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Colonel Gaddafi 's eldest son Saif has hired a group of South African mercenaries to smuggle him out of Libya and into a friendly African country , according to information received by the International Criminal Court . The Court , based in the Hague , said Saif , 39 , whose current whereabouts are the source of much speculation , had been in contact with them through intermediaries to discuss the possibility of surrendering for trial . Saif escaped even though his motorcade . was hit by a Nato air strike as it left Bani Walid on Oct. 19 , the day . before his father died in Sirte . Praying for salvation : Saif Gaddafi has allegedly hired a team of South African mercenaries to smuggle him to safety . Three of his brothers were killed in the war . Sources this week reported he had taken refuge with Tuareg nomads , who his family had helped financially in the past , in the borderlands between Libya and Niger . The Gaddafis befriended desert tribes in Niger , Mali and other poor former French colonies in West Africa . Other African countries received Libyan largesse during the 42-year rule of Gaddafi , a self-styled African ` king of kings ' . U.S. military and government representatives held security talks in neighbouring Niger with local officials in Agadez , which has been a way station for other Libyan fugitives , including another son of Muammar Gaddafi , Saadi . Justice : The International Criminal Court 's chief prosecutor Luis Moreno-Ocampo is keen to bring Colonel Gaddafi 's eldest son to the Netherlands for trial . A U.S. military plane has been spotted at Agadez airport . A top regional official declined to say what the talks with the Americans were about , but spoke of escape plans by Saif al-Islam and former Libyan intelligence chief Abdullah al-Senussi , both wanted by the ICC for crimes against humanity . ` Senussi is being extricated from Mali toward a country that is a non-signatory to the -LRB- ICC -RRB- convention . I am certain that they will both -LRB- Senussi and Saif al-Islam -RRB- be extricated by plane , one from Mali the other from Niger , ' said the official , who asked not to be named . He said there were at least 10 airstrips in the north of Niger near the Libyan border that could be used to whisk Saif al-Islam out of the country . However , a member of parliament from northern Mali , Ibrahim Assaleh Ag Mohamed , denied Senussi or Saif al-Islam were in his country and said they would not be accepted if they tried to enter . The arrival of the U.S. delegation followed remarks by Mohamed Anako , president of Agadez region , who said he would give Saif al-Islam refuge . ` Libya and Niger are brother countries and cousins ... so we will welcome him in , ' he said . The ICC has warned Saif al-Islam , who is understandably anxious not to be captured by Libyan interim government forces in whose hands his father was brutally killed last week , that it could order a mid-air interception if he tried to flee by plane from his Sahara desert hideout for a safe haven . ICC Prosecutor Luis Moreno-Ocampo said : ` There are some people connected with him that are in touch with people connected with us ... it 's through intermediaries , ' ` We have some information that there is a mercenary group trying to help him to move to a different country , so we are trying to prevent this activity , ' said Moreno-Ocampo . ` We are also working with some states to see if we can disrupt this attempt . Some of them are South Africans allegedly . ' On the run : Saif al-Islam gestures to reporters in Tripoli on August 23 . The ICC said he was in ` informal contact ' with them about the possibility of surrenering to stand trial . Moreno-Ocampo said the ICC was not making any deal with Saif al-Islam but was explaining through the contacts that he had to face trial because he had been indicted for war crimes . ` He says he is innocent , ' said the prosecutor . France , a backer of February 's revolt against Gaddafi , reminded African states of their obligations to hand Saif al-Islam over to the international court . ` We do n't care whether he goes on foot , by plane , by boat , by car or on a camel , the only thing that matters is that he belongs in the ICC , ' said Foreign Ministry spokesman Bernard Valero . Niger , Mali , Chad and Burkina Faso , a swathe of arid states to the south of Libya , are all signatories to the treaty that set up the ICC . Algeria , which took in Saif al-Islam 's mother , sister , brother Hannibal and half-brother Mohammed , is not a signatory . Nor is Sudan or Zimbabwe . Leaders of Libya 's National Transitional Council -LRB- NTC -RRB- would like to run their own trials , but acknowledge that their writ barely runs in the deep south . Nato countries , now winding up a mission that backed the revolt , have expressed little enthusiasm for hunting a few individuals across a vast tract of empty continent . Saif al-Islam was once seen as a liberal reformer , architect of a rapprochement with Western states on whom his father waged proxy guerrilla wars for decades . But he responded with belligerent rhetoric after the revolt erupted in Libya . The ICC accuses him of hiring mercenaries to carry out a plan , worked out with his father and Senussi , to kill unarmed protesters inspired by ` Arab Spring ' uprisings elsewhere . Niger 's government in the capital Niamey has vowed to meet its ICC commitments . But 750 km -LRB- 400 miles -RRB- north in a region where cross-border allegiances among Tuareg nomads often outweigh national ties , the picture looks different . Some of the tens of thousands of people who eke out a living in the Sahara , roamed by smugglers and nomadic herders , say there would be a welcome for the younger Gaddafi . ` We are ready to hide him wherever needed , ' said Mouddour Barka , a resident of Agadez . ` We are telling the international community to stay out of this business and our own authorities not to hand him over - otherwise we are ready to go out on to the streets and they will have us to deal with . ' A U.S. military aircraft flew 25 wounded NTC fighters out of Tripoli on Saturday for medical treatment in the United States . Britain has also taken in wounded fighters . | Colonel Gaddafi 's eldest son reportedly hiding with Tuareg desert nomads close to the Niger border . | [[757, 822]] |
Hundreds of gypsy mourners took to the streets of Wales today to pay tribute to a man who died after being in a coma for the last 22 years . Andrew Colwyn - known as ` the boy ' - was 24 when he was hit by a drunk driver in 1992 , leaving him bedridden and unable to communicate with family or friends . In true big fat gypsy style , his funeral procession today was lead by a horse and carriage , and followed by five trucks full of flower displays including pints of beer , security vans , and a pack of cigarettes . Other displays gracing the streets of Splott , Cardiff , were boxers and Ford pick-up vans , celebrating his love of cars and amateur boxing . Scroll down for video . Dozens of gypsies took to the streets of Wales today to mourn the death of Andrew Colwyn , known as ` The Boy ' , who spent the last 22 years in a coma after being hit by a drunk driver in 1992 . Mr Colwyn -LRB- pictured right -RRB- was 24 when the crash happened in 1992 . Today his funeral procession was followed by truck containing flowers shaped into a boxer and a pint of beer -LRB- left -RRB- . Among the more bizarre tributes was this design , made to look like a pack of cigarettes , with the word ` brother ' pinned across the bottom . He died on November 20 , and was watching over for the night by family and friends ahead of the formal service today . Mr Colwyn , a former scrap metal worker , was described as ` popular and well-respected ' and was known by everyone in the Welsh gypsy and traveller community . His body was taken through the streets in a horse-drawn carriage , followed by five pick-up trucks full of flowers , including displays made into pints of beer , a security van , and the word ` brother ' . His cousin , also named Andrew Colwyn , 20 , said : ` He was a very nice guy and everyone had a nice word to say about him . ` People have come over from all across the country to pay tribute to The Boy today , West Wales and all over the place . ` The Boy was very popular and well respected back in the day . But he got knocked over by a drink driver , 22 years ago now , and he just never recovered . ` We wanted to give him a proper send-off and that 's why all the flowers represent what he loved . He loved boxing , The Boy did , he was an amateur boxer , and he loves his trucks and his dogs too . ' Mr Colwyn 's family said he was an amateur boxer and loved cars , which explains this tribute shaped like a yellow Ford pick-up truck . A picture of Mr Colwyn is seen underneath the inscription ` Uncle Boy ' , a nod to his nickname ` The Boy ' . To either side are boxing gloves , as Mr Colwyn was an amateur boxer before he was hit by a drunk driver . Among the flower displays was this blue Securicor van , presumably a reference to his love of vans . A pair of greyhounds -LRB- pictured front left and right -RRB- were also among the tributes to Mr Colwyn , which were paraded through the streets of Cardiff on the back of five trucks . Cousin John Price , 23 , said : ` He was The Boy to everyone who knew him - and everyone did . ` Go and knock on any door here in Splott , ask them if they know The Boy , and they 'll tell you everything about the terrible accident that happened . ` He was in hospital for seven years after the accident and then his mum and dad looked after him full-time . They idolised him - he was their world . ` But he 's with them now and he is n't suffering anymore and that 's what matters . ` We 've done this send-off for him to pay our respects and say our goodbyes at last because this is it really . Once you 're gone you 're gone but there 's nothing we can do about that . ` But we can show our respect and how important he was to us all and how much we 'll miss him . ' Police in Wales were forced to close roads along the procession route today after dozens of mourners showed up , saying there was the potential for disruption . Mr Colwyn 's body was watched over by close family and friends during the 24 hours after he died , according to gypsy tradition , before being drawn through the streets of Cardiff by horse and carriage . Mr Colwyn , a scrap metal worker , was described as a ` popular and well-respected ' man who was known throughout the Welsh traveller community . A traditional gypsy vigil was held all night for Mr Colwyn on Monday with the body left with family members at the Rover Way traveller site overnight . His cousin Mr Colwyn added : ` It 's a very old tradition . We do n't eat any meat from the moment The Boy died to the moment he 's buried . ` And there 's no telly in the room where he is either , not until he 's laid to rest . We left it quiet and respectful for him as well as a big fire to keep the body warm . ' Cardiff officials closed roads for the procession earlier today , saying there was a potential for disruption and a high amount of traffic . Around six police officers were in attendance near St Alban 's church , where the service was held . | Andrew Colwyn was 24 when he was hit by a drunk driver in Wales in 1992 . Spent 22 years in a coma before dying at his family home two weeks ago . Dozens of mourners marched through Cardiff today in tribute to ` The Boy ' Floral tributes included trucks , beers , greyhounds and a pack of cigarettes . | [[141, 175], [180, 220], [187, 228], [788, 795], [804, 881], [882, 959], [931, 959], [2033, 2070], [2640, 2677], [80, 85], [90, 140], [788, 795], [804, 881], [0, 85], [686, 774], [1883, 1886], [1895, 1926], [2871, 2885], [2892, 2964], [3817, 3845], [3855, 3895], [334, 356], [402, 518], [1088, 1176], [1554, 1576], [1579, 1647], [1619, 1626], [1629, 1671], [2779, 2883]] |
Astonishing images have emerged of Hollywood legend Mickey Rooney having a gash to his head stitched amid allegations he suffered elder abuse before his death . The actor , who died earlier this year at the age of 93 , is shown in one picture having a large wound on his head treated by medics . In a second image , he is pictured with a missing tooth and other facial injuries . Scroll down for video . The actor , who died earlier this year at the age of 93 , is shown in one picture having a large wound on his head treated by medics . In a second image taken in January 2012 , Mickey Rooney is pictured with a missing tooth and other facial injuries . The shocking photos were revealed for the first time amid claims the star may have suffered abuse in the years before he died in April this year . The shocking photos were revealed for the first time amid claims the star may have suffered abuse in the years before he died in April this year . The National Enquirer reports that Rooney , of Westlake , California , was treated for the cut to his head in December 2011 . A month later , in January 2012 - two years before his death - he was pictured with a missing tooth and apparent facial contusions . According to the National Enquirer , some members of the star 's family are preparing to hand a file over to law enforcement chiefs which they believe may explain his death . In the Enquirer 's article , Rooney 's eighth wife Jan Chamberlin vehemently denies any suggestion that she may have abused the star . During his career Rooney made 361 films . But his estate was reported to have been worth just $ 18,000 when he died . She is quoted in a statement as saying : ' I deny each and every allegation that I mistreated Mickey . We were married for almost 40 years and I would never harm him . ' During his 80-year movie career Rooney made 361 films . But his estate was reported to have been worth just $ 18,000 when he died . The actor rests next to Hollywood legends including Rudolph Valentino , Douglas Fairbanks , Jayne Mansfield , and Charlie Chaplin , in Hollywood Forever Cemetery . The Enquirer reports that the two sides of Rooney 's family held separate funerals on April 19 . At the time of his death , the actor had been living with his stepson Mark and Mark 's wife Charlene . Mickey Rooney -LRB- left -RRB- is pictured in 2006 with his eighth wife Jan -LRB- centre -RRB- and stepson Christopher -LRB- right -RRB- . In September 2011 , it was reported that Rooney had filed a lawsuit in Los Angeles Superior Court that accused his stepson Christopher Aber and Mr Aber 's wife Christina and others of charges including elder abuse and fraud over the previous decade . A court judgment was later reached which appeared to have brought the three-year legal row to a conclusion and in which , according to the Hollywood Reporter , the abuse allegations were dropped . The judgment said that Rooney 's conservator and Aber ` have agreed to resolve all the matters of controversy between them and have consented to the terms of this judgment ' . Aber was asked to pay $ 2.865 m , it has been reported - but the ruling was not enforced . The Hollywood Reporter said that Christopher Aber and his wife admitted no wrongdoing in the court documents . | Images show actor Mickey Rooney having treatment for a gash to his head . Also shown with a tooth missing in a second picture taken in January 2012 . Comes amid allegations he may have suffered elder abuse before he died . The Hollywood legend passed away in April with just $ 18,000 to his name . | [[35, 44], [52, 91], [231, 275], [267, 295], [474, 518], [510, 538], [950, 1075], [985, 1005], [1008, 1075], [296, 313], [316, 379], [542, 578], [539, 556], [581, 655], [1076, 1089], [1092, 1208], [118, 160], [656, 668], [694, 773], [714, 802], [803, 815], [841, 920], [861, 949], [161, 170], [177, 216], [404, 413], [420, 459], [714, 802], [861, 949], [1565, 1575], [1589, 1636], [1867, 1877], [1891, 1938]] |
A footballer was left with a horrific injury after his chin was ripped apart by a ` bladed ' stud on an opponent 's boot . Gary Fawcett , 30 , was attempting to stand up after a tackle when another player ` ran over ' his face . He suffered a 6cm-long gash which cut down to his jaw bone and needed 13 internal and 17 external stitches . WARNING : GRAPHIC CONTENT . Gary Fawcett was left needing 13 internal and 17 external stitches after his face was ripped open by a bladed football boot during a match . The 30-year-old was playing for Garstang FC , against Eagley in Bolton , Greater Manchester , in the amateur West Lancashire Football League when the incident happened . Mr Fawcett , an agricultural fitter , said : ` The blade caught me on the chin and just sliced down . ` It was n't too painful at the time . When you 're playing football , your blood is pumping and the adrenaline is going . ' I ran into the changing room straight away though - I knew something was up . My friend drove me back to Preston so I could be closer to home . ` In the car it really started hurting . Blood was pouring out . We had a gauze from the medical kit which I was using to hold it together . ' The incident happened last Saturday as Mr Fawcett captained his team , Garstang FC , against Eagley in Bolton , Greater Manchester , in the amateur West Lancashire Football League . Mr Fawcett , of Preston , Lancashire , had scored a goal and assisted another when he was struck down 40 minutes into the match . The player did not realise the seriousness of the injury at first and held the gash together with an instrument from a first aid kit , but he was later taken to hospital . Mr Fawcett -LRB- back row , third from right -RRB- says the incident was n't malicious and he does not blame his opponent . Mr Fawcett -LRB- pictured before the injury -RRB- now faces an 18-month wait to find out if he will he scarred for life . He says he does not blame the opponent as insists the injury was accidental and not caused maliciously . After being taken off the pitch he was rushed to Royal Preston Hospital , where he needed three injections in both the top and bottom of the cut before the stitches . ` The stitches took a good two hours , ' he said . ' I wanted him -LSB- the surgeon -RSB- to take his time . He 's done a really good job but it was taking so long that the anaesthesia was starting to wear off . ` My girlfriend had joined me at the hospital but she could n't watch the stitches . It was quite horrible . ' Mr Fawcett now faces an 18-month wait to find out if he will be permanently scarred . His team went on to draw 3-3 . Bladed studs were the brainchild of ex-Liverpool player Craig Johnston , who called then ` Traxion ' soles and said they allowed players to run faster . He convinced sports firm Adidas to take up the idea , which they incorporated into their iconic ` Predator ' boots , which sold by the thousands after their launch in 1994 . The boots were promoted by footballers David Beckham and Zinedine Zidane and rugby player Jonny Wilkinson , making them hugely popular amongst youngsters . Alex Ferguson -LRB- left -RRB- called for the boots to be banned before they caused two injuries to Wayne Rooney -LRB- right -RRB- , one of which required him to wear a headband to protect a gash in his forehead . Rooney was left with a huge gash in his leg after Fulham 's Hugo Rodallega tackled him in 2013 . But Johnston later warned football boot firms that the blades were becoming ` lethal weapons ' due to their development using different materials . His fears have since been proved right with a series of injuries . In 2001 , Sunderland youth team goalkeeper Craig Turns needed 33 stitches after a bladed boot sliced open his face and , the following year , Burnley striker Andy Payton was forced to retired after needing 38 stitches in his leg . After then-Manchester United midfielder Roy Keane broke his foot in 2005 , the team 's then-manager Alex Ferguson called for blades to be banned . The most famous injury said to have been caused by the studs came in 2012 , when Wayne Rooney needed 10 stitches after being caught by Fulham 's Hugo Rodallega . The same player then needed stitches in his head last year after receiving a cut to the forehead in training . Bladed boots were championed by , among others , David Beckham but following a spate of injuries have since faced claims they are dangerous . | WARNING : GRAPHIC CONTENT . Player in amateur league left with part of chin hanging off after incident . He collided with opponent as he attempted to stand up after a tackle . The 30-year-old did n't realise the seriousness of the injury at first . But he later needed 30 stitches to the 6cm-long gash on his face . Follows series of controversies surrounding the use of bladed studs . | [[51, 90], [123, 135], [143, 204], [1503, 1568], [229, 337], [241, 256], [263, 287], [229, 231], [241, 256], [292, 337], [366, 498], [366, 378], [388, 506], [4182, 4292]] |
Police are solving less than a third of all crimes reported , with conviction rates varying depending on where people live . Figures released by the Ministry of Justice reveal that criminals are more likely to escape prosecution in London , where fewer than a quarter are caught . On public transport conviction rates are even worse , with just 13 per cent of all crimes solved by British Transport Police . New figures released by the Ministry of Justice show that police are solving fewer than one in three crimes . Despite overall crime falling since 2004 , conviction rates have remained at just 30 per cent , the Daily Mirror reported . In total , there were 3.5 million crimes committed in England and Wales during 2013/14 , but only a million ended in a criminal being convicted . Around 704,000 crimes were reported in London over the past year , but the Metropolitan Police managed to solve 169,000 of these cases - 24 per cent . In Wales the situation is more positive . In the last 12 months the force convicted 10,800 criminals for 18,600 - a success rate of 58 per cent . Police forces in Northumbria , Cumbria , Norfolk and Hertfordshire all have success rates of more than 40 per cent and appear in the top five in a list of conviction rates . The Metropolitan Police , appears in the lowest five forces for conviction rates . Warwickshire , West Midlands and Bedfordshire also appear in this group with low conviction rates - less than the average 29 per cent for England and Wales . British Transport Police , which covers crimes on railways and roads is at the bottom of the conviction rate league table - with a success rate of just 13 per cent . The figures include crimes where an offender has accepted a caution , or where a crime has been ` taken into consideration ' as part of other proceedings . A spokeswoman for the Metropolitan Police said the force had ` introduced measures to bring more offenders to justice as part of our total war on crime . ' However , despite the low conviction rates , it is feared that the prison population could swell by 15 per cent by 2020 to almost 100,000 - leaving jails struggling to cope with a surge in violent and sexual offenders . The Ministry of Justice predicted the number of prisoners in England and Wales will rise every year until the end of the decade . It means thousands more prison places will be needed , because the current capacity is only 88,015 . Sex offenders are also being jailed for longer , with average sentences increasing by 2.4 months to almost six years when compared to 2013 . | Police in England and Wales are solving less than a third of all crimes . Despite overall crime falling conviction rates have remained at 30 per cent . Conviction rates vary by area - just 25 per cent of crimes solved in London . But in Wales , Dyfed Powys police has a conviction rate of 58 per cent . Crime victims on buses and trains have the worst prospect of justice . The British Transport Police clear 13 per cent of crime reported to them . | [[0, 50], [408, 517], [466, 517], [559, 611], [67, 124], [232, 238], [247, 280], [0, 50], [1500, 1524], [1569, 1665]] |
A vast new hostel for cross-Channel migrants hoping to sneak into Britain is to be opened in Calais as temperatures are expected to plummet . The ` cold weather emergency centre ' in a 40,000 sq ft warehouse fitted with beds and hot showers will be opened when temperatures fall below -5 centigrade . It will be able to house 1,500 of the estimated 2,000 refugees currently living rough in the northern French port . Scroll down for video . A vast new hostel for cross-Channel migrants hoping to sneak into Britain is to be opened in Calais ; the hostel will be opened as a ` cold weather emergency centre ' and will feature beds and showers . Migrants line up for food in the northern French port ; the centre will be able to house 1,500 of the estimated 2,000 refugees currently living rough in the northern French port . The centre will become the first large-scale shelter for Calais migrants since the controversial Sangatte Red Cross hostel was bulldozed in 2002 . That centre was used as a stepping stone to Britain by an estimated 18,000 refugees during its six years of operation . Calais prefect Denis Robin said the centre , two miles from the town 's ferry port , would be available for use within the ` coming days ' . He said : ` The cold weather plan will provide shelter for all those people left outside when temperatures fall . ` We need a space that can house around 1,500 people , that they can reach on foot , but one that is not in the town centre , because encouraging migrants to remain in the town centre is a sensitive issue in Calais . ' A separate day centre offering hot food and showers to only the most vulnerable women , children and elderly migrants will also be opened . The British government has argued that providing beds and showers for migrants will only encourage more to come to Calais hoping to stow away aboard lorries and ferries to Dover . The centre will become the first large-scale shelter for Calais migrants since the Sangatte Red Cross hostel was bulldozed in 2002 ; it was used as a stepping stone to Britain by an estimated 18,000 refugees . The British government has argued that providing beds and showers for migrants will only encourage more to come to Calais hoping to stow away aboard lorries and ferries to Dover . But Mr Robin insisted the shelters were ` humanitarian gestures ' , adding : ` Neither of these centres are in any way new Sangatte-type hostels in Calais . ' Tensions have been mounting in the town in recent months as hundreds more refugees fleeing war zones in the Middle East and poverty in Africa flood across Europe . Mass brawls between rival gangs left more than 70 people injured during July and August . In October , Home Secretary Theresa May promised to give France # 12million to tighten security in Calais after 250 illegal immigrants stormed the ferry terminal hoping to make it across the Channel . The UK also offered Calais an 11-mile long high security fence used at a NATO summit in Wales to keep the migrants out of the terminal . Calais Mayor Natacha Bouchart recently blamed the UK 's ` generous ' state benefits for their influx of refugees . She said : ` Calais is a hostage to the British . The migrants come here to get to Britain . ` The situation here is barely manageable . The UK border should be moved from Calais to the English side of the Channel because we 're not here to do their jobs . ' | The hotel is 40,000 sq ft and will feature beds and hot showers . And comes as a day centre offering hot food and showers is to open . The hostels are being compared to the Sangatte Red Cross hostel . | [[183, 240], [543, 553], [612, 643], [543, 553], [612, 643], [1565, 1650], [1565, 1616], [1653, 1704]] |
Jose Mourinho lauded Oscar 's contribution as Chelsea beat Crystal Palace on Saturday to consolidate their place at the top of the Premier League . The Brazil forward struck a sublime free-kick after six minutes to put Chelsea on their way to a seventh win from eight games this season in a feisty 2-1 London derby victory at Selhurst Park . Oscar 's fine form last season and his selfless displays convinced Mourinho to play him ahead of Juan Mata , who left for Manchester United in January . Oscar has impressed for Chelsea this season , particularly against Arsenal and Crystal Palace . The 23-year-old 's form tailed off as Chelsea 's title challenge faltered , while it was suggested he was preserving himself for the summer 's World Cup finals in Brazil . Mourinho does not regard Oscar as simply a playmaker , as the Brazilian continues to flourish . ` Oscar , in this moment , is not a number 10 , ' the Blues boss said . ` He had an evolution , a mental , tactical evolution that allows him to be a fantastic player . ` Can he physically improve ? Of course . People forget that he is still so young . ' Jose Mourinho was full of praise for the Brazilian , saying he has evolved into a fantastic player . When Cesc Fabregas , who scored Chelsea 's second , was the subject of close attention against Palace , it was Oscar who dropped deep to fill the Spaniard 's role . Mourinho added : ` He 's not a number 10 that plays with the ball at his feet , he 's a number 10 that looks back , looks to the side , analyses the game and sees where the team needs him to move to get the ball and also to create balance . ` In the first half when they had -LRB- James -RRB- McArthur playing man to man with Fabregas , I was so happy with that . ` Fabregas was taking McArthur from the central area and Oscar was dropping back to play . Julian Speroni dives in vain as Oscar puts Chelsea ahead against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park . ` And Oscar and -LRB- Nemanja -RRB- Matic controlled the game completely for us . ' Palace responded with a late Fraizer Campbell goal , which proved merely a consolation , but was set up by Wilfried Zaha , who helped the Eagles to promotion in 2013 after signing for Manchester United . Zaha has had limited opportunities to impress back on loan at Selhurst Park , with Palace boss Neil Warnock determined for the winger to improve his decision making . Warnock said : ` Wilfried has been working very hard with me for the past 10 days . ` He knows what I think about him and what I am going to do with him . He 's clear about that . Neil Warnock said Wilfried Zaha has been working hard to improves his discipline since rejoining the club . ` His discipline is a lot better . He 's learning when to do his tricks and when not to do his tricks . ` If he gets the ball in the right area , he 's as good as anybody . ` He has gone to a massive club early on in his career where you do n't get a lot of coaching . I think that 's what he needs . ` His attitude has been super for me . ' | Oscar has impressed for Chelsea this season . Jose Mourinho said he has evolved into a fantastic player . Oscar scored as Chelsea beat Crystal Palace 2-1 at Selhurst Park . | [[495, 538], [1114, 1127], [1167, 1214], [0, 100], [46, 147], [1835, 1933], [1867, 1933]] |
The family of a Massachusetts firefighter escaped a massive house fire early Wednesday morning . The five-member family 's safety is n't thanks to the experienced fireman , though , but to his six-year-old daughter . Six-year-old Victoria Pierro was woken up just after 4.30 am , police say , when a fan in her room lost power . The kindergartner smelled smoke , saw fire , then rushed to alert her parents , CBS Boston reports . ` She was outstanding , ' Kevin Breen , Swampscott fire chief , told the Boston Herald about the kindergartner . ` She did everything we talk about . She kept her head . She did n't go hide . ' Victoria : A firefighter 's 6-year-old daughter is being credited with saving her family from an early-morning house fire that destroyed their Swampscott home . Kindergartner : Six-year-old Victoria was woken up just after 4.30 am when a fan in her room lost power . The kindergartner smelled smoke , saw fire , then rushed to alert her parents . FOX reports that Victoria 's mother was in the living room of their Swampscott home when the little girl came to alert her . Lori Pierro grabbed her daughter and yelled ` Fire ! Fire ! Fire ! ' before running up the stairs to wake her husband Anthony and sons Nicholas , 15 , and Christian , 12 . The flames quickly tore through the roof of the two-story home , but thanks to the little girl , the family managed to escape through a rear door with just seconds to spare , according to CBS . Lori : Once alerted of the fire , Lori Pierro grabbed her daughter and yelled ` Fire ! Fire ! Fire ! ' before running up the stairs to wake her husband Anthony and sons Nicholas , 15 , and Christian , 12 . The family reportedly had an evacuation plan in place that helped them to escape the fire , but that would have been useless had the six-year-old not jumped to action . Anthony 's fellow firefighters arrived just moments later and CBS reports that it took the responders nearly an hour to bring the flames under control . The fire destroyed the family 's home , car , newly-bought Christmas presents , and other possessions . The family and fire chief credit the family 's safety to little Victoria , and Lori said she does n't know what the fate of her family would have been if her daughter did n't know what to do . Sleeping : Victoria 's fireman father , Anthony , and her two brothers slept as the flames broke out . It was Victoria 's quick action that led the family to escaping the blaze with only seconds to spare . Loss : The fire destroyed the family 's home , car , newly-bought Christmas presents , and other possessions . Accidental : Investigators say the fire started in the family 's garage and is believed to have been accidental . Anthony has been a firefighter for 12 years and praised his daughter 's heroism , the Boston Globe reports . ` We feel badly for -LSB- Anthony 's -RSB- loss , ' Breen told the Globe , ` but for someone who 's trained to say that he got out with 30 seconds to spare is pretty scary , ' Investigators say the fire started in the garage and is believed to have been accidental . The Globe reports that the family has been staying with a neighbor , and many have brought clothes and other donations to the family . The Swampscott Fire Department has even set up a donation fund to help the family . | Victoria Pierro , 6 , sprang into action early Wednesday morning when a fire broke out in her family 's home . Pierro 's heroism led the family to escape the massive blaze with only seconds to spare . The kindergartner woke from her sleep and alerted her parents the second she smelled the smoke and saw the fire . | [[0, 96], [217, 277], [624, 745], [718, 745], [751, 784], [801, 854], [0, 96], [1365, 1440], [1716, 1721], [1727, 1757], [2409, 2421], [2427, 2492], [2912, 2919], [2927, 2998], [217, 277], [329, 360], [363, 371], [329, 360], [374, 406], [891, 922], [925, 933], [891, 922], [936, 970], [1462, 1466], [1469, 1493]] |
Martha Stewart is set to expand her home goods empire by opening a cafe in New York City . According to Bloomberg , the eatery will be located in the Starret-Lehigh Building in Chelsea , where Martha Stewart Living is headquartered . The opening date has not yet been revealed , nor is it clear whether the cafe will serve recipes created by the 73-year-old homemaking maven herself . Scroll down for video . The Martha empire : Martha Stewart is set to expand her home goods empire by opening a cafe in New York City . Location , location : The eatery will be located in the Starret-Lehigh Building in Chelsea , where the Martha Stewart Living is already headquartered . Claudia Shaum , a spokeswoman for Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia Inc , told AdAge that cafe managers are now hiring baristas for the soon-to-be-open cafe . The news comes in the wake of major financial losses for Martha 's company , Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia - to be precise , a $ 1.8 million loss last year . According to AdAge , in October it agreed to farm out most of its magazine operations to Better Homes and Gardens publisher Meredith Corp. to reduce costs . Some speculate that competitors like Gwyneth Paltrow - who recently opened her second Goop pop-up store - and Blake Lively are to blame for the loss . In early November , Gwyneth announced the opening of a pop-up shop in Dallas , Texas , where shoppers could buy the products featured on her lifestyle website . This was the second pop-up shop for Goop . In May , she opened her first in Los Angeles ' Brentwood Country Mart , where the pricey goods on the shelves included $ 650 vintage spoons and a $ 2,350 vintage Christian Dior backgammon set . Head to head : Some speculate that competitors like Gwyneth Paltrow - who recently a Goop pop-up store in Dallas - and Blake Lively are to blame for the financial loss recently suffered by Martha 's company . Martha recently courted controversy after sharing a photo of herself celebrating Thanksgiving with fashion photographer Terry Richardson . Within minutes , Ms Stewart 's account was flooded with comments from her followers , many of whom were horrified to see her associating with the photographer , who is facing more than a dozen accusations that he sexually abused young models while working with them on various photoshoots . Despite the outcry , however , Martha continues to have a group of very devoted fans . ` Martha Stewart Cafe in NYC ? I 'm in , ' wrote one person on Twitter . ` No opening date yet - but anxious to go , ' said another . | Martha Stewart Living , which sells lifestyle magazines and cooking products , reported a $ 1.8 million loss last year . | [[829, 903], [1844, 1903]] |
New York City may be known for its luxury skyscrapers and bustling streets , but just a few miles south of Manhattan , there is an altogether different sight to behold . Languishing in the water just off Staten Island , scores of boats are left to rust in a little-known ship graveyard - just a stone 's throw from the city 's lights . Images captured by US photographer Gordon Donovan reveal the haunting scenes at the Arthur Kill Ship Graveyard in Rossville , Staten Island , which is only accessible by meandering through a cemetery and knocking on private homes to ask for permission to pass . The photographs show great hunks of metal languishing in the water on the south side of Staten Island , which is fewer than 20 miles from Manhattan and 18 miles from Brooklyn . Haunting : Photographs have revealed the eerie scenes at Arthur Kill Ship Graveyard in Rossville , Staten Island - just an hour south of Manhattan . Left to rust : The shipyard harbors disused and decommissioned ferries , tugboats , warships and barges that are left at the site until they are dismantled or salvaged . Final resting place : Another image by Gordon Donovan shows the rusting and peeling paint of a retired service vessel in shallow waters of the Arthur Kill . The dumping ground , which is one of the largest marine scrap yards on the East Coast , harbors disused and decommissioned ferries , tugboats , warships and barges that are ravaged by the elements until they are dismantled or salvaged . Before the boats were dumped at the graveyard , the site was used as the slip for The Blazing Star Ferry , which transported passengers and cargo across the Arthur Kill to Woodbridge Township , New Jersey . The graveyard has been at the site since the 1930s , when Witt 's Marine Equipment company worked to collect , salvage and re-sell materials from wrecked ships and the proud owner , John J. Witte , amassed hundreds of warships at the site . It is now overseen by New Jersey 's Donjon Marine Company , which has put 12-ft metal walls around the perimeter in a bid to block it from prying eyes . But while the graveyard remains a little-known secret even among New Yorkers , Donovan - the photographer - has been visiting the site for seven years . Eerie : The shipyard can only been seen if visitors walk through a cemetery and ask for permission from private property owners to enter and reach the water . Ghostly : An image shows the Bayou Plaquemine , which was built in 1921 for the U.S. Army . The vessel and crew were assigned to the Fourth Service Command during World War II and based at Fort Barrancas , Florida before the vessel was eventually retired in 1972 . Ancient : The colorful pipes and control panel of an oil barge can be seen at the graveyard , while in the background is a jail cell on board a New York Central barge . Rotting : The rusty vessels are hidden behind a 12ft fence near the water 's edge but can be accessed by asking for permission from private homeowners nearby . Still : Donovan , a photograph from the UK , has taken photographs of the ship graveyard over the past seven years during his visits to New York City . He explained that the docks are only accessible by properties owned by families nearby , but that the homeowners allowed him to get a closer look once he asked for permission . ` The area is filled with exposed spikes aged by the elements , most of these boats have just rotted in the water , ' he explained . ` The boats photographed were made out of materials taken from Mother Earth and used to serve a purpose . When they became obsolete , they were discarded and have slowly rotted and sank in the muck off Rossville as Mother Earth takes them back . ' The graveyard has been a final resting place for a ship that took part in D-Day and a World War II submarine destroyer that was the first ship manned by an all-black crew . Donovan 's images also reveal a barge that contains a jail cell to ship prisoners . Left behind : The collapsing bridge of a retired vessel at the graveyard , which opened in the 1930s and now . Forgotten : The graveyard has been a final resting place for a ship that took part in D-Day and a submarine destroyer that was the first ship manned by an all-black crew . Out of order : Waters seep over a rusting barge as the tide rises at the ghostly ship graveyard , which is about 20 miles south of Manhattan and 18 miles from Brooklyn . Tipping point : In this image , the graveyard , which is located on Arthur Kill Road in Rossville , can be seen from an open train box car sitting on the deck of a barge . Resting place : Before the ships were dumped at the graveyard , the site was used as the slip for The Blazing Star Ferry , which transported passengers and cargo across the Arthur Kill to Woodbridge Township , New Jersey . It now harbors vessels until they are dismantled and parts are re-used . Among other vessels that have been left there to rust is a New York City Fire Department fireboat named in the honor of Abram S. Hewitt , who was elected mayor of the city in 1886 . The ship served from 1903 - the year he died - until 1958 , when it was scrapped . During its lifetime , it helped rescue survivors when the General Slocum passenger boat sank in the East River in 1904 . ` Most of the names have been taken off - spray painted over - but the New York City Fire Department fireboat Abram S. Hewitt is there , ' Donovan explained . ` It has sunk in mud over the years and only the smoke stack is still visible . ' | Vessels are dumped at the Arthur Kill Ship Graveyard in Rossville , Staten Island - just an hour from Manhattan . The decommissioned ships are left there to rust until they are salvaged or dismantled for their parts . The little-known ship graveyard has been home to ferries , barges and warships , including ones that served in World War II and others that are responsible for saving New Yorkers from tragedies in its rivers . It is only accessible through a cemetery and by entering onto private property . | [[220, 335], [3705, 3760], [4083, 4140], [4445, 4462], [4469, 4512], [220, 335], [924, 936], [939, 951], [987, 1027], [1033, 1093], [1395, 1414], [1420, 1487], [3563, 3588], [3591, 3595], [3615, 3633], [4810, 4882], [220, 335], [939, 951], [972, 1027], [2099, 2165], [3705, 3760], [3754, 3760], [3766, 3823], [4083, 4140], [462, 475], [484, 565], [2285, 2317], [2285, 2293], [2322, 2400], [2835, 2842], [2845, 2862], [2921, 2994]] |
The battle to get the Budget through has taken on school-yard proportions , with Palmer United Party Senator Glenn Lazarus telling Education Minister Christopher Pyne to ` stop harassing me ' . Senator Lazarus , who is the Leader of the Senate for PUP , claims Mr Pyne is virtually begging him to support the higher education reforms and has urged him to stop his ` desperation ' . ` Christopher Pyne is embarrassing himself and needs to stop harassing me and other cross benchers , ' said Senator Glenn Lazarus . War of words . ` Christopher Pyne is embarrassing himself and needs to stop harassing me , ' said Senator Glenn Lazarus of the Palmer United Party . ' I have never given Christopher Pyne my mobile phone number , ' said Senator Lazarus as the battle to get Budget measures through the Senate before the last sitting day becomes more desperate . ' I am being inundated with text messages from Christopher Pyne virtually begging me to support the Abbott Government 's higher education reforms . ' I have never given Christopher Pyne my mobile phone number . ' The Senator claims that Christopher Pyne 's office and other Abbott Government ministers have been in constant contact with his office and those of other cross-benchers ` offering all sorts of deals and incentives to get our support for the higher education reforms ' . But Senator Lazarus insists that ' I wo n't be bought and I am not prepared to horse trade ' . ` It is clear that the Abbott Government is so desperate they will stoop to any level to win support . ` The majority of Australians do not want increased education costs . ` The higher education reforms are nothing more than a sinister Abbott Government budget cutting measure . Education Minister Christopher Pyne insists that ` let 's be clear : there is no viable alternative to these reforms ' Senator Glenn Lazarus says he doubts that Christopher Pyne , pictured here talking with the Prime Minister , will retain the education portfolio in the new year . ` The Abbott Government 's higher education reforms are bad to the core and will only significantly reduce funding to universities which in turn will significantly increase the cost of higher education in Australia . ' Senator Lazarus went on to doubt whether Christopher Pyne will retain the education portfolio in the next year and insisted that ` Palmer United will be voting down the higher education reforms ' . Any vote held this week on education reforms seem likely to fail . With Labor and the Greens opposing the changes , the government would need support from 6 of the 8 cross-bench senators . Mr Pyne will only say that he 's still negotiating with them . He stated that : ` In the final week of Parliament for 2014 the Government is urging the Senate to pass the vital higher education reforms to secure the future of our universities and spread opportunity to more Australians . ' ` Without these changes our universities will be condemned to a slow decline -- losing their competitive edge in our region and internationally . ` Let 's be clear : there is no viable alternative to these reforms . ' Independent senator John Madigan and Family First 's Bob Day won concessions on student debt interest rates from the minister on Monday . Liberal Democrat David Leyonhjelm could likely support the changes but even he is critical of the government 's negotiating process . ` They 're hopeless at convincing me to vote for their legislation , ' he said . Victorian Andrew Broad expects Mr Pyne to stump up some kind of support package for regional universities . That could sway a few votes . Independent senator Nick Xenophon is still sceptical about what he believes to be a ` radical shift ' . If it goes to a vote this week , he 's expected to say no . The third independent , Jacqui Lambie , has been steadfast in her opposition . | Glenn Lazarus says the Education Minister should ` stop harassing me ' The Senator claims Mr Pyne is 'em barrassing himself ' after being ` inundated with text messages . . virtually begging me to support reforms ' Mr Pyne says there is ` no viable alternative ' to the government 's higher education Budget proposals . | [[81, 189], [382, 400], [429, 480], [529, 547], [576, 602], [194, 209], [254, 333], [194, 209], [326, 377], [384, 424], [531, 571], [860, 921], [860, 861], [886, 1005], [1726, 1832], [3060, 3109]] |
The reason Education Minister Christopher Pyne called Clive Palmer 's senator-elect in Western Australia Zhenya ` Dio ' Wang by the name ` Wong ' has been explained after ABC journalist Leigh Sales asked Mr Wang the proper pronunciation of his name . In Australia the WA Senator is known as Wang so when Mr Pyne appeared on the ABC 7.30 Report and called him Wong Ms Sales quickly picked him up on it . But after speaking with Mr Wang she has admitted it was in fact her that was wrong . Scroll down for video . Christopher Pyne appeared on the ABC 's 7:30 Report on Tuesday night after his education reforms were rejected . Clive Palmer 's senator-elect in Western Australia Zhenya ` Dio ' Wang . Mr Wang told her his name was pronounced ` Wong ' in spite of the Romanised spelling of his name using the ` a ' vowel . ` So Christopher Pyne was right and I was wrong , ' Ms Sales clarified . On Tuesday night , Mr Pyne explained : ` Well some people pronounce it Wang , some people pronounce it Wong ; it depends where you are on the spectrum . But if you wish to pick me up on that Leigh , that 's a very small thing and I 'm surprised you 'd bother with it . ' ` Never the less , Dio and I are good friends and I will continue to try and get their support , ' he replied to the quip . Mr Pyne appeared on the 7.30 Report after his higher educations were rejected by senators on Tuesday . Palmer United senators Dio Wang and Glenn Lazarus joined independents Jacqui Lambie and Nick Xenophon , as well as Labor and the Greens to defeat the Education Minister 's bill . ABC journalist John Barron reported on Twitter that ` Senator Wang 's office says in China is would be `` Wong '' but they use `` Wang '' to avoid confusion with Senator Penny Wong . ' Mr Pyne scolded Ms Sales , instructing her to study a bachelor of political science after being asked about the frequency of which he met with the crossbenchers and the quality of the relationships they shared . ABC journalist Leigh Sales , pointed Mr Pyne 's slip when pronouncing the name of cross bencher Zhenya ` Dio ' Wang who he insisted he had an ` excellent relationship ' with him . The higher education reforms were rejected by the Senate on Tuesday night with a vote of 33-31 . ' I have met with some of the crossbenchers many , many times -- in fact I 've met with some of them six or seven or eight times , but I 'm not going to go through the day-to-day machinations of how government works , Leigh , ' he said . ` You can go and study that at university if you wish to , in a bachelor of political science . The reality is that I 'm working closely with the cross bench , I secured four of their votes today and I 'll be back at it again tomorrow with a new reform bill . ' The higher education reforms , which include a reduction in government funding and permit universities to set their own fees , were rejected by the Senate on Tuesday night with a vote of 33-31 . Pyne was also forced to deny ` harassing ' senators in order to get them to support his higher education reforms . Palmer United Party Senator Glenn Lazarus accused the Education Minister of pestering him and others in a statement on Tuesday , saying he 'd been ` inundated with text messages from Christopher Pyne ' despite having never given him his mobile number . Palmer United Party Senator Glenn Lazarus accused the Education Minister of pestering him . But Mr Pyne dismissed the accusations , suggesting that the ` seven or eight ' messages he 'd sent Senator Lazarus were entirely acceptable and telling ABC 's 7.30 Report that he would be ` happy to send him more ' . ` Senator Lazarus is the only crossbench senator who has refused to meet with me to discuss these reforms , so the only avenue he 's left to me to be able to communicate with him , besides letters , is SMS , ' Mr Pyne told Ms Sales . He then added : ' I hope you did n't mind the fact that I sent him a Christmas card today , Leigh , I 'm sure he wo n't . ' ' I would have sent him seven or eight texts and I 'm happy to send him more texts . ' Mr Pyne claimed that Mr Lazarus told a reporter he was happy for the Education Minister to send him ` as many texts as he wanted ' after the post had been published , saying : ` I 'm as confused as the next person about Senator Lazarus wanting me to send him texts or not ' . | The Education Minister said it was a ` very small thing ' to call Senator Wang by the name ` Wong ' He made the comment while talking on the ABC 's 7.30 Report . Glenn Lazarus has accused the Minister of ` harassing ' him and other crossbenchers in order to gain their support for higher education reforms . Mr Pyne defended himself by saying Mr Lazarus was the only crossbencher who had refused to meet with him for discussions , forcing him to text . The Senator claimed Mr Pyne is 'em barrassing himself ' after being ` inundated with text messages . . virtually begging me to support reforms ' The reforms were rejected by the Senate on Tuesday night with a vote of 33-31 , with Senators Lazarus amongst those who voted against the bill . | [[1083, 1088], [1096, 1126], [1091, 1160], [251, 343], [512, 608], [3402, 3409], [3438, 3573], [2938, 2942], [2999, 3052], [3053, 3142], [3306, 3397], [3053, 3094], [3182, 3262], [3726, 3758], [3814, 3820], [3633, 3663], [3668, 3720], [3726, 3747], [3759, 3793], [3053, 3142], [3053, 3094], [3182, 3262], [3306, 3397], [1287, 1389], [1323, 1389], [1390, 1491], [1526, 1568], [2146, 2242], [2743, 2845], [2863, 2937]] |
Sportsmail columnist Martin Keown answered your questions on Thursday ahead of the weekend 's Premier League action . Top of the agenda this week was Manchester United 's defence . Keown believes that none of the current back four would make any of Sir Alex Ferguson 's squads . Also discussed this week is the North London derby and the centre backs who could make a move to the top sides in the Premier League in January . Find out Keown 's thoughts on all that , plus the other big clash of the weekend , Liverpool v Everton on Saturday . Email your questions to Martin HERE or send your tweets to @MailSport using #TackleKeown in time for next week 's questions . | Manchester United 's current defence would not have made any of their teams in the last 20 years . Mario Balotelli has not yet managed to reach the highs of Euro 2012 . Ron Vlaar is not mobile enough to play for either Man United or Arsenal . | [[181, 278], [201, 278]] |
An Iraqi refugee who made ` dubious ' claims about having cancer , falling and injuring himself , and his father dying so he could continue to receive disability welfare while overseas finally came unstuck when the Department of Social Services refused to believe he 'd received death threats from Iraqi insurgents . Ali Mahmood , who has a degree in chemical engineering but has never worked in Australia , first legitimately claimed Disability Support Pension - which can be $ 800 a month - for his spinal scoliosis in 2003 when he arrived in the country on a humanitarian visa . However , over the past decade Mr Mahmood left Australia to visit Iraq on four separate occasions -- remaining outside of Australia for longer than the 13-weeks allowed in order to still receive DSP . Each time he sought extensions to his ` portability period ' with excuses such as his father had died -LRB- it later turned out to be his divorced wife 's father -RRB- and that he had cancer , which there is no medical record of . Ali Mahmood 's appeal to keep his disability welfare has been rejected after a tribunal concluded he did not have any evidence to prove his life was threatened in Iraq that stopped him from returning to Australia . It was n't until his final trip to Iraq , on 30 November 2012 , that the 54-year-old came unstuck for his absences when the Sunni Muslim claimed his life was in danger from Shia Muslims in his home country . Mr Mahmood did not notify Centrelink that he was going overseas this time and after email correspondence - where he asked to be allowed to still claim - Centrelink refused the request and decided that the DSP should be cancelled from 1 March 2013 . His Family Tax Benefit -LRB- FTB -RRB- instalments were also cancelled as of 22 March 2013 after he failed to provide an estimate of his income . After the Social Security Appeals Tribunal agreed to stop his payments on the recommendation of Centrelink , a determined Mr Mahmood took his case to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal . Residence in Australia is a pre-condition for receipt of a DSP . If recipients go overseas they are required to notify Centrelink in advance . There is a 13-week portability period - the period you can still claim while overseas - for DSP . He arrived back in Australia on 1 March 2014 and claimed he was unable to leave Baghdad before because of death and kidnapping threats made by insurgents . Senior Tribunal Member D Letcher QC said in an Administrative Appeals Tribunal , in Adelaide on October 24 , that he ` did not accept the applicant 's account for a number of reasons ' . The reasons included the fact Mr Mahmood made no contact with the Australian embassy in Baghdad ` and resisted all efforts to have him contact it . I infer that this was because he knew that any embassy enquiry would show he was not under any threat ' . The judgement went on : ` The applicant has a history of overstaying his absences and seeking extensions of the portability period for dubious reasons and , having regard to all the evidence before me , I consider that this is what occurred on this occasion . ' Mr Letcher said there was ` no independent corroboration ' and that ` the applicant was a very unsatisfactory witness , being evasive , contradictory and inconsistent in his demeanour and responses to questions ' . Mr Mahmood refused to attend the hearing in person for cross-examination . ` I do not accept that he received any threat to his life or well-being in Baghdad , ' Mr Letcher concluded . In the Administrative Appeals Tribunal the full list of outrageous claims Mr Mahmood made to the Department of Social Services over ten years to try and keep his welfare payments while overseas were also revealed . In 2007 , he claimed he left Australia because his dad was very ill and died two days after he arrived . ` At the hearing , the applicant -LRB- having given evidence that his father was alive in 2012 -RRB- said that the deceased in 2007 was his wife 's father . I note that the applicant and his wife separated in 2006 , were divorced on 23 January 2007 , and the applicant professed to know nothing of his wife 's whereabouts or activities `` for the last 8 years '' , ' Mr Letcher said . During the 2008 trip , he claimed that he had fallen and hurt himself , and was granted another extension . On 23 February 2010 , he advised that he had been diagnosed with cancer and was receiving chemotherapy . Extensions to his portability period were granted until April , and then June and , finally , August 2010 . His further application for an extension on 30 August 2010 was refused because he did not provide any current treatment information . He appealed that decision to the SSAT but was unsuccessful . ` In evidence to this Tribunal , the applicant said that his abdominal cancer had been diagnosed on biopsy in Damascus and chemotherapy commenced . ` Later , he consulted doctors in Jordan and was told that it had all been a mistake and he had no cancer . He did not bring back to Australia any hospital or medical reports , x-rays or pathology results , ' Mr Letcher revealed . | Ali Mahmood arrived in Australia in 2003 and started receiving Disability Support Pension for his spinal scoliosis . Over ten years he travelled to his home country of Iraq four times . Each time he visited he applied for an extension on the time he could be outside Australia and still receive his welfare payments . The maximum time is ordinarily 13 weeks but from 2012 he left for 78 weeks . He claimed his life had been threatened by insurgents and he could n't get back to Australia . A tribunal did n't accept his excuses and called his previous stories ` dubious ' | [[427, 525], [592, 679], [119, 205], [592, 679], [783, 841], [2858, 3008], [4225, 4245], [4248, 4250], [4301, 4332], [683, 742], [2163, 2213], [176, 316], [1150, 1181], [1349, 1436], [2261, 2263], [2310, 2395], [2377, 2416], [0, 16], [21, 95], [1014, 1035], [1059, 1111], [2531, 2599], [2858, 3008]] |
Something very strange is happening in our skies . From Aberdeen to Devon , Llandudno all the way to Norwich , thousands of people reported hearing a series of loud bangs in the sky around 10.30 pm on Saturday . Many have described the mysterious noises as sounding like explosions or rumbles of thunder . Others thought they were similar to sonic booms -- the sound a supersonic aircraft makes when it passes through the sound barrier . Some said the bangs sounded more like a series of loud , crackling pops and so suspected fireworks . However , when they looked outside , none were to be seen . Scroll down for video . Armageddon comes : Britain was shocked by a loud rumbling on Saturday night - is the end , perhaps , nigh ? As soon as the noises had ended , social media websites , such as Twitter and Facebook , were buzzing with chatter about what the bangs could have been . No one , it appeared , had a clue . But what made matters even more puzzling was that it emerged that a loud bang had been heard in Buffalo , New York -- thousands of miles from Britain -- around the same time . So , what on earth could it have been ? There 's no doubt that as soon as an event like this occurs , it becomes hard to separate fact from fiction . Though social media is brilliant at spreading information quickly , it 's as fast at circulating incorrect stories . Many attention-seekers falsely reported they had heard noises . Others innocently reported similar noises they heard at the same time for which there will be perfectly ordinary explanations -- such as military training or , indeed , fireworks . Fireworks were in Croydon -LRB- pictured -RRB- - but they were hardly loud enough to be heard nationwide . The most persuasive of these reports was the sound recording made by Claudia Angiletta , from Croydon , South London , who said she could not see any fireworks and was therefore baffled by the noises . However , it emerged there was a large and very loud fireworks display for a wedding party on Saturday night at the Walcountians Sports Club , which is just four miles from the centre of Croydon . Saturday was a still night and the sound would have easily carried for miles . But as fireworks in London are most certainly not loud enough to be heard in Aberdeen , Catherine wheels ca n't possibly account for the nationwide reports of this seemingly other-worldly phenomenon . Some of the explanations are positively outlandish , but we must consider them all for , as Sherlock Holmes famously observed : ` When you have eliminated the impossible , whatever remains , however improbable , must be the truth . ' The most bizarre accounts have been propagated by those who suspect the world is coming to an end . According to a blog called The End Time , which seeks to chronicle ` the end of days ' , the noises may signal our doom . ` I believe the booms are manifestations of spiritual warfare we happen to hear on this side of the veil or the preparations God is making for imminent tribulation judgments , ' says the blog . You do n't need to be the atheist Richard Dawkins to dismiss such an explanation , but the idea that the noises are a manifestation of divine displeasure is widely accepted by many . Thousands melodramatically used the Twitter hashtag -- which signals a much - discussed topic -- #OMG WeAreAllGoingToDie when they reported the bangs , though often in jest . Other wild explanations involve aliens , as so many conspiracy theories do . A lack of corroborating visual evidence -- such as spaceships or little green men -- makes this harder to press home . Theories : There was no shortage of ideas when it came to the possible source of the noises . Then there is The Hum theory . This is a widely reported low frequency noise that is said to occur in parts of Britain and North America . There have been different reports of the noise for at least 40 years . For example , in 2011 in the village of Woodland in Co. . Durham , residents claimed to be hearing it for days . Often , there are rational explanations for The Hum , such as nearby factories or people suffering from tinnitus , but some occurrences remain genuinely mysterious . However , what was heard on Saturday night was not a humming , but more of a series of explosions . One of the more believable explanations is that the noises were caused by an ultra top secret American aeroplane that uses a ` pulse detonation engine ' to power it to five times the speed of sound . According to Dr Bhupendra Khandelwal , a scientist at Sheffield University working on the technology behind these engines , the strange sounds could have been made by such a plane . ` When we run a test engine it 's a real industrial noise you can hear it for miles , ' he says . No aircraft have used such engines to travel at supersonic speeds , though a persistent conspiracy theory maintains that the Americans have a plane called Aurora powered by pulse detonation . As such theories go , Aurora is the oldest of chestnuts -- it has been around for at least a quarter of a century . A widespread version is that the Americans have secretly developed a hypersonic spy plane to replace the defunct Blackbird spy plane , and that it flies around the world on clandestine missions . Of course , this conveniently ignores the fact that with increasingly sophisticated satellites , there is little or no need for the Americans to develop fearsomely fast -- and expensive -- manned aircraft . It seems more plausible that Aurora was simply the name given to the project that developed America 's range of stealth aircraft , such as the B-2 bomber . And even if there was such an aircraft , it is highly unlikely it would have been heard the length and breadth of Britain on Saturday night . Could it be ? An artist 's image of the so-called Aurora project . Enthusiasts say one possible power source is a ` pulse detonation engine ' , whose sound is said to resemble that caught on an audio clip on Saturday . Theory : Aurora is rumoured to be a top secret aircraft in development since 1989 . Last year Lockheed Martin announced it was developing a similar SR-72 spy plane -LRB- illustrated -RRB- said to be able to accelerate up to Mach 6 . After all , there seems little point in developing an aeroplane quite so absurdly noisy . Some suggested weather conditions , such as thunder , might be the source , but the Met Office dismissed this . Another suggestion made by people pointing out that Britain has a severe terror warning in place is that the bizarre bangs were controlled explosions carried out by the police . But this is highly unlikely . So , if is not secret planes , fireworks , God , the police or aliens , then what is the only possible explanation left ? The most plausible answer is simple and , surprisingly , has barely been considered . The noises heard are likely to have been caused by a massive meteor entering the atmosphere above Britain . Though we think of meteors as visual phenomenon , they do , in fact , make a noise -- and the larger the meteor , the bigger the sound . Compare the reports over the weekend to the eyewitness testimonies given in the East Riding of Yorkshire in December 1795 when a 56lb meteorite hit the ground near the village of Wold Newton . A PDE engine works by using force from a series of explosions , caused by mixing a fuel mist and air intake , to thrust itself forward . Its contrails appear to look like ` rings on a rope ' -LRB- pictured -RRB- , or a spine . ` I heard noises in the air like the report of cannon at a distance , ' said Mr L. Wilson . An 11-year-old boy called Charles Prestin also heard the sound , which he described as being like ` the noise as of firing of cannon , heard at the above time a hissing in the air ' . Many local inhabitants thought the repeated noises were ` guns at sea ' . Witnesses of other meteorite falls over the centuries have recorded hearing similar sounds . ` A noise like thunder or the rolling of drums broke overhead , followed by a whizzing noise or the sound of escaping steam , ' said one . All these reports from over the years sound extremely similar to those recounted over the weekend . Dr Caroline Smith , the curator of meteorites at London 's Natural History Museum , agrees that the sound may have been made by a fireball -- a meteor burning up as it hits the atmosphere . One possible explanation is that the loud noise and ground shaking could have been a meteorite breaking up in the atmosphere , which would result in a sonic boom - a claim backed by expert Dr Caroline Smith . ` From what I 've seen , it could be the noise effects from a fireball , ' she says . ` You certainly get a series of explosions and it is possible this occurred over Britain on Saturday . ' What this does not explain is how the noise could be heard in the U.S. . The most rational explanation is that what was heard in upstate New York was something else -- perhaps the sonic boom from an aircraft -- and its timing was coincidental . If the noises were made by a meteor and it landed in the UK , then somewhere there is going to be a very big crater . However , it is more likely that whatever made the noise landed with a big splash and its secrets are at the bottom of the sea . For those who do n't believe it was a meteor -- and it does seem strange no airline pilots have reported any bright lights as they flew above the cloud cover -- there can only be one explanation left . It was Father Christmas on a practice run . | Noises were heard from Llandudno to Croydon , from Devon to Norwich . Loud , crackling pops sounded like fireworks - but none were to be seen . Guns , jets , meteorites , fireworks or fantasists all could be to blame . One expert said it could be ` pulse detonation engine ' from top-secret jet . | [[51, 73], [111, 211], [1404, 1427], [7508, 7533], [51, 73], [111, 211], [438, 538], [448, 538], [549, 573], [576, 598], [925, 1035], [1810, 1817], [1820, 1832], [1839, 1917], [1502, 1608], [3610, 3692], [8378, 8502], [8610, 8657], [4282, 4394], [4356, 4394], [4400, 4432], [4435, 4481], [4883, 4953], [5838, 5910], [5883, 5910], [5927, 5975]] |
A brave little boy born with his intestines on the outside of his body has celebrated his fourth birthday by swimming in the pool for the very first time . Jaylen Cornish , from Victoria , was born with gastroschisis , a condition which means his intestine formed outside his bowel , meaning he is unable to eat or drink . The little blue-eyed fighter spent the first two years of his life in hospital , and so for his mum Katie , this moment was a big step for both of them . Scroll down for video . Clad in a $ 600 ` dry ' wetsuit specially designed for him , Jaylen had his first taste of the pool when he fearlessly plunged into the water with the aid of his mum . ` The surgeon said to me look it 's a lot worse than what we thought it was , ' Ms Cornish said . ` They said we 're not sure whether he 's going to survive the operation . ' The condition affects one in 4,000 children , and was picked up very early on in Ms Cornish when she had her 14 week scan , reported The Herald Sun . Jaylen was taken from her soon after he was born and underwent ten operations to remove dead part of his intestines and insert feeding tubes . His body needs to be kept dry so that there is no risk of infection , a mammoth task which Ms Cornish tackles alone as a single single parent . ` He has got an opportunity in life to do things he has never been able to do before . Swimming is a big thing , ' Ms Cornish said . In total , Jaylen has had 22 operations and has only spent six months of his life away from hospital . ` We 've nearly lost him , but he 's come out battling , he 's the strongest boy I 've ever known , ' said Ms Cornish . Now , clad in a $ 600 ` dry ' wetsuit specially designed for him , Jaylen had his first taste of the pool when he fearlessly plunged into the water with the aid of his mum . His body needs to be kept dry so that there is no risk of infection , a mammoth task which Ms Cornish tackles alone as a single single parent . Jaylen Cornish was born with gastroschisis , a condition which means his intestine formed on the outside of his body , meaning he is unable to eat or drink . The condition affects one in 4,000 children , and was picked up very early on in Ms Cornish when she had her 14 week scan . ` We 've nearly lost him , but he 's come out battling , he 's the strongest boy I 've ever known , ' said Ms Cornish . ` Every time we go past a pool or whatever he will start pointing and say ` mummy I want to go swimming , mummy water , ' Ms Cornish told 9 News . ` He has got an opportunity in life to do things he has never been able to do before . Swimming is a big thing , ' she said . ' I think this is the best gift that anyone could ever ask for . ' Jaylen 's condition means that his life has been filled with hospital visits , supported by his devoted mum who moved from Yarra Junction to Oakleigh to be closer to Monash Children 's Hospital where Jaylen receives life-saving aid . The four-year-old requires constant care , and relies on tubes inserted into his body which pass essential fluids and nutrients to keep him healthy and happy . | Jaylen Cornish , 4 , was born with a rare condition which means that his intestines grow on the outside of his body . When he was born he underwent ten operations to remove dead part of his intestines and insert tubes . He can not eat or drink but receives essentials nutrients through tubes . His wish for his fourth birthday was to go swimming . Thanks to a generous donation , he was able to experience swimming for the very first time . | [[0, 155], [219, 230], [237, 281], [1955, 1997], [2000, 2011], [2018, 2071], [994, 1071], [1031, 1033], [1047, 1136], [156, 170], [284, 322], [2074, 2112], [2931, 2948], [2978, 2993], [2400, 2402], [2427, 2474], [0, 155], [0, 70], [106, 155]] |
Everyone loves a brand new pair of jeans but wearing them in can be a pain - literally . Now a Welsh denim brand has come up with an innovative solution . ` Artisanal ' denim brand Hiut , which is based in Cardigan in west Wales , employs 50 ` denim breakers ' who wear each pair of jeans for six months before they are sold . The first batch of pre-worn jeans , all of which have been thoroughly washed , are to be auctioned off today but more will follow should the venture prove a success . Scroll down for video . Denim breakers : Five of the 50 ` denim breakers ' employed at the Hiut factory in Cardigan . Hiut , which specialises in raw and selvage denim , says the wearing-in process will give the jeans a fashionably vintage look as well as making them soft and comfortable . The environmentally-friendly distressing method is the brainchild of David Hieatt , who , with his wife Clare , founded the company in 2011 . ` The idea is that they -LSB- the breakers -RSB- wear them in for us and then we sell them on , ' explained Mr Hieatt , in an interview with the Guardian newspaper . ` We 've just about got them all back . We 're washing them -- well , a guy who has been washing jeans for 30 years is -- and we 'll auction them off . ` The idea is that you break the denim in for the customer . It 's an experiment but so far , so good . ' Looking good : The six-month wearing-in process results in soft , fashionably distressed denim . Eco-friendly : Hiut 's denim is all raw which means it is n't washed during the manufacturing process . Fashionable : Distressed denim is currently in vogue but making it can be disastrous for the environment . Hiut is one of a growing number of companies specialising in ` raw ' denim which , unlike the regular version , is not washed during the manufacturing process . This reduces the amount of potentially poisonous dye running off into local rivers - something that has proved an environmental disaster in India and Bangladesh where the majority of high street jeans are made . Making the problem worse is the vogue for fashionably ` distressed ' denim which is usually created via a combination of chemicals and machinery . Mr Hieatt 's method , as well as providing jobs for 50 locals , dispenses with all that . ` Good raw jeans , when you get them , are like wearing cardboard , ' says denim breaker Cameron Stewart , 24 . ` Luckily , they wash them first -LSB- before they are sold -RSB- . If you wear something every day , it will smell . By wearing them I 'm adding value to them . ' Eco-friendly distressed denim does , however , come at a price . Basic men 's jeans start at # 130 for a plain organic cotton pair , while those made from tough selvage cost # 230 . Women 's jeans , which are currently only available in skinny fit , cost # 124.99 . Despite the expense , Mr Hieatt , whose factory replaced the old Dewhurst denim workshop which used to be one of the main employers in Cardigan , says that his method of making jeans is much better for everyone . ` In the old factory , they used to wash denim in the river , ' he explains . ` The waters ran blue which , of course , was n't good , for the wild salmon and seals especially . '80 per cent of the environmental impact of jeans come from washing and ironing . It 's shocking . ' | Hiut is a Welsh denim brand based in Cardigan in west Wales . Eco-friendly jeans are worn for six months before being sold . Jeans made from selvage are ` like cardboard ' when first made . Once worn in , they are soft , comfortable and fashionably distressed . First batch of worn-in men 's jeans is being auctioned off today . | [[167, 187], [194, 228], [157, 185], [231, 303], [239, 258], [265, 326], [327, 360], [406, 435], [664, 784], [612, 616], [747, 784], [327, 360], [406, 435]] |
Council leaders across England are demanding more control as constitutional turmoil over the proposed new terms for Scotland deepens . The leaders of 119 councils warned that voters in England will not accept greater devolution to Scotland unless there is a similar redistribution of power south of the border . The councils -- including 65 controlled by Labour , 40 by the Conservatives and ten by the Liberal Democrats -- want powers over tax and spending similar to those being given to Holyrood in the aftermath of Scotland 's No vote in September 's independence referendum . The leaders of 119 councils warned that voters in England will not accept greater devolution to the Scottish Parliament -LRB- pictured -RRB- unless there is a similar redistribution of power south of the border . Among those who have issued the warning are the leaders of several big councils in the traditional Tory heartlands , including Buckinghamshire , Surrey and Oxfordshire county council , which covers David Cameron 's constituency of Witney . There is also a growing clamour for ` English votes for English laws ' , ensuring legislation that no longer affects Scotland can not be forced on to the rest of the UK by the votes of Scottish MPs . Yesterday , Labour 's Ed Balls criticised proposals being drawn up by the Coalition , expected to be unveiled before Christmas , to ensure the influence of the predominantly Labour MPs in Scotland is reined in . Speaking to the BBC 's Andrew Marr Show , the Shadow Chancellor said the Prime Minister was ` trying to play party politics with our constitution and the future of our country ' . Yesterday , Labour 's Ed Balls criticised proposals being drawn up by the Coalition to ensure the influence of the predominantly Labour MPs in Scotland is reined in . He insisted : ` The Government 's own McKay Commission said there is an issue of fairness around voting -- we need to find a way to solve that ... but if you start having different classes of MPs , you will destroy the Union and undermine prosperity in every part of our country . I 'm not going to be part of that . ' But former Labour MP Andrew Mackinlay said : ` If Labour agree that the Scots Parliament shall fix income tax rates in Scotland it must also accept that Scots MPs in Westminster can no longer vote on income taxation levels for the rest of the United Kingdom . ` A commitment to devolve income tax levels to Holyrood without simultaneously addressing the perversities of the West Lothian question is frankly outrageous . ` There is a tipping point when the voters in England will say this far and no further . Labour seem to be blind to this . ' Instead of a system of English votes , which would permanently hobble its powerbase at Westminster , Labour is trying to focus on devolution of power to the regions . It has proposed scrapping the House of Lords and replacing it with an elected second chamber of senators representing different parts of the country . Shadow communities secretary Hilary Benn said devolution within England is now inevitable : ` Devolution is n't just for Scotland . If we want to get the economy moving in all parts of the country , we need to give local communities more power to shape their own future . ' The council leaders , in a letter to the Observer newspaper , called on Chancellor George Osborne to use his autumn statement on Wednesday to set out a ` new settlement for England ' which devolves power from Westminster and shares out tax and spending across the UK ` on a fair basis ' . They wrote : ` Earlier this week , the Smith commission -LSB- on Scottish devolution -RSB- set out a better deal for Scotland , granting more control over funding and recognising the importance of devolving power down beyond Holyrood . It 's England 's turn now . ` The people we represent , who look north of the border with envy at the greater control Scots are to get ... will expect nothing less . ' The leaders also claimed local government could not afford any more austerity cuts . ` Funding for services provided by councils has borne the brunt of austerity , while demand continues to rise , ' they wrote . ` Further reductions without radical reform will have a detrimental impact on people 's quality of life . ' However , local government minister Kris Hopkins warned : ` Local government accounts for a quarter of all public spending and must play its part in paying off the deficit left by the last administration . ` Since 2010 , this Government has delivered a fair settlement to every part of the country while giving them greater financial independence so they can increase revenue and protect frontline services . ' | Council leaders want same powers as those promised to Holyrood . Several big councils in the traditional Tory heartlands are among them . There is also a growing clamour for ` English votes for English laws ' | [[834, 976], [1034, 1102]] |
Early evening but the sky is already ink black over New Bolsover in Derbyshire , and the thick November fog is slowly lifting . Even so , the Skinner household is incredibly easy to spot . As you drive through the streets lined with brick terraces , past the social club and allotments , it leaps out at you . Parts can even be seen from a mile away . Let 's face it , there are probably astronauts in the International Space Station who can pinpoint this address . Because this little two-bedroom , mid-terrace house does n't so much shout ` Christmas ! ' as scream ` Christmas !!! ' like an over-excited elf who 's had one too many sherries . Scroll down for video . Wayne Skinner , pictured , from Bolsover , Derbyshire covered his home in Christmas lights to raise money for the local Air Ambulance service . Covering the entire front of the home are thousands of twinkling lights , while a 6ft plastic Santa stands sentry outside the front door . Dotted around him are geographically challenged penguins , glowing snowmen , and flashing stars and snowflakes . There 's even a blue-and-white reindeer -- not from Lapland , but a warehouse in Wigan -- whose flashing red nose was once a fire alarm . A 20ft Christmas tree bedecked in even more lights looms from the front garden , and icicles dangle from three metal arches propped against the front wall . Subtle , it ai n't . But for 26-year-old Wayne Skinner , whose labour of love this is , it 's a source of much pride and hundreds of hours of hard work . ` To those people who 've said it looks tacky or cheap , I say : `` You try putting up something like this , '' ' he tells me . ` The children and families who come to look at it absolutely love it . And we 're doing it for a good cause , so I do n't see what the problem is . ' The good cause this year is the local Air Ambulance Service , which will receive the money that the visitors who come to gawp at the spectacle are encouraged to donate in a box outside the house . Of course , the display -- lit from 4pm to 9.30 pm each evening -- is not to everyone 's taste . Wayne 's father John , who is outside greeting onlookers while wearing a red elf 's hat and Christmas tree jumper , confides that some of the neighbours have been a ` little bit bah humbug ' about the whole thing . ` I do n't understand it because all we 're doing is giving something back to the community , ' he says . But the neighbours I speak to are more diplomatic . ` It can be a little distracting with the lights sometimes , because they 're so bright , and what with us having little ones to put to bed , ' says Lynsey Greveson , who lives a few doors down . ` But they 've been doing it for as long as we 've been here , and they 're doing it for charity . ' Another neighbour , Philip Ratcliffe , adds : ` When they turn it on , it makes our lights flicker . But I do n't think anyone round here is going to be bothered about something for charity . ' Someone who is bothered , however , is the street 's postwoman . She refuses to walk down the Skinners ' 8ft long path for ' elf and safety reasons -- fearing she may trip over a penguin 's flipper or reindeer antler . The extravagant display , with at least 20,000 bulbs , is lit between 4pm to 9.30 pm every night and adds # 500 to the quarterly electricity bill . Instead , the family have had to fix an American-style postbox on their front wall for her to use . But for the endless stream of people who pull up in their cars to take photos or just gawp , the display brings some welcome winter cheer and ` a little bit of Blackpool ' to the area . In fact , some of the lights -- including the large Santa , teddy and mouse -- have come from the Blackpool Illuminations . They were bought by Wayne for # 100 each when the Golden Mile had a sale in 2008 . One onlooker says wistfully : ` I 'd love my house to look like this . ' Another adds : ` I want one of those flashing reindeers . ' Wayne says his lightbulb moment came in 2002 after he put up a few Christmas lights at the front of his family 's house and they started attracting attention . Each year he has added more and more lights -- and the display is now so big it even has its own switching on ceremony a month before Christmas , complete with shire horses pulling a sleigh containing his mum Susan dressed as Mrs Santa . Wayne -- a trainee electrician who works full-time at a local DIY store -- starts putting his light show together in October . He spends several hours a day on it for seven weeks until it 's complete . He has no idea how many bulbs he uses , but ` there must be at least 20,000 ' . The most expensive piece , costing more than # 200 , is his all new , all sparkly matrix board with 322 lights . ` They 're like the ones you see on The X Factor , ' he enthuses proudly . ` You can programme them to make lots of different pictures , such as sleighs and Space Invaders . ' The white star at the top of the house was sold off by the council because it was damaged and could n't be used on a public street . Other pieces have been donated or picked up from auctions , end-of-year sales and the internet . The Christmas theme carries on inside the house , and will remain in place until January 5 - and will take to mid February to fully dismantle . Though Wayne is on the minimum wage , he has spent hundreds of pounds -- perhaps even thousands -- on making his display as magical as possible for passers by . What 's less magical is the electricity bill , which is footed by his dad . ` It costs him # 500 for the quarter -- but that 's for everything in the house , too , including the heating , ' says Wayne . ` It was worse before we went on to LED lights , which are more energy efficient . We 'd eat up a lot of energy then , even though we did n't use the kettle , cooker or shower while the lights were on in case we blew a fuse . ' Last year , a kindly electrician installed a new fuse box for free so the charity display would n't have such a big impact on the household 's day-to-day living . But it has n't quite solved the problem . ` There 's only one main cable that comes into the house , so we still do n't use the cooker while the lights are on -- it could be a bit dicey , ' says Wayne . ` We boil the kettle and use a Thermos flask so we can have cups of tea throughout the evening . ' Amazingly , the festive overload continues inside . A wall-mounted plastic fish sings Paul McCartney 's Wonderful Christmastime at full blast to anyone who steps through the front door . After squeezing through the narrowest of hallways , you arrive in a living room festooned with decorations . There 's also a split-screen monitor showing CCTV footage from a camera hidden behind the ear of the snowman outside . An onlooker quips : ` You have to around here -- if you left your shoes on the floor , someone would nick 'em . ' In the front room , Wayne has set up an 8ft long Victorian village snow scene , complete with moving figures dancing away to Greensleeves . ` I wanted something just for me that was n't anything to do with the lights outside , ' he says . Hanging from the ceilings are hundreds of baubles . ` We kept some of them up all year because we never got round to taking them down , ' says Wayne . The house might not be appearing in House Beautiful magazine any time soon but , as Wayne proudly shows me the spaghetti of circuitry and wiring needed to make the entire operation run like clockwork , there 's no denying the level of skill involved . And it 's not only the vibrant visual display that he has to think about . Every year he arranges a jingly soundtrack to co-ordinate with the lights . This year , Frozen 's Let It Go seems to be the people pleaser . ` The music is on very low -- so we do n't have to have the speakers at a million decibels , we have a low-range transmitter set at 93FM so people parked outside can listen to it on their car radios . ' Wayne , a self-confessed electronics geek , starts telling me about transformers , trip switches and breakers . It all sounds awfully technical . But he 's also super-safety-conscious . ` As it 's a fire hazard , we never turn on the lights without someone being in the house , ' he says . ` And I keep all the wiring cool with a fan so it does n't overheat . I know what I 'm doing . ' So far , his displays have raised # 2,000 for charities -- including the Motor Neurone Disease Association and SANDS stillbirth charity , after a family friend lost her baby . This year 's display will remain until Twelfth Night -LRB- January 5 -RRB- , when Wayne will start the laborious task of taking it all down . He should finish in the middle of February , depending on the weather . Then every single light and fitting is crammed inside the tiny house -- meaning the Skinners have to squeeze past a 6ft Santa on the landing even in the middle of July . But by then , Wayne 's already planning the next extravaganza . | Wayne Skinner has spent thousands building up his Christmas themed display since buying his first lights in 2002 . The display with 20,000 bulbs , is lit between 4pm and 9.30 pm daily and draws so much power he can not use a kettle . He said the display adds around # 500 to his electricity bill for the quarter , but luckily his father pays the bill . Mr Skinner said his festive display is designed to raise funds for the local Air Ambulance service . | [[2002, 2053], [2057, 2086], [3170, 3222], [3225, 3266], [3170, 3222], [3271, 3317], [6146, 6203], [3170, 3222], [3271, 3317], [5472, 5492], [5501, 5523], [5526, 5560], [712, 812], [1793, 1852], [1818, 1854], [1861, 1989]] |
A company in the United Arab Emirates is putting a new spin on dinner with the world 's largest rollercoaster restaurant . Located in a luxury shopping mall in Abu Dhabi , ROGO 's has a network of 30 individual rollercoaster tracks that deliver food and drinks straight from the kitchen to customers ' tables . Sealed containers travel along a network of double loops , spirals and turns that is spread out through the 14,000-square foot restaurant at Yas Mall , on the man-made Yas Island . Scroll down for video . Fast service : ROGO 's has a network of 30 individual rollercoaster tracks that deliver food and drinks . Customers place their orders on tablet computers and then sit back and wait for their meals , which are served in pots , to race along the track . The highlight of the 360-seat restaurant is a gigantic tornado-shaped spiral that gets narrower from top to bottom . Jessica Wadih Al-Absi , chairman and chief executive of JWA Group , the restaurant 's operator , told Gulf Business : ` Each table has its own individually designed rollercoaster track and a unique silent delivery system that thrills diners as they get to watch their food make a gravity-defying 360-degree journey to their table . The highlight is a gigantic tornado-shaped spiral that gets narrower from top to bottom . A network of double loops , spirals and turns is spread out through the 14,000-square foot restaurant . ` Our technology makes dining fun as it transports both cold and hot food and drinks along the multi-spiral , double loop and tornado tracks . ' She added : ` Each dish is presented in individual pots , making it a real journey of discovery from start to finish , and one that we know will resonate with children and fun-loving adults alike . ' In addition to Germany and Abu Dhabi , the restaurant 's parent company has locations in Kuwait and Sochi , Russia . | Unique concept restaurant has opened in a shopping mall in Abu Dhabi . ROGO 's has 30 individual rollercoaster tracks that deliver food and drinks . Restaurant 's highlight is a gigantic tornado-shaped spiral . Food is delivered in pots after customers place orders on tablets . | [[123, 169], [172, 231], [197, 231], [237, 260], [197, 231], [254, 269], [531, 535], [539, 590], [556, 590], [596, 621], [1006, 1106], [1412, 1554], [1449, 1554], [769, 885], [813, 831], [832, 885], [813, 845], [851, 885], [1218, 1307], [1235, 1253], [1254, 1307], [1235, 1267], [1273, 1307], [622, 670], [698, 715], [722, 740], [743, 768]] |
Leonardo da Vinci 's mother may have been a Chinese slave according to new research by an Italian historian and novelist . Angelo Paratico has spent the last 20 years living and working in Hong Kong , researching the links between his homeland and China over the past half a millenium . Mr Paratico said documentation he has uncovered during two years of research forms the basis of his latest book Leonardo Da Vinci : A Chinese scholar lost in Renaissance Italy . Angelo Paratico claims Da Vinci used his mother as inspiration for Mona Lisa , pictured , and looks Chinese . The book , which is due to be published next year , uncovers evidence , Mr Paratico claims , that links Da Vinci and the Far East . Speaking to the South China Morning Post , Mr Paratico said : ' I am sure up to a point that Leonardo 's mother was from the Orient , but to make her an oriental Chinese , we need to use a deductive method . ' ` One wealthy client of Leonardo 's father had a slave called Caterina . After 1452 , Leonardo 's date of birth , she disappeared from the documents . She was no longer working there . ' Da Vinci 's father was legal notary and it is believed his mother was called Caterina , who according to some reports , was a local peasant . But Mr Paratico 's new work claims it is most likely Da Vinci 's mother was a slave . Supporting his theory , Mr Paratico said : ` During the Renaissance , countries like Italy and Spain were full of oriental slaves . ' He claimed that there were certain aspects of Da Vinci 's life and work suggest an oriental link . He added : ` For instance , the fact he was writing with his left hand from left to right ... and he was also a vegetarian which was not common . Mona Lisa is probably a portrait of his mother , as Sigmund Freud said in 1910 . On the back of Mona Lisa , there is a Chinese landscape and even her face looks Chinese . ' A new work by historian and novelist Angelo Paratico claims that the mother of Leonardo da Vinci , pictured , may have been a Chinese slave . Mr Paratico said he believes the only way to solve the mystery is to exhume some of Da Vinci 's relations in Florence and extract some DNA . Mr Paratico has written several novels including Ben , which involves a young James Bond being sent off to kill Benito Mussolini to recover compromising letters sent between the dictator and British Prime Minister Winston Churchill . His latest book is an English translation of a Latin work on Emperor Nero written in the 15th Century . Another book on da Vinci suggests that the artist , who painted the Mona Lisa and The Last Supper , was also a weatherman . Geologist and Renaissance art expert Ann Pizzorusso claims the artist , architect , musician , mathematician , engineer , inventor , anatomist , geologist , cartographer , botanist and writer was also the first to see the swirling patterns of water and air at the heart of a hurricane . She came to this conclusion after seeing drawings of biblical floods by Leonardo in the Royal Collection at Windsor Castle and outlines them in her book Tweeting da Vinci . Vortex : Geologist and Renaissance art expert Ann Pizzorusso claims Leonardo da Vinci to the first to see the swirling patterns of water and air at the heart of a hurricane , as evidenced by this drawing . | New research claims Leonardo da Vinci 's mother may have been Chinese . Angelo Paratico has spent the past two years working on the theory . The historian claims there are strong links between da Vinci and China . He said authorities should exhume da Vinci 's relatives to extract DNA . Mr Paratico has also written a novel featuring James Bond in World War II . | [[0, 122], [42, 122], [1884, 2025], [1949, 1980], [1983, 2025], [287, 398], [1884, 2025], [0, 122], [647, 665], [668, 706], [575, 583], [673, 706], [1466, 1564], [1884, 2025], [2026, 2166], [2043, 2166], [2026, 2037], [2148, 2166]] |
The Islamic State is working to inspire sympathizers inside the U.S. to target and kill American servicemen at home , according to new intelligence . Fearing an attack like the one carried out by an ISIS-supporter on Canada 's parliament two months ago , which resulted in the death of a uniformed soldier , U.S. officials are asking servicemen to scrub their social media accounts of anything that might identify them as a member of the military . The FBI and -LSB- Department of Homeland Security -RSB- recommend that current and former members of the military review their online social media accounts for any information that might serve to attract the attention of ISIL -LSB- ISIS -RSB- and its supporters , ' the joint memo obtained by ABC News said . Scroll down for video . New threat : American servicemen are being warned to scrub their social media accounts out of fear that ISIS supporters in the U.S. may use sites like Facebook and Twitter to identify them for attacks on the homeland . Above , troops arrive in Fort Campbell , Kentucky on March 21 , 2014 after deployment in Afghanistan . The bulletin was issued to law enforcement agencies on Sunday and advised troops to ` routinely exercise operational security in their interactions online ' as the recent attack on Canada may 'em bolden ' and ` motivate ' others loyal to ISIS in the U.S. Members of the American special operations forces and other military branches told ABC that they deactivated , scrubbed or locked their Facebook and other social media accounts before the U.S. started leading a coalition to bomb ISIS in Iraq and Syria in August . But according to the latest memo , the strongest warning issued by the FBI to U.S. military yet , fresh intelligence suggests that ISIS is revamping efforts to target the homeland . ` The FBI recently received reporting indicating individuals overseas are spotting and assessing like-minded individuals who are willing and capable of conducting attacks against current and former U.S.-based members of the United States military , ' the bulletin added . Copycat ? Fresh intelligence suggests ISIS is looking to inspire copycat attacks like the one on Canada 's parliament in October . Above , bystanders tend to a fallen soldier in the attack . Fears : The attack on Canada 's parliament is believed to have been carried out by ISIS sympathizer Michael Zehaf-Bibeau -LRB- left -RRB- , who shot dead 24-year-old Canadian soldier Nathan Frank Cirillo -LRB- right -RRB- . A day before the U.S. carried out it 's largest bombing raid on ISIS in September , the terrorist group 's spokesman issued a chilling statement asking supporters in the U.S. and Europe to kill any ` disbelievers ' whether they be soldiers or civilians . ` Do not ask for anyone 's advice and do not seek anyone 's verdict , ' ISIS spokesman Abu Mohammad al-Adnani said in an audio speech posted online on September 21 . ` Kill the disbeliever whether he is civilian or military , for they have the same ruling . Both of them are disbelievers . Both of them are considered to be waging war . ' Social media has been perhaps one of ISIS 's biggest tools , aiding in the terrorist 's groups expansion in Syria and into Iraq . Several sympathetic Westerners have used sites like Facebook and Twitter to contact fighters in the Middle East , and many have been persuaded to travel to Turkey and cross the border to join the jihad . Chilling : ISIS spokesman Abu Mohammad al-Adnani issued a statement in September , asking supporters in the U.S. and Europe to kill all ` disbelievers ' | The FBI and Department of Homeland Security issued their strongest warning yet on Sunday . Bulletin asks servicemen to ` review their online social media accounts for any information that might service to attract the attention of ISIL -LSB- ISIS -RSB- and its supporters ' U.S. officials fear a copycat incident like the recent attack on Canada 's parliament which resulted in the death of a uniformed soldier . | [[1104, 1165], [1658, 1718], [449, 624], [605, 624], [630, 710], [795, 917], [1104, 1116], [1170, 1291], [173, 252], [217, 252], [261, 305], [2087, 2207], [2115, 2207]] |
It is said that you can tell a lot about a person by looking at their bookshelf and music collection . And now experts have found that certain songs can even affect how generous a person is likely to be . Japanese scientists discovered that listening to a pleasing song makes individuals more generous , but they become less altruistic if they are played a tune they dislike . Japanese scientists have found that listening to a pleasing song makes individuals more generous , but they become less altruistic if they are played a tune they dislike . This graph shows changes between the allocation of money before and after listening to pleasing music , disliked music and silence . It has previously been proven that music has the ability to strongly affect a person 's emotions and sometimes even control them , with recent studies showing that emotion evoked by listening to a song can affect activity in the limbic and paralimbic brain structures . Researchers from the Nara University of Education , Japan , conducted an experiment to examine whether music has the power to promote altruistic behaviour . They asked 11 male and female students , with an average age of 21 years , to complete a questionnaire in which they described their musical tastes and emotional experiences through music . Individuals then listened to ` chill inducing ' music that they liked , as well as a track they said they disliked . Both of these tracks were followed by silence , according to the study published in Frontiers in Psychology . The researchers concluded : ` Preferred music promotes altruistic behaviour , whereas disliked music is associated with selfish behaviour ' . So , listening to Justin Bieber -LRB- pictured -RRB- could make his fans more generous , but people who are n't fans may become more selfish . They were given money and were asked to share it with people who were represented as stylised figures on a computer screen . This money was distributed before and after listening to the music , with both men and women doling out more money after listening to their favourite songs . Both sexes were stingier with their donations after hearing music that they disliked , and silence had no effect at all on their generosity . Consequently , the researchers concluded : ` preferred music promotes altruistic behaviour , whereas disliked music is associated with selfish behaviour , and what differentiates these behaviours is the emotional response dictated by the listener 's musical preferences . The study also found that that on the whole , men were more generous than women , and whether the music had words or not did not make a difference to an individual 's generosity . The study also found that that on the whole , men were more generous than women , and whether the music had words or not did not make a difference to an individual 's generosity . An image of One Direction , whose music could either make people more or less generous , is pictured . Scientists at the University of Cambridge claimed last month that listening to hip hop can help suffering from depression . ` There is often a message of hope in among the lyrics , describing the place where they want to be -- the cars they want to own , the models they want to date , ' the researchers wrote . In an article in The Lancet Psychiatry , the team claims that lyrics which speak of overcoming hardships and struggles can offer refuge . Researchers recommend The Message by Grandmaster Flash -LRB- pictured -RRB- & The Furious Five , released in 1982 , which includes the lyrics : ' I ca n't take the smell , ca n't take the noise Got no money to move out , I guess I got no choice ' to help beat depression . ` Much of hip-hop comes from areas of great socioeconomic deprivation , so it 's inevitable that its lyrics will reflect the issues faced by people brought up in these areas , including poverty , marginalisation , crime and drugs , ' said Dr Akeem Sule , of the University of Cambridge . ` In fact , we can see in the lyrics many of the key risk factors for mental illness , from which it can be difficult to escape . ` Hip-hop artists use their skills and talents not only to describe the world they see , but also as a means of breaking free . ` We believe that hip-hop , with its rich , visual narrative style , can be used to make therapies that are more effective for specific populations and can help patients with depression to create more positive images of themselves , their situations and their future . ' | Researchers from the Nara University of Education in Japan , discovered that music has the power to promote altruistic behaviour . Favourite tracks make people more generous while silence has no effect . While tracks that they disliked reduced how altruistic they were likely to be . Altruism based on music is dependent on people 's personal preferences . Whether a song has words did not make a difference in the experiment . | [[103, 204], [205, 301], [1055, 1108], [103, 204], [135, 204], [205, 301], [377, 507], [1673, 1754], [2010, 2093], [2185, 2235], [103, 204], [135, 204], [336, 376], [377, 507], [508, 548], [1382, 1415], [1055, 1108], [2395, 2507], [2508, 2517], [2523, 2687], [2688, 2697], [2703, 2867]] |
Peering intently down the barrels of his 12-bore shotgun , Prince Edward steadies himself and takes aim ... then , astonishingly , appears to shoot over the head of his young son . By any standards it is a startling image and evidence , it would seem , that Edward has broken one of the cardinal rules of gun safety . Instead of shooting with his son behind him , which good practice dictates , six-year-old James , Viscount Severn -- wearing ear defenders -- appears to be 10ft in front , and only a few feet to his father 's side . Prince Edward , right , takes aim while his son , James , Viscount Severn , left , stands some 10 feet in front and a few feet to his father 's side . Six-year-old James , holds onto his black Labrador while his father Prince Edward , right , looks at the dog at the Queen 's Sandringham Estate . Former Minister Norman Baker , who was responsible for gun laws during his time at the Home Office , said last night : ` There are some basic principles that should be observed for safety reasons and they appear not to have been followed . I personally think it is not appropriate to have children that young at shoots anyway . ' Mike Yardley , a leading shooting instructor , said : ` You should never have children in front of you because the problem with children is they run around . It 's not something I would allow . ` Sometimes you have a dog forward of the shooter , but not people . They are always behind . But it 's very difficult for me to judge it without seeing the situation . ` It 's bad practice to have people closely forward of the shooter 's line . But the individual shooter must always have the final decision as to what he considers to be safe . ' The incident happened while Edward , the Earl of Wessex , was aiming at a pheasant during a shoot on the Queen 's Sandringham estate in Norfolk yesterday morning . A witness said he swung his gun from left to right as the bird rose from a maize field . A countryside manager , who organises pheasant shoots in the south of England , insisted that bystanders , especially children or dogs , should always stand ` ten to 15 metres behind the shooter , never in front ' . He added : ` The same applies if the children and dogs are used as pickers-up . They must stand behind until the shooter has shot . And most shoots I 've come across do not even allow young children . ' Buckingham Palace insisted last night that the ` perspective -LSB- of the pictures -RSB- is very misleading . At no time during the shoot was Viscount Severn directly in front of the Earl of Wessex . ` As always during any sporting event on the estate , the highest safety standards were adhered to . Any suggestion that the Earl would risk his son 's welfare in any way is simply untrue . ' Prince Edward , right , stands alert looking for a target to his right , while his son James stands to his left and slightly ahead of his position . Buckingham Palace described the perspective of the photographs as ` very misleading ' claiming at no time was Viscount Severn , right , ` directly in front of the Earl of Wessex ' centre . ` Any suggestion the Earl would risk his son 's welfare in any way is simply untrue , ' claimed the Palace . Despite the criticism , Edward , 50 , was supported in some quarters . The British Association for Shooting and Conservation described him as an experienced shot and said he was ` taking every precaution ' . A spokesman said : ` The child is wearing ear defenders . Everyone who shoots puts safety first . Prince Edward would not have taken an unsafe shot . I believe the camera foreshortened the distance between the two . The child is not in front of the barrels . ' However , the association 's own website clearly states : ` Always be aware of the direction in which the muzzle of your shotgun is pointing and never point it in an unsafe direction . ' Dressed in a camouflage jacket and matching hat , young James kept control of their black labrador during the shoot . At one stage he seemed to pull the dog back when it appeared to try to jump up at his father . Edward was also joined by his wife Sophie , Countess of Wessex , and his 11-year-old daughter , Lady Louise Windsor . All are believed to be staying with friends at Wood Farm on the 20,000-acre estate . An onlooker said : ` James is not old enough to shoot himself , but it seems like he was having great fun . ' Six years ago Edward was seen reacting violently when two black labradors appeared to grab a dead pheasant during a shoot on the Queen 's estate . Photographs showed him rushing at the animals with his shotgun tucked under his arm and a 4ft stick raised in the air . He could then be seen bringing it down several times towards them , but it was not clear whether the prince actually hit either of the dogs . The RSPCA investigated the incident , but announced there would be no prosecution as there was ` insufficient evidence ' to support the allegation that he mistreated the animals . The golden rule of shooting is captured in a poem called A Father 's Advice , in which shooting enthusiast Mark Hanbury Beaufoy writes : ` If a sportsman true you 'd be/Listen carefully to me/Never , never , let your gun/Pointed be at anyone . ' | Prince Edward raised his 12-bore shotgun to his shoulder during the shoot on the Queen 's Sandringham Estate . Prince Edward 's son James , Viscount Severn , appeared to be standing slightly forward and to his father 's side . Buckingham Palace insisted that at no stage was Viscount Severn placed in any danger during the shoot . Prince Edward , 50 , brought his six-year-old son , who held a black Labrador , on the shoot yesterday morning . | [[1703, 1866], [1731, 1737], [1752, 1866], [4396, 4416], [4426, 4542], [574, 581], [617, 684], [2846, 2853], [2860, 2915], [685, 703], [706, 735], [3920, 3987]] |
Former top prosecutor Sir Keir Starmer says time should be a barrier to justice . Britain 's former top prosecutor has controversially defended police who hold suspects in a ` legal limbo ' for years while alleged crimes are investigated . Keir Starmer , the ex - Director of Public Prosecutions , disagreed with those who have called for time limits on how long a person can languish on bail without being charged . He said time ` should not be a barrier ' to bringing people to justice for crimes committed decades earlier . A number of high-profile celebrities , including Rolf Harris and Stuart Hall , have been convicted of sex crimes that happened years ago after their victims finally plucked up the courage to complain about the attacks . But there have been mounting concerns about cases where suspects are left on bail for long periods -- often with strict curbs to their freedom -- without charges being pressed . Veteran disc jockey Paul Gambaccini spent 12 months on bail after being arrested by officers from Operation Yewtree , the inquiry launched after Jimmy Savile was unmasked as a prolific paedophile after his death , only to be told last month -LRB- OCT -RRB- he would not face sexual assault charges . The openly gay DJ , who was investigated over historic allegations of molesting two teenage boys , told of his ` 12 months of horror and trauma ' having his name dragged through the mud . Home Secretary Theresa May has signalled she wants time limits on pre-charge bail amid mounting concern that police forces are misusing their powers by keeping people dangling for months and even years . In an article in this week 's Radio Times , on sale today TUES , Mr Starmer said the passage of time should not provide immunity against bringing charges against historic offenders . He said : ` I do not underestimate the impact that delay has on those arrested and subsequently released without charge , such as Paul Gambaccini . Equally , there is the impact on those tried and acquitted . ` But they are features of our system whatever the time limits for bringing a case . ` I certainly would n't want to replicate the situation in countries such as North Korea where virtually all those arrested are charged and virtually all those charged are convicted . ` That some individuals are released without charge and some are acquitted demonstrates the strength , not the weakness , of our approach . ' Police are allowed 24 hours to keep a suspect for questioning after arrest before seeking a further period of detention from a judge . A number of high-profile celebrities , including Rolf Harris , left , and Stuart Hall , right , have been convicted of sex crimes that happened years ago after their victims finally plucked up the courage to complain . In practice , they often quiz a person then release them on pre-charge bail to return for further interview at a later date , giving officers time to build robust cases . But there are currently no restrictions on the length of time a person can spend on police bail which can force innocent people to put their lives on hold , pay thousands in legal fees and suffer the slow assassination of their character . Conditions can also be placed on police bail , which can include curfews and restrictions on movement and financial transactions while an investigation continues . Comedian Jim Davidson lashed out at the system after being arrested under the Operation Yewtree and kept on bail for eight months before being told he would not face any charges . Freddie Starr , another comedian , spent 19 months on bail after being arrest by officers investigating decades-old sex allegations made by 14 women . The case was dropped . Veteran DJ Paul Gambaccini spent 12 months on bail after being arrested by officers from Operation Yewtree , but was told last month he would not face sexual assault charges . Some 30 journalists are currently on bail -- some for more than a year -- while police investigate alleged crimes including phone hacking and paying public officials for stories . The College of Policing , the professional body that sets police standards , have been asked by ministers to consider introducing time limits for pre-charge bail , which human rights groups believe should be 28 days . Mr Starmer said it was right to prosecute people for historic crimes -- whether it was a ` an Auschwitz guard standing trial in Germany ... or a host of greying celebrities on suspicion of historic sex crimes . ' He said there had been a ` profound shift ' from the long-held view that not bringing a prosecution within a certain period of time was ` not fair on defendents ' . There had been a ` growing understanding that time runs at different speed for victims , ' particularly those who had suffered sexual violence , he said . ` In a sense they carry an unresolved issue with them , almost an open wound , for many years , maybe even for their entire lives . ` We are rightly reluctant to say that those now coming forward to report serious allegations , not infrequently against those in the public eye , that they are simply too late . ' Acknowledging that the passage of time caused ` difficiulties ' for both the prosecution and defence , because of fading memories and lost evidence , he said it was ` simply not a good enough reason not to bring a case ' . Mr Starmer said : ` Most importantly , we now understand victims ' interests better and recognise that , for many , achieving closure , the knowledge that someone has been held to account , is an end in itself . ` We have to be bolder , and clearer , in saying that pure delay should not be a barrier to bringing people to justice . The public does not accept any longer that the passage of time immunises anyone . ` My own view is that for the most serious offences , and in that I include serious sexual offences , time should never run out . ' | Britain 's former top prosecutor says time ` should not be a barrier ' to justice . Disagreed with those who call for time limits on how long a person can remain on bail without being charged . Comes after a number of celebrities , including Rolf Harris and Stuart Hall , have been convicted of crimes committed decades ago . | [[417, 498], [1617, 1658], [1682, 1799], [5587, 5594], [5597, 5678], [240, 252], [298, 318], [308, 318], [323, 400], [4201, 4220], [4242, 4276], [492, 526], [527, 603], [606, 639], [2555, 2640], [2643, 2648], [2651, 2684]] |
Los Angeles Kings star defenseman Slava Voynov pleaded not guilty on Monday to a felony charge of domestic violence against his wife . The 24-year-old two-time Stanley Cup winner , who is currently suspended from playing in the NHL and on $ 50,000 bail , entered the plea at his arraignment in Los Angeles County Superior Court . The Russian international is accused of attacking his new wife , Marta Varlamova , 24 , in their home in October and was arrested in a LA hospital after taking her there to be treated for injuries . His wife of four months has already issued a statement denying she is a victim and claims her injuries occurred by accident . Scroll Down for Video . Denial : Slava Voynov at Los Angeles County Superior Court on Monday after his arraignment for a domestic assault on his wife , Marta Varlamova . During his appearance , a judge denied the District Attornye 's request for a criminal protective order against Voynov after her lawyer told the court the couple were still living together . Voynov , who faces up to nine-years in prison if found guilty , faces a single count of corporal injury to spouse with great bodily injury stemming from an October 19 altercation at their home in the LA suburb of Redondo Beach . Prosecutors said Marta , who has a child with Voynov , sustained injuries to her eyebrow , cheek and neck . When he was charged in October , Voynov 's lawyer , Craig Renetzky , said in a statement : ` Mr. Voynov is extremely disappointed that the district attorney 's office elected to file charges . ` Mr. Voynov maintains his innocence and looks forward to clearing his name in court . We remain confident . ' An attorney for Mr Voynov 's wife has also released a statement , denying his client is a victim and that she believes the injuries were an accident . ` Not a criminal ' : Voynov 's wife has spoken through her lawyer to say her husband is not guilty and did not hurt her on purpose . Family man : Russian-born Voynov , 24 , is pictured with his wife Marta Varlamova - who he married in August . The couple have a young daughter -LRB- pictured -RRB- . The statement from October reads : ` Marta was stunned by the news today and she is devastated . She did not believe , and does not believe , that her husband intended to injure her and she believes that he is not guilty of any crime . ` She is worried about her family 's privacy and concerned that she and her family are going to be subjected to ridicule , embarrassment and hatred because of this decision . Mugshot : Voynov is shown in this Redondo Beach Police Department booking photo following his arrest . ` In fact , she has already seen that beginning to happen . ` It is unfortunate that no one seemed to care what she wants , and that the authorities gave little or no weight to her view of the facts of the case . ` Despite this unwelcome news , she still expects her husband to be cleared of any criminal wrongdoing . ' The NHL suspended Voynov indefinitely for the duration of his proceedings and he has not played since October 19 . However , he continues to be paid . NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly said : ` We are aware of actions taken today in California , which we will review and evaluate before making any decisions . ` Until further notice , the current terms of Mr. Voynov 's suspension remain in place . ' Voynov only married Marta Varlamova in August 2014 , two months before the alleged assault . On announcing Voynov suspension , the NHL cited a section of the collective bargaining agreement saying they have power to suspend a player during a criminal investigation if failing to do so ` would create a substantial risk of material harm to the legitimate interests and/or reputation of the league ' . The NHL 's swift response comes in stark contrast to the NFL , which was criticized for failing to appropriately deal with players facing charges , including Ray Rice and Adrian Peterson . Happt day : Voynov only married Marta Varlamova in August 2014 , two months before the alleged assault . Rice was only suspended for two games from the Baltimore Ravens after he was arrested for hitting his then-fiance in an elevator at a casino in Atlantic City . But after a website shared a video showing him striking her , the NFL banned him indefinitely and the Ravens released him , amid much public uproar . Peterson , a running back for the Minnesota Vikings and a former MVP , was also suspended indefinitely with play by his team after he was charged with child abuse in Texas . He is accused of allegedly whipping his four-year-old son with a tree branch in May . Voynov 's swift suspension also comes a year after the NHL failed to comment or enact a suspension when Colorado Avalanche goaltender Semyon Varlamov was arrested on assault charges . Charges in the case were later dropped . In June 2013 , Voynov and the Kings agreed on a six year , $ 25 million contract extension . The Russian has two assists in six games this season . | Slava Voynov is accused of assaulting his wife , Marta Varlamova in October . Pair had been married for only two months when Voynov , 24 , was arrested on October 19 . Charged after taking his wife to hospital with injuries authorities believe were not an accident . Faces up to nine-years behind bars if he is found guilty of beating his wife . Marta , 24 , who has a daughter with Voynov , insists her husband did not harm her intentionally . | [[0, 134], [330, 392], [1016, 1022], [1080, 1154], [3343, 3393], [3396, 3435], [3932, 3941], [3944, 3994], [3997, 4036], [330, 355], [435, 528], [0, 134], [330, 392], [1016, 1022], [1029, 1061], [1016, 1022], [1080, 1154], [1245, 1352], [1262, 1267], [1274, 1352], [1829, 1843], [1911, 1940], [2052, 2107], [2205, 2208], [2231, 2247], [2250, 2343]] |
This is the terrifying moment a racist thug waved a samurai sword in the street threatening to ` kill all the Poles ' before slashing a man in the back . In photographs handed to police by a bystander , Gareth Devlin is seen with the weapon in his hand while walking in the street in Teesside . The 28-year-old was jailed for five years after a court heard how he frightened children by waving the weapon around one summer afternoon . Gareth Devlin was photographed waving a samurai sword in the street before striking it down on the back of a Polish national he threatened to kill . Polish nationals had been drinking on the afternoon in question , when many of the residents on the quiet street were enjoying the Brazil v Netherlands third-place playoff in the FIFA World Cup . Devlin and his friend , 24-year-old Joseph Smithson , approached the men , shouting : ` Come on ! ' Teesside Crown Court heard . Threatening : ' I will kill you , ' he struck the sword down on one man 's back as he tried frantically to flee the scene . ` One of the witnesses , to their great credit , grabbed a camera , ' prosecutor Paul Cleasby said . ` He was a keen photographer and he was able to take photographs of the assailants . ` That at the time proved to be the best evidence . ` Your Honour sees Gareth Devlin with a sword in his hand in broad daylight walking down the street . The 28-year-old threatened the group of Poles shouting : ' I will kill you ' before striking one of them . Devlin was jailed for five years for the attack after a bystander handed in the photographs to police . ` He has attempted to disguise himself with a hood over his face . ' ` Were it not for his quick thinking and good work , the Crown would not have the case that they have , ' Gazette Live . Sentencing the father-to-be to five years in jail , Judge Simon Bourne-Arton QC , the Recorder of Middlesbrough , said : ` You , Mr Devlin , took part in a very bad attack upon this Polish gentleman for reasons only you can understand . ` You know , and you 've set out in your letter , that only a sentence of custody can be considered , and a lengthy sentence at that . ' He told Smithson the time he had spent on remand - equal to an eight-month sentence - was enough custody for his crime . Outside court , Detective Constable Alan O'Donoghue , of Cleveland Police , said : ` We very much welcome the sentence given today . ` It sends a clear message that people can not behave in this way , threatening people in broad daylight in the street . ` We will always do all we can to bring offenders before the courts . ' | Gareth Devlin was photographed waving weapon around in the street . The 28-year-old threatened Polish national before slashing him in back . Photos were used as evidence in case against the father-to-be . He was jailed for five years over racially aggravated attack . | [[0, 91], [154, 168], [203, 294], [435, 559], [69, 153], [435, 559], [542, 583], [945, 988], [295, 350], [1480, 1545], [1774, 1850]] |
A dog who spent 11 years in a rescue centre because no-one wanted to adopt him has been put down after falling ill . Toby the collie arrived at Hilbrae Pets Hotel as a ten-month old stray in May 2003 . But while it was initially hoped the loving dog would quickly find a family , his fear of cars made finding a permanent home almost impossible , staff said . Toby the collie , who spent 11 years in a rescue centre because no-one wanted to adopt him , has been put down by staff . After the centre stepped up the search for a home - including regular updates from his own Twitter account - a number of prospective owners came forward . But still no home was found and Toby remained at the centre near Telford , Shropshire , until this week when he became unwell . The affectionate collie was put to sleep after a visit to the vets yesterday . Claudia Churchill , a supervisor at Hilbrae Pets Hotel for 22 years , had the sad job of taking Toby on his last trip . She said : ` He lost his appetite , became incontinent and was very sleepy . Everything seemed to be packing up so we took him to the vet . Toby , with Claudia Churchill , who works at the Hilbrae Pets Hotel . She had the sad job of taking Toby on his last trip . ` Normally he would fight to avoid getting into the van , but he just got in without trouble . It is as if he knew it was time . ` When we got to the vet he was examined and it was decided he would be put to sleep . He was in my arms when they did it and it was a very tearful moment . ` Everyone is heartbroken , it is so sad . ' Toby 's Twitter account - @HilbraeToby - had picked up almost 4,000 followers and his death was announced on the social network , leaving his followers saddened at the news . Toby arrived at Hilbrae Pets Hotel as a ten-month old stray in May 2003 . The affectionate collie was put to sleep after a visit to the vets yesterday . After the centre stepped up the search for a home a number of prospective owners came forward . But still no home was found and Toby remained at the centre until this week when he became unwell . Julianna Kaminski , from the centre , tweeted : ` Old age had caught up with him , he had lost interest in all the things he enjoyed , his food , chasing toys in the field , going for walks as well as other problems . ` We do n't know exactly how old he was but he had been here many years and we are all very sad . ` Run free @HilbraeToby , no more things to frighten you any more . ' One person tweeted : ` Oh bless him . Very sad , wish there had been a happier ending . #RIPToby ' . | Toby arrived at Hilbrae Pets Hotel as a ten-month old stray in May 2003 . Centre staff initially hoped the loving dog would quickly find a family . But his fear of cars made finding a permanent home almost impossible . The affectionate collie was put to sleep after a visit to the vets yesterday . | [[117, 201], [1734, 1807], [212, 277], [280, 344], [765, 843], [1402, 1443], [1808, 1886]] |
When it comes to hiring a car , men want to be in the driver 's seat more than women do , and they want a luxury sports car that can ferry them to their destination in style . A survey has found that 80 per cent of men prefer to drive when they hire a car while on holiday , compared to just over a fifth of women -LRB- 22 per cent -RRB- . And it may come as no surprise that their ideas of the ` perfect ' car hire differ greatly . Scroll down for video . Holiday : Men prefer to drive , especially if it 's a sport car , while women want a larger sport utility vehicle . In the survey conducted by travel search website Skyscanner , almost a fifth of men said they would prefer to drive a sporty Aston Martin or Jaguar , compared to just 12 per cent of women . The top choice for women -LRB- 40 per cent -RRB- was larger sport utility vehicles -- Range Rovers or Jeeps -- in contrast to just 28 per cent of men . Luxury Range Rovers proved to be popular as they were voted the top car brand with one in four of those surveyed , while the Mini Cooper was one of the least popular with just two per cent of the vote , said Skyscanner . The survey found out what British holidaymakers are looking for in their ` perfect ' car hire . As for the most important features , air conditioning was a clear winner with 39 per cent of the vote , although cost-savvy Brits ranked fuel efficiency highly with almost a quarter of respondents considering it their ` must have ' option . Four times as many men than women rated a convertible roof as the most important feature , while twice as many women want a coffee maker . Sixteen per cent of respondents said a sat nav is their ` must have ' option when hiring a car . But when it comes to ` dream ' features , laid-back Brits appear to want to take it easy , as 27 per cent say they want the option of a hands-free auto pilot . Three options -- in-car wifi , a seat massager and an amphibious car -- were in a three-way tie with 13 per cent of the vote . Rounding out the top five was the option of a fridge -LRB- 12 per cent -RRB- to store drinks and snacks . Even though long road trips can be stressful for couples and lead to rows , an ejector seat was the least popular option -LRB- one per cent -RRB- . | Just 22 % of women prefer to behind the wheel of a hired car , says study . Of those polled , most women want to drive a larger sport utility vehicle . A fifth of men said they would prefer to drive an Aston Martin or Jaguar . As for the most important features , air conditioning was a clear winner . | [[176, 331], [200, 313], [275, 339], [529, 572], [763, 914], [573, 586], [635, 762], [1269, 1333]] |
Sir Cliff Richard : Considering legal action . Top executives at the BBC worked frantically with police behind the scenes to spin their disastrous coverage of the raid on Sir Cliff Richard 's home , it emerged last night . The Corporation was plunged into a huge row over its cosy deal with police after it was allowed privileged access to a search of the singer 's # 3million Berkshire home . It can now be revealed that even as questions were asked over their apparent ` collusion ' , senior figures at the BBC were engaging in behind-the-scenes discussions with police over what should be said publicly about what had happened . Messages between the BBC and South Yorkshire Police lay bare how -- once the row had broken -- the BBC bargained with police over what they would say about it . The day after raid , the BBC 's head of newsgathering , Jonathan Munro , offered to tweet a statement exonerating the force from claims it had been the source of its story ` as a gesture of goodwill ' , boasting that the message would ` reach every newsroom in the UK pretty much instantly . ' In turn , emails show South Yorkshire Police 's head of corporate communications , Carrie Goodwin , sending a public statement to the BBC for approval before it was published . Miss Goodwin wrote : ` We have n't mentioned the BBC or any suggestion of any wrongdoing . Is this OK for you ? ' Emails also show how staff at both organisations stressed that they were ` keen ' to maintain their relationship , and wanted to let the ` dust settle ' as the controversy over their treatment of the pop icon raged . Copies of texts , emails and notes passed to a Parliamentary committee show how the BBC was given the inside track before , during and after the raid . The new evidence emerged as it was claimed Sir Cliff , 74 , is preparing to sue the broadcaster over its live TV coverage of the search of his home . The singer is expected to seek damages for breach of privacy if , as he expects , he does not face charges over an allegation of historical sex abuse . He is also said to be considering legal action against the force after it tipped off the broadcaster about the timing and location of the raid . The police investigation began when a man claimed Sir Cliff sexually assaulted him during a Christian rally in Sheffield organised by Billy Graham , the American evangelist , in 1985 . A shot from the BBC helicopter showing police arriving at Sir Cliff 's # 3million home in Berkshire . The BBC posted reporters at the gates of Sir Cliff 's home before police arrived to search the home . Police struck a deal with the BBC giving it privileged access after it learned , a month before the August raid , that reporter Dan Johnson knew Sir Cliff was under investigation . The BBC faced a wave of criticism from the public , stars and MPs over its handling of the sensitive police operation . It posted reporters at the gates before police arrived and dispatched a helicopter to hover overhead , allowing officers to be filmed through the windows . Sir Cliff , who vigorously denies any wrongdoing and has not been arrested , was in Portugal and learned of the raid via the TV coverage . Former BBC journalist Sir Michael Parkinson , 79 , described the police inquiry as a ` witch-hunt ' and attacked the BBC for an ` error of judgment ' . Sir Cliff , who vigorously denies any wrongdoing and has not been arrested , was in Portugal and learned of the raid on his home , above , via the TV coverage . Sir Cliff 's lawyer , Gideon Benaim , who denounced the ` premature and disproportionate ' reporting , was not available to comment yesterday . Neither was Sir Cliff 's spokesman . A report by the Commons home affairs select committee found the BBC acted ` perfectly properly ' in its dealings with police , but said the coverage caused Sir Cliff ` enormous , irreparable damage ' . South Yorkshire Police said : ` While we believe our actions in relation to dealing with the media were within policy and were well-intended , they were ultimately flawed and we regret the additional anxiety caused to Sir Cliff Richard . ' July 17 Police press chief Carrie Goodwin notes a deal struck with reporter Dan Johnson after he reveals he knows that police are investigating Sir Cliff . She writes in her notes : ` Consider ... notify of search date + location to prevent broadcast . ' August 13 The day before the raid , a member of the police press team emails Johnson an aerial photo of Sir Cliff 's home . August 14 The day of the raid . Johnson is given a running commentary of police progress . At 5.12 pm Miss Goodwin texts Johnson , asking : ` Good day ? ' He replies : ` Bonkers , but brilliant ... ' But things turn sour when the story appears on the BBC website , suggesting police tipped off the broadcaster to maximise coverage . Miss Goodwin then texts Johnson at 7.22 pm : ` Not happy about this at all . This was n't the case and brings the force into disrepute . ' August 15 In an email , Jonathan Munro , BBC head of newsgathering , offers to post a tweet saying that the force ` was not the original source ' as a ` gesture of good faith ' . Miss Goodwin replies an hour later , asking for his approval for a police statement explaining why the police acted the way they did . In the 3.11 pm email , Miss Goodwin says : ` We have n't mentioned the BBC or any suggestion of any wrongdoing . Is this OK for you ? ' August 17 Chief Constable David Crompton formally complains to the BBC , saying police worked with the corporation to ` protect the integrity of the investigation ' . August 18 Chief Constable Crompton phones BBC company secretary Phil Harrold . Miss Goodwin notes : ` -LSB- He -RSB- acknowledged ... like to let the dust settle . Keen to continue to work with the BBC . ' She also wrote that Munro wanted to avoid a ` war of press releases ' . | Row after BBC was allowed privileged access to search of Sir Cliff 's home . Senior BBC figures then engaged in behind-the-scene talks with police . Messages reveal how BBC bargained with them over what should be said . | [[304, 393], [47, 121], [394, 591], [394, 591], [632, 766], [2583, 2616]] |
Americans will spend $ 2.5 billion doing their holiday shopping online in what is expected to be the biggest Cyber Monday to date . With this year 's Black Friday bringing in lower sales than last year 's , according to estimates , research firm comScore predicts Monday 's online sales will break past records . Black Friday , which falls the day after Thanksgiving , saw 5 percent fewer shoppers spending 11 percent less , according to the National Retail Federation . Scroll down for video . Rush : Americans will spend $ 2.5 billion doing their holiday shopping online in what is expected to be the biggest Cyber Monday to date , with Amazon accounting for a bulk of the sales -LRB- file photo -RRB- . So called Cyber Monday , which falls after Black Friday , became the biggest day for online shopping by sales volume in 2010 . This year , Amazon has had holiday deals on offer since November 21 , with coveted Beats by Dre headphones , selling for $ 275 . PayPal said that global mobile payment volume increased 47 percent this Thanksgiving from last year . Wal-Mart reported 500 million more page views . The retail giant said it had doubled its Cyber Week deals from 2013 to 50 . Figures from eBay say the online auction and retail site quickly went through 2,000 iPad Air 2 tablets selling at $ 399 , at a rate of one per second . Big deals on toys offered by Toys R Us , which has had online sales since November 26 , include a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles electronic fighting game and dolls based on the characters from Disney 's Frozen . Delivery : Amazon workers in Phoenix worked hard to sort packages for delivery in this file photo from November 11 , 2010 , with holiday sales online building each consecutive year . ` Online is nowhere near its maturity , so Cyber Monday should be big , with a lot of strength in the days leading up to it , ' said Forester Research analyst Sucharita Mulpuru . In addition to the Thanksgiving weekend , Mulpuru expected another spike in online retail in December , when shipping deadlines occur . The research firm comScore , which tracks sales behavior in the US based on responses from a panel of 2 million users , expects holiday shopping to total $ 61billion over November and December . While many began lining up after Thanksgiving to take advantage of deals happening in stores , others were less comfortable in the crowds . Jennifer Donaldson , who dropped into Macy 's Fulton Street store , told Reuters she usually shopped online and she found the live retail experience lacking . ` It 's crowded , and people are rude , ' she said . | Research firm comScore predicting record-breaking day for online retail . Sales during Black Friday were down 11 percent compared to last year . Most retailers have pumped up deals across November , with Amazon and Wal-Mart offering discounts across their sites . | [[232, 286], [255, 312], [150, 204], [373, 422], [833, 842], [845, 900]] |
It is one of the world 's most popular ski destinations . But resorts in the Austrian Alps are currently struggling with an almost total lack of snow . Snow-making machines have been placed on the slopes of Gschwandtkopf mountain in the western Austrian village of Seefeld in a bid to try and attract holidaymakers . Rosskopf mountain in the Tirol district of Austria is currently struggling with an almost total lack of snow . Similar problems have affected other Austrian resorts , including Flachau in Salzburg and Rosskopf mountain in Tirol , at a time when the snow is usually plentiful . Tourism bosses have blamed the lack of snow on unusually warm winter weather . The ski season in Austrian runs from the beginning of December to the end of March . But Ski Club Great Britain , which publishes online snow forecasts for ski resorts around the world , reported today that there was barely any snow at many resorts . However , despite the absence of snowfall in recent days , up to four inches is expected to fall over the next week . Temperatures in the Alps were recently revealed to be rising faster than anywhere else in the world , with Alpine resorts attempting to adapt to climate change . A bearer of a T-bar lift is displayed on a snowless slope on Gschwandtkopf mountain in Seefeld . Snow-making machines stand on a snowless slope on Gschwandtkopf mountain in western Austria . Snow cannon stand on the green meadow which is a usually popular skiing piste in Flachau , Salzburg . A recent Austrian climate report found the country 's temperatures had risen twice as fast as the global average since 1880 , with the number of sunshine hours in the Alps increasing by 20 per cent . Alpine countries are already shifting their focus to adaptation solutions , acknowledging that climate change will not be stopped or turned around anytime soon . Low-lying resorts have long invested in snow cannon to ensure white slopes during the ski season but some have radically changed their marketing strategies -- like Switzerland 's Stockhorn ski region , which dismantled its ski lifts to refocus on winter hiking and snowshoeing . Although France remains the most popular ski destination for British skiers , 400,000 tourists from the UK chose Austria as their ski destination last year . Chairlifts have been taken out of operation on the ski pistes at Flachau in Salzburg . Snow-making machines have been placed on the slopes of Gschwandtkopf mountain in western Austria . Tourism bosses in Seefeld , Austria have blamed the lack of snow on unusually warm winter weather . The news comes after it was revealed that family skiing holidays to Austria could soar in price by up to # 140 after a new law was passed guaranteeing foreign workers minimum wage . British tour companies have also threatened to cut back on the number of holidays offered in the European country following the ruling , which will see their operating costs rise . About 500 UK staff - including chalet workers - in Austria will now have to be paid the minimum wage of # 790 a month . Ski resorts such as Seefeld in Tirol , Austria , are among the most popular in the world . Temperatures in the Alps were recently revealed to be rising faster than anywhere else in the world . Three years ago , Alpine regions experienced the warmest autumn in 147 years , resulting in little snow . Following an extremely dry November with high temperatures , some ski resorts in the Swiss Alps have postponed their season opening weekends due to the lack of snow . In Hochfilzen , Tirol , organisers of an international race went to the Grossglockner - Austria 's highest mountain - to get snow they needed to prepare their slopes for their track in 2011 . It took about five days to truck between 9,200 and 10,500 cubic yards of snow from the Grossglockner , said organizer Thomas Abfalter . | Seefeld in Tirol and Flachau in Salzburg among the resorts worst hit . 400,000 UK tourists chose Austria as their ski destination last year . Up to four inches of snow has been forecast to fall over the next week . Report says Austria 's temperatures have risen faster than global average . | [[428, 535], [2216, 2295], [983, 1041], [1042, 1080], [1090, 1141], [1497, 1620], [3156, 3194], [3204, 3257], [3156, 3180], [3186, 3223]] |
The Netherlands is known as the liberal bastion of Europe - with relaxed attitudes to drugs and sex - but when it comes to Christmas , things are a little different . According to tradition , around mid-November St Nicholas , or Sinterklaas , is supposed to arrive in the country from Spain where he spreads Christmas cheer , with most towns holding parades . However , Sinterklaas also has a helper - Zwarte Pieten , or ` Black Pete ' - who has attracted criticism in recent years over allegations the character is racist . Scroll down for video . Racist ? As part of Dutch Christmas tradition towns hold Sinterklaas parades , where a man playing St Nicholas marches through the streets along with his helper Zwarte Pieten , or ` Black Pete ' Tensions : While the majority of Dutch people see Black Pete as harmless , the character has become a flashpoint for tensions in recent years over allegations it is racist . Dispute : Supporters argue Black Pete has nothing to do with race , but critics say an 18th century book called St Nicholas and his Servant , from which Dutch traditions are drawn , show the character is based on a slave . As part of the tradition hundreds of Dutch paint their faces black , rouge their lips , and don fuzzy wigs , before marching through town centres with Sinterklaas , who is usually played by a white man . While the tradition has been observed in the Netherlands for hundreds of years , recently it has been a flashpoint for tensions with the black community . At one march in Gouda ninety people were arrested after fights broke out between anti-Pete protesters and those taking part in celebrations . Supporters of the ` Black Pete ' tradition argue that the character has nothing to do with race like American comics such as Al Jolson , and instead represents the black of winter . However activists say that an 18th century book , called Saint Nicholas and his Servant , from which many Dutch Christmas traditions are drawn , clearly shows the character is based on a slave . Division : Despite the controversy , that has not stopped most Dutch towns hosting parades featuring people dressed as Black Pete this year , including in Voorschoten -LRB- pictured -RRB- near The Hague . Investigating : Last year the UN were asked to probe the displays . Officials ruled the parades could be stopped if they risked law and order , but refused to say whether Black Pete was racist . Celebration : As part of Dutch Christmas tradition Sinterklaas is supposed to arrive in the country around mid-November from Spain where he spread cheer until December 5 when presents are exchanged . According to the book , Black Pete helps St Nicholas on his travels , before putting naughty children into sacks and taking them back to Spain when the celebrations are over . Last year the UN made a ruling over the parades after a legal case was brought , with judges saying that the displays could go ahead , so long as they did n't present a threat to law and order . However officials refused to say whether or not the character of Black Pete was racist . Recent polls across the Netherlands show strong support for the character , with between 85 and 90 per cent saying they want him to stay . Following the ruling , right-wing party Livable Rotterdam hung hundreds of Black Pete dolls in the city in celebration , while liberal politicians said it showed a lack of support for the tradition . The country 's Prime Minister Mark Rutte also weighed into the debate , coming out in support of the tradition , saying : ` We should not disturb a children 's party in this way . ' Support : Recent polls show that between 85 and 90 per cent of Dutch want to keep the character , but growing resentment has also sparked violence at some parades . Controversy : While the Voorschoten protest passed off without disruption , at another parade in Gouda , ninety people were arrested after activists clashed with those taking part . Harmless ? A man dressed as Black Pete walks through the streets in Voorschoten as part of a parade . Despite the controversy , Sinterklaas parades have continued throughout the Netherlands , including in the city of Voorschoten near The Hague . Dutch Christmas celebrations begin around mid-November , when Sinterklaas is supposed to arrive in the country from Spain , and continues until December 5 when presents are handed out on pakjesavond - literally meaning ` packages evening ' . Between those dates Sinterklaas supposedly travels around the country , along with Black Pete , taking part in parades and spreading Christmas cheer . The tradition is taken very seriously by the Dutch , with news channels running a nightly report for children updating them on Sinterklaas 's activities that day . | As part of Dutch Christmas tradition towns hold St Nicholas parades . Sinterklaas marches through the streets along with helper ` Black Pete ' Character has drawn criticism in recent years over allegations it is racist . According to tradition character kidnaps naughty children in sacks . | [[2038, 2053], [2061, 2109], [4075, 4192], [370, 381], [387, 433], [606, 625], [634, 687], [1250, 1303], [3958, 4048], [421, 437], [442, 498], [817, 902], [2643, 2653], [2689, 2731]] |
A coral reef in Northern Australia severely damaged by warming seas has managed to completely heal itself in just 12 years , stunned researchers have found . The team found that being left alone to breed on its own was key . The discovery raises hope that other damaged reefs could ` regenerate ' . Scott Reef in Northern Australia , where researchers found coral has ` regenerated ' itself after almost 12 years following a warming incident . The new research shows that an isolated reef off the northwest coast of Australia that was severely damaged by a period of warming in 1998 . It was hit by coral bleaching , caused by higher water temperatures that break down the . coral 's symbiotic relationship with algae that provide food for coral . growth . However , the team found Scott reef has regenerated in a very short time to become nearly as healthy as it was before . What surprises scientists , though , is that the reef regenerated by itself , found a study published Thursday in the journal Science . James Gilmour and colleagues studied the Scott system of reefs on the edge of Western Australia 's continental shelf , which lost 70 to 90 percent of its corals to a climate-induced bleaching event back in 1998 . Scott Reef is an isolated group of three reefs near the edge of northwestern Australia 's continental slope . The researchers found that , although the corals ' reproductive abilities were by the bleaching , coral cover still increased from 9 percent to 44 percent across the entire system in just 12 years . The team say the finding is surprising because researchers have assumed that recovery from such bleaching events depends upon the delivery of larvae from other , nearby reef systems . But , the Scott system of reefs is located 155 miles -LRB- 250 kilometers -RRB- from the mainland or any other reefs . So , Gilmour and his team suggest that herbivorous fish , which remained abundant in the undisturbed Scott system , even after the bleaching , kept microalgae in check and allowed coralline algae to thrive . This set of conditions in turn provided a suitable substratum upon which young corals could establish and grow. , they claim . The study suggests that reef systems can recover using local sources of larvae , especially when fish are plentiful and human activities , which have been shown to slow coral recovery in the past , are limited . At first , the reef grew slowly , mostly through the enlargement of existing coral colonies . But to really recover , the coral needs to sexually reproduce , creating sperm and egg that form embryos that then land on the ocean floor and grow into adult corals , if all goes well . These larvae can survive for hundreds of miles , swept along by ocean currents , and colonize new areas under the right circumstances . Larvae floating in from other reefs could have helped the reef , had it not been so isolated . But amazingly , after about six years , the surviving corals matured and began to reproduce , creating even more new colonies than before the bleaching . ` They recovered , and the larvae they produced settled and survived , at much higher rates than is often reported , ' Gilmour said . The rate of recovery was attributed to the lack of many local human pressures affecting reefs around . the world , such as degraded water quality and overfishing of herbivores . By 2012 , the reef was basically back to its old self . The study suggests that , when it comes to reefs , being isolated from human activity may trump being connected to other reefs . Overfishing , for example , removes fish that keep algae from choking out and outcompeting corals , and sediment and pathogens in runoff water can lead to coral diseases and death . But the results also mean that local decisions about fishing and other issues can help preserve reefs , which are threatened by global warming . ` Managing local conditions is a tangible way to maximize the resilience of coral reefs while the more difficult problem of addressing the causes of climate change are resolved , ' Gilmour said . | Scott reef on the northwest coast of Australia was severely damaged by a period of warming in 1998 . Researchers found after six years mature corals began breeding again . | [[0, 67], [299, 331], [397, 443], [493, 525], [531, 584], [472, 506], [567, 584], [1112, 1129], [1138, 1225], [2913, 2934], [2937, 2965], [2913, 2934], [2937, 2957], [2970, 2988]] |
It 's an annual tradition dating back decades - but this year the White House holiday tour will have a distinctly modern feel , thanks to new , digital décor . As well as the usual gingerbread White House , dozens of trees and many beautiful wreaths , the White House will boast infra-red motion sensors , crowd-sourced lighting patterns and matching robot versions of the first family 's two dogs , Bo and Sunny . Keeping with this traditional with a twist theme , the Obamas have also released their first ever interactive White House holiday card . Scroll down for video . A.I. : The White House Christmas tour will feature robot versions of the first family 's two dogs , Bo and Sunny . Pictured , senior advisor for digital media Mark DeLoura begins to prepare the frame for the robot . Bo -LRB- pictured left -RRB- and Sunny Obama -LRB- right -RRB- have been immortalised as robot dogs for the White House tour . According to the Washington Post , a group of technology experts based at the White House made a ` robot skeleton ' of Bo Obama made of chicken-wire which can swivel its head back and forth . Meanwhile , rather than rotating its head at a set rate Sunny-bot has eyes with infra-red motion sensors that make it turn in the direction of anyone approaching it . Both robot dogs have been made using basic software and hardware - Sunny-bot even has rubber bands as ligaments to give her head flexibility . The two teams worked in their spare time to create the robotic first dogs . The experts even watched videos of Portuguese water dogs barking to decide if they should give the robot dogs a voice - but decided against it as the barking was so loud they worried it may scare small children . Bo and Sunny pictured with First Lady Michelle Obama -LRB- left -RRB- and daughters Malia and Sasha Obama -LRB- right -RRB- . The National Christmas Tree near the White House -LRB- pictured -RRB- at a 2006 Christmas peace ceremony . The experts then wrapped roughly a mile of black polyester satin ribbon around the wire frames of the robots to make it look like the Sunny and Bo 's fur . And in the festive spirit of sharing and encouraging youngsters into technology , the teams made the codes used on the robot dogs open-source to encourage students to experiment and ` out-Bo Bo . ' According to the Washington Post , next year the experts want to build robots with animated joints that can move their paws and even jump . This year 's modern with a twist White House decorations also features an interactive digital snowscape that captures the movements of visitors in front of it . The first family take delivery of this year 's Christmas tree - pictured are Michelle , Malia and Bo the dog . President Obama pictured playing football with pet dog Bo in 2009 on the South Lawn of the White House . The exhibition is a combination of traditional and digital elements and uses 3-D cameras and a projector paired with a hand made woodland scene . In their first-ever interactive White House Holiday card , the President and First Lady wish Americans a happy and healthy holiday season and New Year . Meanwhile , this year 's official White House Christmas tree , which stands 18 feet tall in the Blue Room , honours the service of troops , veterans , and military families . The Christmas tree arrived at the White House from Crystal Springs Tree Farm in Leighton , Pennsylvania , and is trimmed with ornaments decorated by military children living on U.S. military bases all over the world . This year 's official White House holiday theme will be announced on December 3 . | Annual tradition will have modern twist this year thanks to digital decor . Robot versions of first family 's dogs Bo and Sunny will greet visitors . Each dog has been made by a separate team and behaves differently . Obamas have just released their first ever interactive holiday card . | [[52, 125], [2437, 2493], [2499, 2597], [252, 414], [576, 580], [583, 690], [792, 800], [825, 918], [466, 551], [2960, 3016], [3019, 3112]] |
There are 177,147 ways to fasten a necktie , it has emerged - 1,000 times more than previously thought . But the study was not prompted by higher theories of mathematics , but a flamboyant knot worn by a super-villain in Hollywood blockbuster The Matrix Reloaded . The Merovingian , named after a French . royal dynasty , wore his tie in the little-known Ediety knot , which . features two loops around the top of the knot and leaves the skinny part . of the tie hanging on top . Unorthodox : Fans were flummoxed at trying to copy the tie knot worn by The Merovingian -LRB- pictured -RRB- in The Matrix Reloaded - as the style was hidden much of the time by it being a black tie on a black shirt . Tradition : For years men have opted for the Windsor -LRB- right -RRB- or the Half Windsor -LRB- left -RRB- - there are 177,145 others . His . was perhaps the most unusual in a series of unorthodox tie knots in the . film trilogy , which prompted viral tutorial videos on Youtube from fans . trying to copy their style . Mathematician . Mikael Vejdemo-Johansson , of the KTH Royal Institute of Technology in . Stockholm , Sweden , watched the videos and realised the ` Merovingian . knot ' was missing from a major 2000 study by researchers at Cambridge . University . Along with three other mathematicians , he created a formula for devising tie knots using just three symbols , W , T and U . He said : ' T is a clockwise -LRB- turnwise -RRB- move of the . knot-tying blade , W is a counter-clockwise move , and U tucks the blade . under a previous bow . ` Whether to start with an inwards or outwards . crossing can be deduced by counting the total number of W and T in the . knot description string , and all possible strings in W and T produce . possible tie knots . ' And now for something completely different : The random knot generator lists some of the combinations . Fancy something different today ? The website features complicated letter-based sequences . It 'll tie you up in knots : One of the 177,000 tie knots which can be achieved according to new research . From the tool , known in logic as formal language theory , he has created a random tie generator which uses the mathematics to teach internet users how to tie random knots . According to the New Scientist , the Cambridge researchers had wrongly assumed people would only make a tuck -- folding one end of the tie under the rest to finish the knot -- at the end , and that all knots would be covered by a flat stretch of fabric . But their theory did not account for the elaborate knots found in The Matrix , with several tucks and ruffled fabric . The researchers also changed one crucial rule - the limit to how many winding moves people could make before their tie became ludicrously short . The team put that number at 11 - meaning there are 177,147 possible knots in the world . But who could find enough time to tie them all ? Visit the random tie knot generator here . | Study by mathematician in Stockholm , Sweden , looked at complex knots . He was inspired to improve on seminal 2000 study by The Matrix Reloaded . The film 's Merovingian character had a bizarre tie knot aped on Youtube . Study now offers 177,147 ways to fasten a tie - but could you do them all ? | [[176, 264], [915, 927], [936, 989], [0, 42], [2787, 2857]] |
Pushing home a shopping trolley overflowing with nuts , this squirrel looks as though he is storing up for a long winter . The inquisitive rodent is then spotted sipping a can of Red Bull through a straw , playing a slot machine and stopping to play football in what appeared to be a busy day . Photographer Guido Wacker from Gossau , Switzerland , encouraged a group of wild squirrels to explore some props by covering them in nuts . Scroll down for video . Pushing home a shopping trolley overflowing with nuts , this squirrel looks as though he is storing up for a long winter . The inquisitive rodent is then spotted sipping a can of Red Bull through a straw for an energy boost . After they used the nut-covered object three times he removed the snack and waited for them to approach , so he could take the perfect shot . He even captured them operating power tools and a Nikon long-lens camera . ` Squirrels fascinate me as they are very curious. , ' he said . ` It all started with boredom - I was with a friend and we started playing with a squirrel and a can of Red Bull . ` To make these funny images I put a lot of nuts on the object then once the squirrel has been on it three times , I take the nuts off . ` People 's reactions to the photographs are always very positive - all the photos look very funny . ' Photographer Guido Wacker encouraged wild squirrels to explore some props by covering them in nuts . One squirrel was even seen trying his luck on a mini slot machine from Las Vegas . After the squirrels used the nut-covered object three times he then removed the snack . The photographer from Gossau , Switzerland , then waited for the squirrels to use the props , so he could take the perfect shot . He said : ` To make these funny images I put a lot of nuts on the object then once the squirrel has been on it three times , I take the nuts off ' He said : ` People 's reactions to the photographs are always very positive - all the photos look very funny ' ` It all started with boredom - I was with a friend and we started playing with a squirrel and a can of Red Bull ' | Photographer Guido Wacker covered props in nuts to attract squirrels . They were seen pushing trolleys full of nuts and using power tools . One was spotted using a slot machine and a long-lens Nikon camera . After they used the nut-covered object three times he removed the snack . | [[295, 332], [349, 434], [1084, 1149], [1322, 1422], [1385, 1422], [1724, 1731], [1734, 1801], [13, 53], [472, 512], [827, 901], [844, 901], [685, 756], [1512, 1565], [1506, 1593]] |
Commercial pilots have one of the most stressful jobs on the planet , but it appears they are being handsomely rewarded for their work . A government study has found that aircraft pilots and flight engineers are the highest paid group of workers in the UK with an average annual salary of # 90,420 in 2014 . They beat chief executives and senior officials , who are being paid an average of # 81,521 this year , and air traffic controllers , who are raking in # 79,874 . Scroll down for video . Aircraft pilots and flight engineers are the highest paid workers in the UK , a study has found . Air traffic controllers rank third on the list with annual average salaries of # 79,874 , according to the study . Based on Pay As You Earn -LRB- PAYE -RRB- records , the findings are included in the Office of National Statistics ' annual Survey of Hours and Earnings , which was released this month . However , the survey does not include those who are self-employed or celebrities who are not listed on company payrolls , and the listed amounts do not include bonuses or overtime . Rounding out the top five were medical practitioners -LRB- # 71,141 -RRB- and marketing and sales directors -LRB- # 70,742 -RRB- . Aircraft pilots beat chief executives and senior officials , and air traffic controllers for top spot . Lowest paid : Waiters and waitresses had annual salaries of just # 12,507 , followed by bar staff at # 12,948 . Source : Office for National Statistics . Places six through ten were held by information technology and telecommunications directors -LRB- # 64,511 -RRB- , financial managers and directors -LRB- # 61,108 -RRB- , senior police officers -LRB- # 57,896 -RRB- , financial institution managers and directors -LRB- # 53,621 -RRB- , and senior professionals of educational establishments -LRB- # 50,367 -RRB- . At the bottom end of the scale , waiters and waitresses had annual salaries of just # 12,507 , followed by bar staff at # 12,948 . Hairdressers and barbers were paid # 13,373 this year , while kitchen and catering assistants earned # 13,396 . Other low-paid staff include launderers , dry cleaners and pressers -LRB- # 13,767 -RRB- , retail cashiers and check-out operators -LRB- # 13,911 -RRB- , and playworkers -LRB- # 14,023 -RRB- . As of April , the median gross weekly earnings for full-time employees were # 518 , an increase of one pound from 2013 . According to the study , that is the smallest annual growth since 1997 , when record-keeping began . In addition to lifting the veil on Britain 's highest paid workers , the study uncovered unsurprising facts about gender pay disparity . Hairdressers and barbers were paid # 13,373 this year - putting them near the bottom of the list . A male chief executive , for example , can earn up to # 100,000 , while a woman with the same job title is paid an annual salary of just # 63,174 . In the field of health care , male nurses earn an average of # 33,460 a year while their female counterparts take home # 31,140 . But it 's not the same story for every profession , as female opticians are paid # 36,350 -- a little over # 1,500 than male opticians . Overall , the gender pay gap has narrowed to 9.4 per cent , compared with ten per cent in 2013 -- the lowest since 1997 , when the gender pay gap was 17.4 per cent . | Office of National Statistics survey ranks top and bottom earners . Chief executives are second on the list with average salary of # 81,521 . They were followed by air traffic controllers -LRB- # 79,874 -RRB- . At lower end of scale , waiters and waitresses earned just # 12,507 . UK 's gender pay gap has narrowed to 9.4 per cent , study found . | [[760, 860], [335, 357], [362, 409], [416, 439], [446, 470], [1312, 1323], [1326, 1385], [1372, 1385], [1388, 1423], [1829, 1859], [1862, 1921], [1908, 1921], [1924, 1959], [571, 592], [3138, 3145], [3148, 3195]] |
He moves slowly but surely and when he wants a rest he simply slinks into the home he carries on his back - it 's no wonder Liu Lingchao is known as the ` Snail Man ' . Liu , 39 , came up with an ingenious way to make a living in the Chinese city of Liuzhou and travel from his rural home a three day 's walk away free of expenses . Liu walks to Liuzhou in central China 's Guangxi Autonomous Region to collect rubbish to sell for recycling - it 's not a lucrative career option but works for him given his overheads are so low . Liu Lingchao , 39 , carries his home on his back while he makes his living in the city of Liuzhou . Liu has been dubbed Snail Man by locals as he walks the streets collecting rubbish to sell for recycling . While in the city , he sleeps in his portable home - it 's too deluxe to call a tent - and relies only on only his feet for transport . ` My life started to fall apart six-years-ago when I lost my job after my father died , and my marriage broke up and my wife left me , ' he said . ' I was struggling to get back on my feet , and then I realised that I really needed to be doing something to get me out of my depression . ` About the only thing that seemed to be possible was getting involved in garbage recycling collecting plastic bottles and stuff , but the best place to do that is in the city and by the time you 've paid accommodation and all the rest of it , there is n't much left . ' The interior of Liu 's deluxe portable home away from home , complete with bedding and decorations . Liu walks about three days from his village to Liuzhou where he does n't have to pay for accommodation . Liu searches a roadside for garbage he can sell while his portable home sits on the ground . Liu appreciates the nickname given to him by locals accustomed to seeing him wandering the streets with his unique shelter on his shoulders . ' I came up with the idea of making a makeshift home that I could just move around easily , ' Liu says . ` And now I put it on my back , and walk to the city where I spend a while collecting garbage and selling it . ` When I 've collected enough , I then walk back home again . It means I have to pay nothing on accommodation and nothing on travel either . ' The hardy traveller lost his job and his wife , so hit the road with his portable home to make a living . When he needs to make a longer journey , Liu can pack down his home to an easier to manage size . The journey between between the village in which he has a smallholding home and the nearby capital city takes about three days , and with every trip the ` Snail Man ' says his little home has evolved . ' I covered it in plastic flowers and tidied it up so that even when I stop in a posh district , it does not look out of place . In fact I even make some money now with people paying me to take photographs . I tell them it 's my penthouse , it may be small but it 's home and it works . ' While his shell remain in its full form while he 's in the city , Liu can in fact break in down for his long journey home . | Liu Lingchao , 39 , carries his portable home on his back to Liuzhou . He walks three days from his rural home to recycle rubbish in the city . Liu took up recycling when he lost his job and his wife left six years ago . He 's been named Snail Man and says his shell fits in around posh areas . | [[83, 123], [530, 542], [550, 597], [193, 205], [210, 288], [333, 471], [630, 736], [673, 736], [1532, 1586], [1987, 1988], [2013, 2029], [2021, 2029], [2036, 2087], [2435, 2466], [2515, 2561], [873, 937], [2231, 2276]] |
This assortment of products would surely make the Dowager Countess recoil in horror . The matriarch at the centre of Downton Abbey would never allow the Crawley name to be used to endorse anything so common as wine , perfume and even furniture . But that is exactly what the makers of the hit period drama are doing as they attempt to cash in on the show 's success on both sides of the Atlantic . Scroll down for video . Now you can even smell like your favourite Downton Abbey character after a seven piece fragrance collection has been launched for # 152 . The King Four Poster Bed would not be out of place in Lady Mary 's boudoir . It is on sale for # 1,750.00 on website Downton Abbey at Home . A Union Jack cushioned inspired by the Crawley family 's parlor can be bought for # 45 from Downton Abbey at Home . Fans of the show can be their very own Lady of the Manor in this licensed T-shirt priced at # 12.99 . Style Statement : You can channel the stylish Crawley women with this elegant range of costume jewellery . This necklace is priced at # 16.88 on Amazon . They are using the fictional aristocratic family to sell everything from four-poster beds , to socks , Christmas decorations , make-up and even wine to the period drama 's millions of fans . And some viewers might suggest that many of the gifts are lacking of the refinement seen on the popular show depicting the lives of the upper class in the 1920s . However , fans now have the chance to transform their property into their very own stately home by buying furniture inspired by Julian Fellowes 's award-winning series . Website Downton Abbey at Home is selling a four-poster bed , influenced by Lady Mary 's bedroom , made from solid mahogany for # 1,750 . Budding Mrs Pattimore 's can perfect their cooking in a Downton Abbey style apron priced at # 21.84 -LRB- $ 34.99 -RRB- -LRB- left -RRB- or they can enjoy a cup of english rose tea for # 9.25 -LRB- $ 12.99 -RRB- -LRB- right -RRB- . Downton Abbey wine , can be bought from the US priced at # 11.50 -LRB- $ 14.60 -RRB- a bottle . Makers describe it as a fine French Bordeaux . A teddy bear based on the Dowager Countess , played by Dame Maggie Smith , is priced a # 47.50 -LRB- $ 74.99 -RRB- . And viewers planning to create their own Downton-style parlour can also splash out on a Union Jack cushion crafted in vintage colours for # 45 . Across the pond American fans of the show can smell like their favourite characters after a seven-piece fragrance set was launched for # 152 -LRB- $ 244.99 -RRB- . Lady Mary , Lady Cora , Lady Edith , Lady Rose , Countess Violet , Anna the maid and Daisy the kitchen helper have all inspired their own perfume . Red and white wine , like that served to the family by Carson the Butler , can also be bought for in the US for $ 14.60 a bottle . This vintage Christmas stocking would be suitable for any Lord or Lady and is priced at # 25 . The jigsaw -LRB- left -RRB- costs # 10 and the CD Christmas at Downton Abbey , featuring the vocals of some of the cast , is also on sale for # 10.75 . The ambiance of Downton Abbey can fill your home with this garden party scented candle for # 14 -LRB- $ 22.99 -RRB- . This Captain Davenport Desk , like the one used by Lord Grantham , is for sale priced at # 499 . Marks and Spencer has a range of Downton Abbey make-up for sale . DVD boxsets of all five series of the award winning drama and an official behind the scenes book are also available . The cast of the award winning period drama Downton Abbey starring Hugh Bonneville , Dame Maggie Smith , Elizabeth McGovern , Michelle Dockery , and Laura Carmichael . Maggie Smith as Violet Crawley , Dowager Countess of Grantham -LRB- left -RRB- and a publicity photograph this year 's Christmas special -LRB- right -RRB- . Julian Fellowes hit drama is filmed at HIghclere Castle near Newbury , Berkshire , owned by the Earl and Countess of Carnarvon . The ITV Downton Abbey Facebook page has a shop offering links to items both on sale in the UK and the US . In the US , products endorsed by the makers of the show can be bought from Shop PBS . The fifth season of the drama set in 1924 starring Hugh Bonneville , Dame Maggie Smith , Elizabeth McGovern , Michelle Dockery and Laura Carmichael , has just finished on ITV . It will be back on our screens this Christmas for a two-hour special . | A seven-piece perfume set inspired by the characters is on sale for # 152 . A four-poster bed inspired by Lady Mary 's bedroom is on sale for # 1,750 . Wine , soft furnishings , CDs , T-shirts , and jewellery are also available . | [[422, 529], [489, 559], [2371, 2488], [2455, 2534], [560, 636], [637, 700], [1597, 1725], [1638, 1655], [1695, 1733], [143, 245], [1073, 1263], [1200, 1204], [1212, 1263]] |
Water filling the Earth 's oceans is older than the formation of the sun , increasing the chances of life emerging among the stars , scientists have revealed . The discovery suggests that water may be a common ingredient in the clouds of dust and gas from which solar systems are born , and not ` special ' to our own . This has major implications for the likelihood of life being found on exoplanets orbiting stars beyond the sun , according to researchers . Scroll down for video . This image shows water through time in the formation of the solar system , as scientists have revealed that water filling the Earth 's oceans pre-date the formation of the sun . The sun is thought to be 4.5 billion years old , but water on Earth may have formed before then as tiny crystals of ice floating around deep space . Professor Tim Harries , from the University of Exeter , said : ` We know that water is vital for the evolution of life on Earth , but it was possible that the Earth 's water originated in the specific conditions of the early solar system , and that those circumstances might occur infrequently elsewhere . ` By identifying the ancient heritage of Earth 's water , we can see that the way in which our solar system was formed will not be unique , and that exoplanets will form in environments with abundant water . ` It raises the possibility that some exoplanets could house the right conditions , and water resources , for life to evolve . ' The international team of scientists studied ancient ices preserved in comets and asteroids since the early days of the solar system . Using computer simulations , they were able to show that water in the oceans , meteorite samples and comets bore the chemical fingerprint of formation before the solar system took shape . Pictured is the Pacific Ocean . Water vapour has been detected in the atmosphere of a planet 124 light years - or 729 trillion miles - from Earth . The planet is about the size of the gas giant Neptune , and is the smallest and coldest outside the solar system known to contain H2O molecules - the building blocks of life . Scientists claim the discovery is a leap forward in the study of distant exoplanets that may in future uncover evidence of alien life . Researchers used a technique called transmission spectroscopy , which measures dips in light as the planet passes in front of its host star to identify the signs of water vapour . Previously it has only been possible to measure the atmospheric compositions of larger Jupiter-sized extrasolar planets . Using computer simulations , they were able to show that water in the oceans , meteorite samples and comets bore the chemical fingerprint of formation before the solar system took shape . The water contained levels of deuterium - a ` heavy ' strain of hydrogen with extra neutrons in its nucleus - that could only be explained by interstellar origins . It meant that at least some of the water in the solar system and on Earth pre-dated the birth of the sun . Lead author Ilsedore Cleeves , from the University of Michigen , said : ` The implication of these findings is that some of the solar system 's water must have been inherited from the sun 's birth environment , and thus pre-date the sun itself . ` If our solar system 's formation was typical , this implies that water is a common ingredient during the formation of all planetary systems . To date , the Kepler satellite has detected nearly 1,000 confirmed extrasolar planets . ` The widespread availability of water during the planet-formation process puts a promising outlook on the prevalence of life throughout the galaxy . | Earth 's water may have begun life in the early solar system , says study . This means exoplanets may form in environments with abundant water . The study took a look at ancient ice preserved in comets and asteroids . Computer simulations revealed water in oceans and icy comets have chemical fingerprint of formation before the solar system took shape . | [[320, 324], [433, 459], [559, 661], [2892, 2998], [1173, 1324], [1327, 1439], [3477, 3626], [1454, 1545], [1499, 1588], [0, 72], [0, 33], [75, 130], [484, 556], [559, 661], [1499, 1588], [1589, 1615], [1618, 1739], [1618, 1622], [1633, 1763], [2539, 2565], [2568, 2689], [2568, 2572], [2583, 2713], [2892, 2998], [2957, 2998]] |
La Decima is a big number at Real Madrid . Larger still is the amount of money the club have spent pursuing it . Since Zinedine Zidane won Real 's ninth European Cup in 2002 , the cash sprayed across the continent chasing No 10 has totalled an astonishing # 999million . That , of course , includes two players bought for # 80m or more in Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale and three times breaking the world record transfer fee -LRB- twice in one summer -RRB- . VIDEO Scroll down to watch Zidane and Ronaldo doing what they do best . Target : Real Madrid have spent # 999m since last winning the Champions League in 2002 . Stunner : Zinedine Zidane scores an amazing goal in front of Michael Ballack of Bayer Leverkusen in 2002 . Winning the big one : Zidane celebrates with the Champions League trophy in Glasgow 12 years ago . Number of players signed : 62 . Most expensive player : Gareth Bale # 86m . Players signed from Premier League clubs : 20 . Most spent in one season : # 226.51 m in 2009/10 . It also includes Thomas Gravesen , signed from Everton for # 2.5 m , and Lassana Diarra , signed from Portsmouth for a quite remarkable # 20m . Cheques were written for the best and the rest at an average of # 83.5 m per year . In for # 13.4 m came Jonathan Woodgate , who scored an own goal and received a red card on his debut ; in for # 22.8 m came Mahamadou Diarra , last seen getting relegated with Fulham ; in for # 11.5 m came Royston Drenthe , who scored twice in 24 appearances for Reading this season . Big money : Madrid spent # 80m on their star man Cristiano Ronaldo in 2009 . Brilliant orange : Real topped the Ronaldo transfer with the # 86m signing of Gareth Bale in the summer . Flashing the cash : Madrid spent big in 2009 , signing Kaka -LRB- left -RRB- for # 56m and Karim Benzema for # 25m . Yet there was also Kaka at # 56m , once world footballer of the year ; there was Karim Benzema at # 25m , one of the most sought-after young strikers in Europe ; and , at # 39.6 m , there was Brazilian Ronaldo , the first player bought after Real ' s last European triumph . The most outlandish splurge came in 2009/10 when more than # 220m was spent as Ronaldo joined from Manchester United , Kaka from AC Milan , and Benzema from Lyon . Despite all this the furthest the club had progressed in the Champions League in 11 seasons prior to this season was the semi-finals . For six straight years they failed to get beyond the last-16 . That is an astonishing feat when you count the number of European Cup winners ' medals amassed by players either before or after their stay at the Bernabeu . Icon : David Beckham moved from Manchester United to Madrid for a fee of # 25.5 m . Saving not spending : Javier Saviola was a rare free transfer for the La Liga side in 2007 . David Beckham won with United before he joined in 2003 . Xabi Alonso did it with Liverpool in 2005 before moving to Madrid four years later . Wesley Sneijder and Arjen Robben were both shifted on in the summer of 2009 after the arrivals of Ronaldo and Kaka as Real searched for that elusive breakthrough . They could have looked closer to home . Sneijder went on to lift the Champions League that season with Inter , while Robben scored the winning goal in the final for Bayern Munich last May . In total Madrid have had nine Champions League winners on their playing staff in the last 12 barren years , almost a full starting XI -- including wobbly-legs himself Jerzy Dudek . Fabio Cannavaro had won the World Cup with Italy the summer before he signed but was unable to bring the biggest piece of club silverware to Real . Were they to beat city rivals Atletico and claim their 10th European Cup , the exorbitant cost would still be questioned -- but it would then become an afterthought as celebrations began . Team-mates : Michael Owen -LRB- right -RRB- joined Beckham in Madrid from Liverpool in 2004 . Season by season guide to Real 's spending since 2002 . 13/14Gareth Bale -LRB- Tottenham -RRB- # 85.3 m , Asier Illarramendi -LRB- Sociedad -RRB- # 34m , Isco -LRB- Malaga -RRB- # 23m , Daniel Carvajal -LRB- Leverkusen -RRB- # 5m , Casemiro -LRB- Sao Paulo -RRB- # 4.8 m = # 152.1 m . 12/13Luka Modric -LRB- Tottenham -RRB- # 33m , Diego Lopez -LRB- Sevilla -RRB- # 3m = # 36m . 11/12Fabio Coentrao -LRB- Benfica -RRB- # 26.4 m , Nuri Sahin -LRB- Dortmund -RRB- # 8m , Jose Callejon -LRB- Espanyol -RRB- # 5.5 m , Raphael Varane -LRB- Lens -RRB- # 11.5 m = # 51.4 m . 10/11Angel Di Maria -LRB- Benfica -RRB- # 29m , Mesut Ozil -LRB- W Bremen -RRB- # 16.4 m , Sami Khedira -LRB- Stuttgart -RRB- # 15.5 m , Pedro Leon -LRB- Getafe -RRB- # 8.1 m , Ricardo Carvalho -LRB- Chelsea -RRB- # 6.7 m , Sergio Canales -LRB- Racing -RRB- # 4m = # 79.7 m . 09/10Cristiano Ronaldo -LRB- Man Utd -RRB- # 80m , Kaka -LRB- Milan -RRB- # 56m , Xabi Alonso -LRB- Liverpool -RRB- # 30m , Karim Benzema -LRB- Lyon -RRB- # 28m , Raul Albiol -LRB- Valencia -RRB- # 15m , Alvaro Negredo -LRB- Almeria -RRB- # 5m , Estaban Granero -LRB- Getafe -RRB- # 4.5 m , Alvaro Arbeloa -LRB- Liverpool -RRB- # 4.5 m = # 223m . Dutch of class : Rafael Van Der Vaart cost Real 11.4 m in 2008 . 08/09Klaas-Jan Huntelaar -LRB- Ajax -RRB- # 23.8 m , Lassana Diarra -LRB- Portsmouth -RRB- # 20m , Rafael van der Vaart -LRB- Hamburg -RRB- # 13.4 m , Ezequiel Garay -LRB- Racing Santander -RRB- # 10m , Ruben De La Red -LRB- Getafe -RRB- # 3.8 m , Javi Garcia -LRB- Osasuna -RRB- # 3.2 m = # 74.2 m . 07/08Arjen Robben -LRB- Chelsea -RRB- # 31m , Wesley Sneijder -LRB- Ajax -RRB- # 25.7 m , Pepe -LRB- Porto -RRB- # 24m , Royston Drenthe -LRB- Feyenoord -RRB- # 11.5 m , Gabriel Heinze -LRB- Man Utd -RRB- # 8m , Christoph Metzelder -LRB- Borussia Dortmund -RRB- Free , Javier Saviola -LRB- Barcelona -RRB- Free , Jerzy Dudek -LRB- Liverpool -RRB- Free = # 100.2 m . 06/07Mahamadou Diarra -LRB- Lyon -RRB- # 22.8 m , Gonzalo Higuain -LRB- River Plate -RRB- # 18m , Fernando Gago -LRB- Boca Juniors -RRB- # 15m , Ruud van Nistelrooy -LRB- Man Utd -RRB- # 11m , Marcelo -LRB- Fluminese -RRB- # 7.8 m , Fabio Cannavaro -LRB- Juventus -RRB- # 6.9 m , Emerson -LRB- Juventus -RRB- # 6.9 m = # 88.4 m . In the goals : Ruud Van Nistelrooy swapped Manchester United for Real Madrid in 2006 . 05/06Sergio Ramos -LRB- Sevilla -RRB- # 23.7 m , Robinho -LRB- Santos -RRB- # 21m , Julio Baptista -LRB- Sevilla -RRB- # 17.9 m , Cicinho -LRB- Sao Paolo -RRB- # 6m , Carlos Diogo -LRB- River Plate -RRB- # 5m , Antonio Cassano -LRB- Roma -RRB- # 4.2 m , Pablo Garcia -LRB- Osasuna -RRB- # 2.5 m = # 80.3 . 04/05Walter Samuel -LRB- Roma -RRB- # 20.2 m , Jonathan Woodgate -LRB- Newcastle -RRB- # 13.4 m , Michael Owen -LRB- Liverpool -RRB- # 8m , Thomas Gravesen -LRB- Everton -RRB- # 2.5 m = # 44.1 m . 03/04David Beckham -LRB- Man Utd -RRB- # 30m = # 30m . 02/03Ronaldo -LRB- Inter -RRB- # 39.6 m = # 39.6 m . Hit and miss : Jonathan Woodgate -LRB- left -RRB- and Thomas Gravesen found it difficult to adapt to Spanish football . Double : Gabriel Heinze -LRB- left -RRB- and Arjen Robben were added to the squad in 2007 for a combined fee of # 32m . Worth every penny : Madrid snapped up Ronaldo -LRB- centre -RRB- from Inter Milan in 2002 for a snip at # 20m . New faces : Isco -LRB- left -RRB- and Daniel Carvajal are two of Madrid 's latest acquisitions . | Madrid have spent more than # 80m on two players - Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale . Real have broken the world transfer record three times in the last 10 years . They have not been past the semi-final of the Champions League in the last 11 seasons . Twelve players have won Champions League before or after their Real days . | [[271, 287], [290, 433], [1529, 1593], [1613, 1699], [271, 287], [290, 433], [2273, 2361], [2391, 2453], [2511, 2573]] |
British jihadis fighting for the Islamic State in Syria and Iraq have pledged to send militants to fight police in the riot-hit American city of Ferguson , Missouri - providing the protesters embrace Islam . The city has seen widespread disorder after a police officer escaped punishment for shooting dead an unarmed black teenager , and now the Islamic extremists are attempting to take advantage of the anti-authoritarian feeling to convince those involved to adopt ISIS ' radical ideology . Using the slogan ` From #IS 2 Ferguson ' , Birmingham-born jihadi Junaid Hussain , 20 - who has adopted the nom de guerre Abu Hussain al-Britani - this morning tweeted a photograph of a hand-written letter urging the Ferguson rioters to ` reject corrupt man-made laws like democracy ' and declare their allegiance to ISIS ' leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi . Scroll down for video . Pledge : The note Birmingham-born jihadi Junaid Hussain , 20 posted on Twitter today is titled ` From #IS 2 Ferguson ' and contains a promise to send militants to the Missouri city if protesters pledge allegiance to ISIS . Miliants : The note was accompanied by a photograph of a number of masked young men posing with assault rifles and mobile phone cases bearing the black and white logo of the Islamic State . The note Hussain posted on Twitter today is titled ` From #IS 2 Ferguson ' and contains a promise to send militants to the Missouri city if protesters pledge allegiance to ISIS . It reads : ` We hear you and we will help you if you accept Islam and reject corrupt man-made laws like democracy and pledge your allegiance to Caliph Abu Bakr and then we will shed our blood for you and send our soldiers that do n't sleep , whose drink is blood , and their play is carnage . ' A militant calling himself Abu Dujana urged the Ferguson protests to carry out acts of violence . Underneath the picture Hussain tweeted : ` Accept Islam & give bayah -LSB- allegiance -RSB- to Abu Bakr Al Baghdadi & then we will send u soldiers that do n't sleep ! - #IS #Ferguson ' . The note was accompanied by a photograph of a number of masked young men posing with assault rifles and mobile phone cases bearing the black and white logo of the Islamic State . It is understood the men in the photograph are militants based in ISIS-held areas of Syria and Iraq , and that one of the men is 20-year-old Hussain . Another militant , who uses the Twitter handle @Abu 3antar Britani and is also thought to be British , tweeted : ` From #IS to #Ferguson we heard your call and we are ready to respond ! #FergusonDecision #BeLikeMalcolmX #FightBack ' . A third jihadi using the nom de guerre Abu Dujana subsequently posted a photograph of a large knife being brandished by somebody wearing a glove made by the American sports brand Nike . ` For how long will you let these govts oppress u. Draw ur knives and show them a response !! #FergusonDecision #IS , ' he wrote . Westernized : A jihadi using the nom de guerre Abu Dujana subsequently posted a photograph of a large knife being brandished by somebody wearing a glove made by the American sports brand Nike . Terror : British jihadi Junaid Hussain , 20 - who has adopted the nom de guerre Abu Hussain al-Britani - used the slogan ` From #IS 2 Ferguson ' to share the note pledging support for Ferguson protesters . Abu Dujana later urged people to learn about Bilal Ibn Rabah , a freed slave who was one of the Prophet Mohammed 's closest companions . He posted : ` Read the story of Bilal Ibn Rabah oh people #Ferguson and see how an oppressed slave became a hero & warrior through Islam . ' Today 's developments are far from the first time ISIS militants have spoken about Ferguson . In fact the opportunistic terrorists have repeatedly looked to take advantage of the anti-establishment feeling in the city by calling for the demonstrators to embrace extremist Islam . ` Chilling ' : The links between Ferguson and ISIS go right back to the first protests in August , when a CNN news report appeared to show a man holding a placard reading ` ISIS is here ' Salena Zito - a political columnist for the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review newspaper - described as ` chilling ' the footage of a Ferguson demonstrator purportedly holding an ISIS banner behind a CNN reporter . The militants ' attempts to hijack the protests in Ferguson appear to have two intentions . Firstly the militants seem to believe that Ferguson allows them to portray the US as promising black people fair treatment and equality , but treating them with violence and oppression . Secondly ISIS is evoking the names of a number of black civil rights leaders - many of whom , including Malcolm X , were Muslims and members of the Nation of Islam . In drawing comparisons with the civil rights movement , the militants appear to trying to attract new converts from among the many protesters . The links between Ferguson and ISIS go right back to the first protests in August , when a CNN news report appeared to show a man holding a placard reading ` ISIS is here ' . The images inspired ISIS sympathisers around the world to use the hashtag #FergusonUnderISIS to urge the protesters to embrace radical Islam . | ISIS fighters in Syria post tweets declaring support for Ferguson rioters . Urge protesters to embrace Islam and carry out acts of extreme violence . Uploaded hand-written note vowing to send militants to the Missouri city . But said rioters must first declare their allegiance to Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi . | [[3265, 3325], [156, 164], [167, 207], [1759, 1856], [1803, 1856], [1868, 1895], [1898, 1914], [3822, 3883], [5087, 5184], [0, 199], [577, 699], [881, 927], [995, 1052], [1285, 1308], [1364, 1421], [678, 824], [783, 847], [1464, 1472], [1477, 1632], [1900, 1942], [1949, 1972]] |
Watching a chef at a San Francisco restaurant slam frozen meat into the sidewalk is enough to make your stomach turn , not to mention the customers who may have had the misfortune of eating it . Captured on video outside Lucky River , a Chinese restaurant in San Francisco 's Sunnyside neighborhood , the chef appears to lift and slam two slabs of beef up and down onto the ground . When a concerned inspector from the city 's health department arrived to question the apparently bemused staff , they simply said the man was attempting to tenderize the meat and ` defrost ' it by beating it off the concrete . Food prep : The staff member at Lucky River restaurant in San Francisco prepares to slam the meat to the ground . Crash : The man was simply trying to tenderize the frozen meat before cooking it he and the restaurant later explained . However , when local news made the trip down to examine the exact section of sidewalk they discovered it was covered in gum , cigarette butts and general filth . The owner of the restaurant said that the defrosting incident was an isolated one and that the meat was never used in any meals . KPIX showed the gross footage to neighbors , Steve Vender and London Lacey . ` It 's highly unsanitary , I do n't know how they 're gon na clean the meat off after that . They 're gon na wash it but it certainly does n't look very appealing , ' said Vender . Gross : The residue and general muck on any given sidewalk is seen languishing outside the Lucky River restaurant exactly where the meat was being slammed down . Reviews : The Lucky River Restaurant has a satisfactory sanitation score with the San Francisco Public Health Department . Cancerous : A cigarette butt lies on the sidewalk outside the restaurant where the staff member threw down the meat . According to KPIX , Lucky River scored a satisfactory rating on its last health inspection . However , reviews on Yelp have been less than generous , with one person mentioning a boiled caterpillar in the vegetables . ` Yup . They boiled a caterpillar , Extra protein I guess , ' they wrote . ' I wo n't eat there again , ' said Lacey . ' I will not eat there at all . ' After seeing the shocking video , the San Francisco Public Health Department gave the owners of Lucky River just one month to clean up their act or face closure . If the owners do not get their staff to enroll in an eight-hour Food Manager Class , earn and print food handlers cards and go on remedial food safety courses within one month , the restaurant will be forced to close . | Lucky River restaurant in San Francisco caught practicing questionable food preparation techniques . Chef was filmed beating the meat on the street in the Sunnyside neighborhood . Apparently staff did n't think anything was wrong with the practice when they were confronted about it . Owner later said the meat was n't served at the restaurant . | [[9, 147], [1007, 1136]] |
A 22-year-old man was found guilty on Monday for suffocating his teen girlfriend to death after she told him she was pregnant and would n't have an abortion . The body of 14-year-old Shaniesha Forbes was found charred and stuffed in a suitcase that washed up on Brooklyn , New York beach in January 2013 and an autopsy revealed she was n't actually carrying a baby . Christian Ferdinand , the older boyfriend she met through Facebook , was arrested four months later in Maine and confessed to the crime . ` He intentionally smothered a 14-year-old girl to death and burned her body to get rid of the evidence , ' prosecutor Robert Walsh said during the trial . ` He had a problem that needed solving , he did n't want to pay child support , and Shaniesha got in the way . ' Guilty : Christian Ferdinand , 22 -LRB- left -RRB- , was found guilty on Monday for the January 2013 murder of his 14-year-old girlfriend Shaniesha Forbes -LRB- right -RRB- . He faces 25 years to life in prison when he is sentenced next month . It took a jury just an hour on Monday to convict Ferdinand with murder , and he now faces between 25 years to life in prison when he is sentenced next month . ' I hope he wo n't see the light of day again , ' the victim 's mother , Sandra Price , told the New York Daily News after the verdict was read on Monday . ' I will never see my baby again . ' Forbes , who was a freshman at the Academy for Young Writers in Williamsburg , allegedly first infuriated her boyfriend when she told him she was pregnant via text message in January 2013 . Ferdinand responded to the announcement by texting back : ` My n **** , are you serious ? Kill that s *** ' Admission : Ferdinand confessed to killing Forbes four months after her body washed up on a Brooklyn , New York beach -LRB- pictured above -RRB- . He told investigators he killed her because she told him he was pregnant . Gruesome : Forbes was suffocated to death with a leather pillow . Ferdinand dumped her body in the ocean . Above , a picture of the scene where Forbes ' body was found . But Forbes made it clear that she would not get an abortion , saying it would hurt her religious mother . The couple later met at Ferdinand 's cousin 's house where Forbes continued to talk about the pregnancy while they were both sitting on the couch . That 's when Ferdinand snapped and grabbed a leather pillow to suffocate his girlfriend to death . Investigators asked Ferdinand if Forbes fought back as he was killing her , and he replied : ` She tried , was n't much of a struggle , she was little . ' After she died , Ferdinand proceeded to douse her body in Axe body spray which he used to set the corpse on fire with a Bic lighter . He later stuffed her body in a suitcase which he tossed into Gerriston Bay , believing the saltwater would destroy any evidence left on Forbes ' body after the burning . The body was later found when the suitcase washed up on Gerriston Beach . It was also revealed in the course of the trial , that Ferdinand spoke casually about Forbes ' killing to a friend . Promising future : Forbes was a freshman at the Academy of Young Writers in Williamsburg at the time of her death . ' I hope he wo n't see the light of day again , ' the victim 's mother , Sandra Price , told the New York Daily News after the verdict was read on Monday . ' I will never see my baby again . ' ` It did n't deserve to live ' Ferdinand told a friend , according to testimony . He also booked into a hotel with an ex-girlfriend the day after the murder . The unnamed ex allegedly wanted to have sex with Ferdinand but he told her he was too tired . And when he confessed to the crime in May 2013 , Ferdinand was bold enough to ask for a light sentence . ` So you think I can get some kind of community service ? ' Ferdinand asked investigators , according to court documents obtained by the New York Post . When he heard the jury 's guilty verdict on Monday , Ferdinand lowered his head onto the defense table and appeared to tear up . Brooklyn District Attorney Kenneth Thompson ensured that his office would seek the maximum sentence of life in prison for the crime . ` He deserves much worse , ' Forbes ' 22-year-old sister Shaquana told the Daily News . | The charred body of 14-year-old Shaniesha Forbes was found stuffed in a suitcase which washed up on a Brooklyn , New York beach in January 2013 . Christian Ferdinand , the 22-year-old boyfriend she met on Facebook , was arrested four months later for her murder . Ferdinand confessed to killing Forbes , saying he snapped after she told him she was pregnant and refused to get an abortion . An autopsy later revealed she was not carrying a child . On Monday , a jury found Ferdinand guilty of murder and he faces between 25 years to life in prison when he is sentenced next month . | [[159, 243], [233, 243], [249, 270], [1737, 1769], [2703, 2742], [2873, 2891], [2898, 2946], [2873, 2881], [2886, 2946], [389, 408], [413, 433], [367, 386], [425, 475], [0, 17], [45, 108], [96, 158], [367, 386], [480, 504], [1371, 1377], [1466, 1560], [1681, 1745], [1838, 1890], [2065, 2157], [308, 366], [0, 80], [774, 780], [783, 802], [819, 911], [949, 1018], [985, 1018], [1019, 1089], [1096, 1177]] |
Former minister David Mellor was taped calling a taxi driver a ` sweaty , stupid little s *** ' but his rant at two foreign security guards was deemed not to be racist . The millionaire Tory was alleged to have launched into an expletive-laden tirade at a Polish guard protecting his home at St Katherine Docks in Wapping , East London . He was accused of having wagged his finger in the face of the security worker and suggested ` people like him ' should not be working there , according to The Sun on Sunday . The newspaper later accepted that Mr Mellor was not racist towards guards . Former minister David Mellor was quizzed by police . The story emerged hours after he issued a grovelling apology for his foul-mouthed rant at a taxi driver , saying he would stick to water at ` celebratory lunches ' from now on . The former Secretary of State for National Heritage was questioned under caution on suspicion of a racially aggravated public order offence on March 26 last year . He was not arrested and after Crown Prosecution Service advice , no charges were brought . Mellor issued a grovelling apology for his foul-mouthed rant at a taxi driver after he left Buckingham Palace following his partner Lady Cobham being awarded a CBE -LRB- together above -RRB- . The millionaire Tory allegedly launched into an expletive-laden tirade at a Polish guard protecting his luxury home at St Katherine docks in Wapping , East London . A spokesman for the Met said : ' A 64-year-old man from Tower Hamlets was interviewed under caution by police under suspicion of a racially aggravated public order offence on 26 March 2013 . ` He attended an East London police station by appointment on May 23 . He was not arrested and after Crown Prosecution Service advice , no charges were brought . ' Last week , Mr Mellor was secretly recorded berating a cab driver after a visit to Buckingham Palace with his partner Lady Cobham , who had just been awarded a CBE . The 65-year-old barrister and radio presenter could be heard asking the taxi driver : ` Who are you to question me ? ' before yelling : ' I do n't want to hear from you , shut the f *** up . Smart-a **** little b ****** . ' He said : ` I 've been in the Cabinet , I 'm an award-winning broadcaster , I 'm a Queen 's Counsel -- you think that your experiences are anything compared to mine ? ' Mr Mellor 's career as a minister was ended by scandal including an affair , reported in the Mail in 1992 . But Mr Mellor , who was forced to abandon his ministerial career after an affair in 1992 , made an on-air apology . ' I ca n't think what possessed me to lose it with that cabbie the way I did , ' he said . ` OK , I had a case but I threw it away by the way I spoke and I 'm really , really sorry about that and I especially want to apologise to you , our listeners for trying your patience and risking my own credibility with you by speaking the way I did . ` Anyway , it 's water for me at the next celebratory lunch , I 've definitely made that decision . ` Ironically , I 'm one of London taxis ' best customers and I thank a lot of them for speaking up for me , like Steve McNamara , General Secretary of the Licensed Taxi Drivers Association who said and I quote ` I 've picked him up myself . He 's actually a very nice guy . ` Despite everything he 's said , he 's not a bad guy . Unfortunately for him he got recorded . ' ` Well there 's a career in broadcasting awaiting you , Steve , because I could n't have put it in a more succinct way myself , so I thank you for that . ' I would like to show my appreciation for the London cabbies that I have used for 40 years by making a substantial donation to their Christmas appeal for underprivileged kids . ' The former politician has previously flown into rages at chefs and a border guard . On one occasion he told a terrified chef he should ` do his # 10-an-hour job somewhere else ' during a foul-mouthed outburst at staff of a restaurant near his home , it is claimed . He is said to have launched the rant - during which he called the chef a ` fat b ****** ' - at workers in the establishment just a stone 's throw from his plush riverside home . Mr Mellor , who was known as the Minister for Fun , was famously caught cavorting with mistress Antonia de Sancha in 1992 . He now lives in a 19th century listed building in exclusive St Katharine 's Dock , London , with his partner Penelope , Viscountess Cobham . Servoca , the firm which looked after security at the flats at the time of the incident was not available for a comment . David Mellor has not commented on the incident . | It was claimed he swore at a Polish and Nepalese guard for 10 minutes . Police quizzed him , but he was not arrested and no charges were brought . Newspaper which published claims later accepted Mellor was not racist towards guards . Since the original publication of this article , we have been asked to make clear that the Sun on Sunday accepted that David Mellor was not racist towards the guards . | [[100, 169], [170, 268], [1268, 1356], [3970, 3985], [589, 641], [984, 1003], [1008, 1046], [1049, 1074], [1695, 1714], [1719, 1785], [100, 169], [513, 588], [547, 588], [100, 169], [513, 588], [547, 588]] |
The first police investigation into the death of an elderly hospital patient under the discredited Liverpool Care Pathway has begun , a police force revealed yesterday . The inquiry follows the death of 85-year-old Alice Johnson on a hospital ward in June -- less than a month before the deadline set by ministers for the NHS to cease using the pathway . Mrs Johnson was sent to hospital for assessment after staff at her care home suspected the onset of dementia . Probe : Alice Johnson , 85 , died at Warrington General Hospital -LRB- pictured -RRB- in June this year . The Liverpool Care Pathway was supposed to ensure dignified and pain-free dying but it was scrapped after a scathing independent inquiry last year found it had meant ` uncaring , rushed and ignorant ' treatment of the most vulnerable patients . The inquiry headed by Baroness Neuberger unearthed ` desperate stories of desperate people ' who had been denied water on hospital wards after they had been assumed to be dying . Ministers branded the system ` a national disgrace ' and ordered it to be stopped by July 14 , 2014 . However , medical records released to Mrs Johnson 's daughter Angela show her mother was placed on the pathway in Warrington General Hospital on June 26 this year , the same day that health minister Norman Lamb announced new rules on care for the dying and promised patients that in future ` their voices , and those of their families , will be heard at all times ' . Mrs Johnson died on June 29 . Miss Johnson said yesterday she had not been told her mother had been placed on the pathway and only found out when she asked for the records after her death . An inquiry headed by Baroness Neuberger -LRB- above -RRB- unearthed ` desperate stories of desperate people ' Mrs Johnson is officially said to have died from urinary tract infection and dementia . Her daughter said : ` When I saw her dead in bed , she looked like a mummy , she was all dried up . ` I had an awful feeling she had been killed . I said to the hospital staff , `` You have killed her because you have n't given her any water '' . I kept saying do n't over-sedate her , and do n't take her drip off , but nobody listened . ' Mrs Johnson , who had been in a care home in Wigan , was admitted to Hollins Park Hospital in Warrington for a mental health assessment in April . While there she was put under sedation . On June 12 , she was transferred to Warrington General . Miss Johnson said that staff there said her mother had ` end-stage dementia ' . When Miss Johnson complained about her mother 's hydration she said a doctor told her hydration was ` only delaying the inevitable ' . Key features of the pathway -- said to have been used at its peak for more than 130,000 hospital deaths a year -- were sedation followed by removal of artificial hydration . Critics said that on average death occurred 33 hours later . As reported in the Mail , experts were calling for the LCP to be banned back in 2009 . Miss Johnson has complained to Cheshire police . A spokesman for Cheshire Constabulary said : ` Two officers visited Angela Johnson to discuss her concerns , and were provided with medical and care records . Those records will now be examined to determine whether there are any grounds for a criminal investigation . ' Warrington General is part of Warrington and Halton Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust . The trust has made no comment on Mrs Johnson 's death or her daughter 's complaint . Hollins Park is part of the 5 Boroughs Partnership NHS Foundation Trust . The trust said there was no evidence Mrs Johnson was placed on the pathway during her stay at Hollins Park . | Alice Johnson died on discredited plan at Warrington General Hospital . Her daughter Angela said she only discovered Pathway after her death . ` When I saw her dead she looked like a mummy , she was all dried up ' Cheshire police examining if there are grounds for criminal investigation . | [[466, 471], [474, 487], [495, 536], [552, 571], [1496, 1606], [1496, 1500], [1592, 1655], [1854, 1871], [1874, 1930], [1876, 1898], [1931, 1953], [3185, 3293], [3185, 3198], [3220, 3293]] |
Chloe Valentine was just four when she died of massive head injuries . Authorities considered Chloe Valentine to be ` at risk ' before she was even born , an inquest into the four-year-old 's death has heard . By the time she was six-weeks-old , Families SA had received multiple calls about Chloe , including one saying her mother had almost set fire to a mattress on the lounge room floor where the baby was sleeping . Tragically Chloe , from Adelaide , died in January 2012 from injuries sustained over a three-day period in the backyard of a home at Ingle Farm , in the city 's northeast . Her mother , Ashlee Polkinghorne , 22 , and her then-partner , Benjamin McPartland , 28 , are in jail after pleading guilty to the manslaughter of Chloe through criminal neglect . Giving evidence on Wednesday , Salvation Army employee Katie Lawson said she was Polkinghorne 's case worker in 2007 when mother and baby lived in Salvation Army supported accommodation . Ms Lawson said she was contacted by a worried friend of Polkinghorne 's who said the then 16-year-old 's first comments after Chloe 's birth were that she was ` glad it was all over so she could get pissed again ' . Ms Lawson also learned from Families SA it had received a notification relating to concerns about the then-pregnant Polkinghorne , leading it to consider the unborn child as being ` at risk ' . The Salvation Army worker said she began to have concerns about Polkinghorne , particularly when she asked for food vouchers after having received $ 1300 in benefits a few days before . ` Ashlee was very good at telling us what we wanted to hear , ' she said . Scroll down for video . Chloe died at the hands of her parents in Adelaide in January 2012 . She was repeatedly forced to crash the motorbike over a three-day period . The four-year-old suffered massive head injuries and her mum and partner were later jailed for neglect . The godmother of four-year-old girl , who was surrounded by drugs and squalor and forced to ride a 50kg motorbike despite repeatedly crashing it , gave up on reporting her chronic neglect to authorities in the months prior to the girl 's death , the inquest heard . Chloe 's godmother , Krystal Lee Benyk , said she contacted Family SA 's child abuse report line on multiple occasions with complaints about Chloe 's living arrangements , but it seemed to make no difference as the young girl was never removed from her mother . Eventually Ms Benyk gave up reporting Chloe 's neglect , despite believing she was being abused by Polkinghorne 's partner in the months leading up to her death . ` Four-and-a-half years of reporting did nothing , ' Ms Benyk said . ` You lose all faith in the system . ' Ms Benyk , wept as she told the inquest on Tuesday that her god-daughter was adamant that she hated her mother and would become highly distressed when she had to return home from visits . Ms Benyk who cared for Chloe for periods of up to five weeks , believed her drug-using mother , Polkinghorne , was incapable of looking after her . Polkinghorne and McPartland waited more than eight hours before calling an ambulance after Chloe eventually became unconscious . Ms Benyk said Chloe stayed with her overnight from an early age but some visits lasted for weeks because Polkinghorne would disappear and ignore phone calls . Polkinghorne invited visitors to do ` whatever they wanted ' at her house because there was no parental supervision . ` Ashlee did n't care about herself , ' Ms Benyk said . ` She did n't care about putting herself in danger and she would n't care about putting Chloe in danger . ' On one occasion when Polkinghorne handed 15-month-old Chloe over for a visit , Ms Benyk noticed the girl was lethargic and that her milk had curdled in the heat . She later took Chloe to hospital after she vomited repeatedly but Polkinghorne did not respond to phone calls until the early hours of the morning . Polkinghorne said she could not come to the hospital because she was ` off her face ' on drugs . Chloe 's grandmother , Belinda Valentine , has pleaded for changes within Families SA , calling for specialised staff training to prevent such deaths . Drug user Ashley Polkinghorne was jailed for four years after pleading guilty to manslaughter for the criminal neglect after the death of her daughter . Polkinghorne said Chloe had not cried ` as she had got used to violent incidents ' Polkinghorne 's partner Benjamin McPartland was also jailed for criminal neglect . Families SA received 20 notifications of Chloe 's dreadful circumstances during her short life , with reports of rats in one squalid residence ; old nappies , rotting food and bugs in another ; drug use and violence in Chloe 's presence ; and human faeces smeared on a bathroom wall . But despite Chloe 's dreadful circumstances , she was never removed from her drug-using mother . The inquest was told , Chloe 's short life was marred by chronic neglect . On Monday , counsel assisting the coroner , Naomi Kereru , gave an overview of the case at the start of the inquest into the death of Chloe in January 2012 . ` The pain she must have endured in the last few hours of her short life is difficult to comprehend , ' said Ms Kereru . She outlined the extensive involvement of Families SA , dating back to when Polkinghorne became pregnant at 15 , and its responses to numerous neglect notifications from family , friends and other agencies . ` Miss Polkinghorne claimed she was a better mother when she took amphetamines , as she would pick up Chloe and feed her and change her nappy ... as opposed to when she was drunk , when she would prop Chloe 's bottle up to her mouth and leave it there , ' Ms Kereru said . Polkinghorne was reported as having told her crying daughter : ` shut up you bitch ' , and having her child in her arms when a partner punched Polkinghorne twice . When questioned about this , Polkinghorne said Chloe had not cried ` as she had got used to violent incidents ' . Chloe died of 39 different injuries in 2012 . She was often visited by Families SA workers , but usually on scheduled dates when they found Chloe 's living conditions acceptable . One friend who contacted Families SA about her concerns , said : ` This is one that will slip through the cracks , Ms Polkinghorne can be a very convincing liar ' . A conversation was also recorded with Polkinghorne which was passed on to Families SA . Police advised they found Chloe in the care of a 15-year-old who was drinking in a park on a cold night and on another occasion at a shopping centre , while Polkinghorne was in a nearby liquor shop . Belinda Valentine told The Advertiser the inquest which started today should not turn into a ` witch hunt ' . She said : ` We ca n't change what happened to Chloe but , as a society , we have to learn from the tragedy of her death to prevent more children being damaged . ' The coroner will hear evidence from numerous witnesses , including those who notified Families SA and the organisation 's workers . | Godmother of Chloe Valentine from Adelaide gave up reporting neglect by her parents . Krystal Lee Benyk told the inquest she reported child abuse to Family SA but nothing was ever done . The four year old girl died at the hands of her neglectful mother Ashley Polkinghorne and her partner Benjamin McPartland . Inquest into her death revealed she lived in squalor surrounded by drugs and bugs . She died of ` severe injuries ' after being forced to ride a 50kg motorbike and repeatedly crashed it . Families SA received more than 20 notifications between 2007 and 2011 about Polkinghorne and her treatment towards her daughter . | [[1906, 1941], [2053, 2122], [2434, 2488], [2172, 2190], [2213, 2341], [0, 70], [594, 654], [684, 773], [1657, 1725], [1801, 1818], [1854, 1873], [1879, 1905], [4408, 4490], [4896, 4947], [155, 209], [1923, 1943], [1948, 1983], [0, 70], [35, 70], [421, 437], [456, 545], [1726, 1800], [1726, 1729], [1752, 1800], [1906, 1941], [1988, 2027], [2003, 2019], [2039, 2050], [210, 221], [246, 297], [1215, 1306], [2172, 2190], [2213, 2341], [4491, 4585]] |
These adorable pictures show baby panda cubs playing a hiding game before indulging in some rough and tumble with each other at a Chinese zoo . The playful pair were captured attempting to conceal their faces with their paws as they played with each other at a zoo in the Zhejiang province earlier today . But the fun and games did n't last long before descending into a lighthearted wrestling match as the mischievous bears rolled around on the floor . Scroll down for video . These pictures show baby panda cubs sharing a game of peekaboo at a zoo in the Zhejiang province . The pair clamber over each other as their fun and games descends into play fighting and lively wrestling . The cubs can be seen lazing around on rocks in their enclosure before participating in the children 's game . They appear to be giving each other a cuddle as they clamber on top of one another in a friendly fight . The young bears , which are expected to grow somewhere between four and six feet in length , stare into each others eyes before trying to frighten the other . In the wild , pandas tend to be solitary with each adult having a defined territory , which they mark by clawing trees or spraying urine . After becoming a target for poachers , the animals became endangered and like the playful pair in the pictures , many are now kept in captivity . The young cubs laze about in different parts of their enclousre including on logs -LRB- pictured -RRB- and rocks . One of the panda bears gives the other a nudge as he walks down some steps as they roam pen earlier today . The pair were spotted indulging in a spot of rough and tumble after what appeared to be a game of peekaboo . One of the bears dangles from a wooden post on top of the other as he playfully clambers on top of the other . The bears look more like they are cuddling each other in some of the shots taken at the Chinese zoo today . The panda bears roll on the wet leaves of their pen as they enjoy the cooler weather in the province recently . | Adorable pictures show pandas attempting to hide faces behind paws . The pair were spotted playing together at zoo in Zhejiang province today . Cubs are seen lolling on rocks , clambering on each other and cuddling . | [[0, 66], [144, 227], [144, 160], [175, 232], [29, 143], [228, 305], [478, 576], [498, 576], [1566, 1627], [29, 143], [0, 23], [102, 143], [228, 305], [684, 793], [684, 692], [705, 793], [794, 898], [794, 798], [806, 898], [1742, 1785], [1786, 1860]] |
The political truce that helped save the Union collapsed last night as David Cameron promised ` English votes for English laws ' once Scotland is handed new powers . The Prime Minister sought to seize the initiative after winning the biggest gamble of his premiership , the Scottish independence referendum . His promise to ban Scots MPs from voting on English-only issues at Westminster is also an attempt to head off a Tory revolt over extravagant promises of more powers for the Scottish Parliament in the event of a No vote . Scroll down for video . Risk : The Prime Minister sought to seize the initiative after winning the biggest gamble of his premiership . In a 7am declaration in Downing Street yesterday , he said : ` We have heard the voice of Scotland and now the millions of voices of England must also be heard . ' But his plan , requiring draft laws to be put before Parliament by January , was opposed by Labour , which condemned it as ` a back of a fag packet solution ' . There was also a growing revolt in Tory circles over a separate , last-ditch funding ` bribe ' to the Scots made by the Prime Minister . Boris Johnson , tipped as Mr Cameron 's successor , accused him of a ` slightly reckless promise ' to keep the generous public spending formula for Scotland that dates back to 1979 . Rattled by a nationalist surge in the opinion polls , the pro-Union parties have put forward a timetable for change : . Yesterday Ed Miliband called for a ` constitutional convention ' at the end of 2015 involving MPs , councillors and voters in each region , as former deputy prime minister Lord Prescott attempted to revive his vision of regional assemblies . Mr Cameron 's move , including a pledge to consider devolving powers to major English cities , leaves Labour opposing the same rights for England that it promised to Scotland . The party will be permanently weakened if its 40 Scottish MPs are stripped of the right to vote on issues controlled by the Scottish Parliament , which will include tax , welfare , health and education . Scottish MPs would be excluded from voting in the rest of the country 's key decisions and Scotland and England could end up with different income tax rates . There are doubts over whether an MP representing a Scottish seat could be prime minister or chancellor , as they would have no say over laws their government proposed . A Labour government with anything other than a landslide majority would also struggle to get measures such as Mr Miliband 's proposed new 50p top rate of tax through Parliament . Shadow Chancellor Ed Balls is said to have warned colleagues Labour 's ability to pass a Budget is at risk if plans for fast-track devolution of more powers are implemented . Mr Cameron 's move to seize the mantle of English nationalism was also designed to spike Ukip 's guns . Leader Nigel Farage had been preparing to make the cause of English nationalism his latest battle cry . The Prime Minister insisted : ` The question of English votes for English laws , the so-called West Lothian question , requires a decisive answer so just as Scotland will vote separately on their issues of tax , spending and welfare , so too England as well as Wales and Northern Ireland should be able to vote on these issues . Home rule : The Prime Minister said Scottish MPs should be banned from voting on English-only issues . ` All this must take place in tandem with and at the same pace as the settlement for Scotland . ' The Prime Minister will , however , reject calls from some Tories for a new English Parliament and Labour 's suggestion for new swathes of regional government . Instead , the voting rights of Scottish MPs will be curtailed -- though exactly how is to be hammered out by a Cabinet committee headed by Commons leader William Hague . Clauses are expected to be added to a draft Bill on devolution to Scotland to be unveiled in November and introduced in January . Liberal Democrats suggested they will support some form of ` English votes for English MPs ' at Westminster , as long as power is also devolved to the UK 's big cities . Sir Menzies Campbell , former Lib Dem leader , said that although he was a Scottish MP it would be unfair if he was able to continue voting on matters ceded to the Scottish Parliament which no longer affect his constituents . However , there are doubts over the proposed breakneck pace of reform , given that the future of Scottish MPs at Westminster once power is devolved -- the West Lothian question -- has been posed but unanswered for decades . In the closing days of the referendum campaign , Mr Cameron , Mr Miliband and Nick Clegg signed up to a ` vow ' drawn up by former prime minister Gordon Brown , including the ` continuation ' of the Barnett formula . Downing Street sources said the funding agreement -- devised by Labour peer Lord Barnett in 1979 to adjust block grants to Scotland , Wales and Northern Ireland -- would become increasingly redundant as more responsibility for tax is given to the Scottish Parliament . On Tuesday , in their desperation to secure a No vote , David Cameron , Ed Miliband and Nick Clegg made a ` vow ' of greater powers for Scotland in a letter to the Daily Record newspaper -LRB- right -RRB- . They wrote : ` The Scottish Parliament is permanent and extensive new powers for the Parliament will be delivered by the process and to the timetable agreed and announced by our three parties , starting on 19th September . ' A timetable has been agreed -- but not which powers will be handed over . The three parties have each put forward ideas . Labour would put Scotland in control of 40 per cent of cash it raises . MSPs could vary income tax rates by up to 15p . The Conservatives want to devolve all control of income tax . Scotland 's Parliament would be responsible for more than 50 per cent of its budget . The Liberal Democrats would hand over inheritance tax , income tax and capital gains tax . Scotland would control 60 per cent of its total revenue . The vow goes on to say that , whatever the new powers : ` We can state categorically that the final say on how much is spent on the NHS will be a matter for the Scottish Parliament . ' It says the Barnett formula will still be used to divide tax revenue between England , Scotland , Wales and Northern Ireland . Under this formula , Scotland gets more money per head than English regions . Boris leads the Tory rebellion against Scots ` bribe ' Boris Johnson last night put himself at the head of a growing Tory mutiny over David Cameron 's funding ` bribe ' to Scotland . The London Mayor , a contender to succeed Mr Cameron , said the Prime Minister had made a ` slightly reckless promise ' to maintain the Barnett formula -- the arrangement drawn up by a Labour peer in 1979 that ensures generous funding for Scotland . The London Mayor said the Prime Minister had made a ` reckless promise ' to maintain the Barnett formula . In the closing days of the referendum campaign , Mr Cameron , Ed Miliband and Nick Clegg signed up to a vow drawn up by former prime minister Gordon Brown that included the continuation of the deal . Anger on the Conservative benches has been increased by the role of Mr Brown , who appeared to be dictating the terms of eleventh-hour commitments to Scotland from the three Westminster parties . Mr Johnson was backed by other senior Tories as he called for ` fairness all round ' in terms of public spending . The mayor , who will seek to return to Parliament in next year 's general election , insisted : ` You ca n't have a situation where subsidies are given without some measure of fairness all round . What 's sauce for the goose has got to be sauce for the gander . ` We ca n't just go on with a system that even Joel Barnett himself thinks is outdated . ' He suggested that Lord Barnett , 91 , be asked to redesign the system so that the ` slightly reckless promise ' to keep it could be honoured by maintaining its name . Former environment secretary Owen Paterson demanded a recall of Parliament to discuss the implications of the promises to Scotland , a proposal rejected by Commons leader William Hague . Mr Paterson welcomed the referendum result but said the ` chaotic manner ' in which the No vote had been won had ` undermined the strong and resilient United Kingdom on which we all depend ' . He added : ` It is unacceptable that an ex-Labour leader was allowed to make rash promises ... to the Scottish people with the endorsement of all three UK party leaders , but with no mandate from Parliament . ' He said the Barnett formula led to a ` lopsided ' constitutional settlement and if it was not resolved fairly for all parts of the UK , it ` will fall apart ' . Bernard Jenkin , the Conservative chairman of the public administration select committee , said that what was ` right for Scotland is also right for England ' . He expected further disputes with Scottish nationalists ` because we 've really no idea what these promises of extra powers actually are or what is meant by honouring the Barnett formula ' . A Downing Street source said : ` At no point have we said we intended to axe the formula . ` We have talked this week about its continuation but that is in the context of devolving responsibility to the Scottish Parliament to raise much more of the tax they spend . ` The block grant will shrink from two-thirds of Scottish spending to less than a half . So the Barnett formula will be less and less significant in terms of funding . ' | David Cameron made the promise hours after resounding No vote . It would bar Scottish MPs from having a say on issues in England . Labour condemned the idea as a ` back of a fag packet solution ' Boris Johnson hit out at generous pre-election offer to the Scots . | [[1672, 1711], [1767, 1817], [309, 387], [309, 529], [2053, 2139], [3284, 3374], [3634, 3641], [3644, 3695], [833, 841], [896, 927], [921, 927], [936, 985]] |
More than 100 members of far-right group the English Defence League gathered near the scene of the suspected terrorist attack last night . Many were draped in St George 's flags and wore black balaclavas with the EDL logo on . Riot police holding shields formed a cordon around the area as the EDL members waved flags and chanted ` no surrender to the Muslim scum ' , ` Rule Britannia ' and ` England ' . Scroll down for video . Pointing : EDL members clash with Metropolitan Police officers during their protest in south-east London . Far-Right : EDL leader Stephen Lennon , who goes by the name Tommy Robinson , -LRB- left -RRB- with EDL supporters outside The Queens Arms pub in Woolwich . Comments : Lennon speaks to the media in Woolwich surrounded by masked EDL supporters . Brawls : Metropolitan Police officers clash with EDL demonstrators in Woolwich , south-east London . Get back : Police charge to disperse demonstrators in Woolwich , south-east London , after a soldier was killed . EDL leader Stephen Lennon - who goes by the name Tommy Robinson - addressed the . crowd , saying : ` We have got weak leadership . They have allowed this to . happen . People are scared to say the word Muslim . They are scared to . offend them . ` You know what ? We are offended . People in this country are angry . They have had enough . ' They marched threw bottles at police before being dispersed by officers by 11pm . A number of EDL supporters then headed to the local Queen 's Arms pub where they sang nationalistic songs . Onlookers said a brick was thrown through a mosque window during the march . A man , who gave his name only as . Abdul , said : ` I 'm not happy about it . It 's a place of worship - a place . of God . They have got Islam all wrong . The people who did this are . nothing to do with the real Islam . ' A Metropolitan Police spokesman said he was not aware of any arrests at the protest . Elsewhere , two men were arrested in separate alleged ` revenge attacks ' on mosques following yesterday 's killing . A 43-year-old man who reportedly . walked into a mosque in Braintree , Essex , with up to two knives and an . ` incendiary device ' was arrested at 7.15 pm on suspicion of possession of . an offensive weapon and attempted arson . The man reportedly shouted ` Where is your Allah now ?! ' after bursting into the mosque and throwing an item which appeared to be a smoke grenade . Faces covered : Members of the English Defence League wear balaclavas as they gather outside a pub . Marching : Some of the EDL supporters gathered at The Queen 's Arms pub , where they sang nationalistic songs . Vandalism : The Masjid Usman mosque in Bolton was targeted overnight . Spray paint : Vandals painted slogans on a car parked outside the mosque . Bolton : The mosque targeted by vandals is more than 200 miles from the scene of the attacks in London . The secretary of the Al Falah Braintree Islamic Centre , Sikander Saleemy , told Channel 4 News : ` The police said it 's . too early to try and link it to what happened in Woolwich , but those of . us who were here feel that it was some sort of revenge attack . ` It was . clear from the man 's behaviour . We absolutely condemn what happened in . Woolwich , but it had nothing to do with us . ` It was an appalling act of terror - . but it was n't `` Islamic '' in any way . I wish it was n't described like . that , because sadly people will now start to blame Muslims . ' ` Local mosque in Braintree attacked by man with knives and incendiary device . Man arrested . No one injured ' Brooks Newmark , Braintree MP . It was reported the man started . banging on the door at 7.25 pm , shortly before evening prayer , shouting . ' I want to slit your throats ' . According to Mr Saleemy , only one worshipper was inside and he escaped through a window onto the roof . Brooks Newmark , the local MP who reported the incident on his Twitter account , said : ` We can not allow acts like that to drive us apart . ' And police in Kent arrested a man on suspicion of racially-aggravated criminal damage at a mosque in Gillingham at 8.40 pm . It is believed a glass-fronted bookcase and a window were smashed during the incident . Another mosque on south east London high street was vandalised overnight and eggs were thrown at the door . Police stood guard at the Lewisham Islamic Centre this morning , reassuring worshippers and visitors . The centre contains a primary school and Islamic bookshop as well as the mosque . Elsewhere : Separately , Kent Police officers were called to a report of criminal damage at a Gillingham mosque . Criminal damage : A member of the mosque in Gillingham , Kent , boards up a smashed window . Targeted : A man was arrested at this mosque in Gillingham on suspicion of racially-aggravated criminal damage . In custody : A man was arrested on suspicion of possessing a knife and attempted arson at the Al-Falah Islamic Centre in Braintree , Essex . Attempted arson : Sikander Sleemy and Abdul Gafoor , secretary and chairman of the Braintree mosque , examine scorch marks on the floor . More than 200 miles away in Bolton , . Greater Manchester , a mosque was covered in graffiti by vandals in the . hours following the Woolwich attack . Phrases . including ` Islam = evil ' and ` terrorist training camp ' were daubed on . the outside of the mosque in red spray paint , while a nearby car had . similar graffiti and the words ` terrorists inside ' sprayed on . Abdul Rauf , secretary of the Masjid Usman mosque , said the community was worried about further incidents . He said : ` It has been a massive shock . Nothing like this has ever happened at the mosque before . We are all upset and we do n't know if something else might happen . ` We discovered the graffiti when we came to open this morning and rang the police straight away . ` The incident in London is nothing to with our mosque or Muslims in this . country . I know people are upset but they should not target local . Muslims . ' Speaking . in Downing Street today , Prime Minister David Cameron said : ` We will . defeat violent extremism by standing together , by backing our police and . security services and above all by challenging the poisonous narrative . of extremism on which this violence feeds . ' Protest : Around 20 of the men in Woolwich , south-east London , wore black balaclavas with an EDL logo . Demonstration : The crowd , chanting ` Rule Britannia ' and ` EDL ' , as well as ` England ' , marched to the cordon . Gathering : Riot police with shields stood guard outside for a short time , before moving back into their vans . Response : Police wearing riot gear stand outside The Queens Arms pub in Woolwich , south-east London . Hoodie : A Help for Heroes top like the one the murdered soldier was wearing . The soldier killed by two crazed . fanatics just yards from the Woolwich Barracks was wearing a Help for . Heroes top when he was attacked . The . young serviceman was hit by a car and crushed into a road sign on the . street in south-east London before he was brutally murdered . Video . footage showed the dead man was wearing a dark blue top with white . writing on it - which is believed to be the same as the Help for Heroes . hoodie -LRB- right -RRB- . The killers . attacked him with a collection of weapons including meat cleavers and . knives before waiting for police to arrive , their hands covered in . blood . Today members of the public were donating to the charity which helps wounded troops with their rehabilitation . One . man called Allan Beattie who donated to the charity wrote : ` In memory . of the soldier brutally murdered yesterday - rest in peace - and a thank . you to all of our brave service men and women who do so much for us ' Kelly . Alexander , who also gave to the charity wrote : ` Last night a black . cloud went over our country , it will never be the same again , Rip to this . young man brutally slain in his home country.I salute you x ' To donate to Help for Heroes yourself , go to www.justgiving.com/helpforheroes . Murdered : The soldier -LRB- left -RRB- appears to be wearing a dark blue Help for Heroes hoodie or t-shirt . How . the horror unfolded : The car rammed into a serving soldier , crushing . him against a road sign . The attackers then brutally murdered the . serviceman in broad daylight before they waited for Metropolitan Police . firearms officers to arrive who gunned them down . Police hunt : Officers were raiding homes around the country today in relation to the attack in Woolwich . | EDL supporters wearing balaclavas waved flags and chanted . Riot police with shields stood guard before dispersing group . ` Knife-carrying ' man arrested over suspected arson at Braintree mosque . Man held over suspected criminal damage ` revenge ' attack at Kent mosque . | [[139, 143], [182, 226], [290, 317], [734, 780], [6391, 6404], [6419, 6456], [227, 305], [893, 944], [1338, 1342], [1375, 1419], [6522, 6583], [6586, 6622], [6634, 6664], [3453, 3532], [4816, 4882], [4816, 4826], [4829, 4834], [4887, 4946], [3076, 3078], [3083, 3092], [3098, 3139], [3076, 3139], [3453, 3532], [3990, 4114], [4496, 4505], [4508, 4609], [4712, 4815], [4816, 4826], [4829, 4834], [4887, 4946]] |
Sleeping pills taken by celebrities including Lindsay Lohan and Tiger Woods -- and prescribed widely in Britain -- could be to blame for numerous cases of dangerous and even criminal behaviour . Zolpidem , which is handed out to 750,000 NHS patients seeking treatment for insomnia each year , has been found to be a factor in dozens of instances of people breaking the law while sleeping . They include 43 instances of driving , nine rapes , eight assaults , ten murders or manslaughters , and burglaries -- all of which were claimed to have been carried out while the perpetrator was apparently asleep . In most cases they also had no memory of the event . Scroll down for video . Sleeping pills taken by celebrities including Lindsay Lohan -LRB- left -RRB- and Tiger Woods could be to blame for numerous cases of dangerous and even criminal behaviour . Neurologist Professor Mark Mahowald , of Sleep Forensic Associates , a US-based organisation of doctors who help those who break the law while still asleep , says : ` It appears that one part of the brain responsible for complex activities , like driving or cooking , is awake , while another , involved in memory , is not . ` In sleep-driving for example , people take the drug , go to bed , and then wake up in the car with their pyjamas on . When the police pull them over , they do not know how they got there . ' Prof Mahowald , of the University of Minnesota Medical School , adds : ` One of the difficulties in advising people about taking the drug is that it is effective and there does not seem to be any way of identifying people at risk of these uncommon side effects . ' Some 82 medication-related cases worked on since 2006 involved ` toxicity ' due to Zolpidem . In 79 of the cases the defence was successful . Zolpidem -- also known by its American brand name Ambien -- works by dampening the electrical activity of the brain . Troubled actress Lohan has admitted to problems while taking Ambien . Initially marketed two decades ago as a safer alternative to older , more addictive benzodiazepine drugs , including Valium , in recent years Zolpidem , along with similar so-called Z-drugs such as zopiclone , have been linked to a raised risk of dementia and heart problems . Numerous studies have reported rare instances of patients driving , eating , making telephone calls and even having sex while under the influence of the medication . Some experts even recommend that patients secure their bedroom windows and get into bed before taking the drug , to reduce any possibility of harm . Police have found at least 43 people driving while asleep after taking sleeping pill Zolpidem -LRB- file picture -RRB- . One report , by doctors at the Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires , claimed that up to one per cent of patients had a sleep-eating problem after taking the sedative . The only clues to their nocturnal feasting were morning leftovers and crumbs in the bed . Patients being prescribed Zolpidem are already warned that changes in sleep behaviour , including sleepwalking , are a possible side effect , but this is the first time data on criminal behaviour linked to the drug has been comprehensively collected . New US research shows that the drug is implicated in one in ten emergency department cases due to psychiatric drugs . In over-65s , it accounted for 21 per cent of cases . One theory is that the events actually occur while people are waking from deep sleep . Although prescribing guidelines state Zolpidem should be used only in the short term , with an initial two-week course recommended , a recent study by herbal sleep aid company Sleepio found that up to 42 per cent of patients on sleeping pills had been taking them for more than a decade , and a quarter for between three and five years . And , according to the Economic and Social Research Council , one in ten of us now regularly takes some form of sleeping tablet . Zolpidem -- also known by its American brand name Ambien -- works by dampening the electrical activity of the brain . Dr Guy Leschziner , consultant neurologist at Guy 's and St Thomas ' Hospitals in London , says : ` These drugs tend to be habit-forming and can have unintended consequences such as these unwanted behaviours . ' Mild and fleeting , so-called confusional arousals , such as waking up in a hotel room with no idea where you are , are common , especially in people who are over-tired . Some researchers say the events seen in users of the drug occur during these arousals , and point out that no drug has ever been shown in laboratory studies to cause sleepwalking , a phenomenon that happens when the cortex is asleep but areas of the brain concerned with movement are active . Dr Leschziner adds : ` This sedative may , at least in some people , uncover an underlying predisposition to these sleep disorders , like sleepwalking . ` During these events , parts of the brain appear to remain asleep while other parts responsible for complex behaviours are awake . ' | Sleeping pills could be to blame for dangerous and criminal behaviour . Zolpidem a factor in numerous cases of people breaking law while asleep . This includes nine rapes , 10 murders or manslaughters and burglaries . Police also stopped 43 people who were sleep-driving after taking the pills . The drug is handed out to 750,000 insomnia patients every year by the NHS . Celebrities including Lindsay Lohan and Tiger Woods also take the tablets . | [[0, 14], [104, 194], [2937, 3076], [3114, 3151], [0, 14], [104, 194], [195, 203], [286, 355], [349, 389], [2581, 2672], [390, 504], [2560, 2596], [2581, 2672], [195, 205], [212, 249], [229, 290], [0, 75], [682, 774]] |
Even if you 're full to bursting point this Christmas , expect angry glares from your host if you leave so much as a Brussels sprout uneaten on your plate . That 's because the cost of the average Christmas lunch for six has soared by more than 10 per cent above the rate of inflation since last year to reach # 93 . Prices for 25 festive items , along with the cost of the cheapest turkey from Asda , Sainsbury 's and Tesco , were analysed for a survey . Finish your dinner : Due to the soaring costs of Christmas dinners at more than 10 per cent over inflation , there may be an increase in arguments as well . Supermarkets have blamed wet weather and higher demands from suppliers for the rising cost of a traditional turkey dinner . The price of an average 9lb turkey has risen from # 51.40 last year to # 55 , while the average price for a pack of six mince pies has risen from # 1.17 to # 1.43 . The difference was even more pronounced at Sainsbury 's where a pack was # 1 in 2011 but # 1.65 this year . The survey also found that the price of vegetables has shot up this year due to the wet summer . A poor Brussels sprout harvest means prices are expected to rise 42 per cent , while the cost of potatoes has increased by just under a quarter , according to the Sunday Times survey . Expensive bird : The average cost of a turkey has risen with over # 3.50 as supermarkets blame wet weather and higher demands for the hefty price tags . Paul Kelly , of the British Poultry Council , said he thought turkey prices would rise by 7 per cent on average . He added : ` If you really want value , buy a whole turkey . You 'll get nicer meat , nicer stock and a better eating experience , and the butcher wo n't have to throw all that meat away . ' Inevitably , the price of presents and cards is also set to rise . Last year , the top Christmas gift on Amazon was the Kindle ebook reader , for # 89 . However , this year 's updated version , the Kindle Fire , will set shoppers back # 129 . The average pack of 12 Christmas cards will cost # 3 this year , up 25p from last year . But the price of posting them has risen dramatically , with first-class stamps for 80 cards costing # 48 -- up # 11.20 on last year . But it 's not all bad news -- the price of a Christmas tree will stay the same , with a 6ft Nordmann fir for about # 50 . And the Toy Retailers Association 's ` Dream List ' of the most popular toys has seen an average price drop of 3p on the price of last year 's . This year Furby , the furry electronic owl , and InnoTab 2 , a tablet computer for children , are expected to top the list . Since publication of this article , we have been informed that this offer did not in fact begin until November 30 . | The average price for a 9lb turkey has risen with over # 3.50 since last Christmas . Supermarkets blame bad crops and higher demands . | [[157, 300], [737, 812], [1292, 1306], [1309, 1444], [613, 736], [1292, 1306], [1309, 1444]] |
Ordinary homeowners will be end up being ` clobbered ' by Labour 's mansion tax , George Osborne claimed yesterday . The Chancellor dismissed Opposition claims that the annual levy would apply only to homes worth # 2million or more , insisting it would end up being charged at far lower property valuations . Ed Balls gave further details about who will be hit by the charge yesterday , saying it would be staggered so that the owners of the most valuable properties are hardest hit . Scroll down for video . Clash : Ed Balls and George Osborne fought it out over Labour 's mansion tax on the Andrew Marr show . The Shadow Chancellor put forward bands of # 2million , # 3million , # 10million and # 50million with charges increasing progressively the higher the band . This suggests that those in the most expensive houses will be hit with bills for tens or even hundreds of thousands of pounds a year . Earlier this month Ed Miliband , the Labour leader , was forced to defend the tax from a savage attack from the singer Myleene Klass . She confronted him on a TV show , complaining that the levy would hit ` grannies ' who had little income and pointing out that # 2million would not pay for much in some parts of London . War of words : Mr Osborne was faced with claims the money was needed to save the NHS . Mr Balls insisted that safeguards would be put in place to exempt asset rich , cash poor homeowners , such as low-income pensioners who bought homes that have increased dramatically in value . The proposed # 2million threshold will be raised in line with high end property prices . The Liberal Democrats have long been in favour of a similar form of mansion tax , and the policy is expected to be introduced quickly if there is a Lib-Lab coalition after May 's general election . Mr Balls told the BBC 's Andrew Marr programme yesterday : ` People with houses of # 50million or # 10million can afford to pay a bit more , and they are going to under the next Labour government . ` The vast majority of properties in London and across the country will not pay . But do n't you think it is fair , especially when so many foreign investors are investing in our housing market , and when you have much lower tax rates on highest value properties than other houses ? ` We need some money to save the National Health Service -- that 's what we are going to deliver . Most people think it is fair , whatever Myleene Klass thinks . ` We are going to graduate it , it is going to be a progressive tax ... over # 3million , over # 10million , over # 50million it will more than proportionally increase . ` It will be progressive so it is going to be steered , staged and tiered but it will be fair . ` Nobody watching your programme with a house worth less than # 2million will pay . ` Most people think a tax on properties above # 2million is fair to save the National Health Service . ' The Chancellor said : ` It 's not a mansion tax . It 's a tax on people 's homes . And of course they come on this show and tell you it 's for people with houses worth # 10million or # 50million . ` Once Labour introduce a homes tax , it will be people with homes worth a fraction of that who will be clobbered with it . ' | Ed Balls insists proposed tax would only hit homes worth # 2m or more . Labour say it will be strictly banded for # 2m , # 3m , # 10m and # 50m homes . But Osborne claims it would end up on homes ` worth a fraction of that ' | [[117, 231], [2806, 2888], [117, 231], [612, 696], [2988, 2992], [3015, 3087], [165, 180], [234, 308], [3124, 3179]] |
Prince Harry has been spotted smoking from a shisha pipe onboard a yacht in Abu Dhabi . The photograph shows the 30-year-old royal trying the flavoured tobacco on the boat , which was docked in the United Arab Emirates city 's marina for the Mahiki F1 Yacht Party . Harry was pictured dressed casually with seven others as he smoked the hookah - which is legal - after watching Lewis Hamilton win his second Formula One World Championship . World Health Organisation research into hookah pipes shows that the average session lasts around an hour - and in that time the smoker can inhale the same amount of smoke as from 100 cigarettes . Scroll down for video . Boat party : Prince Harry , 30 , was spotted smoking from a shisha pipe onboard a yacht in Abu Dhabi after he watched Lewis Hamilton win the Formula One World Championship . The image - released by London agency Clickstarpics and first published by Los Angeles website TMZ - comes after Harry became the first to congratulate Hamilton on his win over the in-car radio . He told him : ` Lewis , thank you very much for not making the British public sweat . You are a legend . ' Last week a study found how fumes from the water pipes of hookahs - used to smoke flavoured tobacco - contain the toxin benzene , which has been linked to an increased risk for leukaemia . Researchers have warned of an impending health epidemic caused by a huge rise in the number of students smoking hookahs . The British Heart Foundation says : ` Some people mistakenly think that shisha smoking is not addictive because the water used in the pipe can absorb nicotine . In reality , because only some of the nicotine is absorbed by the water , shisha smokers are still exposed to enough nicotine to cause an addiction ' . The fourth in line to the throne , who last week enjoyed a successful three-day mini tour of Arabia - including raising almost # 1 million at a charity polo match - spent last weekend enjoying himself . United Arab Emirates city : The boat was docked in Abu Dhabi Marina -LRB- pictured -RRB- for the Mahiki F1 Yacht Party . With the great , the good and the fabulously wealthy flocking into the UAE , Harry was in his element , drinking and dancing into the early hours as well as posing for pictures with scores of admirers . Social media such as Twitter and Instagram were awash with pictures of the partying prince earlier this week . One showed him cuddled up to a group of exotic young women , comically grimacing . Another video showed the royal , his white shirt unbuttoned a straw hat perched on his head , launching into a wild dance on the deck of a super yacht . One user posted a picture saying : ` Ca n't believe I just seen Prince Harry twerking and I did n't record it . Oh my god , ca n't believe it . What a guy ! ' If the scenes reminded onlookers of his infamous jaunt to Las Vegas in 2012 , then there was even more reason . Royal : Harry was pictured last weekend at the Abu Dhabi Formula One Grand Prix at Yas Marina Circuit . For both then and now , he was accompanied by one of his ` partying partners in crime ' , Adam Bidwell , an ex-London Welsh rugby playing stockbroker and former boyfriend of singer Katherine Jenkins . Hookahs are water pipes used to smoke tobacco flavours such as apple , mint and cherry - and smoking is often done in groups , with the same mouthpiece passed between people . While their use began centuries ago in ancient Persia and India , hookahs are gaining popularity in cafés around the world - including in Britain , the Middle East and the US . In one hookah session - lasting from 20 to 80 minutes - you can inhale the same amount of smoke as a cigarette smoker using more than 100 cigarettes , according to a World Health Organization study . He was also accompanied by the same Scotland Yard police protection officer who was pictured next to Harry in a jacuzzi at a pool party in the City of Sin . Also in the official group staying in Abu Dhabi over the weekend was Harry 's private secretary , Edward Lane-Fox , and a member of the Kensington Palace press office - although there is no suggestion either of them were on the yacht . Other pictures to emerge from the weekend show Harry posing with a rapper and socialising at what is described in the Abu Dhabi social pages as the most ` star-studded destination ' of the Grand Prix , Amber Lounge . Harry stayed on to watch the Grand Prix privately after his official duties had concluded . His cousin , Princess Beatrice , and uncle , Prince Andrew , also showed up in Abu Dhabi over the weekend . The release of the image comes two years after Prince Harry 's infamous wild night in Las Vegas in August 2012 , when he was pictured naked in a hotel room during a game of ` strip billiards ' . A palace spokesman for Harry declined to immediately comment when contacted by MailOnline . | Photograph shows Prince Harry , 30 , trying flavoured tobacco on boat . Vessel was docked in Abu Dhabi Marina for Mahiki F1 Yacht Party . Royal had watched Lewis Hamilton win Formula One World Championship . World Health Organisation says Hookah sessions same as 100 cigarettes . | [[88, 171], [160, 173], [180, 265], [1991, 2038], [2016, 2085], [378, 440], [768, 801], [779, 834], [441, 636]] |
Cinema goers are guaranteed an eyeful after censors passed the film version of raunchy best-seller Fifty Shades of Grey without any cuts . The British Board of Film Classification -LRB- BBFC -RRB- have unsurprisingly made Sam Taylor-Johnson 's take on E L James 's ` mummy porn ' an 18 certificate , but said the work ` passed uncut ' . The film , which is described as showing ` strong sex and nudity , ' as well as ` the portrayal of erotic role play ' , stars Jamie Dornan as Christian Grey and Dakota Johnson as his lover Anastasia Steele . Scroll down for video . Fifty Shades Of Grey is expected to be one of the biggest films of 2015 . It is set to be released in just two weeks and The British Board of Film Classification has just passed the movie without any cuts to the sex scenes . Dakota Johnson -LRB- pictured -RRB- plays Christian Grey 's lover Anastasia Steele in the film , which is based on the trilogy by E L James . The movie has been widely anticipated - EL James has reportedly sold over 100 million copies of her Fifty Shades Of Grey trilogy worldwide and it has been translated into more than 50 languages . In order to stay loyal to the story , Sam Taylor-Johnson did extensive research into the world of BDSM before filming started . She recently revealed that she consulted a professional dominatrix for the film , which is more than two hours long , and said she ` learned a lot ' from her . She told The Independent : ` The sex scenes are pretty intense , so I 'm sure people are going to feel aroused - but I 've seen them so many times that I tend to forget . ' It was recently revealed that Fifty Shades is set to be the raunchiest blockbuster film in over a decade , with 20 minutes of sex in it 's 100 minutes running time . The film - which features Jamie Dornan as Christian Grey - is said to be the raunchiest movie in a decade with 20 minutes of sex scenes . Jamie has spoken out about his awkwardness in making some parts of the film , saying he was doing things he would not want to do to a woman . The film , which opens on Valentine 's Day , has a dozen sex scenes although Taylor-Johson said she determined not to make the whole thing about it . She said : ` The thing that was most difficult was how and where to pepper the sex , and to not make it feel like it was gratuitous , ' she said . ` So it had to be a really strong part of the story , and I had to give characterisation to each sex scene , to make them different . ' Sam Taylor-Wood has revealed that she did not want the film to be sexually explicit and says she knows that may be disappointing to some people . But even though there is a large amount of sex in the movie , she shied away from covering some of the more graphic parts of the book . Sam told The Guardian : ' I did n't want it to be graphically explicit , and I know that 's going to be disappointing to some people . ' ` It 's the build up and titillation of touch and sensuality . So I do n't think it goes into the realm of porn . ' Jamie Dornan recently revealed to Glamour magazine that he had found some of the scenes difficult to shoot . He said : ` There were times when Dakota was not wearing much , and I had to do stuff to her that I 'd never choose to do to a woman . ' And Dakota admitted that Jamie would be the first person to cover her up , telling the magazine : ` It 's stressful enough to be tied to a bed naked in a scene . ` But then they call cut , and you 're still tied to the bed , naked . Jamie would be the first one to throw a blanket over me . ' The movie is one of the most highly anticipated films of the year , with the trailer having already been watched a massive 45million times on Youtube . | Fifty Shades Of Grey was made ' 18 ' by British Board of Film Classification . But no cuts were made from the film , which features a dozen sex scenes . Director Sam Taylor-Johnson says she did n't want it to be all about the sex . | [[139, 297], [690, 756], [0, 138], [44, 138], [139, 190], [304, 332], [2039, 2081], [2084, 2106], [2634, 2677], [2116, 2188], [2472, 2617], [2506, 2555], [2780, 2824]] |
The biological family of US aid worker Peter Kassig , who was beheaded by ISIS militants have claimed they were let down by the FBI who did not tell them he was missing or support them . Last week Kassig 's parents revealed on Twitter he has been adopted as a newborn and thanked his birthmother , Rhonda Schwindt , that she chose them to be his parents . But now Rhonda says the FBI has not supported her and her two children because they do not meet the agency 's legal definition of next of kin . Scroll down for videos . Peter Kassig with his biological mother Rhonda Schwindt , who put him up for adoption when he was a baby . She says her family were let down by the FBI . Kassig , center , doing a photo shoot with his siblings . When he turned 18 , the Indianapolis native sought out his biological family because he wanted to meet his brother , Sam , and sister , Jana . Sam Schwindt , left , with his big brother Kassig . His biological family say the FBI kept his captivity a secret from them for nearly six months , but provided support to his parents . She says the FBI kept his captivity a secret from them for nearly six months , but provided support to his parents , reports the Indianapolis Star . Rhonda also says they were denied federal assistance in finding grief counseling and told by the FBI to keep quiet even after his parents and friends were encouraged to speak up in an unsuccessful attempt to save him . Rhonda , who is now married and lives in Indianapolis , was 25 when she gave Kassig up for adoption because she did not feel equipped to become a single mother . She picked Ed and Paula to his parents - they met all her criteria , although she had wanted Kassig to have siblings . Jana Schwindt with her brother who wrote to her when he was in captivity . But Jana does not have an exact copy of the letter - they were told by the FBI , the original was processed as evidence and destroyed . In 2006 , when was 17 , Kassig went to visit Schwindt and meet his siblings , 12-year-old Jana and hugged 10-year-old Sam and their relationship continued from there . The couple kept her updated with his life and when he was six , he wrote a letter to her thanking her for letting him be adopted . In 2006 , when was 17 , Kassig went to visit Rhonda and meet his siblings , 12-year-old Jana and hugged 10-year-old Sam and their relationship continued from there . Even though they only got to spend eight short years together , the three siblings reportedly developed a very close bond . In 2007 , when Kassig returned from Iraq following a four-month deployment , the Schwindt 's said that they noticed he has changed and he seemed angry and they were forced to pull back from him several times . Although Jana always got back in contact with him , 18-year-old Sam , who is currently a freshman at DePaul University in Chicago , only built a relationship with him when Kassig returned to the Middle East in 2012 . ' I added him on Facebook and I was like , ` what the hell is going on Peter ? We 're brothers . We need to fix this . '' Sam said . Just days before Kassig was captured , he was supposed to have a video chat with Sam , his ` Little Bro , ' but the teenager had to cancel because he had made plans with friends - a decision he regrets to this day . Kassig , seen standing in front of a truck filled with supplies for Syrian refugees . Grateful : Ed and Paula Kassig , pictured during a press conference , thanked Peter 's birth mother for choosing them to raise her son as their own . But then Kassig 's Facebook went and the family did not hear from him . The 26-year-old former US Army Ranger was taken captive while on a humanitarian mission to Syria in October 2013 . ` Sam spent five and a half months desperately seeking his brother when Peter went dark - desperately seeking , ' said Rhonda . She does not blame the Kassigs for keeping the secret at the government 's insistence , but says the FBI is at fault . Eventually Sam wrote to the Kassigs and they found out . Mother 's anguish : Rhonda Schwindt posted this message on Facebook less than a week before her son 's execution . Touching moment : After Kassig 's murder , his younger brother , Sam Schwindt , shared online this old photo of himself as a boy with Peter dressed in his US Army Rangers uniform . Kassig sent Jana a letter while being held hostage by ISIS - only one of two he was able to write . But Jana does not have an exact copy of the letter - they were told by the FBI , the original was processed as evidence and destroyed . In the letter he wrote : ` You are the best thing that has ever happened to me ; you and your brother . ' On November 16 , ISIS released a graphic video showing that Kassig , who had converted to Islam while in captivity , had been beheaded . On November 11 , less than a week before the release of the gruesome ISIS video , showing that Kassig , who had converted to Islam while in captivity , had been beheaded . Rhonda wrote on her Facebook wall : ' I want my son Peter home safely . ' She says the FBI did tell them family of his death . Correspondence : Jana , pictured with her mother on Graduation Day , was closet to Kassig . Sam Schwindt , 18 , is a freshman at DePaul University . His 20-year-old sister , Jana , works as a kennel attendant at the Indianapolis Humane Society . Rhonda says she had several meetings with the FBI , in which she asked for help finding a therapist who specialized in traumatic grief , but she said the government refused . ' I was like , ` Peter has three blood relatives , and they 're sitting right in front of you , '' she said . ` And the people in his darkest moments , who did he think about ? His father . And his mother . And he thought about his brother and sister . The siblings are both now in therapy . Last week Sam posted an old photo of himself as a young boy standing next to his big brother in his US Army Rangers uniform in front a monument engraved with ` Ranger Creed . ' A day after the ISIS video recording was made public online , Sam shared a moving tribute to Kassig on his Facebook page . Believer : Peter Kassig , shown here working in Syria , converted to Islam while in captivity and took the given name Abdul-Rahman . ` It 's incredibly strange to lose someone you love , ' he wrote . ` It just does not seem real . It always seems like in life that there will be more time , but you really can never know . ` Just please , for me , if you 're not talking to someone you love , send them a message and reconnect . You never know when you may lose someone . I will always love you , Peter . ' Much like her big brother , Jana Schwindt , 20 , has dedicated her life to humanitarian work . Since August of this year , she has been working as a kennel attendant at the Indianapolis Humane Society . The FBI issued a brief statement to the Indianapolis Star : ` The law and the Attorney General Guidelines permit and/or encourage inclusion with regard to providing victim services , but due to privacy considerations , the FBI is not in a position to comment on any specific services offered or provided to victim or victim families . ' | Peter Kassig 's parents revealed on Twitter he was adopted as a newborn . Rhonda Schwindt gave him up for adoption when she was 25 , but they later rekindled a relationship . Kassig , was an only child so became close to siblings , Jana , 20 and Sam , 18 . The family did not know he had disappeared for 5.5 months . They say the FBI has not helped though their grief or provided support . | [[197, 234], [227, 267], [543, 564], [587, 594], [598, 631], [543, 564], [587, 594], [598, 631], [1434, 1440], [1490, 1533], [932, 1065], [958, 1025], [1066, 1180], [3716, 3748], [0, 51], [79, 131], [124, 131], [136, 186], [360, 426], [632, 678], [641, 678], [1215, 1221], [1227, 1295], [3842, 3845], [3934, 3960]] |
A dozen of the United States Air Force 's most feared attack aircraft are to be deployed in the battle against ISIS . Twelve A-10 ` Warthogs ' are being moved from Afghanistan to Kuwait to carry out patrols against the Islamic State militants who have taken swathes of Iraqi and Syrian territory . The new deployment will boost the USAF 's ability to patrol the skies and take out ISIS targets . Deadly force : A line up of A-10s at Shaw Air Force Base , South Carolina . Planes of this type will arrive in Kuwait for combat operations next week . Slow and steady : An unarmed A-10 shows the maneuverability which makes it a deadly foe to ground forces . It can fly steadily at slow speed at just 50 feet above enemy positions and is heavily armored against gunfire . In action : An A-10 above Afghanistan , where it has been used with deadly effect against the Taliban . As well as its 30mm cannon which can be seen on the nose , it is carrying missiles under the inner wing . Close support : A-10s work closely with ground troops including , here , US Special Forces units in Afghanistan . They will be joined within weeks by around six Reaper drones armed with missiles , the New York Times reported . The new weaponry marks an increase in the options open to military planners who have struggled to strike ISIS . A-10s , originally designed to destroy Soviet tank squadrons if the USSR had invaded the West , have proved a deadly weapon against Taliban fighters in Afghanistan . Slow-moving and equipped with a devastating 30mm cannon capable of firing almost 4,000 rounds a minute - as well as missiles and 500lb bombs - they can fly as low as 50ft and engage targets far more slowly than the bombers and fighter-bombers which have so far been deployed in Iraq and Syria . The decision to deploy A-10s and Reapers comes after a major battle-planning conference involving more than 200 commanders from 33 countries involved in the fight against ISIS . America remains by far the largest single country involved , but has now received backing from more Muslim countries . Morocco is to send F-16s to attack the militants under the US-led operation . However the main concern over the campaign has been the lack of targets to strike because of the nature of ISIS , which combines large groups acting like a conventional army , with insurgency tactics . Unmanned : A Reaper preparing for take-off . Some of its missile load can be seen under the left wing . Remote control : Pilots at Hollman Air Force Base in New Mexico at the controls of a Reaper during a training mission . The Iraq and Syria missions against ISIS will be flown from Shaw Air Force Base , South Carolina . Target : ISIS fighters will be firmly in the sights of A-10 pilots . The light weaponry they carry is unable to damage an A-10 , while it can hit them with 4,000 30mm rounds in just a minute . Takeover : The ISIS threat to Iraq and Syria was demonstrated when the militant group took control of the Syrian town of Raqqa . It has mounted shows of strength in the town and beyond . Frontline : These ISIS fighters near Aleppo are typical of the targets for the A-10 . Lightly armed and on the move , they are difficult for bombers and strike fighters to target but can be stalked from the air by the A-10s , which loiter over targets for hours . It is the ugliest aircraft in the Air Force 's arsenal . The A-10 was designed to destroy Soviet tanks and troops on the ground . Officially the Thunderbolt II , it was quickly nicknamed the Warthog for its unusual looks , . It was specifically designed around its main weapon , a 30mm cannon which fires 4,000 rounds a minute . The plane can fly low and slow , coming down to 50ft to shoot at or drop bombs on enemy positions . Its top speed is just above 400mph but it can go as slow as 150mph and ` loiter ' for hours above targets making it an effective deterrent as well as an attack plane . The Warthog is covered in 1,200 lbs of titanium armor , making it invulnerable to attack from anything but heavy weapons . Even when hit it is designed to fly home on one engine , with no tailfin and half a wing missing . On board the single-seater the pilot has at his controls the cannon , which is accurate to 4,000 ft , and fires depleted-uranium shells , as well as Maverick air-to-surface missiles , 500lb free fall bombs , and Hydra air-launched rockets . Despite USAF attempts to retire the fleet , it is expected to remain in service into the 2020s . At one stage when the Air Force suggested retiring its more than 300 A-10s the Army indicated it would take them over as soldiers are so keen on its close support capabilities . Figures published in the New York Times show that just one in four missions over the last three months actually involves dropping bombs or firing missiles . Three-quarters of planes return to base without having deployed their armament . Planners are concentrating on what they have called ` pop-up targets ' - convoys of ISIS fighters , or individual leaders -- which are targeted as soon as they are identified by analysts . The deployment of A-10s and Reapers will increase the ability to take on such targets . Both can circle slowly above target areas for hours at a time . In the case of A-10s they can swoop as low as 50ft and maintain a presence above enemy positions at low speed . They are also heavily armoured against small-arms fire and rocket-propelled grenades and designed to keep flying while under fire . In Afghanistan they have successfully targeted Taliban positions just yards from American patrols and are admired by the Army as a psychological weapon which keeps the Taliban at bay . But much of the success -- or failure -- of the mission against ISIS depends on the instructions pilots at the controls of the A-10s will receive . Such is the concern that the operation avoid civilian casualties which would hand ISIS a propaganda victory that the list of targets is approved by the head of Central Command , General Lloyd Austin . It is based on information from spy satellites , U-2 spy aircraft flying at 70,000 feet above the Middle East , and intelligence from the ground , where special forces are believed to be working , as well as the CIA . One of his officers admitted in the New York Times that the operation was fraught with difficulties . Major Sonny Alberdeston told the newspaper 's Eric Schmitt : ` When we target a nation-state , we 've typically been looking at their capability for decades and have extensive target sets . ` But these guys are moving around . They can be in place , and then a week later , they 're gone . ' ISIS has now been under attack from the air for almost three months but continues to pump out propaganda and have control of territory in Iraq and Syria . President Obama has been facing calls for more radical action against them , with Republican Senator Rand Paul earlier this month arguing in favour of limited ` boots on the ground ' to go after its leadership . | A dozen A-10s are being moved from Afghanistan to Kuwait by next week to start patrols over Iraq and Syria . Fearsome planes can approach targets low and slow and are protected against small arms fire and RPGs - ISIS 's favored weapons . More drones armed with missiles will patrol the skies within weeks as war on the Islamic State is stepped up . Deployment comes after 200 commanders held talks on defeating ISIS , which is half-army , half-insurgency . | [[0, 117], [118, 140], [143, 242], [472, 547], [2579, 2658], [655, 726], [655, 657], [731, 767], [3651, 3681], [5172, 5235], [5236, 5247], [5257, 5261], [5291, 5347], [5348, 5352], [5379, 5432], [1778, 1865], [1831, 1918], [2260, 2264], [2273, 2354]] |
A woman is being hunted by police after she was caught on surveillance video poking strangers with a mysterious ` sharp object ' in a New Orleans street . The brown-haired suspect , who has not been identified , was captured jabbing two men , aged 28 and 62 , and possibly others with the long , black item in the city 's French Quarter on Sunday night . Donning an oversized camouflage jacket , she was first spotted walking along the pavement at 8.45 pm , before suddenly lunging forward and stabbing the older man as he rode past on a bike . SCROLL DOWN FOR VIDEO . Attack : Police have launched a search for a woman who was caught on surveillance video poking strangers with a mysterious ` sharp object ' in New Orleans . Above , the woman 's pokes a 62-year-old man on his bike . Leaving the scene : The brown-haired suspect , who has not been identified , was captured jabbing two men , aged 28 and 62 , and possibly others with the long , black item in the city 's French Quarter on Sunday night . Bizarre : Donning a camoflauge jacket , the woman is pictured carrying the mysterious object in her right hand . Seconds later , she was filmed poking the younger man with the object as he walked by with a woman . She was mumbling to herself as she carried out both attacks , police told Fox 8 . The victims suffered minor cuts in the assaults in the 900 block of Decatur Street . Neither are believed to have gone to hospital . ` She was poking random pedestrians with an unknown sharp object , ' New Orleans Police Department said in a news release . Following the assaults , the force also uploaded the surveillance video to YouTube , alongside the caption : ` Eighth District Detectives are investigating an aggravated battery by cutting . ' Caught on camera : The woman was first spotted walking along the pavement at 8.45 pm , before suddenly lunging forward and stabbing the older man . She then continued to walk down the street -LRB- pictured -RRB- . Second attack : Seconds later , she was filmed poking the younger man -LRB- pictured -RRB- with the object as he walked by with a woman . She was mumbling to herself as she carried out both attacks , according to police . It is not known why the woman carried out the attacks , nor why she was in the street at the time . The suspect is described as being 5ft 6ins tall , in her thirties , of a thin build and with brunette hair . Anyone with information is asked to call Crimestoppers at 822-1111 or toll-free , 1-877-903-STOP . Scene : The incidents occured in the 900 block of Decatur Street -LRB- pictured -RRB- in New Orleans 's French Quarter . | Woman filmed walking in New Orleans while holding a ` sharp object ' Suddenly lunged forward and poked man , 62 , as he rode past on bike . Then stabbed 28-year-old with item ; may have poked more strangers . Woman was mumbling to herself at time of both attacks , police said . Victims suffered minor injuries ; officers are appealing for information . | [[0, 154], [1045, 1117], [396, 399], [465, 502], [396, 399], [494, 544], [726, 731], [738, 743], [747, 784], [155, 179], [225, 263], [396, 399], [494, 544], [1436, 1498], [1845, 1898], [1770, 1779], [1874, 1898], [1219, 1278], [2103, 2162], [2103, 2106], [2165, 2186], [1301, 1385]] |
` I 'd always ask people to repeat themselves . I felt like a stuck record , ' said Jackie Hunt . Jackie Hunt had struggled with her hearing for 15 years before she realised she had a genuine problem . ` Everything sounded muddy , as if through a door -- but I assumed it was hay fever blocking my ears , ' says the 44-year-old administrator from Sutton Coldfield . However , over the years it gradually got worse . Jackie had to turn up the TV volume louder and louder , and could understand people only if she could see their mouths . ` I 'd always ask people to repeat themselves . I felt like a stuck record , ' she says . But it was only when , in 2012 , she saw an advert about hearing tests that she decided to take action . The results floored her . She had lost 60 per cent of her hearing and needed two hearing aids . The difference they made , is , she says , ` amazing ' . ` As I walked into our kitchen I asked what the ticking noise was -- it was a huge clock that I 'd never realised made a sound , ' says Jackie , who is married to Dave , 52 , the director of a building company , and has two daughters , aged 23 and 20 . ` I 'd stopped working in a big office -- now I have the confidence to do it again . ` And I use the train -- previously , talking through a ticket office window was a no-no . ' More than ten million Britons -- one in six -- are thought to have some hearing loss , yet many wait years before seeking help . There are two main types . Conductive hearing loss occurs when sounds can not pass from the outer ear to the inner ear . Causes include a blockage , fluid build-up , or a problem with the small bones inside the ear that help you hear . Jackie has conductive loss , diagnosed by a specialist after she 'd had a standard test at a branch of Hidden Hearing , a hearing aid chain . Hers is caused by otosclerosis -- an abnormal , often genetic , growth of bone in the middle ear , affecting 1 to 2 per cent of people . The second type is sensorineural hearing loss caused by damage to tiny hair cells inside the cochlea , the spiral-shaped structure in the inner ear , or to the auditory nerve . Hearing relies on sound waves entering the ear and causing the eardrum to vibrate . Jackie needed two hearing aids . The difference they made , is , she says , ` amazing ' The vibrations are passed to the inner ear , where the hair cells move in response and send a signal through the auditory nerve to the brain . These hair cells can be damaged by injury or noise exposure , but it also happens naturally with age . More than half of people over 60 have some hearing loss , and campaigners are pushing for everyone over 65 to have their hearing screened on the NHS . But some experts say we should be having hearing tests even earlier . David McAlpine , professor of auditory neuroscience and director of the University College London Ear Institute , says : ` We start losing our hearing as babies , but do n't notice it . ` But by their mid-40s most people will have some hearing loss that affects their day-to-day life . ' Generally , we lose our ability to hear higher frequencies first . This can make deciphering speech difficult because consonants that help make words distinct are in the high frequencies , around 3-5kHz . Standard hearing tests , or audiograms -- which measure your hearing by playing sounds at different volumes and pitches and ask you to respond by pressing a button -- test up to 8kHz . Professor McAlpine would advise anyone over 45 to get their hearing checked -- for example , at a High Street optician that offers a free hearing test -- even if they do n't think they have a problem , as people do n't always realise what they should be able to hear . This is because not seeking help when you need it can make things worse : hearing loss can not only cause social isolation and depression , but there are concerns that it could lead to cognitive problems . In 2011 , U.S. researchers found older people with hearing loss are more likely to develop dementia , perhaps because a common brain pathway underlies both conditions . Another theory is the strain of trying to decode sounds can overwhelm the brain , leaving people more vulnerable to dementia . Research is continuing about whether hearing aids can reduce the risk . Studies suggest that for every 25 decibels of hearing loss -LRB- decibels relate to volume of sound -- normal speech is around 60 -RRB- a person experiences , they age cognitively by seven years -- so a 59-year-old who has lost 25 decibels will perform like a 66-year-old in mental tasks . Professor McAlpine says : ` Not hearing properly can add to what 's known as your cognitive load . ` I 'd stopped working in a big office -- now I have the confidence to do it again . And I use the train -- previously , talking through a ticket office window was a no-no , ' said Jackie . ` The more cost you put to your brain while straining to hear someone speak , the fewer resources you have to do something else at the same time . ' And parts of the brain involved with hearing can start to shut down without enough input -- so your hearing may get worse if you delay treatment . ` It can take three months for your brain to tune in to a hearing aid , especially if you 've had the problem for a long time . ' He also warns that even top-ofthe - range versions have limitations . ` Hearing aids will help , rather than cor rect , your hear ing , ' he says . ` So you should be given proper expectations of what they can do -- they amplify sounds but wo n't necessarily discriminate between them . ' But there 's another complicating factor to be aware of . According to Professor McAlpine , younger people 's hearing loss may occur for a different reason from older people 's -- and it 's one that 's hard for specialists to detect . ` We 've identified a problem called `` hidden hearing loss '' -- so called because it 's not picked up by traditional hearing tests , ' he says . More than ten million Britons -- one in six -- are thought to have some hearing loss . While extremely loud noises -- such as a chainsaw -- can permanently kill off hair cells , it is thought that in hidden hearing loss , the damage affects the nerve cells in the cochlea . Rather than dying off , they lose their connections with the hair cells , so can not send information to the brain . It 's possible the culprit need only be moderate noise , such as that of a busy street , although more research is needed into how much exposure would cause this . One type of nerve cell particularly affected is the kind that only responds to sounds above a certain volume . This means as this nerve cell is damaged , so is our ability to distinguish particular sounds against loud noises . Professor McAlpine adds : ` An audiogram only measures your ability to hear distinct tones against a backdrop of silence . ` So you may get a clean bill of health but still have hearing deficit . ' There are currently no accurate ways to diagnose this problem , and researchers are looking at whether hearing aids can even help . Ralph Home , head of biomedical research at the charity Action on Hearing Loss , says : ` We know there are lots of people with good hearing who struggle to follow conversation in background noise , but it 's not yet clear if they all have hidden hearing loss or something else , such as problems with cognitive processing . ' What does seem clear is that many people with hearing loss delay seeking help -- by an average of ten years , reckons the charity Ear Foundation . Reasons include not realising they have a problem to the social stigma surrounding hearing aids . It 's a stigma that Daniela Levy , 30 , has grappled with . The health and fitness journalist , from Essex , shrugged off her poor hearing at first -- but it became harder to ignore when it started affecting her work . ` In my 20s I started TV presenting , but could n't cope with the producers talking into my earpiece . ' I stopped doing that type of presenting because I relied on lip-reading a lot . ' Daniela admits the only hearing test she 's had as an adult was when she was 24 , at a High Street optician 's offering hearing tests . ` They confirmed my hearing was well below what it should be and that I 'd need a hearing aid . But I never went back . ' She adds : ` When I meet someone new I joke about being deaf . But it 's embarrassing . ` It 's deteriorated recently and I 'm worried that when I 'm 40 I wo n't be able to hear at all . ' earfoundation.org.uk , hearinglink.org , actiononhearingloss.org.uk . | Jackie Hunt , 44 , lost 60 per cent of her hearing . More than 10 million Britons have hearing loss . More than half of people over 60 have some hearing loss . Older people with hearing loss are more likely to develop dementia . | [[758, 797], [1316, 1345], [1375, 1400], [5973, 6002], [6020, 6059], [1316, 1345], [1375, 1400], [2555, 2610], [5973, 6002], [6020, 6059], [3929, 3936], [3939, 3955], [3962, 4028], [3939, 3943], [3962, 3992], [4009, 4028], [4031, 4097]] |
Michael Brown 's stepfather has said sorry for his controversial and incendiary chants aimed towards the unarmed teen 's supporters the night of the grand jury decision not to indict Officer Wilson . The apology comes one day after Ferguson Police Chief Thomas Jackson said that his department was actively pursuing an investigation into whether Louis Head incited the riots that left parts of the city a burning wreck . Head issued a statement to the effect that while he was sorry for screaming ` Burn this b **** down ! ' , to arrest and charge him ` goes way too far and is as wrong as the decision -LRB- of the grand jury -RRB- itself . ' The victim 's stepfather -LRB- center -RRB- screamed ` Burn this b **** down ' as he stood next to Brown 's mother in the seconds after he learned of the grand jury 's decision not to indict Officer Darren Wilson . Head , who is married to Brown 's mother , apologized to those ` who read my pain and anger as a true desire for what I want for our community . It was n't . ' He said that he feels he is being unfairly blamed for the chaos that followed his outburst , which was videoed by the New York Times on November 24 , moments after the grand jury decision came in . Furthermore , it is understood that Head will not face any charges for his furious invective last Monday night , despite Jackson 's revelations on Fox News at the beginning of the week . Speaking on Monday night 's Fox News , Jackson was asked by host Sean Hannity whether he believed charges should be pressed against Head for his role in the disturbances that evening , posing the question , ` Is that inciting a riot ? ' ` Something came over me as I watched and listened to my wife , the mother of Michael Brown Jr. , react to the gut-wrenching news that the cop who killed her son would n't be charged with a crime , my emotions admittedly got the best of me . ` This is my family . I was so angry and full of raw emotions , as so many others were , and granted I screamed out words I should n't have screamed in the heat of the moment . I was wrong and I humbly apologize to all those who read my anger and my pain as a true desire for what I want for the community . ` To place blame solely on me for the conditions of our community and country after the Grand Jury decision goes way too far and is wrong as the decision itself . To declare a state of emergency and send a message of war , not peace , before a Grand Jury decision is announced is also wrong . ` In the end I 've lived in this community for a long time . The last thing I truly wanted was to see it go up in flames . In spite of my frustration , it really hurt me to see that . It 's time to rebuild . If we are to honor Michael Brown 's memory we need to work together to make rebuilding happen . I plan to remain here and do my part in earnest truth . ' In reply , Jackson said , ` We are pursuing those comments . And there is a lot of discussion going on about that right now . But I really ca n't get into that right now . ' Ferguson police spokesman , Jeff Small clarified Jackson 's comments and said that Head is ` one of the people being looked at as part of an ongoing investigation into the activities surrounding Nov 24 pertaining to the rioting , looting and arsons . ' However , despite the claims from CNN that Head will not face charges , there has been no official confirmation . Lesley Michael Brown 's mother Lesley McSpadden hugs Brown 's stepfather who wore a ' I am Mike Brown shirt ' Yesterday it was announced that law enforcement were looking into Louis Head 's comments as part of a broader investigation into the arson , vandalism and looting that followed the November 24 grand jury announcement , St. Louis County Police spokesman Brian Schellman said . Twelve commercial buildings were destroyed by fire . Brown , 18 , who was black and unarmed , was killed August 9 by Darren Wilson , who is white . Wilson , who resigned from the Ferguson department last weekend , had told the grand jury his life was being threatened , but some witnesses said Brown was trying to surrender . Video widely circulated after last week 's grand jury announcement shows Brown 's mother , Lesley McSpadden , on top of a car and breaking down as the decision blares over a stereo . Head , her husband , comforts her then yells angry comments , including ` Burn this bitch down ! ' Brown 's mother , Lesley McSpadden , stood sobbing and screaming on top of a car with her husband and friends outside Ferguson police department after the grand jury decision . Family attorney Benjamin Crump has called the reaction ` raw emotion , ' but ` completely inappropriate . ' He did not immediately return messages seeking comment Tuesday . Charges ? Ferguson Police Chief Thomas Jackson has said that his department is pursuing an investigation into whether or not to charge Louis Head for inciting the Ferguson riots . Head has not yet been interviewed by police , and there is no timetable for when the investigation will be complete , Schellman said . He declined to discuss what specific charges Head could face . A message left with a spokesman for St. Louis County Prosecutor Bob McCulloch was not immediately returned . Ferguson police spokesman Jeff Small said that department is not conducting a separate investigation of Head . Most of the violence occurred in the first two days after the announcement . Peaceful protests have continued , including one Tuesday involving students who walked out of classes from three Ferguson-area high schools . The Ferguson-Florissant School District said in a letter to students and parents teachers accompanied the students to ensure their safety but that the protests were student-led . The letter also said the district dispatched transportation to pick up students and return them to classes , though some chose to walk back . It was their first day back in class after Thanksgiving break was extended a day due to bad weather Monday , when similar walkouts were staged across the country . While daytime protests continue , nighttime demonstrations have waned . There were 124 arrests in Ferguson in the five days following the grand jury announcement , but none since Friday . Protestors in the parking lot of a burning auto parts store in Ferguson following the grand jury decision . Ferguson has been struggling to return to normal after Brown , an 18-year-old black man , was killed by Darren Wilson , a white Ferguson police officer . Rampage : Demonstrators brazenly loot a local store in Ferguson following the grand jury decision with armfuls of goods being carried off . Fearsome : A demonstrator flashes a peace sign before a burning police car during clashes between police and protesters over the decision in the shooting death of 18-year-old Brown . As a result , police and the National Guard are scaling back . Schellman said county officers are no longer working 12-hour shifts , though a small contingent will remain posted at night outside Ferguson police headquarters , which has been a focal point for protest gatherings . CNN law enforcement analyst Tom Fuentes says no : . ' I think they 'll have a hard time proving that somebody that heard him in the midst of all that noise actually went over and did an arson or committed an act of starting a fire . I think most of the people you see in the crowd are not watching CNN . They 're not watching media reporting of him saying that , ' he told ` The Situation Room . ' ` So it is probably very few people that heard it at that time . ' Gov. Jay Nixon also announced Tuesday that the National Guard has completed duties in the city of St. Louis and is reducing its presence - which peaked at about 2,200 guard members - in Ferguson and elsewhere in St. Louis County . Still , nearly 1,300 remain in the region . Nixon also said the Missouri State Highway Patrol will continue to work with local police . It was last Monday , after spending months appealing for calm that Michael Brown 's family exploded into rage when it was announced that the grand jury had decided not to charge Officer Darren Wilson . Brown 's mother , Lesley McSpadden , stood sobbing and screaming on top of a car with her husband and friends outside Ferguson police department . She wore a button pinned to her chest that read ` Indict Now and a white hat with a photo of her son which called for ` Justice for Mike Brown . ' ` They wrong ! ' she yelled , pointing toward the police station . ` You all know , you 're all wrong ! ' Although she wore sunglasses , her anger and devastation were clear as tears ran down her face . ` Everybody wants me to be calm . You know what them bullets did to my son ! ' ` They still do n't care ! ' she screamed as she threw her arms in frustration . ` They never going to care ! ' She then buried her face in her the chest of the victim 's stepfather , Louis Head , who wore a t-shirt reading : ' I am Mike Brown . ' Disruption : Police confront protestors in Ferguson using armored vehicles and riot shields . Raid : Looters smashed their way into a local Ferguson business and helped themselves to products that it sold . He turned around to the incensed crowd and screamed : ` Burn this b **** down ' . He did this at least ten times and called for a microphone at one point to spread his message to more people . At that , some of the crowd did become agitated toward the police . Wearing a t-shirt with the words ' I Am Mike Brown ' while was expressing his rage toward the crowd and cameras , Head also had a beanie on that had a photograph of Michael Brown . As the roaring crowd began to surge forward , the pair were both whisked away by supporters . Head has a long rap sheet which includes two felony narcotics convictions and he pleaded guilty in 1997 to marijuana distribution and was put on probation for five years . In mid-2003 , he pleaded guilty to a felony count of narcotics trafficking and he was sentenced to seven years in prison . He was released in 2008 after five years behind bars . | Said sorry day after Ferguson police chief said he might be arrested . Louis Head says blaming him for riots is wrong and was not his intention . Head was caught on camera screaming obscenities last Monday . Head was videoed screaming : ` Burn this b **** down ' Was expressing frustration at decision not to indict Officer Wilson . Ferguson quickly descended into fiery chaos after the announcement . | [[200, 332], [4741, 4910], [1019, 1082], [1231, 1327], [470, 512], [487, 515], [644, 668], [699, 715], [723, 773], [4316, 4371], [9151, 9153], [9190, 9202], [9207, 9223], [780, 858], [1748, 1755], [1756, 1836], [7985, 8119], [346, 420], [3626, 3659], [3665, 3713], [7985, 8119]] |
She was the grandmother battling cancer whose cheeky pictures images sparked a online craze of taking selfies sticking your blue tongue out . But despite her death more than five months ago , the Instagram account for Betty Jo Simpson is still growing as her family continue to post her trademark upbeat pictures . Mrs Simpson , a grandmother from Indiana , took the picture sharing site by storm last year after her grandson Zach Belden started posting images and videos to the account called Grandma Betty . Scroll down for video . Grandmother Betty Jo Simpson , who Instagram images sparked the online craze of posing for a picture sticking out you tongue blue tongue . The memorable picture was taken after the 80-year-old had enjoyed a blue coloured sweet and it took Instagram by storm . And after posting a video of her dancing to Pharrell Williams hit ` Happy ' she gained more than half a million followers . One of the most memorable pictures showed the 80-year-old sticking out her tongue , which had turned blue after she ate a coloured sweet . And since it was posted to the account last year , it has been copied by countless people on social media , including by model Cara Delevingne , singer Selena Gomez and actress Hayden Panetierre . It also inspired a T-shirt design featuring the blue tongue logo , which was sold to raise money for the American Cancer Society . She died in August , eight months after she was diagnosed with lung cancer , with the final post on her account gaining more than 60,000 likes and comments in just nine hours after her death was announced . Model Cara Delevingne , left , and singer Selena Gomez , right , stick out their blue coloured tongues in honour of the grandmother . X Factor contestant Katie Waissel , left , and actress Hayden Panettiere , right , show off their blue tongues . Since then her grandson has continued to upload pictures of his grandmother , with her page gaining more and more followers . Now her grandson Zach has spoke of how he has been amazed by the success of the account . He told the Daily Mirror : ` The response was phenomenal . I expected a few dozen followers , maybe a couple of hundred at most . But soon she had thousands . ` They did n't just look at her pictures , they left comments and sent messages too . There were people with cancer who told us they 'd given up before they saw her story , but she was such an inspiration they were determined to keep going . Since her death , Mrs Simpson 's grandson has continued to upload pictures of his grandmother , with her page gaining more and more followers . The grandmother now has almost 600,000 followers on Instagram , with followers keen to see her upbeat images . ` As we sat there watching the number of followers going up , the smile on her face was so special I ca n't describe it . ' Zach began posting the pictures of Betty and her late husband Clarence , shortly after she was told she was suffering from lung cancer . The schoolboy explained : ` The idea was to start an account for my friends who know Grandma Betty . ` And it turned out to be something everybody started to enjoy . ' Her grandson Zach , pictured , set up the Instagram account shortly after his grandmother was diagnosed as having lung cancer . The post on the Grandma Betty Instagram page announcing her death . The family has continued to post upbeat images to the account . After the account went viral , Mrs Simpson said she felt like a celebrity every time she got a new follower , with her granddaughter Hope adding : '' We get joy out of listening to her say everyday , `` How many more friends do I have today ? '' ` This is going to be something we 're always going to have and something we 're always going to remember and definitely cherish forever . ` I 'll always have that . And we 'll always have the Instagram , no matter what . ' | Family of Betty Jo Simpson posted pictures online during her cancer battle . The upbeat images on Instagram gained her almost 600,000 followers . The most popular post was a picture of her sticking out her blue tongue . It sparked an online craze and was copied by celebrities on social media . She died in August but her grandson continued to post pictures online . Her Instagram account is continuing to grow despite her death five months ago . | [[2456, 2471], [2474, 2549], [3336, 3399], [2600, 2661], [2669, 2710], [625, 672], [918, 999], [1592, 1646], [1657, 1725], [69, 135], [1057, 1105], [1108, 1253], [1057, 1253], [413, 425], [438, 486], [1385, 1403], [1839, 1914], [2456, 2471], [2474, 2549], [3336, 3399], [192, 234], [238, 265], [1922, 1964], [2456, 2471], [2474, 2549], [2557, 2599]] |
In the midst of a grueling , final-hour push by Congress to rescue the economy from the looming fiscal cliff , House Speaker John Boehner sought brief reprieve with an evening of margaritas and Mexican fare in Arlington , a source told Mail Online . Dressed in a festive , bright red sweater , a cheery Boehner arrived through a side door at Guapo 's in Shirlington around 7:15 p.m. Friday - about three hours after he left stone-faced from a meeting at the White House with other congressional leaders and President Obama - according to a diner who happened to arrive at the restaurant around the same time . Accompanying Boehner to his table Friday were about six men - all security detail - who stood behind him for about 30 seconds and then sat down at a table nearby , said the diner , who works in government and said she wished to remain anonymous . House Speaker John Boehner , R-Ohio , was spotted at Guapo 's Restaurant in Arlington Friday evening drinking margaritas with a group of three . After his night at Guapo 's , Boehner returned to Capitol Hill , where senators were working on a solution to avert the fiscal cliff . Boehner was drinking margaritas while most of his party - two men and one woman - were drinking beer and sangria , the source said . They were all chomping on chips and salsa at the table . Other diners in the restaurant recognized the House Speaker and approached his table to say hello , the source noted . Boehner was ` very friendly to anyone that went up and spoke to him , ' she said . Despite the long weekend of work ahead of him , ` He and his group were laughing and having a good time , ' the source said . Several times throughout the evening Boehner stepped outside - through the side door - to take smoke breaks with some of his security detail , she added . ` We saw him walking out when we were leaving at 8:30 , ' she said . ` We passed two of his detail driving away then so we assumed he was leaving for the night , but it could have just been another smoke break . ' Meanwhile , on Saturday , Senate leaders were working feverishly in private for a last-hour budget solution that could prevent the fiscal cliff - a package of tax increases for the middle class tax and deep spending cuts - from being triggered at dawn on New Year 's Day . Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid , a Democrat , and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell , a Republican , are trying to find a solution in time for votes Sunday night by both houses . Whatever manages to pass in the Senate , with its Democratic majority , would then face a second test in the Republican-controlled House of Representatives . Boehner arrived at the restaurant through a side door about three hours after he left a White House meeting on the fiscal cliff , and he 'd changed out of his work clothes and into a festive red sweater . Boehner and his party at Guapo 's were ` laughing and having a good time ' - a far cry from how he appeared after his meeting at the White House hours earlier . Boehner , a Republican speaker who has . struggled recently with anti-tax rebels inside his own party , said . through an aide that he would await the results of the talks between the . Senate and White House . With the deadline for action fast approaching , Obama reiterated his demand for Congress to strike a deal that would prevent taxes from rising on the middle class . ` It 's a balanced plan -- one that would protect the middle class , cut spending in a responsible way , and ask the wealthiest Americans to pay a little more , ' Obama said in his weekly radio address . ` And I 'll keep working with anybody who 's serious about getting a comprehensive plan like this done -- because it 's the right thing to do for our economic growth . ' Obama is expected to renew his demands during a rare appearance on NBC 's ` Meet the Press ' on Sunday . In a rebuttal to Obama on Saturday , Republicans held their ground on their view of how the fiscal cliff should be resolved . ` The president 's proposal to raise taxes on the top 2 percent of Americans wo n't even pay one-third of the annual interest that 's now owed on this massive $ 16 trillion debt , ' Sen. Roy Blunt , R-Missouri , said . ` We still can avoid going over the fiscal cliff if the president and the Democrat-controlled Senate step forward this week and work with Republicans to solve this problem and solve it now . ' | A witness told MailOnline about John Boehner 's night out Friday . Drinks came hours after he left tense Oval Office meeting . Meanwhile Senator leaders met all day Saturday to try and hash out a plan . | [[222, 249], [416, 522], [2024, 2033], [2036, 2047], [2050, 2131]] |
Her daughter makes millions every year walking the catwalk and fronting campaigns for the world 's most esteemed designers but the mother of supermodel Natalia Vodianova still makes a living selling pies on the streets of Russia . Natalia , 33 , used to join her mother as a market trader in Nizhny Novgorod before being discovered at the age of 17 and whisked off to a life of luxury at the forefront of fashion . Since then , she has become one of the world 's most in-demand supermodels working with Calvin Klein , Stella McCartney and Louis Vuitton and many others . Scroll down for video . Rags to riches : Natalia Vodianova has made millions as a supermodel after growing up in poverty . Still earning her own living : Natalia 's mother Larissa says she wo n't give up work . But despite her daughter 's wealth and success , 52-year-old Larissa is insistent that she will continue to make her own living . She said : ' I and my other daughter -LRB- Natalia 's sister -RRB- want to show others that we can achieve something in life by ourselves . Sixteen-years-ago Natalia was selling bananas in the market to help make ends meet . It 's nothing to be ashamed of . ' Larissa , who also had a daughter with cerebral palsy , said Natalia has been ` incredibly supportive ' of the family and understands her mother 's to desire to keep working . Natalia told You Magazine : ` My mother is such an inspiration to me : she lived her life by following her heart , rather than what she was being told was `` the right thing to do '' . ' Proud : Larissa said she wants to keep working to ` show others that we can achieve something in life by ourselves ' Supportive : Natalia used to join her mother selling fruit before becoming a supermodel and understands why she wants to keep her job going . Larissa taught Natalia to have a strong work ethic from a young age . As the family were struggling to get by , Natalia had to leave school to start earning money by selling fruit before she found fame as a model . Her rags to riches tale was complete when in 2001 , she married English aristocrat , Justin Portman , the heir to 110 acres of prime central London property and the half-brother of the 10th Viscount Portman . They had three children together but separated in 2011 . Since then , Natalia has met another wealthy suitor , Antoine Arnault , 36 , the CEO of luxury men 's footwear brand Berluti , and the son of LVMH founder Bernard Arnault . Close : Natalia said her mother is an inspiration to her . Role model : Natalia , pictured with her mother at an awards do , said it 's thanks to her upbringing that she has achieved success . New love : The supermodel has a son with Antoine Arnault , 36 , the CEO of Berluti . They had a son , Maxim , together in May . While Natalia now lives a privileged life , she said she has never forgotten her roots . She said of her past : ` It was a tough but not a bleak life . I remember once finding a rouble on the street -- at a time when the average salary was perhaps 25 roubles a month ; I grabbed it with a feeling of euphoria , ran back to my mother and was allowed to go shopping for food with it . It was a wonderful feeling to be able to do that for my family . From very early on , I had a strong sense of responsibility . ' Cover girl : Natalia is always in demand for fashion campaigns . Friends in highplaces : The model with designer Stella McCartney . She added that she believes growing up in poverty set her on the path to success . ' I live a very different life now , with incredible privileges , but looking back I realise that growing up in Russia gave me tools that other people do n't necessarily have -- such as the will to push that bit further , to make things happen , to succeed . I try to use these now to help other people , ' she explained . In 2004 , Natalia founded the Naked Heart Foundation to help children in need in Russia . The charity aims to ` ensure that every child has a loving family , and a safe and stimulating place to play ' . The supermodel holds a number of fundraising events every year and has run half marathons to raise money for the charity . | Natalia , 33 , used to join her mother as a market trader in Nizhny Novgorod . She was discovered at the age of 17 and whisked off to a life of luxury . Became one of the world 's top supermodels . Her mother , Larissa , wants to carry on working despite daughter 's wealth . She said : ' I want to show we can achieve something in life by ourselves ' | [[231, 238], [246, 307], [231, 238], [251, 348], [1665, 1739], [231, 238], [251, 348], [231, 238], [353, 414], [415, 425], [428, 489], [725, 742], [751, 781], [831, 911], [1535, 1540], [1543, 1603], [912, 920], [925, 1051], [1585, 1649]] |
The average earnings of many immigrants from outside Europe have overtaken those of people born in Britain . Research shows that among couples or adults without children , those from beyond Europe 's borders are enjoying the higher standard of living . Among families with children , migrant incomes still lag behind those of the British-born -- although only slightly . Romanians outside the British Embassy in Bucharest seeking a visa which will give them entry to the UK . The findings come in the wake of the calculation by advisers to Home Secretary Theresa May that migration has had a serious impact on the lives of hundreds of thousands of people . The Migration Advisory Committee said that 160,000 jobs of British-born workers were ` displaced ' because of immigration between 1995 and 2010 . The figures showing the economic success of immigrants were gathered by the Office for National Statistics in its large-scale Labour Force Survey . However , the ONS has chosen not to analyse the information or to publish it . Instead , the material was made available to the EU 's statistics arm Eurostat , which used it to prepare an analysis of the economic performance of immigrants across the EU . Many of the migrants who come into Britain and live without children are highly qualified and command high salaries , for example American bankers recruited to work in the City . But the majority of the 300,000 people a year from outside Europe who come here are from countries which are poorer . The largest provider of migrants to Britain from outside Europe remains India . The EU breakdown of incomes is calculated not in pounds sterling but in ` purchasing power parities ' , units used to even out the effects of the different costs of living in different countries . It said that in 2008 , a British-born person in the UK living in a house with two or more adults but no children could expect a median disposable income of 25,647 ppp , while someone born abroad in a country outside the EU living in a similar home could expect to earn 26,267 ppp . Warning : Sir Andrew Green of Migrationwatch UK . For a couple with children , income for each British-born adult in a home would be 19,530 ppp , against 18,296 for those born abroad . In the case of families with children , those born in the EU were wealthier than those born in the rest of the world . Britain has accepted more than half a million immigrants a year -- people from abroad who come to live in this country for more than 12 months -- over recent years . Around 300,000 a year come from outside the EU and they fall into the category where Coalition ministers are most anxious to curb immigration . They include large numbers of highly-qualified individuals from Western countries , such as the U.S. and Australia . However , the largest single country outside Europe providing migrants to Britain is India , from which just under 12 per cent of all migrants came in 2010 . Sir Andrew Green of the think tank Migrationwatch said the Eurostat findings underlined the conclusions of the Migration Advisory Committee -- ` that most of the benefits of highly-skilled migration go to the migrants themselves ' . Economist Ruth Lea of the Arbuthnot Banking Group said : ` This should end the perception that immigrant labour consists of downtrodden people coming to do jobs for low wages that British people do not want to do . ` We have people coming from the four corners of the world and there is a lot of variation among them . ' While there is increasing evidence of the prosperity of migrants , and in particular well-qualified migrants , a high proportion of people born in Britain remain mired in worklessness and benefit dependency . ONS figures say that nearly one in five of the country 's households has no adult with a job . | Childless couples from beyond Europe enjoy better standard of living than British . | [[109, 252], [129, 169], [172, 252]] |
Victim : Jane Bartholomew , 39 , -LRB- pictured -RRB- was killed by her former boyfriend Scott Ellis , who was ` obsessed ' with films and serial killers , a court heard . A man ` obsessed ' with films and serial killers battered his former girlfriend to death with a claw hammer on Friday 13th , a court heard today . Scott Ellis , 42 , is accused of attacking Jane Bartholomew , 39 , after using a spare key to get into her home in Martlesham Heath , near Ipswich , Suffolk . He waited for his former partner to return home from taking two of their daughters to school , before killing her and slashing his own wrists , Ipswich Crown Court heard . The court was told thatunemployed Ellis , a heavy cannabis smoker who had suffered from depression for years , could not accept that his 25 year relationship with Miss Bartholomew was over . He allegedly assembled a ` killing kit ' in the days before attacking her on Friday , June 13 this year , buying a hammer from a hardware store , and adding nylon rope , scissors , a modelling knife , bin liners , freezer bags , duct tape and a spade . Ellis , who had suffered minor injuries , was taken to hospital and arrested after Miss Bartholomew 's body was found . A post mortem examination on the mother-of-three who worked in an electronics factory found she had suffered 22 blows to her head and had been strangled . Ellis of Tunstall near Woodbridge denies murder , but has admitted manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility . Tiler Mark Mayhew , who had been friends with Ellis since school , said in a statement read to the court : ` Scott is obsessed with films . ' He added : ` He was interested in notorious serial killers and knew a lot about them . He saw programmes about them and read books which made him knowledgeable about them . ' The court heard how Ellis , who lived in a converted garage at his mother 's home , was the father of Bartholomew 's three daughters . Scene : The court was told that Ellis , 42 , used a spare key to get into Miss Bartholomew 's home in Martlesham Heath , near Ipswich , Suffolk , -LRB- pictured -RRB- and then waited for her to arrive home . The couple were said to have lived apart for around ten years , but continued in an ` on and off ' relationship . Mr Mayhew said Miss Bartholomew had been urging Ellis to get a job so they could be together ` like a normal family ' . However , he said that his friend later hacked into her email and discovered that she had put her profile on an internet dating website . He added that Ellis had told him how he grabbed Miss Bartholomew by the throat and pushed her into a thorn bush at her workplace on May 22 , leaving her with red marks on her neck . Partner : Miss Bartholomew had been urging Ellis to get a job so they could be together ` like a normal family ' , the court heard . Miss Bartholomew later told him in an internet conversation that her relationship with Ellis was over . Mr Mayhew added : ` On Friday the 13th of June , I got a call from Scott at 2pm . Scott was in tears in a really bad way . He was crying and said . ` Mate you have got to come right now ' . ' He said he drove to see Ellis at his home , but was turned away by his mother . Peter Gair , prosecuting , said police officers used a crowbar to break into Miss Bartholomew 's semi-detached home and found her body after the alarm was raised by the couple 's 15-year-old daughter , who found the house locked . Her body was on the living room floor with her arms and legs bound with rope , a bag over her head and her feet covered by a bin liner . She had damage to her fingernails consistent with her ` clawing ' at her attacker as well as broken bones and bruising on her arms and hands consistent with her raising her arms to defend herself , added Mr Gair . Ellis told police that he had been lying in wait for Miss Bartholomew and attacked her with the hammer when she returned home . He also told officers that he had wanted her to die because she had ` hurt ' him and he had intended to slit his wrists and die beside her . Mr Gair added : ` He said he felt he could n't live without her and did n't want her to meet anyone else . ` This killing was premeditated and planned and we say in all probability motivated by anger and rejection . We say the killing was brutally executed . ' Mr Gair said that Ellis had attacked his former partner from behind , striking her repeatedly over the head with the hammer and putting his hand over her mouth to stop her screaming . Trial : Ipswich Crown Court -LRB- pictured -RRB- was told that Ellis had tried to clear up after Miss Bartholomew 's death . After allegedly tying her legs and arms and putting bags over her head and feet he tried to clean up some of the blood before leaving the house and locking the door behind him , the court heard . Jason Ball , another friend of Ellis , told the court that Ellis had told him he would be better off if she had died . He said he also got a call from Ellis ` at 2pm on Friday the 13th of June ' . Mr Ball added : ` He was very distressed and not making too much sense . He said . ' I have done Jane ' or ' I have done something terrible ' . ' Mr Ball 's brother Steven Ball who also spoke to Ellis before the killing said : ` Jane was putting pressure on him to get a job and be more responsible for the children . ` He said to me in April or May , ' I feel like taking a hammer to her , cutting her up , putting her in bags and getting rid of her in the sea . ' I thought it was over the top , but I did n't think he was serious at the time . ' The trial continues . Sorry we are not currently accepting comments on this article . | Scott Ellis , 42 , is accused of attacking Jane Bartholomew , 39 . He used spare key to get into her home in Martlesham Heath , near Ipswich . Cannabis user ` waited for her to get home , then attacked her with hammer ' He assembled ` killing kit ' with rope , scissors and a knife , court told . Ellis has admitted manslaughter but denies murdering former partner . | [[319, 330], [333, 335], [338, 380], [386, 409], [319, 330], [333, 335], [338, 380], [386, 409], [319, 330], [386, 450], [1953, 2065], [172, 294], [319, 330], [333, 335], [338, 380], [386, 409], [478, 510], [492, 570], [2118, 2154], [3800, 3902], [3800, 3805], [3823, 3825], [3874, 3927], [4330, 4489], [156, 171], [841, 879], [882, 924], [841, 843], [991, 1093], [2824, 2841], [1369, 1416], [1369, 1402], [1417, 1494]] |
A woman who endured almost a decade of failed IVF attempts and two miscarriages has finally become a mother -- after taking an aspirin every day during her pregnancy . Sarah Broadfield , 34 , feared she would never have children after spending # 15,000 on fertility treatment and two miscarriages that left her devastated . But when she became pregnant again in November last year , she began taking the 2p aspirin each day after doctors said her miscarriages were caused by her blood being too ` sticky ' . Sarah Broadfield , 34 , finally gave birth to son Alfie -LRB- pictured -RRB- after seven rounds of IVF and two miscarriages . After being diagnosed with Antiphospholipis syndrome , which is known to cause miscarriages in pregnant women , Mrs Broadfield -LRB- pictured left during her pregnancy -RRB- was told to take a daily aspirin . The aspirin helped prevent a miscarriage and baby Alfie -LRB- pictured -RRB- was born in August weighing a healthy 8lb . She had been diagnosed with Antiphospholipid syndrome , which causes an increased risk of blood clots and miscarriage . However aspirin can help by thinning the blood , preventing this . Nine months later , her son Alfie was born in August 2014 , weighing a healthy 8lb . Mrs Broadfield , a nurse , said : ` Finally holding Alfie in my arms after everything we 've been through was the best moment of my life - and it 's all thanks to me taking an aspirin a day . ' She had married her 36-year-old husband Chris , an electrician , in 2006 and a year later they started trying for a baby , with hopes of eventually having two children . But , two years later , with no success , the couple went to see their GP for fertility tests . Although Mrs Broadfield had previously been diagnosed with endometriosis , doctors did n't believe this was affecting her fertility , but could n't find another explanation . The couple were referred for IVF through the NHS but two rounds of treatment failed . ` The first failure was the most devastating because I really thought it would work , ' Mrs Broadfield said . Antiphospholipid syndrome -LRB- APS -RRB- , which is also known as Hughes syndrome , is a disorder of the immune system that causes an increased risk of blood clots . Pregnant women with APS also have an increased risk of having a miscarriage , although the exact reasons for this are uncertain . At least 15 per cent of recurrent miscarriages -LRB- having three or more miscarriages in a row -RRB- occur as a result of APS , and it is now recognised as the most common , treatable cause . Generally , if a woman is diagnosed with APS following miscarriages , she will be treated daily with low dose aspirin -LRB- 75mg-150mg -RRB- . Treatment with aspirin can help pregnant women improve their chances of having a successful pregnancy . With treatment , it 's estimated there is about an 80 per cent chance of having a successful pregnancy . In April this year , U.S. scientists found low doses of the drug could improve the chances of conception and of having a live birth . It can help women who have recently lost a baby to conceive again . This could be because the drug increases blood flow to the womb , they said . ` Even though I knew it was n't my fault , I blamed myself . I felt like I 'd failed as a woman . ' When a third IVF cycle failed , the couple scraped together their savings , as well as getting some help from their parents , and paid for a fourth attempt at a private hospital . They were delighted when Sarah became pregnant a few weeks later . At the six week scan , everything looked fine but , two weeks later , a second scan showed that she had suffered a ` silent miscarriage ' and the baby had stopped developing in her womb . ` It was heart-breaking but we were reassured that at least I 'd managed to become pregnant this time . ` When it happened for a second time though , we started to wonder if there was a serious problem , ' she said . Following the two miscarriages at eight weeks , the couple were referred to the Liverpool Miscarriage Clinic and blood tests showed that Mrs Broadfield had Antiphospholipid syndrome -LRB- AS -RRB- , a disorder of the immune system which causes an increased risk of blood clots . People with AS are at risk of developing deep vein thrombosis and artery clots , but the condition is particularly dangerous to pregnant women as it can lead to miscarriages . It 's estimated that AS is responsible for one in six cases of multiple miscarriages , as well as one in six cases of deep vein thrombosis . For Mrs Broadfield , the condition did not explain why she had n't become pregnant naturally - but did explain why she 'd miscarried twice . She said : ` It was such a relief to know what was wrong and the solution seemed impossibly simple . ' Because of its blood-thinning qualities , an aspirin a day has long been hailed as a means of preventing strokes and some experts say it could also reduce the risk of cancer . Doctors advised Mrs Broadfield the daily tablet throughout her pregnancy would thin her blood and dramatically reduce the risk of her miscarrying for a third time . So , the couple embarked on their final round of IVF , with two eggs from previous attempts being implanted . Mrs Broadfield married electrician husband Chris , 36 , in 2006 and a year later they started trying for a baby . At the 20 week scan doctors said Alfie was developing normally , but Mrs Broadfield said she was a ` nervous wreck ' before every scan , ` waiting for them to deliver bad news ' ` By that stage , we were wrung-out , emotionally and financially so we decided it would be our last go , ' she added . Weeks later , she became pregnant with twins and started her ` aspirin therapy ' , as well as having an anti-clotting injection daily throughout the pregnancy . Sadly , at the six week scan , the couple were told that one of the foetuses had failed . But , despite their disappointment , they were relieved to see the second baby was developing normally . Aspirin , which helped her give birth to son Alfie , was ` modern day magic ' , Mrs Broadfield said . ` The doctors kept a really close eye on us , which was reassuring , but I was still a nervous wreck before every scan , waiting for them to deliver bad news , ' she said . Superstitious , Mr and Mrs Broadfield even waited until the later stages of the pregnancy before preparing their baby 's nursery . As her risk of having a stillbirth was heightened , the baby was induced at 38 weeks and the couple 's baby boy Alfie came along on August 1st 2014 . Mrs Broadfield described how holding her baby in her arms was a moment of both joy and terror . She said : ` Just after he was born , he went quiet and I panicked . Then we heard him cry and it was the best moment ever , ' she said . She added : ` Holding him in my arms , it felt so surreal , as we 'd waited so long to meet him . ' The next day , they brought Alfie home and he continues to thrive . ` They have no plans to embark on more IVF but she knows what to do if another baby were to come along . ` If only I 'd known that taking one aspirin a day could help me so much , ' she said . ` It would have saved us a lot of heartache . ' I wanted to speak out to hopefully help any other women who might have this condition without knowing it . ` For us , the aspirin was modern day magic and we always keep a box in our cupboard now , just in case . ' | Sarah Broadfield , 34 , thought she would never become a mother . She endured 7 years of IVF treatment costing # 15,000 and 2 miscarriages . Doctors said her miscarriages were caused by Antiphospholipid syndrome . This condition causes an increase risk of blood clots and miscarriage . Doctors said aspirin could help thin her blood and prevent miscarriage . The couple scraped together their savings for one last round of IVF . She became pregnant and in August , Alfie was born weighing a healthy 8lb . Mrs Broadfield credits the aspirin for his birth , calling it ` modern day magic ' | [[168, 184], [192, 296], [0, 91], [99, 107], [111, 167], [0, 79], [84, 107], [111, 167], [168, 184], [192, 296], [280, 296], [302, 323], [558, 633], [1924, 1956], [328, 380], [383, 459], [964, 1017], [992, 1017], [1026, 1083], [2234, 2257], [2263, 2309], [4220, 4298], [4363, 4395], [4396, 4536], [6409, 6440], [843, 904], [1084, 1130], [1092, 1099], [1133, 1150], [2700, 2803], [4973, 5050], [3289, 3318], [3321, 3362], [5122, 5124], [5127, 5174], [508, 524], [532, 584], [888, 938], [939, 963], [1151, 1168], [1171, 1208], [1151, 1168], [1171, 1178], [1211, 1235], [6495, 6555], [6000, 6007], [6016, 6044], [6000, 6007], [6053, 6075]] |
When it comes to losing weight quickly and effectively , one nutritionist claims we should look to the eating habits of toddlers as the perfect example of what diet plan to follow . Nicolette Pace , who is based in New York , told ABC News that babies have an organic rhythm when it comes to refueling their bodies and insisted that adults could benefit to learn from their food habits . ` We prioritize everything above eating . But our babies - if they 're hungry we 'll move hell and high water to make sure they 're fed , ' she said . Scroll down for video . Baby talk : New York-based nutritionist Nicolette Pace says that adults could lose weight by behaving more like toddlers , who push food away when they 're no longer hungry . Ms Pace went on to point out that babies almost never skip meals , while it 's common for adults to forgo food when putting in long hours at work . She added that babies tend to push food away when they 're no longer hungry , and are not likely to spend an entire day snacking on chips like their grown-up counterparts might . What 's more , babies have their portions controlled for them , which is especially important as a newborn 's stomach is only about the size of a cherry . ` It grows as they grow and by adulthood our stomachs are about the size of a softball , ' she said , explaining that it 's key to know what our stomachs can handle . Steady diet : ` We prioritize everything above eating . But our babies - if they 're hungry we 'll move hell and high water to make sure they 're fed , ' Ms Pace -LRB- pictured -RRB- said . Ms Pace also advised taking at least 15 minutes to finish a meal . ` Babies do n't rush through their meals . They slow down and enjoy , ' she said . And finally , she recommends eating in intervals of two to four hours - the length of time that food stays in one 's stomach . Ms Pace , who shares more nutrition advice on her website NutriSource , further warned against the dangers of eating too quickly in a recent blog post . ` Eating fast is one of the most common habits people with weight problems face , ' she wrote . ` Even though the body has an intricate signaling system to alert you as to when you 've had enough , a 24/7 lifestyle can override these subtle suggestions and you end up wolfing down your meal . ' | Nutritionist Nicolette Pace says that babies ' behaviors such as pushing away food when they 're no longer hungry could benefit adults . | [[0, 54], [57, 169], [280, 282], [319, 387], [575, 683], [675, 683], [690, 737], [886, 1005]] |
Protection : Harris has been moved to Stafford prison after being bullied by inmates at HMP Bullingdon . Disgraced entertainer Rolf Harris has been moved to a ` soft ' prison after being bullied by inmates . The 84-year-old has been transferred to Stafford jail , which has two separate wings for ` vulnerable ' sex offenders , from HMP Bullingdon , in Oxfordshire . He was moved prison following a number of incidents where he was targeted by fellow inmates . A source said : ` The other prisoners were keen to take him down a peg or two . He was moved to another prison for his own safety about two weeks ago . ' In July , the former TV personality was spat at by an inmate during a prison church service which sparked a mass brawl . Other prisoners verbally abused Harris from the pews of the chapel . Witnesses claimed the inmate tried to spit on the convicted paedophile but missed and hit another prisoner . The incident led to an attack between the two convicts , who began throwing punches and had to be separated by officers . Harris also angered fellow inmates when he was accused of receiving special treatment after landing the ` plum job ' of prison gardener . The Australian was paid to look after the vegetable patch and parts of the ground , despite one prisoner saying he had been waiting 12 months for a similar job . Easy living : Harris has been moved to Stafford prison , which has separate wings for ` vulnerable ' sex offenders . Elsewhere , Harris faced threats from prisoners on his wing for hogging the prison phones . The shamed TV star chattered for up to an hour each time on one of the five phones shared between 140 inmates to call his wife Alwen and daughter Bindi . It was also reported that Harris had lost a stone since being jailed , as he disliked the taste of prison food . Harris , who had previously enjoyed eating curried lobster and roast quail as part of his pre-prison diet , struggled to adjust to prison meals such as tuna salads and low-fat chicken curries . But more recently , it was claimed Harris had won over some of the prisoners by signing drawings for convicts who queue outside his cell . However , the artist , who painted an official portrait of the Queen , was banned from painting last week because prison bosses decided his oils pose a fire risk . It meant he was forced to use pencils for his sketches instead . Disgraced : Harris was convicted in June of 12 indecent assaults on four girls as young as eight . He is pictured here with his daughter Bindi , right , and his wife Alwen , left , who is said to regularly visit him in jail . Harris was convicted of 12 indecent assaults on June 30 at Southwark Crown Court by Mr Justice Sweeney - one on an eight-year-old autograph hunter , two on girls in their early teens and a catalogue of abuse of his daughter 's friend over 16 years . During the trial , Harris , a family favourite for decades , was finally unmasked as a predator who was fixated with under-age girls . Jurors were told how his 16-year campaign of sex abuse against his daughter 's friend ` haunted ' her and made her abandon her dreams as he continued to be adored by millions of fans worldwide . Passing sentence , Justice Sweeney said : ` You have shown no remorse for your crimes at all . Your reputation now lies in ruins , you have been stripped of your honours but you have no one to blame but yourself . ' His fall from grace was underlined as he was stripped of a Bafta fellowship and accolades in his native Australia were removed , and he faces losing his prestigious CBE . The performer 's multi-million pound fortune is also at risk from potential compensation claims . He was jailed for five years and nine months for the sex abuse , meaning that he is due to serve just under three years for the crimes , which spanned between 1968 and 1986 . The Prison Service said : ` We do n't comment on individuals . ' A spokesman for the Ministry of Justice said : ` We would not describe the prison as soft , it is more simply more appropriate for this type of offending . ` The prison is somewhere where they hold this type of offender and so it is easier to have them in one place . ' | Rolf Harris has been moved to Stafford jail from HMP Bullingdon . Stafford prison has two separate wings for ` vulnerable ' sex offenders . Disgraced entertainer had been repeatedly targeted by inmates . He was spat at by a prisoner during a church service which sparked a brawl . Also angered inmates when he landed the plum job of prison gardener . Harris was sentenced in July to five years and nine months for 12 indecent assaults on four girls . | [[11, 104], [208, 261], [1348, 1390], [248, 261], [270, 347], [1375, 1390], [1399, 1452], [105, 207], [105, 131], [175, 207], [409, 460], [1453, 1462], [1465, 1512], [615, 622], [625, 706], [683, 706], [713, 735], [823, 875], [914, 968], [1036, 1042], [1048, 1173], [2384, 2472], [3665, 3727]] |
A vehicle dashcam has captured the frightening moment a driver has spun out of control at high speed , after being clipped by a truck changing lanes . The footage shows a motorist driving along the M1 highway at Gosford on the NSW Central Coast when suddenly a car is hurled sideways and spins across three lanes , in front of a semi , and collides with the dashcam vehicle . It even captures the expression of the driver , who appears frightened and alarmed at what is happening . Scroll down to video . A driver 's face says it all after he was clipped by a car and spun across three lanes of the M1 motorway near Gosford . The accident was captured by a vehicle which had a dashcam as the other car was hurled right in front of it . The accident is captured at high speed , with the section of the highway , a 110 kilometre an hour zone . Posted to Facebook , by Dashcam Owners Australia , the incident which saw no one injured , has copped a few humorous responses . Most of the responses surround the expression on the drivers face saying ` he saw it coming ' and ` the guys face is pure fear ' , while the picture has been captioned with a number of different sayings . Posted to Facebook , there has been discussion as to who was at fault , the truck or the car . The vehicle that was clipped by the truck , was hurled across three lanes on the M1 before colliding with the dashcam vehicle . There is also talk about who is at fault , some users making comment that it is clearly the fault of the truck driver because ` the truckie should have made sure it was clear to change lanes ' while others refer to a trucks ` blind spot ' , saying no one was at fault . | A vehicle dashcam has captured the moment a driver spins out of control on the M1 highway in NSW after being clipped by a truck . The dashcam also captured the expression of the driver , who appears frightened and alarmed . The incident which was posted to Facebook has received mixed reactions as to who was at fault . | [[0, 100], [103, 150], [151, 244], [540, 542], [568, 625], [626, 664], [655, 664], [671, 701], [1271, 1312], [1315, 1398], [376, 421], [411, 421], [428, 481], [1071, 1097], [842, 860], [1176, 1194], [1197, 1270], [1399, 1439]] |
Mothers are ` worth less ' to employers in the City than men , Nigel Farage claimed today . The Ukip leader suggested women who take time off to have children are paid less because they lose contact with their client base and struggle to succeed when they return to work . Hours after making the controversial remarks , Mr Farage complained it was ` not very nice ' being clobbered over the head with a placard as he tried to enter push his way through an angry protest in Kent . Scroll down for video . Mr Farage was confronted by a crowd of angry protesters as he arrived at an event in Thanet , Kent today . As he battled through the crowds , he was hit over the head with a placard which crumbled under the force . Addressing an audience . in the City this morning , Mr Farage insisted there is no sex . discrimination in financial services because childless women do ` as well . or better than men ' . In . highly-controversial remarks , Mr Farage -- who has previously defended . the City 's culture of drinking and strip clubs -- said women can succeed . in the industry as long as they are willing to ` sacrifice the family . life ' . He also rejected the idea of becoming a stay-at-home father who allowed his wife to pursue a career . But hours later he was physically attacked as he tried to attend an event in Margate in Kent . He said the incident , outside a hotel , was worse than when an angry mob blockaded him in an Edibnurgh pub last year . ` In . Edinburgh they cane along to make a noise . Here they came to bar me . from actually physically entering this hotel , and with intent to . physically hurt me , ' he told ITV Meridian . ` So that 's not very nice . I did n't like it but it is not going to stop me . ' Ukip leader Nigel Farage said women who take time off to have children lose their client base and become less valuable to employers . ON LAPDANCING ` Lap . dancing ? Do n't have the time these days , but I used to go to them . Like . it or not , they are a fact of life . You are talking about normal . behaviour there . Everyone does it ... Prostitution and lap dancing are not the same thing , they can be but not usually . ' ON DRINKING ` I 'll tell you something . I work an 18 hour day most days and I think I 'm entitled at lunchtime to a pint . ' ON MARGARET THATCHER ' I . can not believe that a young Margaret Thatcher leaving Oxford today . would join the Conservative party led by John Major . I think she 'd come . and get involved in UKIP . ' ON EU PRESIDENT HERMAN VAN ROMPUY'You have the charisma of a damp rag , and the appearance of a low-grade bank clerk . And the question that I want to ask ... that we 're all going to ask , is `` Who are you ? '' . I 'd never heard of you . Nobody in Europe had ever heard of you . ' ON ENOCH POWELL ` Enoch Powell was an extraordinary fellow . I admired him for having the guts to talk about an issue that seemed to be to be really rather important -- immigration , society , how do we want to live in this country . ' Speaking in London this morning , Mr Farage rejected the idea that the . City is still an ` old boys ' although he admitted that in the 1980s it . was a ` deeply sexist place ' . But he insisted the culture had changed and women could be successful -- provided they did not have children . Mr Farage said : ` You are as valuable as the client base that sticks with you and will move with you . ` In many , many cases , women make different choices in life than what men make simply for biological reasons . ` And . if a woman has a client base , has a child and takes two or three years . off work , she is worth far less to the employer when she comes back than . when she went away because her client base will not have stuck rigidly . to her . ' Mr Farage said . there was no ` discrimination against women at all ' in the City , adding : . ` Young , able women who are prepared to sacrifice the family life and . stick to their career will do as well or better than men . ' While growing numbers of men were choosing to stay-at-home to allow partners to return to work , Mr Farage added : ` I have to admit I was never going to be one of them myself . ' Labour deputy leader Harriet Harman said Mr Farage was ` downright wrong ' . She added : ` There 's not a single business or public service in this country which would still have the lights on if women were n't there at work . ` And yes , women do an important role in the home as well , not least because men do n't share equally in the home and therefore it falls to women . ` But women are vital in their work and I think that is an affront to women in this country and I just ca n't believe that he 's said that . ' Kirsty Ayre , a partner at the international law firm Pinsent Masons , said : ` These remarks reflect an incredibly narrow view of worth . ' She added : ` The days when you evaluate someone 's contribution based on their book of contacts are long gone and employers risk losing out on top talent if that is their attitude . ' Mr Farage also hit back at attacks on . Ukip , after he suspended a councillor who blamed the Christmas and New . Year floods on David Cameron 's decision to legalise gay marriage . David . Silvester claimed last week that the country had been ` beset by storms ' because the Prime Minister had acted ` arrogantly against the Gospel ' by . passing same-sex marriage laws . Ukip 's . leadership had originally refused to discipline Mr Silvester , 73 , a . town councillor in Henley-on-Thames , Oxfordshire , saying that everyone . was entitled to their religious views . But he was finally suspended yesterday afternoon after defying a request not to do further interviews on his beliefs . However , . Mr Farage today suggested that the remarks had only become a story . after Mr Silvester joined Ukip from the Tory party , where he had . previously aired similar views . Women who ` sacrifice ' family life can still be successful in the financial sector , Mr Farage said . Speaking . in a question-and-answer session in the City , the Ukip leader said : ' I . think it is very interesting that , when Mr Silvester was saying these . things in 2012 and 2013 as a Conservative town councillor in Henley , it . was not a news story . But suddenly he switches to Ukip and continues the . same thing and gets on the national news . ' I . think that shows you and tells you all you need to know . The . establishment , the status quo , the big businesses , the big Eurocrats and . our three so-called main political parties are scared witless by what . Ukip is doing because we are striking a chord not just for ordinary . people but for many elements in the business community as well . ` They will try to do whatever they can to shoot us down . ' Mr Silvester angered party bosses by going on local radio to say that being gay was a ` spiritual disease ' which can be healed . | Ukip leader says mothers who take time off lose contact with client base . Dismisses idea of sex discrimination because childless women do succeed . Accused the media of singling out Ukip for criticism over members . Councillor David . Silvester suspended for linking storms to gay marriage . | [[63, 91], [118, 234], [1734, 1867], [1764, 1769], [1788, 1827], [3010, 3018], [3044, 3082], [63, 91]] |
A British jihadi fighting for the Islamic State in Syria has been showing off his rapping skills on Twitter - urging his followers to stop playing video games and devote their lives to terrorism instead . Peppering his bizarre schoolboy rhymes with UK street slang and references to popular Western culture , Abu Qaqa al-Britani Afro 's page is filled with references to life in ISIS ' de facto capital Raqqa , where he says ` death is near ' but he claims to ` show no fear ' . Declaring himself to be a ` poet ' , al-Britani Afro also hints at a past life as a drug dealer in the UK , saying : ` Not many seen wat I have seen ... Used to be on the street like a vending machine -LSB- sic -RSB- ' . It is thought that al-Britani Afro - who has also used the nom de guerre Abu Qaqa al-Afreeki in an apparent nod to his African descent - is in his early 20s and first arrived in Syria earlier this year . Militant : Abu Qaqa al-Britani Afro , whose real identity is not known , regularly posts ` selfies ' on Twitter showing him wearing a floppy floppy fisherman hat , a balaclava and glasses in the majority of his pictures . Al-Britani Afro peppers his schoolboy rhymes with UK street slang and references to popular Western culture . Rapper : Each of the militant 's simplistic rhymes draws a string of positive comments from the 500 people following him on Twitter - suggesting his bizarre rhymes are held in high regard by ISIS supporters . Al-Britani Afro , whose real identity is not known , regularly posts ` selfies ' on Twitter showing him wearing a floppy fisherman hat , a balaclava and glasses in the majority of his pictures . Posing with AK47 assault rifles resting between his arms , the rapping jihadi also dresses in light Western-style rain jackets , rather than the heavy combat gear his fellow militants typically wear . However it is in his bizarre rhymes celebrating ISIS ' brutal interpretation of extremist Islam that Al-Britani Afro truly betrays his Western upbringing . ` Call of Duty Drop the Fifa and come give bayeh to the Khalifah , ' he writes in one message urging his followers to stop playing popular video games and declare to their allegiance to the leader of the terror group Abu Bakr as-Baghdadi . Another message trumpeted the recent sickening filmed beheading of 16 Syrian soldiers by a band of ISIS killers including the groups British chief executioner ` Jihadi John ' . ` That video was epic / Head chopped of no need for the medic / Fake Scholar all apologetic / So pathetic / Remember to kuffar -LSB- non-Muslims -RSB- we ai n't sympathetic , ' he wrote . Each of the militant 's simplistic rhymes draws a string of positive comments from the 500 people following him on Twitter - suggesting his bizarre rhymes are held in high regard by ISIS supporters . Armed : Abu Qaqa al-Britani Afro first emerged on Twitter in mid-October 2014 , using the now suspended twitter handle , @BritaniQaqa . He is understood to have arrived in Syria a short time before . Following the suspension of his first Twitter account , al-Britani Afro created a second profile @AbuQaqaBrit . Self-declared poet : Abu Qaqa al-Britani Afro 's page is filled with references to life in ISIS ' de facto capital Raqqa , where he says ` death is near ' but he claims to ` show no fear ' Al-Britani Afro first emerged on Twitter in mid-October 2014 , using the now suspended twitter handle , @BritaniQaqa . One of his fellow British ISIS fighters , Abu 3antarr al-Britani , was among the first to raise awareness of Abu Qaqa 's account . ` Everybody follow my brother @BritaniQaqa , he is new on Twitter . He is in dawla -LSB- ISIS-held areas of Syria and Iraq -RSB- . He is radicalised and he is armed . ' Following the suspension of his first Twitter account , Abu Qaqa hastily created a second profile . Again , Abu 3antar , was quick to promote the extremists ' latest Twitter page , writing that ` his rhymes are affecting the kuffar -LSB- non-Muslims -RSB- , so support him . ' The close online relationship between the pair suggests they may well be stationed together in the group 's de facto capital city Raqqa . Horror : One Twitter message trumpeted the recent sickening filmed beheading of 16 Syrian soldiers by a band of ISIS killers including the groups British chief executioner ` Jihadi John ' Al-Britani Afro , who also uses the name ` Greenbird Express ' , has recently been tweeting about the airstrikes being carried out on Raqqa by the Assad regime . He urges his followers to pray ` nothing happens to our women and children ' in Raqqa but insists his own safety is of little concern . ` This is the life I choose / None can oppose / Trapped in the Dunya -LSB- on Earth -RSB- trying to perfect my flows / The cursed one , I do n't want to be one of those , ' he recently wrote . Al-Britani Afro also repeatedly expresses a desire to die fighting for ISIS , continually expressing his warped belief that killing in the name of Islam will somehow lead him to heaven . ` Upgrade your stature / Hijra is the starter / Die as a martyr / Green bird that 's another chapter , ' he writes , going on to say that he hopes to be reincarnated as a green bird in the afterlife . Rapping jihadis : Al-Britani Afro is not the only ISIS militant to express extremist views . Abdel-Majed Abdel Bary -LRB- left -RRB- - the Londoner once suspected of being Jihadi John - was an aspiring rapper who appeared on Radio One before joining ISIS . German jihadi Denis Cusper -LRB- right -RRB- - was also once a successful rapper . Dangerous : Performing under the name Deso Dogg , Cusper gave up his music after embracing radical Isla , adopting the nom de guerre Abu Talha al-Almani and travelling to join ISIS in Syria -LRB- pictured -RRB- . Jihadi poetry has a long history in the Islamic world . Details on the lives of militants known as the Mujahideen during the 1979 Afghan war , were often recorded through poems . Many of these rhymes feature elaborate musings on what the fighters expects to be met with in the afterlife . They were typically written during the quieter moments of the conflict with the Soviet Union . Osama bin Laden was well known for his poetry on jihad . His verses described the thrill of battles and the companionship of his fellow fighters . Al-Britani Afro is not the only ISIS militant to use rap as a means to express extremist views . Abdel-Majed Abdel Bary - the Londoner who was once suspected of being Jihadi John until security officials ruled him out - was an aspiring rapper who appeared on Radio One before swapping the microphone for an AK47 . Formerly known by his stage name , L Jinny one of Bary 's friends was previously quited as saying : ` He had the talent - he could have been as big as Dizzee Rascal . ' Likewise German fighter Denis Cusper - who was recently shown beheading an Iraqi tribesmen in another sickening ISIS murder film - was also once a successful hip hop artist . Performing under the name Deso Dogg , Cusper gave up his music after embracing radical Isla , adopting the nom de guerre Abu Talha al-Almani and travelling to join ISIS in Syria . | Militant Abu Qaqa al-Britani Afro uses rap to express his extremist views . Thought to have joined ISIS in de facto capital Raqqa earlier this year . Now posts messages on Twitter urging others to embrace radical Islam . Simplistic raps have been branded ` poetry ' by other British jihadis in Syria . | [[0, 130], [6348, 6384], [4055, 4136]] |
Discovered : The body of Kosta Karageorge was found on Sunday in a dumpster two blocks from his Columbus , Ohio , apartment . Missing Ohio State football player , Kosta Karageorge , has been found dead in a dumpster , days after sending his mother cryptic texts apologizing for being ` an embarrassment ' because of his repeated concussions . Police spokesman Sgt. Rich Weiner said police received a call around 2:30 p.m. from someone reporting a body found in the trash bin in Columbus . Weiner said a woman and her son apparently were looking for items in the dumpster when they found the body , which had suffered a self-inflicted gunshot wound . ` At this time we are able to confirm through tattoos here at the scene that it is the body of Kosta Karageorge , ' Weiner said . Weiner also revealed that a handgun was recovered from the dumpster . Police found the body near the campus after a search began when Karageorge went missing Wednesday . The senior defensive tackle had last been seen at his apartment in Columbus , when his roommates said he left to go on a walk . Susan Karageorge told police she had received a text from her son about 1:30 am on Wednesday that said , ' I am sorry if I am an embarrassment but these concussions have my head all f *** ed up . ' The body was found within a couple hundred yards of Karageorge 's home and about a half block from High Street , the main artery of the campus . Sunday evening , no one answered when an Associated Press reporter knocked on the metal door of Karageorge 's apartment . Karageorge 's parents filed a missing-person report Wednesday evening , and his mother , Susan Karageorge , told police he had had several concussions and a few spells of being extremely confused , according to the report . She said that at about 1:30 a.m. Wednesday he texted a message apologizing and saying the concussions had messed up his head . ' I am sorry if I am an embarrassment , ' he said . Scroll down for video . Sad end : A police officer walks through the alley near 6th Avenue and Cortland Avenue in Columbus , Ohio where the body of missing Ohio State football player , Kosta Karageorge was discovered in a dumpster . Grisly : Neighbors observe police activity in an alley way near 6th Avenue and Cortland Avenue in Columbus on Sunday after the discovery of Kostas Karageorge 's body . Tragic : Columbus Police block the intersection near 6th Avenue and Cortland Avenue in Columbus , Ohio where the body of missing Ohio State football player , Kosta Karageorge was found on Sunday . The team 's physician said he 's confident in the policies in which athletes are returned to play after injury . A woman answering the phone Sunday at Susan Karageorge 's home identified herself as a friend and said that neither Susan Karageorge nor other family members had any comment . University athletic officials said they were grieved to learn of Karageorge 's death . ` It 's hit the team hard , ' team spokesman Jerry Emig said . Ohio State Athletic Director Gene Smith said in a text message when asked about any plans to honor the player or logistics for the team to attend the funeral that it was too soon to answer those questions . The Buckeyes will play Wisconsin in the Big Ten championship game Saturday at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis . A former Ohio State wrestler , Karageorge joined the football team as a walk-on this season . He played in one game and was among two dozen seniors slated to be recognized at the final home game Saturday against rival Michigan . The Buckeyes won , 42-28 . Search : Hundreds went in search of Ohio State player Kosta Karageorge , 22 , in Columbus , Ohio on Saturday three days after he vanished . His former coach -LRB- second left in red hoodie -RRB- said he was very scared for him . Desperate : Flyers and maps of Karageorge 's last-known steps were printed off and distributed in the town . Around 200 volunteers swarmed the streets in search of Karageorge on Saturday . ` I 'm very scared for him , ' he told The Columbus Dispatch . ` I 'm worried . I 'm trying to remain optimistic . We love him , and we want him home . ' Webber urged anyone that may have seen him to contact police . ` If you think you saw a 6 ' 5 ' , 250lb man , there are n't many out there . Chances are , it 's him , ' he said . His appeal came as a group of former Ohio State players tweeted their offer of a $ 1,000 cash reward for information that leads to Karageorge , who also goes by his middle name Alex. Ohio State University 's football stadium went silent Saturday as an announcer called out his name and the missing poster appeared on the scoreboard . The senior was reported missing after he uncharacteristically skipped two practices . His mother , Susan Karageorge , told police he has had several concussions and a few spells of being extremely confused . The team 's physician insists the squad would not have let Karageorge play after injury or illness if he were n't ready . Karageorge was last seen at his apartment around 2 am Wednesday , his sister , Sophia Karageorge told The Columbus Dispatch . Community effort : Former Ohio State players offered a $ 1,000 cash reward to find the 6 ' 5 ' player . Questions : It is unclear why Karageorge texted his mother to apologize for being an embarrassment . Appeal : His former coach Jeremiah Webber -LRB- left -RRB- told anyone that sees a 6 ' 5 ' man to call state police . Uncharacteristic : Roommates say the 250lb defensive tackle left the apartment for a walk at 2am Wednesday . Description : Flyers featuring a picture of Karageorge with his mother describe him as having brown eyes . Roommates said he appeared upset and went for a walk , dressed in a black hat , black sweater , black pants , and black boots . Ohio State coach Urban Meyer described Karageorge as a hard worker and an important player in practice . ` Our thoughts continue to be with the family of Kosta Karageorge , and we pray that he is safe and that he is found soon , ' Meyer said in a Friday statement . Karageorge , a former Buckeyes wrestler , joined the football team as a walk-on this season . He has played in one game and is among two dozen seniors slated to be recognized at their final home game Saturday against rival Michigan . Karageorge , a former Buckeyes wrestler , joined the football team as a walk-on this season . Karageorge 's sister said he left without his wallet or his motorcycle . He has a history of concussions , including one a month ago , and might have become disoriented , she said . ` We 're very concerned that he 's not himself and that he maybe does n't know what 's going on , ' she told the newspaper . She said after each concussion , he has followed trainers ' instructions and received proper care , but ` his repercussions from -LRB- concussions -RRB- have been long-term or delayed . ' The team 's physician , Dr Jim Borchers , said Friday that he could not comment on the medical care of student athletes . But , Boarches said , ` We are confident in our medical procedures and policies to return athletes to participation following injury or illness . ' The Dispatch reports that about 100 people gathered Friday afternoon in Columbus to post fliers with the player 's photo and description . | Body found 2 blocks from Kosta Karageorge 's home where he was last seen . Defensive tackle , 22 , texted apology to mom after concussion Wednesday . Missing person alert filed after he uncharacteristically missed practice . Last seen leaving his apartment at 2am on Wednesday dressed in black . Around 200 volunteers handed out flyers in Columbus , Ohio , Saturday . | [[0, 10], [13, 30], [0, 125], [950, 1025], [1276, 1386], [126, 133], [223, 304], [1767, 1893], [1781, 1841], [1820, 1841], [1853, 1868], [4645, 4730], [4645, 4655], [4669, 4730], [894, 949], [4975, 4994], [5000, 5038], [5443, 5532], [3789, 3798], [3801, 3850], [3872, 3897], [7127, 7265], [7153, 7265]] |
A Chinese woman has undergone drastic surgery to remove just under one stone of tissue from her breasts . The woman , known only as Mrs Lin , from Xiamen in China 's Fujian Province , noticed her chest began to grow rapidly in her 30s . The now 50-year-old finally visited doctors when the size became unbearable . Scroll down for video . Mrs Lin , 50 , underwent surgery to reduce the size of her enormous breasts -LRB- pictured left before the surgery -RRB- . The doctor who performed the operation said they were the biggest he had seen in his career . He removed 6kg of fat leaving her with a manageable C-cup bust -LRB- pictured right after the procedure -RRB- . She said : ` My breasts were normal sized even after I gave birth at 20 , but they grew up crazily when I was 30 . ' Dr Ouyang Zhong , from Xiamen University 's 1st Hospital , said despite working as a doctor for more than a decade , he had never seen breasts as large as Mrs Lin 's . ` Her breasts hung even under the bellybutton , ' he said . He removed 6kg -- just under one stone -- of fat to shrink her breasts to a manageable C cup . The amount of fat removed weighs almost twice as much as an average newborn baby , he said . The medical term for giant breasts is gigantomastia , a form of a condition known as hypertrophy of the breast tissue . It is a rare medical condition and is diagnosed where the breasts weigh more than three per cent of the total body weight . The consequences of having large breasts can be devastating , ranging from crippling back pain , neck and arm pain to headaches , friction rash and a curvature of the spine . It can cause stretching of the skin , which can sometimes lead to sores appearing . Over time , the physical strain of the breasts can cause breathing problems . Mrs Lin 's breasts had been growing ` crazily ' every since she was 30 , so she eventually decided to go to hospital to see if doctors could do anything to help . Many women who have the condition suffer depression , lack of self-esteem and wellbeing . Gigantomastia is diagnosed when breast weight exceeds three per cent of a person 's body weight . The enlargement can cause muscle pain , and over-stretching of the skin , which can lead to ulceration . The condition usually affects one breast more than the other , causing asymmetry . It is thought the underlying cause of the condition is a heightened sensitivity to female hormones prolactin , oestrogen and progesterone . Embarrassment can deter women from exercising , leaving them prone to health problems linked to obesity , including diabetes and heart disease . A study published in the Journal of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery in 2012 found that a woman with very large breasts can lose five years off her expected lifespan if she does not have a reduction . The condition can affect both breasts equally , but usually affects one breast more than the other , causing different-sized breasts . In Mrs Lin 's case , her right breast was larger than her left . Gigantomastia is thought to be caused by sensitivity to the female hormones prolactin , estrogen and progesterone , or an abnormally elevated level of these hormones in the blood , or both . Sometimes it occurs naturally in pregnancy , but usually the breasts shrink again a few months after the baby is born . It is usually treated with breast-reducing drugs , or testosterone . If at least 1.8 kg of breasts tissue needs to be removed then surgery is sometimes offered . Procedures include a reduction mammoplasty , an operation to reduce the size of the breasts , or a mastectomy , which removes all of the breast tissue altogether . | Mrs Lin , 50 , noticed her breasts began to grow ` crazily ' in her 30 's . By the time she was 50 she decided to go to the hospital for help . Doctors were shocked and said these were the biggest breasts they 'd seen . She underwent surgery to remove one stone of fat from her enormous bust . The 50-year-old now has breasts that are a manageable C cup . Enlarged breasts are normally caused by a hormonal condition . | [[106, 181], [184, 236], [746, 782], [1782, 1827], [1830, 1852], [237, 314], [1858, 1944], [462, 527], [506, 555], [902, 952], [0, 105], [0, 15], [46, 105], [595, 667], [1062, 1107]] |
A dangerous strain of E.coli has led to at least two children needing dialysis in hospital -- and left angry parents asking why authorities failed to sound the alert early enough . The rare form of the bacteria , apparently originating in Dorset , has struck 11 people , including five children , with seven developing kidney problems which could be permanent . One three-year-old girl , from Blandford in the county , is battling the infection in hospital after being struck down last week . Scroll down for video . Freddy Osborne , one , was rushed to hospital with E. coli after eating at Frankie & Benny 's in Castlepoint , Bournemouth - but the restaurant has been given the all clear . Several victims were associated with a children 's nursery . Yet while the outbreak began in July , Public Health England -LRB- PHE -RRB- only began raising any alarm this week . It is yet to identify the source of the potentially fatal infection of E.coli 055 but has ruled out a Bournemouth branch of restaurant chain Frankie and Benny 's where three victims dined in two separate groups before being struck down . Yesterday , PHE contacted the families of all the victims asking relatives to give blood tests in an attempt to establish the origin of the outbreak . One of those who needed dialysis is Freddy Osborne , now 21 months . Isaac Mortlock , three , also fell ill with E. coli after eating at the same Frankie & Benny 's restaurant , which has been cleared of any blame by investigators . Isaac 's mother Gabrielle Archer -LRB- pictured -RRB- also feared her son could die after finding him fitting in the middle of the night . He spent four weeks in Southampton General Hospital , much of it in intensive care , and required multiple blood transfusions . He was at one stage left blind for ten days and had to be put into a coma for six days because it was dangerous for him to try to breathe . Although Freddy survived the ordeal , he was left blind for 10 days and his kidneys may never work properly again . Eventually he was diagnosed with the E.coli 055 strain , although all the diagnoses took a long time because the strain has never been found since records began in 1994 . Freddy 's mother Charlotte Fudge , 25 , from Bournemouth , said : ` The whole family thought he was going to die . He was totally traumatised and went through hell . It is ridiculous Public Health England did n't warn people what was going on and work harder to find the source . ' Gabrielle Archer 's son Isaac , three , was in the same hospital as Freddy , also needing dialysis and spending time in intensive care . He is now home after nine weeks in two hospitals but is still on a nasal drip and has permanently damaged kidneys . The family fear he may be in need of a kidney transplant . Miss Archer , 26 , from Bournemouth , said : ` The day after Isaac 's birthday in July he suddenly got very ill . First he was sick . Then he began passing blood . ` At first doctors told us it was probably gastroenteritis . It was only when he started leaking blood permanently they said they 'd have to admit him to hospital . Then he got violently sick -- and an X-ray and scan showed his kidneys were affected and he had to go on dialysis . He had to be switched to another hospital in Southampton and stay there for five weeks . ` He had fits in the middle of one night as well , his eyes were rolling , I thought he was dying , and I was screaming `` Wo n't someone help my baby ? '' He was unrecognisable . ' Freddy , now two , was the first to pick up the rare strain of E. coli that has hospitalised 11 people in Dorset since July . Isaac 's aunt , Jessica Archer , was then struck down by the same strain of E.coli and was hospitalised . Miss Archer is angry that PHE did not start publicising the outbreak until this week . She said : ` I 'm devastated that other children are now suffering -- and feel that had Public Health England taken Isaac 's case more seriously in the first place , and put out more warnings , fewer people could have been affected . ' A spokesman for PHE said that the people affected by the strain had been struck over a lengthy period , and that while all had passed through Dorset , not all were from there , so it took some time to pull the facts together . She said : ` All those affected and their close contacts are being followed up and further investigations are taking place to determine the likely source . ' Cleared : Three people who have fallen ill with E. coli ate at Frankie & Benny 's before they were hospitalised , but the restaurant has been given a clean bill of health . Escherichia coli or E.coli , is a group of bacteria that live in the intestines of animals and humans . Many strains are harmless , but some can cause serious health problems . About 35,000 people are struck down by different forms of E.coli infection every year . Many cases are mild , such as urinary tract infections , but 1,000 a year are hit by E.coli food poisoning which can be very serious , particularly to children and the elderly . The most common serious E.coli strain in Britain is O157 . Symptoms include severe diarrhoea , stomach cramps and fever . Infections can cause serious complications such as potentially fatal kidney problems or brain damage . The bug releases toxins which can affect blood vessels -- leading to fits and attacking the kidneys . It may also harm the heart . Infection is spread by consuming food or water contaminated with the bacteria , or through contact with infected people or farm animals . A severe outbreak at a petting farm in Surrey affected 76 young children in 2009 , ten of them suffering long-term effects . The UK 's largest E.coli food poisoning outbreak killed 21 people in Lanarkshire in 1996 . | Two children fell ill with E. coli after eating at Frankie & Benny 's restaurant . Freddy Osborne 's mother thought her son might die after four seizures . 21-month-old is now out of a coma but has lasting kidney damage . Isaac Mortlock , three , also fell ill after eating at the chain in Bournemouth . An investigation by health officials has cleared the restaurant of any blame . Council and Public Health England investigators found no trace of E. coli . 11 people have contracted the killer bacteria in Dorset since July . 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A young boy has raised more than # 40,000 for ` Movember ' - despite being unable to grow facial hair . Each year November heralds the annual challenge as men across the world grow moustaches for charity to raise awareness of male cancers . But determined to honour his granddad who died of cancer , William Heath , from Earls Barton in Northamptonshire , refused to be left out . And so the creative 12-year-old dressed up as a different moustached character each day . From Ron Burgundy of Anchorman fame , to wrestler Hulk Hogan , and comic character , Borat , William stayed in costume for as long as was possible each day . He decided to take on the challenge in memory of his granddad , who died from pancreatic cancer in February . He is now the eighth biggest fundraiser out of more than 135,000 males who 've taken on the Movember challenge this year . William Heath , 12 , from Northamptonshire has dressed up as famous moustached characters throughout November to raise money for the Movember campaign . He is pictured imitating Will Ferrell 's Ron Burgundy character made famous by the Anchorman films . Though as a 12-year-old William is unable to grow facial hair , he was determined to raise money for the campaign in honour of his granddad Robin Wickham , left , who died of pancreatic cancer in February . He is currently the 8th biggest fundraiser out of more than 135,000 men who have taken part in the Movember challenge this year . For one of his challenges he dressed up as the wrestler Hulk Hogan . William 's mother , Clare Heath , 43 , told MailOnline : ` William and his Pappa were really close and William wanted to do something positive in his memory . ` He 's too young to run a marathon or climb Kilimanjaro , so as Movember approached we both knew it might be perfect . ` William and his Pappa loved going to see Northampton Saints play rugby together , which every November has a big ` Front Mo Union ' campaign , so there was that angle too . ' The obvious problem was that William ca n't grow facial hair , but one day towards the end of October he and his mother were in a local pound shop where William picked up a stick-on moustache , and the idea was born . As a family they expanded the fake moustache concept to William dressing up as a different famous character each day in November , from Ron Burgundy to Magnum PI to Ali G. William 's 12th birthday was on November 1 , so he and his mother posted photos of William in his different outfits , asking friends and family to make a donation towards his Movember campaign , rather than buy him a present . ` They were way more popular than we could have ever imagined , and soon we were getting requests from people all over the world for William to dress up as specific characters , ' Ms Heath said . ` Dylan Hartley , who captains the Front Mo Union , regularly sends supporting tweets , Keith Lemon is re-tweeting us , not to mention hundreds of complete strangers from around the world who 've been so incredibly generous . William 's mother , Clare Heath , 43 , said : ` William and his Pappa were really close and William wanted to do something positive in his memory . ' He is pictured dressed up as Borat , right . William 's granddad , Robin Wickham , had previously survived having both testicular and prostate cancer , but was diagnosed with aggressive pancreatic cancer on Christmas Eve . He died on February 7 , aged 71 . ` If you 'd asked me at the start of the month what we might achieve I 'd have said a few smiles and # 200 -- it 's spiralled into such a fantastic success story , and William is so proud . ` We 've got pledges to take us over the # 5,000 mark now , and by the end of Sunday we could have even more than that . ' As well as being eighth overall , William is the number one fundraising student for Movember , the Front Mo Union , the Premiership Rugby Network and the UK Rugby Network . William 's granddad , Robin Wickham , had previously survived having both testicular and prostate cancer , but was diagnosed with aggressive pancreatic cancer on Christmas Eve . He died on February 7 , aged 71 . ` My dad was such a fun-loving man , and all his nine grandchildren loved him to bits , ' Ms Heath said . ` He was the embarrassing dad on the dance floor at parties , always poking fun at life , and he 'd have loved to been here to help William dress up . There could n't be a more fitting tribute . ' Miss Heath said another obstacle to William taking part in the challenge was his Asperger 's . ` He 's sensitive to textures and smells , so dressing in different costumes was a particular challenge for him , ' Ms Heath said . ` He was often simply overwhelmed and has regularly had to have a word with himself to soldier on , reminding himself what he 's doing this for . William told MailOnline : ` My granddad and I were very close . I know he 'd giggle if he could see me in all these silly costumes ' ` Sometimes he 's told me he ca n't carry on , but every morning he pulls himself together and puts on another outfit . ' Every morning William 's older sister Isobel , 13 , has helped him get changed and takes the photographs , which are then uploaded onto Facebook , Twitter and his ` Mo ' space . William told MailOnline : ` My granddad and I were very close . He used to come on holiday with us and was always having fun , cracking jokes and making me laugh . ' I know he 'd giggle if he could see me in all these silly costumes -- I 've made them from things I 've found at home and also bits I 've picked up from the fancy dress shop near us . ` My favourite so far has been Ali G , but Ned Flanders was hard -- I tried painting my face yellow , but it did n't work . ' Ms Heath added : ` We needed to fill 30 days . When you try to think of 30 people with moustaches it is harder than you think . ` The overriding thing is that it has been fun , but it has serious implications . We 're already trying to come up with something similarly entertaining and engaging for next year 's campaign . ' | William Heath , 12 , has raised # 40,000 for a men 's health charity this month . He wanted to take on the ` Movember ' challenge of growing a moustache . Unable to grow facial hair , he disguised himself as moustached characters . He dressed up as Ron Burgundy from Anchorman , wrestler Hulk Hogan as well as Borat and Magnum PI . He is currently the 8th biggest fundraiser of this year 's campaign . His mother Clare Heath said her son was desperate to do something positive in memory of his beloved Pappa . Robin Wickham died of pancreatic cancer on February 7 this year . He had also suffered testicular and prostate cancer . William told MailOnline : ` My granddad and I were really close . I know he 'd giggle if he saw me in all these silly costumes ' Instead of presents for his birthday on November 1 he asked for donations . 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It can tell you what you want to eat in the blink of an eye , simply by tracking the movement of your retina . In exactly 2.5 seconds the subconscious menu reads the minds of customers , by using a mathematical algorithm to identify a customer 's perfect pizza . The incredible software was developed for Pizza Hut by Swedish eye tracking technology pioneers Tobii Technology . Scroll down for video . Pizza Hut 's subconscious menu reads the minds of diners by using sophisticated eye tracking technology . Taking six months to build , the menu is completely controlled by the customer 's retina . The four-step process starts when the software detects the users retina and gaze by asking customers to randomly look at different circles . Eye movements are tracked against the small marks on the screen . The software then detects the gaze of the user by changing the logos on the interface from big to small . This is then followed by ingredients tracking , where the user is given three seconds to look at 20 ingredients on the screen . The algorithm then kicks in and the menu identifies the perfect pizza based on which ingredients the user has been looking at the longest . The software detects the users retina and gaze by asking customers to randomly look at different circles . The software then detects the gaze of the user by changing the logos on the interface from big to small . Linger over peppers and sweet corn ; the customer will be served a vegetarian pizza . If the user is of a more carnivorous persuasion and holds a longer gaze towards pepperoni and chicken then the meat feast is offered as an option . If customers are n't happy with what their subconscious has decided , they can restart the process by gazing at the ` restart ' button . Chartered consumer psychologist Dr Simon Moore says our subconscious plays an important role in the foods we decide to eat . Ingredients tracking : The user is given three seconds to look at 20 ingredients on the screen . The menu identifies the perfect pizza based on which ingredients the user has been looking at the longest . ` We have quite an extensive subconscious relationship with our food and it 's certainly the case psychologically that ` we eat with our eyes , ' he said . ` Quick brain responses are probably hardwired to our evolutionary survival reflex . We are automatically drawn to foods that give us more nutrition -- it is a safety mechanism we 've inherited from primitive man that still plays a role in our subconscious decision making , even when we might be choosing pizza . ' Kathryn Austin Head of Marketing at Pizza Hut Restaurant said : ` We love to excite and innovate . We wanted to try a few ideas on the traditional menu format and we 're delighted to have developed the world 's first Subconscious Menu , a unique way to reinvent the dining experience . ' | Subconscious menu works by using eye tracking software . Four-step mathematical algorithm identifies perfect pizza choices . Innovation developed by pioneering eye tracking team Tobii Technology . | [[402, 407], [439, 442], [459, 507], [134, 155], [187, 262], [263, 377], [318, 377], [402, 407], [439, 442], [459, 507]] |
Major League Baseball umpire Dale Scott says he is gay , the latest such disclosure in sports . Scott has been a member of the big league staff since 1986 - meaning 29 seasons - and is a crew chief . He worked the World Series in 1998 , 2001 and 2004 . The 55-year-old told the website Outsports.com he married Michael Rausch in November 2013 and that MLB and the other umpires were aware of his sexuality . Scott said he made a deliberate decision to go public in a low-key manner . He had provided Referee magazine a photo of himself with Rausch going to last year 's opening series in Sydney for an October story . The caption in the issue stated : ` He and his longtime companion , Michael Rausch , traveled to Australia for the 2014 season opener between the Diamondbacks and Dodgers . ' In the game : Dale Scott , seen on June 5 calling out St. Louis Cardinals ' Yadier Molina after a play review , says he is gay and that he married his longtime partner in November 2013 . Scott said in a story posted by Outsports on Tuesday that ` My thought process was , is that there 's a story about my career and how I got started in umpiring and they 're talking to people I have known since junior high and it did n't seem right to have a whole story and pictures without a picture of Mike and I , someone who 's been with me through this entire process . We met the October after my first year in the big leagues . ` Obviously , when I sent that picture to Jeff -LSB- Stern , Referee magazine 's editor -RSB- , I knew exactly what it meant . In a small way , this was opening that door in a publication that was n't going to be circulated nationwide . It could be picked up , but it 's not Time magazine . I made that decision to go ahead and do it because I felt it was the right thing to do . ' He continued , ' I realized that it could open a Pandora 's Box , but this is not a surprise to Major League Baseball , the people I work for . It 's not a surprise to the umpire staff . Until Mike and I got married last November , he was my same-sex domestic partner and had his own MLB I.D. and was on my insurance policy . ` This is not going to be some huge flashing news to Park Avenue -LSB- MLB headquarters -RSB- , but I also did n't want to be making some coming out story , some banner headline , because that 's not how I operate . It 's not a shock to MLB management because they 're well aware of my situation and it 's not a shock to the umpire staff . If it would have been , I do n't think I would have done it . ' Tough call : Scott is seen in a dispute with Texas Rangers ' Ron Washington and Gerald Laird during an August 2008 game . Scott did not hear from anyone regarding the publication of the image showing him and his husband though he received congratulatory comments for the profile , Outsports reported . According to the website , Scott and Rausch first crossed paths when they were both at the same Portland gay bar in 1986 . Scott told Outsports ` It 's still a headline , look at Michael Sam . People scream at me because I 'm an umpire . The last thing I want is people screaming at me because I 'm gay . I 'm an umpire who happens to be gay . I 'm not trying to be some gay person who happens to be an umpire . ' Baseball Commissioner Bud Selig praised Scott . ` To his friends and colleagues throughout the game , Dale is universally regarded as a class act , ' he said in a statement . ` All of us at Major League Baseball are very proud of him , just as we have always been . ' Scott 's decision to go public follows that of others in sports . Basketball center Jason Collins became the first openly gay player in one of the major North American professional leagues in April 2013 . He announced his retirement last month at age 35 . Defensive end Michael Sam , the Southeastern Conference 's 2013 co-defensive player of the year , came out in February . He was drafted by the St. Louis Rams with the 249th pick in May , cut in August , signed by Dallas for its practice squad , then released by the Cowboys in October . Midfielder Robbie Rogers announced he was gay in February 2013 following his release from Leeds in England . He signed with Major League Soccer 's Los Angeles Galaxy that May and has revived his career this year with a move to defender . University of Massachusetts junior guard Derrick Gordon became the first openly gay player in Division I men 's basketball in April . He made his announcement on ESPN and Outsports . Other out professional players include WNBA stars Brittney Griner and Seimone Augustus and National Women 's Soccer League players Abby Wambach and Megan Rapinoe . | Major League Baseball umpire Dale Scott says he is gay , the latest such disclosure in sports . Scott has been a member of the big league staff since 1986 and has worked three World Series . The 55-year-old has said he married Michael Rausch in November 2013 and that MLB and the other umpires were aware of his sexuality . | [[0, 54], [793, 804], [807, 817], [905, 979], [3139, 3148], [3153, 3172], [3195, 3210], [3215, 3240], [96, 175], [200, 252], [253, 342], [352, 407], [793, 804], [807, 817], [905, 979], [1984, 2026], [2339, 2462], [2383, 2462]] |
The families of two babies who spent the first 10 years of their lives with the wrong mothers after they were mistakenly switched at birth are suing the French maternity clinic responsible for nearly # 10million . The blunder occurred 20 years ago when Sophie Serrano - now 38 - and another unnamed mother gave birth to daughters at a clinic in the French Riviera resort of Cannes , near Grasse . Mrs Serrano 's baby girl Manon suffered from jaundice and doctors put her in an incubator equipped with lights to treat the problem along with another affected newborn girl . Scroll down for video . Sophie Serrano outside court with her non-biological daughter Manon who was mistakenly given to her at birth after a mix-up at a French maternity clinic 20 years ago . She and another unnamed mother who gave birth to Manon and was handed Mrs Serrano 's biological daughter in the blunder are suing the clinic for # 10m . An auxiliary nurse unwittingly switched them , and although both mothers immediately expressed doubt about the babies , pointing to their different hair lengths , they were sent home anyway . Ten years later , troubled by the fact his daughter bore no resemblance to him with her darker skin , Manon 's father did a paternity test that revealed he was not her biological parent . Sophie Serrano then discovered she was not Manon 's mother either , prompting a probe to try and find the other family who had been handed their biological daughter . When they were located , it transpired that the daughters had grown up just 18 miles apart . The other family involved in the case also attended Tuesday 's closed-doors hearing , but opted to remain anonymous . Emotional : Manon Serrano wipes away tears as she speaks to media outside court after the damages hearing . The investigation revealed that at the time of the births in 1994 , three newborns suffered from jaundice - the two girls and a boy - and the clinic only had two incubators with the special lights . The girls were therefore put together in one incubator , according to the lawyer of one of the obstetricians being sued . Another obstetrician , two paediatricians , the clinic and an auxiliary nurse are also being sued . ` If it happened to us , it may have happened to others , ' Sophie Serrano said after the hearing , holding the hand of her non-biological daughter Manon . ` There should be exemplary sentences ... . we really hope to get this recognition , so as to free us from all this guilt about not having been able to protect your kid , not having insisted when we saw there was a problem . ' Manon Serrano -LRB- right -RRB- and her mother Sophie Serrano embrace a relative as they leave Grasse courthouse . For her part , Manon said she was shocked over accusations levelled in court blaming the mothers for not having recognised their children . ` She protested , she found herself in front of a qualified nurse , she was very young , she had just had a child , so putting the blame on her is absurd , I find that inhuman , ' she said . The two sets of parents met their biological daughters for the first time when they were both 10 years old , but did not ask that they be switched back . ` It was a pretty disturbing moment , very bizarre , ' said Manon . ` You find yourself in front of a woman who is biologically your mother but who is a stranger . ' The two families have distanced themselves from each other since the meeting 10 years ago . It 's too difficult , so we each went our separate ways as it 's so distressing , it was the only way to find some stability again , ' said Sophie Serrano . The court will rule on the case on February 10 . The clinic has admitted fault - blaming what happened on the nursing auxiliary whom it claims suffered from alcoholism - but has insisted it will not pay any damages . | Babies born to Sophie Serrano and an unnamed French mother in 1994 . Both daughters placed in same incubator because they were jaundiced . They were unwittingly handed to the wrong mothers by auxiliary nurse . Clinic worker insisted they be sent home despite doubts from mothers . Ten years later , DNA test revealed Manon was not biological daughter . Two babies reunited aged ten , but they asked NOT to be switched back . | [[214, 380], [772, 794], [799, 818], [397, 450], [1982, 2036], [16, 26], [31, 104], [100, 138], [630, 657], [668, 763], [917, 961], [977, 1034], [1078, 1108], [1109, 1124], [1211, 1296], [3033, 3139]] |
The are the smartest headphones on the planet - and could mean the end of tangled wires . The Dash headphones are wireless , and can even be worn when swimming . They contain their own MP3 player and fitness trackers to monitor heart rate and oxygen saturation level . Scroll down for video . The headphones communicate with a mobile phone via bluetooth , and also have their own MP3 player and fitness tracking sensors built in . To use them , users simply tap the control earphone , or use a special app on their iPhone . They can even set commands to be triggered simply by tilting their head . Each Dash headphone has its own microcomputer , coupled with biosensors , fitness trackers and microphones . They use Bluetooth to link together and to a mobile phone . Two tiny LEDs emit low intensity red and infrared light into the capillaries in the ear to monitor heart rate and oxygen saturation . They also have 4gb of storage for music . The Dash consists of a pair of discrete and completely wireless stereo earphones , linked togeth with Bluetooth . The entire chassis of The Dash is filled with silicone , making it waterproof - they can even be used while swimming . To use them , users simply tap the control earphone . They will playback music through a Bluetooth connection or use the embedded 4GB/1000 song music player . The Berlin firm behind them says they are : ` The world 's first completely wireless , smart headphone system , offering freedom of movement , maximum comfort and amazing sound -- all while audibly coaching , tracking movement and capturing key biometric data . ' The Dash are two wearable microcomputers , coupled with biosensors , fitness trackers , microphones , a real-time feedback activity coach , and The Dash media player . They will playback music through a Bluetooth connection or use the embedded 4GB/1000 song music player . This week the Dash won the International Consumer Electronics Show -LRB- CES -RRB- 2015 Innovation Award . ` We are over the moon with the response that we have been receiving ' said Nikolaj Hviid of Bragi , the Berlin firm behind them . The headphones contain a plethora of sensors and their own mini computer with 4GB of storage . The headphones are charged when in their case . ` The competition here is very tough but we continue to create a lot of market attention for our groundbreaking product The Dash . ' The Dash can also pick up the ambient sound with the ambient microphones , channel the sound through to The Dash and mix it together with the music you already are hearing . Two tiny LEDs emit low intensity red and infrared light into the capillaries in the ear . The optical reflection of the emitted light reveal the relative amount of red and white blood cells more than 50 times every second . A precise heart rate and oxygen saturation level is calculated with the data . The firm has even been tested the headphones with athletes . ` The Dash 's ability to tell us how long we have exercised for , or how fast we are moving , while delivering heart rate readings and oxygen saturation level , puts this device as one of the most innovative pieces of audio technology , ' said Helle Frederiksen , and Olympic Triathlete . The firm originally launched the headphones as a Kickstarter campaign , which was a record breaking success . Almost 16.000 supporters worldwide pledged more than US$ 3.3 million on kickstarter . This makes The Dash still the most successful European crowdfunding campaign on kickstarter ever . The headphones can also be linked to an app for playback of music on an iPhopne . | Dash headphones include an MP3 player - or can link to an iPhone . Controlled by taps , and waterproof so can even be used while swimming . Can also monitor heart rate and oxygen saturation level . Has built in bone conduction microphone for calls . | [[162, 268], [293, 353], [293, 307], [365, 419], [707, 766], [716, 766], [1230, 1314], [1767, 1851], [3508, 3589], [90, 109], [129, 161], [1057, 1087], [1114, 1175], [200, 268], [847, 900], [2784, 2862], [3024, 3082]] |
It has been declared the world 's longest pub crawl and two friends have celebrated in the appropriate way - with a pint . Peter Hill , 59 , and John Drew , 61 , said cheers as they stopped at their 18,000 th pub after a 30-year tour and vowed to carry on boozing ` until our livers give out . ' The group - who call themselves the Black Country Ale Tairsters - started visiting different watering holes in 1984 after becoming bored of always visiting the same pub . Beer-loving friends raised a toast on the weekend after visiting their 18,000 th bar in world 's longest pub crawl . Peter Hill is one of the founders of The Black Country Ale Tairsters -LRB- left -RRB- pictured with his mates -LRB- right -RRB- . Along with friends , they have drunk in a different pub every week since then - beginning back when a pint cost just 64p . Girls are banned from tagging along with them on their trips , which have taken in bars in every county in England , Wales , Scotland and Northern Ireland . The gang always wear homemade uniforms on each night out made of waistcoats fashioned from old beer towels . Peter Hill -LRB- second left -RRB- and dad Joe Hill -LRB- centre in red top -RRB- in Railway Train Pub in the West Midlands in 1988 . John Drew , Joe Hill , Karl Bradley and Peter Hill visiting 8000th pub Pavilion in Birmingham in 1998 . They also hold the record for being the first to travel to pubs around the entire coastline of Great Britain and Northern Ireland . Last year they completed a seven-year quest to visit every pub in Wales after stopping off at all 3,905 of them . They have also been to every boozer in 11 Midlands counties and have driven over 250,000 miles during their monster trip , during which they 've downed at least 36,000 pints . But there will be one notable absentee from the celebrations after Peter 's dad Joe , who had been with the pint-supping pair throughout their adventure , died in April at the age of 83 . The group visited their 5000th pub in 1993 -LRB- left -RRB- and marked their landmark 10,000 th visit in Birmingham in 2001 -LRB- right -RRB- . The Black Country Ale Tairsters leave their calling card at every pub they visit . Founding member Peter said they came up with the idea after becoming bored with drinking in the same pub each week . Machinist Peter , his retired dad Joe and scaffolder John then decided that the 800 Banks 's pubs they visited were n't enough so embarked on the challenge to conquer every pub in Wales . Speaking from the landmark 18,000 th pub at The Saxon Penny in Lichfield , Staffs. , Peter said : ` It 's fabulous that we have made it to here . ' I think we 'll stay at this pub for a while yet , but we may squeeze in number 18,001 later on this evening . ` If I had to have a beer of choice I would just ask for any real ale to be honest . It 's hard to think of a hobby which is so much fun . ` We are just going to keep going until our livers give out , or at least something gives out . The Black Country Ale Tasters at Powis Arms in Pool Quay , Dorset . The group has drunk in a different boozer every week since 1984 . The world 's most epic pub crawl began with this map - and the dream of visiting bars in all counties in Britain . ` Although it may be a big surprise to people , we 're not massive drinkers . We just love pubs and everything about them . ` We have our own score cards which we fill in and we write the number of the pub on the card and ask the landlord to sign the book we have which has information in from every bar we go to . ` We also keep a record of the pubs we go to by taking a photo of the pub , inside and out , and make a note of anything special about the place . ` It turned from a bit of fun to a serious hobby . I 'll be doing this for as long as I can - I intend to visit every pub I can . ` Although I 'll soon be 60 and I wonder where all the years have gone . ` We would never live long enough to have a drink in every pub in England . It 's taken us seven years to visit 3,905 pubs in Wales . ` Nowadays , I try to limit myself to 1,500 pints a year . If it 's a cider and lager pub we 'll just have a swift half . In 2010 , The Black Country Ale Tasters marked their 15,000 th pub visit at the Watermill in Kidderminster . ` In every pub , we ask for a # 1 donation , with the money going to the children 's ward at Sandwell Hospital . ' Around 20 tipplers were originally in the group but now only two remain including Peter , from West Bromwich , West Mids . Every pub they visit is rated , photos are taken and information is noted down and Black Country Ale Tairsters -LRB- BATs -RRB- approval is a recognised accolade in the local pub trade . They have also made trips to pubs right across Europe but they say these boozers do n't count because they are not in the UK . David Parsons , 67 , owner of the Tame Bridge public house in Great Bridge , West Mids. , which is one of the team 's favourite locals , said : ` These men are incredible , they are such a presence in the pub here . ` They have changed this pub , we used to serve a lot of lager but since they started coming with the knowledge they have of real ales , we sell a lot of the stuff . ` What they do n't know about beer , no one does . ' | Peter Hill and John Drew marked massive milestone in their epic pub crawl . The group - the Black County Ale Tairsters - began their quest in 1984 . Have visited pubs in every county in Britain , including every pub in Wales . Peter insists that group will continue ` until our livers give out ' | [[883, 899], [906, 993], [1473, 1586], [1498, 1586], [2437, 2482], [3110, 3224], [3169, 3224], [177, 181], [238, 293], [2880, 2953]] |
Sam Allardyce believes Manchester United have entered panic mode in the transfer market after failing to deliver signings for David Moyes last season . Moyes was sacked in April having failed to live up to the expectations at Old Trafford , and his permanent successor Louis van Gaal has since spent close to # 150million on new players . And Allardyce , speaking exclusively to The Sun , sympathises with Moyes after the Scot was n't backed with the same amount of money . Louis van Gaal has had a difficult start to his Manchester United reign after seeing his side lose to Leicester . David Moyes was replaced by Van Gaal after Allardyce insists United failed to give him the signings he needed . Angel di Maria and Falcao were marquee signings for Manchester United but they 're still struggling . ` There was a complacency by United in not going out and delivering the signings David felt he needed , ' the West Ham manager said . ` Now there 's a panic on . ' Moyes brought in Marouane Fellaini and Juan Mata over two transfer windows during his time at the club , while Angel di Maria , Ander Herrera , Luke Shaw , Marcos Rojo and even Radamel Falcao arrived in the summer for Van Gaal . Allardyce added that Moyes was n't able to sign the players he wanted at United , which may have affected the results on the field . ` He will obviously look at what he might have done better but he should have done better but he should have got the players he wanted and he tells me he did n't get any of them . ' Allardyce 's side take on United at Old Trafford on Saturday . David Moyes brought in Marouane Fellaini to the club who is close to a return after a spell on the sidelines . Like our Manchester United Facebook page here . VIDEO United can still be successful . | Van Gaal signed Angel di Maria and Falcao in the transfer window . The Dutchman replaced David Moyes as Manchester United boss . Allardyce insists Man United failed to deliver Moyes the signings he needed . | [[700, 769], [1077, 1194], [588, 687], [0, 151], [23, 151], [588, 687], [649, 655], [663, 699], [1195, 1254], [1216, 1221], [1235, 1274], [1467, 1507]] |
Mars recently played host to an Oort Cloud comet flyby , providing an unprecedented chance to expand our understanding of the solar system . Sliding Spring passed within 87,000 miles -LRB- 140,000 km -RRB- of Mars , less than half the distance between Earth and its moon , and much closer than any comet has ever come to Earth . Now , Nasa has released data suggesting that the chemistry of Mars ' atmosphere could be changed forever from the flyby , which only happens once every eight million years . Scroll down for video . Mars recently played host to an Oort Cloud comet flyby , providing an unprecedented chance to expand understanding of our solar system . Siding Spring passed within 87,000 miles -LRB- 140,000 km -RRB- of Mars -LRB- artist 's impression pictured in a flyby which only happens once every eight million years . The comet 's dust likely produced a meteor shower when particles hit it the upper atmosphere , ` literally changing the chemistry , ' said Jim Green , director of Nasa 's planetary science division . As well as adding a new layer of ions to the Mars atmosphere , the speeding comet - which travelled at 35 miles per second -LRB- 56km per second -RRB- - produced what was described as a meteor storm . Experts describe the scene , with thousands of shooting stars per hour and the entire sky changing colour as ` mind blowing ' . ` It 's extremely rare in human history . It would have been truly stunning to the human eye , ' said planetary scientist Nick Schneider , with the University of Colorado in Boulder . The comet 's dust produced a meteor shower when particles hit it the upper atmosphere , ` literally changed the chemistry , ' said Jim Green , director of Nasa 's planetary science division -LRB- artist 's impression pictured -RRB- . Comet Siding Spring comes from the Oort Cloud , material left over from the formation of the solar system . ` This comet is coming into the solar system straight from the Oort Cloud . It 's likely this is its first time this close to the sun , ' said space scientist David Humm , of the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory -LRB- APL -RRB- in Laurel , Maryland . Oort Cloud material , including comets , is scattered through a vast region that begins outside the orbits of Neptune and Pluto and extends a substantial fraction of the distance to Proxima Centauri , the closest neighboring star . Oort Cloud comets can tell scientists about the materials - including water and carbon compounds - that existed during the formation of the solar system some 4.6 billion years ago . The images above show - before and after filtering - comet C/2013 A1 , also known as Siding Spring , as captured by Wide Field Camera 3 on NASA 's Hubble Space Telescope . Studying this close encounter was the largest fleet of orbiting scientific observatories ever flown to another world , orbiting around -LRB- and rolling on the ground of -RRB- Mars . These instruments will , for the first time ever , have the chance to make close-up observations of a comet new to the inner solar system . And though it will not be the easiest task , the teams operating these instruments and spacecraft have developed plans to take advantage of this rare opportunity . Siding Spring is small -LRB- the nucleus is less than a mile in diameter -RRB- and fast -LRB- it passed Mars at about 34 miles/55 kilometres per second -RRB- . The instruments on various spacecraft observed the comet repeatedly for two and a half days as it got closer and closer to Mars before it made its closest approach . The peak density of comet dust at Mars was expected 98 minutes after closest approach of the nucleus . This graphic shows the science observations that was hoped to be captured by Nasa 's Mars spacecraft during the close encounter with Comet Siding Spring -LRB- C/2013 A1 -RRB- . Although the comet eventually left Mars far behind , its impact could have long-standing effects on the planet , claims Elizabeth Howell in Universe Today . Instruments on Maven detected eight different types of metal ions in the comet dust : sodium , magnesium , potassium , chromium , manganese , iron , nickel , and zinc . Nasa says that eventually these metals will revert to dust in a process known as meteoric smoke . The introduction of all of this new dust into the Mars atmosphere may produce high-altitude clouds above the planet 's surface and could affect its interaction with sunlight . These images were taken of comet C/2013 A1 Siding Spring by Nasa 's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter on 19 October 2014 during the comet 's close flyby of Mars and the spacecraft . It is the highest-resolution image of a comet that heralds from the Oort Cloud at the edge of the solar system ever taken . As well as this , the chemistry of the atmosphere might be permanently altered . The comet was a rare visitor from the Oort Cloud , a spherically shaped reservoir beyond Neptune 's orbit containing leftovers from the formation of the solar system some 4.6 billion years ago . The interest in examining the properties of the comet dust does n't end with its effects on Mars . ` We believe that comets were formed very early , much earlier than the Earth was , ' Mr Green said . Studying Siding Spring may offer unique insight into the content of the collapsing cloud that formed the solar system , he said . This image of Comet Siding Spring was taken by astronomers Nick Howes and Ron Wodaski using the Tzec Muan Observatory in Australia . The comet is the blue-ish object towards the middle of the picture , with its tail seen streaking backwards . Mars is the bright sun-like object in the middle , overexposed to reveal the comet . | Mars played host to extremely rare Oort Cloud comet flyby in October . The speeding comet produced a huge meteor storm on the red planet . Nasa says chemistry of Mars may have changed due to comet 's dust . Dust may produce high-clouds changing Mars ' interaction with the sun . Studying Siding Spring may offer insights into solar system formation . | [[0, 54], [527, 581], [4820, 4868], [835, 927], [1169, 1196], [1202, 1235], [1548, 1633], [329, 332], [335, 448], [4263, 4389], [4263, 4328], [4394, 4438]] |
President Barack Obama met with controversial black pastor Rev. Al Sharpton on Monday at the White House , amid word that he would demand $ 263 million from Congress to put 50,000 body-worn cameras in U.S. police departments and train local cops to better use surplus military equipment . The moves came in response to the police shooting of Michael Brown in Ferguson , Missouri . Sharpton called the get-together ' a historic meeting that the president and vice president sat with all of us and law enforcement to commit to not just another commitment , another study ... but that he would put his full weight behind it . ' ` We live in a country that we must support law enforcement but law enforcement must support justice , ' he said . In a brief statement to the press , Obama said that the Brown shooting in Ferguson ` laid bare a problem that is not unique to St. Louis ... and that is a simmering distrust that exists between too many police departments and too many communities of color . ' ` He cited civil rights leaders ' opinion ` that in a country where one of our basic principles , perhaps the most important principle , is equality under the law , that too many individuals -- particularly young people of color -- do not feel as if they 're being treated fairly . ' SCROLL DOWN FOR VIDEOS . President Barack Obama had a full plate on Monday with three separate Ferguson-related meetings , including one with elected officials , community organizers and religious leaders . Rev. Al Sharpton spoke Sunday during a church service in the parking lot at The Flood Christian Church , a house of worship that rioters burned last week in the wake of a grand jury 's decision not to indict a white police officer in the shooting death of a black man . ALREADY THERE ? Members of the Ferguson , MIssouri Police Department wore body cameras during an August 30 rally . Brown 's parents have pushed body-worn cameras as one way to limit distrust between police and criminal suspects following physical encounters . The White House said in August that it agreed with the idea in principle . ` We support the use of cameras and video technology by law enforcement officers , and the Department of Justice continues to research best practices for implementation , ' the administration wrote in response to a public petition that attracted more than 154,000 supporters on the White House website . The new initiative will provide 50 per cent of the funding for cameras , but will not pay for them entirely , at a cost of $ 75 million . It will also provide new training resources and funds to study how to reform police practices . It 's unclear why Officer Darren Wilson did n't wear a camera during his fateful encounter with Brown . Members of the Ferguson Police Department were photographed wearing body cameras later that month during an August 30 rally . Obama has a jam-packed day with three separate meetings to discuss the deteriorating situation . He also announced Monday that he wants the Pentagon and Congress to review the program that puts surplus military hardware in the hands of state and local law enforcement . The White House is pushing a new torrent of public messages about the death of Brown , a young black man , at the hands of Wilson , a white officer . Meetings with cabinet officials , with a group of ` young local and national civil rights leaders , ' and with top law enforcement officials are on the president 's official Monday schedule . Speculation ran rampant on Twitter that Sharpton would attend the civil rights meeting , and his representatives confirmed it just before lunch . Sharpton , a community-organizer-turned-minister-turned-TV-host , is a frequent White House visitor and has appeared in Ferguson . On Sunday he preached at the St. Louis church where Michael Brown 's funeral service was held . ` The fight ai n't over , ' he told a capacity crowd . Alicia Garza , a special projects director at the National Domestic Workers Alliance and a co-founder of the emblematic ` Black Lives Matter ' movement , tweeted a cautionary note . ` Obama -- meeting with Al Sharpton is n't what 's going to change conditions . Those days are LONG GONE , ' she wrote . Paramilitary : Police in the war-torn Missouri suburb of Ferguson , like many local forces large and small , participates in a federal program that arms them with surplus battlefield weapons , armor and combat vehicles . Missouri Lt. Gov Peter Kinder said Monday morning on the Fox News Channel that Sharpton ` is an inciter of mobs and he demands mob justice . ' The Pentagon program that supplies military equipment to police forces has moved more than $ 5.1 billion in gear -- including guns , tactical vehicles and even aircraft -- since its inception . About $ 500 million in hardware was passed out this year alone . But White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest explained during a briefing Monday that ` the ` majority of the funds ' spent through those programs ` has not been used to purchase law enforcement specific equipment ' . He characterized it instead as largely a source for office supplies and other materials that can help a police department run smoothly . Earnest told reporters that the program should be tweaked to ` enhance crime prevention while at the same time strengthening the bonds with the communities they are sworn to protect . ' He said the president had no plans to visit Ferguson personally but had n't ruled it out . Black communities , especially in Ferguson , have complained that the federal government is arming their local police to the point where they more resemble paramilitary armies than law enforcement agencies . But on the nights following a grand jury 's decision not to indict Officer Wilson , rioters burned buildings and looted stores while shots rang out . Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon was criticized later for not deploying the Missouri National Guard , a fully militarized force , in downtown Ferguson . Obama said during an August 18 press conference that it would be ` useful for us to review how the funding was done , how local law enforcement has used grant dollars , to make sure that what they 're purchasing is stuff that they actually need . ' ` There is a big difference between our military and our local law enforcement , and we do n't want those lines blurred . That would be contrary to our tradition , ' he said then . Earnest said Monday that the president would appoint a new task force , led by Philadelphia Police Commissioner Charles Ramsey and former assistant Attorney General Laurie Robinson , to study what the White House has called ` best practices ' in policing . That task force will have 120 days to report back to the White House . Its work is expected to focus on alleged disparities between the treatment of blacks and whites at the hands of sworn officers . Military weapons and armor have crossed over from Army bases to police barracks tens of thousands of times in the last seven years , including firearms and anti-ambush vehicles . The White House said in a statement that the president 's cabinet meeting would concern ` federal programs and funding that provide equipment to state and local law enforcement agencies . ' But it did not respond to a request for information about who else , other than Sharpton , would attend its civil rights meeting . The Associated Press reported that Obama 's meeting with the civil rights community would focus on challenges posed by ` mistrust between law enforcement and communities of color . ' That topic was a major point of emphasis when the president addressed the nation one week ago as Ferguson burned . ` The fact is , in too many parts of this country , a deep distrust exists between law enforcement and communities of color , ' Obama said on Nov. 24 . ` Some of this is the result of the legacy of racial discrimination in this country . And this is tragic , because nobody needs good policing more than poor communities with higher crime rates . ' ` The good news is we know there are things we can do to help , ' he added . ` And I 've instructed Attorney General -LSB- Eric -RSB- Holder to work with cities across the country to help build better relations between communities and law enforcement . ' Earnest said Monday that it 's ` an unfortunate irony that in those communities where the crime rate is the highest , sometimes the trust is lowest between the members of the community and the police force . ' Michael Brown Sr. , left , and his wife , Calvina Brown , right , attended a Flood Christian Church service on Sunday in a tent . The church was torched during riots last week . Sharpton preached at the service . Protests have continued in Ferguson , but have been more muted than the violence sparked last week by a grand jury 's decision not to indict police officer Darren Wilson in the shooting of 18-year-old Michael Brown after he held up a convenience store . Wilson resigned his post over the weekend . Obama 's cabinet meeting concerned ` federal programs and funding that provide equipment to state and local law enforcement agencies , ' according to the White House . That has been a front-burner issue since the Ferguson shooting in August , when police showed up in force in military-style vehicles that the Obama and Bush administrations provided through programs that distribute surplus Pentagon equipment . | Slain 18-year-old Michael Brown 's parents have demanded the use of more body-cams by police forces to document violent encounters with suspects . President met with ` young ... civil rights leaders ' and law enforcement officials after he holds a cabinet meeting about the Ferguson unrest . Civil rights meeting focused on challenges posed by ` mistrust between law enforcement and communities of color ' Speculation ran rampant that Al Sharpton would be in the White House Monday , and his representatives confirmed it before lunch . Cabinet meeting concerned the militarization of local law enforcement with equipment provided by the federal government . Task force has four months to make recommendations to Obama about how to change the program that has moved $ 5.1 billion in gear . | [[1876, 1933], [381, 511], [440, 552], [1309, 1490], [3284, 3315], [3336, 3475], [885, 997], [7350, 7459], [7449, 7530], [7700, 7771], [8380, 8459], [3476, 3562], [3569, 3621], [4332, 4349], [4355, 4427], [4571, 4591], [4597, 4641], [5461, 5478], [5495, 5591], [7070, 7216], [8973, 9105], [4597, 4739], [6650, 6720]] |
David Prowse , who played Darth Vader in the first three Star Wars films , said his dementia would now let him down and would probably forget his lines . Former Darth Vader actor David Prowse has said he would loved to have been involved in the new Star Wars movie , but fears his dementia would let him down . An 88-second sneak preview for the new film , Star Wars : The Force Awakens , was released online yesterday and has already been viewed more than 15million times . But Mr Prowse , who played Lord Vader from 1977 to 1983 , said he was disappointed he will not be able to play any part in the latest movie . The 79-year-old , who lives in Croydon , South London , told the Daily Mirror : ` It would n't have mattered what it was , I would have loved to have done something in it - even if it was just a cameo . ' Diagnosed with dementia this summer , he began taking medication in recent weeks . ` Sometimes I ca n't remember things I did yesterday . That worries me more than not remembering something 20 years ago . ' Mr Prowse , who appeared in Star Wars , the Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi , added : ` Now I would probably forget my lines . ' In the films , his voice was over-dubbed by actor James Earl James and the fight scenes were done by British Olympic swordsman Bob Anderson . Mr Prowse in a scene from the hugely popular Star Wars 1977 film - he was voiced over by James Earl Jones . Despite his Star Wars setback , Mr Prowse has come out of retirement to play safety superhero the Green Cross Code Man . In the role , he will reinforce the mantra he drummed through the 1970s and 1980s : ` Stop , look , listen , think . ' Mr Prowse , a married father of three who is also celebrated for his role as Darth Vader in Star Wars , was made an MBE by the Queen in 2000 for his contribution to road safety . Deaths and injuries involving children dropped dramatically during the campaign , sponsored by the Department of Transport , which began in 1971 . Now it is hoped the online 21st century version , sponsored by MORE TH > N insurance , will have similar benefits for grown-ups . The actor revealed he still owns his trusty Droid , a small robot that helped him underline the original road safety message . Elsewhere he has made a comeback as the Green Cross Man after 40 years for a new safety campaign . He played the safety superhero in the 1970s and 80s - deaths and injuries involving children dropped dramatically during the campaign , sponsored by the Department of Transport . The Force Awakens is the seventh film in the Star Wars franchise and the first of a new trilogy of sequels . The film , which reunites original stars Mark Hamill , Harrison Ford and Carrie Fisher is scheduled to be released in cinemas on 18 December 2015 . The new film is set 30 years after the end of Episode VI , Return of the Jedi . It brings back original Star Wars characters Luke Skywalker , Han Solo and Princess Leia , which is sure to please some life-long fans of the films . | 79-year-old actor David Prowse played Darth Vader from 1977 to 1983 . Reveals he wanted to be in new film but fears dementia would let him down . Says he ` ca n't remember things I did yesterday ' after diagnosed in summer . 88-second clip for new Star Wars film was released online yesterday . He has made comeback though as safety hero the Green Cross Code Man . | [[0, 12], [19, 72], [479, 488], [495, 530], [0, 12], [75, 153], [154, 264], [154, 178], [271, 289], [271, 310], [822, 857], [917, 959], [357, 366], [389, 418], [1451, 1512], [2242, 2340]] |
A woman has become an internet sensation after appearing in a series of hilarious poses on eBay selling her deliberately ` ugly ' Christmas jumpers . Deb Rottum , 45 , from Tampa in Florida , spends hours painstakingly turning second-hand sweaters into ` hideous ' festive creations by sewing on tinsel , bells and even cuddly toys . And whenever the mother-of-three updates her eBay store ` Deb 's Handmade Ugly Tacky Christmas Sweaters ' she poses in the new addition . Scroll down for video . Quirky : Ms Rottum 's ` ugly ' Christmas jumpers have become a huge hit - despite their quirky looks . But while the jumpers have proved a hit , it is the semi-terrified facial expression and wooden pose adopted in all the photos that have turned Ms Rottum 's business into a smash-hit success . Indeed , so popular has Ms Rottum become , she is now toying with setting up her own ugly jumper factory in order to meet demand . Ms Rottum , who first hit upon the idea of flogging awful Christmas jumpers last year , said : ` People host ` Tacky Christmas Sweater ' parties every Christmas . `` I 've always been quite creative , so one year I thought I 'd give it a go and everybody said mine was the tackiest - it was quite a compliment . ` Some people and businesses even have competitions to find the most tasteless jumpers , which is why I think my creations are so popular . ' I know it 's a cheating a bit if someone wins by wearing one of my creations , but I do n't mind - I like knowing I 'm the best at making something so ugly . ' Ms Rottum sells her hideous creations for up to # 50 , and is struggling to keep up with orders because she can only make two in an evening . Toned down : Not every jumper is festooned with tinsel - this red number is relatively toned down and stylish . ' I go through thrift stores and charity shops , as well as boot sales and craft fairs , just to get as much festive rubbish as possible to sew onto the jumpers , ' she explains . `` Last year someone saw one of my jumpers and asked where they could buy one . It was a lightbulb moment - I could n't believe anybody would actually pay for them , so I started making them as fast as I could . ' I sold about 30 for Christmas 2013 , but I had supply issues because I did n't really know where to go to get the raw materials.Now I know where to get them from , so I can make a couple every night . ` I 've probably made about 200 jumpers this year so far , and I 've got another couple of hundred orders to get made before Christmas . ' She added : ` Santa has his elves , and I 'm seriously considering opening my own factory . ' All the trimmings : Ms Rottum scours thrift stores for old bits of tinsel and baubles to use for decoration . Unique : Each jumper is handmade and totally unique . Ms Rottum also takes commissions . Busy : So popular have Ms Rottum 's quirky designs proved , she is even contemplating setting up a factory . Massive teddy bears , penguins , moose , polar bears and even a Christmas monkey are among the most popular designs - even if they are , as Ms Rottum admits , in questionable taste . ' I just try and come up with something that 's themed , even if the theme is ` ugly , ' she explained . ` They 're quite clearly not in the best taste , but they certainly serve a purpose , and also nobody can see them and not get in the mood for Christmas . ' The budding designer also opened up about her signature pose , which involves wide eyes and a toothy grimace-like smile , while standing with her arms by her sides and clenched fists pointing at the ground . ' I do n't pose like that because I have a gun pointed at me , that 's for sure , ' she revealed . ' I stand like that so people can see the detail on the arms . ' I am purposely smiling big and making my eyes look crazy because these are crazy sweaters . I 'm not terrified , I promise . ' Ms Rottum , who is willing to ship her incredibly hideous jumpers all over the world , also does commissions , and has even made a sweater for an British girl that is covered in skunks . Signature : All of Ms Rottum 's designs are sold on eBay and she models the jumpers on every listing herself . Terrified : Ms Rottum has developed a signature pose , complete with wide-eyes and a rigid stance . | Deb Rottum , 45 , from Tampa in Florida , has become an internet sensation . She designs and models ` ugly ' Christmas jumpers and sells them on eBay . Designs have proved so popular , she is thinking of opening a factory . Currently , she makes all of the jumpers herself during evenings at home . | [[0, 81], [91, 149], [505, 598], [923, 932], [945, 1008], [4119, 4158], [835, 838], [842, 905], [2565, 2616], [2878, 2926]] |
The famous ` Naked Gardeners ' who created their very own Garden of Eden around a country manor are selling up after ` Eve ' filed for divorce on the grounds her husband is a ` womanising alcoholic ' , it was revealed today . Barbara Pollard walked out on husband Ian after five years of marriage , leading to fears the beautiful garden they created together in Malmesbury , Wiltshire could be closed to the public and become overgrown . Mrs Pollard first suggested a divorce just a few months after she was married to Mr Pollard , he claimed today , but the couple made a go of things until she moved out three months ago and accused him of being a ` womanising alcoholic ' in divorce papers . Naked gardeners Ian and Barbara Pollard found fame after taking over Abbey House Gardens in Malmesbury , Wiltshire and transforming the manor 's gardens to attract visitors . But the couple are now selling the estate following Mrs Pollard 's decision to file for divorce after five years of marriage and 20 years living at the property together . The couple met when she went to work . at his Wiltshire-based property development company 30 years ago , after . his first wife declared their marriage was over . They . bought picturesque Abbey House from a group of nuns in 1994 and spent . four years transforming the home and gardens , before opening the grounds . to the public . They got . married five years ago after Mr Pollard was told he might not survive an . operation to replace a defective aortic valve in his heart . He pulled through but said his new wife . soon spoke of divorce and has now accused him of being a womaniser who . drinks too much , claims he denies . The couple rose to fame in the 1990s when TV programmes were made about the thousands of nudist visitors who flocked to their manor and its beautiful gardens . The couple wrap up in fur while showing off their book - The Naked Gardeners . Speaking today , Mr Pollard said : ` Eleven weeks after we got married Barbara suggested that maybe it would be a good idea if we had a controlled separation and divorce - that was the first suggestion for it . I do n't know what brought that thing on . ' He said Mrs Pollard soon moved into another area of the house but the marriage continued until last July when she attended a course at Glastonbury on ` family healing ' . He added : ` After coming back she walked out on me , the three kids - who are 18 , 22 , and 27 - and her own mother , who is 89 and lives in a flat upstairs . ' According to Mr Pollard , his wife filed for divorce three months ago , but then moved back to the 12-bedroom property ten days ago when the lease on her rented home ran out . When asked the reason for the split , . he said : ` I 'm a womanising alcoholic -LSB- according to divorce papers -RSB- . To . all parties concerned it is `` where the hell did she dream that one up '' . ` To . call me a womaniser is ludicrous . Also an alcoholic - I like drinking . like 80 or 90 per cent of the country . Her idea is that you should n't . drink at all , you should abstain from alcohol completely . ` She also said I left the marital bed , but she was the one that moved . ' Mr . Pollard said he did not want to sell the home , but could not afford to . buy out her share of the property , which is expected to go for ` quite a . lot ' in the coming weeks . Mr Pollard says he feels bound to explain the reasons behind the sale as it will affect the local economy in Malmesbury , Wilstshire . Mr Pollard says his estate has seen visitor numbers soar to the are off the back of the garden 's popularity . In a statement , Mrs Pollard said : ` All I can say is that Ian and I are very different people but with common interests . We have brought different skills to the development of Abbey House and its gardens , which it has been a privilege to participate in . ` However I am not getting any younger , I will not last forever and I believe it is time to let someone else create a new chapter here . I wish to continue my interest in gardening , approach it in a different way and grow food among the flowers . ' Abbey House Gardens has attracted nearly half a million visitors since it opened its doors in 1998 . The building - parts of which date back to Saxon times - became a home for the couple and their three children and made them one of Britain 's most famous nudist couples . The couple 's fame grew when they later unearthed the skeleton of a 12th century monk in the tulip beds . But . after just five years of marriage , Mrs Pollard recently left and the . home and gardens are now set to go on the market in the coming weeks . The . pending sale is likely to spell the end of the road for the medieval . town 's naked tourists and locals fear the treasured garden could be shut . to the public . Mr Pollard . added : ` As well as the personal issues , there is an added impact on the . gardens and the town , so I believe people deserve an explanation . ` We have 20 people here who are either employed or volunteer , and Abbey House Gardens are a big draw for the town . Locals now fear the lovingly looked-after gardens may be closed off to the public or allowed to go back to their former overgrown state . The beautiful tulip borders to the some of the garden 's lawns are among the many wonderful features which have attracted so many visitors . ` The house and the gardens will be going on the market in the next few weeks but we have agreed that any sale will not impact on this season , so we will stay open until October as usual . ` But there will obviously be no guarantee that whoever buys Abbey House will want to keep it open . ` We are constantly described by visitors as being much better than Hidcote or Highgrove or Sittinghurst , and some describe us as one of the best gardens in the world . ` It would be lovely if they did see that they could open up the gardens to the public and get an income which covers the expenses of keeping the garden , but who knows ? ' Malmesbury 's mayor Sue Poole appealed for any prospective buyer to keep the gardens open . ` Abbey House Gardens are very important to the town and has brought in a lot of people to Malmesbury . It has put the town on the map , ' she said . ` People come to the tourist information centre and the town hall and ask ` where are the Naked Gardeners ' and it will be a very sad loss to Malmesbury . ' | Ian and Barbara Pollard took over Abbey House Gardens in Wiltshire . Couple then transformed the Malmesbury estate into a nudist attraction . Couple 's dream is set to come to an end after Mrs Pollard filed for divorce . Mr Pollard says he will be forced to sell the property , prompting fears the gardens may be shut . | [[695, 797], [695, 797], [695, 734], [814, 869], [0, 28], [80, 157], [922, 1007], [2530, 2573], [4498, 4531], [4534, 4559], [4718, 4793], [5086, 5139], [5102, 5167]] |
When Chloe Valentine 's teenage mother was punched in the face by a partner while holding her infant daughter , little Chloe did n't cry . By then , she had become used to such violence . As the first phase of an inquest into the Adelaide girl 's death drew to a close on Friday , there could be no doubt Chloe 's short life was also marred by appalling squalor and neglect . Government agency Families SA considered her to be at risk even before she was born and had received multiple calls about the girl by the time she was six weeks old . After 20 notifications were made to the child protection agency about Chloe 's care , she was never removed from her drug-using mother , Ashlee Polkinghorne . Chloe was four years old when she died of massive head injuries in January 2012 after being forced to ride a motorbike and repeatedly crashed over a three-day period in her Adelaide backyard . Scroll down for video . Chloe Valentine was just four when she died of massive head injuries in January 2012 . The inquest has focused on the heavy involvement of Families SA and other child welfare agencies throughout most of Chloe 's life and their efforts to protect the girl . Evidence has revealed how Polkinghorne , described by one concerned friend as a very convincing liar , was often given the benefit of the doubt by social workers , who helped clean her house and avoided confronting the teenager about her drug use . One of the squalid residences she and Chloe occupied was reportedly infested with rats , while another was littered with soiled nappies and rotting food . It was alleged Chloe was also left for days on end with Polkinghorne 's teenage friends . The reaction of State Coroner Mark Johns and his counsel to the evidence was one of disbelief . Social worker Nicholas Ratsch told the inquest he helped Polkinghorne draft a safety plan in late 2007 to make sure infant Chloe received proper care when her mother was affected by drugs . Polkinghorne , who was 16 at the time , agreed that whenever she and her then-partner were out of it there would be a sober person at home . The strategy replaced a previous agreement , brokered by case workers , in which Polkinghorne pledged to cease all drug-taking . An inquest into Chloe 's death heard that social workers knew that her mother , drug user Ashley Polkinghorne , was neglecting her daughter from 18-months-old . The coroner questioned why Mr Ratsch would muddy the waters , saying the new plan had effectively condoned Polkinghorne 's drug use . ` It does n't in any way start with discouragement not to use drugs , does it ? ' Mr Johns asked . ` It 's almost implicit that they will use drugs . ' Another social worker , Leanne Stewart , told the inquest Polkinghorne was ` just a teenager ' who found it difficult to prioritise tasks such as cleaning her rubbish-strewn house . Chloe died at the hands of her parents after she was repeatedly forced to crash a motorbike over a three-day period . Counsel assisting the coroner , Naomi Kereru , accused Ms Stewart of defending Polkinghorne 's behaviour , saying her obligation was to protect infant Chloe . ` She was a teenager with a baby , ' Ms Kereru said . ` You 're there to protect the baby , not make excuses for the mother , are n't you ? ' Social worker Leanne Stewart told the inquest on Wednesday she believed 18-month-old Chloe was receiving ` good enough ' care in early 2009 , despite substantial evidence of neglect and multiple child abuse notifications , when her mother was 17 . Chloe 's teenage mother allowed the 18-month-old to be supervised by other teenagers for extended periods , despite being warned by Ms Stewart that this was not acceptable . Family members , including Polkinghorne 's father , raised alarms about infant Chloe 's safety and told agencies they would be happy to take care of the girl if she was removed from her mother . But Ms Stewart believed some of the allegations may have been malicious or exaggerated because there was ` frequent conflict ' in Polkinghorne 's family relationships . Polkinghorne was ` just a teenager ' and found it difficult to prioritise tasks such as cleaning her often rubbish-strewn house , Ms Stewart said . Polkinghorne , was jailed for at least four years and nine months while the 22-year-old 's then-partner , Benjamin McPartland , 28 , received four years and two months . Chloe died of 39 different injuries in 2012 . Ms Stewart denied that she was reluctant to act on the child abuse allegations , saying it took time for parents such as Polkinghorne to make sustained changes . Polkinghorne , now 22 , and a later partner , Benjamin McPartland , 28 , were jailed this year over Chloe 's death after pleading guilty to manslaughter through criminal neglect . The inquest will resume for another two weeks on December 1 . | Chloe Valentine died at the hands of her neglectful mother Ashley Polkinghorne and her partner Benjamin McPartland in 2012 . Families SA considered Chloe to be at risk even before she was born and had received multiple calls about the girl by the time she was six weeks old . She suffered massive head injuries , black and swollen eyes , a cut to her head and bruises all over her body . Social worker Leanne Stewart told the inquest into Chloe 's death that she believed the toddler was receiving ` good enough ' care in early 2009 . This is despite substantial evidence of neglect and multiple child abuse notifications against her mother at the time . Counsel assisting the coroner , Naomi Kereru said : ` You 're there to protect the baby , not make excuses for the mother ' Polkinghorne , 22 , and McPartland , 28 , pleaded guilty to manslaughter through criminal neglect . | [[660, 664], [665, 677], [680, 701], [2226, 2386], [2855, 2972], [376, 446], [417, 459], [440, 518], [510, 542], [543, 626], [629, 677], [3696, 3745], [3748, 3790], [702, 800], [919, 1005], [954, 1005], [3274, 3354], [3333, 3474], [440, 518], [543, 626], [629, 677], [2226, 2386], [2268, 2386], [3333, 3474], [2973, 3002], [3005, 3017], [3080, 3131], [3169, 3185], [3188, 3221], [3224, 3255], [4614, 4621], [4632, 4651], [4659, 4755], [4632, 4640], [4701, 4765]] |
Fears were rising today for the crew of a South Korean trawler which sank in the Bering Sea , off the east coast of Russia . More than 50 men were reported missing in appalling conditions with high seas and strong winds . Seven people were rescued from the 1,753-tonne Oryong 501 - including a Russian inspector on board the ship when it got into difficulty . Scroll down for video . More than 50 men are missing and feared dead after their trawler sank in the Bering Sea in bad weather . One man was confirmed dead by the Russian rescue services . The vessel sank off the Chukotka peninsula after being hit by a large wave as the crew hauled in their catch . ` One person , a fishermen from South Korea , died from hypothermia , ' said Artur Rets , chief of the Naval Coordination and Rescue Centre in Petropavlosvsk-Kamchatsky , where the temperature is currently -4 °C . ` The destiny of 54 other crew members is as yet unknown . ' ` The ship tilted slowly after taking in water , forcing crew members to abandon it , ' said a spokeswoman for the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries . ` Several vessels from nearby waters were involved in search and rescue efforts , but the operation has been hampered by bad weather . ' Other accounts said 52 were missing . A fishing trawler sank off the Chukotka peninsula after being hit by a large wave in bad weather -LRB- file picture -RRB- . ` Seven people were rescued , including a Russian inspector , ' said Rets . ` Five were taken on board the Russian ` Karolina-7 ' fishing trawler , two others to the ` Zaliv Zabiyaka ' boat ' . ' He said that a huge search was underway as night fell . ` The crew of all boats in the area are carrying intense searches right now , looking for 54 others in the water , ' he said . However , the weather conditions were difficult . ` The wind is 25-27 m/c , with waves reaching 5-6 metres . ` We received information about the incident at about 5 pm local time , when the emergency buoy of ` Oryong-501 ' went off . The trawler sank very quickly . ' Reports said the crew comprised 11 South Koreans , 13 from the Philippines , 35 from Indonesia , plus one Russian inspector . Other versions said there were 62 on board when it went down in mid-afternoon on Monday . The vessel was operated by South Korea 's Sajo Industries . The human body cools 25 times faster in cold water than it does in air . The expected time of survival of a person in 41-degree F -LRB- 5 °C -RRB- water is up to three hours . | South Korean trawler has sunk leaving more than 50 men missing . Seven people have been rescued , one man has been confirmed dead . Vessel sank off the Chukotka peninsula after being hit by a large wave . | [[0, 62], [40, 62], [69, 91], [125, 221], [125, 141], [156, 221], [384, 412], [384, 400], [417, 488], [874, 932], [1222, 1259], [1242, 1259], [222, 320], [489, 548], [1384, 1413], [1384, 1398], [1414, 1443], [549, 635], [1260, 1383], [1260, 1277], [1310, 1383]] |
Louis van Gaal is insistent that despite the influx of foreign players at Old Trafford this summer , everyone at the club must speak English . Spanish speakers Ander Herrera , Angel Di Maria , Marcos Rojo and Radamel Falcao have all joined Manchester United , and communicate in their mother tongue with each other and Spaniards David de Gea and Juan Mata . And although Van Gaal can himself speak fluent Spanish from his time at Barcelona , he has ordered his players to be communicating in English by the end of the season . Louis van Gaal has told his Spanish speaking players that they must learn English by the end of the season . Spanish speakers Angel di Maria and Ander Herrera joined Manchester United this summer . Radamel Falcao speaks good English and barely used an interpreter when unveiled as a United player . ` You know already that all the Spanish players have lessons in English so we have started already more than two weeks , ' he was quoted as saying in the Manchester Evening News . ` We are only two weeks in this country because we were in the USA and after that we had the international week . But I can speak Spanish so it is better to communicate sometimes on the pitch in Spanish . Van Gaal speaks Spanish himself but is keen for English to be the dressing room 's language . ` But they shall learn English within one year , I promise . ' United 's Spanish speakers could be helped in their quest to learn the new language by Colombian striker Falcao , who speaks good English , and impressed Van Gaal at his unveiling when he spoke the language with barely any need for an interpreter . One player who could look to emulate Falcao is winger Antonio Valencia , who has been ordered by Van Gaal to take English lessons -- despite having lived in England for eight years . Like our Manchester United Facebook page . Antonio Valencia has been told to have English lessons by Van Gaal despite living in England since 2006 . The Argentinean defender Marcos Rojo is another new signing whose first language is Spanish . | Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal says all his players must speak English by the end of the season . The Dutchman speaks fluent Spanish himself from his time at Barcelona . United 's native Spanish speakers include Angel di Maria and Marcos Rojo . Some of the foreign players , such as Radamel Falcao speak good English . The Red Devils take on Leicester at the King Power Stadium on Sunday . | [[101, 142], [440, 526], [527, 571], [580, 635], [551, 635], [371, 439], [143, 257], [143, 223], [264, 291], [636, 724], [725, 759], [1455, 1479], [1486, 1505]] |
For most , Valentine 's Day conjures up images of red roses , chocolates and love poems in cute greetings cards . But for Sara X , who is better known as ` Mozart boob twerking girl , ' it is a time to upload a new film of her breasts moving in time to music . Sara X Mills , 27 , from LA , made waves online by twerking her breasts in time to Mozart 's Eine kleine Nachtmusik last year , and now the former stripper is back in a Valentine 's themed clip . Sara X Mills is back flexing her voluptuous breasts along to Ludwig van Beethoven 's Für Elise . She wears a tutu skirt and angel wings as well as - of course - a skimpy bralet in the video . In the video , she appears holding a Cupid 's bow and arrow and wearing a fancy dress style outfit comprising of tutu skirt and angel wings as well as - of course - a skimpy bra . To the sound of Ludwig van Beethoven 's Für Elise , Sara flexes her chest muscles one at a time , so her breast tissue moves up and down . The heavily-tattooed model released a festive version of her party trick back in December , moving her boobs along to the tune of Jingle Bells . She first appears in the video dressed in a faux fut coat , but soon strips off the item of clothing to reveal a candy cane striped bikini top . Sara then executes some synchronized chest movements to the rhythm of Jingle Bells . But the initial clip that first made her famous showed Sara X Mills moving her breasts individually and simultaneously to the sound of Mozart . The video went viral and was viewed more than 26 million times in just one week . Sara 's popularity was a double-edged sword though , as the short film gave her instant fame and helped to raise money for charity but it also brought death threats . In an interview after the first clip went global , Sara revealed that she was ` bored and uninspired ' at the time she recorded the video . And she revealed that she received a barrage of abuse from internet trolls after the clip went global in October . As Sara flexes her pec muscles one at a time her breast tissue moves up and down making , her boobs look like they 're jiggling all on their own . Her talent has made her a global sensation online . She told Jezebel at the time : ' I know I 've definitely been called a w **** and a s *** and an attention w **** far more times than I ever was when I was actually in an adult industry . ` Mostly the people who have negative things to say about my character , or my presumed profession , past profession , and life decisions do n't get that the video is meant to be humorous , and operate under the assumption that I just wanted to show the world my boobs . ' Sara said that she had found the attention her trick had brought disconcerting and that she would n't feel too sad when her time in the spotlight passed . However , she must have had a change of heart since making those statements as she uploaded the Christmas clip to YouTube afterwards , which received more than one million views in a day . And she has now presented a Valentine 's February treat , which currently has more than 600,000 views . Historians will applaud her choice of theme tune for the love-themed day , as Beethoven reportedly wrote the piece for a woman he proposed to , but who ended up marrying an Austrian nobleman instead . The former stripper first became an internet star by jiggling her breasts to Mozart . She then filmed another clip just in time for Christmas where she moves her chest in time to Jingle Bells . A day after uploading the clip , Sara 's video had more than one million views . | Tattooed model first became internet star by jiggling her breasts to Mozart . She filmed clip of performance to Jingle Bells just in time for Christmas . Sara X now returns with video of her boob twerking along to Für Elise . | [[122, 128], [145, 181], [223, 260], [261, 278], [291, 340], [309, 376], [1347, 1363], [1369, 1442], [3300, 3385], [3300, 3319], [3350, 3373], [968, 1057], [3386, 3441], [223, 260], [261, 278], [291, 340], [457, 553], [457, 469], [478, 553], [3300, 3319], [3350, 3373]] |
A former U.S. Marine has joined a growing foreign legion of Western fighters battling ISIS on the frontline just weeks after he starred in a survival reality TV show . Photos have emerged on social media that apparently show Joshua Bell , 28 , who appeared in the third season of Naked and Afraid , a reality survival show produced by the Discovery Channel . In ` Nicaragua Nightmare ' , Bell alongside his fellow contestant , Amanda Leigh , had to survive 21 days in the Central American jungle . The episode was aired in early September 2014 and saw Bell suffering with fever and sickness while helping a female fellow contestant make a bikini out of small strips of duct-tape . Just two months later , on November 10 , Bell arrived on the frontline in the besieged city of Kobane . Bell is among the latest foreign volunteers - many of them ex-US , British and Canadian military - to join a group called The Lions Of Rojava , who have been mounting a brave counter attack against Islamic State terrorists in northern Syria over the past few months . The Lions Of Rojava act as a foreign legion for the Kurdish People 's Protection Unit -LRB- YPG -RRB- - a group that has been mounting a brave resistance against ISIS in Kobane for more that two months . Scroll down for video . Brave : Joshua Bell , 28 -LRB- second from right -RRB- is among the latest foreign volunteers to join a Kurdish anti-ISIS group called The Lions Of Rojava . Here he is pictured with Brits James Hughes -LRB- left -RRB- and Jamie Read -LRB- right -RRB- . Television : Just weeks ago Joshua Bell -LRB- right -RRB- appeared in the third season of Naked and Afraid , a reality survival show produced by the Discovery Channel . Bell was a contestant on Naked and Afraid on September 7 . In the show , both contestants are strangers and have to work together to survive unassisted in a hostile environment . In each episode , contestants have to strip naked and meet each other in a tough environment , normally in the middle of a thick jungle or a remote island . The two survivalists have to find clean water , food and build a weather proof shelter . Bell is 28-years-old and was born in Florida . At the age of three , he and his family moved to South Carolina before switching to Roxboro , North Carolina , when he was just six years old . He is understood to have served for four years in the US marines , reaching the rank of Corporal and being deployed to both Afghanistan and Iraq . Past : The episode was aired in early September 2014 and saw Bell suffering with fever and sickness while helping female fellow contestant Amanda Leigh make a bikini out of small strips of duct-tape -LRB- pictured -RRB- . Suffered : Despite his reputation as a survivalist and all-round tough guy , Joshua Bell surprisingly quit Naked and Afraid after just five days . His short stay in the jungle was dogged by vomiting and dehydration . A message posted on a Facebook page set up to help raise money for Bell 's journey to join the Lions of Rojava says he was awarded both the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal and a combat action ribbon . On the same page Bell wrote his desire to fight against ISIS : ' I ai n't doing it for glory , or praise , or fame , or money . It needs to be done . I am scared s *** less . But if you ai n't scared you are a liability . ` There is a part of my life I do not share very often . I am absolute hell in a gunfight . I learned early on in the Marine Corps that I had extreme combat proficiency . Skills that I quickly honed , and still continue to sharpen regularly , ' he added . ' I never thought I would use these skills again ... However , an opportunity to re-enter the fray has presented itself , ' he went on to say . A photograph shared on the Lions of Rojava Facebook page this week showed Joshua Matson -LRB- bottom left -RRB- , Jamie Read -LRB- top , second from left -RRB- , Joshua Bell -LRB- bottom right -RRB- and Jamie Hughes posing alongside an unidentified man -LRB- top , second from right -RRB- , Briton -LRB- top left -RRB- and American -LRB- top centre -RRB- . Fundraising : Joshua Bell struggled to raise enough money to fund his flight to Syria . As a result a friend set up a website selling yellow T-shirts bearing the slogan ` Project : Give Josh a lift ' Despite the Facebook page and a GoFundMe account , it is understood that Bell struggled to make the $ 3,500 he said he needed to travel to join the Lions of Rojava through donations alone . As a result a friend named Jonathan Whitfield set up a website selling T-shirts bearing the slogan ` Project : Give Josh a lift ' to raise money . The T-shirts are yellow and green to match the colours of the Kurdish flag , with the flag itself also appearing on the T-shirts alongside that of the United States . Beneath the two flags is the phrase ` Brothers from another mother against terrorism ' . When he was still unable to raise the cash for the journey , Bell was forced to sell his personal Tabuk sniper rifle for $ 1,400 to pay for his plane tickets . Armed : According to his biography on the show , Bell served with the US Marine Corps and had a gunsmithing business . He is understood to have arrived in northern Syria in late September or early October . According to his biography on Naked and Afraid , Bell now owns gunsmithing business . He enjoys spending ' a lot of time hunting whatever is in season . ' It also states ` he loves to cook freshly harvested game , and does so every chance he gets . ' Bell 's short biography on the Discovery channel website states : ` Survival is his way of life , since Joshua lives pretty far outside of town . Growing up , his family took what they needed from the land , and bought the rest in town . They grew fresh vegetables , hunted , and fished . ' Despite his supposed reputation as a survivalist and all-round tough guy , Bell surprisingly quit the show after just five days . His short stay in the jungle was dogged by vomiting and dehydration as Bell struggled in the hot jungle . His fellow survivalist , Amanda Leigh , went on to survive the full 21 days in the jungle . The pair were later dubbed ` the duct tape duo ' on social media in honour of ` Country boy ' Bell 's best achievement on the show , which was to make a bikini out of duct tape for fellow survivalist , Leigh . Volunteers : Among the many Western fighters joining the Lions of Rojava in their campaign to defeat ISIS are Jamie Read from north Lanarkshire , Scotland -LRB- left -RRB- and James Hughes -LRB- right -RRB- from Reading in Berkshire . Military background : James Hughes , is understood to originally be from Reading in Berkshire and served three tours of Afghanistan during his five years of service in the British army . When asked if he would want to appear on the show again , Bell later commented on Facebook : ' I hope I get to try again one day . ' Bell arrived in Syria on November 10 and joined the Lions of Rojava - a foreign legion within the ranks of the Kurdish YPG force . He is likely to have been inspired by the group 's leader Jordan Matson , who made headlines as one of the first American nationals to join the Kurdish militia . Matson has become a poster boy for the Kurds , who have been calling on fighters from around the world to volunteer in their ranks . In recent weeks the number of Western fighters - many of them ex-military - joining the Lions of Rojava in their campaign to defeat the Islamic State has swelled massively . These photographs show an Gill Rosenberg , 31 - an Israeli-Canadian fighting alongside The Lions Of Rojava . Photographs of Ms Rosenberg frequently appear on the group 's Facebook page . Among the Westerners who have travelled to fight with The Lions Of Rojava are at least three British nationals . James Hughes , is understood to originally be from Reading in Berkshire and served three tours of Afghanistan during his five years of service in the British army . He has been pictured fighting alongside both Matson and another Briton named Jamie Read . Read is originally from Newmains in north Lanarkshire , Scotland and it is understood he originally trained with the French army . In postings on his Facebook page last week , Read detailed fierce gun battles with ISIS militants in Kobane . Among those replying to his messages was Jordan Matson . Fightback : The Lions Of Rojava act as a foreign legion for the Kurdish People 's Protection Unit -LRB- YPG -RRB- - a group that has been mounting a brave resistance against ISIS in Kobane for more that two months . ISIS first besieged the Syrian city of Kobane in September - raising their flag over a number of areas . A photograph shared on the official Lions of Rojava Facebook page earlier this week showed Bell , Matson , Read and Hughes posing together with assault rifles and wearing full military fatigues in northern Syria . Also in the seven-man photograph is a man described as a third Briton , who has previously been pictured in other images uploaded to the social media accounts affiliated with the YPG . The group of men also includes an as yet unidentified American national who appears a lot older than the other fighters , wears casual clothes and has a hat pulled low over his face . Blast : Thanks to Kurdish resistance fighters on the ground and US-led airstrikes -LRB- pictured -RRB- , ISIS has now been largely pushed out the centre of Kobane . Details of the Lions of Rojava emerged as ISIS reportedly destroyed one of the oldest churches in Iraq with dynamite . According to local activists , St George 's Church and a small nunnery were blown up in northern Mosul on Monday . The destruction of the church symbolises a destructive policy of violence against religious sites which are deemed ` unIslamic ' by the hardline extremist group . In July , Islamic State blew up a number of Shi'ite mosques and churches as well as the shrine of Jonah and the tomb of Daniel . Prior to its destruction , the shrine of Jonah had been a popular pilgrim site for many Christians from around the world . Mosul has been held by Islamic State since the group , led by Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi , rapidly seized Iraq 's second largest city in June 2014 . The following month the terror leader was filmed giving a sermon at the city 's historic mosque . | Joshua Bell appeared in third season of Naked and Afraid in September . Ex Marine suffered fever and sickness and left show after just five days . Now 28-year-old has joined group fighting ISIS in Syrian city of Kobane . He is among large number of foreigners fighting with The Lions Of Rojava . Britons Jamie Read and James Hughes are also fighting with pro-Kurds . Group led by Jordan Matson , who made headlines as one of first Americans to join the Kurdish People 's Protection Unit -LRB- YPG -RRB- . | [[225, 241], [248, 296], [498, 543], [1547, 1640], [1703, 1761], [2471, 2518], [498, 509], [548, 631], [2473, 2484], [2523, 2604], [2527, 2611], [2765, 2834], [2835, 2904], [5870, 5924], [2128, 2148], [0, 76], [785, 899], [1289, 1374], [1345, 1408], [1383, 1437], [6352, 6423], [6888, 6892], [6929, 7018], [7330, 7463], [7314, 7435], [7446, 7487], [7681, 7695], [7700, 7748], [1463, 1533], [7675, 7695], [7749, 7787], [8009, 8042], [7057, 7076], [7097, 7150], [7122, 7180]] |
Britain 's oldest person -- and the last survivor of the Victorian age -- has died at the age of 114 . Great-grandmother Ethel Lang lived through six monarchs and 22 prime ministers . Born on May 27 , 1900 , a year before the end of Queen Victoria 's reign , she was said to be the eighth oldest person in the world . Mrs Lang 's lifetime spanned the Wright Brothers ' first flight in 1903 , both world wars , the 1917 Russian Revolution , the Wall Street Crash of 1929 , the Moon landings and the invention of the internet . Ethel Lang , pictured with staff at the Water Royd House , Barnsley , on her birthday , died aged 114 yesterday . When the Titanic sank she was 11 -- and she was 101 when terrorists flew planes into the Twin Towers , triggering the War on Terror . Mrs Lang died yesterday at the Water Royd House nursing home , in Barnsley . The home confirmed her death but said it could not comment any further . Her daughter Margaret Bates , 91 , led tributes to her yesterday , saying : ` She was such a good mum . I 'm so proud of her . ` She was registered blind in 1988 but it never stemmed her enthusiasm for life , even in her later years . ' I would take her into town and she would ask me to point out to her things like buildings and landmarks . She hated to be stuck indoors . ' She was the youngest daughter of Charles Lancaster , a miner , and his wife Sarah and was born when the Marquess of Salisbury was prime minister . She lived in the Worsbrough area of Barnsley all her life and left school aged 13 to go to work at Sudgen 's shirt factory . In 1922 , she married William Lang , a young plumber and the only son of Barnsley councillor Thomas Lang , at St Mary 's Church , Barnsley . Widowed when her husband died in 1988 , aged 92 , she lived independently until she was 105 , when she moved into a care home . Mrs Lang , pictured left aged 20 , and right , aged 27 with husband William and daughter Margaret in 1927 . Her hobby was dancing , which she enjoyed until 107 . She was also a keen snooker fan and her favourite player was Jimmy White . Her longevity was perhaps helped by the fact that she never smoked and rarely touched alcohol . She was a good cook , made her own bread and always ate wholesome food , according to her family . Genetics were also on her side . Her mother lived to 91 and , when a relative traced her family tree , many ancestors turned out to have had long lives all the way back to the early 1700s . Mrs Lang , pictured right aged 106 , has a daughter Margaret Bates , pictured left , who is now 91 . Mrs Lang became the longest surviving person after Londoner Grace Jones , died aged 113 in 2013 . Pictured , celebrating her 112th birthday at Water Royd House , in Barnsley . Last year , Mrs Lang celebrated her 114th birthday with a piece of cake and a cup of tea along with her family and friends . She became the longest surviving person after Londoner Grace Jones , died aged 113 in 2013 . Mrs Lang 's death means that Gladys Hooper , of the Isle of Wight , now appears to be Britain 's oldest person . She will be 112 tomorrow . The world 's oldest person is thought to Japan 's Misao Okawa . She is due to turn 117 in March . According to the Isle of Wight County Press , Mrs Hooper was born on January 18 , 1903 . She was brought up in Rottingdean , Brighton , and was friends with aviation pioneer Amy Johnson . She played the piano to a high standard and became a concert pianist in London and mixed with the likes of band leaders Jack Payne , Debroy Somers and Maurice Winnick . | Ethel Lang was born in the Worsbrough area of Barnsley in May 1900 . Queen Victoria was on the throne and the Marquess of Salisbury was PM . Mrs Lang died yesterday at the Water Royd House nursing home . She lived independently until she was 105 when she moved into the home . | [[184, 205], [526, 536], [614, 639], [774, 834], [1714, 1751], [1764, 1805], [1813, 1841]] |
A Maori Muslim leader who openly supports extremist activity in the Middle East has started his own Islamic State in a New Zealand town . Te Amorangi Kireka-Whaanga , who is the leader of the Aotearoa Maori Muslim Association , announced via social media on Sunday that he had changed the organisation 's name to the Islamic State of Aotearoa . Mr Kireka-Whaanga of Hastings , north-east of Wellington , has openly supported the Islamic State militant group in the past on Facebook saying it will cause the end of western civilisation . Scroll down for video . Te Amorangi Kireka-Whaanga has started the Islamic State of Aotearoa in Hastings , north-east of Wellington . He posted on his Facebook page calling on ` Muslim souljahs , warriors and followers of prophet Muhammad ' to make their way to Hastings and ` blow everyone away with the beauty and magic of love , truth , wisdom and divine blessings ' . ` Out with the old and in with the new , let 's radiate the power of truth the magic of it upon the starving souls of mankind . ' He proclaims he is ' a peace advocate trying to achieve my goal of winning a Nobel peace prize ' . Mr Kireka-Whaanga was named one of the world 's 500 most influential Muslims by a group in Jordan in 2010 and was one of just two New Zealanders to make the list , the New Zealand Herald reports . The mayor of the Hastings , Lawrence Yule , said the Facebook posts to Mr Kireka-Whaanga 's 900-odd friends were ` very concerning ' considering the violent nature of the group in the Middle East . ' I do n't think any normal , law-abiding Kiwi would think there 's any time or place for this kind of behaviour , ' he said . ` When you have our own citizens setting up a terrorist-style cult within New Zealand , then the agencies on behalf of New Zealanders will do anything they can to stamp them out . I do n't think there 's any place in New Zealand for these Islamic cults . ' Last month , Mr Kireka-Whaanga told the Star Times that his family wanted to relocate to Syria but he expected his passport to be cancelled by the New Zealand government . He said the United Nations did n't care that Muslims were being killed across the world and he understood the actions of the Islamic State . ` If you practise your religion then of course you 'll be 100 per cent behind Islamic State , ' he said . | Te Amorangi Kireka-Whaanga started the Islamic State of Aotearoa in Hastings , north-east of Wellington . He posted on Facebook that he was changing the name of the Aotearoa Maori Muslim Association to represent the Islamic State . Mr Kireka-Whaanga has openly supported the Islamic State in the past . He said last month he wanted to relocate to Syria but feared his passport would be cancelled by the government . | [[0, 21], [68, 137], [561, 641], [138, 164], [228, 344], [671, 701], [0, 21], [26, 79], [345, 374], [404, 481], [1917, 1927], [1930, 2040], [2016, 2088]] |
Athletic Bilbao have waited 16 long years to get back into the Champions League and when their big moment finally came , they got stage fright . The Basque side had the better of the game against Shakhtar Donetsk but were too worried about their opponents counter-attacking potential to commit as many men forward as they usually do at the San Mames . Perhaps wary of Basque rivals Real Sociedad 's 2-0 defeat by Shakhtar at Anoeta last season , Athletic seemed to play a tighter game than normal , lacking the drive and thrust we have come to see them employ . Athletic Bilbao 's Aymeric Laporte attempts to clear as Shakhtar Donetsk 's Luiz Adriano is called offside . Shakhtar Donetsk 's Taras Stepanenko attempts to bring the ball down in their draw with Athletic Bilbao . Athletic Bilbao : Iraizoz , De Marcos , Laporte , Gurpegi , Balenziaga , Benat -LRB- Susaeta 64 ' -RRB- , Iturraspe , Ibai Gómez , Mikel Rico , Muniain -LRB- Aqueche 75 ' -RRB- , Aduriz -LRB- Fernandez 77 ' -RRB- . Subs not used : Herrerin , San Jose , Iraola , Moran . Booked : Aduriz . Shakhtar Donetsk : Pyatov , Srna , Kucher , Rakitskiy , Azevedo , Fernando -LRB- Fred 73 ' -RRB- , Stepanenko , Costa , Teixeira , Taison -LRB- Marlos 80 ' -RRB- , Adriano -LRB- Gladkiy 90 ' -RRB- . Subs not used : Kanibolotsky , Kryvtsov , Bernard , Ilsinho . Booked : Srna , Taison , Kucher . Ref : Tasos Sidiropoulos . Alex Teixeira scored twice that night and had the ball in the back of the net again for Shakhtar here , but Olexandr Kucher was offside in the build-up so it was ruled out . Athletic 's supporters , however , were in no mood to let the evening drift by . Generally considered the most passionate fans in the country , they were in good voice as their team got their first Champions League campaign since 1998 underway . There were also a handful of Scotland flags around the ground , with the Basques , hoping one day for independence from Spain , keenly interested in what happens in the UK . Ibai Gomez came in for Markel Susaeta from the Athletic side that lost 2-0 at Barcelona on Saturday and he had the first chance of the game , with Darijo Srna blocking well after a rapid Mikel Rico breakaway . A Taras Stepanenko long-ranger had Gorka Iraizoz down to his left smartly in response . The goalkeeper again had to be alert to deny Shakhtar , with Srna 's cross-shot heading for lurking Teixeira at the back-post . These two sides have vastly different philosophies , with Athletic 's Basque-only , youth-team focused policy at direct odds with Shakhtar 's blend of a few Ukrainians with some imported Brazilians . Oscar de Marcos controls the ball after slipping clear of Shakhtar 's Yaroslav Rakitskiy at San Mames . Rival managers Ernesto Valverde -LRB- Athletic -RRB- and Mircea Lucescu -LRB- Shakhtar -RRB- issue orders from the sideline . There were six from Brazil in their starting line-up , with four from Ukraine and just Srna from elsewhere . The Croatian has been at the club since 2003 and is their captain . The likes of Teixeira and Douglas Costa certainly brought some Samba flair to the Basque Country , with plenty of fancy footwork and neat tricks . The latter in particular added some cutting edge to the Shakhtar team . But it was a bending free-kick from Gomez which get the supporters out of their seats , the ball lurching into the side-netting of Andriy Pyatov 's goal , with the relieved keeper left standing . Iker Muniain is Athletic 's most creative player , but despite showing a few bright sparks , he was unable to link up much with veteran hitman Aritz Aduriz in the first half . He tricked his way past Marcio Azevedo but his cross was straight at Pyatov . Aduriz was screaming for a penalty just before the interval , when Yaroslav Rakitskiy barged into him as he tried to beat Pyatov to a through-ball , but referee Tasos Sidiropoulos was unimpressed . The Greek official was taking charge of his first Champions League game and dipped into his pocket twice in the first 45 , to punish Srna for time-wasting and Taison for diving . Olexandr Kucher soon joined them in the book immediately after the break when he hacked down Aymeric Laporte . Athletic striker Aritz Aduriz -LRB- left -RRB- appealed for a penalty just before half-time but the referee was n't interested . Athletic 's brilliant young centre-back was on a run forward , which was rudely halted by the Shakhtar defender . Benat Etxebarria 's free-kick squeezed through a crowd and Laporte tried to turn it towards goal , but his effort was easy for Pyatov to handle . It was Laporte again doing great work for Athletic as Shakhtar pushed for the opener , throwing himself heroically in the way of Teixeira 's shot , after the Brazilian came inside from the left . Muniain , who had worked tirelessly , had a great chance to rampage forward on the break but ran out of steam as he neared the box , with Shakhtar tackling back . Ernesto Valverde hauled him off for youngster Ager Aqueche immediately after , but the crowd stood to applaud the playmaker , chanting ` Iker ' . It was the last real opportunity of the game , with Shakhtar the more satisfied of the two sides , having earned a valuable away point . For Athletic this is a base to build on , but they need to rid themselves of any fears before their next Champions League clash , a must-win game against BATE Borisov . | Athletic Bilbao were in control of the match against Shakhtar Donetsk . The Champions League Group H opener ended in a deadlock at San Mames . Basque side Athletic had been 16 years away from the Champions League . The home crowd were in high spirits while some Scotland flags appeared . | [[145, 212], [0, 79], [1705, 1806], [1807, 1868]] |
New questions surround the disappearance of an American soldier who was captured by the Taliban after an email that he sent to his parents hints that he was so disappointed with the American mission in Afghanistan that he may have defected . Shortly before he disappeared three years ago , Bowe Bergdahl told his parents he was ` ashamed to even be American ' and was disgusted with the Army , according to emails quoted in Rolling Stone magazine . Bergdahl , a 26-year-old Army sergeant from Hailey , Idaho , was taken prisoner on June 30 , 2009 , in Afghanistan . Captured : Bowe Bergdahl , 26 , was an Army sergeant when he was taken prisoner on June 30 , 2009 , in Afghanistan . The military has never detailed circumstances of his disappearance or capture , and he is not classified as a deserter . He was initially listed as ` duty status unknown ' and is now considered ` missing-captured . ' He is the only U.S. prisoner of war from the Afghanistan conflict , and U.S. officials say they are actively trying to free him . The White House declined comment on the emails or Bergdahl 's possible motivation for leaving his base in eastern Afghanistan in 2009 . The Rolling Stone article , to be published Friday , also quotes other soldiers and associates of Bergdahl 's as saying that he had talked about walking to Pakistan if his deployment was ` lame ' and that shortly before his disappearance he had asked whether he should take his weapon if he left the base . Friends and other soldiers describe a survivalist mentality , and Bergdahl 's father , Bob , told the magazine that his son was ` living in a novel . ' ` The future is too good to waste on lies , ' one email reads . ` And life is way too short to care for the damnation of others , as well as to spend it helping fools with their ideas that are wrong . In custody : The Taliban released a video of Bergdahl after they captured him and a man holds up the soldier 's dogtags to prove that it is in fact the 26-year-old . Classification : He was initially listed as ` duty status unknown ' and is now considered ` missing-captured ' ` The US army is the biggest joke the world has to laugh at . It is the army of liars , backstabbers , fools , and bullies . ` The few good -LRB- sergeants -RRB- are getting out as soon as they can , and they are telling us privates to do the same . ' The emails were provided to the magazine by Bergdahl 's family in Idaho , which has gone public with its own discontent with U.S. efforts to free their son . There is no way to authenticate the emails . Some of Bergdahl 's reported words read like a suicide note . ' I am sorry for everything , ' he wrote . ` The horror that is America is disgusting . ' Questionable clues : Reports emerged in 2010 that a Taliban leader told British officials that Bergdahl was teaching Taliban members how to build and detonate bombs , but the U.S. denied it . He mailed home boxes containing his uniform and books . In . 2010 , rumors circulated following allegations made by Taliban leader . Haji Nadeem , who said that Bergdahl has been training and helping the Al . Qaeda operatives how to make bombs . Pentagon officials immediately denied the charges , saying that the stories told by Nadeem did n't ` hold much water from the get-go ' since he claimed that Bergdahl had weapons and arms on him when he was captured , which is not true . Both official reports and the Rolling Stone article say that Bergdahl left the base with only a bottle of water and a compass . The claims add an element of Hollywood storytelling to the situation , and not surprisingly so : the idea of an American soldier defecting to the Taliban before returning to the U.S. is the basis of Showtime 's hit Homeland . Similar : The story of Bergdahl echoes that of the TV show Homeland , starring Damian Lewis as the soldier with a suspicious past and Claire Danes is the agent who is daring enough to question the returning war hero . Damian Lewis plays the soldier with a suspicious past while Claire Danes is the agent who is daring enough to question the returning war hero . In spite of Pentagon denials , the emails that Bergdahl sent to his parents reveal that he was in a seemingly emotional state at the time of his disappearance , which may lend credence to the theories that he may have ulterior motives behind his imprisonment . U.S. government officials continue to brush off claims of defection , and have continued plans to retrieve the soldier . Bergdahl is the subject of a proposed prisoner swap in which he would be traded for five Taliban adherents imprisoned by the United States at the military prison at Guantanamo Bay , Cuba . The Taliban have walked away from the deal and larger negotiations with the United States , but the Obama administration is still pushing a negotiated settlement between the Taliban and the U.S.-backed government in Afghanistan . Continued efforts : U.S. officials are trying to negotiate a prisoner exchange with the Taliban . | Bowe Bergdahl , 26 , walked out of U.S. base in Afghanistan in June 2009 and was captured by the Taliban . The day before leaving camp , he emailed his parents about how he had become extremely disillusioned with the Army and American policy . | [[449, 457], [502, 546], [102, 110], [119, 213], [242, 287], [290, 359], [290, 303], [364, 391]] |
The QWERTY keyboards on BlackBerry phones may have fallen by the wayside in favour of touchscreens , but many users still prefer the feel of real keys when typing on devices . With this in mind , a Californian firm has developed an iPhone and iPad case that adds tactile keys to touchscreens . And with the slide of a button , the keys disappear so the owner can use the touchscreen for games and other apps . Scroll down for video . Phorm consists of a case , with a slider on the rear , and a screen protector lined with ` microfluidics ' . These small amounts of fluid raise up from the screen -LRB- pictured -RRB- when the slider is moved , and disappear when the slider is returned to its original position . Called Phorm , the case was designed by Tactus Technology which specialises in physical keyboards for mobile devices . Phorm consists of a case , with a slider on the rear , and a screen protector lined with ` microfluidics ' . These small amounts of fluid raise up from the screen when the slide is activated , and disappear when the slider is moved back into position . These bumps are called Finger Guides and sit above each individual key on the keyboard , other than the space bar . These bumps -LRB- pictured -RRB- are called Finger Guides and sit above each individual key on the keyboard , other than the space bar . They are designed to help people touch type , or at least type faster , because as the name suggests they guide users to the best location to press the touchscreen key beneath . They are designed to help people touch type , or at least type faster , because as the name suggests they guide users to the best location to press the touchscreen key beneath . Phorm consists of a case , with a slider on the rear , and a screen protector lined with microfluidics . These small amounts of fluid raise up from the screen when the slide is activated , and disappear when the slider is moved back into position . These bumps are called Finger Guides and sit above each individual key on the keyboard , other than the space bar . They are designed to help people touch type , or at least type faster , because as the name suggests they guide users to the best location to press the touchscreen key below . The case has been designed for the iPad mini and iPhone 6 Plus and works with all native iOS keyboards , as well as downloadable keyboards Swiftkey , Swype and Fleksy . The case is available for pre-order for $ 99 in the US now , and will go on sale widely in the summer . Tactus said it plans to launch in other regions once the pre-orders are shipped and it is working on cases for other phones . ` Once installed , Phorm acts as a protective case and screen protector for your device ' said the firm . ` When you want to type , you can raise up the Finger Guides on the screen protector by sliding the slider on the back . The Finger Guides appear on top of the on-screen keyboard . ` You type normally as you always do on your device 's touch screen - Phorm takes care of the rest . ' The company added that the case does not impact on the battery life of the phone or tablet , and people do n't need to learn a specific typing technique . The $ 99 case has been designed for the iPad mini and iPhone 6 Plus and works with all native iOS keyboards , as well as downloadable keyboards Swiftkey , Swype and Fleksy . It can be pre-ordered in the US now , and will go on sale in the summer . Tactus said it plans to launch in other regions once the pre-orders are shipped . | Phorm consists of a case and screen protector lined with ` microfluidics ' This fluid raises up from the screen when a slide on the case is moved . These bumps are called Finger Guides and help people touch type . Phorm works with iOS keyboards , as well as Swiftkey , Swype and Fleksy . Case can be pre-ordered for $ 99 in the US and will launch in other regions after Phorm goes on sale in the summer . | [[434, 458], [493, 538], [833, 857], [892, 937], [1695, 1719], [1754, 1799], [2654, 2722], [2725, 2740], [2767, 2770], [2826, 2861], [1086, 1122], [1202, 1259], [1339, 1408], [1517, 1586], [1944, 1980], [2060, 2129], [2236, 2244], [2303, 2404], [3180, 3193], [3252, 3353], [2405, 2459], [2405, 2413], [2464, 2508], [2509, 2588], [3180, 3247], [3354, 3389], [3354, 3356], [3390, 3427], [3428, 3484], [3440, 3495]] |
Boris Johnson wants to take charge of London 's courts and prosecutors in a major seizure of powers by the Mayor . As London Mayor , Mr Johnson is already responsible for policing , transport and housing in the capital but wants to wrestle more controls from ministers in Whitehall . The idea emerged as he continues his tour of the Far East , reaching the Malaysian capital of Kuala Lumpur today . London Mayor Boris Johnson , pictured at Epsom College in Kuala Lumpur , wants to take control of courts and prosecutors in the capital . Mr Johnson is a on a six-day trade trip to the Far East , where he met local Malaysian businesses . Mr Johnson will remain as London Mayor until 2016 , but is also standing to become an MP in next year 's general election . The plan to seize control of justice in London would create a New York-style system with the mayor overseeing the entire process from initial arrest to charging and sentencing . The Mayor already holds the Metropolitan police to account , and is able to hire and fire the chief constable . Stephen Greenhalgh , Mr Johnson 's deputy mayor for policing , told The Guardian : ` The criminal justice system should be held to account as the Met is in London , otherwise these are unaccountable agencies not answering to the people of London . ' Savings could be found by having the police , courts and prosecutors ` in the same buildings , working off the same IT systems , with the same priorities , ' he said . ` It is a 19th-century construct with 19th-century technology which needs to move into the 21st century . ' The idea is also being studied by Labour , with the party 's police and crime commissioner in Manchester , Tony Lloyd , backing the idea . ` It makes sense to explore the possibility of bringing local Crown Prosecution Service and court services under the oversight of police and crime commissioners , establishing transparency and public accountability throughout the entire criminal justice system , ' he said . Mr Johnson crosses the road in Kuala Lumpur , Malaysia , where he met the Mayor of the Malaysian capital Ahmad Phesal Talib -LRB- left -RRB- and was shown a view over the city from his offices . The London Mayor had breakfast at a cafe in Kuala Lumpur , Malaysia , with city mayor Ahmad Phesal Talib . Mr Johnson has previously called for the Mayor to have overall control of schools in London , which is currently held by the capital 's boroughs . Today Mr Johnson is to meet the prime minister of Malaysia and the mayor of Kuala Lumpur as he reaches the third country of a high-profile regional tour . He has been repeatedly mobbed by members of the public on his trip , which will continue for the next two days . Ahead of events in Malaysia , Mr Johnson said : ` This fast-developing nation is teaming with new and exciting trade and investment opportunities . From great new feats of transport engineering to cutting-edge design and architectural projects , I urge more British companies to get involved . ' As well as senior politicians , Mr Johnson 's engagements will involve the unveiling of the architect of the planned Malaysia Square at Battersea . The square will be the ` public realm centrepiece ' of the major regeneration project under way at the Thames landmark . The announcement will be made with prime minister Mohammad Najib Abdul Razak . He is also due to meet Tony Fernandes , owner of Queen Park Rangers and Caterham Cars , at Epsom College 's Kuala Lumpur campus . | London Mayor already oversees the Metropolitan Police in the capital . But aides want courts and prosecuting services to be controlled by Mayor . Would create a New York-style justice system from offence to sentence . Johnson has reached Malayasia on a six-day tour of the Far East . | [[0, 114], [399, 425], [472, 536], [761, 938], [761, 938], [284, 341], [537, 592], [2440, 2456], [2460, 2594]] |
They shot to global fame as the privileged toffs from hit movie The Riot Club - the film based on Old Etonians who go to Oxford University and on towards positions of great power and influence . And it seems that their debauched on-screen activities have worked in their favour because Sam Claflin and Douglas Booth have both landed top modelling jobs . Sam , who also stars alongside Jennifer Lawrence as Finnick Odair in The Hunger Games , is the star of Ciroc Vodka 's new campaign , Ciroc On Arrival , and was hand-picked to be photographed by legendary snapper , Mario Testino . Scroll down for video . Photographer Mario Testino picked Hunger Games actor Sam Claflin to star in Ciroc Vodka 's new campaign . The campaign is all about hand-picking emerging talents from across the globe and celebrating the latest young stars breaking out in their profession . Sam was chosen by Mario , who regularly works with Cara Delevingne , the Beckhams and Kate Moss , as one to watch in the industry for the London shoot . Speaking about his latest role , 28-year-old Sam said : ` I 've been lucky enough to have been given some amazing opportunities to be able to do what I love in life . ` Of course , I have had to prove myself in a lot of ways as an actor which puts a lot of pressure on me , so this campaign appealed as it allows me a moment to celebrate . ' Sam , who as chosen as an emerging acting talent , regularly works with Cara Delevingne and Kate Moss . Sam prepares for his shoot at The London Edition Hotel . He says the shoot felt like a career ` milestone ' The heartthrob describes his wife , Inbetweeners actress Laura Haddock , as his ` female counterpart ' Sam has had a lot of acting roles over the years but only shot to prominence in The Hunger Games - he has since become a poster boy within the acting world and a promising thespian . Despite his success , it was n't always smooth sailing . He explains : ` Being in drama school and all the training you do as an actor , you hope you 're going to make it . ` But there 's a part of you that 's got to be realistic and say : `` Look , it might not happen to me '' , so to play the roles I 'm now playing and to be selected by Mario Testino , who is world famous for creating some of the most iconic images of recent decades , definitely feels like a milestone in my career . ' Sam beefed up to for The Hunger Games : Catching Fire as Katniss 's co-conspirator Finnick Odair last year . Sadly for his female fans , Sam is married to the equally attractive actress , Laura Haddock . Speaking about his wife , who starred as Alison in The Inbetweeners movie , he said : ` She 's my female counterpart is the best way to describe her . ` She is my mum . She reminds me of my mum so much which I think - a guy will know , right ? It 's important . Your mum knows like everything . ' Sam and Laura are part of a new London-based group of hot young actors and regularly attend parties with Suki Waterhouse , Cara Delevingne , Jack Whitehall , Gemma Chan , Natalie Dormer and Douglas Booth . Douglas won the heart of the - mostly female - nation in 2013 in Carlo Carlei 's film adaptation of Romeo and Juliet . Douglas Booth , left , starred as Harry and Sam Claflin , right , played Alistair in the hit movie The Riot Club . After starring alongside Sam in The Riot Club , Douglas has become a household name . His latest coup ? Becoming the face of Salvatore Ferragamo 's latest fashion campaign . The 22-year-old stars in A Man 's Story , a dynamic menswear project by photographer and filmmaker Francesco Carrozzini . He joins ASAP Rocky , Ryan McGinley , Henrik Lundqvist , Alexander Gilkes , Louis-Marie de Castelbajac and Tyrone Wood and reveals a decision that led them to become the men they are today . Speaking in a promotional video as he showcases the label 's new sneakers , Douglas speaks of his childhood dreams of finding fame . He said : ' I remember being a kid and having a massive imagination . I would entertain myself just by running around the garden , I wanted to live a thousand lifetimes within my own . Douglas Booth may only be 22 but he is now the star of Salvatore Ferragamo 's latest fashion campaign . ` To do that , I had to tell different stories and play different characters . I remember sitting and watching Gladiator 15 to 20 times with my friends , that was inspiring for me . Then to be working with Russell Crowe and him playing my father was a bizarre experience . ` Being driven home from school one day , I said to my friend : `` I want to be an actor '' and he said : `` pfft , it 's not going to happen '' and I said : `` why not ? '' ' I always just believed that there are people doing things that you dream of doing but you 've got to take life by the balls and just do it . ' Douglas stars in A Man 's Story , a menswear project by photographer and filmmaker Francesco Carrozzini . And he did just that . Douglas , although severely dyslexic who admits to struggling at school , went on to develop a keen interest in drama . By 15 , he was a member of the Curtis Brown acting agency and landed his first professional role in 2009 's From Time To Time directed by Julian Fellowes . A role as Pip in the BBC One adaptation of Charles Dickens ' Great Expectations in 2011 and a role in Darren Aronofsky 's Biblical epic Noah alongside friend Emma Watson followed . His good looks have also landed him modelling work with acclaimed British fashion house , Burberry . Douglas has starred in campaigns with fellow Brit beauties Emma Watson , Rosie Huntington Whiteley , and Lily Donaldson . Douglas admitted to his dreams of finding fame : ' I remember being a kid and having a massive imagination ' Fashionable face : Douglas -LRB- third from right -RRB- on the front row alongside -LRB- L-R -RRB- Poppy Delevigne , Donna Air , Aaron Paul , Alexa Chung , Sarah Jessica Parker and Serena Williams . | Hunger Games hunk Sam , 28 , starred with Douglas , 22 , in The Riot Club . Now both Brits have landed cool new advertising campaigns . Sam was hand-picked by photographer Mario Testino as ` one to watch ' Douglas models Salvatore Ferragamo 's latest men 's fashion . | [[3292, 3337], [3292, 3377], [354, 357], [510, 565], [608, 713], [866, 889], [2151, 2160], [2178, 2213], [3396, 3465], [4130, 4200]] |
London mayor Boris Johnson did little to dispel his city 's reputation for excessive consumption when he appeared in Jakarta today . The weighty politician 's midriff was all the more noticeable for its contrast to wasp-thin Indonesian President Joko Widodo , who cycled alongside him on a car-free day in Jakarta . With Mr Johnson 's ` London Is Great ' T-shirt losing the battle to contain his chest fat , it seemed ironic the Tory big beast 's itinerary included sharing the experience of running London 's Olympic Games with local politicians . London Mayor Boris Johnson in Jakarta today , where he wore a wore a T-shirt that struggled to contain his portly frame , despite being in the city to advise local politicians on the running of a sporting event . Contrasts : Mr Johnson 's portly figure was all the more noticeable next to that of the Indonesian President , Joko Widodo , second left , who has enjoyed a meteoric rise to power in just a few years . Globe trotter : Mr Johnson is the first British politician to have a substantial meeting with President Widodo since his inauguration . He is on a week long visit to the Far East taking in Singapore , Malaysia and Indonesia . Public appearance : Jakarta Governor Basuki Tjahaja Purnama alias Ahok , right , talks to Mayor Boris , centre , and British Ambassador to Jakarta Moazzam Malik , left , during a ceremony in Jakarta . But despite their physical disparity , Mr Johnson will be hoping he can share something in common with Mr Widodo : the Indonesian head of state enjoyed a meteoric rise to his country 's top job after first becoming governor of Jakarta in 2012 . That 's a route observers say Mr Johnson , who has been London mayor since 2008 , is hoping to emulate , as speculation grows that Tory leader and current PM David Cameron is losing the support of his Conservative Party . Mr Johnson is the first British politician to have a substantial meeting with President Widodo since his inauguration . Ahead of the meeting , Mr Johnson said : ` I 'm delighted to be back in Jakarta . I want to try and help cement our strong bilateral relations with Indonesia and further discussion on trade and business opportunities between two great and growing capital cities . ` I 'm looking forward to sharing our experience of running the Olympic Games with the president as Indonesia prepares to host the 2018 Asian Games in Jakarta . ' Mass movement : Hundreds of cyclists follow the London Mayor and Indonesian President as they enjoy clear roads on Jakarta 's car-free day . Easy rider : Mr Johnson glides along one-handed as he makes his way to a meeting with Mr Widodo . Mr Cameron met Mr Widodo briefly at this month 's G20 meeting in Brisbane . The Prime Minister last visited Jakarta in February 2012 when he met Mr Widodo 's predecessor . The meeting between the president and Mr Johnson is expected to discuss Mr Widodo 's G20 speech on the importance of free and fair trade , the importance of building on the UK 's strong bilateral relations with Indonesia and shared engagement on education , trade and defence . Interestingly for Mr Johnson , it will also discuss the president 's recent election . Indonesia is forecast to be the fifth biggest economy in the world by the mid-2020s . The country has a a huge and burgeoning middle class consumer market and it is the biggest Muslim country in the world . Mr Johnson will seek to increase business opportunities for Britain . Continuing his involvement in the ongoing UK Trade and Industry mission to the Far East , Mr Johnson will push to attract more British investment in Jakarta and Indonesia after research showed 69 per cent of Indonesians feel open to the UK . The Jakarta visit is the latest stop on a six-day tour of the Far East for Mr Johnson . He was due later in Kuala Lumpur , Malaysia . Hello ! Mr Johnson steps off the plane at Kuala Lumpur , wearing the national shirt , on day four of his tour . Riding in style : The London mayor is driven through Kuala Lumpur airport in an electric car . Touch in : A slightly bleary-eyed Mr Johnson walks through the barriers on his way to catch a train to town . Mind the doors : Mr Johnson takes the train from Kuala Lumpur Airport into the centre of the Malaysian capital . Thumbs up : The London Mayor makes an emphatically positive gesture as he sits on the train . Yesterday the London Mayor was in Singapore where , although is used to dealing with some evasive types in the world of politics , a lizard still managed to get the better of him . Mr Johnson playfully grabbed the creature 's tail before it scurried away during a visit to Singapore Botanic Gardens . It was the third day of his Far East tour , where he is meeting world leaders . Boris Johnson attempts to wrangle a lizard during a visit to the Singapore Botanic Gardens yesterday . Mr Johnson looks at the Margaret Thatcher orchid , named after Britain 's former Prime Minister . The politician also viewed an orchid garden named after Margaret Thatcher , which was previously visited by the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge . Set up in 1859 , the 74-hectare Singapore gardens have been supported by Kew Gardens since 1877 . Mr Johnson was joined there by Kew scientists , who hope to help Singapore 's gardens receive world heritage site status . He said : ` Singapore 's relationship with one of our most quintessentially British brands is testament to the huge appetite there is for London 's expertise overseas . ' | London Mayor appeared as a stark contrast to the thinner local politicians . He joined Indonesian president and local governor on bike ride event . Mr Johnson is on a tour of the Far East to drum up business opportunities . | [[215, 257], [264, 315], [2421, 2545], [1100, 1142], [3388, 3457], [3458, 3545], [3548, 3643], [3700, 3787]] |
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