A Russian stripper and lingerie model needed surgery after a manicurist she criticised filed her nails so short her fingers were left bleeding and swollen. Maria Lomovskikh, 20, visited a beauty salon to have her nails done, but told manicurist Anastasia Kretova she was disappointed about the quality of her work, calling it 'shoddy and unprofessional'. She claims that, in response, the beautician filed her nails so close to the skin her fingers began bleeding, leaving her in 'absolute agony'. Scroll down for video . Agony: Russian model Maria Lomovskikh (pictured) needed surgery after her fingernails were filed too short . Painful: She claims she was left in 'absolute agony' when she went home with two of her fingers bleeding . Tender: She then went to hospital, where she was diagnosed with having acute purulent inflammation of two nails . 'I was criticising the woman because she was using dirty nail files and wasn't disinfecting her instruments. 'But then she went mental, and I realised she had filed them with such ferocity that they were bleeding.' After going home to bandage her wounds in her home city of Voronezh, southern Russia, she eventually had to go to hospital where she was diagnosed with having acute purulent inflammation of two nails and had to have them removed. Igor Korotkiy, the head surgeon who carried out the operation, said that surgery was the only option because of the mutilation caused to the model's fingers. He added: 'The damage was so bad the only thing we could do was to take them off completely. It is difficult to say if they will ever grow again.' Now the model has decided to pursue legal action against the beauty salon. Fined: Manicurist Anastasia Kretova was docked £30 of her wages after the beauty salon conceded the damage she had done . Legal: Ms Lomovskikh has now decided to sue the salon, saying the injuries have affected her modelling career . Model: Ms Lomovskikh claims to have lost out on three jobs because of the injuries caused by the incident . Ms Lomovskikh said: 'I have lost three jobs because of the deformity caused by this woman and I have been told that I will not be able to model lingerie or cigarettes again. 'I want her and the salon punished for this.' A spokesman for the beauty salon said: 'We understand the lady's complaints and we have accepted responsibility and punished the beautician concerned by deducting £30 from her pay.'

Summary: Russian stripper claims manicurist filed her nails so short her fingers bled . Maria Lomovskikh, 20, said it occurred after she criticised the service . She went to hospital and two of her fingernails were completely removed . Ms Lomovskikh is now suing the beauty salon in Voronezh, Russia .


Bayern Munich's David Alaba is nearing a move to Real Madrid after his father and agent George met representatives of the Spanish club in Vienna, according to Marca. Alaba signed a new deal with Bayern in December 2013 that is supposed to keep him in Germany until June 2018, but the 22-year-old appears to be eager to move to Spain. Bayern consider Alaba to be worth at least £29.5million, and Real would have to spend big for him. Bayern Munich's David Alaba is reportedly nearing a move to Spanish giants Real Madrid . His father and agent George Alaba met representatives of the Spanish club in Vienna, according to Marca . Fellow Spanish newspapers AS and Sport splash on Alvaro Morata and the Copa del Rey cup final . Fellow Spanish newspaper AS, meanwhile, are reporting Juventus striker Alvaro Morata is 'in the starting line-up against Ukraine'. Morata slammed Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti for leaving him on the bench without an explanation last season before his move to Italy. The Spaniard left Madrid last summer and joined Serie A champions Juventus in search of first team football, and has scored seven goals in 22 appearances. Morata's comments have been replicated in Italian newspaper Tuttosport, who quote him as saying: 'I love Juve more than Real. I am doing very well at Turin. I can't think about returning to Madrid - it would be a lack of respect. [Real manager Carlo] Ancelotti did not consider me.' Sport are reporting the Nou Camp will host the Copa del Rey final between Barcelona and Athletic Bilbao because 'of its high capacity'. Both teams are understood to have 40,000 tickets allocated. Italian newspaper Tuttosport quote ex-Real Madrid striker Morata as saying: 'I love Juve more than Real'

Summary: David Alaba signed a new contract with Bayern Munich in December 2013 . The 22-year-old has a deal with the German club that lasts until June 2018 . Real Madrid would need to pay about £29.5million to sign Alaba .


A group of schoolchildren had to be evacuated from their burning school bus when it caught fire on a busy road during rush hour. Fifteen secondary school pupils were rushed off the vehicle when its driver realised there were flames coming from its rear wheel. No one was hurt in the incident, with fire fighters called to the scene in Radlett, Hertfordshire, as rush hour traffic piled up. Fifteen schoolchildren were evacuated from the bus when it caught fire on its way to a secondary school in Barnet, north London . The blaze was put out within half an hour after witnesses shared photographs of black smoke filtering through the sky from miles away. The man driving the bus, which belonged to Little Bus Company, has been praised for safely getting the children out in time. 'The driver was brilliant, he did exactly what he should and everyone is safe,' said the company's director, Jeremy Reese. 'As soon as it was noticed, the driver stopped, got everyone off incredibly quickly and we’re very glad no-one was hurt. 'A parent was following the coach and said she couldn’t believe how quickly he acted.' The bus was taking children to a school in Barnet, north London, when the incident occurred. A Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue spokesman said: 'We were called at 7.27am to one coach that was well alight on the roadway. 'Two engines attended, fire fighters used two hose reel jets to control the fire. The fire was put out by 7.56am with the cause being given as accidental.' The road was closed however for almost three hours after damage caused by the flames. Emergency services said there were no suspicious circumstances surrounding the incident. Photographs taken near the scene show black smoke coming from the vehicle at rush hour this morning . Watling Street in Radlett, Hertfordshire, was closed for around three hours after damage was done to the road (pictured above)

Summary: The bus was on its way to a school in north London when it caught fire . Fifteen secondary schoolchildren were evacuated on the road in Radlett . No one was injured in the fire which closed the road for three hours .


MLB probe: Marlins pitcher Jarred Cosart is being investigated for alleged gambling . Major League Baseball said on Wednesday it was investigating whether Florida Marlins pitcher Jarred Cosart discussed sports betting with an alleged gambler on his Twitter account. A Florida newspaper, the Miami New Times, reported that direct message tweets were made public on Tuesday purporting to show that Cosart, a 24-year-old right-hander preparing for his third season in the majors, was seeking advice on gambling. Although direct tweets are intended to be private conversations, the alleged unidentified gambler, who regularly tweets advice, decided to release them. Mike Teevan, a Major League Baseball spokesman, said baseball is looking into the allegations. Betting on baseball is a violation of the game's rules. Cosart deleted his Twitter account on Tuesday night. Another Twitter account that opened on Wednesday with Cosart's name discussed the allegations, saying his original Twitter account had been 'accessed by someone else.' 'I have not, nor will I ever, bet on the game of baseball,' a tweet said, according to the New Times, before that account was also deleted. It could not be independently determined if Cosart was the one writing the tweets. The Miami New Times reported that a Twitter user by the name Ghostfade Killah (@ghostfadekillah) posted an alleged direct message from Coart that said, 'No prob. I bet LARGE. Shhh lol looking for some help anywhere I can.' Another message is blacked out but under it is an alleged response from Cosart that said, 'saw a retweet on your under play and hammered it.' Alleged sports betting: Major League Baseball said on Wednesday it was investigating whether Florida Marlins pitcher Jarred Cosart discussed sports betting with an alleged gambler on his Twitter account . Denies gambling: Jarred Cosart posted the gambling allegations on his Twitter account in hopes of dispelling the rumours and then deleted his profile . At 12:34am on Wednesday Ghostfade Killah tweeted, 'Made an MLB player delete his twitter account. Lulz.' Cosart, who issued an apology last year for using a gay slur to describe pop singer Justin Bieber on Twitter, has a career record of 14-12 with a 3.26 earned run average. 'Major League Baseball is investigating and the Marlins have no further comment at this time,' the team said in a statement. Disabled: Jarred Cosart's Twitter has been disabled for the time being as the MLB investigates his alleged gambling with sport's betters . Alleged gambler: Ghostfade Killah published the supposed conversation with Marlins pitcher Jarred Cosart . Marlins pitcher: Jarred Cosart of the Miami Marlins pitches during the first inning of the game against the Minnesota Twins at Roger Dean Stadium on March 22 .

Summary: MLB investigating whether Marlins pitcher Jarred Cosart discussed sports betting with an alleged gambler on his Twitter account. Betting on baseball is a violation of the game's rules . 'I have not, nor will I ever, bet on the game of baseball,' a tweet on Cosart's now deleted account said .


A domestic treble is a marathon rather than a sprint. Yet Celtic are closer to their promised land after routing the Arabs in Scottish football’s answer to the six-day war. By 5pm on Saturday, Dundee United were worn out. As punch drunk as a flabby heavyweight leaning against the ropes in the 14th round. Exhausted — mentally and physically — by three losses in a week to a side with more depth, energy and firepower. The Tayside team fancied their chances after holding on for a 1-1 Scottish Cup draw with nine men a fortnight ago. Then Celtic won the League Cup Final. And followed it with a thumping 4-0 victory in last Wednesday’s Scottish Cup replay. Jason Denayer celebrates with his team-mates after giving Celtic a three-goal lead before half-time . Denayer taps home from close range as Celtic record comfortable victory against Dundee United . Battered and bruised, United were gone then. Long before they found themselves three goals down in the first half of this league match. The heat, light and fury which bred six red cards, three penalties and running feuds in the previous meetings had gone. All told, Celtic and Dundee United met four times in two weeks. By the end, Jackie McNamara’s team were pleased the ordeal was over. The same might be said of the title race. In Saturday’s early game, Aberdeen shipped two points in Dundee. The Dens equaliser came from the grandson of former Parkhead chairman Jack McGinn. Proof, if it were needed, that this was Celtic’s week. ‘It’s been a great week,’ said defender Efe Ambrose. ‘We know that, but we don’ t want to look at what we’ve done. We want to look forwards and that means the next game. That’s more important than what we’ve already done. ‘Every game counts in the league and we want to keep going. From now until the end of the season, we want to keep doing our best, so we can defend our title and get to the Scottish Cup Final. Then we can see if the Treble is still possible.’ John Guidetti struck to make it 2-0 to Ronny Deila's side after 33 minutes at Celtic Park on Saturday . The Scottish Cup looks the last substantial hurdle. Inverness, an awkward opponent, await in the semi-final on April 19. Thereafter it is Hibs or Falkirk in the Final. ‘It’s an enjoyable place to be at the moment because everything is working well for us,’ said Ambrose. ‘I think, right now, it would take a lot of effort from another team to stop us. ‘Celtic are playing at a top level. It’s difficult for others to withstand what we have right now. Guidetti is congratulated by his team-mates after doubling the home side's lead . ‘We have a huge squad and everyone is in their best form. It’s difficult for the manager to pick his starting line-up. There’s a lot of competition in the squad and that makes us better.’ There was nothing boastful in the way the Nigerian said this. He was merely

Summary: Gary Mackay-Steven opened the scoring for Celtic after 16 minutes . John Guidetti doubled the hosts lead 12 minutes before half-time . Jason Denayer made it three for Ronny Deila's side on stroke of half-time .


It is less a holiday resort and more an enormous city by the beach. The Bahamas is gearing up for a grand opening of grand proportions as the Caribbean's biggest mega-resort opens this month. Costing a staggering $3.5billion, the super-development Baha Mar - The New Riviera will include five fully-distinct resort hotels and will stretch across 3,000ft of Nassau's pristine Cable Beach. Scroll down for video . At a staggering $3.5 billion, the Baha Mar - The New Riviera, is the Caribbean's largest luxury resort project . Tourism, especially in the Bahamas, will never be the same again. The integrated gaming resort will include a 100,000 square foot casino - the largest in the country - alongside 40 restaurants and bars, plenty of shops in its Waterside Palace promenade, the first-ever Tournament PlayersClub 18-hole golf course in the Bahamas, and The Racquet Club, a world-class tennis facility. The Baha Mar Casino & Hotel will be the mega-resort's most impressive stand-alone property, offering 1,000 rooms and 105 suites and villas. Of particular note is the VIP Villa Roxie, with interiors designed by singer Lenny Kravitz's design firm, boasting a private fitness room, massage room, media room and gaming room. The integrated gaming resort will feature five hotels, including The Baha Mar Casino & Hotel (pictured) The 1000-room stand-alone property will be the largest of the mega-resort and also include 105 suites . The hotel's 100,000 square foot casino is not to be missed - it's the largest in the country . A bird's eye view of the sprawling property showcases the pristine waters of the white-sand Cable Beach . Not to be outdone, there will also be a 700-room Grand Hyatt outfitted in traditional Bahamian colors and designs, an all-inclusive Melia resort, a Rosewood property and an SLS Lux hotel, known for its Las Vegas and Beverly Hills outposts. All together, there will be over 3,000 rooms available to book, along with countless other timeshare and private rental home options. The Rosewood, with just 200 rooms and five beachfront villas, however, will be the smallest. The Grand Hyatt will be the second largest hotel on site, with 700 rooms, a spa and plenty of pool space . The entire hotel will be decorated in traditional Bahamian style, including many bright colours . The rooms, some of which overlook the azure water, are outfitted in relaxing hues of white and pink . Guests are encouraged to meander through the property's extensive nature preserve, outfitted with boardwalks, as well as to take advantage of the opportunities for sea-kayaking through the mangrove forests and lagoons. For those looking for a bit of pampering, the super-resort's 30,000 square foot ESPA is just the place, complete with breathtaking ocean views. Of course, each of the individual hotels will have their own smaller spa, as well. Another of the hotels to choose from will be the SLS Hotel, which is known for its Beverly Hills property . At the SLS LUX at Baha Mar, there will be 300 well-appointed rooms, including 107 private residences . The smallest of the

Summary: The Bahamas' largest single-phase luxury resort set to open in March along Nassau's famous Cable Beach . Mega-resort includes five hotels, a 30,000 sq ft spa and 40 restaurants and will cost a total of $3.5billion . The property's massive casino will be the largest in the country .


Two elephants saved the day Tuesday after an 18-wheeler in which they were being hauled from New Orleans to Texas nearly tipped over were it not for their help. They were two of three Asian elephants in the truck being transported from Florida to a circus in Dallas when the driver pulled over on I-49 in Natchitoches Parish around 7am. When mud caused the long-haul truck to begin to tip onto its side, a trainer had the bright idea of enlisting the pachyderms for help. Strange sight: Two circus elephants helped keep the trailer that'd been traveling in from tipping over along a Louisiana highway Tuesday morning . Video reveals him coaxing one of the beasts out of the truck as the other is already standing with its head anchoring the truck's trailer. When members of the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff's department arrived, 'they were astounded to find two elephants keeping the eighteen wheeler from overturning,' reads the department's official statement. A local wrecker was soon enlisted to pull out the 2000 Kenworth eighteen wheeler and no citations were issued, according to WDSU. The elephants, presumably, went on their way. Whoops: The truck was en route to a circus in Texas when the driver pulled over and a muddy shoulder caused the 18 wheeler to tip . Video reveals a trainer coaxing one of the beasts out of the truck as the other is already standing with its head anchoring the truck's trailer. But where they were headed doesn't sit well for many. In fact, the nation's largest circus, Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey, is ending its iconic elephant acts due to growing public concern about how the endangered creatures are treated. The circus’ parent company, Feld Entertainment, told The Associated Press exclusively that the acts will be phased out by 2018. The circus plans to phase out elephant acts by 2018. Feld’s 43 elephants will live at the company’s 200-acre Center for Elephant Conservation in central Florida. Twenty-nine animals are already there, and the other 14 will arrive as they are phased out from the circus. Elephant acts have been showcased by Ringling for more than a century and have often been featured in its posters. When members of the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff's department arrived, 'they were astounded to find two elephants keeping the eighteen wheeler from overturning,' reads the department's official statement .

Summary: A truck hauling some circus elephants pulled off the side of I49 in Natchitoches Parish . When the truck became stuck in some mud and began to tilt, a trainer had the idea of coaxing two of the beasts out of the truck to help . When the sheriff's department arrived, the found the elephants propping the 18-wheeler with their 5-ton frames .


Do you know two people who are just perfect for each other? Well, now there's an app for that. Hitch, is being touted as the Tinder for matchmakers, as it lets people set up two Facebook friends. Named after the Will Smith film about a romantic guru who helps singles find love, the idea for the app was inspired after founder Anton Gu met a mutual friend one night but felt too bashful to ask his chums for her number. Scroll down for video . Dating app Hitch can be used whether you're single or in a relationship: users can set up two of their Facebook friends and introduce them with a personal message . Potential matchmakers just need to log into Facebook and select two friends they want to introduce and send them a message saying why they'd be a good match. Although singles are set up with each other anonymously initially, matchmakers can see how many messages the pair have exchanged once they've chosen to reveal their identities. The idea for the app all stemmed from a thwarted encounter. Founder Anton, from London, said: 'In February last year I went to a gig with a group of friends. There was a girl in the group that I hadn’t met before who was a friend of a friend. 'She didn’t stay for very long and left, so I didn’t get a chance to talk to her. 'The next day I was sitting at home, thinking how could I get in touch with her. Short of asking our mutual friend for her number and being like “Hey, I’m that guy at the gig last night, I’d like to take you out”, I had nothing. Hitch founder Anton Gu says the idea behind the app was simple: 'I was single. I made an app.' And it's not only been a professional success for Anton, but a romantic one too . To create a hitch, you log in through Facebook and select two friends you want to introduce. The pair do not need to have the app installed to be selected - you can invite them later. 'I checked online and there was no app that I could use to get an introduction. So we made it.' And since that night, he's used his creation to improve his own love life. He said: 'By the time the app was out, that girl from the gig was dating someone. But my friend introduced me to someone else. She is incredible and we are dating now.' Hitch is available in 50 countries and around 2,000 hitches are made in the UK each month. Anton said: 'We grew very quickly in India. Matchmaking is popular in their culture, people understand the concept straight away and tell their friends about it. There is also huge potential in markets where online dating is difficult.' He said that because matches are being made through pools of mutual friends, it narrows down choices and feels reliable as friends are making the introductions. Mr Gu says the 'pick-up line' is always the

Summary: Hitch app lets you set up two of your friends through Facebook . Chat begins anonymously, but pairs can choose to reveal their identity . Over 85 per cent of hitches result in conversation and many lead to dating . Founder Anton Gu says the idea came from his own experiences .


A chance find in a thrift store has awakened a whirlwind of emotions for one World War II veteran. Bill Moore, 90, was brought to tears recently when he read a long-lost love letter he sent his future-wife Bernadean Gibson 70 years ago, when he was a strapping young soldier, fighting with Patton's Third Army in Europe. The letter was discovered tucked inside an old record purchased at a thrift store by Ilene Ortiz of Westminster, Colorado, who worked to reunite the letter with Moore's family. Scroll down for video . Memories: Bill Moore was brought to tears as he read a long-lost letter that he sent his future-wife Bernadean Gibson 70 years ago, while fighting in World War II . Surprise: The letter was discovered recently by a woman in Colorado who found the note tucked into a album case she bought a thrift store . Beautiful words: 'I have never been so homesick for anyone in all my life as I am for you,' the letter ends . 'When you're apart for that reason, not knowing if and when you'd ever see that person again, every chance you got to communicate was just wonderful,' Moore said of the letter. On the left, a picture of Bernadean from the time, and on the right, a picture of her future- husband in his uniform . The discovery took Moore completely by surprise, and he both cried and laughed as he read the flowery note to the girlfriend he met on furlough. 'My darling, lovable, alluring, Bernadean,' the letter reads. 'I ran out of space, but I could have written a lot more adjectives describing you. You are so lovely, darling, that I often wonder how it is possible that you are mine. I'm really the luckiest guy in the world, you know. And you are the reason, Bernadean. Even your name sounds lovely to me.' The letter dated 1945 was a preface to the Moore's 63 years of marriage, in which they raised three children. 'When you're apart for that reason, not knowing if and when you'd ever see that person again, every chance you got to communicate was just wonderful,' Moore told KMGH. However, it is also a painful reminder of Mrs Moore's passing. Bernadean died in 2010, and her husband currently lives in a care home for veterans. Meant to be: Moore sent the letter to is then-girlfriend Bernadean who he met on furlough. When he returned from war, the two got married and stayed together for 63 happy years of marriage. Bernadean died in 2010 . Today: Moore now lives in an assisted-living home for veterans. He says the letter was difficult to read because it's a reminder that Bernadean is no longer with him . 'It's difficult talking out loud about it to other people,' Moore said. 'But I loved her, and she loved me. That's all I can tell you. It’s a heartache not being with her all the time.' Last month, Ortiz spoke out about the search to find the rightful owner of the loving letter.

Summary: Bill Moore, 90, sent the letter to his future-wife Bernadean Gibson in 1945 . He was then fighting for Patton's Third Army on the European front of World War II . Letter was discovered recently by woman who found the note slipped into an album cover she bought at a thrift store . Moore went on to marry his girlfriend and the two were together for 63 happy years of marriage . Bernadean passed away in 2010, and now Moore lives in an assisted-care center for veterans .


Suspended hundreds of feet in the air amid glistening pillars of ice illuminated with ghostly lights from below, this could easily be a computer-generated scene from the latest sci-fi blockbuster movie. But in fact these ethereal photographs were taken in real life, and show extreme sportsman and climber Stephan Siegrist, 43, ascending the Voringsfossen icefall which is part of a gigantic glacier in Eidfjord, Norway. The stunning images were captured by fellow mountaineer and photographer Thomas Senf. While the 500ft frozen waterfall is regularly scaled by climbers during daylight, he said he wanted to capture the beauty of the falls by night. Scroll down for video . Spot the climber: Stephan Siegrist, 43, scales the Voringsfossen icefall, a 500ft-tall frozen waterfall that forms part of a glacier in Norway . There he is: While hundreds of climbers attempt to scale the fall during the day, few attempt it at night. With bright lights illuminating his efforts from below, Mr Siegrist appears to be on the set of a sci-fi movie . Stunning: Mr Siegrist (pictured) trained as an apprentice carpenter before falling in love with mountaineering during a ski trip as a teenager. He gave up woodwork aged 26, and has earned his living from climbing ever since . He said: 'Photography and filming at night is a big challenge because of the lighting. The ways to play with the factors of light, time and environment fascinate me endlessly. 'I had considered for a long time how to work with artificial light, which is normally only possible in a photo studio, in major mountains. 'The transparency and reflective properties of ice in the sun had often caught my eye. With its virtually unlimited number of icefalls, Norway seemed like the perfect place to put those ideas into practice.' Climber Mr Siegrist was born in Meikirch, Switzerland, near to Bern, which is within sight of the northern Alps. While he trained as a carpenter, he fell in love with mountaineering after a skiing trip as a teenager. Out of this world: Mr Senf (pictured bottom right in both images) was primarily a climber in the early stages of his career, but began to incorporate photography into his adventures, and took these images during one trip in 2012 . Frozen solid: For a large part of the year the Voringsfossen icefall is liquid, but during the winter months the bitterly cold air freezes it solid, allowing climbers to attempt to scale it . Aged 26 he gave up woodwork, became a professional mountain guide, and has made a living from climbing ever since. Over the course of a near 20-year career he has racked up hundreds of climbing hours, making first ascents on all seven continents. As well as ice climbing, as demonstrated in these photographs, he also specialises in big-wall climbing - scaling sheer rock faces that usually require more than one day to ascend - and bouldering - climbing without the use of safety harnesses or ropes. Meanwhile photographer Mr Senf qualified in mechanical engineering, but moved to Switzerland aged 21 to

Summary: Stunning images captured by photographer Thomas Senf as climber Stephan Siegrist, 43, scaled frozen waterfall . The Voringsfossen fall is liquid for most of the year, but in winter freezes into a 500ft cliff favoured by climbers . Hundreds of adventurers attempt the climb by day, but very few attempt the ascent at night, as pictured here .


Louis van Gaal has backed Michael van Praag's bid to become FIFA president. Van Gaal knows Van Praag as he worked under him at Ajax and with the Dutch national side. Van Praag, the head of the Dutch Football Association, is one of three candidates vying to unseat current FIFA president Sepp Blatter, the others being Asian Football Confederation vice-president Prince Ali bin Al Hussein and former Portugal international Luis Figo. Michael van Pragg's (pictured) FIFA candidacy for FIFA presidency has been backed by Louis van Gaal . Manchester United boss Van Gaal (right) worked under Van Praag at Ajax and with the Dutch national side . And the Manchester United manager believes his 67-year-old compatriot is capable of heading world football's governing body, although he concedes it will be a tough job beating Blatter, who is determined to extend his 17-year reign. 'I have a very good relationship with him,' the United manager said when asked about Van Praag. 'I like him very much. He can do the job but it shall be very difficult for him to be the (president) because it is a voting system but you never know.' Current FIFA president Sepp Blatter is standing for re-election having held this position for 17 years to date .

Summary: Louis van Gaal worked under Michael van Praag at Ajax and Holland . Van Pragg is one of three candidates against FIFA president Sepp Blatter . Asian Football Confederation vice-president Prince Ali bin Al Hussein and former Portugal international Luis Figo are the two candidates .


The place Julian Assange's father has long called home is set to go under the hammer for more than $1 million. While his son, who is the founder of Wikileaks, is still seeking refuge in the Ecuador's embassy, John Shipton is set to make a tidy fortune on the two-bedroom that his partner Catherine Barber bought in 1989 for $130,000. Tucked away in the corner of the peaceful Kent Street, the vibrant home set on 247sqm is a treasure-trove of beautiful and original decorative finishes after being rebuilt by Shipton in the 1990s. The place Julian Assange's father has long called home is set to go under the hammer for more than $1 million . John Shipton is set to make a tidy fortune on the two-bedroom that his partner Catherine Barber bought in 1989 for $130,000 . Positioned on the doorstep of Newtown's buzzing strip, the quirky haven is a short walk to parks, cafes and public transport on King Street in Sydney's trendy inner west. The property was originally built in the 1870s as the servant's quarters to a Victorian villa next door. The spacious open plan living and dining pavilion boasts bright coloured lead-light doors with beautiful arched timber ceilings and mosaic walls looking out onto two private courtyards and a stunning walk-through atrium garden - not to mention a roof-top garden. Mosaic walls look out onto two private courtyards and a stunning walk-through atrium garden - not to mention a roof-top garden . The property was originally built in the 1870s as the servant's quarters to a Victorian villa next door . The bathroom features free-standing bath complete with a rain shower and marble, alabaster and tessellated mosaic mirror detailing. The rustic kitchen has arched windows with a quaint stove while the spacious bedrooms have built-in wardrobes . Domain labelled the home House of the Week last week describing it as being 'a work of art you can live in' which is 'entirely unconventional'. The vibrant home set on 247sqm is a treasure-trove of beautiful and original decorative finishes after being rebuilt by Shipton in the 1990s . The spacious open plan living and dining pavilion boasts bright coloured lead-light doors with beautiful arched timber ceilings . Domain labelled the home House of the Week last week describing it as being 'a work of art you can live in' which is 'entirely unconventional'. The property goes to auction on March 14 for $1.1 million through Shaun Stoker and Ercan Ersan, of Ray White Surry Hills. Shipton, an anti-war activist and builder, separated with Assange's mother before he was born. Assange has sought political asylum in the Ecuadorian embassy in London since June 2012 after Britain attempted to extradite him to Sweden for questioning over sexual assault charges. Positioned on the doorstep of Newtown's buzzing strip, the quirky haven is a short walk to parks, cafes and public transport on King Street in Sydney's trendy inner west .

Summary: Julian Assange's father's home is going under the hammer for $1.1 million in the trendy suburb of Newtown . Quirky haven is a short walk to parks, cafes on the buzzing strip of King Street in Sydney's trendy inner west . The property was originally built in the 1870s as the servant's quarters to a Victorian villa next door . Tucked away in the corner of the peaceful Kent Street, the vibrant home set on 247sqm is a treasure-trove of beautiful and original decorative finishes after being rebuilt by Shipton in the 1990s . The bathroom features free-standing bath complete with a rain shower and marble and mosaic mirror detailing . The property goes to auction on March 14 for upwards of $1.1 million .


A Chinese family was kicked off a Cathay Pacific flight after their three-year-old son refused to wear a seatbelt, causing a delay for other passengers. The Hong Kong-bound plane sat at its gate at a Bangkok airport for an extra 30 minutes while the family, flight attendants and other travellers were involved in a heated stand-off. Most airlines allow children under two to sit on a parent’s lap during take-off and landing. Any child over that age must sit in their own seat and wear a safety belt. The boy's father (middle) rowed with other passengers, putting the flight 30 minutes behind schedule . In last Thursday’s incident, the boy refused to take his seat and wear a seatbelt moments before flight CX654 was scheduled to take off from Suvarnabhumi Bangkok International Airport, a passenger, named Lau, told Hong Kong’s Apple Daily newspaper. All other passengers were seated and prepared for their two-hour journey. Flight attendants asked the family to put the boy in his seat and buckle his safety belt, but the parents refused to obey their directions and insisted that the boy be allowed to sit on his mother’s lap, the South China Morning Post reported. A passenger recorded the argument that followed and shared the video with Apple Daily. A female passenger urged cabin crew to call police after the family refused to get off the plane . In the video, the boy’s defiant father said: ‘If others keep on harassing us, then we will not leave.’ A female passenger, speaking in Cantonese, urged cabin crew to call police, adding: ‘We are customers too. Why are you two allowed to harass all the passengers on board?’ The boy’s father, speaking Putonghua, refused to stand down, saying: ‘If you keep on talking, we won’t leave.’ Moments later, the boy’s mother carries the crying child off the plane as the father collects their belongings. In a similar incident, police were called after a couple refused to place their grandson in his seat . Cathay Pacific defended its decision, telling the South China Morning Post that it was based on safety grounds. A day before, police were called to Hong Kong International Airport after a three-year-old boy would not remain in his seat on a Hong Kong Airlines flight that arrived from Bali, Indonesia, the newspaper reported. In that incident, the boy’s grandparents disobeyed instructions from cabin crew and carried the boy.

Summary: Plane sat at its gate in Bangkok while father rowed with staff, travellers . He said the family wouldn't leave 'if others keep on harassing us' Family eventually disembarked after protests from other passengers . Airline defended its decision, saying it was based on safety grounds . Most airlines allow children under two to sit on a parent's lap .


Gareth Bale is prepared to resist all offers of a return to the Barclays Premier League and stay at Real Madrid. Bale has a £75million buyout clause in his six-year contract but that has not deterred Manchester United, Manchester City and Chelsea from checking on his availability. The 25-year-old cost Madrid £86m when he joined from Tottenham and he rejected United in the process. Gareth Bale, who will play for Wales against Israel this week, will not be leaving Real Madrid this summer . The Real Madid star has a £75million release clause, but that will not deter Premier League clubs . Manchester United, Manchester City and Chelsea are all hopeful of prising the Welshman away from Spain . However, the Wales winger has come in for heavy criticism for his recent Real performances and perceived selfishness during games. Disgruntled fans have attacked his car while Spanish newspaper Marca refused to give him a rating for his display in the defeat by Barcelona. Bale has been in poor form lately, resulting in criticism from the Bernabeu crowds in recent games . The Welsh winger was not even given a rating by Spanish newspaper Marca after the game against Barca . United and Chelsea have sensed a deal could be done but the reply has been unequivocal; Bale is determined to stay, win over the fans and convince the world he can become one of Real Madrid’s greats. Any transfer to the Premier League would cause Financial Fair Play problems but United have room for manoeuvre in that regard, as do Chelsea. City would have to sell if they were to pursue a deal. Like our Real Madrid Facebook page. After the Barcelona defeat some Madrid fans attempted to kick the player's car as he left the ground . Bale became the most expensive player in the world when he joined Madrid, but his form has dipped .

Summary: Gareth Bale has been disappointing for Real Madrid this season . Top Premier League clubs are prepared to meet his £75m release clause . But Bale is determined to stay in Madrid and improve his fortunes . READ: Bale feels the heat as Real Madrid fans cast him in role of scapegoat .


A California thief gave himself away by binge watching on his victim's Netflix account. Bobby Alexander is behind bars after police used the information to trace the IP address leading them to the 20-year-old's home. The unidentified victim says that it all started when she returned home to find someone had broken in and made off with her television, Blu-ray player, and other electronics. Bobby Alexander is behind bars after police used the information to trace the IP address leading them to the 20-year-old's home . Fox News reports that she noticed her Netflix account was being used a few days later. Police found all the stolen items in Alexander's home. He has since been charged with burglary. Police did not say exactly what the thief had been streaming . There's no word on exactly what he was watching that kept him glued to the screen. Alexander's bail is set at $75,000.

Summary: Bobby Alexander is behind bars after police used the information to trace the IP address leading them to the 20-year-old's home . Woman came home to find Alexander had stolen her TV, Blu-ray player and several electronics . Is currently being held on $75,000 bail .


Comotion: A meeting of Staffordshire bull terriers turned into a brawl in Halesowen, West Midlands . Their pet dogs have an unfortunate reputation for aggression, but now it’s angry bull terrier breeders who are in the dog house – after their club meeting erupted into a furious row. Insults and punches were said to have been exchanged at the annual meeting of the Staffordshire Bull Terrier Club, and police are investigating after a 56-year-old woman complained that she was assaulted. The incident resulted in the club president and other officers resigning on the spot. The drink-fuelled events were the culmination of a long-standing row over a vote for a club officer at the previous year’s meeting. About 90 people turned up at Cradley Labour Club in Halesowen, West Midlands, last month for the meeting. According to the club, one of its aims is to ‘foster a feeling of fellowship among fanciers’. But trouble started when president Barbara Beaufoy was asked by member Marie Stokes, from Walsall, why there was no record in the minutes of concerns about the handling of the vote for the officer in 2014. A witness, who did not wish to be named, said: ‘Mrs Beaufoy said, “Sit down, you silly little girl. We don’t have to listen to scum like you”. Marie then stormed out.’ The witness said that as Mrs Stokes left, another delegate, Graham Hyde, started slow hand-clapping and chanting: ‘Out! Out! Out!’ Mr Hyde – who is approved by the Kennel Club to judge Staffie shows – was asked by club member Karon Jackson, from Cannock, Staffordshire, to keep order. The witness said: ‘He started shouting at her and arguing with her because she’d asked him to sit down. Then I heard someone say he’d hit Karon – he’d arm-punched her in the chest.’ Invitation A poster for the Staffordshire bull terrier show which took place on Sunday February 22 . Another source, who also wished to remain anonymous, said: ‘We are working hard to improve the image of Staffies and this happens. We think it was because the bar was open and the meeting went to pieces after people had a few drinks.’ Mr Hyde, 57, denied hitting Mrs Jackson and said he was assaulted. ‘There was no way I landed a finger on Karon Jackson,’ he said. ‘I was verbally and physically attacked. I admit I applauded and shouted when Marie Stokes walked out because I was glad to see her leave.’ Brawl: About 90 people turned up at Cradley Labour Club (above) in Halesowen, West Midlands, last month for the meeting in which a fight broke out . The meeting descended into chaos when Mrs Beaufoy and the other club officers resigned and walked out. Mrs Jackson has made a formal statement to Staffordshire Police. Neither she nor Mrs Stokes were available for comment. West Midlands Police said: ‘We have been made aware of an allegation of assault.’ A Kennel Club spokeswoman said: ‘We are aware of the situation but cannot comment further.’ Mrs Beaufoy said: ‘The Kennel Club is dealing with

Summary: Insults and punches said to have been exchanged at the annual meeting . About 90 people had attended the club in Halesowen, West Midlands . The drink-fuelled events were the culmination of a long-standing row . Incident resulted in club president and other officers resigning on the spot .


Manor have been summoned to the stewards to explain why they missed qualifying for the season-opening Australian Grand Prix. Despite strenuous efforts this week, Manor failed to make it out on track at Melbourne's Albert Park at any stage over the course of the past two days. It resulted in drivers Will Stevens and Roberto Merhi, along with the team's mechanics, looking on from the garage as qualifying unfolded. Will Stevens watches on from the garage after Manor failed to make it out on to the track for qualifying . Mechanics from Manor work on their car in the garage ahead of today's qualifying session . Sporting director Graeme Lowdon confirmed the team had made enormous strides since encountering numerous issues on Friday, but ultimately had to concede defeat in their bid to take part. The South Yorkshire-based marque only emerged from administration three weeks ago after being saved by energy entrepreneur Stephen Fitzpatrick. Prior to that Manor were on the brink of selling their assets via an auction, resulting in them being forced to wipe all the hard drives of their computers, so losing valuable data to aid their return. Attempting to rebuild their systems from the ground up has proven time consuming and difficult, and in the end too big a hurdle to overcome, leaving them now to focus on the next race in Malaysia. Lewis Hamilton will start tomorrow's race from pole after qualifying at the front of the pack . The FIA, however, appear far from impressed as a team representative has met with the race stewards, providing 'a written statement explaining why the team did not participate in qualifying... after receiving a letter from the FIA on the 20th February'. No details have yet emerged as to the contents of the letter referred to by the FIA, or whether the team face any potential sanction. Team principal John Booth, explaining Manor's position prior to the request from the stewards, said: 'We always expected things to be this difficult. We knew there was only a slim chance of making qualifying when we set off. 'These modern Formula One cars are incredibly complex things, and we have had three weeks to design and build the car in accordance with the 2015 regulations. 'We've had no time to fix the racks and electronics, and get all the infrastructure built that was required.'

Summary: Manor have failed to make it out on track at Melbourne over the weekend . Will Stevens and team-mate Roberto Merhi left to watch on from garage . Stewards want team to explain why they did not take part .


A woman found her fiancé on a Facebook selling page after he jokingly offered himself up for sale. Beckie Bennett, 43, was browsing her local buy and sell Facebook group when an unusual offer caught her eye - a local man had advertised himself as 'house trained' and up for sale. Richard Yardley, 38, had written the post as a joke. But when Beckie commented to check out the goods on offer, he asked her on a date. Beckie Bennett and Richard Yardley met after Richard jokingly advertised himself on a buy and sell Facebook page and Beckie commented on his picture. The pair are now engaged . Following their unusual introduction, the couple are now engaged after Richard proposed, and mother-of-three Beckie says she has bagged herself the best bargain ever - the man of her dreams. She said: 'We're going to tie the knot next August, and it's all thanks to that Facebook page. Richard is the best thing I've ever won on the buy, sell and swap page.' In May 2013, Beckie, of Harbury, near Leamington Spa, logged on to Facebook to search for furniture for her son's new flat. Cheeky blonde Richard had jokingly posted a picture of himself on to the page with the caption: 'man for sale - free to a good home.' Beckie said: 'I saw the picture of Richard with his glasses on and I decided to play along. 'I commented to check out Richard's credentials. It's the first rule of Facebook shopping - make sure what you're buying is up to scratch. ''Do you clean, wash and drive?' I asked. Within seconds he'd replied, 'all of the above.'' From the moment they met Beckie says she and Richard were inseparable, he has now proposed and they plan to get married later this year . Beckie and Richard enjoy a trip with two of her children Daniel 15 (left) and Phoebe, seven (centre) After the exchange Beckie was surprised to see that Richard had deleted the post from the Facebook page. Beckie, who is mother to Ashley, 23, Daniel, 15, and Phoebe, seven, said: 'At first I thought I might have offended him, I was only trying to tease him.' Moments later her notification panel pinged and Richard had sent her her a message. The message read: 'How about this for spontaneity - lets meet for a drink.' The pair met up at a pub the next night and immediately hit it off. Beckie said: 'When I met him I thought he seemed really sweet. It was a brilliant first date. I arrived and like a gentleman he was already waiting outside with a drink for me. 'We laughed all night long. It was a whirlwind. From that moment on we were inseparable.' Richard proposed to Beckie with a ring which he hid in the glove compartment of his car . Beckie posted on the buy and sell wall to tell the rest of the users that she and Richard were engaged . Two months into the relationship another visitor to the site asked

Summary: Richard Yardley, 38, had jokingly offered himself up to the highest bidder . Beckie Bennett, 43, commented on his post and he had soon asked her out . The pair are now engaged and hoping to marry in August this year .


Selfie sticks are like Marmite - you either love the idea or hate their very existence. But a tiny new 'sticky' camera is set to replace the controversial gadget by letting you take high-resolution selfies from any angle and distance. Called Podo, the 2-inch (5cm) device has suction pads that can be attached to any surface and is remotely controlled by a smartphone using Bluetooth. Scroll down for video . A tiny new camera is set to replace the controversial selfie stick. Called Podo, the device (pictured) has suction pads that mean it can be attached to any surface and is remotely controlled using a smartphone using Bluetooth. It is available to pre-order from Kickstarter . And because it weighs 51g and measures just 2-inches (5cm), these surfaces can be narrow poles, trees and even a person's skin. Once the 8MP camera takes a photo, or records video footage, it automatically sends it back to an app, also over Bluetooth. Size: 2 x 2 x 1 inches (5cm x 5cm x 2.5cm) Weight: 51g (1.8 oz) Camera: 8MP . Video: 720p 30fps . Flash: LED . Battery: 800mAH (two hours video) Internal storage: 4GB . Sensor: Accelerometer . This sensor makes the Podo more advanced than many of the front-facing cameras found on Apple, Samsung and HTC phones. The Podo app shows the battery level of the camera and lets people select the stream resolution, picture resolution and picture ratio. It additionally has a Mirror Preview feature that lets people see how the photo will look in real-time. The distance of the device depends on the phone it is paired with, but a Bluetooth range can extend up to 300ft (100 metres). And a built-in 800mAH battery is said to last for two hours of continuous video recording. Podo launched on Kickstarter earlier this month and has already raised more than $330,000 (£221,000) of its $50,000 (£37,000) target. The device weighs 51g (1.8oz) and measures just 2-inches (5cm) and surfaces can include narrow poles, trees, and even a person's skin. Podo launched on Kickstarter earlier this month and has already raised more than $330,000 (£221,000) of its $50,000 (£37,000) target. The campaign runs until 21 April . Once the 8MP camera takes a photo, or records video footage, it is automatically sent back to an app. This app shows the battery level of the camera and lets people select the stream and picture resolution, as well as ratio (pictured). Its Mirror Preview feature lets users see how the photo will look in real-time . Early Bird models of Podo have sold out but people can pre-order the device for $89 (£60). Devices are expected to ship in August, at which point they will retail for $99 (£66). San Francisco entrepreneur Eddie Lee, co-founder of Podo, said: 'Podo is a fun-sized, Bluetooth-enabled camera that you control with your phone. 'You're no longer limited by the length of your arm or selfie stick. 'The coolest thing about Podo is that you can stick it anywhere - you don't need mounts or a selfie stick

Summary: The 2-inch Podo camera has suction pads that stick to any surface . Photos and videos can be controlled by a smartphone using Bluetooth . These images and footage are then sent back to the handset automatically . It weighs 51g, contains an 8MP camera, LED flash and shoots 720p video . Podo can be ordered from Kickstarter for $99 (£53) and ships in August .


Argentina cruised to a 2-0 friendly victory over El Salvador at the Fedex Field in Landover Maryland. Gerardo Martino's side dominated the game and took the lead in the 54th minute thanks to a Nestor Renderos own goal deflected from Ever Banega's shot. Substitute Federico Mancuello then made sure of the win with a free kick from a tight angle on 88 minutes. Argentina forward Angel di Maria (left) shields the ball from El Salvador's Richard Menjivar (right) Argentina striker Carlos Tevez (left) has his shorts pulled back by El Salvador's Alexander Larin (right) El Salvador (5-4-1): Carillo; Flores, Mendoza, Molina, Renderos (Ceren 88), Larin; Alvarez, Ceren, Menjivar (Punyed 76), Alas (Santamaría 67); Bonilla (Burgos 59) Argentina (4-2-3-1): Guzman; Zabaleta, Musacchio, Funes Mori, Orban; Pereyra, Banega; Di Maria (Mancuello 73), Lavezzi, Tevez (Pastore 78); Higuain . Scorers: Renderos O.G. 54, Mancuello 88 . Martino started Carlos Tevez for the first time since taking over the team last year, but the Juventus forward was ineffective in attack alongside Gonzalo Higuain and Angel Di Maria. Meanwhile, PSG winger Ezequiel Lavezzi made his return to the national side for the first time since the World Cup final loss against Germany last year. Argentina face Ecuador on Tuesday in the Meadowlands, in their last warm-up match before the Copa America in June. PSG winger Ezequiel Lavezzi makes his first appearance for Argentina since the World Cup final last year . Argentina's Federico Mancuello (right) dribbles with the ball ahead of El Salvador's Arturo Alverez (left)

Summary: Argentina defeated El Salvador 2-0 in a friendly match at Fedex Field . They took the lead through Nestor Renderos' own goal on 54 minutes . Substitute Federico Mancuello made sure of the win with a late free-kick .


A 22-year-old man bought a coin that he believes could date back more than 2,000 years for just £29. Coin collector Stephen Creswell snapped up what he thinks is a half shekel from Tyre - which dates back to 126BC - at an auction in Wolverhampton, Staffordshire. The coins are believed by Biblical scholars to have been the same as those used to pay Judas Iscariot his 30 pieces of silver for betraying Jesus. Lost treasure? The coin found by Stephen Creswell, 22, which he believes to be half a shekel from Tyre . Collector: Mr Creswell, pictured, bought the coin for just £29 at an auction in Wolverhampton, Staffordshire . But one expert claims the coin is unlikely to be an original and believes Mr Cresswell might have a 'mock up'. The battered coin weighs 7.7grams, half of a full shekel's weight. The earliest reference of the coin comes in 126BC and it is understood that they remained in circulation. Shekels were used for temple tax in ancient Jerusalem due to their relatively higher concentration of silver than other Roman coins. In Matthew 27:3 it is said: 'Then when Judas, who had betrayed Him, saw that He had been condemned, he felt remorse and returned the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders...' In some translations of the bible, the word 'silver' is replaced with 'shekels'. Mr Creswell, from Dudley, West Midlands said that he bought the coin as part of a selection but quickly realised he had 'something special'. He said: 'As soon as I saw how old it was I knew I had something special on my hands. I had no idea what it was though until I typed it in to the search engine. 'I'm not really a coin collector, but I just love to grab a bargain.' But after looking at images of the coin, one expert said he does not believe it to be a shekel as Mr Cresswell had hoped. Payment: The coins are believed by Biblical scholars to have been the same as those used to pay Judas Iscariot his 30 pieces of silver for betraying Jesus, illustrated in this image above . Professional numismatist Mike Vosper told MailOnline: 'I can confirm that this is not even a coin but either a contemporary forgery, although this is doubtful, or more like a modern mock up of a "coin" believed to be some kind of shekel.' Mr Vosper, who runs Mike R Vosper Coins with his partner Viv, said it was the fabric of the coin and the fact that it has half its surface missing that gives it away. Viv added: 'Some coins have surface deposits but nothing like that'. Mr Vosper added that coins such as that is not likely to be found in the UK. The coin, if real, could fetch up to £500 if it was to be sold. Mr Creswell has no intention of selling it on as it reminds me of playing with artifacts when he was younger. He said: 'We had these old coins lying

Summary: Collector Stephen Creswell, 22, bought the coin at auction for just £29 . He believes it is half a shekel from Tyre which dates back to 126BC . Coins were used to pay tax in ancient Jerusalem and are cited in the bible . But coin expert said its appearance means it is unlikely to be an original .


The first treatment specifically designed to treat migraines has been developed - a breakthrough experts say is of 'ground-breaking' importance. The new injection gives hope to the hundreds of thousands of people who suffer chronic migraines - the most debilitating type of headaches. The jab is made from monoclonal blood protein compounds. These are are antibodies - proteins produced by the body to fight injection - specifically engineered to fight the chemical that causes migraines. The protein compounds are able to 'mop up' another protein called calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), which triggers the pain, nausea and vomiting associated with a migraine. A new injection to prevent migraines has been developed for the first time, in a breakthrough experts are calling 'ground-breaking' In trials of 172 sufferers, scientists found the jab brought 'significant reduction' in the numbers of hours and days chronic migraine patients suffered headaches. The International Headache Society defines chronic migraine as more than 15 headache days per month over a three-month period - more than eight migrainous – if it has been ruled out that the headaches are caused by an overuse of medication. A migraine is severe recurring headache, usually affecting only one side of the head, characterised by sharp pain and often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and visual disturbances. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), up to four per cent of the world's adult population have headaches on 15 or more days every month. It has identified chronic migraine as more disabling than blindness, paraplegia angina or rheumatoid arthritis. It has also categorised migraine at the same level of disability as dementia, quadriplegia and acute psychosis. And people with migraines or severe headaches are three times as likely to become depressed than healthy individuals, the WHO warns. This can lead to sufferers often becoming depressed and unable to cope, says the charity The Migraine Trust. While internal or outside influences can bring on a migraine, the mechanism by which one is triggered is understood. A combination of reactions occur that results in a chemical called the calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) being produced and released. CGRP causes the swelling of blood vessels that are intertwined with nerve endings of the trigeminal nerve, which is located on both sides of the head. This leads to a painful headache, sometimes with aura – meaning the person experiences visual disturbances, dizziness and vertigo – as well as nausea and vomiting. Researchers found monoclonal blood proteins – antibodies specifically engineered to bind to CGRP – were able to 'mop up' the chemical, meaning it did not trigger a migraine. Peter Goadsby, director of the NIHR-Wellcome Trust King's clinical research facility, London, and a trustee of The Migraine Trust, told MailOnline this was a 'landmark' breakthrough. He said: 'This announcement is of ground-breaking importance, as it represents the first potential, specific treatment for chronic migraine ever developed. The injection, which is made from proteins called monoclonal blood proteins, is able to 'mop up' another chemical which triggers migraines when it is released in the brain . 'All interested physicians will watch this development

Summary: Migraines are triggered by calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) protein . This widens blood vessels near to the nerves in the head, causing pain . The new injection contains monoclonal blood protein compounds . These are antibodies engineered to bind to CGRP and can 'mop it up' Trials found the treatment significantly reduced migraines in sufferers .


Manchester United benchwarmer Radamel Falcao sent a message to Louis van Gaal with two clinical finishes for Colombia in their friendly in Bahrain on Thursday night. Falcao struck twice in four minutes for Colombia's second and third goals in a 6-0 thrashing of the world No 103-ranked side at the Bahrain National Stadium. The 29-year-old has been craving regular football having not started for his club since February 28 but delivered as he so often has for national team head coach Jose Pekerman. Radamel Falcao celebrates the second of his two goals for Colombia in their friendly against Bahrain . Out-of-favour Manchester United striker watches his first strike, a classy volley, hit the bottom corner . 1 Arnoldo Iguaran 24 goals in 68 games . 2 Radamel Falcao 23 in 55 . 3 Faustino Asprilla 20 in 57 . 4 Freddy Rincon 17 in 84 . 5 Víctor Aristizabal 15 in 66 . 6 Teofilo Gutierrez 14 in 37 . Adolfo Valencia 14 in 37 . 8 Ivan Valenciano 13 in 29 . Antony de Avila 13 in 54 . 10 James Rodriguez 12 in 32 . Willington Jose Ortiz 12 in 49 . First though, Falcao was the provider for fellow striker Carlos Bacca to open the scoring on 14 minutes after Chelsea's Juan Cuadrado hit the post early on. Showing strength at the back post Falcao headed back to Bacca at the top of the six-yard box for the Sevilla marksman to drill home the finish. Captain Falcao then stepped up in the 32nd minute to get himself on the scoresheet with a clinical left-footed volley after a looping ball over the top of the flagging Bahrain defence. Falcao's second came moments later, again with a first-time finish, but this time after his explosive run between defenders was met with a well-weighted through ball. The strike, which it must be said took a significant deflection, took Falcao's international tally to 23 in 55 matches, just one short of his country's all-time top-scorer Arnoldo Iguaran's 24 from 68. Carlos Bacca drills home Colombia's first goal after a strong header from Falcao set him up . Falcao pierces through the hapless Bahraini defence on Thursday night as he enjoys valuable game time . Defender Abdulla Khaled Al-Haza'a brings down Falcao wide on the right during their friendly . After the break Borussia Dortmund's Adrian Ramos came on to add his second goal in as many international showings after a deft pass from Inter Milan's Fredy Guarin for 4-0. After Pekerman decided his star man had had enough after 72 minutes, Real Valladolid's Johan Mojica and Mexico-based Andres Renteria came off the bench to continue his work with goals five and six respectively to wrap up the mismatch. Despite his personal tally getting a boost, Falcao made a point to commend his team's effort after the match. 'Great victory today against Bahrain,' he wrote on his Instagram page. 'The most important think, the amazing team work!!! Go Colombia.' Falcao has scored just four times in 22 appearances since coming to Old Trafford on

Summary: Radamel Falcao took his goal tally for Colombia to 23 in 55 matches . The mismatch served as a warm-up for the Copa America in Chile . Carlos Bacca, Adrian Ramos, Johan Mojica and Andres Renteria scored . Falcao's last goal for Manchester United came on January 31 .


A 13-year-old boy has pleaded guilty to murdering a builder after a row outside a block of flats, making him one of Britain's youngest killers. The teenager, who cannot be named for legal reasons, admitted stabbing 53-year-old Christopher John Barry to death in Edmonton, north London, in December last year. Mr Barry was said to have been involved in a row with a group of youths trying to get into a party at another address in the block of flats where he lived. A 13-year-old boy has pleaded guilty to murdering builder Christopher John Barry after a row outside a block of flats, making the teenager one of Britain's youngest killers . Mr Barry was said to have been involved in a row with a group of youths trying to get into a party at the block of flats in Edmonton, north London . The attack happened as he returned home with his girlfriend, council worker Sabrina Finn. He was followed into the building by two of the boys before being stabbed in the chest, police said. Ambulance crews attended but he was pronounced dead on the doorstep of his own home. The defendant's parents as well as relatives of Mr Barry, who was known as Jack and was originally from Cobh, Ireland, all attended the Old Bailey for the five-minute hearing. After being brought into the dock from custody, the boy spoke to his father briefly before the charge was put to him by the court clerk. When asked to confirm his name, the boy replied: 'Erm ... yes.' The attack happened as Mr Barry (left) returned home with his girlfriend, council worker Sabrina Finn (right) His guilty plea to a single count of murder was almost inaudible. Dressed in a light blue shirt and grey school trousers, he was remanded into youth custody by judge Anthony Morris. The judge ordered a pre-sentence report ahead of sentencing on April 10, where the teenager will face a minimum of 12 years in prison. Detective Chief Inspector Neale Baldock, of the Homicide and Major Crime Command, who is leading the investigation, said at the time of the murder: 'The victim and this group were not known to each other - what started as a minor verbal altercation has escalated into a shocking act of violence.' Residents of the block of flats described seeing 'blood everywhere' on the landing outside Mr Barry's home on the night he was killed. Shifal Kemal, 38, a neighbour of Mr Barry, described him as a 'nice man' who always smiled when he greeted people. Mr Barry was said to have been involved in a row with a group of youths trying to get into a party at another address in the block of flats when he was stabbed . The NHS worker said: 'I cried quite a lot when I heard. I knew Jack slightly to smile and say hello to, but I know his girlfriend Sabrina more, and she is a lovely, lovely girl. 'We've been living here for nearly eight years and I think they must

Summary: Boy, 13, admits stabbing a builder outside a block of flats in north London . Teenager pleaded guilty to murdering Christopher John Barry, who was 53 . The 13-year-old will face a minimum of 12 years in jail after sentencing . Mr Barry was said to have been involved in a row with a group of youths . Two boys followed him into the building before he was stabbed, police said .


Ella Draper (pictured) and her partner Abraham Christie forced her two children to lie about sexual abuse and ritual torture . An evil mother tortured her children to make up sickening allegations about a satanic cult based at a primary school in the midst of a seething child contact dispute, a High Court judge ruled yesterday. Ella Draper and her partner Abraham Christie forced her two children to lie about sexual abuse and ritual torture in Hampstead, North London, Mrs Justice Pauffley said. She named and shamed the pair in a written ruling on care proceedings brought by a local council and said their internet campaign about the cult was ‘evil’ and ‘baseless’. The judge suggested the couple may have fed the two youngsters, aged eight and nine, cannabis soup to gain their compliance. More than four million people worldwide have viewed the ‘fantasy’ online material and police had to protect worried parents at the gates of Christchurch Primary School where the ‘main action’ was alleged to have happened, the ruling said. The ‘grotesque’ claims against ‘blameless’ people included drugged babies being sent from abroad by courier services such as TNT and DHL to London and then sacrificed. Cult members were said to have drunk their victims’ blood and danced around with the babies’ skulls. At least seven other schools were named, a swimming pool identified as a meeting place and ‘rituals’ were alleged to have been performed at a McDonald’s fast food restaurant. The children’s father Ricky Dearman, whose three-year relationship with Draper ended acrimoniously in 2006, was falsely said to be the leader of the cult, and teachers, police and a priest to be among its more than 100 members. The judge said: ‘Many of those individuals are now living in fear because they have been identified on the internet as abusers of children and their contact details including telephone numbers, home and email addresses have been published. ‘Several of those implicated have received malicious, intimidating phone calls and emails at all hours of the day and night from all over the world. For example – “We’re coming for you. You paedo scum”.’ The two children, who are now in care, were repeatedly named in the internet campaign and films of them uploaded to the internet ‘with flagrant disregard for their welfare interests’. Mrs Justice Pauffley was asked to investigate by social services bosses in care proceedings brought by Barnet council after the two children were said to be at the centre of the cult’s abuse. But the judge said they were in fact forced by Draper and Christie to ‘provide concocted accounts of horrific events’ in filmed mobile phone recordings and to lie to police when interviewed after the allegations were brought to the attention of officers in September last year. The children’s stories came about as the result of ‘relentless emotional and psychological pressure as well as significant physical abuse’. Internet campaign: More than four million people worldwide have viewed the ‘fantasy’ online material . ‘Torture is a strong word but is the most accurate way to describe

Summary: Mother forced children to lie about sexual abuse and torture, judge rules . Ella Draper and Abraham Christie were named in care proceedings ruling . Mrs Justice Pauffley said the internet campaign was ‘evil’ and ‘baseless’ She said couple may have fed children cannabis soup to gain compliance . More than four million people have viewed the ‘fantasy’ online material .


Scribbling an eyeliner and smudging a lipstick on the back of your hand to test the colour will be a thing of the past, thanks to a 'genius' new app. L'Oréal Paris Makeup Genius allows customers to virtually try on 4,500 of the cosmetic brand's catalogue of products using their smartphone or tablet. The augmented reality app was launched in Australia on Tuesday with a glittering event attended by the brand's local ambassador, Megan Gale. While make up apps have been around for a while, they have only ever worked on a static portrait. Scroll down for video . 'Genius': L'Oréal Paris' new make up app launched in Australia this week, allowing customers to try on over 4,500 of their products in real time using augmented reality technology . The Makeup Genius applies bronzer, eyeshadow, lip gloss, and eyeliner in real time using facial recognition technology, enabling the virtual make up to stay in place as you move your face. The technology captures 64 facial data points and 100 different facial expressions to accurately place the make up. The app scans your face, and then allows you to try out different products or entire make up looks. You can then save your selfie, share it on social media, and purchase the products directly through the app. Facial recognition: The virtual make up stays in place as you move your head and change your expression in real time and works in different lighting conditions - pictured are individual lip gloss and bronzer products . Makeover: While Femail editor Andrea liked testing the individual products, she found the pre-set 'looks' (above) a bit over the top... and one setting added unsightly red blotches to her chest (left) According to L'Oréal, the app works on all ethnicities and in over 400 different lighting conditions to ensure how the make up appears in the app is accurate to the product. Daily Mail Australia road-tested the app on a handful of staff, with mixed results. I tested out two looks - 'Caresse' and 'So Timeless', as well as the more natural-looking individual products like bronzer and eyeliner. The app was impressively accurate at placing the make up on my face, though it took a bit of adjusting to get some of the eyeliner looks perfect. While some of the 'looks' bordered on scary drag, testing out individual products was proved more successful. The bronzer and lip gloss looks appeared perfectly and gave me a solid idea of how they would look on my skin. Subtle: News reporter Sarah tried subtle eye shadow and lip gloss looks, and thinks the app managed to apply make up better than she could do herself . News reporter Sarah Dean tested 'Smokey Minute' look, as well as the 'Tropical' look. She also tested some subtle bronzer and winged eyeliner. 'I thought it was a really smart way of trying out new looks without having to stand in a make-up aisle and test things in front of tiny smudged mirrors,' she said. 'It’s also much more hygienic than using testers in the

Summary: L'Oréal Paris Makeup Genius launched in Australia on Tuesday . Facial recognition allows users to try on 4,500 products . Augmented reality technology captures facial points in real time . App has been downloaded in US, France and China 10 million times .


An online shopper got the fright of his life when a live mouse leapt out of his grocery bags and ran around his kitchen. Nick Bain was unpacking his Tesco shopping at his home in Clacton, Essex, when he noticed something stirring in one of the bags. The 41-year-old was shocked to then see a mouse dart out from one of the plastic bags and scurry across the floor. After he phoned Tesco to complain, the supermarket sent a team of pest control experts whose trap later caught the creature. Scroll down for video . An online shopper in Essex captured this footage of a mouse escaping from this shopping bag last week . Bosses have refunded and replaced the shopping and sent Mr Bain's wife a large bouquet of flowers to apologise as she is petrified of mice. It was one of the first times Mr Bain and his wife, Hayley, 28, had used Tesco's online delivery service. The car salesman said: 'I was going through the bag and I didn't realise it was there but when I put my hand in I saw something move. 'I told my wife there was a mouse in the bag and she jumped off the floor. It was just so fast. It's the last thing you expect with a delivery.' Mr Bain managed to film the mouse on his mobile phone shortly after it emerged from the rubbish. In the footage he captured, the mouse can be seen darting across the floor of the kitchen, which is currently being re-fitted. The couple were worried about their two Staffordshire bull terriers, Max and Bruno, eating the mouse in case it was diseased. The mouse was later caught in a trap after 'scratching for two nights solid'. The animal ran around the couple's kitchen and disappeared into a hole before being caught by pest control . Mr Bain said the incident left him wondering what might have happened to other people's shopping which was also on the delivery van. He added: 'It disgusted my wife and it makes you think if it was in the van, whose other bags had it been in and whose other food had it urinated on. 'To be fair to Tesco, they gave us some flowers and some treats for the dogs and sent Rentokil around, they've been pretty good.' The shopping was delivered last Thursday and the mouse was captured in a trap on Saturday. A Tesco spokesman said: 'We've apologised to Mr Bain and the local online food shopping manager has visited him to deliver flowers, a replacement order and a gesture of goodwill. 'A thorough check of the store by pest control found no evidence of further problems, so we're still investigating to find out exactly what happened.' Tesco, which sent in pest control experts, has apologised and replaced the £85 worth of shopping. File photo .

Summary: Couple recently ordered their shopping to be delivered for the first time . But on one of first occasions, mouse jumped out of bag after delivery . Husband caught footage of the creature escaping from a bag last week . Tesco sent around pest control experts who later caught the animal .


A 71-year-old Seattle missionary abducted last month from a school in Nigeria has been released and is safe, the Free Methodist Church USA said Friday. In a statement on the church website, Bishop David Kendall said the Reverend Phyllis Sortor was released Friday evening, Nigeria time, 'into the care of authorities and Free Methodist Church leaders'. Armed men abducted her on February 23 from the Hope Academy compound in Emiworo, Kogi state. Scroll down for video . Phyllis Sortor, 71, was abducted on February 23 from a Christian school in Nigeria. She was released on Friday and is safe . Masked gunman raided a Christian school and fired sporadically to scare people away before taking Sortor hostage . 'We are deeply grateful to all who prayed for Phyllis' safe return and praise God the family representative was able to secure her release,' Kendall said in his statement. He provided no details about how the release was arranged. 'As a matter of sound policy, and to help protect the many, many people who helped secure Phyllis' freedom, we will have no comment concerning the efforts that were undertaken to secure her release,' the bishop said. Kogi State police said shortly after the abduction that the men who took Sortor had demanded a ransom of nearly $300,000. Police said they were collaborating with security forces to secure her return. Friends described Sortor as courageous, tenacious and passionate about helping the people of Nigeria and said she was aware of the dangers. Sortor has been working as a missionary for ten years. Her friends say she was passionate about helping people in Nigeria and aware of the dangers of working there . She had spent years living in Africa, including Mozambique - where she spent much of her childhood - later working in Rwanda and, since 2005, Nigeria, Kendall said . Her work in Kogi was focused primarily on educational development and conflict resolution between nomadic herdsmen and farming communities who frequently clash in central Nigeria's Middle Belt region, the church statement further said. Foreign nationals have often been kidnapped in Nigeria by local gangs who typically release hostages following a ransom payment. Such abductions are especially common in the southern, oil-producing Niger Delta, where expatriates working with large oil companies have been a frequent target. A number of foreigners have also been kidnapped in the north of the country, but those attacks claimed by Boko Haram or the associated Islamist group Ansaru are considered a different phenomenon, and not necessarily motivated by a desire for ransom. Boko Haram has been blamed for previous attacks in Kogi, including two raids targeting the same prison in 2012 and 2014. Nigeria's Islamists groups have in the past publicly claimed the abduction of expatriates and the lack of such a claim following Sortor's kidnapping led many to believe that Boko Haram and its affiliates were not involved.

Summary: Masked gunman raided a Christian school and fired sporadically to scare people away before taking Phyllis Sortor hostage on February 23 . Free Methodist Church USA announced she was released on Friday . Gunmen previously demanded $300,000 for the reverend's release . Sorter has been working as a missionary for the past ten years .


The Football Association is urging supporters to report sexist abuse at games after footage emerged of fans directing obscenities at Chelsea club doctor Eva Carneiro. Recordings of fans at Manchester United and Manchester City chanting and shouting abuse at Carneiro were broadcast by the BBC on Thursday night, prompting the Blues to call for an end to sexism in football. A spokesman for the Premier League leaders told the Guardian: 'The issue of equality is one we take extremely seriously and we abhor discrimination in all its forms, including sexism. Such behaviour is unacceptable and we want it eradicated from the game.' Recordings of fans at Manchester United and Manchester City were shown on BBC on Thursday night . Abuse was directed at Chelsea club doctor Eva Carneiro by opposition fans on seperate occasions . Chelsea have called for an end to sexism in football after fans directed abuse at their club doctor . FA board member Heather Rabbatts described the abuse as 'horrible' and urged supporters to notify officials if they witness such behaviour, telling the BBC: 'We are absolutely encouraging people to report incidents like this.' Campaign group Women in Football is launching an anti-sexism social media drive on Friday and has also contacted all 92 Premier League and Football League clubs asking them to champion female members of staff in their matchday programmes ahead of International Women's Day on March 8. Minister for Sport Helen Grant is supporting the initiative. She said: 'It is absolutely right that we champion and celebrate women who work in the football industry and play vital roles in making the game the success that it is. 'I want more women to get involved in football across the board and to see it as a great industry to work in. Sexism, in any shape or form, should not be tolerated so I applaud this push to encourage people to report any incidents of sexist abuse and for the promotion of inclusivity across football.' The incidents come after a study by anti-discrimination group Kick It Out revealed that 13 reports of sexism in English professional and grassroots football were made in the first half of the current season (August-December 2014). Kick It Out went on to reveal that two sexism complaints were made during the 2013-14 season. Demba Ba is treated for a broken nose by doctor Carneiro after being kicked in the face against Newcastle . Chelsea's Kurt Zouma is tended to by Carneiro as he is stretchered off after a collision in the penalty area . Petr Cech of Chelsea goes off injured with medic Carneiro during the semi-final with Atletico Madrid .

Summary: The FA is urging supporters to report sexist abuse at matches . Chelsea club doctor Eva Carneiro was the target of abuse at recent games . FA board member Heather Rabbatts described the abuse as 'horrible' Manchester United and Manchester City are two of the teams involved . The BBC broadcasted the two fan groups on television on Thursday night .


These are the amazing scenes when a woman opens up her front door to discover a baby owl standing on her porch. The young bird is not afraid of the woman and looks up towards her. The owl gently rocks from side to side during the minute-long video in an undetermined location in the United States. In the video clip, the two women are clearly captivated by the sight of the owl. One gushes: 'I just can't believe it. I thought it was a puppy dog, bug it's got claws.' She adds: 'I have never been this close to an owl before', to which her equally excited friend replies: 'Me neither'. The baby owl, pictured, appeared on the porch of the house and stood on the mat for more than a minute . One of the residents initially mistook the small owl for a little puppy during the one-minute long video . The baby owl gazes up at the woman who excitedly says: 'I have never been this close to an owl before'

Summary: The infant owl is spotted standing on a porch of a house in America . Owl gently rocks from side to side during the minute-long video clip . One of the woman at the door describes it as 'the coolest thing'


The stepbrother of Becky Watts, who is accused with the murder of the Britsol teenager, turned his back on his girlfriend, also accused, as he appeared in court today. Nathan Matthews, 28, turned away from his girlfriend Shauna Hoare, refusing to look at her, as he was seen at Bristol Crown Court via video link. Prior to the hearing, the second time Matthews has appeared in court since being charged, he asked if Hoare’s image could be removed from the screen he was looking at in a remote location. The request was denied, the Daily Mirror reported. Nathan Matthews, 28 (left) has appeared in court for the second time since being charged with murdering his stepsister Becky Watts (right), 16, who was reported missing last month . Twenty-one-year-old Hoare is accused of perverting the course of justice. Apart from the gesture, Matthews, of Warmley, South Gloucestershire, spoke only to confirm his identity during the short hearing. Four others have been charged with helping dispose of and hiding Becky's body parts which were found at an address in the Barton Hill area of her home town, Bristol. They are Jaydene Parsons, 23, of Bristol, James Ireland, 23, of Avonmouth, and Karl and Donovan Demetrius, both 29, also from Bristol. Parsons appeared via video-link, while Ireland listened to proceedings from the dock. The Demetrius brothers were not present. Although none of the defendants has entered a plea at this stage, the Recorder of Bristol, Neil Ford, said he wanted to establish a timetable in the event of there being a trial. A court sketch of Matthews, from Warmley, South Gloucestershire, during his first court appearance over the alleged murder . The court was told that a plea hearing will take place on Tuesday August 4. In the event of any not-guilty pleas, a trial will 'provisionally' take place on October 5. All six defendants were remanded in custody. Becky, who was described by her family as 'wonderful', vanished form her home in Crown Hill, Bristol, on February 19. Police launched a huge search for the popular girl, which also prompted a social media campaign using the hashtag #FindBecky. After news of her death emerged, bouquets, teddies and cards were left at her family home in Barton Court, with mourners attending a number of memorial services to pay their respects. Two online fundraising pages have also been set up to help her family pay for her funeral. So far more than £10,000 has been raised. Sorry we are not currently accepting comments on this article.

Summary: Nathan Matthews appeared in court for second time since being charged . 28-year-old snubbed girlfriend Shauna Hoare via video link in Bristol court . Becky's grandfather John Galsworty and boyfriend Luke Oberhansli among those in public gallery . Teenager's body were found at an address in the Barton Hill area of Bristol .


A cloud of toxic smog blown across the channel from Europe has sent pollution levels in the UK soaring to dangerous levels and will continue plaguing the country into tomorrow. High pressure and little wind means the pollution is building up, and also means that the blanket of cloud which is currently covering much of the country will persist into Friday, blocking out the eclipse for most people. A Met Office spokesman said for most sky-gazers the only sign the eclipse is happening will be when light levels dip at around 9.30am. She added that there will be pockets of clear skies, but that it is difficult to predict where these will be. Meanwhile the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) is advising the elderly, young and those with heart and lung conditions to avoid strenuous activity, especially outdoors, adding that those with asthma may also experience increased breathing problems. Scroll down for video . The Department for Environment, Food and Rural affairs (Defra) is warning the elderly, children and those with heart and lung problems to avoid strenuous activity, especially outdoors (pictured, fog in Manchester this morning) Pollution blown across from Europe has settled across much of the UK today (left), sending levels of toxic particles soaring, and light winds mean it will remain for much of tomorrow (centre) before dissipating on Friday (right), though cloud will remain, blocking the eclipse . Asthmatics are also being told they may experience increased breathing difficulties after levels of pollutants reach level 9 out of a possible ten earlier today (pictured, Manchester this morning) High pressure which has settled over the UK will mean little change in the weather over the coming days, with cloud ruining any chance of seeing the eclipse on Friday for most of the country . Pollution blown across from Europe, where Paris is currently shrouded in smog, has sent levels of 'particulate matter' soaring to level nine out of a possible ten across much of the south west and London, while moderate to high levels were recorded across the midlands and parts of Scotland. A Defra spokesman said: 'Adults and children with heart or lung problems are at greater risk of symptoms. Follow your doctor's usual advice about exercising and managing your condition. 'It is possible that very sensitive individuals may experience health effects even on low air pollution days.' A Met Office spokesman added: 'Some individuals, such as those with existing heart or lung conditions, may experience increased symptoms. 'The Met Office is working very closely with Defra and Public Health England (PHE) to ensure they have the most up-to-date and accurate air quality forecasts in order to provide relevant advice to the public.' Kay Boycott, Chief Executive of Asthma UK, says: 'Two thirds of people with asthma find that air pollution makes their asthma worse, putting them at an increased risk of a potentially fatal asthma attack. 'When air pollution is high it’s vital people with respiratory conditions including asthma check air pollution forecasts, carry their reliever inhaler with them at all times, and ensure

Summary: Pollution covering Paris has been blown across channel and weak winds mean it has settled across the UK . It will remain for much of tomorrow before new weather front will cause it to dissipate by Friday morning . However cloud will still blanket the country on Friday, meaning most people will miss the eclipse at 9.30am .


It is the supermodel look that many people aspire too, but it seems our early ancestors may have naturally had waif-like hips and thin legs. Scientists examining a 1.9 million year old pelvis and femur have found that a now extinct species of early human had very different bodies to our own. The fossil is thought to belong to either Homo rudolfensis or Homo habilis, two species of human ancestor that evolved in Africa. The 1.9 million year old femur and pelvis above are thought to belong to Homo habilis or Homo rudolfensis . While scientists have long studied the different skull shapes and facial features of these species, they are now turning their attention to their bodies. According to research led by anthropologists at the University of Missouri, these early Homo species far thinner narrow pelvises and thigh bones compared to our own species, Homo sapien and another extinct human species Homo erectus. 55 million years ago - First primitive primates evolve . 15 million years ago - Hominidae (great apes) evolve from the ancestors of the gibbon . 8 million years ago - First gorillas evolve. Later, chimp and human lineages diverge . 5.5 million years ago - Ardipithecus, early ‘proto-human’ shares traits with chimps and gorillas . 4 million years ago - Australopithecines appeared. They had brains no larger than a chimpanzee's . 2.7 million years ago - Paranthropus, lived in woods and had massive jaws for chewing . 2.8 million years ago - The first members of the Homo family appeared in Africa as shown by the LD 350-1 fossil discovered in Ethiopia . 2.3 million years ago - Homo habalis is first thought to have appeared in Africa . 1.8 million years ago - Homo ergaster begins to appear in fossil record . 1.6 million years ago - Hand axes become the first major technological innovation . 800,000 years ago - Early humans control fire and create hearths. Brain size increases rapidly . 400,000 years ago - Neanderthals first begin to appear and spread across Europe and Asia . 200,000 years ago - Homo sapiens - modern humans - appear in Africa . 40,0000 years ago - Modern humans reach Europe . Their hip joints, however, were very similar to modern humans - unlike in chimpanzees where the hip is much flatter and higher than in humans. This would have given these early humans an upright posture but with narrow hips and spindly legs. Professor Carol Ward, a pathologist at the University of Missouri's school of medicine who studied the remains, said: 'What these new fossils are telling us is that the early species of our genus, Homo, were more distinctive than we thought. 'They differed not only in their faces and jaws, but in the rest of their bodies too. 'The old depiction of linear evolution from ape to human with single steps in between is proving to be inaccurate. 'We are finding that evolution seemed to be experimenting with different human physical traits in different species before ending up with Homo sapiens.' The fossilised pelvis

Summary: Fossilised pelvis and femur from early human found in Rift Valley, Kenya . Scientists believe they belong to either Homo rudolfensis or Homo habilis . The fossil femur and pelvis are far narrower than those of modern humans . This suggests our ancestors had thinner legs and hips than Homo sapiens . The fossils show early humans had varied body shapes as well as skulls .


As same sex relationships become more acceptable, the more visible they are and the more we can learn about them. Or should I say learn from them, since most of the research that is emerging about gay relationships suggests they can teach us straights more than a thing or two! It’s not easy being gay and being different to the norm. But turns out there’s a huge pay off for having to fight for the right to love who you want without judgement. Gay relationships appear to work better than straight relationships in lots of key ways. Gay relationships work better than straight relationships in lots of key ways, says Tracey Cox . Here’s what we can learn from same sex couples: . 1. They’re not hung up on male or female stereotypes of who should do what in a relationship. Couples in same sex relationships don’t just slot into what’s expected. They divide up the chores and roles in their relationship on who is best at them, rather than ‘that’s the man’s job’ or ‘woman’s job’. The result is they work better as a team - and there’s less resentment over silly, sexist things like secretly thinking ‘He should be earning more than me’ or ‘She should be the one emptying the dishwasher’. 2. They fight fair . US relationships guru John Gottman, one of the world’s foremost experts on relationships, says same sex couples are far kinder and nicer to each other during arguments than straights are. They don’t personally attack each other, they’re more positive, less domineering and belligerent. Same sex couples also laugh more during a row - which is the best way to remind you both that you actually like each other, even if you don’t like what one of you did or didn’t do! Gottman found gay men and women were also more affectionate, listened more and were less defensive in arguments. The sexpert says it’s not easy being gay and being different to the norm, but that there’s a huge pay off for having to fight for the right to love who you want without judgement . Why are they so much better at it than heterosexuals? One reason is that power is equal. There’s less bullying and less blaming of problems on gender because you don’t have set expectations of each other’s roles. In society, women are expected to be the pacifiers and men the ‘fixers’. But sometimes it’s women who are good at coming up with practical solutions and men who are good at soothing. Same sex couples tend to let whoever is best at something take over. 3. They’re more experimental sexually . Male/female sex falls into a set pattern from a very early age. Usually, the guy initiates, there’s foreplay (generally more for her than him) and intercourse is very much the main event. Lesbians, on the other hand, are much less penetration orientated and orgasm orientated: they just do whatever they feel like in that particular sex session. Gay men are far more experimental with different types of sex rather

Summary: Research says hetro couples can benefit from observing gay relationships . Sexpert Tracey Cox suggests there are six key lessons to learn . Says big pay off for having to fight for the right to love who you want .