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33,556,669 | There were 6.1 drug crimes per 1,000 population in the region during the 12 months to March.
By contrast, Gloucestershire only had a drug crime rate of 1.6 per 1,000 people.
Overall, the Merseyside Police region had the fifth highest crime rate (70.1 per 1,000) of all forces in England and Wales - an annual increase of 4.2%.
It now ranks just behind third-ranked Greater Manchester Police's region, where there were 73.8 crimes per 1,000 population.
Merseyside's Asst Ch Con Ian Pilling said: "The force is committed to tackling the serious and organised criminals who are involved in the supply of illegal drugs on Merseyside and we will be relentless in our efforts to target those involved."
He said they were "naturally disappointed" to see a slight increase in crime, partly caused by vehicle crime offences, public order and violence.
There were 97,244 crimes reported in the year to March 2015 - up from 93,348 in the preceding 12 months. | Merseyside has the worst rate of drug crime in England and Wales, according to the Office for National Statistics. |
33,462,943 | But how does tennis compare to other sports? Are men's and women's sports equal?
For a long time the men and women players were treated quite differently in tennis.
Men used to be paid more prize money than women, but in 2007 Wimbledon changed this and made it equal for both.
The men and women's singles champions will collect £1.88 million.
The runner up gets £940,000.
But now the debate is on the prominence of the women's matches and whether they should get to play on the big courts, in front of the biggest crowds, as much as the men do.
Football is one of the sports which has the biggest difference in pay between male and female players. In fact in almost a third of all sports women win less prize money than men, and football is one of them.
For example, for winning last year's football World Cup in Brazil, Germany's team received about £23m - but this year the USA team that won the Women's World Cup only received around £1.3m.
This season's men's FA Cup winners, a competition watched in more than 120 countries, secured around £1.8m in prize money. But the team who won the FA Women's Cup only got £5,000.
Men's and women's races both get television coverage especially at the Olympics where both male and female cyclists won lots of medals for Team GB.
But one of the biggest cycling races in the world, the Tour de France is only for men.
Campaigners want women's teams to be allowed to compete in the race too.
In February 2014 it was announced that England would get their first full-time professional women's cricket team, like the men have.
It was a big change and meant more money invested in the team and a big pay rise for the players.
It's a big difference from what it was like in 1995 for the players.
Back then the women's team had to pay for their own cricket blazers when they went on tour! | Tennis star Caroline Wozniacki says women don't get to play on the best courts at Wimbledon as much as the men. |
40,731,872 | Perceptions that comics and graphic novels are just about city-wrecking scraps between superheroes and super villains are being challenged by a growing number of women in Scotland interested in the genre.
Among these women are a university masters degree graduate and artists and writers from across Scotland.
In their own words they tell of why they are passionate about comics and how they are so much more than stories about caped crusaders.
Tanya Roberts: Comic and graphic novel artist
Edinburgh-born artist Roberts has illustrated comics based on Star Wars spin-off Clone Wars, as well as Toy Story and Strawberry Shortcake.
Among her current projects is creating a graphic novel called Abeyance, with her husband.
She believes that now is a good time for female artists, writers and readers, but also for comics generally, irrespective of gender.
"There are a few good reasons for it," she says.
"Comics, the characters that are within them and the worlds that they create are now people's playgrounds.
"People can write about them, dress up like them even create alternative universes or fan art for them.
"All of this of course is then posted to various online social media type things and perpetuate people's interest in that particular fandom. That, in turn, sells more comics.
"I think the differences in attracting a male/female readership is subtlety small. Because I go to conventions and sell my material to people I get feedback and notice who is buying my artwork.
"Females seem to appreciate character relationships and that emotional connection between them a bit more. I know I do, as a female reader, get inspired when there's great characters in the story with interesting relationships to others."
Roberts believes there to be a healthy female audience for comics.
She says: "Girls don't only seem to cosplay as their favourite characters they also buy comics too.
"I always get excited talking to people who are inspired by comics and even more so to learn that they have taken their passion even further, that it in turn has inspired them to create something, like fan art, fiction or even their own original stuff.
"To which I say to them: see you next year at the stall next to mine selling your own comic."
Louise Quirion: Comic book exhibition curator
French-born Louise Quirion is a graduate of University of Dundee's MLitt course in Comics and Graphic Novels.
She is also the curator of Girls in Print, an exhibition running until 21 October in the university's Tower Building Foyer.
The exhibition includes more than 30 original artworks from a number of Dundee publisher DC Thomson's titles such as The Topper, Bunty and Twinkle.
"When I began looking into this area, I was amazed at the range of stories covered by girls' comics," says Quirion.
"As well as school and ballet stories, there are also sports stories, historical dramas, science-fiction and tales of the supernatural.
"This exhibition is a great opportunity to discover or re-discover the high school stories of the Four Marys or the space adventures of the Supercats, while appreciating rarely seen original art."
To show how comics have evolved today, the exhibition also features work by current female comics artists such as Kate Charlesworth, Tanya Roberts and Gillian Hatcher.
During her research for the display, Quirion became interested by how publishers in the UK target readers with gender-specific titles, which is a different approach to other parts of Europe.
She says: "I find it fascinating because France and UK are geographically very close, and yet their comic cultures are based on very different ideas.
"I feel like this separation girls/boys is mostly a marketing strategy. They are still using it in Japan and it works great there."
But she adds: "Everyone reads comics in France, whatever their gender or age is, so the best strategy is more to appeal to everyone.
"I know American comics are pretty popular right now, but I encourage anyone that likes comics to also read other things."
Team Girl Comic: Scottish-based collective of comic book creators
TGC was set up to as a support network for women cartoonists across Scotland, and features in Louise Quirion's Girls in Print exhibition in Dundee.
Gill Hatcher, editor and founder of the group, says: "The number of women and girls in Scotland both attending comic events and making comics has exploded in recent years.
"When TGC began in 2009 we were a very small tight-knit group, but the number of people getting in touch and asking to join keeps on growing.
"There are a lot more opportunities for young people to learn the craft of writing and drawing comics, and lots more channels for them to get their work out to a wider audience.
"And gradually, as more women have got involved in the Scottish comics scene, the more it has opened up to new creators who might have previously felt intimidated or unwelcome."
Hatcher says the subjects women want to tackle through comic stories and art are wide-ranging.
She says: "Our contributors write about all sorts of subject matters, often highly personal and touching on politics, identity and feminism.
"There's often a lot of humour in the stories we tell too."
Hatcher adds: "Our latest anthology, That Girl Comic, featured our artists' different takes on the theme 'growing up' and we ended up with a great mixture of childhood memories, teenage angst and present-day reflections, as well as some more surreal and whimsical interpretations."
Vicky Stonebridge: Artist and comic book fan
Stonebridge, a painter, craftworker and co-organiser of the Highlands' popular but now defunct HiEx comic convention, is based in Lochcarron in Wester Ross.
Growing up in the Highlands, she recalls pouring over a comic her dad bought her when she was three or four.
"It wasn't the Dandy and Beano I later came to love, but a 'boys' comic with sci-fi, action and crazy perilous monster stories in it. I loved it," she says.
"I was an early reader, but didn't really get what was going on, there was a giant rat man who was mugging people and being generally menacing."
Stonebridge's interest in comics was reignited later at art college when a friend showed her a copy of the British sci-fi and fantasy adventure comic, 2000AD.
She says: "It blew me away. I was the only other person I knew who read it, it was for a long time the only comic I knew.
"I even wrote part of my dissertation about it. I loved the escapism, the action, satire, punk attitude, fantasy and adventure. I was never a girly girl so stories of ballerinas and public school girls were never going to cut it with me."
She adds: "My love of sci-fi went along similar lines, with a teacher taking a book off me when I was seven as it was 'too old for me'.
"I still remember vividly the aliens, mutants and space paradoxes that excited me, and the feeling of resentment at being told it wasn't for me.
"This is why I enjoy working with young people and encouraging their interests in comics, geek culture , genre fiction and art, because I think it is important to support them in their journey of discovery in order to foster creativity and imagination instead of closing doors."
Stonebridge says a big challenge with comics is challenging the way female characters can be portrayed in the illustrations.
"There are lots more examples of strong female characters in comic books and film adaptations coming to the fore," she says.
"2000AD always had some strong women, but often these were sidekicks to the main male character.
"The character Psi Judge Anderson is an interesting character, some writers and artists have given her real depth, and yet there still persists other artists who still portray her as a pouting doll with ridiculous breasts.
"A more consistent 2000AD female character was Aimee Nixon. She switched sides and her allegiances were muddy, but she was always fierce and kick-ass."
Stonebridge adds: "As I've become middle aged myself I crave to see older women characters, as all these idealised slim attractive comic women just don't resonate.
"I love to see diversity in comics, characters who reflect the real world. There are always gnarly old men characters, but where are the women - apart from being super villains of course, because everyone knows that older women are always evil." | All images are copyrighted. |
25,719,879 | John Button was found dead at his home on the French Riviera by a friend on Sunday.
He was a strong influence on his son's career, which includes winning the 2009 World Championship.
A statement released by the McLaren driver's agent read: "It is with great sadness I can confirm John has passed away."
"Jenson Button's father John had been a permanent fixture in Formula 1 since his son's debut 14 years ago.
"The perfect 'racing dad' - he was there at his son's wishes for support and advice if required, but never interfered or got in the way.
"A very decent rallycross driver in his time, John Button was a bon viveur and heartily jovial character. Rarely very far from a glass of red wine, he was popular throughout the sport.
"'Papa Smurf', as he was known, was the source of many a great story from behind the scenes. The paddock will be a duller place without him."
It added that "initial signs indicate a suspected heart attack".
The statement continued: "John's children Jenson, Natasha, Samantha and Tanya and the rest of the family are clearly devastated and ask for their privacy to be respected during this extremely difficult time."
Former McLaren team-mate Lewis Hamilton led the tributes to the 2009 champion's father, tweeting: "Deeply saddened by the passing of John Button. I'm so sorry @jensonbutton John was such a great man and will be missed by so many. God bless."
McLaren team principal Martin Whitmarsh said: "Speaking on behalf of all at McLaren Mercedes, I want to say how very sad I was to hear the news of John's passing.
"In my long Formula 1 career, I've encountered many drivers' fathers, but I think it's safe to say that John was perhaps more devoted to his son than any of them.
"Ever since Jenson was a boy, racing go-karts, his dad has been at his side, helping him, supporting him, finding the money for the next race.
"He was not only a great dad, but also a lovely man, and he'll be enormously missed by Jenson, of course, by all at McLaren, and indeed by the Formula 1 community at large."
Button's new team-mate Kevin Magnussen wrote on Twitter: "I'm very, very sorry for my team-mate, Jenson Button. His dad was a really great guy who will be missed by all in F1."
Two-time world champion Fernando Alonso tweeted: "My condolences to all the Button family, especially to Jenson Button. Very sad news. John.... a great man, a friend, we will miss him."
British driver Max Chilton tweeted: "So sad and shocked to hear the sad passing of John Button. One of the greatest characters in the paddock & will miss him dearly." | Former world champion Jenson Button's father has died aged 70 of a suspected heart attack. |
35,903,382 | Dozens of the flags hung in the capital Prague were "spattered with a black substance overnight", a police spokesman said.
The Chinese leader is due to arrive on Monday for a two-day visit before going to the US for talks on nuclear issues.
Czech demonstrators who oppose China's policies in Tibet are expected to stage protests during the trip.
They also plan to hang a giant photo of exiled Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama near the airport alongside one of former Czech President Vaclav Havel, a former dissident and human rights activist.
Rights groups have accused China of suppressing Tibetan culture and freedom of expression.
The Chinese government says Tibet's economy has developed considerably under its rule. | Chinese flags hoisted in the Czech Republic ahead of a visit by Chinese President Xi Jinping have been defaced. |
39,507,852 | The ex-London mayor faces a fresh inquiry for denouncing a party decision to extend his suspension for a year.
Mr Jones said he called for expulsion last year when Mr Livingstone first made "these deeply offensive remarks".
"There is no place for these views in the Labour Party and no place for anyone who espouses them," he said.
"We have a zero tolerance position on racism so there can be no debate as to what action the party must take.
"These repeated comments are totally and utterly unacceptable and Ken Livingstone must be expelled from the Labour Party."
Mr Livingstone has been suspended since April 2016 when he claimed Hitler had supported Zionism in the 1930s.
On Tuesday a Labour party disciplinary panel upheld three charges of breaching party rules and extended the suspension for another year.
Some Labour MPs and Jewish groups have criticised the decision not to expel Mr Livingstone, but he said he had been "suspended for stating the truth".
Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn said Mr Livingstone would face a fresh investigation, saying it was "deeply disappointing that, despite his long record of standing up to racism, Ken has failed to acknowledge or apologise for the hurt he has caused". | First Minister Carwyn Jones has said Ken Livingstone should be expelled from the Labour party for repeating comments about Adolf Hitler and Zionism. |
36,471,180 | Stacey Gleeson grabbed her iPhone and ran to the child's room to help her but dropped it as she turned on the light.
She shouted at the handset to activate Siri and told it to get the emergency services on speakerphone as she began CPR.
Ms Gleeson told the BBC she feels it may have saved her daughter's life.
She instructed Siri to call an ambulance on speakerphone and was able to communicate with the emergency services while resuscitating Giana.
Giana, who had been battling a chest infection and bronchiolitis, was breathing again when the ambulance arrived,
The child made a full recovery and doctors have told Ms Gleeson there was no lasting damage, but that every second had been vital.
It happened in March but the story has now gone viral after Ms Gleeson contacted Apple, who alerted Australian news outlet 7 News.
"As cheesy as it sounds I wanted to say thank you," she told the BBC.
"I've only had the phone since the start of the year.
"I had played around with Siri, I thought it was a fun feature. Now I have that feature turned on all the time and it will never be turned off again."
She had previously used it to call her husband Nic, who is in the Navy, on loudspeaker while getting the children ready for bed.
The function doesn't work on all iPhone models but Ms Gleeson has an iPhone 6S.
She said that even if she hadn't dropped the phone, she may have struggled to dial the number in the heat of the moment.
"Saving me the trouble of having to physically dial emergency services was a godsend." | A woman from Cairns, Australia, used Siri to call an ambulance for her one-year-old daughter when she stopped breathing. |
37,484,147 | Knitters from Thirsk Yarn Bombers were recruited to fashion the woolly winter warmers for the three rescued birds.
The plucky chickens are not used to the outdoors and their previous living conditions caused them to shed their feathers, staff at Thirsk Birds of Prey Centre said.
It is hoped the hens will re-grow a full plumage in about 10 weeks.
Ms Badgery, who owns the centre, took the hens on as pets from the re-homing charity British Hen Welfare Trust.
She said the woolly jumpers protect the birds from winter weather as well as aggression from other chickens.
"They are used to being in a controlled, warm climate with no natural light - not cold weather," Ms Badgery said.
"When it comes to introducing them to other hens there can be aggression, plucking feathers and damaging them, and I don't want that to happen."
The birds were rescued on Sunday and Ms Badgery made a Twitter appeal for woolly jumpers on Monday.
"The response was fantastic," she said. "I have to thank Thirsk Yarn Bombers for their immediate knitting skills!"
The jumpers will only be worn outside and when the hens are introduced to her other pet chickens.
Yarn bombing, also known as guerrilla knitting, is a type of street art using knitted or crocheted items. | A brood of balding ex-battery hens have had pullovers made for them as protection from the elements. |
39,896,628 | The 47-year-old, who was appointed in November after Walter Zenga's sacking, has concerns about agent Jorge Mendes' involvement in the recruitment process.
Wolves started well under Zenga after making 12 summer signings, several of which were arranged by Mendes.
But the Italian left after 14 games and Wolves finished 15th under Lambert.
Former Norwich, Aston Villa and Blackburn boss Lambert guided Wolves to Championship survival, mainly thanks to a five-game winning run from March to early April.
Pat Murphy, BBC Radio 5 live
Lambert and Wolves could part company soon because Lambert believes he is going to lose control over recruiting players, with renowned agent Mendes winning the power battle.
Mendes advises Wolves' Chinese owners Fosun and brought a number of players to the club last summer when Fosun took over. But many of them were failures. The standout success was Helder Costa and Lambert recognises Mendes got that one right.
He is happy to use Mendes' contacts and recommendations, as long as Lambert has the final say. Lambert said at Tuesday's end-of-season awards what a privilege it is to manage Wolves, but he has clear ideas about the sort of players he wants to buy this summer - mostly British.
But his recommendations are being knocked back as Fosun continue to back agent rather than manager. | Paul Lambert's role as Wolves head coach is in doubt because of a dispute over who has the final say in signing players, reports BBC Radio 5 live. |
39,268,984 | The Priory hospital, in Roehampton, south-west London, treats conditions including depression and addictions.
The inspection by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) found the hospital was not offering safe staffing levels and required improvement.
But Priory Healthcare said it was "disappointed" and that rotas showed appropriate staff-patient ratios.
It added it had reduced the vacancy rate for nurses by more than 50%.
The inspection was carried out during a £1.2m improvement programme on the Grade-II listed building, which offers facilities that include a restaurant, gym with a personal trainer and private en-suite rooms, and which is noted for some of the high-profile patients it has treated.
The report said there were high vacancy rates for nurses, particularly on the eating disorder service. There was also a high use of agency staff.
The report said: "Records indicated that there were more incidents on shifts with insufficient staff on Priory Court, the eating disorders unit for children and adolescents."
There had been 95 incidents on Priory Court in the six months before the inspection.
The regulator re-inspected the premises in October after it highlighted concerns during a visit last March.
It said in addition to concerns about staffing levels, inspectors found the hospital environment, particularly on the acute wards, remained unsafe for patients at risk of suicide or self-harm.
Inspectors rated the trust as good for being effective and caring but "required improvement" for being responsive and well-led.
Dr Paul Lelliott, the CQC's deputy chief inspector for mental health, said: "When we inspected the Priory Hospital in October 2016, we were very concerned about the safety of patients at risk of suicide or self-harm.
"The hospital must ensure it can meet the needs of patients they choose to admit whilst improvements to staffing and the environment take place.
"We did, however, find some improvements and noted that the provider had implemented a pre-admission risk assessment. This included a handover system for ensuring staff noted risks."
Dr Sylvia Tang, chief executive of Priory Healthcare, said it was "fully committed" to making improvements.
"Our £1.2m improvement programme at Roehampton is being led by a new management team and includes trialling a state-of-the-art patient monitoring system.
"It is disappointing that we have been re-inspected part-way through this programme when there were works in progress which have now been completed." | One of the country's best known private health clinics has been rated "inadequate" for safety by inspectors. |
37,923,101 | TS Queen Mary, one of the oldest Clyde-built steamers, arrived at the city's science centre after being towed from Greenock.
Built in Dumbarton in the 1930s, the 250ft ship is being restored by a charity but needed a safe berth over the winter.
Its current home in Greenock is required for commercial marine work.
The ship, which spent 40 years taking up to 2,000 people at a time for excursions 'Doon the watter", was bought by charity Friends of TS Queen Mary, who have launched an appeal to restore it to its former glory.
Charity trustee Iain Sim said: "Glasgow Science Centre has been fantastic, giving us a safe place to berth her over the winter months."
Mr Sim added that he is sure the people of Glasgow will be "chuffed" to have her back.
History of a steam ship
Built in 1933 at Dumbarton, The TS Queen Mary was one of the last steamships to be launched from the famous Clyde dockyards.
It sailed passengers 'doon the watter' from Glasgow to destinations such as Dunoon, Rothesay, Millport and Arran.
At the outbreak of World War Two, the steamer - known as TS Queen Mary II at the time - became a lifeline for Scotland's island communities.
While other vessels were commandeered to sweep for mines or to protect Scotland's skies from German bombers, it helped maintain a vital passenger and freight service between the mainland and the islands.
As cars became more affordable and British holiday habits changed, the ship was eventually retired in 1977 and spent several years as a floating restaurant on the Thames.
Friends of TS Queen Mary tendered a successful bid for the ship in 2015, after they found it languishing in a dockyard on the Thames Estuary,
Glasgow Science Centre said it was "delighted" to be assisting the Friends of the TS Queen Mary in their efforts to restore the ship.
A £2m fundraising campaign was launched in June 2016 to restore and re-open it as an arts and culture venue.
The charity has already secured more than £300,000 of donation to enable the ship to undergo essential repairs. | A steam ship that worked the Clyde for decades has returned to Glasgow for the first time since 1977. |
25,408,354 | The 47-year-old Italian arrived at Vicarage Road in July 2012 and led them to the Championship play-off final last season, losing to Crystal Palace 1-0.
But Watford have lost their last five home games and last won in October.
"I feel that it's in the best interests of the team that somebody new is given the chance to bring the success we have hoped for," Zola said in a statement.
"It is for a variety of reasons, and not just over one matter or one moment, that I feel this is the right decision for me, in the best interests of the club."
Former Chelsea and Italy striker Zola was brought in shortly after the Italian Pozzo family acquired the club in June 2012.
His only previous management experience came at West Ham in a two-year spell between September 2008 and May 2010.
Zola's appointment at Watford was part of the Pozzo's ambitions to take the club back to the Premier League, with the family already owning Udinese in Italy's Serie A and Granada in Spain's La Liga.
During Zola's first season in charge, Watford took full advantage of the unlimited number of overseas loan players allowed, bringing in 10 players from Udinese over the course of the season.
The policy drew criticism from opposition managers and led to a change in Football League rules, limiting the number of overseas loans to five.
With the help of the loan signings, the Hornets finished third in the Championship table, but after a thrilling last-gasp play-off semi-final win against Leicester, they lost the final at Wembley thanks to Kevin Phillips's extra-time penalty.
Zola added: "Last season was such an amazing time, for the players, the staff and the supporters. And I loved that journey. Every minute of it brought a new challenge, different experiences and a lot of learning.
"But this game does not wait and does not stop.
"There is always the next challenge and a new environment ahead which means nothing is ever the same."
Zola admitted after Saturday's 1-0 defeat against Sheffield Wednesday at Vicarage Road that he would be considering his future at the club.
The defeat came during a poor run of form that had seen the club drop from fifth to 13th in the Championship.
A club statement said: "It is with great sadness that the board of Watford Football Club has accepted the resignation of head coach Gianfranco Zola.
"Watford FC wishes to place on record its sincere gratitude to Gianfranco for his achievements at Vicarage Road, and for always acting with the utmost dignity and grace.
"The board fully respects his decision and Gianfranco will be welcome at Watford Football Club at any time in the future." | Gianfranco Zola has resigned as head coach of Watford with the club 13th in the Championship table. |
40,159,988 | The veteran star won the 8m krona ($900,000, £727,000) prize in October but did not collect the award until the end of March at a private event.
And it has taken him until now to issue his taped lecture, which cites Buddy Holly as an influence.
Dylan had until 10 June to deliver the lecture or forfeit the prize money.
The singer mentioned three influential books - Herman Melville's Moby Dick, Homer's The Odyssey and Erich Maria Remarque's All Quiet on the Western Front - in his lecture.
It has been posted on the Nobel website.
"The speech is extraordinary and, as one might expect, eloquent. Now that the lecture has been delivered, the Dylan adventure is coming to a close," Sara Danius, the permanent secretary of the Swedish Academy, which awards the prize, wrote in a blog post.
Dylan said: "If I was to go back to the dawning of it all, I guess I'd have to start with Buddy Holly... He was the archetype. Everything I wasn't and wanted to be."
Dylan said he "had to travel a hundred miles to get to see him play" and "wasn't disappointed".
Describing the encounter, he said Holly "was powerful and electrifying and had a commanding presence".
"Out of the blue, the most uncanny thing happened. He looked me right straight dead in the eye, and he transmitted something. Something I didn't know what. And it gave me the chills.
"It was a day or two after that that his plane went down… somebody handed me a Leadbelly record with the song Cottonfields on it. And that record changed my life right then and there."
This lead him on to other Leadbelly artists including Sonny Terry and Brownie McGhee, the New Lost City Ramblers and Jean Ritchie.
"By listening to all the early folk artists and singing the songs yourself, you pick up the vernacular. You internalise it."
He then went on to talk about his literary influences.
"Specific books that have stuck with me ever since I read them way back in grammar school - I want to tell you about three of them: Moby Dick, All Quiet on the Western Front and The Odyssey."
He described Moby Dick as "a fascinating book, a book that's filled with scenes of high drama and dramatic dialogue".
"All Quiet on the Western Front is a horror story. This is a book where you lose your childhood, your faith in a meaningful world, and your concern for individuals.
"The Odyssey is a great book whose themes have worked its way into the ballads of a lot of songwriters: Homeward Bound, Green, Green Grass of Home, Home on the Range, and my songs as well," he said.
Dylan also spoke about the meaning in songs.
"If a song moves you, that's all that's important. I don't have to know what a song means. I've written all kinds of things into my songs. And I'm not going to worry about it - what it all means. "
He concluded: "Our songs are alive in the land of the living. But songs are unlike literature. They're meant to be sung, not read. The words in Shakespeare's plays were meant to be acted on the stage. Just as lyrics in songs are meant to be sung, not read on a page.
"And I hope some of you get the chance to listen to these lyrics the way they were intended to be heard: in concert or on record or however people are listening to songs these days. I return once again to Homer, who says, 'Sing in me, oh Muse, and through me tell the story.'"
Follow us on Facebook, on Twitter @BBCNewsEnts, or on Instagram at bbcnewsents. If you have a story suggestion email [email protected]. | Bob Dylan has finally delivered the lecture he needed to give in order to keep the prize money for his Nobel Prize for literature. |
21,374,034 | An 18th Century jade bowl and a Dehua porcelain figurine were stolen during the raid at Durham University's Oriental Museum in April.
Lee Wildman, 35, and Adrian Stanton, 32, both from Walsall, previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to burgle.
The pair are due to be sentenced for their part in the raid at Durham Crown Court later.
Judge Christopher Prince said the plan was not "sophisticated" and had been reduced to a "complete farce".
The court heard how the ornaments were hidden on waste land in the Browney Lane area of Durham after the break-in, "possibly in a panic", and could later not be found.
A witness spotted Wildman two days later searching the waste land, speaking on his phone and "seeming agitated", the court heard.
Judge Prince said: "This is not an offence that can be described as sophisticated.
"Although this burglary was carried out according to a prepared plan, there were elements towards the end of it that reduced the plan to complete farce."
In court, the pair admitted only a small part in the plan, claiming they were recruited to try to steal the ornaments while the museum was open, then later providing a car for an unnamed gang.
The bowl and figurine were later found on the waste land by a member of the public.
The judge said: "Lawyers with many years experience have not seen a case where thieves have hidden property where they just could not find it afterwards, let alone property of this cultural importance and enormous value."
Both men will be sentenced later along with four others charged in connection with the raid. | The theft of £1.8m worth of Chinese artefacts from a Durham museum was a "complete farce", a court has heard. |
35,637,122 | Following a number of misses by both sides, the game sprung into life in the 86th minute when George Cooper fired home a 25-yard free-kick to give the visitors a shock lead.
However, the hosts were awarded their second spot-kick of the match after Ben Nugent fouled Jamar Loza in the box.
Tyrone Barnett had seen his first-half penalty saved by keeper Ben Garratt.
The draw leaves Southend a point off the play-off places, while Crewe have slipped eight points adrift of safety.
Crewe Alexandra manager Steve Davis told BBC Radio Stoke:
"We were terrific. We deserved to win. That is all you can ask from them, the penalty incident aside at the end. We have gone to a tough place, battled away and shown the ability we have.
"The players can be proud of their performance. We have gone head to head with a team who are looking to get into the top six and were the better team.
"We know George Cooper is capable of scoring free-kicks like that. He did that against Coventry in his early days in the team and slowly he is getting that confidence back." | Jack Payne's injury-time penalty helped Southend secure a vital point against second-bottom Crewe at Roots Hall. |
38,169,194 | The three main Scottish banks, Clydesdale Bank, Bank of Scotland and Royal Bank of Scotland, had been told that the £5 notes were vegan-friendly.
However, De La Rue, which makes the notes, said more detailed analysis had revealed animal derivative equivalent to a maximum of 0.003% per banknote.
A spokesman said it was trying to address the problem with its suppliers.
More than 100,000 people signed a petition after the Bank of England admitted its notes contained a small amount of tallow - derived from animal products.
The Clydesdale Bank, Bank of Scotland and Royal Bank of Scotland, had all said their notes were free of animal products.
But De La Rue later released a statement which said: "Our initial analysis of our supply chain suggested that our polymer substrate did not contain any traces of tallow, and we advised specific customers on this basis.
"However, recognising the concern expressed by the public in recent days, we have undertaken a detailed and thorough review of our polymer supply chain. This review has identified the potential for minute traces of animal derivative, equivalent to a maximum of 0.003% per banknote.
"We are now working with our suppliers to identify ways of addressing this."
A statement, made on behalf of the three banks, through the Committee of Scottish Clearing Bankers, said: "Royal Bank of Scotland, Clydesdale Bank and the Bank of Scotland have been contacted by De La Rue following its announcement this afternoon and are in full dialogue with the manufacturer.
"None of the banks were previously aware of the potential presence of animal products in the manufacture of its polymer notes and recognise and understand the concerns of customers. We have asked De La Rue to investigate why this has happened as a matter of urgency.
"De La Rue is working with its suppliers and will keep all banks informed as it continues its investigation."
On Tuesday the Bank of England said "an extremely small amount" of tallow was used in an early stage of the production process and that the issue had "only just come to light".
The petition, on the Change.org website, calls on the Bank of England to "cease to use animal products in the production of currency that we have to use".
It states that tallow, which is often used in the manufacturing of candles and soap, is "unacceptable to millions of vegans, vegetarians, Hindus, Sikhs, Jains and others in the UK".
A number of Sikh and Hindus have also urged the notes be banned from temples, where meat products are forbidden.
Hindus believe cows are holy and sacred, and many do not wear shoes or carry bags made from the skin of cattle that has been slaughtered. Practising Sikhs are strict vegetarians.
Polymer notes are more durable than the paper ones. They are expected to last an an average of five years - compared to two years previously. | The company that produces Scottish polymer banknotes has admitted they contain "minute traces" of animal fat. |
37,614,468 | Laws, 42, started six months of chemotherapy this week.
The Kenya-born cyclist, a former British champion in time trial, road racing and mountain biking, and retired in August.
"As a professional cyclist I've had my share of setbacks. I have come back each time," she said in a statement.
"I hope that these experiences and my life as a professional athlete have prepared me for what will be my biggest challenge so far."
Laws was advised to have a biopsy on swollen lymph glands by her team doctor at Podium Ambition in late July, after initially attributing them to "a series of colds".
After discovering they were secondary cancer tumours, tests revealed further infected lymph nodes in the pelvis, and cervical cancer.
"Obviously I am trying to come to terms with what is happening," said Laws, who competed at the Beijing Olympics in 2008.
"I had exciting retirement plans - learning Spanish and volunteer work in South America, bike guiding and environmental consultancy. These will now have to be put on hold." | Former Team GB cyclist Sharon Laws has been diagnosed with cervical cancer which she says is "treatable but not curable". |
36,228,034 | Vic Ryan, from Lincoln, said his family holiday to Florida had been "totally ruined" after he was turned away at airport check-in because he had an old style passport.
New rules requiring US visitors to have passports with a biometric trip came into force on 1 April.
Tour operators have urged customers to check their passports.
Biometric passports are identifiable on British passports by the camera logo at the bottom of the front cover, and have an embedded electronic chip holding the carrier's facial details, in a bid to combat fraud and forgery.
It is understood that British passports affected are those issued between April and October 2006 - before the introduction of the biometric passport.
Simon Calder, travel editor at the Independent newspaper, estimates about 1.3 million British passports are currently valid but not biometric.
In a Facebook post that was shared more than 60,000 times, Mr Ryan said he was prevented from boarding his flight on 1 May, despite having a passport valid for six months, because it was not biometric.
"I have now spent best part of three hours on the phone being passed from pillar to post," he said.
"And had to fork out over £500 to try and get to the US on Wednesday to meet up with a very distraught family to try and rescue a totally ruined holiday."
Despite booking through travel agent Thomson, and filling in advanced passenger information and Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (Esta), the issue was never flagged, he said.
Thomson said it was "sorry to hear that a small number of customers had been unclear on the passport and visa guidelines" for entry to the US.
"We also advise customers it's their responsibility to check the passport, visa and health requirements for their holiday destination," the company said, adding that it was also reviewing how it could better highlight the issue to customers.
The new rules, which were decided in as part of an anti-terrorism strategy in December 2015, say that only people with a biometric passport will be allowed entry to the United States from 1 April 2016.
US Homeland Security states:
UK passports which are biometric feature a small gold symbol at the bottom of the front cover.
Any Briton travelling to the US for tourism or business for 90 days or less also needs fill in a form to obtain a valid Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (Esta). This is not a visa, but is part of a system to increase security for travellers entering the US from the 38 countries signed up to the Visa Waiver Programme - including the UK.
Babies, and those passing through America in transit, also need an Esta.
Hannah Elphick, 25, told BBC Radio 5 live her partner Kevin Nash was refused travel at Stansted Airport check-in on 6 April.
She was forced to go without him to Florida with their two-year-old, Kloe.
"It was awful, we were all pretty upset," she said, adding that it had taken more than two days and £700 for Mr Nash to finally get to the US.
"What annoys me most is that British Airways didn't inform me when I phoned them," she said.
British Airways said: "Customers should ensure they have the relevant documents before they travel."​
The relevant information is on its website, and customers are prompted when booking and later reminded again by email, the company said.
Sean Tipton, from the Association of British Agents (ABTA), said airlines and travel agents "certainly should have been" alerting customers.
"We sent out two notifications to our members saying rules were changing and people needed to be informed. From our side, we did tell them to do so," he said.
The US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has encouraged travellers to check they have the right passport, and said warnings had been issued on their website and via email where possible.
Those without an e-passport and who wished to travel to the US could obtain a non-immigrant visa, a spokeswoman said.
Such visas can be applied for and obtained from the nearest US embassy or consulate, according to advice on the Home Office website. | Britons travelling to the United States have been warned to check they have an e-passport, or risk being turned away. |
40,577,465 | The 26-year-old Brazil international will initially join the Italian champions on a season-long loan costing 6m euros (£5.3m).
Juventus will then have the option to buy Costa for 40m euros (£35.4m) at the end of his loan spell.
Costa joined Bayern from Shakhtar Donetsk in July 2015, scoring 14 goals in 77 appearances and winning two Bundesliga titles and the German Cup.
On Tuesday, Bayern signed Real Madrid forward James Rodriguez on a two-year loan deal.
Find all the latest football transfers on our dedicated page. | Brazil winger Douglas Costa has joined Juventus from Bayern Munich on loan. |
37,880,830 | US Undersecretary of State for Political Affairs Tom Shannon said if the talks failed, it could lead to both sides "putting people on the streets".
He said such a result would be very dangerous.
It comes after President Maduro rejected calls for an early election.
"From our point of view [the dialogue] really is the last best effort to try to find a negotiated, peaceful solution to this," said Mr Shannon.
He added that it would "unpredictable and can be very dangerous" if Venezuela found itself in a state where either side had to "measure themselves through their ability to put people on to the streets".
Mr Shannon's comments come at the end of a week that saw the progress which had been made at the talks, mediated by a Vatican envoy and former international leaders from Spain, the Dominican Republic and Panama, slowly fall apart.
Mr Maduro remains at loggerheads with the opposition, which dominates the National Assembly after a landslide victory in last year's elections.
He faces calls to step down amid a worsening economic crisis in the country.
Last month, hundreds of thousands of people protested in the capital Caracas after opposition calls for a referendum on Mr Maduro's leadership were rejected.
Mr Maduro was elected in 2013 to replace his late mentor Hugo Chavez, but has seen his popularity plummet to just over 20% amid an unprecedented economic crisis. | Talks between Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro and the opposition are the "last best effort" to finding a peaceful solution to the country's political impasse, a US official says. |
39,638,820 | Stan Vanuytrecht will have no heating, running water or pay at the Saalfelden hermitage in the Austrian Alps.
It has had a hermit for all of its 350 years and the local mayor said Mr Vanuytrecht "radiated calm".
His beard will help. His predecessor lacked both beard and cowl and lasted only one season, hinting at "arch-conservative Catholic" criticism.
Mr Vanuytrecht admitted he was surprised to be chosen.
"I thought I didn't have a chance," he said. "But when I read about the Saalfelden hermitage, I thought to myself: that's the place for me."
The views are great, the facilities not so.
He can't even expect to be left alone.
The hermitage season only runs from April to November - in winter it is not habitable - but many people hike up to enjoy the views and it has been known for some of them to seek counselling.
The white-bearded, pipe-wielding Mr Vanuytrecht feels he is well grounded in that, having had experience with the homeless, alcoholics, drug addicts, prisoners and psychiatric patients.
And poverty. After divorce from a partner who suffered mental illness, he "had to make do with very little. I was glad when I had money for food," the Saalfelden visitors' website reported him as saying.
It said the deacon and practising Catholic was now financially secure but cares not for luxury items.
The BBC's Bethany Bell visited the hermitage when the job was advertised and Saalfelden parish priest Alois Moser told her: "For us it is important that [the winning candidate] has a Christian background so that this monastic tradition is preserved."
Erich Rohrmoser, mayor of Saalfelden, said: "We opted for Stan Vanuytrecht because his personality appealed to us. He radiates calm and comes across as well-anchored."
Mr Vanuytrecht's predecessor, former priest and psychotherapist Thomas Fieglmueller, told the Salzburger Nachrichten daily: "Life in the hermit's cell is spartan but the nature is very beautiful.
"I met lots of nice people and had good conversations. But there was also criticism from apparently arch-conservative Catholics because I didn't have a cowl or a beard."
The occupant before him, a Benedictine monk, lasted 12 years. | A divorced, Trabant-driving Belgian has beaten 50 competitors to land the coveted post of - hermit. |
14,587,110 | Steven Cook, from Sandbach, was 20 when he was last seen outside a pub in Malia asking for directions to his hotel.
Greek police have failed to find any concrete leads in their investigation into why he went missing in 2005.
His father Norman said posters with the new image would be circulated around the island.
Cheshire Police used photographs of different members of Steven's family when they were in their 20s to help construct the enhanced image.
Norman said that his family had never given up hope of finding Steven.
"It takes over your whole life. For the last five or six years we've led an unreal life.
"Every day, several times a day, either myself or members of my family are looking to see if any bit of information has come through on the internet and emails.
"We always look positively at what we can do. That way, it gets you through the dark days."
The image has now been posted on the Find Steven Cook website and anyone with any information in regard to Steven's disappearance - his whereabouts or his movements since 2005 - is asked to contact Cheshire Police. | Six years after a man from south Cheshire went missing on holiday in Crete, police have released an image of how he might look now. |
36,094,965 | The 30-year-old Team Dimension Data rider got the better of Italian Giacomo Nizzolo in a reverse of the result from Tuesday's opening stage.
Cavendish's Australian team-mate Mark Renshaw was third in Wednesday's hilly 240km stage from Plitvicka Jezera to Split.
Manxman Cavendish now holds the overall lead from Nizzolo in the event, which continues until Sunday. | Britain's Mark Cavendish has won the second stage of the Tour of Croatia. |
40,635,923 | Clay, who has agreed a two-year deal, made 39 appearances for Scottish Premiership club Motherwell last season after joining them in June 2016.
The 25-year-old had spent the two previous seasons with Grimsby, playing 74 National League games.
Clay is Leyton Orient's ninth signing since being relegated from League Two last season. | National League side Leyton Orient have signed Motherwell midfielder Craig Clay on a free transfer. |
36,727,944 | Russia's Ramonov, the 2014 world champion, took just two minutes five seconds to beat Azerbaijan's Asgarov in Sunday's final.
Ramonov, 25, scored 11 unanswered points as he won the title.
Uzbekistan's Ikhtiyor Navruzov and Italy's Frank Chamizo Marquez took bronzes.
Find out how to get into wrestling with our special guide.
Subscribe to the BBC Sport newsletter to get our pick of news, features and video sent to your inbox. | Soslan Ramonov won -65kg freestyle Olympic wrestling gold with an emphatic victory over London 2012 champion Toghrul Asgarov. |
37,901,749 | A woman, who is believed to have pushed the victim under the No. 1 line train that was travelling southbound, has been taken into custody.
It is not clear if the two knew each other.
According to the New York Daily News, they were seen arguing before the incident that took place at lunchtime.
Some reports say the victim was a woman.
Witnesses told the New York Post, two other women may have been involved.
Police and fire-fighters are investigating and there are delays on southbound 1, 2 and 3 trains.
Security has been stepped up in New York for Tuesday's presidential vote as both the main candidates are holding election night events in the city.
The candidates have been racing across battleground states on campaign's final day. | A person has died after being shoved in front of a moving subway train at Times Square station in New York City, police say. |
34,650,363 | After a turbulent few campaigns of rebrands and relegation, the Bluebirds have stabilised on the pitch and currently sit eighth in the Championship table.
Despite a steady start to this term, however, Cardiff City Stadium crowds are dwindling.
Only 13,371 watched Cardiff beat Middlesbrough in October, the lowest league attendance at the ground since it opened in 2009.
That was no one-off. Instead, it was symptomatic of a malaise which had seen the previous three games attract gates of 13,980, 13,763 and 13,715.
Cardiff had an average crowd of 21,123 last season, while the figure was 27,429 when they were in the Premier League for the 2013-14 campaign.
So why, with the team enjoying on-field consistency, are the fans staying away?
A large part of supporters' disillusionment can be traced back to the controversial change to a red kit in 2012.
Although Cardiff returned to their traditional blue shirts in January, some fans have boycotted the club since the initial rebrand while others followed suit later.
"The red kit had a delayed reaction," says Ben James, a blogger who runs the 'View From The Ninian' podcast.
"Most fans were happy to put up with it as long as success was coming with it but, as soon as that started fading away, most fans lost interest.
"Most fans would admit, even when we were in Ninian Park, we've always had floating fans. Fans have always been a bit fair-weather.
"When the price freeze [on season tickets] went, a lot of fans took the decision alongside the terrible football and the overriding anger towards [owner] Vincent Tan over the red kit.
"It culminated in a perfect storm of two or three seasons which meant a lot of fans turned away from it."
If a residual disdain for the rebrand may be difficult to remedy, Cardiff will at least feel they can lure fans back with success.
Having lost only once at home this season, promotion remains a realistic aim, with the hope of strengthening in the January transfer window.
Asked about the falling attendances in September, manager Russell Slade was upbeat.
"Fans want to see a winning team," he said.
"Of course you want more and more numbers to come and watch your team and I'm sure in time, if we continue to progress, they will be there.
"I think we're playing a decent brand of football. I'm sure they'll come back if we can maintain it."
Cardiff have the third best home record in the Championship this season, but have scored only eight goals in their seven games.
As James argues, the lack of entertainment on the pitch has compounded the disenchantment originally caused by off-field issues.
For other supporters, the problem lies with the diminishing atmosphere in the stands.
Cardiff City Stadium was expanded to a capacity of 33,280 in 2014 but, as attendances dropped towards the end of last season, the Bluebirds decided to close the new section for this campaign, reducing the capacity to 27,978.
It was hoped the move would help condense the atmosphere, but some fans claim overly zealous staff at the stadium are spoiling their match-day experience.
As part of the Bluebirds Unite group, Sian Branson played a prominent role in the campaign for Cardiff to return to their blue kit.
"It's almost like a school trip to the library. You're constantly being monitored and told what you can and can't do," she says.
"That's not down to Vincent Tan," she added. "He and his representatives seem interested in what we have to say.
"The people involved in the day-to-day running don't seem to get it.
"The stewards need better training. They're constantly telling people to sit down."
Even a Severnside derby against Bristol City failed to rekindle the passion.
A crowd of 15,287 watched a dour 0-0 draw, in stark contrast to the 25,586 present when the teams last met at Cardiff City Stadium in 2013.
"We really don't understand why they can't let Cardiff City fans express themselves," adds Branson.
"Even people who've renewed their season tickets don't want to go down there and be treated the way fans are being treated. It's stifling.
"I work in Bristol and Bristol City fans at work were asking me 'What's happened to Cardiff City? The atmosphere's gone'.
The BBC has asked Cardiff City if they would like to respond to Branson's comments. | Controversy has been a constant at Cardiff City in recent years but, this season, it seems to be apathy which reigns. |
33,808,333 | Prahlad Pandya, owner of Highfields Taxis, was convicted in his absence after a driver refused to pick up Mohammed Khatri from BBC Leicester.
Pandya, of Gwencole Crescent, Leicester, was fined £1,000 and ordered to pay £655.50 costs.
The prosecution was brought by the city council which said it hoped it would send a message to other cab firms.
A taxi was ordered for Mr Khatri and his assistance dog Vargo after an interview he gave to BBC TV in January.
When a reporter called to check where it was he was told none of the drivers would collect a passenger with a dog.
At the time, the firm apologised to Mr Khatri and told the BBC it would never happen again.
Speaking after the hearing Mike Broster, from the city council, said: "The operator in this case had a legal duty to provide services to someone who wanted to use an assistance dog and they didn't comply with that.
"The city council hopes that this case sends out a message to other operators that they need to comply with that duty and if they don't the city council will prosecute them." | The owner of a cab firm that refused to take a blind man and his guide dog has been fined £1,000. |
40,555,592 | Media reports had said US firm Iconiq Capital was preparing an offer.
Spurs are currently in the process of building a new stadium, and will play games at Wembley Stadium next season.
The club agreed stadium funding with a trio of banks in May. It says other proposals emerged then, "including bank debt and equity investment".
The banks involved in the stadium financing were Bank of America Merrill Lynch International Ltd, Goldman Sachs Bank USA and HSBC bank.
The club said in a statement: "The board believes this [stadium financing agreement] was the optimum solution in the interests of fans, employees and shareholders and for the continued development of the club."
But it added: "The board is not in any discussions relating to a takeover offer for the club."
Demolition of the club's historic White Hart Lane home started at the end of the 2016-17 season.
They plan to have a new 61,000-seater stadium, built on the same site, ready for the 2018-19 season.
In the meantime, the club will play home games at Wembley, which they used in the Champions League and Europa League last season.
The new stadium is expected to cost £750m but will create about 3,500 jobs in the area when it is finished, according to the club. | North London Premier League football club Tottenham Hotspur has said that it is not in any discussions relating to a takeover offer. |
28,421,553 | The pair made the discovery while erecting fences above Westruther on Monday.
They put the device in the back of their van, which they left outside a colleague's house in Earlston.
The man's father noticed it and a bomb disposal unit later carried out a controlled explosion in a nearby field.
Police said there was no danger to the public at any time. | A controlled explosion has been carried out on a World War Two bomb which two workmen took home after finding it on a remote Borders hillside. |
30,063,105 | The win took them level with the Irish, three points behind leaders Poland.
"As a spectacle of pure football, it wasn't that great," he said. "But, as two groups of players not wanting to give an inch, it was mesmerising.
"There wasn't much football as such, but any chance they had they did that."
But the Scotland boss again played down suggestions that it had been a must-win game for his side, who are also level with Germany in Group D with seven points from four games.
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"I think I said earlier in the week there was one goal deciding all the games up until tonight outwith Gibraltar," he said. "It has happened again."
Asked whether he would now make changes for Tuesday's friendly against England, Strachan said: "I think so, because they put so much into that game.
"That was like one of those big heavyweight boxing matches.
"We've played in football games and believed in that and we've played in a more physical duel tonight and dealt with that as well."
Strachan credited coach Stuart McCall with the inspiration for Maloney's decisive goal.
"We are just fortunate Stuart came away with that set-play," he said. "It was a Stuart McCall goal."
Strachan said the move - a short corner, with Maloney playing the ball into the feet of Scott Brown, before scoring with a curled finish from the back-heeled return pass - was a variation of a set-piece used by McCall at Motherwell before he resigned from the Scottish Premiership club earlier this month.
"We can put on a set play, but you have to be able to finish and that's down to ability," he added in praise of Wigan Athletic midfielder Maloney's 75th-minute winner.
He added that he was delighted at the way Maloney and diminutive figures such as Steven Naismith and Ikechi Anya battled against the Irish.
"I have to say that our smaller guys, considering the height and power they were playing against, were very brave," he said.
"There wasn't much football as such, but any chance they had to do that they did. They were brave on and off the ball, the three behind the main strikers."
And he singled out midfielder Charlie Mulgrew for particular praise.
Celtic man Mulgrew missed Scotland's previous two games through suspension and injury but returned in place of James Morrison, sidelined by illness.
"Charlie was absolutely immense," said the manager. "Normally, you would come in and say what a game Scott Brown had, but Charlie's actually taken the mantle tonight and ably backed up by the people round about him. He was the best man on the pitch." | Scotland boss Gordon Strachan said his side's 1-0 Euro 2016 qualifying victory over the Republic of Ireland was "like a heavyweight boxing match" after Shaun Maloney got the winner at Celtic Park. |
33,197,338 | The pace of withdrawals has gained speed as talks between the government and its creditors have collapsed.
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Terms and conditions for sending contributions to the BBC. | Fears are growing over the health of Greek banks after indications that savers have withdrawn billions of euros in the past week. |
40,391,356 | 24 June 2017 Last updated at 12:06 BST
This lady from Thailand has been making the special poo-shaped puddings in her kitchen.
They are made from coconut milk, gelatin and food colouring and are a popular sweet treat in Thailand.
Wilaiwan Mee-Nguen makes the cakes at the weekend for fun, and started making poo shaped cakes after one of her customers asked for an unusual shape.
Now, the poo puddings are her most popular cake, and she sells around 1,000 of them a month!
That's a lot of poo! | Would you try a dog poo shaped cake? |
39,940,443 | Steve Martan allegedly called Martha McSally's office several times, making death threats and saying she should be careful if she visited Tucson, Arizona.
FBI officials traced the calls back to his mobile phone.
When they visited him, he said he was "venting frustrations" with Ms McSally's votes in support of Mr Trump.
A complaint filed with a local court alleges that Mr Martan called the congressional office three times, using expletives and making general threats such as saying her days were "numbered", as well as threats to wring Ms McSally's neck or shoot her.
Ms McSally said the threats were "especially sickening" in view of the shooting of another congresswoman, Gabrielle Giffords, in Tucson six years ago.
Six people died in that attack in 2011, and a total of 13 were wounded.
Ms Giffords survived the attack but spent time in an induced coma and suffered serious brain injury that left one of her arms paralysed and affected her speech. The man who shot her pleaded guilty on 19 counts of murder and attempted murder, and is serving seven life sentences plus 140 years.
Ms Giffords has issued a statement saying that the threats against Ms McSally were "reprehensible and deeply disturbing".
Ms McSally said: "We can disagree about issues and policies. We should have robust debates about the future of our country. But threats of violence cross a clear line."
Mr Martan has been released from custody, but will have to wear an electronic tag and is not permitted to contact Ms McSally or carry a gun, a local newspaper reported.
He is only allowed to leave the house for his work at a school and for his governmentally-mandated mental health programme. | A man in the US has been put arrested after threatening to shoot a Republican congresswoman who supports President Donald Trump. |
38,627,347 | A Russian version of the last instalment of series four - titled The Final Problem - has been illegally uploaded to the internet prior to it airing on television.
The creators of Sherlock have urged fans not to spoil the episode by sharing it online.
A post on the programme's official Twitter page said it was aware the episode had been uploaded illegally.
"If you come across it, please do not share it. #KeepMeSpoilerFree," it urged fans.
Sherlock producer Sue Vertue also tweeted: "Russian version of #Sherlock TFP has been illegally uploaded. Please don't share it. You've done so well keeping it spoiler free. Nearly there."
A preview screening of the series finale was held on Thursday in London for journalist and television critics.
Creator Steven Moffat has suggested another series of the detective drama "was possible" and he and fellow creator Mark Gatiss were not planning for the latest episode to be the final ever instalment.
Fans of the show will be able to watch The Final Problem at more than 300 cinemas as it is shown alongside its TV broadcast.
Audiences will have to pay for the cinema experience but will be treated to extra footage.
The series finale will air on BBC One at 21:00 on Sunday. | The final episode of the current series of Sherlock has been leaked online. |
33,520,099 | A titan arum is expected to bloom for the first time in a day or two at Cambridge University Botanic Garden.
Another specimen there flowered in 2004. The bloom lasts a few days and emits its smell to attract pollinators.
When it flowers, the garden will be open late to enable visitors to smell it "at its night-time stinkiest".
"Amorphophallus titanum is a very unusual plant. It lives mostly in an underground tuber which every year puts out one gigantic leaf several metres tall that lasts for the growing season," Prof Beverley Glover, director of the garden, said.
"This year it's decided not to put up a new leaf, but to put up a flower instead."
The garden has two titan arum plants.
The current specimen has been at the garden for about 10 years, and this will be the first time it has flowered.
"When it comes out, it's the biggest single flower known in the world," Prof Glover said.
"The flower can be about two metres (80in) across."
In order to attract pollinators, it heats itself up to about 40C (104F) and "produces the most appalling scent of rotting flesh and decay to attract the carrion beetle - the pollinators in Sumatra, which is where it's from".
The smell is a combination of sulphur compounds, Prof Glover said.
"Our plan is, for the two nights that it's open, we'll open until 22:00 BST.
"The tricky thing is, we don't know when it's going to open." | Preparations are under way to enable as many people as possible to see and smell a rare "corpse flower" that emits a "stench of rotting flesh". |
32,143,243 | The bank said its Machynlleth branch would shut in the summer after a dramatic fall in customers.
Of the 28 banks that shut in Wales last year, 10 were "last bank in town" closures.
Residents and businesses have told BBC Wales the loss of local branches is a "massive inconvenience".
Montgomery, in Powys, and Tregaron, in Ceredigion, are among the towns which have lost local banks.
Eight branches in Wales have so far been scheduled to permanently lock their doors in 2015.
The major banks say the scaling back is driven by the massive rise in internet banking. Online UK accounts are now accessed seven million times a day.
Last week, Britain's banks reached a deal with the UK government on a protocol for shutting branches to minimise the damage caused to rural areas.
This includes working with the Post Office to allow customers to access more services. | Concerns have been raised over access to banks in rural areas after HSBC announced the closure of a branch in Powys. |
38,271,338 | In a statement on Facebook, she said she meant "absolutely no disrespect to the Hawaiian people".
The actress had told the BBC's The Graham Norton Show that the incident happened when she was filming The Hunger Games in the US state.
She faced a backlash, with some viewers calling on her to apologise.
Lawrence, who won an Oscar for her role in the 2012 film Silver Linings Playbook, had told the BBC presenter she had been filming in a location where there were "sacred rocks".
"You're not supposed to sit on them because you're not supposed to expose your genitalia to them," she said.
"I, however, was in a wetsuit for this whole shoot so - oh my God, they were so good for butt-itching. One rock that I was butt-scratching on ended up coming loose.
"It was a giant boulder and it rolled down this mountain and almost killed our sound guy."
She added: "His whole station got destroyed, it was a huge dramatic deal and all the Hawaiians were like 'Oh my god, it's the curse'. And I'm round the corner going, 'I'm your curse - I wedged it loose with my ass'."
More than 1.3 million people watched the clip after it was posted on BBC One's Facebook page.
Some viewers called on Lawrence to apologise for her comments.
Arghya Ghosh commented: "Weird to see how perspectives work, I mean it's funny to her because she doesn't belong to that culture. I mean if you destroy a historical or cultural site, it's pretty much a crime."
Marcia Ogasawara, from Hawaii, said she didn't find it funny, adding: "If she left the part of it being sacred out, then I wouldn't care; but knowing native Hawaiians built that for some significance and her talking like it's not a big deal, it's very disappointing."
The star later took to her own Facebook page to apologise, starting the post: "From Jen to the Internet."
"I meant absolutely no disrespect to the Hawaiian people," she said.
"I really thought that I was being self-deprecating about the fact that I was 'the curse', but I understand the way it was perceived was not funny and I apologise if I offended anyone."
It is not known exactly where the rocks are in Hawaii but some of the scenes of The Hunger Games: Catching Fire were filmed on the North Shore of Oahu at Kawela Bay.
It was used as the location for a scene when the tributes appear on top of the saltwater lake at the arena for the Quarter Quell. | US actress Jennifer Lawrence has apologised after telling a story about scratching her "butt" on sacred rocks in Hawaii. |
37,385,989 | Aid worker Giovanni Lo Porto, 37, was killed while being held hostage by al-Qaeda in 2015.
US aid worker Warren Weinstein, 73, being held with him also died in the operation.
The White House has confirmed that payments were made to both families, without releasing details.
President Barack Obama admitted the deaths in April last year, saying that he profoundly regretted them. It was announced that compensation would be paid to the families.
Officials said at the time that the operation had targeted an al-Qaeda compound in the border region of Afghanistan and Pakistan, and that they had believed there were no civilians present.
But according to La Repubblica newspaper (in Italian) and the Guardian newspaper, the agreement states that Mr Lo Porto was killed inside Pakistan.
US military commanders have long tried to make condolence payments to families of innocent people who've been killed in operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Making these payments has been harder when the civilians were killed in drone strikes in Pakistan, Libya and other places where the US is not officially at war, however. The drone strikes themselves were kept secret, and determining whether - or how - to provide money for victims' families has been fraught.
In July, however, President Obama released statistics on civilians killed in airstrikes outside of conventional war zones (official estimates of the dead range from 64 to 116).
And now the families of Giovanni Lo Porto and Warren Weinstein have received a payment. These are important steps for Mr Obama, part of a fitful, halting effort to provide transparency about the government's actions and to do the right thing, even when operating in the shadowy world of targeted killings.
The payment was considered a "donation in memory" of the Italian, La Repubblica says.
Mr Lo Porto had disappeared from Multan, Pakistan, in January 2012 but little is known about what happened then. He had worked for an international aid group called Welthungerhilfe.
Mr Weinstein, a development worker, was kidnapped from his home in Lahore, Pakistan, in 2011. He had lived in Pakistan for seven years, working on economic development projects.
The strike also killed American Ahmed Farouq, described as an al-Qaeda leader. | The US government has agreed to pay €1.1m ($1.2m; £934,000) to the family of an Italian aid worker killed by a drone strike in Pakistan, reports say. |
32,999,636 | Natwest said it had made the "difficult decision" to close the branches in September due to a "wide range of factors" including usage.
The number of transactions made in some branches has fallen by almost half, a spokeswoman said.
The bank will instead be introducing mobile van branch services to each community.
Attempts will be made to redeploy staff to nearby branches in a bid to keep compulsory redundancies "to a minimum".
Branches will close their doors in St Asaph, Denbigh, Corwen and Llangollen in Denbighshire, as will the branches in Abersoch, Blaenau Ffestiniog and Tywyn in Gwynedd.
Those in Abergele and Rhos-on-Sea in Conwy, Buckley in Flintshire and Rossett in Wrexham will also close. | A high street bank has announced plans to close 11 branches in north Wales. |
39,301,963 | The typical property cost 7.6 times average annual earnings of employees in England and Wales, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) said.
The aftermath of the financial crisis saw affordability levels plateau.
But now buyers face paying a record multiple of earnings as the affordability gap widens.
In 2007, the typical buyer faced paying 7.2 times their earnings on a property, but this was surpassed in 2015 (7.4 times) and again in 2016 (7.6 times).
The official figures will make gloomy reading for potential first-time buyers whose wages have stagnated and who now see property ownership become comparatively more expensive.
However, borrowing costs are at historic lows with banks and building societies cutting interest rates on mortgages to attract customers.
A recent report by Shelter suggested that nearly eight out of 10 families across England are unable to afford newly built homes in their local area.
Northampton is the fastest-moving property market in the UK, according to analysis of listings on a property portal.
Zoopla calculated the length of time that properties were listed on its website before being marked as under offer.
Typically, among towns and cities across the country, properties in Northampton were listed for the shortest amount of time, 27 days.
Milton Keynes (29 days) and Croydon (30 days) were next on the list.
Regionally, properties on the site came under offer fastest in the South East of England and the East of England (42 days) compared with the longest - Wales - which took 66 days.
The ONS figures show that London hosts seven of the 10 least affordable areas to buy a property in England and Wales last year.
In Kensington and Chelsea, the typical property costs 38 times the average annual income of residents in the area. In 1999, a home cost 13 times typical earnings.
Buyers in Westminster had to pay 24 times typical earnings for the area last year, and it was 21 times multiple in Hammersmith and Fulham.
At the other end of the scale, buyers Copeland in Cumbria had to pay 2.8 times typical local earnings for a home.
Next on the affordability list were the Welsh council areas of Neath Port Talbot and Blaenau Gwent (both 3.6 times).
Property commentator Henry Pryor argues that affordability levels are less relevant for some buyers.
"Up to 40% of buyers do not have a mortgage, they are cash buyers for whom affordability isn't an issue and for whom there is no link to their income," he said.
"Half of people who own a home have no borrowings. The unearned and largely untaxed money they have made simply by living in their property isn't recorded in inflation figures but it is a significant part of what maintains house prices and drives the economy."
Roger Harding, of Shelter, said: "The only way to fix the housing crisis is for the government to get behind a different way of building that brings down the cost of land."
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Still got questions? Ask Newsbot | Working people typically face house prices of more than seven times their annual earnings as affordability is increasingly stretched. |
19,325,357 | Two women and one man were detained in the southern town of Galle after a photographic laboratory alerted police.
The pictures show the travellers posing with Buddha statues and pretending to kiss one of them.
Most of Sri Lanka's majority ethnic Sinhalese are Theravada Buddhist.
Mistreatment of Buddhist images and artefacts is strictly taboo in the country. The incident is alleged to have taken place at a temple in central Sri Lanka.
Police spokesman, Ajith Rohana, told the BBC the French party had visited the laboratory to get pictures printed.
The images were impounded after the owner of the photographic laboratory alerted police, but they were later posted on a Sri Lankan website.
On Tuesday a magistrate sentenced the trio to six months in prison with hard labour, suspended for five years - which means they will not actually serve any time in jail. The court also levied a small fine on them.
They were convicted under a section of the Penal Code which outlaws deeds intended to wound or insult "the religious feelings of any class of persons" through acts committed in, upon or near sacred objects or places of worship.
Last month there were reports that five Arabs visiting the island were arrested for distributing "literature insulting to Buddhism".
In 2010 two Sri Lankan Muslim traders were given suspended jail sentences for selling keyrings containing an image of Buddha.
That same year Sri Lanka denied a visa to the R&B star Akon, who had been due to perform a concert. It happened after public protests over one of his music videos which briefly showed scantily-clad women dancing in front of a Buddha statue.
There is currently widespread excitement in Sri Lanka as the Kapilvastu Relics - believed to be bones of Lord Buddha - have been brought to the island from India for a two-week tour of temples. | A Sri Lankan court has given suspended jail terms to three French tourists for wounding the religious feelings of Buddhists by taking pictures deemed insulting. |
34,128,978 | The Gunners' hopes of reaching the knockout phase were in serious jeopardy after they lost their opening two games away to Dinamo Zagreb and at home to Olympiakos.
Arsene Wenger's side responded by beating Pep Guardiola's Bayern - clear favourites to win Group F - and make a nonsense of those dismal earlier performances.
Bayern dominated possession but Arsenal dug out the win that keeps their hopes alive when substitute Olivier Giroud bundled home from close range in the 77th minute after goalkeeper Manuel Neuer made a rare error as he missed Santi Cazorla's free-kick.
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The win was secured in the dying seconds when Mesut Ozil turned in Hector Bellerin's cross, Neuer clawing the ball out only for the officials to adjudge it had crossed the line.
Arsenal were indebted to keeper Petr Cech, restored after replacement David Ospina's mistake in the defeat by Olympiakos, saving superbly from Thiago Alcantara and Arturo Vidal.
Neuer also excelled before his mistake, particularly with a sensational save from Theo Walcott's first-half header.
Relive how the Champions League action unfolded
Listen back to both Arsenal goals on BBC Radio 5 live
Neuer is widely regarded as the world's best - but it was a mixed night for Germany's World Cup winner.
He produced a save only the greats can contemplate when clawing out Walcott's close-range header when a goal seemed certain.
Could Walcott's header have been directed better? Did he give Neuer just that slight chance of making a save that the best will always take advantage of?
Yes, but it was still a monument to reflexes, agility and technique as Neuer left Walcott dumbfounded, as well as Aaron Ramsey, who had already turned to celebrate.
Neuer, however, proved he was fallible as Arsenal took the lead, making an ungainly dash from goal and flapping hopelessly at Cazorla's free-kick to allow Giroud to scramble home with a hint of handball.
It happens to the best - and it may just have saved Arsenal's Champions League campaign.
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger was uncharacteristically touchy when it was suggested he made a mistake in preferring David Ospina to first choice Petr Cech in their previous Champions League game at home to Olympiakos.
It backfired as Ospina dropped a simple catch from a corner into his own net in the damaging 3-2 defeat.
Wenger was defiant in the face of claims he had made a serious error but the case against him only got stronger with 33-year-old Cech's return and performance against Bayern Munich.
Cech was in the action quickly with a superb reflex save from Thiago and also showed his enduring athleticism to save from Vidal.
This is not to suggest Ospina is a poor keeper - the Colombian is not - but when you have a keeper of Cech's quality at your disposal it is folly to leave him out of a game you cannot afford to lose.
Wenger did make a mistake when he dropped Cech. This game proved it.
Arsenal's Champions League aspirations were wrecked last season by a performance of naivety and defensive incompetence in equal measure against Monaco in February when they lost 3-1 at home as they went out in the last 16.
The performance in defeat against Olympiakos was not far behind and left Arsenal fans infuriated.
Before that fixture, Wenger had said Arsenal "must win" all their home games but, after twice falling behind, they threw away the chance of a point when they conceded what proved the winner almost immediately after Alexis Sanchez's equaliser.
How can a team that play so poorly against those opponents acquit themselves so well against Bayern Munich, accepted as a member of European football's royalty under the guidance of one of the game's great coaches in Pep Guardiola?
Guardiola is used to enjoying possession without victory at Emirates. When Barcelona lost a two-goal lead to draw here in April 2010, Arsenal only had 38% of possession - in the first half here Bayern enjoyed a 74.5% share.
And yet, once more, Arsenal dug in. They were defensively resilient, dogged in midfield and, even though the two goals were scrambled, they may well prove to be priceless.
The Gunners remain bottom of the table, but are level on three points with Dinamo Zagreb and three behind both Olympiakos and Bayern Munich.
Wenger's side face Bayern at the Allianz Arena on 4 November, before hosting Dinamo later that month.
They finish their group stage campaign at Olympiakos on 9 December.
The top two in each group progress to the knockout stage, with the team finishing third going into the Europa League.
John Hartson on BBC Radio 5 live: "This was a massive result. Arsenal needed a result and three points.
"They are firmly back in the group and it keeps the momentum going.
"They had to defend for their lives but what a win for Arsenal."
Match ends, Arsenal 2, FC Bayern München 0.
Second Half ends, Arsenal 2, FC Bayern München 0.
Goal! Arsenal 2, FC Bayern München 0. Mesut Özil (Arsenal) left footed shot from the left side of the six yard box to the centre of the goal. Assisted by Héctor Bellerín.
Foul by Robert Lewandowski (FC Bayern München).
Laurent Koscielny (Arsenal) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
Attempt saved. Thiago Alcántara (FC Bayern München) right footed shot from outside the box is saved in the centre of the goal. Assisted by David Alaba.
Offside, Arsenal. Mesut Özil tries a through ball, but Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is caught offside.
Attempt blocked. David Alaba (FC Bayern München) left footed shot from outside the box is blocked.
Corner, FC Bayern München. Conceded by Petr Cech.
Corner, FC Bayern München. Conceded by Nacho Monreal.
Douglas Costa (FC Bayern München) wins a free kick on the right wing.
Foul by Nacho Monreal (Arsenal).
Attempt blocked. Douglas Costa (FC Bayern München) left footed shot from the right side of the box is blocked. Assisted by Juan Bernat with a cross.
Olivier Giroud (Arsenal) is shown the yellow card for a bad foul.
Manuel Neuer (FC Bayern München) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
Foul by Olivier Giroud (Arsenal).
Attempt saved. Olivier Giroud (Arsenal) header from the centre of the box is saved in the centre of the goal. Assisted by Mesut Özil with a cross.
Corner, Arsenal. Conceded by David Alaba.
Substitution, Arsenal. Kieran Gibbs replaces Alexis Sánchez.
Hand ball by Olivier Giroud (Arsenal).
Goal! Arsenal 1, FC Bayern München 0. Olivier Giroud (Arsenal) header from the centre of the box to the bottom right corner. Assisted by Santiago Cazorla with a cross following a set piece situation.
Foul by Joshua Kimmich (FC Bayern München).
Olivier Giroud (Arsenal) wins a free kick in the attacking half.
Attempt missed. Thomas Müller (FC Bayern München) left footed shot from the right side of the box is close, but misses to the left. Assisted by Rafinha.
Corner, FC Bayern München. Conceded by Petr Cech.
Attempt saved. Robert Lewandowski (FC Bayern München) right footed shot from the right side of the box is saved in the top centre of the goal. Assisted by Douglas Costa.
Substitution, Arsenal. Olivier Giroud replaces Theo Walcott.
Corner, Arsenal. Conceded by Thiago Alcántara.
Substitution, FC Bayern München. Rafinha replaces Arturo Vidal.
Substitution, FC Bayern München. Joshua Kimmich replaces Xabi Alonso.
Attempt saved. Theo Walcott (Arsenal) header from the centre of the box is saved in the bottom left corner. Assisted by Mesut Özil with a cross.
Foul by Xabi Alonso (FC Bayern München).
Alexis Sánchez (Arsenal) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
Attempt missed. Xabi Alonso (FC Bayern München) right footed shot from outside the box misses to the left.
Attempt blocked. Robert Lewandowski (FC Bayern München) left footed shot from outside the box is blocked. Assisted by Thiago Alcántara.
Attempt missed. Francis Coquelin (Arsenal) right footed shot from outside the box is close, but misses to the right. Assisted by Mesut Özil.
Foul by Xabi Alonso (FC Bayern München).
Santiago Cazorla (Arsenal) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
Delay over. They are ready to continue.
Substitution, Arsenal. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain replaces Aaron Ramsey because of an injury. | Arsenal revived their Champions League hopes in thrilling fashion with a crucial victory over Bayern Munich at Emirates Stadium. |
28,368,746 | The media watchdog found that Channel 4's teen drama had 11.5 violent scenes per hour in 2013, up from 2.1 in 2002.
By contrast, violence in EastEnders has dropped, from 6.1 scenes per hour in 2002 to 2.1 per hour today.
Across all four main soaps, including Coronation Street and Emmerdale, 70% of episodes depicted at least one violent incident.
The violence logged by Ofcom's researchers ranged from intimidation and menace to drownings and shootings.
Pushing, prodding and grabbing were the most common acts, accounting for 35% of all violent scenes across the 11-year period of research.
Strong violence which might make the viewer uncomfortable was very infrequent, Ofcom noted, accounting for 6% of the total.
"Violence appears to be quite prevalent," the report said. "It occurred in the large majority of episodes and even the remainder may be considered to have had an evident potential for violent scenes to develop.
"However most of the violence portrayed was quite mild. Indeed, in the majority of cases, the violent act portrayed was judged as too mild to result in any evident injuries."
The study found soaps usually indicated when violence was likely to occur, so viewers were "rarely surprised" by it.
Carried out in four "waves", over a 12-year period, the research reflected an upward trend in soap opera violence, but noted the incidence of aggressive acts fluctuated widely between programmes.
The research comes a year after Hollyoaks was censured for a scene in which a character was pushed under a train and killed.
Ofcom ruled the "violent and shocking" scene was unsuitable to be shown before the watershed.
In its ruling, Ofcom highlighted official Barb figures which showed 10% of the total audience of the episode were aged between four and nine years old.
Alongside the research into soaps, Ofcom revealed a new survey of viewers attitudes to on screen violence.
It found the watershed was still an important factor in people's expectations, with many prepared to tolerate only moderate violence before 21:00.
All of those surveyed agreed children should not be exposed to sexual violence on TV before and straight after the watershed and that "strong scenes with a vulnerable victim" were also unacceptable in the early evening.
Ofcom also found the likelihood of older children watching television after 21:00 "underlined the importance of a gradual transition of content change between 21:00 and 22:00 for some parents".
Other viewers, however, commented that on-screen violence "contributed to their TV viewing experience" because it made action and drama programmes "seem realistic and provided tension" and "keeps you watching".
Overall, Ofcom found the number of viewers who said there was excessive violence on TV fell from 55% in 2008 to 35% in 2013.
The regulator said the research would be used to update its guidance to broadcasters and would inform decisions when "investigating TV programmes with violence shown before, or soon after, the watershed". | Hollyoaks has overtaken EastEnders as the UK's most violent soap, according to new research from Ofcom. |
34,487,543 | After so many years of corruption, and with so many of those at the top of the sport disgraced, banned or under investigation, a void now exists at the top of world football.
And yet, because we have become so conditioned, so numb, to the years of scandal, deceit and theft, instinct prevents us from assuming anything. What appears truly momentous turns out to be merely incremental.
So could this be the moment, once and for all, that things actually change? A tipping point? Or yet another false dawn?
Little wonder that some are cautious.
For most people, watching events from afar, Blatter left office five months ago, when he announced he would be stepping down.
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I remember the now-familiar dash to Zurich that June evening, the world's media descending on Fifa HQ to herald a fresh start, a new era. The recovery - it appeared - would now begin.
But Blatter stayed, clinging grimly on. Even with Swiss criminal proceedings opened against him, Fifa sponsors demanding he disappear, and now with him finally banished from office altogether, the 79-year-old refuses to give up or admit defeat.
He has appealed, claimed his innocence, insisted he was not afforded due process, and could even return to office a few days before February's presidential election having served his suspension. An election which, with most of the leading candidates now banned, could yet be postponed.
Since June, a battle of wills has been raging between those who believe world football's governing body should be given the benefit of the doubt and allowed the chance to self-regulate, and the critics, who insist that, even if a reformist such as Prince Ali of Jordan becomes president, the governing body simply cannot be trusted long-term. They say it has proved itself not fit for purpose, and must be told what to do.
Never has the latter argument felt quite so compelling. Because football's administrators, it seems, will never learn.
Let us consider the case of Platini.
Platini has vowed to clear his name, and denies any wrongdoing.
But after all of that, and given how obviously football is crying out for a fresh start, one might have expected him to have withdrawn his candidacy to become Fifa president. To do what some would regard as the honourable thing in the wider interests of the game.
Instead, the former France international raged against the disciplinary process, condemning the allegations as "astonishingly vague", and submitted his candidacy papers anyway in a mood of "staunch defiance". In a bizarre statement, he hinted at being the victim of a conspiracy "to taint a lifelong devotee of the game", and described his suspension as "farcical".
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Farcical? What is really farcical, perhaps, is Platini's inability to appreciate that, regardless of his innocence or otherwise, merely by association he is tainted whether he likes it or not.
What is also farcical, arguably, is the Football Association's refusal to withdraw their support for the beleaguered Frenchman, a decision which former sports minister Hugh Robertson has urged the governing body to rethink quickly.
All this, let us remember, at a time when IOC president Thomas Bach has called on Fifa to be open to an "external presidential candidate of high integrity" to lead football forward into a new era.
This weekend, journalists were directed by Platini's advisers towards the support he retains from Conmebol. Four of the South American confederation's former senior officials are among nine Fifa personnel indicted on corruption charges by US prosecutors. Maybe Platini should think twice before shouting about that support.
One senior member of the Government told me this weekend that they were bemused by the FA's loyalty to Platini, and FA chairman Greg Dyke will be asked to explain himself to MPs in two weeks' time when he appears before the Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee in Parliament. He will be asked why the FA backed the Uefa president before he had even issued a manifesto, and before waiting to see which other candidates may be running.
The FA have their reasons for backing Platini - as outlined in a previous blog - and obviously they could not have foreseen his suspension when declaring their support.
But they leave themselves open to suggestions they have lost the moral high-ground that Dyke fought hard to win in Sao Paulo last year - when he led a European rebellion against Blatter - and by FA vice-chairman David Gill in May, when he refused to take his seat on the Fifa Exco in protest at the president's latest re-election.
On Thursday, Uefa will hold an emergency meeting in Nyon to discuss whether an alternative candidate to Platini should be considered, and whether to push for a postponement of the Fifa presidential election.
Such a move could give Platini more time to clear his name, but could risk giving Blatter a chance to launch an audacious bid to stay in power - assuming Swiss criminal prosecutors do not charge him with any wrongdoing before then.
In the meantime, while football's politicians try to work out how on earth to plot a path through this mess, the rest of us are left to consider what should happen to Fifa.
What is certain is that Blatter's departure does not in any way suggest the job is done. The fact that Issa Hayatou, a man reprimanded in 2011 by the IOC over bribery allegations - which he denies - is now acting president, proves that.
In a bid to police itself, the organisation currently has two reform programmes being worked on - by its audit and compliance chief Domenico Scala, and Swiss lawyer Francois Carrard, respectively - but many believe Fifa has lost the right to police itself, and demand an entirely independent reform commission.
Various suggestions deserve consideration:
Some want to go much further, urging the Swiss government - recently emboldened by new laws designed to clampdown on the many international sports bodies based there - to put Fifa into state control, seize its assets, wind it up and start again.
Others, such as the International Centre for Sport Security, have suggested the establishment of a global body dedicated to good governance and integrity - the equivalent to the World Anti-Doping Agency - overseeing a neutral regulatory platform or code that all sports governing bodies are accountable to.
Some may naturally ask where the money for such a concept would come from, but given the vast fortunes the sports industry now generates, surely it cannot be impossible.
What seems certain is that this is Fifa's ground zero, and a chance to rebuild that must not be squandered. | Kicked out of the game he had ruled for so long, Sepp Blatter's departure from Fifa along with that of the next most powerful man in the sport - likely successor and Uefa chief Michel Platini - seemed like a defining moment. |
21,457,155 | Moses Murandu, from Zimbabwe, grew up watching his father use granulated sugar to treat wounds.
Sugar is thought to draw water away from wounds and prevent bacteria from multiplying.
Early results from a trial on 35 hospital patients in Birmingham are encouraging, but more research is needed.
One of the patients who received sugar treatment on a wound was 62-year-old Alan Bayliss from Birmingham.
He had undergone an above-the knee amputation on his right leg at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham and, as part of the surgery, a vein was removed from his left leg leaving a wound which would not heal properly.
Murandu, who is studying for a doctorate at Birmingham University, was contacted and asked to treat the wound with sugar.
Mr Bayliss said: "It has been revolutionary. The actual wound was very deep - it was almost as big as my finger.
"When Moses first did the dressing he almost used the whole pot of sugar, but two weeks later he only needed to use four or five teaspoons.
"I am very pleased indeed. I feel that it has speeded up my recovery a lot, and it has been a positive step forward. I was a little sceptical at first but once I saw the sugar in operation and how much it was drawing the wound out, I was impressed."
The randomised control trial at three West Midlands hospitals is only half way through. So far 35 patients have been treated with sugar treatment.
Murandu, a senior lecturer in adult nursing at the University of Wolverhampton, said he was very pleased by the results.
"I believe in the sugar and the nurses and doctors who see the effects are beginning to believe in it too."
The treatment is thought to work because applying sugar to a wound draws the water away, thereby starving the bacteria of what it needs to grow. This prevents the bacteria from multiplying and they die.
Staff nurse Jonathan Janneman said the treatment had boosted the patient's morale too.
"He could see the cavity in his leg as well as having been unwell and through operations. But the sugar has given him something to hold on to.
"It is amazing that something as simple as sugar has given him a morale boost." | A nurse is researching whether an old family remedy using sugar to heal wounds does actually work. |
34,953,505 | Recep Tayyip Erdogan said he wished the incident had not happened and hoped it would not happen again.
He has so far refused to apologise to Russia, accusing Moscow of "playing with fire" in its Syria operations.
The president's remarks came as Turkey warned its citizens against non-essential travel to Russia.
The Foreign Ministry said visits should be avoided "until the situation becomes clear", citing problems such as anti-Turkish demonstrations outside the country's embassy in Moscow.
On Friday Russia suspended its visa-free arrangement with Turkey and is planning to introduce a wide range of economic sanctions.
He mentioned the "s" word - but not the one Vladimir Putin wanted.
Recep Tayyip Erdogan's expression of "sadness" is an olive branch. But President Putin says he expects a "sorry" from his Turkish counterpart, refusing to answer the phone to Mr Erdogan until it's uttered.
Both strongmen leaders are trying a difficult balancing act - pleasing their nationalist supporters at home while trying not to destroy a vital bilateral relationship.
Moscow says it will re-impose visa restrictions on Turks from January. Ankara has warned against "all but essential travel" for its citizens to Russia. There is talk of wider economic sanctions and tough rhetoric - President Putin calling Turkey an "accomplice of terror", President Erdogan saying Russia should not "play with fire".
But the two countries depend on each other economically - Russia is Turkey's second-largest trading partner - and they need to unite to defeat Islamic State. So it's still likely they'll avoid this escalating out of control. Expect more inching forward in the days ahead, if not the full-blown apology that both sides want.
Mr Erdogan has asked for a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, but Mr Putin wants an apology from Turkey before he will agree to talks.
The Turkish president again defended the incident and criticised Russia's operations in Syria in support of President Bashar al-Assad, whom Ankara opposes.
But he renewed his call for a meeting with Mr Putin on the sidelines of the Paris Climate talks next week, saying that both sides should approach the issue more positively.
"We wish it hadn't happened, but it happened," he said, quoted by the Associated Press. "I hope something like this doesn't happen again."
Russia has sent troops and aircraft to Syria to back up the Syrian government of Bashar al-Assad in the civil war.
Turkey, which is a member of Nato and of a US-led coalition in the region, insists Mr Assad must step down before any political solution to the Syrian conflict is found.
Both countries say they are trying to rid the region of the so-called Islamic State (IS) group, which has been blamed for the recent attacks on Paris, Ankara and also on a Russian airliner.
And on Friday Russia said it had strengthened its anti-aircraft defences by moving a cruiser towards the coast and deploying new missiles at its main base.
The Moskva cruiser's long-range air defence system will provide cover for Russian aircraft, as will the S-400 missiles which arrived on Thursday.
Turkey says the Russian plane had intruded into its airspace and ignored warnings to leave.
Moscow maintains that the downed SU-24 fighter jet was downed by a missile fired from a Turkish jet inside Syria.
Mr Putin has also firmly rejected any suggestion Turkey did not recognise the plane as Russian. He said it was easily identifiable and its co-ordinates had been passed on to Turkey's ally, the US.
Russia on Thursday said it was drafting a wide-ranging list of economic sanctions against Turkey that would hit food imports and joint investment projects among other things.
Turkey and Russia have important economic links. Russia is Turkey's second-largest trading partner, while more than three million Russian tourists visited Turkey last year.
Mr Erdogan's latest statement on the downing of the plane came in an address to supporters in Balikesir, western Turkey, following the murder of a senior Kurdish lawyer, Tahir Elci, in the south-eastern city of Diyarbakir earlier on Saturday.
Mr Elci was shot dead by an unknown gunman as he called for an end to violence between Turkey and the Kurdish rebel PKK group, which resumed in July. | Turkey's president has said he is "saddened" by the downing of a Russian combat jet by Turkish forces on the Syrian border last Tuesday. |
34,593,118 | Julia Knight, 56, denies attempting to murder Irene Robson, 81, at Horton Hospital in Banbury in October 2014, but admits administering the insulin.
Oxford Crown Court heard Ms Knight had researched different types of insulin at the surgery where she worked.
She also denies causing grievous bodily harm with intent.
Prosecutor John Price told the court it was not thought Ms Robson was the target of a mercy killing, or that there was a financial motive involved.
He added that she had been in poor health before being admitted to hospital.
The court heard the pensioner fell unconscious after being given the insulin and was revived by medical staff at the hospital.
Mr Price said there was "clear evidence" Ms Knight, of Sycamore Drive, Banbury, had researched different types of insulin at work and forged a doctor's prescription in a patient's name who was diabetic.
She is then alleged to have collected the prescription from a nearby Sainsbury's pharmacy, before driving to the Horton Hospital to see her mother.
The court was told Ms Robson died last month, but Judge Ian Pringle said her death was not relevant to the case and had no bearing on the issues they had to consider.
The trial continues. | A nurse forged a prescription and poisoned her mother with a potentially lethal dose of insulin while she was in hospital, a court has heard. |
33,498,990 | Media playback is unsupported on your device
12 July 2015 Last updated at 17:44 BST
Steve Robinson lost his arm in an accident but was determined to realise his dream of becoming a pilot.
He said two previous prosthetic arms had not worked properly, so he made his own.
"I thought, 'Am I going to give in? No way - I'll make my own prosthetic arm'," he said. | A one-armed man from Leeds has passed his pilot's exam using a home-made prosthetic limb. |
31,289,124 | Chief executive at Newton Fund Management, the 48-year-old has made her way to the top in a notoriously male-dominated industry.
This level of seniority is still relatively rare for a woman, with the latest statistics showing that women make up just 22.8% of FTSE 100 company boards, while in the FTSE 250 index of smaller firms women make up just 17.4% of boards.
Reaching chief executive level is even more unusual, with just five female bosses in the top 100 companies.
Yet as well as being at the helm of the firm, ultimately responsible for the over £50bn worth of funds the firm manages, Mrs Morrissey is also the mother to nine, yes nine, children.
So how on earth does she do it?
"I have to ruthlessly prioritise, but I also have to be very, very controlled with my time," she says.
Mrs Morrissey also has a nanny and a husband who stays at home, but credits her seniority at work for making both a big job and a big family possible.
She says she constantly "dips in and out of work and home", and that being a chief executive has given her more freedom to juggle her responsibilities.
Mrs Morrissey is not the only high-flying female to advocate promotion as the route to being able to better balance family responsibilities and work.
Yahoo's chief executive Marissa Mayer's seniority meant that when she gave birth to her son just months after taking the helm at the tech giant she was able to build a personal nursery right next door to her office.
Similarly, Facebook's chief operating officer Sheryl Sandberg wrote a book advising women to "Lean In", suggesting that if women took on more responsibilities at work it would create more female leaders, leading to fairer treatment for all women.
"I want to encourage other women who might be looking and thinking, 'How can I do all of that?' to keep going until you get to that point where you do have a little bit more control," says Ms Morrissey.
While she's strongly anti-quotas (making a certain percentage of senior female staff at board level mandatory), Ms Morrissey is pushing hard to get more women into the boardroom.
In November 2010, when female directors accounted for just 12.5% of board members, she set up the 30% Club to campaign for more women on UK boards, with a target of women making up 30% of FTSE 100 directors by the end of 2015.
She's confident the campaign, which has involved persuading chairmen of the merits of having more women on the board and providing practical help to firms trying to improve their levels of diversity, is having an impact. "I do think it's helped move it from a sort of special niche area to more of a mainstream business issue," she says.
She is also chair of Opportunity Now, a campaign group that's been working on gender equality at work and aiming to increase women's success, for more than 20 years.
These campaigns, on top of an already demanding day job, are time consuming, but she says clients have been supportive and that the theme fits in with Newton's investment approach.
"We're not just passively buying a company, we're thinking a bit more laterally. It's important to me that we connect those two because those companies that get the issue of the importance of diversity are generally smart in other ways," she says.
There's already a whole host of research to support this view. Newswire Thomson Reuters found a strong link between mixed gender boards and a better performance for shareholders when it analysed boardroom diversity at 4,100 listed firms and measured their performance between 2008 and 2013.
And Swiss bank Credit Suisse, which looked at the performance of 3,000 companies around the world, concluded that those businesses with at least one woman on the board outperformed those with no women by an average of 2% a year between 2012 and 2014.
While these types of study show the importance of increasing the numbers of senior women in the workplace, the practicalities aren't as straightforward, Ms Morrissey acknowledges. She notes that research has shown that women felt role models in the media were "very unrealistic" but says she struggles with how much of her juggling to reveal.
"The question is: how honest should you be? Because if people had visions of me dragging baskets of laundry across the floor, that wouldn't probably encourage people to persevere in their careers," she admits.
But within her own firm, she makes it clear when she has other demands, saying that when a meeting in the US was planned for the same day as two of her daughters' birthdays, she said she couldn't make it.
"I just felt I had to speak up rather than agonise over it when the date came through, defined and carved in stone in the diary," she says.
And while she never thought of herself as a natural leader, she says she's realised that she enjoys it. "I've always listened to my own inner voice or inner compass. I've never really felt that I wanted or needed to belong to a group."
This of course reflects in the work she does to improve diversity.
"When I see something that's not quite right, my tendency would be to try to change it. I believe in being fair and equal. I recognise that not everybody is given every opportunity on a plate, and that's an important part of what makes me think and tick. That's an important part of who I am."
This feature is based on interviews by leadership expert Steve Tappin for the BBC's CEO Guru series, produced by Neil Koenig. | It's hard not to put Helena Morrissey on a pedestal. |
36,831,964 | 19 July 2016 Last updated at 02:50 BST
However, there are ongoing concerns about the health of parts of the country's financial sector, which is one of the largest in the world.
Many of China's giant banks are owned by the government, putting a huge burden on the state.
Robin Brant reports from Shanghai. | China's latest growth figures indicate that its massive economy may be on more stable footing. |
31,164,421 | The promoters, East Belfast Partnership, said the singer will perform at Cyprus Avenue on 31 August.
The song Cyprus Avenue featured on the landmark 1968 Astral Weeks album.
The singer is the headline act at the Eastside Arts Festival. Tickets will go on sale on Monday 2 March.
Morrison has described Cyprus Avenue as a place where there is a lot of wealth.
"It wasn't far from where I was brought up and it was a very different scene," he said.
"To me, it was a very mystical place. It was a whole avenue lined with trees and I found it a place where I could think."
Last August, the Belfast musician played three concerts at his former school, Orangefield High, in east Belfast. | Van Morrison is to celebrate his 70th birthday by playing a concert in the street immortalised in one of his most iconic songs. |
38,450,228 | Birds have reached their summer breeding grounds on average about one day earlier per degree of increasing global temperatures, according to the research by Edinburgh University.
The study looked at hundreds of species across five continents.
It is hoped it will help scientists predict how different species may respond to future environmental change.
Reaching their summer breeding grounds at the wrong time - even by a few days - may cause birds to miss out on maximum availability of vital resources such as food and nesting places.
Late arrival to breeding grounds may, in turn, affect the timing of offspring hatching and their chances of survival.
Long-distance migrants, which are shown to be less responsive to rising temperatures, may suffer most as other birds gain advantage by arriving at breeding grounds ahead of them.
Takuji Usui, of Edinburgh University's school of biological sciences, said: "Many plant and animal species are altering the timing of activities associated with the start of spring, such as flowering and breeding.
"Now we have detailed insights into how the timing of migration is changing and how this change varies across species.
"These insights may help us predict how well migratory birds keep up with changing conditions on their breeding grounds."
The study examined how various species, which take flight in response to cues such as changing seasonal temperatures and food availability, have altered their behaviour over time and with increasing temperatures.
The researchers examined records of migrating bird species dating back almost 300 years.
The study drew upon records from amateur enthusiasts and scientists, including notes from 19th-century American naturalist Henry David Thoreau.
Species that migrate huge distances - such as the swallow and pied flycatcher - and those with shorter migrations - such as the lapwing and pied wagtail - were included in the research.
The study, published in Journal of Animal Ecology, was supported by the Natural Environment Research Council. | Migrating birds are arriving at their breeding grounds earlier as global temperatures rise, a study has found. |
30,955,237 | The Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre (Ceop), part of the National Crime Agency, took a year to alert police to information provided by Canadian authorities in July 2012.
The tip-offs about video purchases led to a number of investigations.
The referral to the Independent Police Complaints Commission was made in 2014.
The IPCC will examine how Ceop received and dealt with the intelligence. It will also look at why the NCA took until last September to refer the case.
The intelligence about 2,345 UK individuals provided by Toronto Police under an operation called Project Spade has resulted in the jailing of Cambridge doctor Myles Bradbury, who abused young cancer patients, and Cardiff deputy head teacher Gareth Williams, who secretly filmed pupils.
Another person named was Essex deputy head teacher teacher Martin Goldberg, was found dead a day after police questioned him.
The watchdog says it is separately probing how Essex, North Yorkshire and North Wales police acted on Project Spade intelligence sent to them by the NCA. | The police complaints watchdog has said it will investigate child protection staff's handling of intelligence about potential paedophiles in the UK. |
36,043,287 | The 23-times Isle of Man TT winner will again ride Honda machinery as he moves ever closer to the late Joey Dunlop's all-time record of 26 wins.
Speaking at the event's launch in Douglas, he said he would be "disappointed" not to add to his tally.
The 43-year-old won both the Senior race and TT Zero class in 2015.
On his way to victory in a shortened four-lap race Senior race, he also set a new absolute course record of 132.701mph in the process.
His victory took him level with Mike Hailwood's record of seven Senior race triumphs.
McGuinness, who turns 44 this week, said: "I feel strong. I'm not the fittest guy in the world but when I get on the bike I feel 21 again".
"I spoke to Joey's wife last week and she gave me the family's blessing. Joey was a national treasure and it might upset some if I caught his record, but records are there to be broken.
Joey Dunlop died in Tallinn, Estonia, in 2000 while leading a 125cc race - his death coming just weeks after he secured a hat-trick of TT wins - aged 48.
McGuinness will be competing in six races at this year's event, which will be his 20th year of competing.
He added: "Even with all my experience, I will still have butterflies - you never know what will happen and the quality of the field is getting better every year."
"I 100% want to win and I believe I can. I will be disappointed if I don't reach the top step this year." | Morecambe rider John McGuinness has said he is still hungry for success as he prepares for another tilt at Isle of Man TT glory next month. |
39,938,460 | The Tories emerged as the biggest party in the local elections on 4 May, but without the 32 seats needed for a majority.
Following talks with two independent councillors one has been given a cabinet post to secure his support for the Conservatives.
But the council's Labour group said it was a "murky deal".
Labour councillor Laura Price said: "We don't know what that was in exchange for. I'd be very interested to know if it lasts for four years."
And Labour group leader Liz Brighouse said people voted for the parties "to work together" and did not give one group overall control.
But the Conservatives defended their decision saying it would mean a "strong and stable" administration.
New deputy leader Judith Heathcoat said: "We had an alliance in the last administration. It sure as heck worked."
Independent Mark Gray has now been appointed member for local communities, and Conservative Ian Hudspeth was again voted in as council leader.
In the election the Tories took 31 seats, followed by Labour with 14, the Lib Dems with 13, independents four and Henley Residents Group one. | Conservatives have formed an alliance with two independent councillors to run Oxfordshire County Council. |
37,891,091 | Media playback is not supported on this device
Two and a half years after the Reds finished two points behind champions Manchester City, a 6-1 win over Watford moved them one point clear of Chelsea.
City and Arsenal - third and fourth respectively - are one further back.
"We've started collecting points but we need to go on with this. Then we will see where we can end," Klopp said.
Liverpool, who last won the title in 1990, led the table going into the final weeks of the 2013-14 season but a home defeat by Chelsea - a game that featured a now infamous slip from Steven Gerrard - and a draw at Crystal Palace in their final three matches proved costly.
"I know in the past a lot of things happened here and the story two, three years ago when it was really close, but this is not the team two or three years ago," said Klopp.
"This is not the team 25 years ago. We're completely new. We stay cool. It's the best position I can imagine but nothing else has happened."
Sadio Mane scored twice in the victory over Watford, with Philippe Coutinho, Emre Can, Roberto Firmino and Georginio Wijnaldum also on target.
Chelsea had gone top on Saturday with a 5-0 win over Everton, after City followed up their Champions League victory over Barcelona with a 1-1 draw at home to Middlesbrough.
Arsenal would have gone top with victory over Spurs in Sunday's early game but were held to a 1-1 draw at home.
"There's no pressure after 11 match days, absolutely no pressure," added Klopp.
"We saw Chelsea, quite impressive. Man City playing Barcelona, quite impressive. Man United - never write them off. Tottenham are a good side. There's a lot of really good teams around."
Klopp acknowledged his side looked "pretty good".
But he added: "We didn't speak one word about the possibility of being top of the table. For me it's more important that we look like a team who is able to win games.
"When I came here I asked for time and patience and belief, and after 11 matches everyone's asking for guarantees and they are not there."
Watford manager Walter Mazzarri said Liverpool were "the best team we have faced so far".
"They played tactically, athletically and unselfishly. With their performance, their aggression, they are a great team," he added.
"They have everything and if they continue like this for sure they can win the title."
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The win over Watford was the fifth time this season that Liverpool have scored four or more goals in a Premier League game.
The 2013-14 side, powered by Luis Suarez and Daniel Sturridge, managed the feat in 11 games across the whole season.
That figure is a record that they share with the Manchester City side that beat them to the title that year.
If they continue at their present rate, Klopp's side will score four goals in 17 Premier League games this season.
But while they are similarly free-scoring, the current Liverpool side share the goals around far more.
After 11 league games of 2013-14 five players had scored for Liverpool - Sturridge, Suarez, Victor Moses, Steven Gerrard and Martin Skrtel.
With Wijnaldum adding his name to the scoresheet against the Hornets, Liverpool have 10 Premier League scorers already this season. And Sturridge is not yet one of them.
Just to round off an impressive set of stats for the Reds, they had 17 shots on target at Anfield on Sunday.
That is the most that Opta has seen in the Premier League since they started collecting data in the 2003-04.
Read more of the best stats from the weekend, including why Francesco Guidolin might be a better manager than Jose Mourinho.
Former Newcastle, Blackburn and England striker Alan Shearer on MOTD2
Roberto Firmino played a more orthodox centre-forward role today. Everything he did was excellent. He held the ball up well, he ran in behind, he linked up play and found himself in goalscoring positions as well.
Watford could not cope with him and he got the goal that his performance deserved. Liverpool were breathtaking in attack. The front three normally have freedom to go anywhere. It was a bit different today, but it was a nightmare for Watford.
Thirty goals in 11 games shows you how good they are going forward, but it will have hurt not keeping a clean sheet. They have only got one this season. There will be days when the forwards can't score and they will need to depend on the defence.
BBC Sport chief football writer Phil McNulty
Liverpool have hit the Premier League summit and there can be no doubt whatsoever that Jurgen Klopp's team are title contenders.
The fact there were five different goalscorers in Sunday's win sums up the strength and potency of a Liverpool side that has hit a red-hot streak since that surprise 2-0 loss at Burnley in their second league game of the season.
Sadio Mane, Philippe Coutinho, Roberto Firmino and Adam Lallana have the pace, movement and threat to pose a danger to any side, while captain Jordan Henderson has been a revelation this season.
Yes, questions remain about the quality of their defence and new goalkeeper Loris Karius, but this Liverpool team carries a level of menace that has echoes of the Luis Suarez-inspired side that almost won the title in 2013-14.
And one more factor in the title equation.
Liverpool have already played title rivals Arsenal, Spurs and Chelsea away from home, claiming seven points, with victories at Emirates Stadium and Stamford Bridge. No wonder confidence is high at Anfield.
Former Blackburn striker Chris Sutton on BBC Radio 5 live
It was a stunning display from Liverpool. It could have ended up in double figures. They blew Watford away, and have blown away most teams this season.
The fact they have no European football and can recover between matches will help, too. They look like they're going to go close.
Former Liverpool keeper Chris Kirkland
There is a different feeling now at Anfield. The expectation is back and the players are proving that this is justified through their performances, week in, week out.
David Ekeleme: Early days but I reckon the title race is between Liverpool and Chelsea. Not having European football is going to be an advantage
Jason Moore: Very worried Liverpool could win the Premier League this year. Conceding doesn't matter when you outscore everyone
Joe Wedgwood: Liverpool absolutely sensational. Unstoppable. Ruthless fluidity and finishing. Klopp, I salute you! | Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp played down talk of a title challenge despite his side topping the Premier League for the first time since May 2014. |
40,880,108 | The former Arsenal centre-half joined Swansea in 2012 and has now committed his future with the Premier League side until 2021.
Bartley spent last season on loan with Leeds and played 45 Championship games.
The 26-year-old has agreed terms with manager Paul Clement and will battle for a starting spot with Alfie Mawson, Federico Fernandez and Mike van der Hoorn.
"I gained a lot more confidence and experience from my loan spell last season," said Bartley.
"I feel a better person and a better player.
"I want to be able to express that on the pitch and fight for a first-team place.
"Federico and Alfie did fantastic last season, particularly towards the end, I thought they were our two star men." | Swansea City have given defender Kyle Bartley a new four-year deal. |
12,135,590 | The study, reported in Nature Neuroscience, found that the chemical was released at moments of peak enjoyment.
Researchers from McGill University in Montreal said it was the first time that the chemical - called dopamine - had been tested in response to music.
Dopamine increases in response to other stimuli such as food and money.
It is known to produce a feel-good state in response to certain tangible stimulants - from eating sweets to taking cocaine.
Dopamine is also associated with less tangible stimuli - such as being in love.
In this study, levels of dopamine were found to be up to 9% higher when volunteers were listening to music they enjoyed.
The report authors say it's significant in proving that humans obtain pleasure from music - an abstract reward - that is comparable with the pleasure obtained from more basic biological stimuli.
Music psychologist, Dr Vicky Williamson from Goldsmiths College, University of London welcomed the paper. She said the research didn't answer why music was so important to humans - but proved that it was.
"This paper shows that music is inextricably linked with our deepest reward systems."
The study involved scanning the brains of eight volunteers over three sessions, using two different types of scan.
The relatively small sample had been narrowed down from an initial group of 217 people.
This was because the participants had to experience "chills" consistently, to the same piece of music, without diminishing on multiple listening or in different environments.
A type of nuclear medicine imaging called a PET scan was used for two sessions. For one session, volunteers listened to music that they highly enjoyed and during the other, they listened to music that they were neutral about.
In the third session the music alternated between enjoyed and neutral, while a functional magnetic resonance imaging, or fMRI scan was made.
Data gathered from the two different types of scans was then analysed and researchers were able to estimate dopamine release.
Dopamine transmission was higher when the participants were listening to music they enjoyed.
A key element of the study was to measure the release of dopamine, when the participants were feeling their highest emotional response to the music.
To achieve this, researchers marked when participants felt a shiver down the spine of the sort that many people feel in response to a favourite piece of music.
This "chill" or "musical frisson" pinpointed when the volunteers were feeling maxim pleasure.
The scans showed increased endogenous dopamine transmission when the participants felt a "chill". Conversely, when they were listening to music which did not produce a "chill", less dopamine was released.
Dopamine is a common neurotransmitter in the brain. It is released in response to rewarding human activity and is linked to reinforcement and motivation - these include activities that are biologically significant such as eating and sex
Dr Robert Zatorre said: "We needed to be sure that we could find people who experienced chills very consistently and reliably.
"That is because once we put them in the scanner, if they did not get chills then we would have nothing to measure.
"The other factor that was important is that we wanted to eliminate any potential confound from verbal associations, so we used only instrumental music.
"This also eliminated many of the original sample of people because the music they brought in that gave them chills had lyrics." | Music releases a chemical in the brain that has a key role in setting good moods, a study has suggested. |
36,338,220 | Almost 300 actors, musicians, writers and artists are backing calls for the UK to stay in the EU.
They say "vital EU funding" and work across borders has been key to projects from galleries to blockbusters.
But House of Cards author Lord Dobbs said British success in the industry was "not because of the EU".
Among others backing the letter are actors Bill Nighy, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Sir John Hurt, Sir Patrick Stewart and Thandie Newton, architect Richard Rogers, artist Tracey Emin, author John le Carre, comedian Jo Brand, fashion designer Vivienne Westwood, director Richard Curtis and writer Philip Pullman.
The letter, organised by the Britain Stronger in Europe campaign, says: "Britain is not just stronger in Europe, it is more imaginative and more creative, and our global creative success would be severely weakened by walking away."
It adds: "Leaving Europe would be a leap into the unknown for millions of people across the UK who work in the creative industries, and for the millions more at home and abroad who benefit from the growth and vibrancy of Britain's cultural sector."
"We believe that being part of the EU bolsters Britain's leading role on the world stage. Let's not become an outsider shouting from the wings."
The Stronger In campaign says that more than 2.2 million people are employed in the UK's creative industries and digital sector.
How trade and the UK's economy are affected by membership of the EU.
It argues that the creative and digital industries export billions of pounds of services to the EU and are among the fastest-growing sectors of the UK economy.
Alan Johnson, chair of the Labour In for Britain campaign, said leaving the EU would mean higher tariffs on exports and digital and creative industries were "better off with the UK in EU" with access to the single market.
But speaking in a personal capacity, the Conservative peer and author Lord Dobbs, said: "Our creative industries are booming because of the talent that is in Britain's DNA.
"We are world leaders in so many creative areas. From theatre to literature, video games, feature films, fashion, music and so much else, British artists lead the way and are celebrated around the globe.
"It's a success that has been created by the dedication, hard work and extraordinary creative abilities of our artists, it's not because of the EU."
He added: "Culture owes nothing to committees.
"Ancient Greece was the birthplace of our civilisation yet today, because of the EU's appalling policies, streets that were once filled with the world's greatest philosophers and playwrights are choked with desperate beggars and mountains of rotting rubbish.
"These are the realities of the EU. It's failing. The dream is dead. We need to move on."
Meanwhile Canadian PM Justin Trudeau has entered the debate, warning that Canada's own trade deal with the EU had taken more than ten years to negotiate and was yet to enter force.
"There's nothing easy or automatic about that," he said.
"Britain is always going to have clout, it's just obviously amplified by its strength as part of the EU. I believe we're always better when we work as closely as possible together and separatism, or division, doesn't seem to be a productive path for countries."
The former president of the European Central Bank, Jean-Claude Trichet, has defended Bank of England Governor Mark Carney's intervention in the debate last week, when he warned that a vote to leave could cause a recession.
Mr Trichet told BBC's This Week's World there was an "obligation" for the central bank to "say candidly what they see".
Those behind the campaign for the UK to leave the European Union said Mr Carney had breached his obligations on impartiality by emphasising only the risks of Brexit.
Leave campaigner Iain Duncan Smith told the BBC he "wouldn't expect" a major financial institution to back the Leave campaign "because they all wanted to protect the status quo".
And Lord Lamont, a former chancellor, has described "this daily avalanche of institutional propaganda" as "ludicrous and pitiful".
Subscribe to the BBC News EU referendum email newsletter and get a weekly round-up of news, features and analysis on the campaign sent straight to your inbox. | Jude Law, Keira Knightley and Benedict Cumberbatch are among stars who have signed a letter saying Brexit would "damage" the creative industry. |
35,450,052 | UKA chairman Ed Warner, who floated the idea, wants a "new era" of clean athletics after recent doping scandals.
"I don't think that should be the case. World records are world records," Jackson told BBC Wales Sport.
But he wants a fresh bidding process to take place for the 2019 World Athletics Championships if allegations of corruption are proven against Qatar.
An investigation into two bids by Qatar's capital Doha for the 2017 and 2019 championships is ongoing, following allegations of bribes, Warner has told a Parliamentary select committee.
"If there has been corruption and there's time for a rebid, then yes, that should happen," said Jackson.
"If other countries are prepared to bid, and they think it was a bad way that Qatar got the championship, I see no reason why not to have a new bidding process. That's only fair."
Qatar lost out to London for the 2017 event but beat Eugene and Barcelona to secure the 2019 championships.
Jackson's 110m hurdles time of 12.91 seconds, set in Stuttgart in 1993, stood for over 12 years.
"World record holders like Jonathan Edwards [triple jump] - I'd hate to see Jonathan's record taken from him," Jackson added.
"[But] athletes who broke world records and were proven later on to have been a doped athlete, then I think yes, get rid of those records."
Warner has also called for Russia to be prevented from sending an athletics team to the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.
The country was banned from international athletics competition following an independent World Anti-Doping Agency report that alleged widespread doping by Russian athletes.
Jackson though doesn't think an Olympic ban for Russian athletes later this year would be fair on the country's clean athletes.
"There are many great athletes in Russia who are not playing with drugs, who just train hard so it's really difficult to say: 'Ban them all,'" said Jackson.
"I understand where Ed is coming from and it's a really powerful statement.
"Sometimes people have to take the fall and if somebody innocent gets dragged into it, it's really unfortunate, so I wouldn't want to see it happen." | Former world 110m hurdles record holder Colin Jackson is against UK Athletics' proposal to reset world records. |
37,262,850 | Defender Jozo Simunovic and winger Gary Mackay-Steven, who are working their way back from injuries, are included by manager Brendan Rodgers.
Squads for Europe's elite club tournament can accommodate 25 players but Rodgers has listed just 24.
Celtic will meet Barcelona, Manchester City and Borussia Monchengladbach in Group C.
Nigeria defender Ambrose turned down a deadline day move to Belgian top-flight club Standard Liege, while a move for Simunovic to Torino in Italy also fell through.
Croatia Under-21 international Simunovic has not played since suffering a knee injury in January.
Mackay-Steven is recovering from summer ankle surgery, while Commons has not featured this season, having had an operation for a back problem at the tail end of last term.
Ajer, 18, arrived from Norway over the summer but is yet to make a start for the Scottish champions. | Kris Commons, Efe Ambrose and Kristoffer Ajer have been left out of Celtic's Champions League squad. |
29,423,859 | It follows a lengthy campaign by a charity and by relatives of some of those who've disappeared.
The new law will allow the families to apply for a Certificate of Presumed Death.
Scotland and Northern Ireland already have similar legislation in force.
About 250,000 people are reported missing every year in the UK.
While most quickly reappear, the families of those who don't can face years of legal and financial difficulties, on top of emotional trauma.
Even when it seems clear that a missing person is most likely to be dead, it can be difficult to register that person's death without proof.
With no death certificate, families often struggle to administer the missing person's estate, claim pensions or benefits, or deal with their mortgage or life insurance.
Families will now be able to apply for a Certificate of Presumed Death for a loved one who has gone missing and is presumed dead.
It will mean that any marriage or civil partnership will come to an end in the same way as if the missing person had died, and that property can be inherited under the missing person's will.
It will also mean that grieving families will also be able to close bank accounts, stop direct debits, cancel passports, and apply for probate.
Kevin Fasting was 49 when he left home in Liverpool in 2003, never to return. Struggling with depression, he left a note to his son, also named Kevin, 32, and two daughters Becky, 23, and Sharon, 34, apologising for letting them down.
"You could've thought it was a suicide note. We expected to find a body," said his son. But they never did.
Seven years later, searching for closure and believing their father to have most likely died, his family tried to deal with his estate. But it proved to be a near impossible task.
"It was catch-22. We wanted to declare him deceased, but without a body we couldn't do it. We hit a standstill."
Luckily, Kevin's son found a specialist lawyer. But it was still two years before he could put the legal battles - and legal bills - behind him.
"I was calling every solicitor in Liverpool. If you were on your own or your were dependent on the person missing, it would be impossible."
The court will issue the certificate if the person has been missing for seven years or if there is good reason to believe he or she is dead.
Justice Minister Lord Faulks said: "Today marks a crucial step forward for families facing up to the terrible situation of losing someone without a trace.
"We have made sure that while they are dealing with the heartache of a loved one going missing, they no longer have to face such a daunting task to deal with the practical issues that are also created."
After Richey Edwards of the band Manic Street Preachers disappeared in 1995, it took his family more than 13 years to deal with his finances and have him declared legally dead.
His sister Rachel Elias gave evidence to a parliamentary committee and campaigned with the charity Missing People to help get the law changed.
She said: "The new system will help families who are facing the challenge of administering their loved one's affairs at the same time as they are dealing with huge emotional trauma."
Peter Lawrence, the father of chef Claudia Lawrence who went missing in 2009, has also lent his support to the campaign. | A law that makes it easier for families to deal with the affairs of people who are missing and presumed dead comes into force in England and Wales on Wednesday. |
31,377,373 | In a speech in London, Nicola Sturgeon also said a Labour government would have to abandon "failed" austerity policies to win the support of SNP MPs.
Ms Sturgeon revealed that the SNP would back £180bn more spending than the coalition government by 2020.
But the UK government insisted its strategy was working.
Scottish Secretary Alistair Carmichael accused Ms Sturgeon of "trying to turn good news into bad" by suggesting the UK economy was performing poorly when in fact it was "growing strongly".
He added: "By cutting the deficit in half, we have restored economic credibility, got employment up to record levels, and achieved growth rates that the eurozone and most of the G7 would envy.
"In addition, we have increased pensions, cut income tax for low and middle earners and made major investments in childcare and the NHS.
"Nicola Sturgeon should welcome the progress we have made, in contrast to the economic fortunes suffered by many of our neighbours."
Opinion polls have predicted large gains for the SNP at the general election in May, leading to speculation that the party could hold the balance of power in the event of a hung parliament.
Ms Sturgeon has already ruled out offering any support for the Conservatives.
And she said Labour leader Ed Miliband would need to adopt a "more moderate" approach to deficit reduction if he wanted the backing of SNP MPs in Westminster.
Labour has pledged to "balance the books, but in a fair way" if it wins the election, and has claimed that voting for the SNP "risks letting the Tories back into power".
Politically, this is a long way from the red meat of the independence referendum campaign. As the first minister observes, Scotland was told by pro-union campaigners last year that it was equal and valued within the UK, so she is now offering to play a constructive role within it.
A coalition with Labour is not being ruled out. But talk of a deal with Labour - not for coalition but to support it on vital Commons votes that could keep Ed Miliband in power - is being strongly encouraged. Indeed, it appears to be the main plank of the SNP's campaign.
It may be a tricky message to get across to Scottish voters: 'vote SNP to kick out your Labour MP, because Scottish Labour has failed and is out of touch - and then watch the SNP put Ed Miliband into Downing Street'.
The defiant refusal to accept more austerity, which won power for Syriza in Greece last month, is not being offered here. Instead, a serious bid for a share of power in Britain requires a message that won't spook the markets.
Nor is the pitch for a bigger share of Westminster spending coming to Scotland. Not yet, anyway.
The basis for such a deal with the SNP is being gradually set out: no renewal of nuclear weapons, no deal with Tories (a requirement of SNP conference policy), at least the devolution of powers in the Smith Commission, and an end, or at least a softening, of spending cuts to meet progressive priorities.
Read more from Douglas
But Ms Sturgeon said she wanted to break the "cosy consensus" in favour of austerity and instead argued in favour of a "strategy for growth".
She added: "The chancellor is making unprecedented cuts to public spending and the public services of which all of us rely.
"He is doing so in the name of fiscal responsibility, yet his entire economic model depends on individual households taking on more debt than at any time in history.
"Instead of pooling risk, the government is dispersing it to households across the country. Individuals will be deeper in debt, families will feel less secure, the economy will be less resilient.
"I think it is morally unjustifiable and it is economically unsustainable."
Ms Sturgeon also said it was "simply and manifestly untrue to say that we're all in this together", and argued that the cuts have had a disproportionate impact on women, disabled people and those on low incomes.
Speaking on BBC Radio Scotland ahead of her speech to the Constitution Unit research centre at University College London, Ms Sturgeon said the SNP would support a "modest" increase in public spending of about 0.5% in real terms.
She said: "Debt and deficit would still be falling as a percentage of GDP over these years but we would free up something in the region of £180bn over the UK to invest in infrastructure, in innovation, in growing the economy."
She also told the BBC's political correspondent Iain Watson that it would be "ridiculous" for the Scottish government to increase tax to offset the impact of UK-wide budget cuts.
Ms Sturgeon said putting up tax rates, while Scotland remained in the UK, would mean "people in Scotland pay twice".
Holyrood will become responsible for setting income tax rates from April 2016.
Labour's Shadow Scottish Secretary, Margaret Curran, said: "Scotland can't afford another five years of David Cameron, but voting for the SNP risks letting the Tories back into power.
"Every vote for the SNP in May is another boost for David Cameron, and makes it more likely the Tories will be the largest party across the UK after the election. In every election since women got the vote the largest party has gone on to form the government.
"Labour's plan will balance the books, and do it in a fair way, unlike the Tories. We'll reverse the Tories' tax cut for millionaires, we'll grow our economy with a higher minimum wage and we'll tax people with mansions over £2m to pay for 1,000 new nurses in the Scottish NHS." | Scotland's first minister has described the UK government's "austerity economics" as "morally unjustifiable and economically unsustainable". |
38,950,017 | The Citroen driver was in a battle for a podium spot when he went off on stage 14 to drop him out of contention.
Although the car emerged unscathed, the 37-year-old Dungannon driver lost over eight minutes as spectators helped to remove him from a snow bank.
Finnish driver Jari-Matti Latvala won the rally for Toyota, ahead of M-Sport duo Ott Tanak and Sebastien Ogier.
Second place in stage seven showed that Meeke had potential, but he lost the back end of his Citroen over a crest in stage 14.
He plummeted down the order as the minutes passed, emerging in 12th place where he eventually finished.
The Northern Irishman still recorded his first championship points of the season as he finished fourth in the powerstage, which leaves him 14th in the standings.
Meeke's team mate Craig Breen, making his debut in an 2017 spec rally car, had another strong showing as he came home in fifth.
Hyundai driver Thierry Neuville held a 43.3 second lead heading into the final stage on Saturday, but crashed out for the lead for the second successive rally.
The incident which handed victory to Latvala and Toyota, in what was only their second rally back after a 17-year absence from the World Rally Championship. | Kris Meeke could only finish 12th in Rally Sweden after going off the road on Saturday when running in fifth spot. |
21,682,493 | There will be around 40 extra hours of network output, with practice generally shown on BBC Two and BBC Two HD.
Former F1 driver Allan McNish joins BBC Radio 5 live as an analyst, while BBC F1 technical analyst Gary Anderson will work across TV, radio and online.
Suzi Perry takes over from Jake Humphrey as the presenter on TV.
* Television schedules are subject to change
Ben Edwards continues as commentator alongside co-commentator David Coulthard and Eddie Jordan remains the chief analyst.
F1 journalist and broadcaster Tom Clarkson joins the TV presentation full-time team as a pit-lane reporter alongside Lee McKenzie, who also presents Inside F1 on the BBC News Channel on the Friday and Saturday of live race weekends, with the latest news and interviews from each grand prix.
On 5 live, James Allen and Jennie Gow continue as commentator and pit-lane reporter.
BBC One and BBC One HD will show nine live races, including those in Canada, Great Britain and Brazil, with extended highlights of the remaining races.
Live grands prix will continue to be followed by the popular F1 Forum on the red button.
Radio 5 live will broadcast every grand prix live, with the show also live on the BBC Sport website, while 5 live Formula 1 on Thursday night ahead of each grand prix will feature guests, interviews and insight ahead of the weekend.
Ben Gallop, BBC's head of Formula 1, said: "Everyone on the BBC team is hugely excited about the new season.
"Last year saw us rise to the challenge of bringing the action to fans through the mix of live television and highlights, delivering great programmes which were reflected in impressive audience figures.
"This year sees new faces, practice on BBC Two & HD on live race weekends and a greater sharing of talent across BBC television, radio and online.
"With Suzi Perry at the helm, we're aiming to bring even more content, insight and access to audiences throughout the season."
The BBC Sport website will broadcast a simulcast of the TV and radio output, and at live races will also have the 'driver tracker', on-board cameras and a pit-lane stream.
Legendary F1 commentator Murray Walker will be providing a series of archive-based videos and written articles for every race of the season.
'Murray's Memories' are his personal recollections of some of the greatest moments in the history of F1.
Coverage of the F1 season is now available on our new BBC Sport smartphone app, available for iPhone and Android devices.
The app brings together BBC Sport's live and on-demand video coverage, along with news, features and stats. | Formula 1 practice sessions will be broadcast live on network television this season from grands prix which the BBC is showing live. |
35,641,845 | The annual study by the Family and Childcare Trust found the cost of an after-school club went up 8.5% in Scotland over the last year.
In England, increases averaged at 2.1% and in Wales costs fell.
Rates paid by Scottish families are now higher than anywhere in the UK apart from London, the trust said.
According to the survey, 15 hours in an after-school club in Scotland now costs an average of £53.21.
The chief executive of the Family and Childcare Trust, Julia Margo, said there was growing concern about the "unaffordability" of childcare for Scottish parents.
"While we warmly welcome recent commitments from the Scottish government to increase the hours of free early education, we urge it to address the rising cost of childcare and make the flexibility of childcare provision a top priority," she said.
"It is also essential that the Scottish government strengthens legislation on local authorities to provide enough childcare for working parents in order to tackle the serious gaps in Scotland's childcare provision."
Currently, all three and four-year-olds in Scotland get 600 hours of free early education per year and the Scottish government has committed to extending this to 1,140 hours by 2020.
The trust's survey found that price increases in Scotland were not just isolated to after-school clubs, with costs rising for other types of childcare provision as well.
A part-time nursery place for a child over two increased to £104.06 per week - an increase of 4.1% since 2015 - and childminder fees rose by 2.7%, despite only marginal increases in the rest of Britain.
Researchers said finding childcare could also be difficult in Scotland, with only 13% of local authorities reporting they had enough provision for parents who work full-time.
But the National Day Nurseries Association Scotland said its own survey, which will be published in March, found costs were only rising by an average of 1.8% in Scotland.
It added, however, that bigger increases over the next few years were likely because of the impact of the National Living Wage.
The association's research found average nursery occupancy was at 77%, with plenty of capacity to offer more funded places to three and four-year-olds.
Chief executive Purnima Tanuku said: "Childcare in Scotland needs to be led by parental choice rather than local authority choice. This lack of continuity leads to children being moved around different settings to take advantage of funded places.
"Nurseries are keen to offer funded places, but need to be given the opportunity to do so. They also need the fees given through local authorities to cover their delivery costs, so they can maintain high-quality early education and keep their businesses sustainable." | Childcare costs in Scotland are rising well above the rate of inflation and are outpacing rises across the rest of the UK, a survey has found. |
36,059,426 | Homosexual acts are illegal in Kenya, punishable by up to 14 years in prison.
The National Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission says the law violates constitutional rights to equality, dignity and privacy.
Last year, Kenya's Deputy President William Ruto said there was no room for gay people in the country.
Most religious groups in Kenya and other African countries are strongly opposed to homosexuality, saying it is un-African.
Hundreds of people have been prosecuted in the last few years under Kenya's anti-gay penal code.
"Those laws degrade the inherent dignity of affected individuals by outlawing their most private and intimate means of self-expression," the group said in its petition. | A gay rights campaign group has filed a case in Kenya's High Court calling for the decriminalisation of gay sex. |
25,885,519 | Genetic tests reveal that a hunter-gatherer who lived 7,000 years ago had the unusual combination of dark skin and hair and blue eyes.
It has surprised scientists, who thought that the early inhabitants of Europe were fair.
The research, led by the Institute of Evolutionary Biology in Barcelona, Spain, is published in the journal Nature.
The lead author, Dr Carles Lalueza-Fox, said: "One explanation is that the lighter skin colour evolved much later than was previously assumed."
Scandinavian links
Two hunter-gatherer skeletons were discovered in a cave in the mountains of north-west Spain in 2006.
The cool, dark conditions meant the remains (called La Brana 1 and 2) were remarkably well preserved. Scientists were able to extract DNA from a tooth of one of the ancient men and sequence his genome.
The team found that the early European was most closely genetically related to people in Sweden and Finland.
But while his eyes were blue, his genes reveal that his hair was black or brown and his skin was dark.
"This was a result that was unexpected," said Dr Lalueza-Fox.
Scientists had thought the first Europeans became fair soon after they left Africa and moved to the continent about 45,000 years ago.
"It has been assumed that it is something that happens in response to going from Africa to higher latitudes where the UV radiation is very low and you need to synthesise vitamin D in your skin. Your skin becomes lighter quite soon," explained Dr Lalueza-Fox.
"It is obvious that this is not the case, because this guy has been in Europe for 40,000 years and he still has dark skin."
The hunter-gatherer's genome also gave the team an insight into how humans had changed as they moved from foraging to farming.
The early European would have subsisted on a diet of mainly protein, and his DNA reveals that he was lactose-intolerant and unable to digest starch. The ability to ingest dairy projects and starchy foods came after agriculture was adopted and people changed what they ate.
Commenting on the research, David Reich, from Harvard Medical School in the US, said: "The significance of this paper is that it reports the oldest European genome sequence reported to date - the first European genome sequence that predates the appearance of agriculture.
"The dark skin is a very interesting finding, as light skin is nearly universal across Europe today. These results suggest that the light skin seen across Europe today is a development of the last at least 7,000 years."
He added: "It will be very interesting to see how general this result is across ancient pre-agricultural Europe once additional genome sequences become available."
Early results of research that Prof Reich has been involved with were recently published on the biology preprint website bioRxiv.org and a paper has been submitted to a journal.
He has looked at the genomes of several hunter-gatherers and early farmers in Europe. This work suggests that present-day Europeans derive from three ancient populations of early inhabitants of the continent.
Follow Rebecca on Twitter | Scientists have shed light on what ancient Europeans looked like. |
24,824,648 | Love him or loathe him, Rob Ford is not your typical politician.
While allegations of crack-smoking might see most politicians ducking for cover, the mayor of Toronto instead admitted taking the drug in a "drunken stupor" and called on local police to distribute the footage.
"Yes, I have smoked crack cocaine," Mr Ford said outside his office.
"I want everyone in the city to see this tape," he told reporters at city hall. "I don't even recall there being a tape or video. I want to see the state that I was in."
The video's existence was first revealed by the gossip website Gawker and the Toronto Star newspaper in May, followed by a steady stream of damaging stories about the mayor's drunken behaviour and lies.
He had denied taking crack cocaine and even claimed the video did not exist.
But after Toronto police announced last week that it was in their possession, Mr Ford's approval rating actually climbed five points to a healthy 44%.
Which begs the question, how does he do it?
Marci McDonald, a journalist with the magazine Toronto Life, puts it down to the unswerving loyalty of the so-called Ford Nation.
On an investigation into an aide: "It's actually no-one's business what happens in my office."
On his Toronto neighbourhood: "This is an insult to my constituents to even think about having a homeless shelter in their ward."
On cyclists: "My heart bleeds for them when someone gets killed. But it's their own fault at the end of the day."
On public health: "If you are not doing needles and you are not gay, you wouldn't get Aids probably, that's the bottom line."
On his visit to western Canada: "I'm telling you, you can insult their wives, but don't insult their football teams. It was an amazing experience."
The concept, she says, comes from the sports world, "the idea of a groundswell of hardworking, beer-drinking people rallying around an ordinary guy".
The "ordinary guy" she refers to appeared in public after the crack-smoking allegations resurfaced, trick-or-treating with his kids in a Toronto Maple Leafs ice hockey team jersey.
This is the same man who, having abandoned his pledge to lose weight as part of a diet campaign, slipped off the scales and twisted his ankle during a public weigh-in.
Earlier this year, while attempting to evade reporters at city hall, he walked face first into a camera, shouting expletives while nursing his eye.
"You watch this guy with wonder. He's the antithesis of the image-savvy, controlled politician," says Ms McDonald. "No journalist wants to miss one of his unscripted appearances."
Mr Ford's popularity was borne out of a conflict between the suburbs and downtown Toronto.
Lorne Bozinoff, chief executive of Forum Research, which conducted last week's popularity poll, says the amalgamation of the city in the late 1990s created tensions.
Mr Ford gave a voice to car-driving, conservative suburbanites, who felt neglected by downtown politicians. His "everyman" campaign for low taxes and smaller government won massive support in the suburbs.
"In the last few days, downtown politicians have been saying he should resign," says Mr Bozinoff. "The Ford Nation say that's not fair, that he hasn't even been charged, that he hasn't been convicted, which is true."
Still, it seems strange that a politician known for behaviour befitting a teenage delinquent should enjoy such strong support in the conservative suburbs.
Mr Bozinoff believes that people are willing to shrug off the mayor's "black sheep status".
"He's a common-touch politician," he says. "He returns his own phone calls.
"Whatever problem you have, he'll come out to your house and deal with it. He doesn't have a limo. He drives his own car.
"He's just a very familiar person."
Joe Warmington is a columnist with the Toronto Sun, a right-leaning tabloid widely read by the mayor's core supporters. He spotted Mr Ford early in his political career, about a dozen years ago.
"Rob Ford has always been grassroots," says Warmington. "I was the guy who told him, just be you, the everyman, the guy who's going to fight for the taxpayers."
Despite receiving a volley of abuse from Mr Ford after making reference in a recent column to his drunken exploits and alleged fondling of a mayoral candidate, Warmington continues to support him.
"Just because he yelled at me, I'm not going to turn on him," he says.
Joe Mihevc, a left-leaning councillor at city hall, points out that Mr Ford, the son of a successful businessman who grew up in a wealthy home, is not the "everyman" he claims to be.
"We're in an era where people just want to stick it to the man. People forget he's a rich man who grew up with a silver spoon in his mouth. They think he's the guy who sticks it to the system," he says.
Mr Mihevc believes that Mr Ford has developed a rather disingenuous "outsider" narrative, pitching himself as a victim of "the elitist downtown latte-sipping media and socialist hordes".
But, looking at Mr Ford's background, neither would he appear to be an "insider". His family members have been embroiled in a tangled web of violent incidents over the years.
In 2005, his sister Kathy was shot in the face during an altercation between two men at her parents' home. Last year, one of those men, a convicted drug dealer, threatened to murder the mayor.
As Mr Ford once told the Toronto Star: "Our family has been through everything - from murder to drugs to being successful in business… Nobody can tell me a story that can shock."
Not much is known about Mr Ford's private life. Marci McDonald, who spent months trying to gain access to his inner circle, found it impossible to get so much as a glimpse of his "invisible wife".
Over the years, the only signs of Renata Ford's existence have been a couple of 911 calls, one of which was made on Christmas morning 2011, to alert police that a drunk Mr Ford was planning to take the children to Florida against her wishes.
If the Toronto mayor's past seems to be a catalogue of unbelievable incidents, his future looks set to continue in the same vein.
Toronto-based communications specialist Scott Reid says that the mayor seems to be engaged in a juggling act right now - apologising for getting "hammered" and "a little out of control" at recent public events - allegations he had previously denied - while side-stepping the crack allegations.
On Monday, he was on fighting form, daring doubting colleagues to quit. "I'll be running the ship even if it is by myself," he told a talk radio station.
"But, the truth is bearing down on him like a locomotive," says Mr Reid.
"I think there's a willingness to suspend disbelief and to be tolerant but it has its limits. His cartoonish handling of the situation has separated him from reasonable supporters."
The police have not pressed charges against Mr Ford. His associate and driver Alexander Lisi is accused of threatening two gang members who had been trying to sell the video. Police reports detail repeated meetings between Mr Ford and Mr Lisi this year.
The decision on whether the video is made public will be made by the courts.
Mr Mihevc's descriptions of Mr Ford suggest a troubled character.
"I sat beside him for 10 years and he's as quiet as can be," said Mr Mihevc. "He's a brooder. However when he talks football, he actually smiles.
"But, he's not a happy guy." | As Toronto Mayor Rob Ford admits smoking crack cocaine, Canada-based journalist Lorraine Mallinder ponders why his approval ratings actually went up despite the scandal engulfing city hall. |
40,456,211 | Members of the Unite union will are stopping work from 10:45 until 15:37 BST on Friday. Further stoppages are also planned.
The union claims restructuring plans are threatening the jobs of more than 120 staff.
The authority, which said plans will modernise the service and save £5m a year, said it is working to address missed waste collections.
See more stories from across Birmingham and the Black Country here
There will be an overtime ban and workers will return to depots for all lunch and tea breaks, the union said.
There will also be a series of two hour stoppages on 3, 11, 19 and 27 July and 4 August.
Unite regional officer Lynne Shakespeare said: "The council's actions have managed to combine financial incompetence in the waste management team and now they have started bullying our members as the bosses attempt to cut full-time jobs.
"The council wants to axe 122 waste collection jobs after a woefully inadequate consultation with the unions."
BBC Midlands Today reporter Ben Godfrey, who was at the Lifford Lane recycling centre in Kings Norton,said workers on the picket line said they had been told not to speak to journalists about why they are striking.
The council said it is talking to the unions to resolve industrial action.
Jacqui Kennedy, corporate director place at the council, said: "We're asking people to leave their bins out and we will get to them as soon as we possibly can.
"We're working closely with the trade unions to try and agree a way forward to address our differences. We do have to modernise the service and that takes some time." | Refuse workers in Birmingham have gone on strike in a dispute over job losses. |
33,307,851 | It said the move came as businesses sought to improve productivity.
The survey of 750 firms, said a third believed the UK was a more competitive place to invest than two years ago.
But the organisation warned the economic health of European partners was one of the biggest external risks to future investment.
The EEF survey said the industrial policies of the previous government had helped to improve conditions in manufacturing, which represents about 10% of the UK economy.
It called on the recently elected Conservative government to remain supportive.
Lee Hopley, the EEF's chief economist, said: "UK manufacturers' ongoing commitments to invest in technology, skills and innovation provide positive signals about the sector's future growth and productivity prospects."
Figures released by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) earlier this year showed UK labour productivity fell 0.2% in the last three months of 2014. That meant productivity last year remained "little changed" on 2013.
The ONS figures also found the productivity of the UK workforce remains slightly lower than in 2007, marking an "unprecedented" absence of growth since World War Two. | UK manufacturers intend to invest more money over the next two years, according to a survey from manufacturers' lobby group the EEF. |
10,422,809 | The session will be held in September to select new leaders for the Workers' Party of Korea (WPK), the North Korean Central News Agency said.
Analysts say the move may signal a transition of power in the secretive country.
Leader Kim Jong-il is believed to be in ill health and grooming one of his sons, Kim Jong-un, to succeed him.
The meeting is "for electing [the party's] highest leading body reflecting the new requirements of the WPK", the announcement said.
"We are now faced with the sacred revolutionary tasks to develop the WPK... into an eternal glorious party of Kim Il-sung and further increase its militant function and role to glorify the country as a great prosperous and powerful socialist nation."
Kim Jong-il took over as leader from his father, North Korea's founder Kim Il-sung, after his death in 1994.
With Kim Jong-il thought to be in ill health following a suspected stroke in 2008, analysts believe the conference will be held to elevate the status of his third son, Swiss-educated Kim Jong-un.
Earlier this week the director of South Korea's National Intelligence Service said that the 27-year-old is already taking a role in policy-making and frequently accompanies his father on inspection tours.
The BBC's John Sudworth in Seoul says Kim Jong-il himself began his official role to succeed his father by assuming a senior party position at a convention in 1980.
The announcement comes a day after the 60th anniversary of the beginning of the three-year war between North and South Korea.
It also follows a warning from the United States to North Korea to refrain from "actions that increase tensions in the region," amid concerns that Pyongyang may be preparing a new round of missile tests.
The US state department said it was aware North Korea had issued a nine-day ban on shipping off its western coast.
Tensions between North and South Korea have increased following the 26 March sinking of a South Korean warship, which an international investigation concluded was sunk by a torpedo from a North Korean submarine. | North Korea's ruling communist party is to hold a rare meeting of its political bureau, state media have said. |
38,740,651 | The Terrex infantry carriers were impounded on their way back from Taiwan, where Singapore had been using them in training exercises.
The incident sparked a diplomatic dispute between Singapore and China, which has sovereignty over Hong Kong.
Hong Kong officials said there had been a suspected breach of law and that there could be criminal prosecution.
Singapore sings for return of army vehicles
Singapore had demanded the release of the vehicles, which were being transported by a commercial carrier. It said they were property of a sovereign state so had diplomatic immunity.
The incident put a strain on an already tense relationship between Singapore and China, which controls Hong Kong's foreign affairs.
Beijing has been angered by what it sees as Singapore's support for countries which oppose its claims to large areas of contested territory in the South China Sea.
Singapore also has a close relationship with Taiwan and, lacking land space itself, has trained its troops there for decades.
China views Taiwan as a breakaway Chinese province which will one day be reunited with the mainland, by force if necessary.
Hong Kong officials said on Tuesday they had now completed their investigations and the vehicles would be sent back, but that legal action could still be taken.
Singapore's foreign ministry said it was a "positive outcome" and thanked Hong Kong for its "co-operation in resolving this matter".
In a Facebook post referencing the upcoming Lunar New Year celebrations this weekend, Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen said he was "looking forward to this happy reunion with all Singaporeans in the Year of the Rooster". | Hong Kong has said it will return nine Singaporean military vehicles that it seized in November. |
35,773,260 | The 21-year-old has 34 international caps and joins the Women's Super League One side following Bristol's relegation from the top flight last season.
James said: "I'm excited for a new challenge and can't wait to start the season and compete for silverware."
Boss Rick Passmoor added: "Everyone in the WSL is aware of Haz's skill set and the difference she can make in a game." | Notts County Ladies have signed Wales international midfielder Angharad James from Bristol City WFC. |
21,364,431 | His lawyer called it "careless" for the court to schedule the appeal audience on 7 February – the 27th anniversary of Mr Duvalier's flight into exile.
A judge agreed to postpone the former ruler's appearance to 21 February, and has not punished him for his absence.
This was the second time Mr Duvalier failed to appear at a court hearing.
Earlier, international human rights groups urged authorities not to drop the case against Mr Duvalier.
A number of activists, students and relatives of victims gathered outside the court, expecting the former ruler's appearance.
One of Mr Duvalier's lawyers says the case should be thrown out.
"Duvalier has been trialled in France, in Haiti and in Switzerland. He can't be trialled once again," Frizto Canton told AFP news agency.
However, Amnesty International and the Open Society Justice Initiative said Mr Duvalier "must not evade justice" for alleged crimes against humanity.
In January 2012, a court ruled that the alleged abuses had expired under Haiti's statute of limitations.
Mr Duvalier unexpectedly returned to Haiti in 2011 after 25 years in exile, prompting the Haitian authorities to open an investigation into crimes allegedly committed during his 1971-86 rule.
He denies all the accusations against him.
A judge decided that he should stand trial for embezzling public funds but ruled that the statute of limitations had run out on charges of murder, arbitrary arrest, torture and disappearances.
Alleged victims and their relatives have appealed against this ruling.
A first hearing was postponed when Mr Duvalier failed to appear in court on 31 January.
He was then ordered to attend Thursday's hearing, but was absent again.
International law requires that he should stand trial for alleged crimes against humanity, the Open Society Justice Initiative said.
Amnesty International has also argued that such crimes are not subject to a statute of limitations.
"With the case of Jean-Claude Duvalier, it is the whole credibility of the Haitian justice system which is at stake," Amnesty said.
Jean-Claude Duvalier was just 19 when he inherited the title of president-for-life from his father, Francois "Papa Doc" Duvalier, who had ruled Haiti since 1957.
Like his father, he relied on a brutal militia known as the Tontons Macoutes to control the country.
In 1986 he was forced from power by a popular uprising and US diplomatic pressure, and went into exile in France. | The former ruler of Haiti Jean-Claude "Baby Doc" Duvalier has failed to attend a hearing in Port-au-Prince on allegations of crimes against humanity. |
31,942,988 | Psychologist Dr Aric Sigman says the vast majority of men do not find female body-fat, or the "pear-shape", unattractive.
"Men are an untapped army who need to become aggressively vocal," he is telling the HMC Headmasters' and Headmistresses' Conference.
Feminist thinking says that body image is more of a "complex" issue than this.
"Poor body image isn't about what men do and don't find attractive, it's much more complex than that, and involves a huge amount of psychological manipulation, insecurity mongering, and conditioning," says Rhiannon Lucy Cosslett, a newspaper columnist and the co-writer of The Vagenda.
"From childhood, women are already surrounded by men's unsolicited opinions on their bodies - more of the same is not what we need."
Dr Sigman tells Newsbeat that excluding the views of men from these discussions is "old-fashioned" and comes from an approach that has failed to work for the last 40 years.
He says many boys and men value non-physical attributes such as personality and body language - and it's important for girls to hear this message.
BBC Advice has more information and help if you have worries about body image.
Dr Sigman says: "Whether we consider it politically incorrect or not, how men - meaning in this case fathers, brothers, grandfathers and partners - see women's bodies is a real part of life."
He adds: "Men have a very different and much kinder take on female body-fat, sex appeal, eating and weight loss.
"Knowing what men think can actually serve as an antidote to the prevailing assumptions that feed body dissatisfaction."
In 2012, MPs recommended that all schoolchildren should take part in compulsory body image and self-esteem lessons.
An inquiry by the all-party parliamentary group on body image was given evidence that showed girls as young as five were worrying about their size and appearance.
It was also shown that more than half of adults also felt ashamed of the way they looked.
"Anyone who is serious about tackling the cult of thinness should seriously consider taking a long hard look at the media - women's magazines as much as men's - and the fashion industry, as well as a range of other complex psychological factors," says Ms Cosslett.
"Talking to women is key, as well. Often body insecurities are passed down from mother to daughter and have little, if anything, to do with men."
Dr Sigman, the author of the book The Body Wars, says: "Men are often surprised to discover how even the most intelligent, capable, rational and empowered women can be laid low by body dissatisfaction. Many of us just don't get it."
Ms Cosslett believes that the media and fashion industry both have a big part to play in why so many women experience issues with body image - and that addressing these institutions would be a more effective way of tackling the problem.
"Men's support is vital in the fight against sexism but to reduce such a complex issue down to what men find attractive is extremely unhelpful and could have a negative impact on girls within the school environment, who already face alarming levels of body scrutiny," she says.
Follow @BBCNewsbeat on Twitter, BBCNewsbeat on Instagram and Radio1Newsbeat on YouTube | Men should share their "take" on female bodies to help women and girls, a doctor is telling head teachers. |
35,408,620 | The scheme would see the development of a network of active conservation groups around the country.
Development funding of £37,800 has been awarded to the Scottish Wildlife Trust to progress its plans to seek a full grant of £2.46m.
The Saving Scotland's Red Squirrels' developing community action plan aims to protect remaining core populations.
Red squirrel numbers have declined dramatically across the UK with about 160,000 remaining - about 75% of them in Scotland.
They face threats from habitat loss and non-native grey squirrels which compete with them for food and can pass on diseases.
The Saving Scotland's Red Squirrels network covers north east Scotland, Tayside, southern Scotland and Argyll, The Trossachs and Stirling.
Project manager Dr Mel Tonkin said: "We're delighted that the Heritage Lottery Fund has given us this support.
"Our work over the last seven years has shown that it is possible to reverse the decline of our much-loved red squirrels and safeguard them for future generations, but to do this we need to keep up the protection work for a long time to come.
"People love red squirrels - we want to harness that enthusiasm and get communities involved in their conservation."
She said the grant would give them the chance to share expertise with a range of people who were "passionate about their local red squirrel population".
Lucy Casot, head of the Heritage Lottery Fund in Scotland, said: "Catching a glimpse of an elusive red squirrel is a magical experience.
"Thanks to players of the National Lottery we are able to give our initial support to a project which will protect this rare creature.
"By working together, communities will give red squirrels the best chance of survival, so that their antics are a source of delight for all long into the future." | A project to help save Scotland's red squirrels has secured initial support from the Heritage Lottery Fund. |
38,595,942 | Winnall joined the Tykes from Scunthorpe in July 2014, but would have been out of contract in summer.
The 25-year-old scored 48 goals in 116 games for the club, including 11 in 22 Championship appearances this season.
He is available to make his Owls debut when they host Huddersfield Town on Saturday.
"Can't wait to get started and help this club back up to where it belongs!" Winnall posted on Twitter.
Wednesday are currently sixth in the Championship, but 10 points adrift of the automatic promotion places, with Barnsley eighth.
Winnall helped Barnsley win the Johnstone's Paint Trophy and League One play-off final at Wembley last season, and in a message to the club's supporters, he said he would "never forget the memories we shared".
Meanwhile, Barnsley have announced that chief executive Linton Brown has left the club.
Find all the latest football transfers on our dedicated page or visit our Premier League tracker here. | Sheffield Wednesday have signed striker Sam Winnall from Barnsley for an undisclosed fee on a deal running until June 2020. |
33,132,166 | It's the last of the grouping of the world's largest economies, the G20, to open up its market to foreigners. Until now, they were only able to indirectly buy shares and would only get the economic benefits.
Industry experts say Monday's move, that allows foreigners voting rights, could be transformative for the region as Saudi companies will be able to profit from the scrutiny and strategy of sophisticated international partners and overseas investment will help push forward the country's economic reforms.
But don't hold your breath. Major emerging market players are not quite queuing around the bourse yet.
That's because there are a multitude of rules to determine who can invest in the gradual opening-up of the Middle East's biggest stock market.
They appear to be quite restrictive. Only institutions that manage $5bn (£3.2bn) of assets (or $3bn if the regulator makes an exception) with a five-year investment record will be given the green light for now.
No single investor can own more than 5% of a company and overall foreign ownership of that company cannot top 49%. Overall, only 10% of equity in the stock exchange, called the Tadawul, can be foreign-owned.
Despite that, buying into the stock market - which is up 15% already this year - is a mouth-watering prospect for qualifying investors.
The market's value of over $560bn and daily trading volumes of about $2.4bn outstrips bourses in South Africa, Russia, Turkey and Mexico.
One key sector, retail, is booming due to high consumer spending.
Subsidised gas has created an extremely competitive petrochemicals sector and the banking sector also looks highly profitable with many bank customers choosing Sharia-compliant, interest-free deposits, which is a bonus for investors.
Investors will also appreciate Saudi Arabia's strong economy. Over the past few years, high oil profits have been used to wipe out the country's debt and build its foreign reserves to 100% of GDP.
There's a growing middle class, salaries keep rising and spending on healthcare and education remains a priority for King Salman. Economists predict the non-oil sector will continue its impressive growth rate, at around 5% this year.
Source: Tadawul Annual Report, Dec 2014
So why then, are some experts sceptical about what the level of take-up will actually be?
One Middle East-based equities and portfolio manager told me he thought there would be fewer than a dozen institutions certified to invest to begin with, while another boss of a Saudi-based asset management company thinks only half the $50bn of investments on offer to foreigners will be taken up over the next two years.
One reason could be that, as a consequence of high earnings, company valuations are on the high side for investors although they could be justified by potentially offering higher growth rates.
Another possible deterrent is the mandatory requirement that money must be settled up front rather than within two days of the investment, as is the case in other stock markets.
The stock market can also fall sharply as a result of the volatile price of oil in the very short term, though it tends to recover quickly too. Over the last 12 months, oil prices have dropped around 40% and the stock market is down only 2%.
One very experienced international asset manager believes that big pension funds and insurance companies are likely to wait and see how the reforms bed in first.
To be clear, very few doubt this opening is a good move, just that it will take time.
Looking ahead, interest may shoot up in a few years if Saudi moves on from its frontier market status to join the most widely followed emerging markets index, the MSCI.
Mohieddine Kronfol, a founding partner of Franklin Templeton Investments ME, believes a great journey has begun.
He says it could eventually lead to an energised debt market and also predicts that pressure will increase for domestic political and social reforms from ethical investors of the future. | For the first time, foreigners can now buy and sell shares in listed companies on the Saudi Arabian stock exchange. |
39,410,275 | Rodney Fox, 49, used his special privileges to access Reading Magistrates' underground car park in order to molest the child, a court heard.
He is accused of sexual assault on a boy under 13, causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity and making indecent photographs of a child.
Mr Fox denies all of the charges.
St Albans Crown Court heard that the defendant befriended the boy and would buy him lunch on Saturdays before driving him to the empty car park.
Samantha Cohen, prosecuting, said that Mr Fox started by kissing the boy in his car before later performing a sex act on him.
The court heard that Mr Fox, of Northumberland Avenue, Reading, allegedly committed the offences between October 2013 and October 2014.
Ms Cohen said the boy told a teacher about the alleged offences in November 2015, and the police were called.
The trial continues. | A magistrate has gone on trial accused of sexually assaulting an 11-year-old boy in a car park beneath the court house he sat in. |
39,844,376 | The Scottish SPCA said a council worker made the discovery in Eastern Cemetery on Arbroath Road on Thursday.
The charity is awaiting the result of post-mortem examinations to discover the causes of death.
Scottish SPCA inspector Karen Cooper said the discovery of the dogs was a "particularly sad find".
She said: "Eleven puppies were disposed of in total and there are obvious questions around how they've come to be in this state.
"We're also concerned about the bitch's condition and whether she is receiving the appropriate veterinary care as this is an unusually large litter." | An animal welfare charity has appealed for information after 11 dead puppies were found dumped in a box in a Dundee graveyard. |
39,471,088 | The double European champion said she fears she suffered a fractured wrist in the incident on Thursday but knows she "escaped serious injury".
The 27-year-old - Team GB's reserve as they won 2016 Olympic Team Pursuit gold in Rio - said she had lost confidence.
"It's frightening and has made me question my safety," she said.
The full-time physiotherapist was riding from her home in Cardiff to the Royal Glamorgan Hospital in Llantrisant when the accident happened.
She was rushed to hospital in an ambulance with severe cuts and bruises and will have an MRI scan on a suspected fracture of the scaphoid, a bone in the wrist, on Monday.
Miss Horne has had "get well soon" wishes from British cycling greats Jo Rowsell Shand, Laura Trott and Geraint Thomas since the incident near Pontyclun Fire Station in Rhondda Cynon Taf.
"As the car pulled from a side road straight out in front of me, I couldn't swerve or break in time so hit it," she recalled.
"I bounced off the windscreen. As I crashed to the floor, my head was spinning and couldn't close my jaw. I was pretty hysterical.
"The man in the car behind me stopped and rung my mum. He said it was 'spectacular' and I was 'lucky to be alive' so I'm blessed to still be here."
Miss Horne competed at the 2014 Commonwealth Games and is expected to be in the Welsh cycling squad, including Olympic gold medal winner Elinor Barker, that is among the favourites to win the four-rider, 4km team pursuit title at next year's Commonwealths in Australia.
But she told the BBC: "It's frightening and has made me question my safety.
"I have lost a lot of confidence on the road. I know I should get straight back on the road but I will need the help of the brilliant Sport Wales psychologists who I can talk to, to build my belief back up.
"You don't ever think something like this is going to happen to you, it gave me one hell of a fright.
"My fitness is good, but I need to work on the mental side now and have a phased return to the road.
"I have a lot of soft tissue injuries and I know they take time to heal, often longer than broken bones."
Miss Horne has stepped away from British Cycling in Manchester to work full-time, as well as being funded by Welsh Cycling and training in Newport.
She will now take inspiration from fellow Welsh rider Becky James, the former double world champion, who recovered from a cancer scare and a chronic knee condition to win two silver medals at last year's Rio Olympics.
"Her Olympic silvers were like gold," said Miss Horne. "She came back from numerous injuries and I hope I can do something similar. She's an inspiration.
"It's all about the journey and learning from adversity to come back stronger." | Welsh cyclist Ciara Horne says she needs psychological help before returning to road training after being knocked off her bike while commuting. |
40,681,345 | Yet the umbrella-lined, sandy beaches dotted with tourists mask another role, one at the heart of the shipping industry.
This unassuming seaside city is where some of the world's largest and most exclusive vessels are made.
Its speciality is the superyacht. These giant crewed vessels start at about the length of an average swimming pool - 24-metres. But the biggest can stretch to five or more times this.
It's a world that belongs to only the very wealthiest of the wealthy - to buy a superyacht you have to be super rich.
Just 370 superyachts were sold last year around the globe, yet collectively these sales were worth a staggering 3.4bn euros (£3bn; £4bn).
The most expensive superyacht sold so far this year cost 155m euros, according to Boat International which collates the industry data.
Viareggio is where about a fifth of these gigantic elite boats are made. It's the "cradle of shipbuilding" is how the city's mayor Giorgio del Ghingaro sums it up.
In fact, the town's involvement in the industry goes back almost 200 years to 1819 when the first dock was built. Viareggio started to build large, strong wooden ships to transport the marble from the region's famous quarries. This laid the foundations for what would eventually become a major international shipping industry with a history of carpentry and craftsmanship.
The growing popularity of the superyacht has meant Viareggio has evolved again, shifting from making the wooden boats it was once famous for to constructing these giant metal and fibreglass vessels.
Vincenzo Poerio, the chief executive of shipbuilding firm Benetti, which is headquartered in Viareggio, believes the region's artistic roots have helped to drive its success in the industry.
Tuscan cities such as Lucca, Pisa, Siena and Florence are renowned for their craftmanship in marble, wood, leather and architecture. And people in the market for buying a superyacht expect everything - the interior as well as the exterior - to look perfect.
Of course you need more than artistic flair to build a superyacht. For such large and expensive projects, engineering skills are crucial as are project management expertise to ensure the boat is built on time and on budget.
But Mr Poerio says the most important attribute to be successful in this industry is people skills to enable them to deal with the often "challenging" demands of the super rich.
Maintaining good relations matter because it's a personal transaction, not a business one, he says:
"At the end of the day, you are building a big toy, probably the most expensive toy in the world."
In contrast to similar industries such as luxury cars or private aircraft, it's much harder to build these vessels in a standardised way.
"In our case most of the time we start from scratch. So the client is not buying a product, he's building a product which makes a huge difference… Most of the time it's not easy to manage these requests," says Mr Poerio.
This approach is now starting to shift, with some shipbuilders including Benetti and Perini Navi, building smaller superyachts without first receiving an order.
For their wealthy customers, used to getting things when they want them, an instantly-available boat is a big attraction.
But for the firms investing millions when they don't yet know if they'll be able to find a customer it is a risky strategy.
Yet Burak Akgul, a managing director at shipbuilder Perini Navi, says he's not worried.
"We are an indulgence. There's always someone who's ready to indulge, it's just a matter of whether or not we manage to get hold of them," he jokes.
In fact, he says, the brand Perini has become a sort of status symbol, marking a certain level of achievement.
"We started seeing people expressing themselves as having reached the point where they now need to have their Perini.
"They didn't know what they wanted yet, but they had this feeling that they had come to the point of their personal success that time had come for them to build a Perini this was something they had to add to their stable," he says.
One other advantage for Viareggio is that it is already well equipped to cope with the vagaries of the superyacht industry, which because it is so small and specialised can see demand fluctuate wildly depending on the wider economy.
The skills required to build a superyacht are similar to those for a military boat with both of similar sizes.
Massimo Perotti, owner of ship builder San Lorenzo, says this is a useful balance, with demand for pleasure yachts naturally reducing when military vessels are required and vice versa.
Nonetheless, the extreme wealth of their clientele means they're also more cushioned from the impact of world events. Even in the financial crisis, San Lorenzo managed to expand, selling about 20 yachts, partly by targeting new markets in Russia, South America, Brazil and India.
The crisis did, however, mark a shift in their customer base. Instead of getting people who wanted a superyacht to show how rich and powerful they were he says, most customers are now genuinely interested in boating.
Yet even with a flow of wealthy customers ready to indulge, the Italian industry is facing competition from other rivals within Europe and even China. Lower labour costs and raw materials mean these countries are able to produce a cheaper boat.
But Benetti's Mr Poerio says that for the "very, very, very rich people" they cater for, price isn't what matters.
When people are spending millions and millions of euros "the brand has to mean something," he says.
He believes things like the customer relationships and service they offer, as well as the guarantee of a certain level of quality, means they should be able to keep customers from going elsewhere.
San Lorenzo's Mr Perotti agrees: "If you buy a superyacht it's for yourself. You like technology, design, luxury; you know, it's not cheap and you are not looking to to have it at the lowest cost."
In the end, it comes back to what Viareggio has always been renowned for - artistic flair.
"The characteristic of the Italians is individualism and creativity. Maybe you buy a German car because the Germans are better in organisation. But if you want to buy a piece of art you probably go to Italy."
This feature is based on interviews by series producer Neil Koenig, for the BBC's Life of Luxury series. | Wandering along the beach in Italy's Viareggio you could be forgiven for thinking it's simply a holiday resort. |
30,297,992 | The legal level in Scotland will be reduced from 80mg to 50mg in every 100ml of blood on Friday.
The Scottish Parliament voted unanimously in favour of the new law on 18 November.
Michael Matheson will visit Carlisle and Lockerbie to help raise awareness of the imminent change.
It could mean motorists crossing from Cumbria and Northumberland into Dumfries and Galloway or the Scottish Borders would find they were committing an offence despite setting off under the English limit.
Mr Matheson said the new limit will make Scotland's roads safer and save lives.
"This will bring Scotland into line with most of Europe," he said.
"The evidence from the Republic of Ireland which has brought in the same lower limit suggests we will see convictions go down, reductions in drink driving and lower blood alcohol counts.
"We are leading the way across the UK - the new limit has backing from experts, road safety campaigners and the majority of the public north and south of the border.
"When it comes to drinking and driving our advice is simple, it's just not worth it. Don't put lives at risk, the best approach is to have no alcohol at all."
A mobile electronic road sign informing drivers of the new lower limit will be located at Carlisle Fire Station and Lockerbie Police Station.
Signs are already displaying the message on roads between England and Scotland as part of a public information campaign.
TV adverts have also targeted both sides of the border in order to highlight the change.
Last week the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) published research suggesting that 68% of people would like the Scottish drink-drive limit introduced across England and Wales.
Police Scotland ACC Bernard Higgins said they fully support the Scottish government's decision to lower the limit and described the move as a "significant step" towards improving safety on Scotland's roads.
He added: "Police Scotland will continue to work closely with our partners to ensure drivers understand the risk they pose to themselves and others if they drink, or take drugs, and drive."
Michael McDonnell, the director of Road Safety Scotland, said: "It's almost 50 years since the current limit was introduced and that we still lose an average of 20 lives a year in Scotland is a disgrace. Evidence from across the world demonstrates that the best results in tackling drink-driving are achieved by lowering the limit, or increasing enforcement, or both.
"We know, too, that a combination of high-profile enforcement, coupled with a heavyweight media campaign is the most efficient use of resources, and we are working closely with Police Scotland and other partners to ensure that people know about the change to the limit and have no excuse." | The Scottish justice secretary is visiting Dumfries and Galloway and Cumbria to highlight the new drink-driving limit north of the border. |
40,921,610 | Alex Holliday, who was a Year 10 student at Queen Elizabeth's Grammar School in Faversham, Kent, was learning about marine ecology in Havana.
He died in his hotel room during the early hours of Friday following what is believed to have been "a medical episode from which he did not recover".
His family said he was "gentle, kind and always funny and full of life".
They added: "He was adored by his sister Ellie, and indeed by everyone who knew him."
Live: More news from Kent
Alex was among 30 students and four staff on the trip, which had been nearing its conclusion. He had been due to return home later on Monday.
Head teacher David Anderson described him as "a quiet and determined young man with a wonderful sense of humour".
"He enjoyed all aspects of school life and was making good academic progress."
Mr Anderson said the teenager's "great passion" was athletics.
"He was a rapidly improving middle-distance runner and his contributions to the school athletics and cross-country teams will be sorely missed," he said.
Alex also trained outside school with the Invicta East Kent Athletic Club, in Canterbury, where he was "seen as a rising star", Mr Anderson added.
The teenager was a keen parkrunner, who had 100 runs under his belt.
Event director at Whitstable junior parkrun, Russell Evans, paid tribute to him on the website.
"I cannot even begin to think what the loss of Alex to first and foremost his family must feel like, but also his many school friends and fellow athletes at Invicta East. The thoughts of us in the Whitstable junior parkrun team are with you all." | A 15-year-old boy has died suddenly in his sleep during a school trip to Cuba. |
40,559,453 | The 23-year-old, who joined the Seagulls from Dutch club Feyenoord in 2015, has agreed a two-year deal at the Ankara 19 Mayıs Stadium.
"With his game time likely to be limited again, this is the best move for him," manager Chris Hughton said.
Dutch-born Ghanaian Manu spent time on loan at Huddersfield Town and Go Ahead Eagles in the last two seasons.
Find all the latest football transfers on our dedicated page. | Brighton striker Elvis Manu has signed for Turkish Super League side Genclerbirligi SK on a free transfer. |
40,393,539 | Ronaldo's 33rd-minute goal was followed by strikes from Manchester City-bound Bernardo Silva, Andre Silva and Nani.
Mexico also progressed to the semi-finals as they knocked hosts Russia out of the tournament with a 2-1 victory.
Portugal ensured top spot in Group A as New Zealand finished bottom after a third straight defeat.
However, defender Pepe will miss Portugal's semi-final after picking up his second yellow card of the tournament.
And there will be fitness concerns over Bernardo Silva, who was substituted at half-time because of an ankle injury.
In the other group, Chile and Germany will both progress to the last four if they avoid defeat on Sunday.
Chile face Australia and Germany play Cameroon on Sunday to determine the final standings in Group B.
Group A:
Group B: | Cristiano Ronaldo scored a penalty as Portugal beat New Zealand 4-0 to seal their semi-final place at the Confederations Cup. |
39,485,087 | Nicholas Anthony Churton, 67, was found dead at an address in Crescent Close, Wrexham, at 08:20 BST last Monday.
An inquest into his death was opened and adjourned on Monday, with the provisional cause of death detailed.
Jordan Davidson, 25, will appear before Mold Crown Court on Tuesday charged with murder, robbery, burglary and offences against police officers. | A former wine bar owner who is believed to have been murdered, died from head trauma, an inquest has heard. |
39,480,899 | The leaders were 2-0 up in the opening 10 minutes, Franck Ribery's first time shot breaking the deadlock.
Robert Lewandowski doubled the lead from a free-kick before Raphael Guerreiro reduced the deficit.
Arjen Robben made it 3-1 before Lewandowski's penalty sealed a convincing victory.
Bayern are 10 points clear at the top of the table with six games remaining.
Carlo Ancelotti's side look unstoppable as they close in on a record 27th German title and still have a European and domestic treble in their sights.
They entertain Ancelotti's former club Real Madrid in he Champions League quarter-finals on Wednesday (19:45 BST), while they face Borussia Dortmund again in the semi-final of the German Cup on 26 April.
Fourth-placed Dortmund, who are 18 points behind Bayern, were second best throughout as Bayern turned on the style in front of their own fans.
The hosts never looked back once Ribery opened the scoring from 16 yards after Philipp Lahm's cross.
Lewandowski's sublime free-kick added to Dortmund's problems before Guerreiro's thunderbolt into the top corner made it 2-1.
Former Chelsea winger Robben cut in from the wing to make it 3-1 and Lewandowski completed the scoring from the spot after he had been brought down by keeper Roman Burki.
Match ends, FC Bayern München 4, Borussia Dortmund 1.
Second Half ends, FC Bayern München 4, Borussia Dortmund 1.
Offside, FC Bayern München. Xabi Alonso tries a through ball, but Joshua Kimmich is caught offside.
Foul by Arturo Vidal (FC Bayern München).
Marcel Schmelzer (Borussia Dortmund) wins a free kick on the left wing.
Offside, FC Bayern München. Arturo Vidal tries a through ball, but David Alaba is caught offside.
Attempt missed. Mikel Merino (Borussia Dortmund) header from the centre of the box is close, but misses to the right. Assisted by Emre Mor with a cross following a corner.
Corner, Borussia Dortmund. Conceded by Sven Ulreich.
Attempt saved. Christian Pulisic (Borussia Dortmund) left footed shot from the centre of the box is saved in the top left corner. Assisted by Mikel Merino.
Foul by Douglas Costa (FC Bayern München).
Matthias Ginter (Borussia Dortmund) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
Attempt missed. Arturo Vidal (FC Bayern München) right footed shot from outside the box is close, but misses to the left following a corner.
Corner, FC Bayern München. Conceded by Marcel Schmelzer.
Attempt blocked. Arjen Robben (FC Bayern München) left footed shot from the right side of the box is blocked. Assisted by Arturo Vidal.
Attempt missed. Arturo Vidal (FC Bayern München) left footed shot from outside the box is close, but misses to the right.
Corner, FC Bayern München. Conceded by Matthias Ginter.
Substitution, FC Bayern München. Mats Hummels replaces Javi Martínez.
Joshua Kimmich (FC Bayern München) wins a free kick on the right wing.
Foul by Sokratis (Borussia Dortmund).
Attempt missed. Joshua Kimmich (FC Bayern München) right footed shot from the right side of the box is close, but misses to the right. Assisted by Arjen Robben.
Substitution, FC Bayern München. Douglas Costa replaces Franck Ribéry.
Foul by Joshua Kimmich (FC Bayern München).
Sokratis (Borussia Dortmund) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
Substitution, FC Bayern München. Joshua Kimmich replaces Robert Lewandowski.
Arturo Vidal (FC Bayern München) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
Foul by Emre Mor (Borussia Dortmund).
Substitution, Borussia Dortmund. Mikel Merino replaces Raphael Guerreiro.
Goal! FC Bayern München 4, Borussia Dortmund 1. Robert Lewandowski (FC Bayern München) converts the penalty with a right footed shot to the bottom left corner.
Roman Bürki (Borussia Dortmund) is shown the yellow card for a bad foul.
Penalty FC Bayern München. Robert Lewandowski draws a foul in the penalty area.
Penalty conceded by Roman Bürki (Borussia Dortmund) after a foul in the penalty area.
Attempt blocked. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (Borussia Dortmund) right footed shot from the centre of the box is blocked. Assisted by Sebastian Rode.
Franck Ribéry (FC Bayern München) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
Foul by Sebastian Rode (Borussia Dortmund).
Attempt missed. Arjen Robben (FC Bayern München) left footed shot from outside the box is just a bit too high. Assisted by Thiago Alcántara.
Arturo Vidal (FC Bayern München) is shown the yellow card for a bad foul.
Foul by Arturo Vidal (FC Bayern München).
Matthias Ginter (Borussia Dortmund) wins a free kick in the attacking half.
Substitution, Borussia Dortmund. Emre Mor replaces Ousmane Dembélé.
Foul by Jérôme Boateng (FC Bayern München). | Bayern Munich moved a huge step closer to winning a fifth successive Bundesliga title after an easy win over Borussia Dortmund in Der Klassiker. |
34,718,420 | In her resignation letter, the woman accused The Energy and Resources Institute in Delhi (TERI) of treating her "in the worst possible manner".
She said TERI protected Mr Pachauri and provided him with immunity despite a company inquiry that held him guilty.
Mr Pachauri was removed as the head of TERI in July following the charges.
Lawyers for the 29-year-old woman say the harassment included unwanted emails as well as text and phone messages. Mr Pachauri, 74, has denied the allegations.
In her resignation letter, the woman said she had found the environment in TERI "hostile", adding that the company had failed to uphold her interests.
"Your organisation has treated me in the worst possible manner. TERI failed to uphold my interests as an employee, let alone protecting them," the woman said in her resignation letter, according to the Press Trust of India news agency.
The Huffington Post India quoted a human resources manager from TERI as saying that "as far as matters of HR are concerned, everything was done as per the rule book".
When TERI decided to replace Mr Pachauri, it made a statement which praised his work in turning TERI into "a major, financially autonomous, professionally dynamic organisation on the global stage".
In February, he resigned as the head of the UN climate change panel after the sexual harassment allegations.
In 2007 he collected the Nobel Peace Prize on behalf of the organisation, for its work in the scientific assessment of the risks and causes of climate change. The IPCC shared the award with former US vice-president and environmental campaigner, Al Gore.
In 2010 Mr Pachauri rejected pressure to step down when errors were found in the IPCC's Fourth Assessment Report. | A woman who accused the former head of the UN climate change panel (IPCC), RK Pachauri of sexual harassment, has resigned from the think tank he set up. |
11,862,557 | Kershner - who also directed James Bond film Never Say Never Again - died at home after a long illness, according to his goddaughter Adriana Santini.
Born in Philadelphia in 1923, Kershner trained as a musician before making documentaries and then features.
His other credits include Robocop 2 and Eyes of Laura Mars with Faye Dunaway.
Known as "Kersh", the director was behind the camera when Sir Sean Connery reprised his 007 role in 1983's Never Say Never Again.
The University of Southern California film school graduate had previously worked with Connery on his 1966 romantic drama A Fine Madness.
Kershner also directed Barbra Streisand in 1972 comedy Up the Sandbox and Richard Harris in 1976 sequel The Return of a Man Called Horse.
Yet he remains best known for The Empire Strikes Back, considered by many to be the best film in the Star Wars series.
"I think it went beyond Star Wars," he once said. "You had some humour [and] you got to know the characters a little better.
"I saw it as the second movement in an opera." | Irvin Kershner, director of Star Wars film The Empire Strikes Back, has died in Los Angeles aged 87, his agent has confirmed. |
36,714,559 | Simon Lewis, 33, died when Kyle Kennedy, 29, of Cardiff, hit his car head-on in a crash in the Tremorfa area of the city.
His son was delivered three days after the crash, but later died.
Mr Kennedy denies two counts of causing death by dangerous driving at Cardiff Crown Court. He admits causing death by careless driving.
The court previously heard he was driving at "motorway speeds" of up to 70mph when the crash on Lamby Way happened.
Amanda Lewis, Mr Lewis's widow who was pregnant at the time of the crash, said in a statement her husband had shouted and sworn before she saw lights coming towards the car.
The next thing she was aware of was her opening her eyes and hearing herself making a noise and her daughter screaming in the rear of the car.
She said Mr Lewis who had been driving was lying flat on his back and not responding or moving when she told him to wake up.
The court heard she screamed when she was told he had not survived.
Three days later, Amanda Lewis underwent an emergency Caesarean section, but her son did not survive.
Stephen Leadbeater, who was travelling in a vehicle directly behind the Lewises, described seeing a second set of lights appear in front of him for a split second.
"I immediately thought that's not right and tried to slow down," he said in a statement read to the court.
"I saw the collision in front of me. I had horrible thoughts and saw the overtaking car spin around and end in the grass verge.
"I saw smoke and two engines slide across the road in front of me. One of them hit my van. I grabbed a small torch. It was utter carnage and horrible.
"I heard a baby screaming and saw a lady shouting, 'help - get me out of here'. I was shaken by what I saw. It was over in a matter of seconds."
Mr Kennedy had told investigators he did not remember the crash.
The trial continues. | A crash which led to the death of a father and his baby son was "utter carnage", a trial jury has heard. |
38,825,237 | "He basically has been my teacher in all matters gay," the Irish writer told Radio 4's Today programme.
Days Without End, which begins in the 1850s, tells of two Irish soldiers who go to fight in America.
At the heart of the story is a gay relationship Barry said was informed by his son Toby's experiences.
Toby coming out at 16, he said, "was the beginning of him teaching me the ins and outs and the majesty and the wonder of being gay".
"All that was drawn into the book and became part of this love between these two men," he said on Wednesday.
Barry became the first novelist to win the Costa Book of the Year prize twice on Tuesday when Days Without End beat four other titles to the award.
Speaking immediately after the presentation, the 61-year-old said Ireland's referendum on same-sex marriage had also been a factor.
"It was just after that that I started writing the book," he told reporters, saying that he and Toby had "had a secret mission" to reflect the referendum result in its narrative.
"If I had written this 20 or 30 years ago it may not have had that element," the author went on.
"You should be teaching your child something; it's not supposed to be the other way around. But maybe it always is in truth."
We get back to our room and light the wick in the oil lamp and pull off our boots and we don't dare to send Winona down for eats and so we will have a hungry night. Winona sets everything to rights then beds down on the little divan pushed agin the foot of our bed.
We'll be chaste as real travellers tonight. Soon her little shipshape form is caught in sleep, rising and falling with every small breath so that the bed feels like there must be a troubled brook running through it. In the darkness as we lie side by side John Cole's left hand snakes over under the sheets and takes a hold of my right hand.
We listen to the cries of the night revellers outside and hear the horses tramping along the ways. We're holding hands then like lovers who have just met or how we imagine lovers might be in the unknown realm where lovers act as lovers without concealment.
Immediately after his win, Barry got in contact with Toby, to whom the book is dedicated, via Skype.
"I couldn't hear what he was saying, he couldn't hear me, but his face was so radiant with happiness," he told BBC Breakfast on Wednesday.
Barry, who receives £30,000, also won the prize in 2008 with The Secret Scripture.
In 2015 the author wrote a widely circulated letter to the Irish Times in which he described himself as "the more than proud father of one shining person who happens to be a member of the LGBT community."
Follow us on Facebook, on Twitter @BBCNewsEnts, or on Instagram at bbcnewsents. If you have a story suggestion email [email protected]. | Novelist Sebastian Barry has said his youngest son coming out was pivotal in the writing of Days Without End, winner of the Costa Book of the Year prize. |
33,966,542 | A report documents hundreds of cases in which people have been killed or injured in their homes since March.
It accuses the Saudi-led coalition aiming to restore the exiled government of carrying out unlawful air strikes.
The Houthi rebel movement and its allies are meanwhile condemned for using heavy weapons indiscriminately.
On Tuesday, coalition warplanes targeted Houthi positions in the Red Sea port of Hudaydah, reportedly destroying cranes and warehouses at the aid hub.
There were also clashes overnight in the third city of Taiz, where the Houthis and allied army units loyal to former President Ali Abdullah Saleh have made advances.
The UN says that since the coalition began its bombing campaign on 26 March, at least 1,950 civilians have been killed and 4,271 wounded in air strikes and fighting.
Amnesty's 30-page report documents eight air strikes that took place in June and July and resulted in the deaths of 141 people, mostly women and children.
The human rights group said the evidence gathered had revealed a pattern of raids targeting heavily-populated sites, including a mosque, a school and a market. In the majority of cases, no military target could be located nearby, it added.
Amnesty also investigated 30 attacks on the ground in the second city of Aden and in Taiz by the Houthis and anti-Houthi armed groups, which left 68 civilians dead.
Fighters from both parties routinely used imprecise weapons including Grad-type rockets, mortars and artillery fire in densely-populated residential areas, displaying utter disregard for the safety of civilians, the group found.
Amnesty called on the UN Human Rights Council to create an international commission of inquiry to independently and impartially investigate alleged war crimes in Yemen.
Yemen crisis: Who is fighting whom?
Meeting the Houthis and their enemies | All sides in the conflict in Yemen have left a "trial of civilian death and destruction" and may have committed war crimes, Amnesty International says. |
35,740,739 | It has announced a price drop of up to 9.75% that follows last week's announcement by SSE Airtricity to cut gas bills.
The price drop is for those living in the greater Belfast area.
The company is to make an announcement for other customers in the "ten towns" area in the coming days.
Michael Scott, Firmus Energy's managing director, said: ""We monitor all costs and global wholesale fuel prices on a daily basis to ensure our prices offer the best value possible and any savings are passed on as soon as we can to our customers."
Richard Williams, of the Consumer Council, said: "This is great news for Firmus Energy customers who will save around £50 on their annual gas bill."
Mr Williams said all gas consumers in greater Belfast would benefit from recent cuts.
"We would encourage all gas customers in the greater Belfast area to shop around to get the best possible price and service," he said.
"Even switching payment or billing method can save money."
"We have lots of resources to help, from our online gas price comparison tool to our step-by-step guide to the switching process."
Earlier in February, Power NI announced electric bills for its 500,000 domestic customers would fall by 10.3% from April. | Firmus Energy, which supplies gas to about 50,000 customers in greater Belfast, is to cut its prices. |
27,997,221 | Defeat off the penultimate ball in the second Test at Headingley was England's sixth reverse in seven matches following the 5-0 Ashes whitewash.
"I've never quit on anything," said Cook. "I'm incredibly proud to be England captain. It's a huge honour and I'm in it for the long haul.
"I'm desperate to help turn English cricket around."
Cook took charge following Andrew Strauss's retirement in 2012 and immediately led England to a first series win in India for 27 years.
"The criticism of Cook is out of order - it's a few people with an agenda against him. But he is under pressure. He needs to find form with the bat and everything will flow from there.
"I don't think captaincy is a burden. Alastair is a strong character. It does all seem to be getting a little but too much at the minute. Perhaps that's why people need to support him rather than swinging axes."
He followed that with an Ashes triumph but presided over last winter's humiliation down under.
"I believe I'm the right man for the job," added the 29-year-old opener. "I've given it my all, all the time.
"If someone decides I'm not the right person for the job, then fine."
Cook has scored only 601 runs in his past 24 innings at an average of 25, and has been criticised for England's tactics in the field during this series.
Former England batsman Geoffrey Boycott said on Monday that Cook's form is a "recipe for resignation".
"With runs hard to come by, it does put more pressure on me," Cook said.
"There a few technical things I can work on, but it comes down to being mentally strong at the crease.
"Everyone knows form can change very quickly. I've done it in the past and I've got to drag that mental strength out again."
Cook has played 104 Tests, scored 8,125 runs at an average of 45.90 and made a record 25 centuries for England.
He scored hundreds in each of his first five Tests as skipper, but he does not believe his recent slump is linked to the burden of captaincy.
"Cook is a really, really nice boy. He's honest and he's straight but his form is suffering. He needs to start scoring runs because it's a results-orientated business.
"He has to have some imagination with his captaincy, one plan can't fit into every situation."
Listen to Geoffrey Boycott & Jonathan Agnew review England's defeat in the TMS podcast
"When I walk out to bat, I don't think of myself as a captain," said Cook. "Being captain probably makes you more determined to score runs."
England's 100-run defeat in the second Test at Headingley came in the cruellest fashion, with number 11 James Anderson falling in the final over.
Anderson, who was in tears after the game, survived for 20 overs with Moeen Ali, who made an unbeaten 108, batting through the day to take England from 57-5 to 249 all out.
"It was an incredible effort to do that," said Cook. "For Mo to play such a controlled innings in that pressure can only bode well for the future.
"For Jimmy to react like that, it shows to everyone who don't know us as blokes what it really means to play for England.
"We sometime get accused of not caring that much, but that was raw emotion from a guy who put everything in to that batting effort."
Coach Peter Moores, having lost in his first series since being reappointed coach in April, said: "Alastair has felt out of form but he fronted up and got everyone going this morning, saying, 'Come on, we've got a chance. Let's believe this.'
"It has been a really tough seven or eight months. None of us take it lightly and he is going to work extremely hard to put it right."
Listen to Jonathan Agnew and Geoffrey Boycott analyse the day's play in the Test Match Special podcast. | Alastair Cook said he will not resign as England captain despite the 1-0 series defeat by Sri Lanka. |
33,833,155 | The newspaper says test marches in the Brecon Beacons could be postponed in the case of extreme temperatures, humidity and winds.
The decision has angered SAS insiders and their US counterparts who fear it may lower standards, the paper claimed.
The Ministry of Defence has not commented on the story.
At an inquest last month, the Ministry of Defence was severely criticised for the planning and conduct of a 16-mile march which resulted in the deaths of three soldiers.
L/Cpl Craig Roberts, L/Cpl Edward Maher and Cpl James Dunsby all collapsed and died after overheating on a Brecon Beacons exercise on one of the hottest days of 2013.
The MoD apologised and said changes to the SAS recruitment test were under way.
Changes will include more water stations along the route and a "weather test" which would allow the hike to be postponed if conditions are too hot, the Times reported.
It also said would-be SAS members would be allowed practice sessions allowing them to become accustomed to the terrain.
It claims there is a fear within the SAS of a lowering of standards, and quotes a former officer who says there is a feeling that selection is being made "softer and easier".
Professor George Havenith, a specialist in environmental physiology and ergonomics who gave evidence at the inquest, told the BBC the special forces needed a "culture change" so existing rules were followed, rather than new guidelines. | Recruitment tests to join the SAS will be "softened" in response to the deaths of three reservists during a selection march, the Times has claimed. |
35,995,594 | The e-petition was set up after news broke that leaflets would be sent out to 27 million UK homes from next week.
Leave campaigners said the "one sided" campaign was an "outrageous" use of taxpayers' money.
The PM said the government was "not neutral" and backed remaining in the EU and it was right to explain why.
David Cameron came in for criticism on Thursday after it emerged that the publicly funded campaign explaining the government's position on the EU referendum would see leaflets delivered to every UK home from next week.
The petition, launched by the Get Britain Out group on the government's e-Petitions site, entitled "Stop Cameron spending British taxpayers' money on pro-EU referendum leaflets" had more than 120,000 signatures on Friday morning.
The government's response states that the EU Referendum Act 2015 "commits the government to provide information to the public on EU membership ahead of the vote, and that is what we will do".
Not every petition which reaches 100,000 signatures gets debated by MPs in the Commons, but all must be considered.
Five petitions lodged during this Parliament have been ruled out for debate and a further seven, including the EU leaflet campaign, have more than 100,000 signatures but have not yet been considered for debate by the cross-party Petitions Committee.
Once the official campaign period begins next week, the official "Leave" and "Remain" campaigns will only be able to spend up to £7m by law.
Eurosceptic MPs forced ministers to agree to limit the use of the machinery of government to boost the Remain case in the weeks running up to the 23 June referendum vote.
But the ex-Conservative cabinet minister Liam Fox - who backs the UK leaving the EU - told the BBC on Thursday the government was exploiting a "loophole" in the rules to put the leaflets out early.
"The government knows that it wouldn't be allowed to put this leaflet out during the last four weeks of the campaign and is taking advantage of that loophole. What the government are effectively doing is doubling the funding for one side, ie the Remain campaign, by spending this amount of money."
And Labour's Gisela Stuart, who chairs pro-exit campaign group Vote Leave, said the public wanted "an honest debate" not "an attempt by the prime minister to buy the referendum result".
The pro-Brexit Grassroots Out group has written to the Electoral Commission, questioning whether the leaflet was legitimate "given that the government has not registered as a campaigner".
But Mr Cameron, in a speech to students, said he would make "no apology" for the leaflets and said there was "nothing to stop the government from setting out its views in advance of the campaign".
He said he wanted every voter to have "all the information at their fingertips" when they go to vote: "I think that is money well spent. It is not... just legal, it is necessary and right."
Downing Street said the campaign followed polling which suggested 85% of people wanted more information from the government to help them make an informed choice.
The leaflet is due to start hitting doormats in England next week, but not until after 5 May elections in the rest of the UK. | A petition against a £9m government campaign to promote EU membership will be considered for debate in Parliament, after getting over 100,000 signatures. |
16,708,790 | On Thursday experts say amateur star-gazers have the best chance in years of seeing them in all their glory.
The powerful rays can interfere with airline navigation systems, satellites and even NASA space crews.
But if you're wondering what causes the night sky to glow, check out Leah's report from the last time they were really visible to find out more... | The Northern Lights are seen on Earth as spectacular splashes of colour in the night sky. |
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