A father who endured a savage grizzly bear attack in Montana in 2005 and lived to tell the tale is speaking out about his horrific experience 10 years later. 'We are both extremely lucky,' Johan Otter told 10News.com. 'There's no bigger jackpot, basically.' Now fully healed, Otter and his daughter Jenna are the subjects of an episode of ABC's In an Instant, which dramatizes the events as they unfolded on a trail at Glacier National Park. The bear seemed to come out of nowhere, Otter recalled, along with her two cubs. Scroll down for video . Lucky: Johan Otter was savagely mauled by a bear in Montana ten years ago and is now speaking out about the harrowing tale . 'She could have touched it -- basically that close,' Otter says of his daughter. 'So she stepped back real fast and just naturally, as a parent, you step in front of your kid.' 'The worst fear of a parent is to hear your child scream,' a tearful Otter told In an Instant. That's when the mama bear attacked, tearing off nearly 80 percent of Otter's scalp, breaking his neck and gouging his right eye. 'All I see is claws and teeth,' Otter said. 'The bear kind of goes like this on it, basically digging for a bone, which is your skull and biting on it like this.' Despite the massive wounds, Otter says he remained standing and in a in instant decided the only way to survive was to leap off the mountain. His daughter, who also sustained life threatening injuries, eventually did the same and the two ended up on the same mountain ledge. But not before the bear turned its attention to Jenna. Horrific: Otter's neck was broken and one of his eyes gouged by the angry mother bears claw . The bear kind of goes like this on it, basically digging for a bone, which is your skull and biting on it like this,' recalled Otter, who lost most of his scalp in the attack . 'The bear stood over me and it put one paw on either side of my head,' Jenna recalled. 'The bear took my head in its mouth. Its lower jaw was kind of around my jaw. It's upper jaw was around the back of my head. 'When it bit me, I didn't feel pain, just pressure,' she said. Thinking fast, Jenna played dead and the bear wandered off. The immediate danger was gone, but the looming threat of their massive injuries remained. Jenna began to scream for help and soon some passing hikers were able to call for help. Unfortunately, the mother and father could not be pulled from the mountain for another three hours. An arduous recovery followed for Otter, but the Escondido, California man prevailed. According to UTSanDiego.com, he's even managed to run the Boston Marathon six times since the ordeal. The attack occurred on a remote trail, which made the subsequent rescue painfully difficult . After Otter was mauled to the brink of death, the bear went after Jenna. She was

Summary: Johan Otter and his daughter Jenna were visiting Montana's Glacier National Park when a mother bear appeared out of nowhere . Otter leaped to protect his daughter and suffered a broken neck, a gouged eye and had most of his scalp torn off .


Allegations of child sexual abuse have arisen at another one of Australia's most prestigious private schools, prompting a new investigation. St Ignatius College Riverview issued letters to its alumni informing them a claim relating to child sexual abuse had been made and informing them the information had been passed on to NSW police for investigation, the Sydney Morning Herald reported. The letter, penned by Principal Paul Hine, gave no details of the allegations except that it concerned child sexual abuse and that it happened more than 30 years ago. St Ignatius College Riverview issued letters to its alumni informing them of a claim relating to child sexual abuse that dates back 30 years . The allegation was passed to Dr Hine by the professional standards office of the Australian Province of the Society of Jesus. Michelle O’Brien, the director of professional standards for the Jesuits, told The Australian her office had been aware of the claims for more than a year and that they had been passed on to police last May. Mr Hine was briefed on the claim four weeks ago. Due to the sensitive nature of the allegation very little information has be released, however, Dr Hine insisted it was his duty to inform past and present students of the harrowing claim. The principal called on students, past and present, to report any concerns they have relating to child abuse to himself or the Australian Province of the Society of Jesus immediately. In an excerpt of the letter published by the Sydney Morning Herald, Dr Hine wrote: ‘I believe it important to inform you about the situation as I understand it and to offer reassurance that such matters are the object of direct and sustained vigilance at the school.’ Dr Hine has been principal of St Ignatius since 2013 . The principal called on students, past and present, to report any concerns they have relating to child abuse to himself or the Australian Province of the Society of Jesus immediately. ‘The college and the Jesuits wish to express, in the strongest possible terms, their abhorrence of sexual misconduct or any form of abuse involving children,’ the letter read. ‘We wish to respond to past abuse and suffering with a commitment to healing, openness and accountability.’ Dr Pine tried to remind students and parents that Riverview has a ‘proud history’ of caring for its students. "This situation presents a salient reminder of the need to protect our young people both in policy and in practice." The prestigious school, located on Sydney’s north shore, has been responsible for the education of several high profile Australians including Prime Minister Tony Abbott, Minister for Agriculture Barnaby Joyce and the Archbishop of Sydney Anthony Fisher. Prime Minister Tony Abbott is among several notable figures who attended the prestigious school . The recent claims dredged up old allegations that former teacher and pupil Peter Bohrsmann had sexually abused a student during his time at Riverview. The 57-year-old categorically denied the allegations made to police anonymously before taking his own life two days later on school grounds.

Summary: St Ignatius College, Riverview is embroiled in fresh child sex allegations . Principal Dr Hine wrote a letter to alumni notifying them of the claims . Although the allegations only recently surfaced they date back 30 years . Police were notified of the issue in May last year . The reports were made by the Australian Province of the Society of Jesus . Prime Minister Abbott is among many notable Australian alumni .


A few years ago travellers were happy if their luggage could withstand being battered by baggage handlers while being light enough not to risk massive charges. But a new generation of consumers is demanding luggage that is not only portable and durable, but tell you if it gets lost, and designers are happy to oblige. Bags with GPS trackers, smart phone locking systems and ports for charging mobile phones are among some of the innovative designs available in time for the summer holiday season. Scroll down for video . Proximity sensors lock the suitcase when they detect you have walked away, or it can also be locked manually through the app (shown). GPS tells you where your bag is if it gets re-routed to another flight, and a built-in battery can charge your smartphone six times over . Trunkster features an innovative sliding door as well as GPS trackers and a battery charger . Coming in August is Trunkster, which offers both carry on and check in options. Funded by a Kickstarter campaign, it was created by Gaston Blanchet and Jesse Potash, from New York, They set about creating their ultimate suitcase after tiring of 'brittle zippers, cumbersome flaps, flimsy handles, and unreliable wheels' on traditional luggage. They came up with the 'game-changing' design for the sliding door on the luggage which opens at the touch of a button. 'We're all too familiar with that frustrating moment when you realise you quickly need something out of your bag,' The Trunkster team writes on their Kickstarter page. 'With Trunkster’s revolutionary sliding door, you no longer have to unzip your entire bag and flap it open. The rolltop door lets you instantly access your belongings in one swift motion.' For passengers who are less keen on getting their hands on the latest gadgets and more interested in having enough room for cheeky holiday purchases there is the Fugu. For £399, users can also have a removable battery pack that can charge a device up to nine times, a built-in GPS and a built-in digital scale in the handle. A few months later in October the first deliveries of carry-on suitcase Bluesmart will be shipped out. Designed by a team from New York and funded by an Indiegogo campaign, the bag is connected by Bluetooth to the user's smartphone. Via an app, the owner can lock and unlock it and work out how much it weights. Sensors in the suitcase automatically detect if the owner has walked away and lock it or notify the user if it is being left behind. The suitcase, which is available for £120 for early backers on Indiegogo will be shipped out by August. 'We came up with the idea for Bluesmart after suffering a couple of bad experiences with our luggage, when airlines forced us to check bags only to have them mishandled or lost,' said Tomi Pierucci, co-founder of Bluesmart. 'We realised that with all the amazing technology available today, we could do better. 'Suitcases haven’t seen much innovation in decades, so we decided to design a suitcase

Summary: New generation of suitcases being designed to suit connected generation . Suitcases like Trunkster, Pluggage and Bluesmart come with GPS trackers, built in scales and smart locks to be controlled with a smartphone . Devices such as Trakdot tracker and eGeeTouch lock can be added to existing luggage to track and lock it . Inflatable suitcase that can triple in size being developed .


Charlie Hebdo staff are embroiled in a bitter dispute over who gets to control the French magazine, months after eight of its writers and cartoonists were murdered by terrorists. The row was sparked by a sudden increase in the magazine's sales and revenue in the wake of the brutal attacks on January 7, according to the Times. It has reportedly made £21.6million since then after its usual circulation of 30,000-a-week rocketed to hundreds of thousands. Now the surviving staff members want that money and shares of the magazine - 40 per cent of which are owned by its murdered editor's parents - to be divided equally. Six of the Charlie Hebdo staff killed in Wednesday's attack are pictured together in this photo, taken in 2000. Circled top from left is Philippe Honore, Georges Wolinski, Bernard Maris and Jean Cabut. Below them on the stairs, from left, is editor Stephane Charbonnier and cartoonist Bernard 'Tignous' Verlhac . Terror: On January 7, brothers Said and Cherif Kouachi raided the Charlie Hebdo office in Paris and killed 11 people, sparking a string of terror attacks across the city . As many as 11 employees have instructed their lawyers to turn the magazine - which has published cartoons of the prophet Muhammad on its cover - into a workers' cooperative. It would mean they all have a stake in the company but their move has been attacked by another anonymous contributor in a leaked email to French news agency Agence France-Presse. The unnamed contributor accused the plotters of trying to grab the shares that belonged to the magazine's murdered editor Stephane Charbonnier 'before the worms have finished eating him'. 40 per cent of the company is owned by his parents, another 40 by the magazine's new editor Laurent Sourisseau and the final 20 per cent belongs to financial director Eric Portheault. One of the magazine's journalists Laurent Léger said: 'A new distribution of the capital would allow for the incredible influx of funds to the newspaper to be used in the most transparent manner possible.' And Patrick Pelloux - who writes a column for Charlie Hebdo - believes a co-operative would bind contributors to the newspaper. He said: 'When a company has been decimated, you feel completely tied to it. It is not a question of sharing the cake. The money does not interest us.' However a spokesman for Sourisseau and Portheault said: 'All this money is doing more harm than good. Greedy: An unnamed contributor has accused staff of trying to grab the shares that belonged to the magazine's murdered editor Stephane Charbonnier (pictured) 'before the worms have finished eating him' Demand: Since the brutal attack on Charlie Hebdo in January, the magazine's usual circulation of 30,000 a week has boomed to hundreds of thousands . 'It makes you think of those funerals where everyone is fighting over the grandmother's jewellery on the way back from the cemetery.' He added that the owners had promised not to pay themselves dividends for three years and wanted to ensure the £3million received in donations after the attack

Summary: Staff instructed their lawyers to turn the magazine into a workers' cooperative . They claim they deserve an equal share for 'risking their lives to work there' But unnamed employee claims they're trying to take deceased editor's shares . Said they were trying to take them 'before the worms had finished eating him' Stephane Charbonnier was one of eight employees killed in January attack . Circulation of 30,000 a week has rocketed to hundreds of thousands since .


A rugby player sidelined for his abnormally large feet can play again - thanks to a specially delivered pair of size 21 orange boots from Welsh rugby captain Sam Warburton. Carl Griffiths, 22, was forced to sit on the bench for his club side after wearing out his last pair and he could not find replacement footwear. But now, the 6ft 8in forward can return to the fold after being fitted with a pair of custom-made, orange Adidas boots. Carl Griffiths proudly holds up his size 21 Adidas boots, presented to him by Wales captain Sam Warburton . The 6ft 8in forward had been unable to play for almost half a year, but is now able to play again . Mr Griffiths gleefully laces up his new orange boots at the home of his local club, Trimsaran RFC . Mr Griffiths, who lives in Carmarthenshire, West Wales, had been playing in size 18 boots for the past three years with his toes curled up in the ends. But after keeping them together with black sticky tape, they eventually fell apart. With his height, his club Trimsaran RFC miss him on the pitch, particularly in the line-outs. Desperate to play, Mr Griffiths contacted every major sports company he could think of asking if they had 21 size boots - 11 sizes bigger than the average man - but had no joy. But finally, after almost half a year stuck on the sidelines, they can welcome him back to the side thanks to the hand-delivered parcel from Warburton, who holds the record for the most Wales caps as captain. Mr Griffiths was cheering his team on from the touchline when the Welsh no 7 arrived with the parcel. He then laced them up before running out for his first game in months. He said: 'It is amazing to be able to play the game I love again - and be able to wiggle my toes in my boots! 'I can't thank Sam and the guys at Adidas enough for making these boots especially for me. 'I had no idea they were planning this and I had almost given up hope of ever finding boots that would fit me again.' Mr Griffiths towers over Warburton, the Welsh rugby captain, in his new Adidas orange size 21 boots . The 6ft 8in forward was delighted to meet Warburton, who presented him with the boots at Trimsaran RFC . Warburton said: 'As soon as the team at Adidas told me about this story I bit their hand off to be involved. 'I’ve had my fair share of injuries and breaks from the game over the years and I know it’s one of the worst feelings you can have. 'It’s great to have been involved in getting Carl back on the rugby field and you can tell it means a lot to him and his team mates. 'I’m sure they’ll be reminding him that he has some big boots to fill now though.' He had been playing in size 18 boots with his toes curled up, but eventually

Summary: Carl Griffiths, 22, was unable to find a pair of boots for his size 21 feet . Had been playing in size 18 boots for past three years with toes curled up . After holding them together with sticky tape, they finally fell apart last year . After appeal, was presented with custom-made boots from Welsh captain . The 6ft 8in forward is now able to play again for the first time in months .


The average intelligence of the human race has been steadily increasing, scientists have claimed. In research looking back over IQ tests from the past few decades, they found that the tests were becoming harder - but people were still doing just as well. But the reasons why people are becoming smarter is not known - with theories including better education and improved medical care. Researchers at Kings College London looked at scores over 64 years. In total, more than 200,000 participants in IQ tests were studied. Since 1950, average intelligence was found to have risen by about 20 IQ points. Explanations include better education (stock image shown) and improved medical care . The research, titled A Cross-Temporal Meta-Analysis of Raven's Progressive Matrices and reported by William Kremer for the BBC, was published in the journal intelligence. Carried out by Peera Wongupparaj, Veena Kumari and Robin Morris from Kings College London, they looked specifically at the Raven’s Progressive Matrices (RPM). Poverty affects the intelligence of children as young as two, a separate study in December 2014 found - and its impact increases as the child ages. Deprived young children were found to have IQ scores six points lower, on average, than children from wealthier families. And the gap got wider throughout childhood, with the early difference tripling by the time the children reached adolescence. Scientists from Goldsmiths, University of London compared data on almost 15,000 children and their parents as part of the Twins Early Development Study (Teds). The study is an on-going investigation socio-economic and genetic links to intelligence. This tasks participants with looking for patterns in an array of shapes - and is thought to be a good measure of intelligence. In total, more than 200,000 participants from 48 countries over 64 years were studied in the research. Since 1950, it was found that the average intelligence had risen by the equivalent of 20 IQ points. 'RPM is a valid and reliable measure of general IQ, Dr Wongupparaj told MailOnline. 'Also, it is cultural-free test so that it has been widely used for nearly 80 years.' ‘IQ tests are designed to ensure that the average result is always 100, so this is a significant jump,’ the BBC reported. The research builds on earlier evidence from philosopher and psychologist James Flynn, from the University of Otaga in New Zealand. He had noticed that IQ tests were getting harder, but people were still getting similar scores on them - which became known as the Flynn Effect. This graph shows how the Raven’s Progressive Matrices (RPM) scores have been increasing over time. RPM is seen as an accurate way of measuring intelligence, and 'it is cultural-free test so that has been widely used for nearly 80 years,' Dr Wongupparaj told MailOnline . The research was carried out by scientists from Kings College London. They looked specifically at the Raven’s Progressive Matrices (RPM) - an example is shown. This tasks participants with looking for patterns in an array of shapes - and is thought to be a good measure of intelligence . Apparently, if modern

Summary: Researchers at Kings College London looked at scored over 64 years . In total, more than 200,000 participants in IQ tests were studied . Since 1950, average intelligence was found to rise by about 20 IQ points . Explanations include better education and improved medical care .


Trang-Thuy 'Tina' Nguyen, 37, died in hospital Tuesday after being hit by a falling wooden plank. She was scheduled to get married in July . A 37-year-old woman killed in Manhattan's West Village by a piece of plywood that was blown out of luxury condo development in 40mph winds wore a wedding dress to her funeral. Trang-Thuy 'Tina' Nguyen, who was killed in a freak accident on St Patrick's Day, was scheduled to get married in July. About 200 friends and family members gathered in a Philadelphia church on Saturday to say goodbye to the Manhattan real estate broker. Nguyen's bridesmaids wore the long yellow gowns they planned to wear to the wedding and wore red shoes to honor their friend's Vietnamese heritage, according to the New York Daily News. Groomsmen appeared to be wearing matching formal clothes as well. The Philadelphia native was pushed into a wall at a parking garage and struck her head at about 5.50pm on Tuesday, a source told the New York Daily News. She was taken to the hospital but died of injuries. The plywood came from new construction The Greenwich Lane - a 200-unit development in five buildings and five townhouses that stands on what was once the site of St. Vincent's Hospital. ABC 7 reports the woman was on her cell phone as she passed the entrance to a parking lot entrance, when the four-by-eight-foot sheet of plywood, separated from the security fence across the street. Nguyen's fiance Alex Beitler expressed his love for his fiancee at the funeral service, which took place at St. Thomas Aquinas Church. He had proposed to her at the top of the Eiffel Tower. Alex Beitler (front left) and other men carry his fiance Tina Nguyen's casket out of the Philadelphia church after the funeral service on Saturday . Beitler looks at the hearse as friends comfort him. Friends and family members, including groomsmen and bridesmaids, wore to Nguyen's funeral what they would have worn to the couple's wedding in July . Rev. Hugh Shields said the 'loss is so great' and that he was 'touched by the number of broken hearts' in the church. Nazeela Khan, who was one of Nguyen's bridesmaids said that her friend was the most kind-hearted and giving person she knew. During his eulogy, Shields held up a wooden cross carried by a dozen people, claiming that the loss of Nguyen should be carried 'the way these figures are carrying this cross'. 'It is the thought of death that makes life worth living,' he said. City officials closed West Village construction site after Nguyen's death after the Buildings Department cited 11 serious code violations in the last three years. The unfinished development has apartments starting at $3.65million and is already nearly sold out. Part of the property is now home to the most expensive apartment ever sold in Greenwich Village. According to NY Curbed: 'The south penthouse at 155 West 11th Street, the new construction tower that's part of the Greenwich Lane complex, entered contract for $45 million, a price that will set

Summary: Funeral attendees, including groomsmen and bridesmaids wore what they would have worn to the July wedding . Trang-Thuy 'Tina' Nguyen, was struck by plywood from construction development The Greenwich Lane on St Patrick's Day . She was pushed into a wall at a parking garage, struck her head and died at nearby hospital . The plywood came from new construction development, The Greenwich Lane .


A new report is claiming that it was a member of Hillary Clinton's own party who leaked to the press that the political heavyweight was using a personal email address during her time as Secretary of State. The New York Post is reporting that Valerie Jarrett, one of President Barack Obama's top advisers, leaked details of the story to the press through outside sources hoping it would not trace back to the White House. What's more, the entire thing was timed to become public just as Clinton was planning to announce her candidacy for president. Scroll down for video . A new report claims that it was a member of Hillary Clinton's (above) own party who leaked to the press that the political heavyweight was using a personal email address during her time as Secretary of State . Valerie Jarrett (left), one of President Barack Obama's (right) top advisers, leaked details of the story to the press through outside sources hoping it would not trace back to the White House . The story ran in the New York Post and was written by Ed Klein, who spoke last Wednesday about his belief Jarrett was involved on Fox and Friends . 'Obama and Valerie Jarrett will go to any lengths to prevent Hillary from becoming president,' said a source close to the White House. 'They believe that Hillary, like her husband, is left of center, not a true-blue liberal.' Sources claim that the long rumored tension between Obama and the Clintons hit a high when during the midterm elections many members of the party refused to be seen campaigning with President Obama. Jarrett is reported to have commented this was because the Clintons had begun 'marginalizing the president' and that they were 'trying to wrestle control of the Democratic Party away from Obama.' Because of this she reportedly went out of her way to exact revenge, working to get Monica Lewinsky high profile press opportunities and frequently complaining about the Clintons. Then, shortly after the midterm elections, she, President Obama and Michelle Obama had Clinton in for a meeting and reportedly told her in no uncertain words that they planned on remaining neutral during the presidential primary should she run for president. This as Jarrett has reportedly been speaking to Martin O’Malley, the former governor of Maryland, and Senator Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts about possibly running in the 2016 election. 'She’s promised O’Malley and Warren the full support of the White House if they will challenge Hillary for the presidential nomination,' said a source. Jarrett has reportedly been speaking to Martin O’Malley (above), the former governor of Maryland, about running in 2016 . She has also reportedly reached out to Senator Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts about entering the primary . Edward Klein, the author of Blood Feud: The Clintons vs. the Obamas, also spoke to a friend of the Clintons, who told him that Bill said; 'My contacts and friends in newspapers and TV tell me that they’ve been contacted by the White House and offered all kinds of negative stories about us.'

Summary: A new report claims that Valerie Jarrett, one of President Barack Obama's top advisers, leaked the Hillary Clinton email scandal to the press . What's more, the leak was reportedly planned to hit at the same time Clinton planned to announce her run for presidency . The New York Post claims that Jarrett was angry that the Clintons had been working to 'marginalize' President Obama . Jarrett reportedly blamed the Clintons for the fact that members of the party refused to campaign with Obama during the midterm elections . There are reportedly six more probes going on investigating Clinton and more leaks are expected . President Obama reportedly told Clinton in a meeting with Jarrett and the First Lady that he would not support her in the presidential primary .


Next time someone asks you how wide the Milky Way is, you might want to rethink your answer of '100,000 light-years'. Astronomers have discovered that a strange ring of distant stars may actually be part of our galaxy, making it 50 per cent bigger at 150,000 light-years wide. This is based on re-analysis of a distant ring that surrounds our galaxy, which the astronomers think is now actually part of the Milky Way. Astronomers in New York have revised the size estimate for our galaxy (shown). They now say it is 50 per cent bigger in size at 150,000 light-years wide, not 100,000 light-years. This is based on re-examining a ring of stars in the so-called Monoceros Ring . The team of scientists from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in New York studied the Monoceros Ring, which is a long ring-like filament of stars that ‘wraps’ around our galaxy three times. It is located 65,000 light-years from our galaxy’s centre, and in total is 200,000 light-years in length. Previously it was thought to be a stream of stars torn from the nearby Canis Major Dwarf Galaxy due to interactions with the Milky Way. The Milky Way is thought contain more than 200 billion stars. This makes it a ‘middleweight’ galaxy with the largest galaxy known, IC 1101, containing more than 100 trillion stars. On a clear night, when you look up into the night sky the most you can see from any one point on the Earth is about 2,500 stars. Like more than two-thirds of the known galaxies, the Milky Way has a spiral shape. At the centre of the spiral, a lot of energy and, occasionally, vivid flares are created. Astronomers believe the Milky Way wasn’t always a stunning barred spiral. It formed into its current size by ‘eating’ other galaxies. Now, however, it seems that the ring may actually be part of our own galaxy, and could have been disturbed by other dwarf galaxies. ‘It looks to me like maybe these patterns are following the spiral structure of the Milky Way, so they may be related,’ Dr Heidi Newberg, from the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in New York, told Discovery News. ‘It now looks to me like it’s part of the disk,’ she added. The latest discovery was made using the Sloan Digital Sky Survey, a projecting to map parts of the universe in three dimensions. The results will be published in the Astrophysical Journal. Another ring, known as the TriAnd Ring, may also be part of the Milky Way, further increasing its size. To verify their theory, astronomers will use data from Europe’s Gaia telescope, which is also mapping stars in the Milky Way. Previously the Monoceros Ring was thought to be a stream of stars torn from the nearby Canis Major Dwarf Galaxy due to interactions with the Milky Way (illustration shown). Now, however, it seems that the ring may actually be part of our own galaxy, and could have been disturbed by other dwarf galaxies .

Summary: Astronomers in New York have revised the size estimate for our galaxy . They now say it is 150,000 light-years wide, not 100,000 light-years . This is based on re-examining a ring of stars called the Monoceros Ring . Previously this was thought to belong to a nearby dwarf galaxy . Now astronomers are fairly certain it is part of the Milky Way .


The latest intake of Metropolitan Police officers today passed out in front of Boris Johnson and Commissioner Bernard Hogan-Howe. But the mayor and police chief may have been less than impressed by the lack of Black and Minority Ethnic candidates on the parade ground. Having set an ambitious target of having 40 per cent of all officers from Black and Minority Ethnic backgrounds, only 18 per cent met that criteria. Some 219 new police officers joined the ranks of the Metropolitan Police after today's Passing Out Parade . More than one-third of the recruits who graduated from the Police Training College in Hendon were women . Of the new officers, 18 per cent are from Black or Minority Ethnic backgrounds, according to new figures . Commissioner Bernard Hogan-Howe, left and Mayor Boris Johnson, right, both attended the ceremony . Mayor of London Boris Johnson and Commissioner Bernard Hogan-Howe both attended today's ceremony and praised the growing number of non-white officers within the force, despite missing their own diversity target by more than 50 per cent. Only 39 of the 216 officers graduating from Hendon Police Training College were from BME backgrounds, despite the Metropolitan Police accepting that at least 40 per cent - or 86 officers should have been from non-white backgrounds. According to a report published by the London Assembly Police and Crime Committee in December 2014, before the most recent recruitment campaign, only 11 per cent of officers serving in the Met were from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic background, compared with approximately 40 per cent of the population of London. The current BME figure in the Met is now 12 per cent. Only three per cent of female officers with the Met are from minority backgrounds. Mayor Johnson today said that the number of BME officers in the Met has increased to 12 per cent. In an effort to boost BME numbers in the force, the Metropolitan Police is only considering applications from candidates who live within the Greater London area. The Metropolitan Police has set an ambitious target of recruiting 40 per cent of officers from BME backrounds . Only 12 per cent of officers serving with the Met are currently from a BME background . Since this policy has been introduced, 35 per cent of people who have expressed an interest in joining the Met have been from a BME background. Mayor Johnson said: 'London is one of the most diverse cities in the world and we are now beginning to see the creation of a police force that truly reflects the city that it serves. 'By taking tough decisions on the budget, we've been able to recruit additional officers and put more of them out on the streets, driving down crime and keeping Londoners safe. 'There's more to be done but with more officers from every community in the capital, using the best technology we can provide, I believe we are well on the way to creating the force we need to tackle 21st century crime and protect London for years to come.' Deputy Director of

Summary: More than 200 officers joined the ranks of the Met Police today . Only 18 per cent were from Black of Minority Ethnic backgrounds . The Met Police has set a 40 per cent target of recruiting BME officers . Only 12 per cent of Met officers are currently from BME backgrounds .


You know you’re having a bad day at the office when Crystal Palace’s Joel Ward is celebrating a goal like he’s Cristiano Ronaldo. That’s precisely what happened to hopeless Queens Park Rangers on Saturday. Ward converted Crystal Palace’s third goal inside 42 minutes at a rampant Selhurst Park after earlier strikes from Wilfried Zaha and James McArthur. Joe Ward (right) pulls his best Cristiano Ronaldo celebration after scoring the Eagles' third goal . The Crystal Palace defender wheels away after scoring his side's third goal in the 3-1 victory . Ward is chased by his Crystal Palace team-mates as he races towards the corner flag . Ward takes part in the beginning of his Ronaldo-esque goal celebration as fans laugh behind . Ronaldo shows hos his trademark celebration ends after netting against Schalke in midweek . Ronaldo's trademark celebration fails to win over Liverpool fans during a Champions League clash . And Such was Ward’s enthusiasm with his first goal in close to 100 appearances for the Eagles, you can perhaps forgive him for his rather cringe-worthy celebration. Picking up the ball inside the QPR penalty area, Ward slotted the ball past Rangers stopper Rob Green with a cool left-footed strike. The 25-year-old then sprinted off towards the corner flag before leaping up in the air and stretching his arms behind his back. Ronaldo hasn’t played in the Premier League for the best part of six years following his mega-money move from Manchester United to Real Madrid in the summer of 2009. But for a moment it was as if the world footballer of the year was back in England’s top flight. Alan Pardew has taken struggling Crystal Palace to within two points of his former club Newcastle . Wilfried Zaha was credited with opening the scoring before colliding heavily with the goal post . James McArthur gestures to his shin after doubling the Eagles' lead at Selhurst Park . It summed up an embarrassing 45 minutes from QPR who are set to be cast further adrift of Aston Villa as they, along with Burnley and Leicester City, stare at immediate relegation back to the Championship. In contrast, Palace, flying-high under Alan Pardew, are set to move to within two points of his old team Newcastle in 11th place. It isn’t the first time a Premier League star has mimicked one of Ronaldo’s iconic celebrations. Earlier this season, Peter Crouch attracted much hilarity when he puffed out his chest in the same vein as the Real Madrid star after scoring in Stoke’s win against Arsenal. Stoke striker Peter Crouch (centre) raised a smile by copying Ronaldo after scoring against Arsenal .

Summary: Crystal Palace defeated QPR 3-1 in their Premier League clash on Saturday . Wilfried Zaha, James McArthur and Joel Wards scored for the Eagles . Defender celebrated his strike with a Cristiano Ronaldo-like celebration .


Swaggering away from court: Lee Cairns, 43, and his daughter Kelly Lamb (pictured), 23, left a man aged 79 unconscious in an unprovoked attack . This is the shameless swagger of a father walking free from court despite knocking a 79-year-old man unconscious after his daughter attacked the victim's car. Lee Cairns, 43, of Wallsend, Tyne and Wear, took a ‘running leap’ at Stan Roberts and punched him in the face in an unprovoked attack in nearby North Shields. Mr Roberts, who suffered cuts to his nose and cheek and required treatment from an ambulance crew after the attack, said he had ‘never been punched so hard in my life’. The attack happened last July at the home of his ex-wife, 38-year-old trainee nurse Yejide, North Tyneside Magistrates’ Court was told. There had been an earlier clash between the couple and Cairns’s daughter Kelly Lamb, 23, a mother with a one-year-old child, which resulted in damage caused to Mrs Roberts’s car. Minutes later, Cairns stormed to the home and attacked Mr Roberts, punching him once to the face with such force that it knocked him out. When police arrived to arrest Cairns at his home, he snatched a baton from one officer and threatened to ‘take his head off’. Cairns, who admitted assault, criminal damage and assaulting a police officer, will be sentenced later this month. Lamb admitted criminal damage and was given an 18-month conditional discharge, as well as being fined more than £400 in compensation and costs. Maimuna Bappa, prosecuting, said: ‘Mr Roberts was visiting his ex-wife at her property when they heard a loud knock on the door. He went to the door and found a young lady, identified as Kelly Lamb. She was asking for them to move their motor vehicle from outside their address. ‘After the verbal altercation, he did move the car. There was some aggression but, after they moved it, they sat down to watch TV. Twenty minutes later, some people came to the door again.’ Cairns hurled abuse at Mr and Mrs Roberts, before entering the house and attacking Mr Roberts. Attacked: Stan Roberts (above), who suffered cuts to his nose and cheek and required treatment from an ambulance crew after the attack, said he had 'never been punched so hard in my life' Mr Bappa added: ‘He saw him draw his right fist back and punch him in the face. He was bleeding heavily from his face as a result and collapsed by the living room door.’ Cairns and Lamb each then kicked the door of Mrs Roberts’s car, leaving a dent. Mr Roberts was treated in hospital before he discharged himself. He said: ‘He said he punched me once but he knocked me out, so I don’t actually know how many times I was hit. ‘Cairns saw me and took a running leap towards me and punched me so hard he split my nose and cheek. I went down and I was on the floor. Location: The attack happened last July at the home of Mr Roberts's ex-wife, 38-year-old trainee nurse Yejide,

Summary: Lee Cairns took 'running leap' at Stan Roberts and punched him in face . Victim suffered cuts to nose and cheek and needed ambulance treatment . Cairns and his daughter Kelly Lamb, 23, kicked victim's ex-wife's car door . Lamb escapes with fine, while Cairns will be sentenced later this month .


SeaWorld Entertainment Inc. is mounting a public defense of its animal handling in a new advertising campaign following the release of a highly critical documentary, Blackfish - which left the park with declining revenue and attendance. The company has faced backlash since the release of the 2013 documentary that examined what led killer whale Tilikum to drown trainer Dawn Brancheau in 2010 at SeaWorld's Orlando park. The print and YouTube campaign that began on Monday also comes only a day before former SeaWorld trainer John Hargove is set to release a book detailing his experiences at the park, which could bring more negative attention to the company. However, SeaWorld senior corporate affairs officer Jill Kermes claims the timing of the campaign has nothing to do with Hargrove's book release, according to the Orlando Sentinel. Scroll down for video . SeaWorld is mounting a public defense of its animal handling in a new advertising campaign following the release of a highly critical documentary, Blackfish - which left the park with declining revenue and attendance . SeaWorld Entertainment Inc. has faced backlash since the release of the 2013 documentary that examined what led killer whale Tilikum to drown trainer Dawn Brancheau in 2010 at SeaWorld's Orlando park . 'I think there's been a lot of misinformation out in the public about who we are and what we do,' said Kermes. 'It has been a one-sided conversation and this is an opportunity for us to give people the information they need so they can make up their own minds.' The campaign focuses on the marine-life theme park's efforts of caring for animals in captivity and in the wild, while 'setting the record straight on false accusations by activists who oppose whales and other animals in zoological settings'. 'There's been a lot of misinformation and even lies spread about SeaWorld, and we recognize that it has caused some people to have questions about the welfare of killer whales in human care,' said David D'Alessandro, Chairman and Interim Chief Executive Officer of SeaWorld Entertainment, Inc. in a memo on Monday. 'This long-term campaign will address those questions head on. We want to provide the facts, so people can make up their own minds on this important issue.' Jim Atchison (above), who had served as CEO and president since 2009, stepped down in January amid accusations that the company's treatment of killer whales may have led to the deaths of trainers. Last week, the new President and CEO was named as Joel Manby, who will take over the role in April . The print advertisements are set to appear in publications including the New York Times, The Washington Post and the Wall Street Journal. They ads feature staff from SeaWorld such as veterinarians and researchers, who will explain how the company cares for its killer whales. The print ads began running on Monday and TV commercials will air next month, according to the Orlando Sentinel. The marketing campaign will also highlight the company's latest initiatives including a commitment of $10million in matching funds to study endangered killer whales

Summary: SeaWorld has been battling negative publicity after a 2013 documentary, 'Blackfish,' said treatment of animals led to the deaths of trainers . It has launched new print and YouTube campaign . SeaWorld claims timing of campaign has nothing to do with a former trainer's book release set for Tuesday which could bring more bad press . Company says campaign focuses on the marine-life theme park's efforts of caring for animals in captivity and in the wild .


A schoolgirl in Scotland who roped her schoolmates and teachers into performing in their own version of global hit Uptown Funk has seen her video go viral across the internet. In just a few days, the video, entitled Belmont Academy Does Uptown Funk, filmed by Jen Ross, Deputy Head Girl at Belmot Academy, has attracted more than 75,000 views on YouTube. The footage shows a bored classroom suddenly breaking out into singing and dancing before their infectious rhythm spreads to other parts of the Ayrshire school. Scroll down to watch the video . The video 'Belmont Academy does Uptown Funk' shows pupils throwing their work in the air in favour of singing along to the Mark Ronson hit. The YouTube video has had more than 75,000 views . Brushing away that dirt! Staff at the Scottish school break out their best moves while dancing in the corridors . A director in the making? Deputy Head Girl Jen Ross was behind the project...and managed to persuade her teachers to boogie on down . Teachers leave classrooms to join in with the routines with one group of female staff seen 'brushing dirt from their shoulders', which is one of the key moves in the original video for the Bruno Mars/Mark Ronson song. Jen, who regularly posts her own videos onto YouTube and who has a seat on the Senior Student Council, asked teachers if they'd get involved with her idea. She told FEMAIL: 'Although some of the teachers were a bit worried about how they would come across, they all got involved and it was great to see everyone having such a good time. 'I hope the video shows what a great school we have at Belmont and how good the bond is between teachers and pupils. She added: 'Lots of other schools have made their own fun versions of pop music videos and I just thought it was Belmont's turn. I chose Uptown Funk as it's a fun song that everyone knows.' Although the five-minute video shows plenty of talented moves from the youngsters, some of the teachers might be wondering how their two left feet ended up on camera. Bring on the props: The Belmont Academy pupils get creative for their star turn . Don't believe me, just watch: Headteacher Susan Beattie leads members of her staff as part of the routine . Graeme McLean, Deputy Head Teacher said: 'Jen knew exactly what she wanted to do with this video and she's done a fantastic job. 'The whole school was delighted to get behind the project and it really shows the great pupil-teacher relationships we have – as well as some clearly talented dancers!' Miss Ross used a friend, Catriona Hill, to help her with choreography. Belmont Academy is the sixth largest school in Scotland with more than 1300 pupils attending.

Summary: Schoolgirl Jen Ross persuaded school to let her make a video of pupils and teachers dancing along to Bruno Mars' hit song Uptown Funk . Miss Ross posted the video on YouTube and its had more than 75,000 hits . Even the headteacher, Susan Beattie, makes an animated appearance .


Pakistan have named Azhar Ali as captain for one-day cricket after ignoring the middle-order batsman for the Cricket World Cup, where they were eliminated in the quarter-final. Ali, who played the last of his 14 one-day internationals in 2013, replaces Misbah-ul-Haq, who has retired from ODIs. Misbah will continue to lead in test matches, where Ali will be vice-captain. Azhar Ali is the new Pakistan one-day captain, despite being overlooked for the Cricket World Cup . Ali (left) was also announced as vice-captain of the test team for Pakistan on Monday . Misbah-ul-Haq (right) has retired from ODIs following Pakistan's World Cup exit at the quarter-final . Wicketkeeper Sarfraz Ahmed was named as vice-captain for ODIs and will also be Shahid Afridi's deputy in Twenty20s. Former test batsman Haroon Rasheed will be the new chief selector, with Kabir Khan - who has coached Afghanistan - included in the four-member selection panel. Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Shaharyar Khan says captain and coaches will have no voting rights in selection and can only give their suggestions to the selection committee.

Summary: Azhar Ali was not included in the Pakistan team for the Cricket World Cup . He has been named as the new one-day captain as Misbah-ul-Haq retired . Ali will also be Ul-Haq's vice-captain for the test match team . CLICK HERE for all the latest cricket news .


Raffaele Sollecito has been spotted looking at a £100,000 car in the wake of his murder acquittal after being accused of killing British student Meredith Kercher. Mr Sollecito, who spent four years in prison after previously being found guilty of the murder of Surrey-born Meredith, 21, in 2007, is said to be looking at compensation. The 31-year-old was spotted looking at a £105,000 BMW at a dealership in Rome following his aquittal on Friday. 'Healing'? Raffaele Sollecito, who was cleared of murdering Meredith Kercher on Friday, was seen looking at a £105,000 BMW at a dealership in Rome . Raffaele Sollecito, pictured in Rome today with a family member, may be seeking compensation for the four years he spent in prison after being convicted of the murder of 21-year-old Meredith Kercher . The Italian and his American ex-lover Amanda Knox, 27, were both sensationally cleared on Friday, bringing an end to a see-sawing legal process which spanned more than seven years and saw them both serve four years in prison. Speaking later at a press conference in Rome, Mr Sollecito described the ruling as an 'end to the nightmare'. He spent four years in prison before being freed in 2011, said he wanted to get back to his old life after enduring over seven years of 'a kind of pain without an end'. Until Friday's ruling, life was a 'kind of limbo,' Sollecito said. 'So for me, the wounds inside my soul, inside my heart ... it's very hard to erase them.' He said he needed 'time to heal,' and 'time to really breathe this fresh air.' Planning ahead: Sollecito's lawyer says her client will wait for Italy's top court to give the reasoning behind the acquittal, expected in about three months' time, before taking a decision on compensation . Raffaele Sollecito (right) flanked by his lawyer Giulia Bongiorno, talks to the media during a press conference in Rome. He described the ruling as an 'end to the nightmare' Amanda Knox vowed to return to Italy just two days after being cleared of murdering British student Meredith Kercher. She is pictured (left) speaking after Friday's decision and (right) after her initial acquittal in 2011 . 'I feel today like someone who was kidnapped, who after seven years and five months has returned to freedom,' Sollecito said. Both Knox and Sollecito are reportedly planning to seek compensation for time wrongly spent in prison. While no figures have been revealed, compensation for such cases regularly run into seven figure sums. Sollecito's lawyer Giulia Bongiorno said on Monday her . client, would wait for Italy's top court to give the . reasoning behind the acquittal, expected in about three months' time, before taking a decision. 'We have already heard people talking about compensation ... if we want to make someone pay,' Bongiorno said at a news . conference. 'We will see if any mistakes were made, what . measures to take, but this is all far in the future.' Yesterday, Knox's lawyer, confirmed Miss Knox will 'be seeking compensation for wrongful imprisonment,' according to The

Summary: Raffaele Sollecito spotted looking at a £105,000 BMW after acquittal . Italian, 31, says acquittal by judges brings 'end to the nightmare' Said being accused of murder was a 'wound that will never stop bleeding' He added he is 'glad' ex-lover Amanda Knox has been cleared . He and Knox now cleared of killing the British student in 2007 .


It's an age-old worry for the men the world over. Now, however, scientists have revealed what's considered 'normal' for penis size and length. The average length of an erect penis is 5.2 inches (13.12 cm), they found. Meanwhile, the average length of a flaccid penis is 3.6 inches (9.16 cm) and 5.2 inches (13.24 cm) when flaccid but stretched. And when it comes to girth, the average erect circumference was 4.6 inches (11.66 cm) and 3.7 inches (9.31 cm) when flaccid. The British research also found there was a small correlation between the erect length of a penis and a man's height. The average length of a flaccid penis is 3.6 inches (9.16 cm) and 5.2 inches (13.24 cm) when flaccid but stretched, the researchers found (file photo) The researchers say the graphs they have plotted, which show the size distributions of a penis, will help clinicians dealing with Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD), a serious anxiety disorder relating to body image. The study could help to counsel men worried about their size, or with investigations into how condom failure relates to penis size and girth. Some men are concerned about their penis size, and those who are preoccupied and severely distressed may even be diagnosed with BDD. The researchers created a graph (or a nomogram) depicting the size distributions of penis' among men of all ages and many races. The research included 17 studies of 15,521 men who underwent penis size measurements by health professionals using a standard procedure. Before this research, there had been no formal systematic reviews of these measurements, and no attempt to create a nomogram showing the distribution of size. Lead author Dr David Veale from the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience (IoPPN), King's College London and South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, told MailOnline: 'Men compare themselves in locker rooms and with pornography on the internet and believe they are inferior. 'Some men have been teased by sexual partners about their length. 'There are lots of men who might be worried - and we think reassuring men they are in the normal range will help. 'We will also use the graphs to examine the discrepancy between what a man believes to be their position on the graph and their actual position, or what they think they should be. 'We have a specialist Body Dysmophic Clinic and some men are very worried and distressed about their size. Experts plotted graphs showing the size distribution of the length of the average penis when flaccid, flaccid and stretched and erect. The graph above shows average penis length of men - in centimetres - in each percentile . The researchers also plotted a nomogram showing the size distribution of the girth of the average penis. The graph shows the average penis girth of men in each percentile - again in centimetres . 'They are unlikely to be helped just by looking at a size distribution graph, they will need more formal treatment like Cognitive Behaviourhal Therapy or medication too.' Dr Martin Baggaley, medical director at South London and Maudsley

Summary: Experts have created graphs showing the size distributions of a penis . The average flaccid penis is 3.6 inches (9.16 cm), the research shows . This extends to 5.2 inches (13.24 cm) when stretched but still flaccid . Researchers found a small correlation between height and penis length . Graphs could help doctors treating Body Dysmorphic Disorder, say experts .


A rare white elephant has been captured after it was discovered roaming wild in a jungle in Burma. The seven-year-old female elephant was captured by forestry officials six weeks after it was spotted at a reserve in the western Ayeyarwaddy region. The elephants have been revered for centuries in Asian nations including Burma, Thailand and Laos, and their appearance is said to bring good fortune, as well as herald political change. Scroll down for video . A rare white elephant, similar to this animal, has been captured after it was discovered roaming wild in a jungle in Burma . 'We had to be careful,' said Burma's forestry department spokesman Tun Tun Oo, who said the elephant had first been sighted in the Pathein township. 'It's wild. We didn't want the elephant or the forestry department officials to get hurt.' Often pinkish in color, with fair eyelashes and toenails, the animals are actually albinos. They were normally kept and pampered by monarchs as a symbol of royal power and prosperity - and many people still believe they bring good luck to the country. The elephants have been revered for centuries in Asian nations including Burma, Thailand and Laos, and their appearance is said to bring good fortune, as well as herald political change . Previous white elephants transported from Myanmar's jungles have been heralded in lavish ceremonies in which military leaders sprinkle them with scented water laced with gold, silver and precious gems. And in the 16th century Thailand, then known as Siam, and Burma even went to war over the disputed ownership of four white elephants. Burma currently has eight white elephants in captivity, most from the Ayeyarwaddy region. Five are in the zoo in the capital Naypyitaw, and three in Yangon. According to the World Wildlife Fund, there are between 25,600 and 32,750 Asian elephants remaining in the wild. Only males carry tusks and thus at risk from poachers who want them for their ivory. The capture of wild elephants for domestic use has become a threat to wild populations. India, Vietnam, and Burma have banned the capture of elephants in order to conserve wild herds, but in Burma elephants are still caught for the timber industry or the illegal wildlife trade, according to charity the WWF. Burma currently has eight white elephants in captivity, most from the Ayeyarwaddy region. Five, including the one pictured here, are in the zoo in the capital Naypyitaw, and three in Yangon .

Summary: Seven-year-old female elephant found in western Ayeyarwaddy region . Animals are albinos and appear pink in colour with fair eyelashes . Burma currently has eight white elephants in captivity .


From iPhones to the latest Apple Watch, most people find it difficult to accurately recall what the 'most recognizable' brand's logo looks like when tested, according to a new study. The reason for this is because people are constantly hounded with logos which makes it difficult to remember them, researchers from the University of California, Los Angeles found. When asked to draw the Apple logo, only one in 85 participants were able to recreate it correctly in terms of shape, bite size and leaf shape and orientation. However, less than half of participants were able to identify it from a set of 12 similar Apple logos with altered features, according to the study which was published last month. Scroll down for video . From iPhones to the latest Apple Watch, most people find it difficult to accurately recall what the 'most recognizable' brand's logo looks like when tested, according to a new study. Less than half of participants were able to identify the logo correctly from a set of 12 similar Apple logos with altered features (to find out which is the correct logo, scroll down to the bottom of this article) During the first stage of the selection quiz, the participant is asked how confident they are from a rating of one to five; one being the most confident and five the least confident. Most people who participated felt the Apple logo was highly memorable before attempting to recall the details of the logo, according to researchers. The second part is actually spotting the logo out of a set of 12 apples which are separated into three columns of four. When asked to draw the Apple logo, only one in 85 participants were able to recreate it correctly (pictured above) in terms of shape, bite size and leaf shape and orientation . While it might initially be thought of as an easy task, when faced with all of the varying logos, it becomes increasingly difficult. Considering the fact that people are exposed to the Apple logo on products from mobile phones, computers and laptops, it could be expected that good memory would hold strong when correctly recognizing the logo. The reason for this is because people are constantly hounded with logos which makes it difficult to remember them, researchers from the University of California, Los Angeles found. While people are often exposed to the logo, they stop paying attention to the details of it which could be due to the fact that it is so simple and widely available (above left, an Apple iPhone 5C and right, the new Apple Watch that was displayed on Monday) However, 'memory is often tuned towards remembering gist-based schematic information' researchers said, which means details can be quickly forgotten. 'The ubiquitous Apple logo is a simple design and is often referred to as one of the most recognizable logos in the world,' wrote researchers. The Apple logo, which has had seven different versions over the years, has kept the same silhouette of an apple since first designed in 1977 (above the first Apple logo by

Summary: Findings showed when asked to draw logo, only one in 85 participants could recreate it correctly . When asked to identify logo from a group of 12 similar Apple logos with altered features, less than half guessed accurately . Researchers from University of California, LA said even though people are often exposed to Apple logo it does not 'reliably affect memory'


Wealthy professionals in the medical industry, including surgeons and hospital executives have been caught out using a tax loophole to pay for lavish personal items. Rich hospital workers, businessmen and charity leaders are using the tax break to pay for high-end holidays, extravagant meals and even their children's weddings. The meal and entertainment concession allows employees to spend an uncapped amount of money on food, entertainment and leasing facilities, with some members paying for cruise tickets using the privilege. Wealthy professionals in the medical industry, including surgeons and hospital executives have been caught out using a tax loophole to pay for lavish personal items . The concessions, or credit cards as they are known, allow employees of certain salary packages to purchase items such as mortgage repayments or vehicle expenses from pre-tax income, thereby reducing income tax payable. The federal government has come under pressure from some not-for-profit agencies, who say the state could save astronomical amounts of money over the coming years if they were to get rid of the concessions. According to a report submitted by Save The Children Australia, the exemption from fringe benefits is estimated to cost the Treasury up to $600 million a year over the next few years. Treasury has estimated that it will cost over $2 billion in lost tax over the next four years. The concessions, or credit cards as they are known, allow employees of certain salary packages to purchase items such as mortgage repayments or vehicle expenses from pre-tax income, thereby reducing income tax payable . 'The Productivity Commission has provided examples of how $2,200 restaurant meals and $40,000 weddings could be paid for from pre-tax income to avoid significant amounts of tax that would otherwise be payable on the relevant employee’s income,' the Save The Children Australia report said. 'The benefit of this concession is also not evenly spread among NFP(not-for-profit) employees, tending to be more highly utilised by eligible employees on higher salaries.' Although Save the Children currently benefit from this concession, they told Daily Mail Australia that they support its removal. They hope the funding will be re-directed to support vulnerable children. The concession was initially offered up to not-for-profit organisations as an incentive for new employees however over the years it has become a loophole for the rich to enjoy an extravagant lifestyle. The concession was initially offered up to not-for-profit organisations as an incentive for new employees however over the years it has become a loophole for the rich to enjoy an extravagant lifestyle . Speaking to The Australian Financial Review, World Vision Australia chief executive Tim Costello said he believes lower paid workers are shunned in the fringe benefit concession, allowing the rich to take a large chunk of the benefits. 'The concessions enable huge benefits to the richest 1 per cent working in the sector while offering minimum benefits to the lowest paid sector.' According to a Treasury report, the concession will cost $465 million this year alone in lost tax and that figure will rise by nearly $100,000 by 2018.

Summary: Surgeons and hospital executive are using a tax loophole for a lavish life . The Fringe Benefits Tax is used to pay for holidays, cars and mortgages . Their exemption is likely to cost the state $2b in lost tax in four years . A Save The Children report supports the removal of the benefit . They say the government could save $600m in one year .


In ancient civilizations it was the number of labours undertaken by Hercules, the amount of gods who lived on Mount Olympus and the total signs of the Zodiac. But now the number 12 has cropped up in another mystifying setting - on a baby's forehead. Hanru van Niekerk was born in Johannesburg, South Africa on November 11, 2014, with a strange birthmark on his face in the shape of digits '1' and '2'. Scroll down for video . Special: Little Hanru van Niekerk was born with a birthmark shaped like the number 12 on his forehead . Cute: The family of the little boy, who lives in Johannesburg in South Africa, spotted the markings soon after he was born on November 11 2014 . Doctors have reassured the family of the boy, now four months old, that the markings will gradually fade with time. Great grandmother Catherine Jooste told the Northcliff Melville TImes that they have embraced the peculiar birthmark, which was a 'beautiful surprise'. She said: 'My youngest daughter was the first one to see it and she said there is a 1 and a 2 on his forehead. 'We did not worry about it, his doctor said it will fade as he gets older.' According to NHS Choices, birthmarks come in two main categories, vascular or pigmented. Vascular birthmarks tend to occur in the head or neck area, being caused by abnormal blood vessels in or under the skin, which can fade after a few months. In comparison, pigmented birthmarks are tan or brown-coloured, caused by a cluster of pigment cells. Most birthmarks are harmless and don't need to be treated.

Summary: Little Hanru van Niekerk was born with the number 12 on his forehead . Number has connotations with ancient world, Bible and signs of Zodiac . His family in South Africa say they have embraced the 'beautiful surprise'


A ‘deceitful’ businesswoman has been left with a £100,000 bill for tricking her husband into believing he was the father of their son born after IVF treatment. Minutes after the ruling, the victim of the con was reduced to tears as he read a statement in which he described the actions of his ex-wife as ‘absolutely appalling’ and pleaded to remain part of the boy’s life. ‘I live in hope that when he is 18 he looks for me… and be part of my life again,’ he said. ‘He is truly missed.’ A lecturer who said his former wife deceived him into thinking her son born via IVF was his has won £100,000 after a court heard the boy, who is now nine years old, was conceived using another man's sperm . The man – a lecturer in his sixties who cannot be named for legal reasons – thought the boy was his after the couple visited a fertility clinic. But the woman, who is in her 50s, had returned a few months later with an ex-boyfriend and was impregnated with his sperm. 'I wanted my former wife, and her former boyfriend, to realise the consequences of their deceitful actions practised over almost six years. It has deeply affected me and my family, but most importantly their own son and my ex-son, which is absolutely appalling. This four-year litigation has been incredibly difficult and stressful and I have sometimes felt: “I think I am in the wrong film”. Not only did my ex-wife commit the deceit but she misled her own child too. I can’t imagine what my then “son” must have felt to have had a loving father substituted by another man – how can she (and he) sleep at night? They used me to ... support him economically whilst maintaining a secret little family life behind my back. I live in hope that when he is 18 he looks for me, and I and my family can show him how much we loved him and he can be part of our lives again. He is truly missed.' Her deceit was only revealed when, following their divorce, the man sought further contact with the boy. Central London County Court heard that the couple married in 2002 and two years later they went for IVF treatment in Barcelona. The boy was born in 2005 but the pair separated when he was just six months old and their divorce was finalised in 2008. At no time did the man know that the boy was not his, said his barrister, Thomas Brudenell. ‘It is hard to imagine a more cruel deceit,’ he said. The court heard that the man had looked after the child when the woman was working away from their London homes and had paid more than £80,000 in maintenance over the following years. But in 2011 a dispute arose over the amount of contact he was having with the youngster – and the woman then dropped the ‘bombshell’ that he was not the biological father, which was confirmed by a DNA

Summary: Court heard man and woman, who had troubled marriage, had IVF in 2004 . They had a row, so woman returned to clinic with former partner in 2005 . It was then that she conceived their son using former partner's sperm . But husband said he was not told of this until the child was five years old . He was today awarded £40,000 in damages at London's County Court . Judge also ordered wife to pay his legal fees, believed to be £60,000 . Man lost contact with boy, but hopes son 'will find me' when he's 18 .


A schoolteacher who says she could never get a boyfriend because she looked like a MAN spent £40,000 on 22 different plastic surgery operations - and is now dating. Gina Blacks, of Tottenham, north London, travelled abroad to five different countries for operations including boob jobs, liposuction and tummy tucks and implants to her chin and hair transplants. The 39-year-old underwent the ops because she was so sick of receiving jibes about her manly appearance she was left feeling like an 'undateable monster'. Cruel men left Gina Blacks feeling like an undatable monster, but after under-going £40,000 worth of surgery and having 22 operations including boob jobs and liposuction she finally feels good about herself . Gina had hair restoration in 2009 in Bangkok, she has traveled around the world to have her different operations . But after eight years of surgery she now feels like a movie star - and is being inundated with attention from hunky blokes. Now Gina says men can't leave her alone and she is constantly being stopped in the street by bachelors begging for a date. Gina said: 'Men who were repulsed by me in the past are now stopping me in the streets and begging to take me out. 'I spent my younger years completely alone, wishing I had a boyfriend. Now they're wishing they had me.' Sick of feeling unattractive, Gina - in 2007, then aged 31 - began ploughing her savings into cosmetic surgery after a lifetime of feeling lonely. Gina was 31 when she first began ploughing into her savings to fund her plastic surgery - she said the bullying affected her confidence and she felt like she had no friends . Gina used to be a teacher but she has now left that behind to start her own online store: Gina Blacks' Online Beauty Store . Gina then left teaching in 2013 to launch Gina Blacks' Online Beauty Store and had her most recent operation in summer last year. She, who is currently looking for a new man, said: 'The worst period that I lived through was in my adolescents, during school and even at university people would call out rude comments to me. 'It affected my confidence I had no friends. People didn't want to know me or be my friend. I wasn't attractive to people for sexual relationships. 'I thought I looked ugly and manly and I had problems dating, men didn't find me attractive. I had a few flings but I just didn't find myself attractive.' Gina said she had a few flings before she embarked on her operations but she did not find herself attractive . Gina says she now feels like a model thanks to her £40,000 make-over but she wouldn't put herself at the levels of Kate Moss and co . But she believes spending eight years in an out of hospitals across England, Tunisia, Pakistan, Cyprus, Belgium, Thailand, has paid off despite having to undergo corrective surgery for botched operations. She said: 'I wouldn't put myself at the level of Kate Moss, Beyonce or

Summary: Gina Blacks had surgery after being called, 'manly' by cruel men . Worried she would spend her life alone she spent £40,000 on 22 operations . She now runs an online beauty store and is looking for love . Gina says her new transformation has left her feeling like a model .


Chelsea are maintaining a watching brief on Anderlecht teenagers Youri Tielemans and Leander Dendoncker. Tielemans, 17, has been watched by Manchester United and Arsenal also and is a centre midfielder of some promise. He became the youngest Belgian player to play in the UEFA Champions League, making his Champions League debut at the age of 16 years, four months and 25 days in 2013. Chelsea are keen on signing Anderlecht teenager Youri Tielemans (pictured on the left) Leander Dendoncker is also said to be on Chelsea's radar after impressing for Anderlecht in recent weeks . Dendoncker, 19, is a more defensive player and can operate in midfield or at centre back. He scored Anderlecht's second goal in a feisty 2-0 win over Kortrijk on Sunday which saw both sides reduced to 10 men while Tielemans was one of four players booked. Belgium newspaper HLN reported that Chelsea scout Tony White was in the crowd to watch the game. Meanwhile, Chelsea have extended contracts for 18-year-old Belgian Charly Musonda Jnr to 2019 and his elder brother Tika Musonda until 2016.

Summary: Chelsea are monitoring the progress of the two teenagers . Manchester United and Arsenal have also been linked with Youri Tielemans . Tielemans made his Champions League debut at the age of 16 .


Jeremy Clarkson's replacement on Top Gear might not be too far away after Zenit St Petersburg manager Andre Villas-Boas showed he's enough of a petrolhead for the job. Former Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur boss Villas-Boas posted a photograph of himself on Instagram behind the wheel of a 1958 MG A roadster on Thursday morning. Villas-Boas's love of motors is no secret. He first told of his passion when in charge of Chelsea, revealing he owned five bikes and shares 12 vintage cars. Andre Villas-Boas pictured behind the wheel of a 1958 MG A roadster on Thursday morning . 'It feels fantastic,' Villas-Boas said. 'You feel the need for it. Driving is very adrenaline-fuelled and it makes me feel good. We all have our passions and respond in different ways. 'It has been a lifelong passion. My first bike was a 350cc heavy engine. I took my licence and drove it in a national competition in Portugal – then I broke my arm so I was out. 'I was coaching Porto youth at the time. The first bike was a Yamaha XT 350, then I had Hondas then a couple of KTMs. I have a couple of them now.' Villas-Boas also hopes to one day take part in the Dakar Rally which is now held in South America. 'I have a couple of bikes from the Dakar Rally that I own,' he added. 'One is for my collection, the other I ride it. I am a bit of a "crazy head" so I have enduro-bikes as well. I go into mountains with the big rocks and almost kill myself. I have a couple of trials bikes and cars with different owners, because we have an extension collection and split ownership of them.' Villas-Boas' love of motors is no secret as the former Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur manager collects them . Villas-Boas is currently the manager of Zenit St Petersburg who are in the Europa League quarter-finals . Villas-Boas could have done with going on a long drive following his team's 1-0 defeat by Torino in the second leg of their Europa League last-16 tie. Zenit still qualifed for the quarter-finals with a 2-1 win on aggregate, but Villas-Boas's touchline row with the Torino bench soured the match. 'I lost my head,' he told Sport Mediaset. 'I got it completely wrong and I apologise for my behaviour. I was angry with the Torino team manager, but it was not the behaviour of a coach and I am sorry.'

Summary: Andre Villas-Boas posted a photograph of himself on Instagram behind the wheel of a 1958 MG A roadster on Thursday morning . Zenit St Petersburg manager Villas-Boas's love of motors is no secret . Villas-Boas spoke of his love of bikes and vintage cars during time at Chelsea .


Luis Suarez hailed his second-half winner against Real Madrid as 'the most important goal' of his Barcelona career. With 55 minutes on the clock and the scoreline locked at 1-1 after Cristiano Ronaldo had cancelled out Jeremy Mathieu's opener, the Uruguayan trapped a long punt forward by Dani Alves and then arrowed the ball past Iker Casillas to restore Barca's lead at the Nou Camp. Luis Enrique's side went on to dominate the remainder of the game and won 2-1, thus building a four-point advantage at the top of the Primera Division table. Lionel Messi, Adriano, Bartra, Dani Alves, Neymar and Rafinha get suited and booted after the triumph . Goalscoring hero Luis Suarez poses for a pic with fellow frontmen Messi and Neymar after the victory . Luis Suarez fires home the winner past Iker Casillas to send Barcelona on their way to victory . Suarez celebrates scoring the goal that sent Barcelona four points clear at the top of La Liga . The strike was Suarez's 14th in all competitions for Barcelona since he made his £75million move from Liverpool last summer. And the 28-year-old had no doubt this was his most crucial goal for his new club, ranking it above the two he netted against Manchester City in the Champions League last month. 'This is the most important goal I've scored for Barca and it has an extra significance because of the rival we were playing against,' Suarez told Barcelona's official television Channel. 'I just tried to take advantage of the space between defenders and be as fast as I could so I didn't give the centre-backs any time to recover. Luckily it went in. 'The dressing room is very happy, we knew this was a really important game if we wanted to stay top of the league and increase our advantage.' Barca coach Luis Enrique sang the striker's praises after the game, calling the goal 'an action that only few players are capable of'. 'We are very happy that he is a being decisive player for us and we are very happy with his attitude and what he brings to this team,' he said. 'He brings a lot to the team he is not just a classic centre forward, he also links up with his team-mates. He's a player that marvellously compliments the squad we have, and that's why we signed him.' Jeremy Mathieu headed home the opening goal for Barcelona in the first half . Cristiano Ronaldo equalised for Real Madrid but was unable to stamp his authority on the game . Madrid now have 10 weeks to catch up with Barcelona, who have won 19 of their 21 matches in 2015. Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti lamented the fact his side failed to keep a 'cool head' after the break, following their strong performance in the opening 45 minutes. 'We were playing very well until their second goal and from then on the game was very difficult for us,' said the Italian in his post-match press conference. 'Before that we were doing well, we pressed well and

Summary: Luis Suarez scored the winner as Barcelona beat Real Madrid . Cristiano Ronaldo had earlier cancelled out Jeremy Mathieu's opener . Barca boss Luis Enrique hailed Suarez after his side's victory . He said only a few players could score the type of goal he did . CLICK HERE for all the latest Barcelona news after El Clasico win .


Nathan Dyer has been told his future lies at Swansea even though manager Garry Monk has left him out of his last three match-day squads. Dyer started the season on fire with three goals in as many Barclays Premier League games and was reported to be in international contention when England manager Roy Hodgson paid a visit to the Liberty Stadium in September. But Dyer's form has tailed off since that blistering start and he is now behind fellow widemen Wayne Routledge and Jefferson Montero in the Liberty Stadium pecking order. Nathan Dyer (left) should stay at Swansea City despite his recent absence from the side, says Garry Monk . The 27-year-old winger has even failed to make the bench for Swansea's last three games against Manchester United, Burnley and Tottenham but Monk explained that was down to him changing his customary 4-3-3 formation to one featuring a midfield diamond. 'These are very difficult decisions for me,' Monk explained. 'Nathan had a fantastic start to the season, he had a little dip and then he came back a bit. 'He has probably been a bit more inconsistent but he has still contributed fantastically to the team. There are no problems whatsoever with Nathan. 'He is one who does deserve to be in match-day squads but unfortunately with the way things are sometimes that isn't always possible. 'The formation we've been playing dictates the bench, you have to look what you need and there are normally three or four players who miss out.' Monk has said it has been difficult to leave Dyer out and feels he deserves to be in be in the match-day squads . Dyer has made over 200 league appearances for Swansea since signing from Monk's former club Southampton in a £400,000 deal in 2009. The Wiltshire-born winger helped the club win promotion to the Premier League in 2011 and has been a consistent performer in the top flight - and Monk insists he still has a big part to play at Swansea. 'I have known him since he was 14 and watched his career, I know him better than probably anyone else in the squad,' Monk said. 'Nathan has contributed a lot this season, he is a fantastic player to work with and someone who is at a very good level. Monk has known Dyer since he was 14 and says he knows him better than any other member of his squad . 'He is a big part of what I am doing here but there are moments within seasons where you miss out. 'We have four good wide players in Jeff, Wayne and Nathan and Mo Barrow coming through, they are all different types who can contribute different things and selection depends on who we are playing and how the players have trained. 'These decisions are never easy - it's probably the hardest part of the job - but I am always honest with the players and I think they respect that.'

Summary: Nathan Dyer has been left out of Swansea City's match-day squads of late . Dyer started the season well but has since seen his form decline . Garry Monk says it has been a difficult decision to leave Dyer out . But he sees his future as being at Swansea despite the absences .


Michael Carrick believes Juan Mata has always been an important player for Manchester United after the playmaker's double helped the Red Devils to a 2-1 win over Liverpool on Sunday. The little Spaniard has struggled to hold down a first-team place recently but teammate Michael Carrick was not surprised to see his match-winning performance. ‘Listen, all players have ups and downs throughout their careers,’ said Carrick. ‘You can’t look past his quality; that is why he is here and he is here for a reason. He is such a good player and performances like that don’t surprise me because performances like that are exactly what he is all about. Juan Mata scores a superb scissor kick during Manchester United's 2-1 win over Liverpool on Sunday . Michael Carrick (right) insists Juan Mata has always been a valuable player for Manchester United . ‘He has always been a great player. I think he has always been important to us because he brings so much to the team, and so much ability. ‘You have seen it all there on Sunday, in terms of what he brings to us and I thought he was terrific. I thought his overall play was good and he obviously scored both goals. I thought the first one was a really good finish and the second one was sensational, so he has had a good day. ‘He is just so clever, you know. He moves the ball, takes up good positions, he is dangerous and he is just so intelligent. He has such a slight frame so he is not going to have a physical presence but he more than makes up for that with his general ability and how he plays the game. He is just a joy to watch.’ Carrick was not surprised by Mata's match-winning performance and thought the Spaniard was 'terrific' United had Angel di Maria and Radamel Falcao among their substitutes at Anfield, and Carrick believes that demonstrates the depth of resources available to Van Gaal. He believes the Dutchman could pick two completely different line-ups capable of competing at the highest level, with little to choose between the players in training games. ‘I think it tells you about the squad and the strength in depth,’ said Carrick. ‘What more can you say? Listen, those boys (Di Maria and Falcao) are top players but I think we have got a number of players that the manager can choose from, which is great. ‘We see in training when we have games that both teams are pretty equal, when we have 11 versus 11, because that is the strength of our squad now. A lot of players have had game time this year and that does bring options.’

Summary: Juan Mata scored twice in Manchester United 's 2-1 victory over Liverpool . Michael Carrick says Mata is a joy to watch and was 'terrific' on Sunday . Midfielder was not shocked by Mata's match-winning performance . READ: Have Manchester United turned a corner in the Premier League? CLICK HERE for all the latest Man United news .


At least one lab employee has tested positive for a deadly bacteria used to make bioweapons that mysteriously escaped a Louisiana research center in November. Additionally, the number of monkey's infected by the bioterror bacterium at the Tulane Prime Research Center has increased from eight to nine and are expected to continue rising, officials say. Three of the monkeys have already been euthanized after showing signs of Burkholderia pseudomallei, which was being studied in a secure lab in another part of the 500-acre facility. The test results showed the employee was 'just at the threshold for a verified positive result' and has not shown any symptoms of the diseases the bacteria can bring on, such as tuberculosis, according to NOLA.com. Despite thorough investigations by bothb federal and state authorities, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the cause of the contamination is still unknown. Concerns: Monkeys at the Tulane National Primate Research Center in Louisiana were exposed to a potentially deadly bacteria last fall - but authorities still do not know how or why it happened . Reach: Worryingly, the center is close to a river (top left), homes and a school. Although there are no signs that surrounding areas have been exposed to the bacteria, further tests are required . The name of the employee has not been released. Questions also remain over how far the bacteria, which is primarily found in southeast Asia and northeast Australia, has spread around the complex and surrounding areas. Animals pass it in their urine and feces - potentially contaminating the ground and water around them - and others can become infected through direct contact with the contaminated areas. The bacteria may not cause an illness until days or years after the exposure, but the illness can be fatal in humans and animals, according to USA Today. The monkeys, rhesus macaques, had access to massive outdoor primate breeding cages, where around 4,000 macaques are kept. It is not yet known if the bacteria have colonized in the cages. Worryingly, the research center is just half a mile from a school and surrounded by homes. And only yards behind the facility, there is a river that leads to a lake surrounded by wildlife refuges. The contaminated primates were all at the center's veterinary hospital at the same time last fall, leading to speculation that they could have been exposed there. Infected: At least seven rhesus macaques (file picture) have shown signs of exposure and three have died . Potentially deadly: Burkholderia pseudomallei . The bacteria, Burkholderia pseudomallei, can cause a potentially serious disease in people and animals called melioidosis. Melioidosis commonly involves the lungs and has a range of symptoms including fever, headache, appetite loss, muscle and joint pain. The illness may not develop for days to years. It is often mistaken as pneumonia or tuberculosis, and if left untreated, it is fatal. Several countries have looked into using the bacteria as a bioweapon because strains can be resistant to multiple antibiotics. The overall mortality rate is 40 per cent but in Thailand, where the

Summary: At least nine rhesus macaques at Tulane National Primate Research Center were exposed to Burkholderia pseudomallei, a deadly bacteria . They were exposed even though the bacterium was being studied in a secure lab in another part of the 500-acre Louisiana research complex . One employee tested positive 'just at the threshold' Initial tests indicate that it has not spread to surrounding areas - which include a school and homes - but further tests are required . The potentially deadly bacterium, Burkholderia pseudomallei, is not found in the U.S. and can be contracted through contact with contaminated areas .


A high school student who suffers from autism and Down Syndrome was given a varsity letter by his mother to celebrate that he had begun playing special needs basketball at his high school, and then shockingly told he had no right to wear that letter. Michael Kelley, who attends East High School in Wichita, Kansas, wore the letter, which his mother purchased for him, on a jacket, until he was told to remove it and never wear it again at school. Now though, many are coming out to show their support for Michael - including the Chicago Bulls. Scroll down for video . The mother of Michael Kelley (above) purchased him a varsity letter to celebrate his participation in a special needs basketball program . East High School (above) in Wichita, Kansas told the boy, who has autism and Down Syndrome, he could not wear a varsity letter . Chicago Bulls assistant coach and former player Adrian Griffin (above), has donated items to raise money for uniforms for Michael's team . 'Teachers told the parents they would prefer he not wear the letter on his jacket,' East High Principal Ken Thiessen told KSN. When asked if that policy might change however, given the situation, he said; 'We have considered it, and our decision was no. We decided that is not appropriate in our situation because it is not a varsity level competition.' Wanting more answers, Mrs. Kelley turned to the district, who said there was no official rule about who could and cold not wear a varsity letter. As for how this all happened, Mrs. Kelley said; 'Another parent, from what I am told, was upset that my son was wearing his letter jacket.' Michael however is getting a lot of support in the aftermath on this decision however, and a Change.org petition to change this rule already has over 30,000 signatures. In addition, many are voicing their support for Michael using the hashtag #GiveThemLetters on Twitter. Also, Adrian Griffin, the assistant coach of the Bulls, has donated an autographed jersey, basketball, and a Derek Rose bobble head to the Kelley family which he says they can auction off and use to buy uniforms for the special needs basketball team Michael plays on. 'Supporting Michael, East High and all special needs student-athletes who share the passion and drive for the game I love. We are All Blue Aces!' wrote Griffin, who attended East High Sxchool. Mrs. Kelley (above) said; 'Another parent, from what I am told, was upset that my son was wearing his letter jacket.' 'Teachers told the parents they would prefer he not wear the letter on his jacket,' said East High Principal Ken Thiessen . What's more, Mark Calvin, the principal and athletic director at Santana High School in Santana, Kansas has sent one of their varsity letter for Michael to wear. 'Before he got the letter he was one of the biggest cheerleaders in the school it was incredible, after he got the letter jacket it just sky rocketed him to another level,' said Calvin of Michael. He

Summary: East High School in Wichita, Kansas told student Michael Kelley, who has autism and Down Syndrome, he could not wear a varsity letter . This after his mother purchased him a varsity letter to celebrate his participation in a special needs basketball program . 'Teachers told the parents they would prefer he not wear the letter on his jacket,' said East High Principal Ken Thiessen . Now, a Change.org petition has been started and the Chicago Bulls have donated items to raise money for uniforms for Michael's team . In addition, the hashtag #GiveThemLetters is being used by many on Twitter to show support .


A 3,000-year-old Armenian settlement believed they could predict the future by using sheep and cow bones - and what they revealed on one occasion caused them to suddenly flee their homes. In a series of three Bronze Age shrines, archaeologists have found knucklebones of animals with certain sides blackened - like the markings on dice - as well as stamp seals printed onto pieces of dough. Experts believe the artefacts were used by diviners to help leaders plan political strategies - but they were abandoned in place moments before the inhabitants fled the region. Scroll down for video . In three Bronze Age Armenian shrines, archaeologists found knucklebones of animals with certain sides blackened like the markings on dice as well as stamp seals printed onto pieces of dough (pictured). The experts believe the artefacts were used by diviners to help leaders plan political strategies . The reason for the sudden exodus remains unknown, but archaeologists believe the stones and bones suggested their demise was imminent. The bones were marked with burns and other engravings, and were small enough to roll. In one shrine, researchers found 18 pebbles. 'These stones appear to have been selected for their smooth, rounded shape and their colour palette, which ranged from black and dark grey to white, green and red,' wrote Professor Adam Smith, lead author of the study at Cornell University. The shrines were discovered in a hilltop fortress on the Tsaghkahovit Plain of central Armenia. Lithomancy: A form of divination by which the future is told using stones or reflected light from these stones. In modern practices 13 stones are cast and a prediction is made based on how they fall. Osteomancy: The use of bones for divination, or osteomancy, has been performed for thousands of years. In some cultures the bones were burned in a practice known as pyro-osteomancy. Aleuromancy: This is the practice of baking messages inside cakes or cookies, which would then be distributed to those wishing their fortunes to be told. Dice-like knucklebones used for osteomancy and coloured stones used for lithomancy were found deep within the ruins of the fallen citadel of Gegharot. Aleuromancy is a likely explanation for grinding implements found in another of three shrines. Aleuromancy was a practice in which messages would be baked inside of cakes or cookies, which would then be distributed to those wishing their fortunes to be told. 'What is conspicuous about the grinding installation in the east citadel shrine is the lack of a formal oven for bread baking,' Professor Smith wrote. The shrine's basin 'was clearly used for burning materials and certainly could have been used to bake small balls of dough, but it is unlikely that it would have been used to cook loaves of bread.' The stamps may have been used to seal messages within the dough. The Tsaghkahovit Plain was sparsely populated until around 1500 BC when a nameless group of people began to build strongholds and new institutions of rule there. 'It was a time of radical inequality and centralised practices of economic redistribution,' Professor Smith

Summary: Bronze Age shrines were found on Tsaghkahovit Plain in central Armenia . Researchers said these shrines contained evidence of divination rituals . Including osteomancy and lithomancy - divination using bones and stones . Knuckles from sheep and cows were used as dice to predict the future . While stamps on pieces of dough were used for divination 3,000 years ago . Shrines were used for a century until the area was destroyed by conflict . Divination bones were abandoned suggesting rulers predicted their demise . Pottery in the shrine also had traces similar to stimulant Ephedra .


They have not been photographed together since their 2012 divorce so it was not much of a surprise when it was reported on Wednesday that Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes are not on speaking terms. The next day TMZ added more to their story, explaining why the the 52-year-old Mission: Impossible superstar and the 36-year-old Batman Begins beauty are not fond of each other. 'Tom feels betrayed by Katie,' a source said adding that Katie felt 'he sucked the life out of her.' Their 'bad feelings' explained: Tom Cruise felt 'betrayed' by Katie Holmes while she thought he 'drained' her, according to a Thursday report from TMZ; here they are pictured in May 2011 . Katie filed for divorce from Tom Cruise in 2012 just before his 50th birthday in July. Afterwards he hinted he was blindsided. The mother of Suri - aged eight - quickly found her own apartment in New York City and the divorce proceedings were wrapped up in record time. The site explained that since they posted their first article, sources called them up and added more kindling to the fire. They were once a close family unit: Katie, 36, filed for divorce from Tom, 52, in 2012 just before his 50th birthday in July; afterwards he hinted he was blindsided. Here they are pictured in October 2011 . TMZ claimed one of those source is from the Church Of Scientology and that insider explained the Church is not involved in their feud. 'Well-placed sources with the Church tell TMZ, Katie was NOT declared a Suppressive Person. What's interesting, we're told Katie actually thinks she's been declared one ... but she hasn't,' wrote the site. It was then explained, 'An SP stands for several things, including people who disavow the Church. The Church has a procedure for declaring people SPs. Once they're declared an SP, people in the Church are told not to associate with them.' It was also stated clearly again that the two stars 'are not at war over the Church Of Scientology' and that they don't talk because 'they have an intense dislike for one another.' Earlier it was reported that Tom and Katie don't even talk about Suri. Rather they leave that up to intermediaries. 'They want nothing to do with each other to the point they don't speak to one another, even about Suri,' a source told the site. Their only child: 'They want nothing to do with each other to the point they don't speak to one another, even about Suri,' a source told the site; here Suri, aged eight, is pictured with Suri in June 2012 . Even planning visitations and discussing how the little girl should be raised is done through others, it was alleged. 'There is no desire on either Tom's or Katie's part to mend fences,' it was added. It was claimed that Tom has not seen Suri 'in months' because he has been shooting Mission: Impossible 5 in London. No turning back?: Tom and Katie have 'no desire to mend fences,' it was alleged; here they are

Summary: Katie, 36, and Tom, 52, have 'bad feelings' after 2012 divorce . He feels she 'betrayed' him while she thinks 'he drained her' They have one daughter together, Suri, who is aged eight .