15 Minutes Eternal," the first major retrospective of his work in China, recently arrived in Shanghai with the aim of acquainting the Chinese public with the artist who created some of the most famous paintings of the most iconic figure in the country's history. Warhol goes to China . While Warhol's trip to Beijing was his first and only visit to mainland China, his engagement with the country started a decade earlier, inspired by former U.S. president Richard Nixon's rapprochement with the communist power in 1972. Ripping from the headlines, Warhol adopted Chairman Mao as his subject, applying his signature pop aesthetic to China's paramount leader. His series of portraits went on to become some of his most well-known works. "Mao was front-page news in America and that was often where Warhol got his biggest inspiration," said Eric Shiner, director of Pittsburgh's Andy Warhol Museum, which organized the exhibition. He described Mao as "classic Warhol subject matter." Warhol relied on a copy of Mao's portrait photograph in the leader's Little Red Book of ideological quotations to create his paintings. Little did he know that he would eventually pose for a photo in front of the original portrait hanging in Beijing's Tiananmen Square. His trip to Beijing was an unexpected byproduct of a visit to Hong Kong. The industrialist Alfred Siu had invited him to the city to attend the opening of a night club, decorated with portraits of Britain's Prince Charles and Princess Diana that he had commissioned from the artist. Upon Warhol's arrival, Siu announced he had arranged a VIP tour to Beijing for him and his friends. Artistic inspiration aside, China also provided Warhol with a respite from the pressures of fame. "It was one of the special places," said Christopher Makos, the artist's close friend and personal photographer, who accompanied him to China. He recalled that Warhol went virtually unrecognized in China, although the artist stood out for his unusual looks. "As Andy would say, he didn't have to wear his Andy suit. Notoriety and fame is a double-edged sword....you have no privacy." China's communist uniformity, with its blue sea of unisex Mao suits, appealed to Warhol's aesthetic obsession with repetition. "He was all about multiples...and at the time, China was the ultimate multiple," Makos said. The country also provided a source of inspiration for Warhol's nascent modeling career. Warhol posed for Makos' camera with gestures he adopted from the tai chi practitioners he observed outdoors -- and even adopted the bared-teeth expression of the guardian lion in the Forbidden City in one photo. Can Warhol make a name in China? While Warhol is well-known within art and fashion circles in China (Shiner said 600 of these cultural elite attended the exhibition's pre-opening), he remains unknown to the average Chinese citizen. Many Chinese are familiar with certain Warhol works, such as the Marilyn Monroe or the Chairman Mao portraits, reproductions of which dot cafes and tourist markets across Beijing. But they are much less likely to connect the work with the artist -- or to even have heard of the artist himself. "If you don't know who Andy Warhol is, I won't blame you. But if you say you've never seen his Marilyn Monroe portrait, I would have to jump into the Huangpu river and kill myself!" wrote user @Jianisi_yangyang on Sina Weibo. A search on China's popular Twitter-like platform revealed many posts by users expressing ignorance of whom Warhol was or why he is famous. Having recently launched a "massive" advertising campaign and sat for dozens of interviews with mainland media outlets, Shiner is hoping to reach the masses. "One of the reasons why I wanted to do this show is so the general public can learn about the artist behind these iconic works and realize (Mao and Marilyn Monroe) are just a few of thousands of images he made," he said. So far, it appears that this education is welcome -- and necessary. "For the first time, I learned the charm of pop art," Weibo user @Yanmingdu wrote about the exhibition, while user @GracieMankedun posted, "Just saw Andy Warhol's exhibition and I got a little confused. For example, I didn't understand the Campbell's soup cans." "The curiosity is greater than the awareness," said John Good, international director for post-war and contemporary art at Christie's, which is holding its second private sale of Warhol's work in Hong Kong this week. "We've seen a great deal of interest and curiosity (among Chinese) about Western art and international culture. I think Warhol is a perfect artist...to show what Western culture is all about." Christie's first private Warhol sale in Hong Kong last November attracted a mostly Asian demographic and managed to sell nearly half of its lots, Good said. Censoring Mao in China . However, visitors to the "15 Minutes External" exhibitions in mainland China will not see any Chairman Mao portraits. While Shiner was planning the exhibition with the host venue -- the Shanghai Power Station of Art -- its staff advised that exhibiting the Mao works wasn't a "good idea right now." A staff member told CNN that government authorities would have considered the works "too political." "Of course, the primary concern is to get the show there and up and not put anything in a category that would ever question anything," Shiner said. "Knowing that we would have the censors from the Ministry of Culture, we wanted to make sure... that nothing would put the show in jeopardy." An editorial in the state-backed Global Times newspaper suggested that while Warhol may not have had ill intent, the "provocative" blotches of color splattered on Mao's face suggested that he was wearing make-up -- a disrespectful portrayal of the iconic leader. While Shiner acknowledged the Mao portraits "could be read as a sarcastic or ironic portrayal", he said Warhol "definitely wasn't being critical. He always liked to blur the lines on gender, and making colorful men somewhat beautiful was something that he liked to do as an inside joke," he added. Once the Chinese public gains a deeper understanding of Warhol's work, he expects that the Mao works "won't be as big a deal." Influence on Chinese contemporary art . Warhol's influence on Chinese contemporary art can actually be traced back to 1981, when many contemporary artists, labeled as dissidents, fled the country, Shiner said. While most of them went to Paris and Berlin, two artists "very specifically went to New York because they wanted quite literally to be part of Andy's universe" -- Ai Weiwei and Xu Bing. Both artists have gone on to become some of the most recognized and celebrated names in Chinese contemporary art, and some would go as far as calling Ai Weiwei "China's Andy Warhol." "Ai Weiwei loves the idea of multiples," Makos pointed out, noting Ai's most famous installations, including the 9,000 backpacks representing the schoolchildren killed in the 2008 Sichuan earthquake, and the millions of porcelain sunflower seeds he poured into the Turbine Hall of London's Tate Modern museum. Shiner readily concurred: "He's really gone on to model his entire art-making process and career on proven Warhol tactics, looking at repetition, multiplication, and critique of consumer culture. When you look at his Coca-Cola works, that's directly related to Warhol and it's really amazing how many things he picked up from Andy." Ai's similarity to Warhol also lies in his social activism, which aims to change Chinese society through art, he added. As for Xu Bing, viewers may not immediately see Warhol in his work, Shiner said, but he described the artist as a "huge fan of Warhol" who "loves the idea of repetition -- the formal arrangement of Chinese character after Chinese character, an endless array of similar looking imagery." Unfortunately, neither artist became acquainted in person with their muse, despite moving to New York for him. Ai once spotted Warhol at a party, but did not approach him, Shiner revealed. "As a young man, he was too shy to actually go and say hello," he said, recalling that Ai told him his English wasn't good enough at the time. Ai and Xu aside, the Warhol aesthetic and vocabulary has deeply influenced Chinese contemporary artists over the past 10-15 years, with its characteristic combinations of social realist imagery with pop culture and iconic brands. The Shanghai exhibition will run to July 28 and make its way to Beijing later this year. Meanwhile, Makos will also hold an exhibition of his photographs of Warhol next month in Shanghai, including images from their 1982 trip to China. "His work lives on. Maybe (the Chinese) don't know him, but they know his work," Makos said, predicting that Warhol "will get bigger and bigger in China." "Andy was the ultimate pop artist. To this day you can still find Campbell soup on the shelf in the grocery store and you can see multiples of them," Makos said. "As long as that imagery is live and well, Warhol will have this built-in publicity." CNN's Feng Ke contributed to this report. | First major retrospective of pop artist Andy Warhol's work exhibiting in China .
Warhol made first and only trip to China in 1982, which provided artistic inspiration .
While iconic works are well-recognized in China, few people connect them with Warhol .
Warhol influenced Chinese contemporary artists, most notably Ai Weiwei and Xu Bing . |
280,118 | f6e6233c46598855a965b29d2689251a61668197 | WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Creating and saving jobs while boosting investment in the future are among the top goals of the Obama administration's $787 billion economic stimulus plan. President Obama chats with students at a Silver Spring, Maryland, elementary school this week. And according to a preliminary report on stimulus funding for schools by the Department of Education and the Domestic Policy Council, the stimulus plan has created jobs. State governments have created and saved at least 250,000 education jobs -- and restored nearly all their projected education budget shortfalls for fiscal years 2009 and 2010 -- according to preliminary findings released Monday by the White House. But some states that used the funds to fill existing budget gaps could face a crisis when the money runs out after 2010. And the Department of Education has chastised certain states for their stimulus funding programs and warned them that they risk their chances at getting other DOE grants down the road. The stimulus funds appropriated $48.6 billion for the State Fiscal Stabilization Fund to help keep and create jobs and advance education reforms over a period of two years, the report said. The program dedicates $39.8 billion for public elementary, secondary and higher education and other services. Another $8.8 billion will go for other activities such as public safety or government services. "To date, $35.5 billion of the SFSF allotment has been obligated and $13.2 [billion] is forthcoming," the report added. In a recent memo, the Department of Education's inspector general's office warned Connecticut, Massachusetts and Pennsylvania about not following the rules. At issue is the government's "maintenance of effort" provision, which makes states receiving stimulus funds promise to maintain funding at fiscal year 2006 levels. The provision also requires states to pledge to use these funds to advance certain education reforms: increasing teacher effectiveness, implementing statewide data systems, and providing support for struggling schools. The September 30 memo pointed out states are using K-12 stimulus funds to fill gaps in their education budgets due to decreasing revenues and resources. Pennsylvania's actions led to a terse letter on June 18 from Education Secretary Arne Duncan to Gov. Ed Rendell. The letter said: "If a State has disproportionately reduced its education budget and/or if a State has done nothing more than backfill budget holes with these dollars when the State had other resources available to it, such as a rainy-day fund, the State's competitive position to receive ... competitive grants may be negatively impacted." Those states employing the practice, some argue, will face dire straits in fiscal year 2011 when the stimulus funding runs out. "States and districts were repeatedly warned about funding [problems]," said Chad Aldeman, a policy analyst with the nonpartisan think tank Education Sector. But Aldeman notes that there may have been a lack of communication between states and the federal government over how to spend the money. "They [states] were told to focus on one-time investments as much as possible," he said. "At the same time, the Department of Education sold this as a job and reform package. ... They say on one hand, preserve and create jobs. On the other hand, they talk about education reform." The Obama administration argues the early results from Monday's report show the money already is having an effect. "This is one more indication of how the Recovery Act is helping soften the blow of tough times, by keeping educators on the job and teachers in the classroom," Vice President Joe Biden said in a statement. But there has been criticism over the way the government is handling and tracking the Recovery Act. "If these issues and the stimulus money being made available ... are not handled carefully, conflict and even paralysis are likely to ensue," said Pedro A. Noguera, a professor at New York University and director of the Metropolitan Center for Urban Education, in a recent CNN.com commentary. "The president may even inadvertently alienate an important core constituency that he will surely need in the years ahead -- public school teachers." Aldeman points out that some of the accountability problems seen with the Recovery Act likely occurred during the time the federal government was doling out money to states. "The states were cutting employees that were designed to draft federal grants and to track and follow money as it flowed through [at the same time the federal government was giving out stimulus funds]. ... They were cutting monitors and accountants that would have been able to follow this better," he said. Despite some of the accountability and tracking problems, Duncan said early feedback from states "also tells us that many districts are using stimulus dollars in ways that will move us beyond the status quo." And Duncan's concept can be seen in school programs cited in Monday's report. Jim McIntyre, superintendent of the Knox County, Tennessee, schools, said the stimulus funding is not only helping to create jobs in the short term but also investing in the future after the funding is gone. "Our philosophy has really been around making some investments in the short term to build our capacity so that those investments will continue to pay off in the long term around student achievement and learning, long after the dollars are gone," he said. McIntyre's school district was cited in the stimulus report as a success story for facilitating greater inclusion of students with disabilities into the regular educational setting. The funds, according to the report, helped the district to add special education instructors in its middle and high schools, "while supporting needed training for teachers and aides who work with special education students." Tennessee, McIntyre said, has been supportive in helping his school district plan and obtain stimulus money to "really invest in our people and hopefully invest in our kids for the long term." The Department of Education report offered other examples that it said showed funding is working, such as: . "In several communities these dollars are being used to enhance information systems to help measure progress by both teachers and students in meeting educational standards," the report added. CNNMoney.com's David Goldman contributed to this report. | American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 signed in February .
Preliminary report finds stimulus plan saved 250,000 education jobs .
States have restored nearly all education budget shortfalls for 2009-10, report says .
Some states in trouble with feds for using money to fill gaps, not on required goals . |
142,845 | 44bca8801ac7e66c7539550ea31fb95c430563ca | By . Ruth Styles . PUBLISHED: . 10:50 EST, 21 January 2014 . | . UPDATED: . 11:18 EST, 21 January 2014 . He's spent most of the last seven years in prison, has been arrested more than 20 times and missed seeing his children grow up.Why? Because 'Naked Rambler' Stephen Gough simply won't keep his clothes on in public. Now Mr Gough, 55, from Hampshire, is to appear in a new documentary in which he attempts to explain the reasoning behind the nudity that has left him a stranger to his teenage son and daughter. Although imprisoned earlier this month, this time for close to two years, the former marine claims that his love of baring all is - despite the repeated spells in jail - all about freedom. Defiant: Stephen Gough, aka the Naked Rambler, says he has no plans to stop walking while in the buff . Long suffering: Alison Ward, Mr Gough's former wife, finds his behaviour hard to understand . 'I like wearing clothes but the thing . about clothes is that I want to be able to wear what I want to wear,' he explains in a scene from the BBC One film. 'I . get up in the morning and I want to put on what I want... Some people, . like naturists and that, nudists, they heat up their house especially so . they can go naked and I think that's nuts. I stand for freedom.' One person who's far from convinced by his claims is his former wife Alison Ward, who says she's baffled by his insistence on going naked. 'It is extraordinary, really,' she says. 'I don't . think the legal system can believe that someone, given the choice of "put . your clothes on and you're a free man" or "you don't and we'll lock you . up in solitary confinement", would choose "oh, solitary confinement for . me please". 'I don't think anyone saw that coming.' Since his nude rambling career began with a walk from Land's End to John O'Groats in 2004, Mr Gough has been arrested countless times and has spent years in prison. Although appearing nude in public isn't technically a crime, if someone complains, it can be considered a breach of the peace or more seriously, an outrage to public decency. Mr Gough's most recent conviction, for breaching an ASBO that banned him from being naked in public places, resulted in a 16-month sentence. Recorder John Williams, who presided over the court, told him: 'I’m afraid there is going to be a revolving door in and out of prison, . because you are intent on flouting these orders and there is absolutely . no way you are going to comply with them.’ Chilly: During the new film, Mr Gough is seen walking in the rain, the snow and in temperatures of -1 while nude . Under arrest: Mr Gough photographed during one of his many arrests. There have now been more than 20 . Home: After walking back from Scotland last year, Mr Gough was in trouble within days of arriving . It's an attitude that has left his 86-year-old mother Nora baffled. 'I don't understand why he's doing it,' she sighs. 'I . never have understood it. I know it's something to . do with freedom but he's not free, is he? Stuck in jail for six . years... That's not free! 'It seems that's a useless way of living your . life to me.' Gough, however, believes that his mission to share his insight about the freedom nudity brings is important and claims that his naked rambling is of genuine help to people. 'I help them to confront their . false beliefs about who they are,' he explains. They need someone like me to come along and . challenge them. 'We consider ourselves a democratic and free society but how far does that go? There's a bigger thing at stake.' He pauses and adds: 'I'm not sure what it . is but... ' before trailing off. Once again, it seems that not every member of the public is happy to embrace his views. During one scene in the new film, he's seen blithely wandering past a school as the children leave - much to the outrage of the parents. In another, he's heckled by an irate passer-by in Scotland, who tells him: 'You're a disgrace! A real disgrace! He adds: 'That . does not do any good in this day and age for this country. What point . is he trying to prove? He's not proving anything to anyone apart from . that he's an idiot.' Despite the brickbats and the ever-growing amount of time spent at Her Majesty's pleasure, Gough remains committed to his unusual mission, despite the impact it has had on his family. 'That's just how life's turned out,' he muses. 'I don't . regret it, even though it means I've been separated from my children. 'Sometimes, you've got to follow your passions in life even when that . means you can't be with your children or people you love.' You can only hope that his children agree. The Naked Rambler, tonight at 10.35pm on BBC One . | Stephen Gough, 55, is better known as the 'Naked Rambler'
Mr Gough is currently in prison for breaching his no-nudity ASBO .
He appears in new BBC documentary to explain his motivation .
Says he has no regrets, despite repeated spells in prison .
Nudity not technically illegal but can be a breach of the peace . |
187,260 | 7e84476350f7ea02742223241146a1a303ea3750 | VANCOUVER, British Columbia (CNN) -- When Canadian cocaine smuggler Charles Lai was being sentenced in a Seattle federal courtroom last month, the judge sending him to prison for 13 years offered a small item of good news. A suspected gang member in Vancouver is taken out of a bar in handcuffs. At least behind bars, Judge James Robart said, drug smuggler Lai would not become another fatality in Vancouver's gang wars. Authorities in Vancouver, just 30 miles from the border, are struggling to deal with the boom in the drug trade between the United States and Canada, along with the violence that has come with it. Cocaine from Mexico -- and many of the guns that fuel the violence -- come north via the United States. Canadian smugglers then bring south high-quality marijuana known as "BC Bud" and synthetic drugs like methamphetamine. A recent U.N. drug report named Canada as the "primary" supplier of Ecstasy to the United States. The gang killings are blamed in part over who will control which areas of this estimated $6 billion-a-year narcotics trade. Beyond the string of slayings and shootings that have taken place over the last two years are the new modes in which the violence is carried out. "It's the type of murders, the more brazen public shootings, the shootings in front of the grocery store with automatic weapons," said superintendent Pat Fogarty of the Royal Mounted Police, who oversees a special multi-jurisdictional unit that is taking on the gangs and larger criminal organizations behind them. "It's common now for gangsters to carry body armor and wear it, to have bulletproof cars," Fogarty said. "What that does is when one gang is shooting up another gang, their .40-calibers aren't able to pierce the body armor of the vehicle or the body armor of the vests. So what we've seen is an elevation in firepower, which is a scary process." Watch how authorities are fighting the gangs » . Some of the incidents have already become legend: the car radio repairman killed while fixing a gangster's stereo, thugs shooting up the parking garage of a mall with machine guns, the postal worker refusing to deliver mail to a street where a family with well-known gang ties live. The gangs -- police estimate there at least 120 different groups operating in Vancouver and the surrounding area -- have names like the UN, the Red Scorpions, the Big Circle Boys and the Independent Soldiers. They are mostly homegrown operations or recruits from immigrant communities. Some gang members come from middle-class families and join up expecting the Hollywood version of criminal life. "These guys act like rock stars," said Sgt. Kieron McConnell of the British Columbia Integrated Gang Task Force. It's McConnell's job to remove what he calls "the mystique of being a gangster." A 20-year police veteran with a looming frame and completely bald head, McConnell and the officers who patrol with him act as a buzzkill to many gang members' night on the town. The Gang Task Force slowly winds through bars and clubs known for their gangster clientele. Until closing time, the police check for identification and run names. Through an agreement with most of the bars in the city, when police find anyone with a history of violence or drug peddling, they can bounce them from the establishment -- no questions asked. The police's goal is not to harass the gang members, they say, but to remove a potential target from an area full of bystanders. "We are encouraging them not to bring violence with them to where they socialize," McConnell said. Chris Mohan's son did not need to go far, however, to become an innocent victim of the gangs. The violence literally came to his doorstep. In October 2007, Mohan, 22 years old, was walking out of the apartment where he lived with his parents when gang hit men came to murder a neighbor police believe was involved in the drug trade. Mohan was one of six people killed in the shooting. "They killed Chris, but I got a life sentence," Mohan's mother, Eileen Mohan, said of having to live without her son. Despite what they took from her, Eileen Mohan does not show any fear of the gangs. She has become an advocate for tougher sentencing of violent criminals, attends the hearings for the men accused of her son's killing and still lives in the apartment where he died. Her mission now is to hurt gangsters. "They touched my life illegally, I want to touch theirs legally," she said. Even though police say they are taking the fight to the gangs like never before, it remains to be seen if authorities can totally dismantle Vancouver's gangs and the larger criminal organization behind them. Watch how border agents look for smuggled drugs » . Police say they need legislation passed that would enable them to monitor encrypted cell phone conversations and for the legal system to pass down stiffer sentences on gangsters. Tougher sentences may explain why more Canadian drug traffickers like Charles Lai face a courtroom in America, not Canada. Even though Canadian authorities say they are capable of trying their own criminals, crime experts say police are sometimes all too happy if smugglers are captured in the United States, where they face a less bureaucratic justice system and longer stretches in jail. "In these regional operations, the tendency has been for the offenders to be arrested, charged and processed in the United States, not Canada," said Robert Gordon, director of the School of Criminology at the Simon Fraser University in British Columbia. "That's an indictment of how we are handling this." | Thirty miles from U.S. border, authorities in Vancouver confronting gang warfare .
Violence the result of turf wars over increased narcotics trade .
Innocent bystanders have fallen victim to gangsters' heavy firepower .
Drug dealers sometimes tried in the U.S., where sentencing is stiffer . |
106,117 | 14da6b21bc662389566c97922e01961556182c77 | Follow all the movers and shakers here . Swansea have completed the signing of Gambian striker Modou Barrow for £1.5million. The 21-year-old arrives from Swedish club Ostersunds FK on a performance-related contract and will now link up with the club's under-21 squad. Barrow, who scored 10 goals in 19 appearances for Ostersunds last season, will hope to progress to Garry Monk's senior squad after settling in at the Liberty Stadium. New boy: Gambian striker Modou Barrow (above) has signed for Swansea . 'I'm delighted to be here,' said Barrow, who becomes the third Swansea Under-21 squad recruit in a week following the signings of striker James Demetriou from Nottingham Forest and midfielder Giancarlo Gallifuoco, who was previously at Tottenham. 'I now can't wait to get going and improve each day in training and try to score some goals. 'I like the way Swansea play football, it reminds me of how I used to play back home. I've watched a lot of their games on TV and I was impressed with what I saw. 'They like to give young players a chance and hopefully I can progress here.' Youngster: Barrow will join up with Swansea's Under-21 squad as his looks to impress . | Swansea City sign Gambian striker Modou Barrow .
Barrow joins Swans for an undisclosed fee from Ostersunds FK .
Barrow will join Swansea's Under-21 squad . |
46,483 | 82f584c186df569d448bfde09e9d7f1ce4697d7e | (CNN) -- Operators of the crippled Fukushima nuclear plant in Japan have started the dangerous task of removing fuel rods from a damaged reactor, the Tokyo Electric Power Co. (TEPCO) said Monday. The procedure is considered a milestone in the estimated $50 billion cleanup operation more than two years after a massive earthquake and tsunami brought disaster to the facility. When the tsunami swamped the plant, located 149 miles (240 kilometers) north of Tokyo on Japan's eastern seaboard in March 2011, it cut the power to vital cooling systems for the three reactors in use at the time. This resulted in the second-worst nuclear accident in history -- after Chernobyl in the former Soviet Union in 1986 -- as the reactors melted down and leaked radioactive material into the atmosphere. On Monday, TEPCO revealed "preparatory work" was underway, with a remote-controlled crane lowered inside Reactor 4. Some 1,500 spent fuel units will then be lifted from the cooling pool in specially-designed containers, or casks, and closed with a lid. Following decontamination, these casks will be taken down to ground level and transported to the common spent fuel pool on a trailer. The entire removal of all fuel inside the Unit 4 spent fuel pool is expected to take until the end of 2014, TEPCO says. 'Stopgap approach' The Fukushima cleanup has been beset by numerous problems, with TEPCO frequently criticized for its handling of the disaster. Earlier this year, Japan's Trade and Industry Minister, Toshimitsu Motegi, compared its "stopgap approach" to a game of "Whack-a-mole." The government has since stepped in and pledged $470 million to try to tackle the leaks, through measures, which by its own admission are unconventional and untested. TEPCO has been pumping huge volumes of water into the plant -- hundreds of tons daily -- to cool the crippled reactors that once powered the plant. But this water, which becomes highly radioactive once it comes into contact with the plant's fuel rods, has been stored in makeshift, hastily-built storage tanks around the site -- about 1,000 so far -- containing enough irradiated water to fill about 160 Olympic-sized swimming pools, with about 400 tons added to the tanks daily. Ongoing leaks . Scientists who monitor radiation levels offshore have pointed to evidence of an ongoing leak for more than a year, but it was only recently that TEPCO admitted it was occurring. Last month, TEPCO said one of the storage tanks at the site had leaked 300 tons of toxic water, prompting Japan's nuclear regulator to declare the situation a Level 3 serious incident, its most serious assessment since the 2011 meltdown. It has since stated that several tanks and pipes at the plant are suspected of leaking toxic water. Michael Friedlander, a nuclear engineer and former U.S. power plant operator, told CNN in September that the eventual failure of the tanks years after they were deployed on a supposedly temporary, emergency basis is illustrative of TEPCO's ad hoc, unsustainable response to the disaster. "Given the cards they were dealt, building a tank farm to hold the water in the heat of the emergency, there was really there only one option, so I don't fault them for that," he said. But beyond the emergency response, TEPCO had demonstrated no long-term vision for dealing with the problem, he said. Fukushima's nuclear power mess: Five big questions . Journey to the heart of Fukushima's crippled plant . CNN's Junko Ogura in Tokyo contributed to this report. | Operators begin procedure to remove spent fuel from crippled Fukushima nuclear plant .
TEPCO will begin taking out 1,500 spent fuel units from Reactor 4 for storage .
Plant damaged by the earthquake and tsunami that struck Japan in March 2011 .
Cleanup beset by numerous problems, including the leak of 300 tons of radioactive water . |
200,253 | 8f3cff179f5180de2552429935c632e076a46ce7 | By . Louise Boyle . PUBLISHED: . 10:53 EST, 4 December 2012 . | . UPDATED: . 11:24 EST, 4 December 2012 . Confessions: Brigham City mayor Dennis Fife . A married small-town mayor and former Mormon bishop in Utah has been forced to admit he had an affair in an extraordinary open letter. Brigham City mayor Dennis Fife confessed to having an illicit relationship with a woman he once counseled during his time as a bishop with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Fife said in a short letter released on Monday that the relationship began after he was released from his bishop duties. He asks for forgiveness and says he's seeking repentance. He told the city council about his . affair during a closed meeting last week and sent out the statement to . address rumors swirling in the community. Some council members reportedly wanted the mayor to resign, according to the Salt Lake Tribune. Councilwoman Ruth Jensen told the newspaper: 'Even with this confession, people might forgive, but they won’t forget. 'As a leader of our town, I don’t see how he can get over it.' The woman's identity has not been released. Mr Fife said that the affair ended several months ago. Fife was elected Mayor of Brigham, 60 miles north of Salt Lake City, in November 2009. He ends his term in office in December 2013. The air force veteran and former chemistry professor has been married to his wife Metta for 40 years and has six children and 18 grandchildren. As part of a personal statement on the mayor's website, Mr Fife writes: 'I believe in an open door policy and in keeping the residents of Brigham City informed. 'There are many challenges that are before us and I hope that the citizens will be involved.' Brigham City is located in Box Elder County, Utah and has a population of around 18,000. It was founded by Mormon pioneer William Davis in 1850. Small town gossip: Brigham City mayor Dennis Fife told the city council about his affair last week after rumors ran rife . On November 30, 2012, Mayor Dennis Fife sent this message to constituents: . For over seven months now, I have been going through the repentance process for indiscretions I have committed. I have confessed to my wife, my ecclesiastical leaders and recently spoke to the city council but I want to share that confession with the residents of Brigham City.Prior to serving as your mayor, I served as a local Bishop. In that capacity I counseled with many members of the congregation regarding their personal lives. When I was released, one woman with whom I had been counseling continued to seek my advice. I referred her to the new Bishop and yet she continued to seek me out. I am not assigning blame to her, but the confidential relationship that had developed during my counseling time with her as a Bishop continued. I am guilty of indiscretions that occurred during this continuation period.I recognized the need to completely terminate that relationship and I have confided the details of my transgressions to my family and my church leaders. They are assisting me in the repentance process. I have asked their forgiveness and understanding and I’m grateful it has been extended.We are working through these issues together.As your mayor, I am asking for your forgiveness and understanding. I have the support of my wife and I am asking for your support as I continue to serve as your mayor. Judge me as you will but my conscience is clear and my commitment to serve is resolute. | Brigham City mayor Dennis Fife confessed to extramarital affair with woman he once counseled .
Mayor has been married for 40 years, has six children and 18 grandchildren . |
148,053 | 4b71b818549491546dc510527dc869ebf3dcc1e6 | By . John Drayton . Joey Barton has come out on top in his latest Twitter war with Piers Morgan - by correctly predicting that Germany would beat Brazil in their World Cup semi-final. The QPR midfielder had a £5,000 bet with the broadcaster which he duly won after Germany humiliated Brazil 7-1 in Belo Horizonte, with Morgan having backed the hosts to triumph. Barton expected Germany to win 2-0 while Morgan went for the Selecao to triumph. Winner: QPR midfielder Joey Barton correctly predicted that Germany would beat Brazil . Out of pocket: Morgan will have to pay £5,000 to charity after losing his bet to Barton . And the 31-year-old was keen to rub it in, tweeting Morgan: 'I've never seen anything like this. Sitting here like... #tearsforpiers @piersmorgan #5k #Freemoney.' Morgan himself was also self-deprecating, saying: 'I think #MysticMorgan needs to go on holiday.' Barton asked for the money to be split evenly between the Alder Hey Children's Hospital in Liverpool and the Official Hillsbrough Justice Campaign. The bet was just the latest in a long list of high profile Twitter battles the pair have had. Most infamously, they argued over Twitter before they both appeared on panel for BBC Question Time in May. On that occasion, Barton tweeted Morgan a picture of the book British Politics for Dummies. Morgan replied: 'I don't need to train for intelligent political debates. You however... well, best of luck.' He then called Barton a dog, saying: 'I've appeared on @bbcquestiontime 17 times, but not for 4 years, and never with a Pitbull. Should be amusing....' Battles: Barton and Morgan have sparred on Twitter before, most notably before they were on Question Time . Controversial: Morgan referred to Barton as a 'pitbull' when they argued before Question Time . | Barton bet Morgan that Germany would advance to World Cup final .
Germany humbled Brazil 7-1 in semi-final Belo Horizonte .
Barton asked for the money to be split evenly between Alder Hey Children's Hospital in Liverpool and Official Hillsbrough Justice Campaign .
The pair infamously argued on Twitter before their appearance on BBC's Question Time in May . |
18,453 | 34359f3df0389f1de74b850407f6060a6f67d4fe | By . Sara Malm . PUBLISHED: . 12:59 EST, 1 February 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 15:24 EST, 1 February 2013 . A woman braved freezing temperatures when she jumped into a canal to save a drowning puppy. Arleta Vakane, 38, spotted the seven-week-old cross-breed which has fallen into the Oxford Canal during last week’s cold snap, and did not hesitate to go in after it. Ms Vakane was crossing a bridge near Banbury, Oxon when she heard loud whimpers and saw the helpless dog with only its nose above the water. After trying to get hold of the terrier from shore, she jumped into the canal to come to its rescue. Puppy love: Arleta Vakane jumped into a freezing canal to save drowning puppy Chilly . Print operator Arleta rushed the dog to a nearby veterinary clinic where staff have now named the puppy Chilly, after its cold ordeal. Ms Vakane said: ‘I heard this screaming, crying noise and when I looked I saw something moving in the middle of the canal. ‘As I got nearer I saw it was a puppy paddling in the water and trying to keep her nose out of the water - everything else, including her ears, had gone under. ‘The noise she was making was so loud - she was fighting for her life. ‘I laid in the snow and tried to grab her but the gap between us was too big, so I got into the water to reach her.’ Two days after last week's rescue, Arleta and Chilly were reunited and she says plans to keep the puppy, unless the owners come forward to claim her. She said: ‘When I saw her again I . couldn't believe it was the same dog. Her eyes are so bright but when I . last saw them they looked half dead. ‘If I keep her I'll rename her Hope - because we all hoped she would survive.' Cheeky Chilly: The seven-week-old puppy takes a nibble of a carer's finger as she recovers from her ordeal . Saving grace: Arleta was crossing the Oxford Canal near Banbury when she heard the helpless whimpers of the puppy and came to her rescue . Veterinary surgeon Will Oldham, from Hawthorne Lodge Veterinary Practice, added: ‘When the puppy arrived she was shivering and barely conscious. ‘She was so cold it took an hour-and-a-half to read her temperature. ‘Given how cold it was she would not have survived another few minutes in that water. ‘She is a very, very lucky puppy - Arleta undoubtedly saved her life. ‘The area of the canal she went into is not very nice at all but her brave actions mean this story had a very happy ending.’ | Arleta Vakane jumped into the Oxford Canal to save seven-week-old Chilly .
She heard the dog's call for help and spotted its nose above the water .
Unless she is claimed, Arleta plans to adopt the dog and rename her Hope . |
24,010 | 4425361907c5a23c7d8f02430693b425b162113d | By . Mark Duell . Last updated at 10:40 PM on 29th July 2011 . When he entered hospital, Otto was the biggest cat some doctors had ever seen, weighing the equivalent in human weight of a 500lbs man. But the New Jersey feline is six months into a fat-fighting mission and has already shed more than five pounds - dropping from 35.8lbs to 29.5lbs. Otto, who suffers from arthritis because of his weight, has been put on a diet by vets at Clementon Animal Hospital as they try to help him. Scroll down for video . Diet: The New Jersey cat is six months into a fat-fighting mission and has already shed more than five pounds - dropping from 35.8lbs to 29.5lbs . The cat, who has been billed ‘the Round Mound of Purring Sound’, was taken to hospital by his owners in January, reported MSNBC. He was too fat to even climb into his litter box and his owners wanted to have him euthanized, but were urged to surrender him to vets. ‘I just felt really bad for the cat,’ hospital administrator Tricia Greaney said, adding he is the biggest cat she has seen in her working life. ‘I know he was probably in a situation . where (his owners) were just at their wits’ end and couldn’t handle it . anymore,’ she told NBC News. Getting better: The cat, who has been billed 'the Round Mound of Purring Sound', was taken to an animal hospital by his owners in January . Otto arrived at more than twice the average weight of a wild bobcat - and triple his ideal weight, reported MSNBC. ‘I know he was probably in a situation . where (his owners) were just at their wits’ end and couldn’t handle it . anymore' Hospital administrator Tricia Greaney . It means his little heart and lungs . are working overtime to maintain his body weight, so vets knew they . needed to put him on a diet. Now less food and more exercise are helping his health improve - and staff have set him a weight target of 20lbs. Clementon vet Dr Shashina Lyons said . there is nothing funny about an obese pet, as they are prone to . diabetes, arthritis and liver disease. ‘The unfortunate thing is, people think it’s cute,’ she told NBC. See video here . Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy . | Otto taken to New Jersey vets by owners in January .
Dropped in six months from 36lbs to less than 30lbs .
Owners wanted him euthanized but he's getting better .
Suffers from arthritis because of weight problems . |
70,159 | c6e05fc1d842a23a050f1fb424a01970657108bf | By . James Tozer . PUBLISHED: . 08:02 EST, 10 January 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 12:32 EST, 10 January 2013 . Abducted: Moira Anderson went missing in 1957 and is thought to have been murdered by rapist Alexander Gartshore . The fate of a schoolgirl who disappeared more than 50 years ago remains a mystery after a grave search found no evidence of her remains. Moira Anderson was 11 when she failed to return home from running an errand in Coatbridge, North Lanarkshire, in February 1957. Following a two-day search of a grave plot at Old Monkland cemetery in Coatbridge, chief inspector Kenny McLeod from Strathclyde Police said: 'I can confirm that Moira's remains have not been found. 'Despite today's outcome, the case will remain open.' It is widely believed that Moira was abducted and murdered, but her body has never been found. Detectives recently reopened the case, focusing on a family grave plot where they believed it was possible that her body may have been dumped. Convicted paedophile Alexander Gartshore, a Coatbridge bus driver who died in 2006, has been connected with the schoolgirl's disappearance. On Tuesday investigators began excavating the plot of Sinclair Upton, said to have been an acquaintance of Gartshore, to see if the youngster's remains were put there. The operation was led by Professor Sue Black and a team from the forensic anthropology department at Dundee University. Mr McLeod said Moira's family has been made aware that searchers had turned up a blank. Scroll down for video . Grief: Ann Taylor from the Moira Anderson Foundation hugs Sandra Brown at Old Monkland Cemetery . Murder investigation: Chief Inspector Kenny Macleod has vowed to carry on the hunt for Moira's body . Moira's sisters were 'hugely . disappointed' by the blank drawn by detectives but officers leading the . investigation vowed to carry on the hunt. Chief Inspector McLeod said: 'This is not the closure that the sisters . would have wished for but I would like to reiterate that this case is . not closed. 'Despite today's outcome, the case will remain open. Any further lines of inquiry will be fully investigated.' Gartshore, who died in 2006, was . accused of the murder by his own daughter. Not the end: 'My belief is that Moira is not far from us but she remains concealed' Hunt: Forensic Anthropologist Sue Black has been leading the exhumation in Coatbridge . It later emerged he told a colleague that Mr Upton had done him a ‘big favour’. The exhumation was ordered after . Moira’s sister, Janet Hart, who lives in Australia, launched a petition . for Mr Upton’s grave to be opened in the hope of finding her remains. Forensic experts warned they . faced a sensitive and painstaking task, however, with a total of eight . people known to have been buried in the plot dating back to 1908. A . radar survey suggested there may have been an extra body . there. Moira was last seen catching a bus on . her way to the local Co-op on an errand for her grandmother in February . 1957. Gartshore – a convicted child rapist – has been blamed for . Moira’s murder by his daughter. Tribute: Ann Taylor carries flowers at the cemetery, where police finished the exhumation today . Msytery: Forensic experts warned they faced a sensitive and painstaking task . Sandra Brown, in her book Where There . Is Evil. Shortly before his death in 2006, he told her Moira had haunted . him all his life. Mrs Brown, 63, set up the Moira . Anderson Foundation which campaigned for the murder case to be reopened, . a plea granted last year by the Lord Advocate Frank Mulholland. At the . time, Mrs Brown said: ‘I truly believe this grave has secrets to give . up. We owe it to Moira to open it.’ She believes her father was a paedophile who operated as part of a ring in central Scotland over a number of decades. Ms . Brown told BBC Radio Scotland earlier today: 'My dad was definitely a . paedophile - and we're talking about the kind in the same mould as Jimmy . Savile.' On the scene: Sandra Brown, daughter of suspect Alexander Gartshore, at the cemetery where she believed he buried Moira's body . Investigation: Police have completed exhuming a grave at Old Monkland Cemetery in Coatbridge, Scotland, in the search for a schoolgirl who went missing almost 56 years ago . The campaigner said her father told her that Moira got on his bus during a blizzard and he was the last person to see her. Speaking at the cemetery today, she . said: 'I'd like to thank the inspector and while I'm very sad about the . result of the operation, I'm absolutely satisfied that the police view . that it's not a crime scene is correct. 'Moira's two sisters now know but . I've explained that although the grave is closed, it's not the end of . the story and we strongly believe that Moira still wants to be found. 'We've had experts here working with . the police with the highest integrity but the people who did this crime . were devious in the extreme and their wickedness knows no bounds. Hope: The exhumation, which began at the request of Moira's sisters Janet Hart and Marjory Muir, lasted two days . Mystery: Police had hoped to find the remains of Moira Anderson who disappeared while running an errand for her grandmother in 1957 . 'My belief is that Moira is not far from us but she remains concealed by extremely wicked people. 'It's a difficult day but my thoughts are with the Upton family, who can now hopefully have their family members put to rest.' Ms . Brown, who set up the Moira Anderson Foundation in 2000 to help victims . of childhood sexual abuse, said at the graveside today: 'Both of . Moira's sisters are hugely disappointed. It's been a long time and it's a . shame that their hopes are dashed. 'It's not what I would have liked to have happened today but it's certainly not the end of the story. Suspect: Convicted rapist Alexander Gartshore, left, died in 2006. His daughter Sandra Brown, pictured with her father right, believed he was Moira's killer for decades . 'Some people might think we've hit a brick wall here but I think we've actually punched through a brick wall. 'Over the last few months Moira's case has been upgraded from a missing person to a murder inquiry. 'It's become a cold case review and in the future there could be further developments.' The excavation team started work this morning to fill in the grave. Sensitive: Chief Inspector Kenny McLeod said officers would be as respectful as possible to the graves . Excavation: Officers begin exhuming the grave which is believed to belong to an acquittance of suspect Alexander Gartshore . A woman from the Moira Anderson . Foundation arrived at the scene after the police announcement to pay her . respects with a large bouquet of flowers. Ms . Brown said: 'The tide has turned. We're no longer in the '60s and '70s . when people didn't discuss things like this. Victims are coming forward . and there are more Moiras, believe you me, and we still have to try and . find them.' Police warned that the heavily . waterlogged grave at Old Monkland Cemetery in Coatbridge has as many as . three layers, and that establishing whether it contains Moira’s remains was likely to be a slow process. They were exploring the possibility . that Moira’s body may have been dumped under a coffin in the grave, . which was thought to have been open around the time of her . disappearance. Allegations: Sandra Brown has compared her late father Alexander Gartshore to paedophile DJ Jimmy Savile . A large section of the . cemetery was cordoned off with police tape, with a large black tent and a . series of smaller blue tents erected around the excavation site. The exhumation was led by Professor Sue Black and a team from the forensic anthropology department at Dundee University. Chief Inspector Kenny McLeod, of . Strathclyde Police, said: ‘There may be no necessity to exhume all eight . human remains but that does remain a possibility. 'Operations like this . are not taken lightly as we remain sensitive to Moira Anderson’s family . and also the families who have relatives buried elsewhere in the . cemetery.’ Historic: The disappearance of Moira Anderson has been one of the longest investigations in the history of Scottish police . | Forensic specialists complete two-day search of grave plot in Lanarkshire .
Moira Anderson went missing aged 11 in 1957 and was never found .
Daughter of suspect Alexander Gartshore visited the cemetery .
She said he was in the same paedophile 'mould' as Jimmy Savile . |
147,134 | 4a3e351c21db2bf04b79b98de1d8e262017c5452 | Paris (CNN) -- With his razor-sharp cheekbones and youthful appearance, Olivier Rousteing looks like he could be fresh out of design school. Instead, the 28-year-old is at the helm of one of the most venerable fashion houses in the world -- Balmain. Since taking over in 2011, the Bordeaux-born prodigy has been credited with bringing a fresh, popular-culture aesthetic to the house, while staying true to its spirit and tradition. His richly embroidered, luxurious designs have earned him legions of fans, and his so-called "Balmain Army" of supporters includes some of the most glamorous women in the world, from Naomi Campbell to Rosie Huntington-Whitely. Rousteing, who at 25 was the youngest creative director of a Parisian label since the legendary Yves Saint Laurent took the top job at Christian Dior in the 1950s, has also been hailed as a champion of diversity, casting mixed-race and Asian models in his catwalk shows and advertising campaigns. The designer tells CNN about his love of "wonder women," the meaning of luxury, and his friendship with his muse, Rihanna. CNN: What is at the heart of the Balmain DNA? Olivier Rousteing: Pierre Balmain has always been a big designer like Christian Dior or Monsieur Saint Laurent, and when I had this opportunity to take (on) the house I just felt so flattered ... it was an honor for me. And at the same time I wanted to bring back the archives because Pierre Balmain was known for the Jolie Madame silhouette, amazing tailoring and the most incredible embroideries, but I wanted to twist it with my edge, my generation. And I was excited to express all these feelings -- all my culture I had today with all the past of the house which is so huge and so interesting and impressive. CNN: How does your style differ from former creative director Christophe Decarnin? OR: I learned a lot from Christophe. And when I was working at Balmain as an assistant and managing the studio, my job was translating everything he wanted in a fashion way. But Christophe was from another age, another generation, loving different muses and icons. He was more into Kate Moss, rock and roll and Sex Pistols, the 1980s. What I loved about him was all the sex appeal that he wanted to introduce to the house. But my generation is all hip hop, a different culture. Even top models that inspire me didn't inspire him -- it is just a matter of generation. And I think what is important for me today is underlining the luxury of the house, maybe less jeans, less street wear, but keeping the DNA of Pierre Balmain and pushing the embroideries and the craftsmanship because this is something that I think is part of me, and part of the house at the same time. CNN: What is it about Rihanna that inspired you? OR: Rihanna has been my muse from the beginning. I have been listening to her albums since I was young and followed her career. I love women and I love wonder women -- those kind of women who have no boundaries and no (limits) and have this power to express themselves. And I had the chance to meet her two years ago and it was love at first sight -- literally. She showed me how to believe in myself and push the boundaries and limits at the same time keeping control of your life and that I think is the best I could learn from her. CNN: Did you feel pressure for your first show for Balmain in 2011? OR: Actually, I think the first show is the easiest one because you don't know what you expect. But the first minute that I went out on the runway I just realized that my life is going to change. From the second show you realize what it means to be a creative director -- you are more exposed and people don't see you just as a designer -- your personality is really important and they sometimes don't judge you only on your clothes. CNN: What has been the greatest advantage -- and hindrance -- of your youth in this industry? OR: For me it is really important not to lose faith. When you are a baby you just dream to be the President -- you dream to be Miss Universe or whatever -- you don't have boundaries. And I think youth helps (me) to just believe and think there are no boundaries and no (limits). If I had this job at 45 or 40, I don't think I would do the same clothes, I don't think I would express myself in the same way and thanks to my youth I believe so much and I push my boundaries so strongly . CNN: Is it hard to stay grounded? OR: No, because I am close to people who are true and down to earth, and so for me it's not like, 'Oh I am only with celebrities or the woman who is 60 and wearing my clothes.' I have met so many celebrities who are arrogant and hardcore -- they are not my friends. I am just a simple person and maybe it seems weird to say that but sometimes the greatest luxury is to remain true to yourself. CNN: Tell us about your love of Instagram. OR: What is important in my career and my way of being a designer is Instagram. Obviously people see I am selling a dress at $25,000 and that I have this life with celebrities, taking flights all the time ... but with my Instagram people can realize who I am. I can wake up and do a selfie in my flat, go to the gym like 75% of the population, you know, just be normal! CNN: Talk about the inspiration behind this collection. OR: When Rihanna came to my after party last winter she was dressed in my leather skirt a beautiful see-through top, and she was kind of naked underneath. That inspired the whole collection. But it is a happy, joyful collection showing the state of my mind today. I am enjoying my work, I am celebrating my youth, my generation. There is a lot of work behind it, still keeping the couture element, still keeping this dreamy thing that I always have. CNN: What are the last minute preparations in the atelier ahead of the show like? OR: I'm really a control freak! At Balmain, everything needs to come five days before -- that is my limit. But it is still very last minute but really exciting because obviously we get some (pieces) that are really well done, but with others you are like, 'Oh my God, I need to redo it!' I have an amazing team that believes in me and the brand. CNN: What, for you, is the sign of success? OR: When people who I am close to tell me that something is good. You know, in fashion you can't trust too many people. But the people who you trust, you can be sure of, and they are going to tell you the truth, when it's bad and when it's good and that's what I want. But the most important thing is to please myself. If you are sure of yourself, if you like your show people are also going to love it. Look: Paris Fashion Week in photos . | Balmain's creative director Olivier Rousteing has brought a note of hip-hop to the venerable house .
He has been the youngest creative director of a Parisian fashion house since Yves Saint Laurent .
Rousteing cites Rihanna as his muse and inspiration behind the latest collection . |
280,006 | f6be859b2b109d9b87ffe13f6b3519e3f91591ff | Manchester City defender Pablo Zabaleta apologised for his red card in the clash with title rivals Chelsea - but insists Diego Costa should have followed him down the tunnel. The Argentina full back received his marching orders for a second booking following a clash with Costa, who was only shown a yellow card. Zabaleta tweeted a picture of the Chelsea striker with his hands around his throat with the message: 'I would like to apologise to everyone for my red card today. Diego Costa puts his hands around Pablo Zabaleta's throat - but it's the latter who was sent off . Zabaleta tweeted a picture of Costa with his hands around the defender's throat . Costa and Zabaleta get up close and personal before the latter's sending off . The Argentinian defender challenges Costa before receiving a second yellow card . Referee Mike Dean gives Zabaleta his marching orders at the Etihad . 'However after seeing this image I can't believe that Diego Costa remained on the pitch.' Zabaleta's sending off came moments before Andre Schurrle gave Chelsea the lead, with Costa involved in the move leading to the goal. However, Frank Lampard came off the bench to rescue a point for the 10-man champions against his former club. Costa and Zabaleta clash after the defender's rash tackle . It was a lonely walk off for the Argentina defender in Man City's clash with Chelsea . Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho acknowledges Zabaleta as he heads to the dressing room . | Pablo Zabaleta was sent off after 66 minutes with the game goalless .
The Man City defender clashed with Diego Costa - and he is adamant the Chelsea striker should have seen red, too .
Zabaleta tweets a picture appearing to show Costa with his hands around his throat .
Apologises for his red card but adds 'I can't believe that Diego Costa remained on the pitch'
Costa involved in move which led to Andre Schurrle giving Chelsea the lead .
Former Chelsea star Frank Lampard equalised to earn 10-man City a point . |
45,385 | 7fe98c4064e61c55fdf640b8007d68dea633132c | (CNN) -- "I am like, I am so (BLEEP) high. This is terrible. And I did it in that voice. And I have never done that voice before in my life. I don't know where that voice came from. But I heard myself use that voice. And in my mind, I went, oh (BLEEP). I just gave myself Down syndrome." --Wyatt Cenac, This American Life, 5/4/2014 . It's hard to build a more inclusive society when people keep making fun of you. Even as people with disabilities and their allies make progress in so many ways, disability remains a target for mockery. Over the last few days, a baby boy with Down syndrome named Gammy has been all over the news. He and his twin sister were born to a surrogate mother in Thailand, but allegedly when their Australian parents discovered the boy's genetic condition, they left him behind. To the biological parents, it seems, the words "Down syndrome" meant that he was not worth being their son. These are the stakes involved in how we talk and think about disability, how we portray disability in the media, not to mention in our schools and homes. I'm the father of a boy with Down syndrome. I remember weeping when I heard the diagnosis. My mother said she couldn't stop thinking about how he'd be taunted and bullied as he got older. Her experience of people with intellectual disabilities was that they were targets for cruel humor. The good news is that in recent years, sustained awareness campaigns against dehumanizing speech, coupled with some 20 years of inclusive education since the passage of the Americans With Disabilities Act in 1990, have made things a lot better in America. No one is likely to call my son the r-word to his face. The bad news is that perhaps we have focused too much on explicit language without addressing the deeper questions of portrayal and representation. Too often, people with disabilities are marginalized and excluded. Instead of focusing on a single word, we've got to work to unravel the prejudices beneath the surface. Last May, Wyatt Cenac, former "Daily Show" correspondent and comedian, appeared on "This American Life," a popular show on National Public Radio. He told a story about a bad experience eating a pot brownie. The joke was that it made him talk, uncontrollably, in a funny voice, as if he had Down syndrome. Next, Cenac, broke the flow of the piece in order to issue a kind of disclaimer. He said: . "Now let me just say, I know what Down syndrome is. I know that Down syndrome is something that you're born with when you are born with an extra chromosome. I know all that information. I knew that information then. But something about eating this brownie made me think that somehow I had grown an extra chromosome and I now had adult-onset Down syndrome. And for people who have Down syndrome, it's something they grow up with. And they grow up and they have healthy and happy lives. I just got it." Then he went right back to his fake voice, slurring words, and sounding confused. Cenac did not respond to emails asking for a comment. [He has since commented on the piece here.] And the host of the show, Ira Glass, declined to comment for this piece. Glass did write, however, to Julie Ross, the mother of a child with Down syndrome. She shared that e-mail with me. Glass wrote: . "I agree with you completely that nobody should have to listen to stories that mock and denigrate (people with Down syndrome) This was a concern for me and my producers when we were working with Wyatt Cenac. We talked about it as we shaped the story." He then notes that Cenac went out of his way to make the disclaimer, claims that Cenac is making himself the butt of the joke, and that, "The only thing that possibly could be offensive is his imitation of what a person with Down syndrome sounds like, and again -- we may disagree about that -- I think that's fair game for a comedian." Glass and Cenac used the disclaimer, used the statement that they know what Down syndrome is, medically, as a way to protect themselves from criticism. However, as Glass admits, the humor of this piece depends on making fun of the way that some people with Down syndrome speak. Since my son was very young, we've worked for so many hours on his speech. Together, we've worked with many therapists to carve out individual phonemes, tones, sounds and finally words. Each tiny advance takes months. I wept when I heard him say, "I love you" for the first time, even though it was in a slurred, indistinct voice of the exact type that Cenac was mocking. Moreover, speech is so fraught, because intelligibility -- how clearly my son can communicate with strangers -- determines what kind of independence will be possible for him as an adult. There is no disclaimer that can take the sting out of Cenac's joke. He and Glass can decide that the humor of the piece is worth being offensive, but they don't get to determine whether the hurt is real or just. Neither do the many comics that rely on punching down, using mockery of people marginalized by ability, race, religion, gender or sexuality to get a laugh. Cenac isn't alone. Ricky Gervais, in the British TV show "Derek," plays a man who appears to be disabled. Derek is supposed to be a positive example, but much of the comedy extends from his disabled physicality -- a hunched back, a slacked toothsome mouth, and a shuffling walk. Other laughs come from his cluelessness as he cheerily staggers through uncomfortable scenes. Gervais has said he doesn't mean to make fun of people with intellectual disabilities, saying in an interview, "I've never considered him disabled; he is a 'out of the mouth of babies' innocent person who always says the right thing that you didn't see coming. And if I say he's not disabled, that's the end of it." That's not the end of it. Not for Gervais. Not for Cenac. In the end, it doesn't matter whether a comedian uses a diagnostic term, issues a disclaimer, or claims to be the butt of the joke. Humor can reinforce stereotypes or destroy them. When you make fun of attributes associated with disability, you might as well just be standing on stage, shouting the r-word. | David Perry: It's hard to build inclusive world when people mock Down syndrome .
On Ira Glass show, comedian Wyatt Cenac made derisive reference to Down syndrome .
He says Glass said it's fair game for comedy. Perry, who has Down syndrome son, disagrees .
Perry: Cenac, Glass can defend comedy, but don't get to say whether hurt it causes is real . |
32,865 | 5d58585d36453b92dd9932c726b2dffa83a4cf6f | By . Associated Press and Daily Mail Reporter . PUBLISHED: . 13:11 EST, 15 October 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 08:47 EST, 16 October 2013 . Police officers in a California town smashed a car window Sunday night to free a black bear that had locked itself into a Honda SUV, the latest episode in an apparent spree of trapped-bear incidents that has hit the area near the resort region of Lake Tahoe. The problem is proving to be region-wide as animal rights activists fighting to protect the local bear population allegedly branded Lake Tahoe business owners 'murderers' and 'executioners' for killing strays. Local police said the wandering bear caused substantial damage to the vehicle parked in the town of Truckee, near Lake Tahoe, and claimed officers broke the window because they couldn't locate the owner of the car. The latest incident, the third in just two weeks in the small town that sits on the Donner Pass, infamous for extreme winter weather, is the most-recent in a pattern of bear-related auto drama that has swept the Truckee area. This Black Bear was trapped in a Honda SUV in Truckee, California, near Lake Tahoe. Police smashed a window to rescue the stressed animal . 'There was major damage to all three of these vehicles,' Truckee police said in a statement. 'Imagine what a stressed, angry bear could do stuck in your car.' Last week, a bear stuck in a car parked in Truckee was released by the car's owner while the previous week saw another bear trapped in a car that broke a window to escape. 'Bears can and do open unlocked car doors,' police said. 'Never leave food or anything smelly in your car.' A photograph posted on the Facebook page 'Lake Tahoe Wall of Shame' shows dumped garbage that attracts bears . The recent incidents have highlighted an increasingly heated battle over bears between animal rights activists and game wardens on the California-Nevada border. Activists in Lake Tahoe are using aggressive strategies to keep California and Nevada game wardens from trapping bears that break into homes, businesses and campsites in search of food. Members of the Bear League, a grass-roots group that tries to educate people not to fear the animals and to keep better tabs on their trash, have started keeping vigils by traps and confronting the game wardens who set and check on them. 'They are just gorgeous creatures, and they are so misunderstood,' Carolyn Stark, a Bear League board member, told the Sacramento Bee. Starked helped maintain a . round-the-clock vigil at a trap recently set at an Incline Village home . where a female bear had twice broken into the garage. 'It’s so unfair,' said Stark. 'I want to help protect them.' While Truckee police advised local residents to refer to recommendations from the Bear League, . other activists have coated traps with Pine-Sol to deter bears and even . used teddy bears as decoys, the Sacremento Bee reported. An American Black Bear photographed in Mammoth Lakes, California, similar to those found in the Lake Tahoe region. This bear has climbed a tree for safety . A Facebook page called the Lake Tahoe Wall of Shame prints the addresses of places that have been careless with garbage bins or where traps are rumored to be imminent. Residents and business owners who have called wildlife officials to report bears on their property also have been caught in the crosshairs with anonymous threats and online slurs. John Brissenden, manager of Sorensen’s Resort, said employees were threatened after two bears were killed there last year. 'We were branded as murderers and executioners,' Brissenden said. 'It was alarming, discouraging, given our 40 years of protecting wildlife habitat, including bear habitat.' Bear League Executive Director Ann Bryant said her group only intervenes legally and does not endorse threats or trap-tampering. 'We are accused of all kinds of things,' Bryant said. 'People who don’t like bears don’t like us. We know that.' The combination of tactics has made property owners reluctant to call wildlife officials for assistance, Nevada Department of Wildlife director Tony Wasley said. 'We’ve had residences broken into by bears where the occupants made the statement that the people were more dangerous than the bears,' Wasley said. 'For that reason, they didn’t want a trap or, in one case, asked that the trap be removed.' | Third bear incident in two weeks as local cops break vehicle windows to free stuck bears .
Activist groups use aggressive tactics against game wardens who set bear traps near Lake Tahoe .
Resort owners called 'murderers' and 'executioners' in increasingly heated battle to protect hungry wildlife . |
262,753 | e055c444682b2f10670335089ec51ba676dce3c6 | San Sebastian de los Reyes, Spain (CNN) -- Just weeks after a Chicago writer known as a veteran, expert bull runner was badly gored in Pamplona, he's back at other smaller bull runnings in Spain, but walking with a cane. "I really didn't think he was gonna gore me until it happened. I really thought I was going to find a way to escape," said Bill Hillmann, who helped write a book, "Fiesta, How to Survive the Bulls of Pamplona," shortly before a bull's horn tore into his right thigh. That was July 9, the third day of Pamplona's historic, annual eight consecutive days of running, which Hillmann says he's run daily for numerous years. A bull got separated from the other five bulls toward the end of the 850-meter (half-mile) course. Hillmann was trying to help lead the lone bull toward the nearby bullring, but says he was pushed from behind, tripped and fell. "I've learned from this. I'll always be much more worried about who's behind me 'cause now I know, if I'm not aware of there being first timers behind me or inexperienced guys, it could be me gored," said Hillmann, who turned 33 this month. He's facing a €9,000 (nearly $12,000) bill for hospital services in Pamplona, but is undaunted and is finishing a new book on how running with the bulls has changed his life. "I wasn't sure how I was going to end the book, but now I'm pretty sure the ending is going to be the goring," he said. Expert American bull runner gored in Pamplona . Running with bulls 'tradition' not cruelty . Pamplona's running of the bulls dates back centuries and became world famous thanks to novelist Ernest Hemingway. But numerous other Spanish towns hold their own bull running each year, and Hillman arrived this week in San Sebastian de los Reyes, near Madrid, for its running. In these towns, he tends to catch up with with a small group of other traveling men -- Spaniards and foreigners -- who have become regular, serial bull runners. Hillmann brushes off criticism that the running of the bulls is animal cruelty. "I don't see anything cruel about it," he insists. "The animals, they're just running. They don't get hurt in any way during the run." But they do tend to get killed in bullfights later that day. Surviving Pamplona's running of the bulls . Yet Hillmann points to the old traditions involving the bull-running events. "I think it's fun, it's exciting," Hillmann said of the running. "I think it's stupid for people who know nothing about a tradition to judge someone who knows a lot about it and who loves it." In San Sebastian de los Reyes, a group of Englishman proudly completed their first-ever bull running, and came across Hillmann, who was asked to pull up his right pants leg to show his hefty scar. They asked if Hillmann would keep running and he said yes, although he doesn't expect that to be until next summer, after he's fully healed. "I need to build up my courage again," he said, earlier in the day. "It's gotten a lot scarier now that I know exactly how dangerous it is, now that it's a reality." After reviewing video and photos on a laptop computer of the day he was gored, Hillmann grimaced, and said, "Of course it was worth it. I knew the day I would get gored was coming. I was hoping I'd survive. "I was hoping it wouldn't stop me from continuing to run, and I was lucky enough to survive and it looks like I'm going to be able to run again." Pamplona bull run 'selfie man' sought by police . | Author and running with bulls expert Bill Hillman was gored during run in Pamplona, Spain, in July .
Hillman blames 'first timers' or 'inexperienced guys' for his mishap .
Now walking with a cane, he recently attended a bull-running event in San Sebastian de los Reyes, near Madrid .
Hillman says he plans to run with bulls in the future, possibly next summer . |
131,923 | 36934b73216049e5512b40201547c451e9ff45bd | Los Angeles, California (CNN) -- Rain pounded water-logged Los Angeles on Thursday, and Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa said more than 300 city residents were ordered to evacuate because of the threat of mudslides. "We continue to urge the public who live in these areas to evacuate, to heed the warnings of our police officers and firefighters, our first responders, who are there to protect your public safety," the mayor said. Just over 500 Los Angeles County residents who were advised to flee their homes earlier had done so by Thursday morning, said Capt. Sam Padilla of the Los Angeles County Fire Department. The latest storm is part of a series that began Monday, drenching communities up and down the coast. Some areas have received more than 12 inches of rain this week, the National Weather Service reported. Flash flood watches were in effect Thursday night for Southern California, as well as central Arizona and southern Utah. "While the worst of the last few storms is behind us, there still is a significant threat from thundershowers that are forming off the coast," Villaraigosa said at a news conference Thursday night, warning of the potential for lightning, hail and water spouts. Los Angeles had four swift-water rescue and two urban search-and-rescue teams on standby to deal with potential flooding, according to the mayor, who said more were available if needed. There were three swift-water rescues Wednesday, according to Padilla. No relief from the wet weather is expected until the weekend, increasing the threat of mudslides in communities nestled below hills that were stripped of trees and vegetation during 2009 wildfires. Villaraigosa said the brunt of the storm was supposed to hit by 6 p.m. Rainfall totals of 1 to 4 inches are expected across coastal sections of California with isolated additional rainfall amounts of 7 inches possible, forecasters said. Are you affected by the storms? Send your images and video . The rains are the result of El Niño, a warm ocean current from the South Pacific, according to CNN meteorologist Chad Myers. In coastal Pacifica, south of San Francisco, a huge mudslide left an apartment building teetering on the edge of a cliff overlooking the Pacific Ocean, CNN's Dan Simon reported. He said the four apartments in the building were evacuated, and quoted an engineer saying the building could topple into the water at any time. TV crews could be near the structure only briefly. One man complained about being told to leave his Southern California home. "You're talking about blocking us out of here for five days, evacuating until next week," he said to CNN affiliate KABC-TV in Los Angeles. "You know what, that's too many days, that's a huge inconvenience. I understand they're looking out for our safety ... but I'm not out driving around. I'm staying put." See KABC's coverage of the storms . Villaraigosa said Thursday that U.S. geologists, sanitation workers and street maintenance workers will head into threatened regions Friday morning to determine whether it is safe for residents to return to their homes. In the mountains of Southern California, the storms brought heavy snow, closing Interstate 15 at Cajon Pass and the Grapevine section of Interstate 5 for a time, the California Highway Patrol reported Thursday. Heavy snowfall remains in the forecast for the higher elevations in the Sierra Nevada, southeastern Utah, southwestern Colorado and southeastern Arizona. More than 73 inches of snow has fallen in Chagoopa Plateau, California, since Sunday and more than 35 inches in parts of Arizona. CNN's Sean Morris contributed to this report. | Just over 500 Los Angeles County residents also were evacuated .
Mudslides a serious threat to areas near hills stripped of vegetation by wildfires .
Snow closes roads in mountain areas of Southern California . |
191,769 | 8452add592a1fdbc177ac09060d0e818faed9d54 | Kim Kardashian is the most well-known of the reality TV family . Sex tapes, scandals, selfies, screaming matches and diva-driven dramas both real and imagined … it is the heady mix which has helped turn the Kardashians into the most successful TV family ever. The Klan, as they call themselves, at once the most reviled and loved dysfunctional family in the world, last week signed a record $100 million deal to keep their show Keeping Up With The Kardashians on the E! channel for another four years. In just seven years (it feels longer), the Kardashian girls – headed by ‘tiger mum’ Kris – have transformed themselves from, frankly, a rather tacky bunch of seemingly talentless nobodies into a global franchise reportedly valued at $1 BILLION. But while they have turned being ‘famous for being famous’ into a lucrative art form – using their name to flog everything from pillows to perfume – everyone has heard of them, even if they’re not sure what they do. Prime Minister David Cameron recently admitted he can’t fathom ‘why everyone is interested in Kim Kardashian’. A show insider said: ‘When the Kardashians started out, they were a laughing stock. But no one is laughing now. 'They may have no discernible talents but they have ambition and drive in spades and they all work incredibly hard to build their brand. ‘Underneath all the drama they are a family who truly love each other and that’s what fans relate to. The boobs and bottoms might be fake but the family drama is real and that is the secret of their success. They are also oddly aspirational. If the Kardashians can make a fortune, dress in designer couture and carry $10,000 handbags there’s hope for us all.’ The show now airs in more than 100 countries with Kim’s derriere so famous it has its own Twitter feed. So who ARE the women who have stormed reality TV – and how KAN they be the most famous family on the planet? Khloe: The normal one . Who is she? Battling with her weight and insecure about her looks, sensible middle sister Khloe, 30, stars in her own spin-off reality shows Kourtney And Khloe Take Miami and The Hamptons. A disastrous marriage to drug-taking basketball player Lamar Odom only boosted her popularity. Reportedly worth $22 million thanks to property deals. Plagued by rumours she is OJ Simpson’s illegitimate child. Has fiercely denied all such claims. Kringe Factor: In a 2013 episode of Kourtney & Kim Take Miami, Khloe was the judge in a competition between Kim and Kourtney so vulgar it is unrepeatable in a family newspaper. Khloe and Kim: Khloe is known as the sensible middle sister while Kim hit fame for her explicit 2007 sex tape . Kim: The queen of selfies . Who is she? Paris Hilton’s one-time assistant is famous for her explicit 2007 sex tape, ample derriere and being married to husband number three, rapper Kanye West. The second eldest daughter of Kris and Robert Kardashian, Kim is the star of the family reality TV series and worth $45 million, according to Forbes. Kringe Factor: In 2013, Kim surpassed herself when she straddled and simulated sex with then fiance Kanye West in music video Bound 2. It went viral and was much parodied. The ‘selfie’ queen also treats her 27 million fans on photo-sharing website Instagram to the occasional ‘belfie’ or bum selfie. Last year she balanced a champagne glass on her buttocks. Kris: The mastermind . Who is she? Known as the ‘momager’, Kris masterminds her daughters’ every move. A former airline stewardess, Kris, 59, is creator, star and executive producer of the reality show, has her own collection on QVC and has just released a cookbook. Her late ex-husband and father to Kim, Khloe and Kourtney was lawyer Robert Kardashian, who represented OJ Simpson. She divorced second husband Bruce Jenner, father to Kendall and Kylie, last year and recently moved toyboy Corey Gamble, who at 33 is 26 years her junior, into her California mansion. Kringe Factor: Last year, Kris donned her tightest Lyrca catsuit and most vertiginous heels for a pole-dancing class. Is open about plastic surgery and her ‘amazing’ sex life . Mother and daughter: (L-R) Kris masterminds her daughters’ every move. Her eldest is Kourtney . Kourtney: The Earth mother . Who is she? The oldest of the Kardashian girls at 35, Kourtney is considered by many as the ‘boring one’. Has several spin-off shows and is reportedly worth $20 million. Along with sisters Kim and Khloe, Kourtney owns upmarket US boutique Dash and clothing line Kardashian Kollection, sold though Dorothy Perkins in UK. Kringe Factor: Kourtney allowed the cameras to keep rolling for Penelope’s birth in 2012. Was even shown pulling the little girl out with her own hands. Kendall: The supermodel . Who she is? Model of the moment, Kendall has managed to carve out a career away from her half-sisters’ TV antics. The 19-yearold was queen of New York Fashion Week last month. She is also the new $5 million ‘face’ of Estée Lauder and counts fellow model Cara Delevingne as a best friend. Kringe Factor: Surprisingly scandal free. Once dated Harry Styles but refuses to discuss it publicly. Has taken the mature decision not to bare all on the show. ‘Kendall is determined to have a proper career as a model,’ a friend says. ‘She’s the one to watch.’ Younger sisters: (L-R) Kendall, the model of the moment, and Kylie, the baby of the Klan . Kylie: The baby . Who is she? The baby of the clan, but no shrinking violet, Kylie is reportedly worth $2 million. The 17-year-old will this year design a collection for Topshop and is already CEO of several businesses including Kylie Hair Kouture. Has her own collections with OPI Nail Polish and US shoe ‘king’ Steve Madden. Kringe Factor: Hangs with the Hollywood ‘brat pack’ headed by Justin Bieber. Has an on-off relationship with rapper Tyga, 25, who reportedly left the mother of his child for her. Reports of late-night partying have been swirling around of late. After divorcing Kris last year, 1976 US Olympic gold decathlete Bruce Jenner is focusing on ‘transitioning’ into a woman . P.S. Meet the man of the house (until he has a sex change) Who is he? After divorcing Kris last year, the 1976 US Olympic gold decathlete is focusing on ‘transitioning’ into a woman. Once he has completed his gender reassignment, Bruce Jenner will reportedly be known as Belinda. He will be sharing his ‘journey’ into womanhood in a documentary but the series was recently put on hold while Bruce deals with the legal repercussions of a tragic car accident in which a woman died. Kringe Factor: In a 2013 episode of Keeping Up With The Kardashians, Kris admitted she and Bruce had once made a sex tape. Unlike his daughter, the former Olympian had the sense to erase it afterwards. | Klan last week signed record $100 million deal to keep show on E! channel .
Family have turned ‘famous for being famous’ into a lucrative art form .
In seven years they have transformed themselves into $1billion franchise .
Show now airs in more than 100 countries... So who are they? |
106,489 | 15575ee0185454f0eaf52117d18fb11184c9ca23 | By . Hayley O'keeffe . PUBLISHED: . 11:47 EST, 31 October 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 13:48 EST, 31 October 2013 . A horrified mother has said she will never shop at Iceland again after finding a snail in her toddler daughter's dinner. Daisy Simpson, two, from Deal, Kent shouted 'snail, snail' when she spotted the mollusc on her plate of broccoli and cauliflower bake on Saturday. The snail's eyes were still visible even though it had been cooked from frozen. Daisy Simpson, two, found a snail in her dinner after it got into a bag of broccoli and cauliflower. Her mother Jessica Lawson says that she will never shop at Iceland again . Her mother Jessica Lawson, 22, bought the £1 frozen vegetable bag from Iceland in Deal. The next day she went back to the store to complain, and was offered a £20 food voucher as an apology. Two-year-old Daisy Simpson shouted 'snail, snail' after finding the mollusc in her broccoli and cheese bake . Mother Jessica Lawson feels that Iceland haven't taken the discovery seriously enough . But she claims that staff at the store's head office did not seem to care about the shocking incident. The single mother-of-two who works as a carer, said: 'Daisy suddenly shouted out 'snail, snail.' 'I had seen it but I thought it was just a piece of dark broccoli. 'It is just so lucky that Daisy didn't put it into her mouth and she knows what a snail is. 'I won't be shopping in there again.' She added: 'I'm not happy about it, they are supposed to sell food that is checked. 'The women at head office said 'it's just a snail to me' which is really impolite.' Iceland PR manager Ninka Davies said: 'We take all complaints very seriously. 'We have strict product controls in place and it's very rare that something should slip through the net.' | Two-year-old Daisy Simpson spotted the snail after her dinner was served .
Disgusted mother Jessica Lawson says she will not shop at store again .
Iceland offered the family a £20 shopping voucher following the complaint . |
71,440 | ca79095d09362022ff49c79e7e2f40af2b6b299b | The horrific truth of the angora fur industry is revealed in these shocking images from a Chinese workshop. The rabbits are tied up and stretched out before workers rip out the fur by hand, leaving the rabbits bleeding in their cages. In a video recorded by PETA in China, where 90 per cent of the world's angora fur is sourced, the animals can be heard screaming in pain. Scroll down for video . Factory horror: An angora rabbit is tied up and its skin stretched as it is being cut with an electric shear . The animals are kept for two to five years, with their fur being yanked out every two-three months, according to PETA Asia. When the fur has been plucked, the animals are thrown into tiny cages to recover. Once a bunny has outlived its purpose, it is killed and skinned. ‘PETA UK is appealing to shoppers this holiday season’, says PETA UK Associate Director Mimi Bekhechi. ‘Please take the time to read the label on that sweater or scarf. If it says "angora," leave the item on the rack.’ Pain and suffering: The terror in the animal's eyes is unmistakeable as a worker with a Chinese angora trader stretches it out and yanks out its fur . Animal cruelty: The angora rabbits are alive throughout the plucking and are kept for several years, plucked every few months, before their throats are slit . Torture: The Chinese fur traders use the plucking technique as it results in better quality fur and more money . Shocking truth: The animals are constantly injured from throughout the plucking as they struggle to break free . Left to recover: After the rabbit had had all its fur yanked out it is thrown into a cage to regrow its fur in complete solitude . Rabbits who have their fur cut or sheared also suffer: during the cutting process, their front and back legs are tightly tethered and the sharp cutting tools inevitably wound them as they struggle desperately to escape. PETA reports that the traders keep the animals in solitary in barren wire cages that harm their sensitive feet. They are denied solid flooring, bedding and the vital companionship of other rabbits. In China, there are no penalties for animal abuse on rabbit farms and no standards that regulate the treatment of animals. WARNING: Content in this video has been censored. Rabbits are alive following hair removal . Locked up: The cages injure the rabbit's feet and the insanitary conditions see many of them, such as this one, suffer infections and illness . No hope: This young bunny is in the process of regrowing its fur while recovering from an eye infection in a naked steel cage . Monopoly on cruelty: An estimated 90 per cent of the world's angora fur is sourced from China . | Video reveals the cruel methods used to obtain angora fur in China .
Workers tie rabbits up and yank the fur out while they are still alive .
They are kept for years and have their fur ripped out every two months . |
146,735 | 49c154e4affe91ea16421b81b83bd79206be4822 | By . Daily Mail Reporter . PUBLISHED: . 04:06 EST, 14 May 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 09:22 EST, 15 May 2013 . This fearless daredevil must have his head in the clouds - as he bravely edges across a highline a stomach-churning 3000ft above the ground outside Rio de Janeiro in Brazil. Andy Lewis can be seen in these incredible images carefully moving forward inch by inch across the thin wire with the breathtaking backdrop of fluffy clouds and a magnificent glowing skyline behind him as the sun sets. In a different photo Andy, who has been slacklining and BASE jumping for the past 10 years, crosses another line without even wearing a harness - and only water and rocks below him if he falls. Scroll down for video . Up in the clouds: Andy Lewis meditates 300ft above the ground, precariously balanced on a highline in Brazil as the sun sets around him . Don't look down: Andy Lewis crosses over the sea on a highline attached to two cliffs faces near Rio de Janeiro in Brazil without a harness in sight, pictured left, and slacklines above a sheer drop down towards the ocean, pictured right . The incredible images were taken this year on a trip to Brazil with friends who call themselves the Moab Monkeys - after the famous Utah desert - and includes some of the world's top slackliners. Andy, from San Francisco, USA, said: 'I'm really confident with my abilities on the slackline so when I stroll across it almost doesn't look that hard. 'The better you get the more effortless it looks so people sometimes struggle to understand the technical aspect and the skill behind it. 'It's really painful to balance on the tops of your ankles like that and takes years to build up the strength needed be able to do it. 'A lot of the time doing what I do means if I lose balance I either catch the line or die - it's that simple but it makes you feel free having so little choices up there. Walking in the air: Andy Lewis, who has been slacklining and BASE jumping for the past 10 years, carefully inches along the highline . 'If I were to lose my balance it would take a lot for me to miss the line.' Photographer Scott Rogers, originally from Denver, Colorado, risks his own life to capture Andy's spectacular stunts but insists the group are skilled enough to do what they do. He said: 'On a scale of one to ten highlining really is quite safe if you set up properly. But when you do it without a leash the danger level dramatically rises. 'We're all experienced so like to think the risk is fairly low however we accept the consequences are very high - sometimes death if a fall freesoloing or with the ankle leash slipping off.' Quite a setting: The Brazilian jungle gives way to a settlement in the background as Andy Lewis crosses a highline without a harness, pictured left. He is part of a group of slackliners called the Moab Monkeys who continuously push themselves to more challenging highline walks . Beautiful backdrop: The sea can be seen in the distance as Andy Lewis walks a highline with nothing but sharp rocks and vegetation below . | Andy Lewis has 10 years of experience slacklining and BASE jumping around the world .
He is part of the Moab Monkeys - a group of talented slackliners - who take on only the most daring highline walks .
For more AMAZING video from the Moab Monkeys click HERE . |
285,858 | fe62815219ada629ce56bdcab5b090c0c5bf712b | By . Daily Mail Reporter . PUBLISHED: . 13:10 EST, 21 May 2012 . | . UPDATED: . 16:25 EST, 21 May 2012 . A third victim is recovering from a flesh-eating bacteria in a strange surge in the rare condition after a Georgia student lost her leg, a foot and both her hands and a new mother of twins was left fighting for her life. Bobby Vaughn, 32, has lost two pounds of flesh from his groin and back after he caught the aggressive bug when he got a cut on his side after falling out of a tree in Georgia. Aimee Copeland's fight against the condition has risen to national attention after the 24-year-old student caught it after cutting herself on a homemade zip-slide into Georgia's Little Tallapoosa River at the beginning of this month. Lana Kuykendall, 36, contracted the condition in South Carolina just hours after giving birth to twins on May 11. Lucky to be alive: Bobby Vaughn watched his infection grow from the size of a peanut to the size of a grapefruit . Two victims: Aimee Copeland, 24, (right) was infected when she was cut after falling from a homemade zipline. Lana Kuykendall (left) came down with the disease after giving birth to twins . Mr Vaughn is currently being treated at Doctors Hospital in Augusta, Georgia, the same place where Miss Copeland is still fighting for her life after doctors were forced to amputate one of her legs, one of her feet and both her hands. Miss Copeland, 24, became infected after she received a cut after falling from a homemade zip-line into the river east of Atlanta. Her father announced on Sunday that she was able to breathe for 10 hours without a respirator, a new milestone in her long road to recovery. Lana Kuykendall, 36, was hospitalized with necrotitis faciitis just hours after she was released from Emory University Hospital after giving birth to twins there. She is in critical but stable condition after undergoing seven operations to remove dead and infected tissue from her leg. Two pounds of flesh: Mr Vaugh had to endure five surgeries, but doctors believe they have removed the infected tissue . Aimee Copeland, pictured, a 24-year-old graduate student at the University of West Georgia, suffered a nasty cut on her thigh when her zipline broke and she plunged into the Little Tallapoosa River, east of Atlanta. Doctors stapled the wound shut, but it became infected with a flesh-eating bacteria on May 4. Surgeons amputated her leg, but by then the disease had spread rapidly. On Saturday, they also amputated her foot and both hands. Now she finally appears to be on the mend, despite being in critical condition. She breathed on her own for 10 hours on Sunday, the first time since being admitted to the hospital. Lana Kuykendall, 36, pictured with her husband, had been home just 13 hours after giving birth to twins at Emory University Hospital when she noticed a painful spot on her leg last on May 11. Mrs Kuykendall is a paramedic and her husband Darren is a firefighter, so they recognized quickly that something was wrong. Her husband rushed her to Greenville Memorial Hospital in South Carolina. While they waited to be seen, the couple watched in horror as the spot on Mrs Kuykendall's leg grew a quarter of an inch in one hours. She has now undergone seven surgeries to remove the infected tissue and is currently listed in critical condition. Doctors say that despite the strange surge in cases of the rare disease, the three infections are not related. Both Miss Copeland and Mr Vaughn are at Doctors Hospital because it has one of the most renowned burn clinics in the country. Because of the nature of the injuries the flesh-eating bacteria causes, burn doctors have experience removing damaged tissue and repairing it with skin grafts. Mr Vaughn, a landscaper from Cartersville, said he realized immediately after he received the cut that something was wrong. 'I just out of the blue wasn't feeling real well, and I went over and sat in my truck for a minute, and I was feeling real hot, and I started vomiting, you know, so we just stopped for the day,' he told CBS Atlanta. However, when the infection, which began the size of a peanut, grew to the size of a grapefruit, he went to see a doctor. Like Miss Copeland and Mrs Kuyrkendal, Mr Vaughn was rushed into emergency surgery, where doctors cut out as much of the infected tissue as they could. 'I lost a lot of tissue that was in there. I've had a total of about five surgeries,'' Mr Vaugh told the TV station. Vaughn said he's slowly recovering after doctors managed to stem the spread of the rare infection. 'I was told I was just a day or two from being dead or losing entire parts of my body,' he told NBC 11. Necrotizing fasciitis, more commonly known as 'flesh-eating disease', is a rare but extremely vicious bacterial infection. 'Necrotizing' refers to something that causes body tissue to die, and the infection can destroy skin, muscles and fat. The disease develops when the bacteria enters the body, often through a minor cut or scrape. As the bacteria multiply, they release toxins that kill tissue and cut off blood flow to the area. Because it is so virulent, the bacteria spreads rapidly throughout the body. Symptoms include small, red lumps or bumps on the skin, rapidly-spreading bruising, sweating, chills, fever and nausea. Organ failure and shock are also common complications. Sufferers must be treated immediately to prevent death, and are usually given powerful antibiotics and surgery to remove dead tissue. Amputation can become necessary if the disease spreads through an arm or leg. Patients may undergo skin grafts after the infection has cleared up, to help the healing process or for aesthetic reasons. | Bobby Vaughn, 32, is recovering at the same hospital as Aimee Copeland, the first victim of necrotitis faciitis .
Miss Copeland, 24, has one leg, one foot and both hands amputated as the infection spread rapidly .
Lana Kuykendall, 36, was infected after she gave birth to twins at Emory University Hospital in Atlanta . |
89,940 | ff63015937bdc94ed9ca3bc881d6213aa4e34b7e | By . Daily Mail Reporter . PUBLISHED: . 10:16 EST, 13 June 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 10:16 EST, 13 June 2013 . Four have-a-go-hero Brits sailing a converted warship to Africa on what they describe as an 'anti-piracy' mission have been arrested off Senegal. Armed marine commandos boarded their decommissioned fast attack gun ship Defender, which has two fearsome-looking cannons, and took them into custody in Dakar. The Senegalese authorities said the four - all ex-UK servicemen - were detained on suspicion of 'illegal activity'. Farcical: The gunboat Defender, pictured impounded in Tenerife, was being crewed by four British ex-servicemen on an 'anti-piracy' mission, It has now been seized by Senegalese authorities . The group, led by former Royal Navy . submariner Chris Enmarch, had already had the 127ft Defender . impounded in the Canary Islands. The Spanish were suspicious that the . vessel was registered as a pleasure craft and confiscated their British . flag and ordered them to remain in port in Tenerife. But after five weeks on the island the crew gave the authorities the slip - only to be impounded a second time five days later. The group are reported to be heading to the pirate-infested Gulf of Guinea where they planned to offer security to oil rigs. They insist they are 'not mercenaries' and their boat has no working weapons or ammunition. They left Cornwall on April 16 and before departing Mr Enmarch, from Penryn, said they were going on an anti-piracy mission. He said they were heading to Senegal . 'to discuss with the authorities the possible use of the Defender as a . deterrent against illegal fishing boats.' Defender, which is no . longer on the UK Ships Register, was built in Lowestoft in the mid-1970s . for the Sultan of Oman's navy in the Gulf and decommissioned in 2002 . The crew, which also includes Andrew . Bayliss from Saltash, Cornwall, first ran into trouble off Tenerife on . April 23 when their ship blew a gasket. They were forced to stop in the . resort of Los Cristianos where they were boarded by Spanish Civil Guard . officers who refused them permission to stay there. The vessel was then escorted 50 miles to a berth in the island's Santa Cruz port by a Spanish navy warship. Officials are understood to have been . suspicious that the formidable looking vessel, which flies the British . flag, was registered as a pleasure boat. The Spanish ministry of defence said . an inspection revealed 'irregularities in the paperwork of the boat and . its crew, as well as deficiencies in safety equipment'. Mr Enmarch, 53, who bought the boat . in 2011, was fined 40,000 euros because its waste systems did not meet . standards set for pleasure vessels. The ship's British pendant was removed and it was placed under the custody of armed Civil Guards. One report in Spain said the Defender was actually en route for Nigeria. Mr Enmarch accused the Spanish . authorities of making a 'fuss about nothing' and said the cannons on his . boat were 'just for show and totally unusable'. But in the early hours of May 31, . while the guards were called away, the Defender set off with the fine . allegedly outstanding and five days later it was intercepted off . Senegal. Colonel Abdou Thiam, spokesman for . the Senegal Army, said the ship was being held in Dakar and four British . former members of the armed forces had been arrested. Sources identified Mr Enmarch and Mr Bayliss as two of the arrested men. Mission: Defender was on her way to the Indian Ocean to help tackle the problem of piracy off the African coast (file picture) A second Army spokesman said the ship . had been detained over suspected 'illegal activity' but refused to . disclose further details. The Foreign Office said: 'We are . aware of the arrest of four British Nationals in Senegal. We stand ready . to provide consular assistance.' The 135 tons Defender, which is no . longer on the UK Ships Register, was built in Lowestoft in the mid-1970s . for the Sultan of Oman's navy in the Gulf and decommissioned in 2002. After buying the ship in 2011 Mr . Enmarch told the Maldon Chronicle newspaper: 'Defender's task will be to . deter any pirates intent on boarding the many ships that pass the East . African coastline. 'One look at her should be enough to send them looking for easier targets. 'She will be manned by handpicked . ex-Royal Marine Commandos and run as a professional naval ship, obeying . the rules of engagement. 'Our primary task will be to protect . oil platforms which are towed close to the coast of East Africa, and a . number of oil companies want to hire Defender to look after their . interests. 'We are not mercenaries; this is . strictly a business venture similar to other British private protection . firms which operate in Iraq and Afghanistan. | Defender is a 127 ft former Oman navy fast attack Gunboat .
Crew of four is led by former Royal Navy .
submariner Chris Enmarch .
It had already been impounded by Spanish authorities in Tenerife .
But just five days after giving them the slip it was seized off Senegal . |
117,076 | 23241682a01709ba838260c10fb9a181fa8f5a95 | The recent Ebola outbreak is becoming an issue in the competitive midterm elections. Top Democratic and Republican campaign officials in Washington are uncertain about the political ramifications of Ebola's arrival in the U.S. and are grappling with how to respond. But Republicans are seizing on the issue as an opportunity to again make the case that President Barack Obama isn't leading effectively. They're highlighting Obama's recent assurance that Ebola was "unlikely" to get to the U.S. and calling for the U.S. to impose new travel restrictions for those countries in Africa where the outbreak began. It's all part of an effort to force their Democratic opponents to defend Obama's response to Ebola. GOP officials have reason to believe their line of attack will resonate with voters. CNN has learned from sources at the NRSC, the national campaign organization for Senate Republicans, that the group's internal polling finds 60 percent of voters believe that if a single case of Ebola arises in the U.S., it should be treated as a major crisis by the federal government. "Washington is broken," claimed an NRSC email. "The top-down approach championed by Democrats for decades (and controlled by them at the federal level in Washington) has shown itself to be completely unprepared and ill-equipped for 21st Century challenges." Democrats have been supportive of the administration's efforts, but are pushing for a coordinated effort with other countries to prevent further spread of Ebola. Still, GOP candidates have picked up on the message. Michigan Republican Senate candidate Terri Lynn Land Friday called for a travel ban or other restrictions to ensure more infected people do not enter the country. "I'm a mom. I have kids. People are concerned. Again, this is a safety and security issue," Land told Michigan Public Radio. She called on the president and her opponent, Democratic Rep. Gary Peters, who she is trailing in most polls, to outline a federal response. "The President needs to lead," Land said. "Congressman Peters needs to lead -- to come up with a plan to make sure we can deal with this." A spokeswoman for Peters told CNN that Land is "desperate." "It is sad Terri Lynn Land is now so desperate that she's trying to use a deadly virus as a political issue, and it's shameful," spokeswoman Haley Morris said. "Before playing politics with such a serious issue, Terri Lynn Land should explain why she pushed for the government shutdown last year, which hampered the CDC and our nation's emergency readiness." In North Carolina, Thom Tillis, who is trying to unseat Democrat Kay Hagan in one of the most closely watched Senate races this year, also called for a travel ban from West African countries. "It's time for Washington to take action to protect the American people," said Tillis, who many recent polls show is narrowly trailing Hagan. A Hagan spokeswoman responded that Tillis's approach would not do enough. "Kay believes the U.S. should work together with the international community to take a wide range of steps to fight this epidemic and prevent it from spreading," Sadie Weiner said in an email. "Travel restrictions may be one tool we can use, but they should be part of a broader strategy because simply sealing the borders to these countries won't make the crisis go away." As far back as August, Arkansas Democratic Sen. Mark Pryor tried to use the issue of Ebola against his opponent, GOP Rep. Tom Cotton. In a campaign ad, Pryor accused Cotton of voting against a 2013 bill that included money to respond to pandemics. But Cotton did support the final version that became law, according to an analysis by Politifact. On Friday, Cotton signed a letter to Obama with fellow House Republicans from Arkansas urging him to consider a ban on flights to affected countries. "The quality of our hospitals, we well as our talented doctors, is undoubtedly a draw for people with the means and will to come to the U.S. -- sometimes because exposure to Ebola in their own country and in spite of the risk to the health of Americans," the GOP congressmen wrote. White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest told reporters Friday that at this point, the Administration is not considering imposing any travel ban. In an interview on CNN Friday, the number two official with the Senate GOP campaign arm, Sen. Rob Portman of Ohio, said the U.S. needs to be "more aggressive" in screening people coming to the country and pointed to recent report that said the Department of Homeland Security is not equipped right now to deal with a pandemic. "I don't think we're prepared as we should be," Portman said. "I think this is another example where the administration was not as engaged early on as they should have been and now we're playing catch-up." Aides for both the House GOP and Democratic campaign committees tell CNN Ebola has not cropped up in House races at this point. But that could change as political campaigns in recent weeks have been quick to focus their messages on issues that are on voters' minds. Soon after questions were raised about Obama's response to the terror group ISIS, and public opinion polls showed Americans were increasingly worried about an attack at home, Republican candidates began bringing up the issue. The National Republicans Congressional Campaign Committee rolled out television commercials suggesting several Democratic candidates didn't support funding to respond to terrorists threats and they were "dangerous." And though Congress is in recess for the final stretch before the midterm elections, a House committee announced on Friday that it will hold a hearing on the Ebola outbreak on Oct. 16. | Republicans are seizing on the Ebola issue to make a case against Democrats .
Michigan GOP Senate candidate: Obama "needs to lead"
Congress will hold an Ebola hearing on Oct. 16 . |
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