There's a first time for everything, isn't there? First time in a new country. First time you go on a holiday that leaves you speechless. And the first time you take one of those 'selfies' that everyone is talking about. The country was Burma, which has just started opening up to touris, and since the best way to see the sights is by taking a river cruise, I booked up for a few nights onboard. 'A floating paradise': A river cruise on the Sanctuary Ananda was the best way to see the sights . The brochure promised enchantment and luxury, along with the chance to experience this fascinating land close up. I have to say, they were true to their promise. The boat, Sanctuary Ananda, is basically a floating paradise. The first thing I did when I got to my cabin was throw open the French doors and step on to the veranda. The second thing was to clamber on to the fluffy nest of a bed and enjoy the sight of a new world sliding past my windows. At this point, I promised myself that one day I would lie there and watch the sunrise. Next morning, thanks to jet lag, that's exactly what I did. It was so superb, I set my alarm so I could enjoy it every day. Ox-cart ride anyone? Stan enjoyed his bumpy ride in the back of the taxi . The only way to see the temples.... from a balloon . Our guide later explained that the owners of Sanctuary Ananda, obviously aware of the negative impact tourism can sometimes have on real lives like these, are working with the village elders to plan for the future. The first fruits of this philanthropic project are a full-time teacher and a library in the village. The next few days passed in a blur of excitement. We stopped off to explore ancient ruins and temples that were still very much in use. One day I found myself wandering along a dusty path, wilting in the heat. I hailed a passing ox cart, which had the word 'taxi' scrawled on the side, and got a delightfully bumpy lift back to the shore. Next morning I was up before the sun had even thought about rising. I couldn't sleep, and couldn't face breakfast. Truth be told, I could hardly stop myself from doing a dance. The reason was simple. I live in Bristol, which is pretty much home of the hot air balloon. I've always wanted to go up in one of these outsized cuddly toys, but for one reason or another I've never got round to it. Until now. So there I was, on a gorgeous boat in a land of loveliness, crossing my fingers for good ballooning weather. Luckily, the wind stayed away and the captain announced that conditions were perfect. A few of us scampered up the bank and climbed into a vintage coach that would carry us to the take-off field. The balloon sighed into the sky just in time for the sun to rise

Summary: River cruise through Burma is a good way to see the sights . Hot air balloon rides offer great views of temples from above . Flag down an ox and cart for a taxi ride with a difference .


This is the moment a terrified driver desperately clung to windscreen wipers as he was carried along a busy dual carriageway on a car bonnet. Raymond Turner was forced to hang on for a mile before being thrown into the road in Camberley, Surrey, after fellow motorist Grzegorz Musial drove into him following a minor collision in a car park. Musial, 28, had clipped his wing mirror, and they exchanged details. But Musial admitted having no insurance - saying he would pay for the damage in cash - and got back into his Ford Focus estate. Scroll down for video . Shocking: Raymond Turner was forced to hang on for a mile before being thrown into the road in Camberley, Surrey, after fellow motorist Grzegorz Musial drove into him following a minor collision in a car park . However, Mr Turner was unhappy with this and said he would call police. Musial tried to drive off and hit him as attempted to call officers, leaving him prone on the bonnet and clinging to the wipers. Musial, of New Malden, south-west London, did not stop - instead embarking on a journey from near a Screwfix store in the town, along the A331 dual carriageway towards the M3 motorway. Witnesses reported seeing his car braking sharply and weaving from side to side in an attempt to throw the victim off. After Musial drove through a red light, the victim finally fell off into the road. He suffered ankle injuries, a broken nose and numerous cuts and bruises in the incident on October 14 last year. Musial drove off, but later called police to report that he feared he had hurt someone. In a statement read in court, Mr Turner said: ‘I was very frightened. I was worried that if he shook me off he would then run over me. ‘As the car was continuing to pick up speed I decided it would be a good idea to get off. As I fell I rolled up into a ball. I came to a rest on the dual carriageway next to the central reservation. Sentenced: Musial (left), of New Malden, south-west London, was jailed for 14 months. Witnesses reported seeing his car (right) braking sharply and weaving from side to side in an attempt to throw the victim off . One-mile distance: Musial embarked on a journey from near a Screwfix store in Camberley, Surrey, along the A331 dual carriageway towards the M3 motorway until he was close to a Sainsbury's . ‘The next thing I remember a lady was standing over me with an umbrella. I was badly hurt and in a great deal of pain - my face, right ankle, back and arm. All caused by the journey.’ Musial pleaded guilty to causing grievous bodily harm, dangerous driving, driving without insurance and failing to stop at the scene of an accident. He was jailed for 14 months and banned from driving for 18 months at Guildford Crown Court last week. Mrs Recorder Ann Mulligan told him: ‘You were calm, you engaged but a point

Summary: Raymond Turner was eventually thrown into road in Camberley, Surrey . Fellow motorist Grzegorz Musial drove into him following minor collision . Musial, 28, clipped driver's wing mirror but admitted having no insurance . Offered cash but Mr Turner was unhappy and said he would call police . Musial was jailed for 14 months and banned from driving for 18 months .


We've all been there. Faced with Netflix or the gym, we reach for the remote while promising to work out tomorrow. But what if we could see what the impact of our actions today would have on the future? That's what one London-based company is hoping to find out with its concept Apple Watch face, Life Clock, which counts down the minutes to your death. Rehabstudio's design, which has been created with the Apple Watch in mind, adds time to your life for healthful activity and subtracts time when you give in to bad habits . The user’s Apple HealthKit data is taken into the phone app, which then converts the user’s activities into time. This is then displayed on the Apple Watch. The app can then make recommendations that can improve the user’s health and help them live longer, whether it be eating better, exercising or seeing friends and loved ones. The goal of the app is simple: to Make Life Better. The app combines different data sets to recommend healthy lifestyle choices. Rehabstudio's design, which has been created with the Apple Watch in mind, adds time to your life for healthful activity and subtracts time when you give in to bad habits. The idea came to Rehabstudio owner Tom Le Bree following the announcement for the Apple Watch. 'We saw an opportunity,' Le Bree told Wired. 'We thought, 'OK, if time is really a human construct, how can we play with it?'' While Apple says there will be nine official faces available when the watch launches next month, none are unusual in the way their approach time. Le Bree started thinking about a concept called temporal discounting which is the idea that you can discount the future in favour of the present. 'Tomorrow, I'm the guy that goes to the gym, quits smoking, and stops eating fatty foods. But today I'm going to have one last cigarette,' Le Bree says. The app works by linking up with a user’s Apple HealthKit data, which then converts the user’s activities into time. This is then displayed on the Apple Watch. It can then make recommendations that can improve the user’s health and help them live longer, whether it be eating better, exercising or seeing friends and loved ones. Apple hasn't yet said if it will allow owners to use third party faces with the watch.In the meantime, Rehabstudio plans to continue working on the project. It is also considering creating a version for Android Wear. Pictured is Apple CEO Tim Cook talking about the Apple Watch Edition . For instance, if you only got five hours sleep, Life Clock subtracts 26 minutes and recommends you sleep sleep the recommended eight hours a night. While he admits the science isn't accurate, Le Bree said that by reminding us of the future, Apple Watch could help make healthier decisions. Apple Watch was revealed last week and comes in three models: the Apple Watch, Apple Watch Sport and Apple Watch Edition, and all models are sold in either 1.4-inch (38mm) or 1.7-inch (42mm) versions. This

Summary: The concept face has been created by London-based Rehabstudio . Dubbed Life Clock, the design counts down the minutes to your death . It adds time to life for healthful activity and subtracts it for bad habits . Apple has not yet said if it will allow owners to use third party faces .


They have been at the heart of Manchester United's recent return to form but England defensive duo Phil Jones and Chris Smalling could soon be on their way out of Old Trafford. Both men will see their contracts with the club expire at the end of next season and Sportsmail understands that talks on new deals are yet to be opened with either. United are thought to be relaxed about the situation but will be reluctant to lose the pair for nothing. Both Phil Jones and Chris Smalling are out of contract at Manchester United at the end of next season . Phil Jones celebrates Manchester United's victory over Liverpool - but could be heading for the exit door . Both Jones and Smalling have seen their Manchester United careers hampered by injuries . The lack of activity on their behalf may come as a surprise given recent form. Jones, 23, and Smalling, 25, formed a resolute centre-back pairing in United's 3-0 home victory over Tottenham and 2-1 defeat of Liverpool at Anfield - regarded as the club's best performances under Louis van Gaal. Their confident outings alongside each other have reignited long-held hopes that they could form a long-term partnership at the heart of United's defence for years to come. But it would appear the club is in no rush to tie up their futures. The pair are two of a number of high-profile players whose contracts expire at the same time including goalkeeper David de Gea, converted wingback Ashley Young and striker Robin van Persie. Both Jones and Smalling were billed as being the centre back pairing for club and country for years to come . Chris Smalling has attracted interest from Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger . Smalling, who cost United £10m when he signed from Fulham in 2010, is a long-term target of Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger. The Frenchman tried to sign the Greenwich-born centre-half when he left Craven Cottage and repeated his attempts last summer. Should United be willing to listen to offers this summer Smalling may well find himself heading back to the capital. Jones, for whom United paid Blackburn Rovers £17m in 2011, was hailed as a future great by Sir Alex Ferguson who added that he could become one of the best players in the club's history. Smalling is part of the England team preparing to face Lithuania and Italy . Jones is also part of the England squad for the international double header . Like Smalling, his cause has not been helped by injuries and inconsistency. The pair have started five games together for United as a centre-half combination and the club have won all five matches, conceding just two goals. United have been extensively linked with Dortmund defender Mats Hummels, however Sportsmail understands some at the club harbour concerns over the Germany international's apparent lack of pace. Hummels, 26, is likely to cost around £36m however, Van Gaal has been promised significant funds to again strengthen his squad. United are also trailing Athletic Bilbao defender Aymeric Laporte. The 20-year-old Frenchman fits the bill,

Summary: Phil Jones and Chris Smailling's contracts expire next summer . Manchester United are yet to open talks with either player over new deals . United will not be keen for either player to leave for nothing . CLICK HERE for all the latest Manchester United news .


Prejudice defies logic. Lots of people loved Peter Mayle's A Year In Provence but it made me more determined than ever to spend summers in Britain. While some of us had to work for a living, off he went in the late Eighties with money in the bank; bought a dilapidated house; charmed the locals and wrote whole chapters about eccentric French plumbers. The cash rolled in, but Provence became a cliché. Envious? Moi? Absolutely. Scroll down for video . View from the top: The creamy village of Gordes in the Luberon (best seen once the coaches have left) That's why, for 25 years, I gave the region a wide berth. But that's nothing compared to Susan, my 80-something mother-in-law, who hadn't been to France for half a century. Then, to my horror, as soon as the Eurostar pulled out of St Pancras, Susan produced a crumpled copy of Mayle's book and quickly became engrossed. Getting there is a doddle. In high season the train goes all the way from London to Avignon. We picked up a hire car at Avignon station and headed for our villa just outside pretty L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, which straddles five tributaries of the River Sorgue and was once a centre of the cloth industry. L'Hirondelle, as our villa is called, is owned by a Hungarian couple. They have done a fabulous job: traditional (terrace sheltered by vines, pool, hewn stone floors, lavender) but also big on technology (huge TV showing all the main UK channels and fridges galore). A region of colour and aromas: Rolling fields of lavender are a welcome sight for visitors to Provence . I was just uncorking the first bottle of rose and about to toast our good fortune when Susan noticed her suitcase was not the one that she'd left Norfolk with. It was my fault. I'd picked up an entirely different one on arrival in Avignon. Now we all know France is in crisis. But, what I hadn't quite appreciated, is how frustratingly inefficient it is. Lost and Found offices only operate Monday to Friday; there is no number you can call and the police look at you wearily when reporting something missing. Luckily, it was market day on Sunday in L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue (once described as the 'Venice of Provence', which is a little overstating things) and so we bought several new frocks for Susan, before settling down to lunch by the river. She was a little down about it all, but her spirits picked up no end that evening when we drove to the hill-top village of Menerbes (Gothic-style church, corkscrew museum, teenyweeny streets and, yes, the backdrop to Mayle's literary money-spinner) and looked out over the Luberon National Park, with the Vaucluse mountains in the distance. Two kilometres away is the ravishing La Bastide de Marie, a 14-room hotel (including one gypsy caravan) set in acres of its own vineyards. Misty highs, lovely lows: Mont Ventoux provides a beautiful backdrop to the pretty villages of Provence (left) - while lunch in the medieval enclave of L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue (right), above the River Sorgue,

Summary: Peter Mayle's book A Year in Provence put the spotlight on the region . But there is more to the region than this old literary favourite suggests . Mont Ventoux provides a beautiful backdrop - and spectacular views .


England and France will meet in a winner-takes-all showdown on Tuesday to determine which nation makes July's UEFA Under-19 European Championships in Greece. Both recorded victories on Saturday to maintain their perfect records and take their Elite Round qualifying group to the wire. England squeezed past Azerbaijan 1-0 in Bayeux thanks to a first-half winner from Manchester City's Ashley Smith-Brown, his second decisive goal in two matches. Ashley Smith-Brown scored England's winner as they recorded a vital result over Azerbaijan . France, meanwhile, beat Denmark 2-0 to lead the way on goal difference, meaning that Sean O'Driscoll's Young Lions must beat them in Saint-Lo to take the group's only qualifcation spot. As expected, England dominated possession and chances against Azerbaijan, but could only convert one of them. It came eight minutes before half-time when Smith-Brown collected the ball wide on the left, cut inside and curled a lovely shot into the far corner. Confidence was high in the England camp after twice coming from behind to beat Denmark 3-2 on Thursday and this game reverted to type almost immediately. Faced with an Azerbaijan team with 11 men behind the ball, England knew they would have to be patient and their first effort came from range when Fulham's Patrick Roberts saw a 25-yarder tipped over by goalkeeper Tolga Sahin. Sean O'Driscoll's England side must now beat France on Tuesday to qualify for the European Championships . Lewis Cook, of Leeds United, fired narrowly off target when debutant Aaron Kuhl, of Reading, picked him out on the edge of the penalty area. That pressure eventually told when right-back Smith-Brown marauded forward to score what would prove to be the game's decisive goal. The second-half, unsurprisingly, followed a similar pattern, with Roberts and Kuhl going close during its early stages. Azerbaijan's one and only attack of note culminated in Elnur Jafarov firing wide of the far post when well-placed. Chelsea midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek had the ball in the net three minutes from time only to be flagged offside but the one goal was sufficient as England set up their showdown with France. Chelsea's Ruben Loftus-Cheek saw a late goal disallowed for offside . England (4-2-3-1): Freddie Woodman (Newcastle United); Ola Aina (C; Chelsea), Joe Gomez (Charlton Athletic), Brendan Galloway (Everton), Ashley Smith-Brown (Manchester City); Aaron Kuhl (Reading), Lewis Cook (Leeds United); Patrick Roberts (Fulham), Ruben Loftus-Cheek (Chelsea), Alex Kiwomya (Chelsea); Bradley Fewster (Middlesbrough). Substitutions: Demarai Gray (Birmingham City) for Roberts 67; Charlie Colkett (Chelsea) for Cook 79; Izzy Brown (Chelsea) for Fewster 83 . Substitutes not used: Angus Gunn (Manchester City), Ben Chilwell (Leicester City), Robert Dickie (Reading). Scorer: Smith-Brown 36 . Bookings: Smith-Brown, Kuhl . Head coach: Sean O’Driscoll . Azerbaijan: Tolga Sahin, Ilyas Safarzade, Gazimahammad Gurbanov, Budag Nasirov, Mahir Madatov (C), Mirkamil Hashimli, Fahmin Muradbayli, Elnur Jafarov, Elgun Ulukhanov, Yusif Nabiyev, Gismat Aliyev . Substitutions: Vadim Agaragimov for Muradbayli 45; Roman Huseynov for Madatov 61; Emin Zamanov for Nasirov 90 . Substitutes not used: Agaseyid Gasimov, Bahlul Mustafazade, Renat Agaverdiev, Ilkin Sadigov . Bookings: Safarzade, Gurbanov . Head coach: Nicolai Adam . Referee:

Summary: Smith-Brown scored England's winner just before half-time . They dominated against Azerbaijan but could only find one goal . England now must beat France to qualify for European Championships . The finals will be staged in Greece in July .


The Conservatives were boosted by a string of economic indicators, which show UK is enjoying its strongest growth since 2006, which Chancellor George Osborne hailed as ‘a hat-trick of good news . Families are better off than when the Coalition came to power, the economy is growing faster than expected and consumers are more confident than they have been for more than 12 years, official figures revealed yesterday. On day two of the election campaign, the Conservatives were boosted by a string of economic indicators – crowned by Office for National Statistics figures showing Britain is enjoying its strongest growth since 2006. The UK is out-performing all other leading economies, including the United States, Japan, Canada, Germany and France. In seven signs that the economy is on the up following the worst slump since the 1930s: . Labour has repeatedly claimed that families are £1,600 a year worse off than they were when the Coalition came to power, but shadow Chief Secretary to the Treasury Chris Leslie last night conceded that living standards appeared to be ‘crawling back to the levels that we were at five years ago’. As David Cameron claimed the Tories would help business to create two million more jobs over the next five years if they remained in power, on top of 1.9 million since 2010, independent economists said the Government could boast a ‘remarkable’ record on employment. Car giant Honda announced a £200million investment in its Wiltshire plant - one of the many signs the economy is on the up . Chancellor George Osborne hailed ‘a hat-trick of good news about the British economy’, insisting: ‘With 37 days to go until the election, it’s another sign that changing course would put recovery at risk. Voters now face a stark choice: do we stick with a plan which is working, delivering growth and jobs, or do we put all that at risk with Ed Miliband whose policies of more spending, more borrowing and higher taxes will lead to economic chaos?’ Labour had planned to use Ronald Reagan’s famous question – ‘Are you better off than you were four years ago’ – as a central plank of its election campaign, but the pressure on family finances has eased in recent months as the cost of food and fuel tumbles and wages rise. Inflation has fallen to zero – its lowest level for more than half a century – and Britain looks set for a period of deflation or falling prices. Overall, it means the average British voter now has more cash to spend than they did at the 2010 election. Household spending per head also rose by 0.3 per cent in the final three months of last year. Shadow Chief Secretary to the Treasury Chris Leslie conceded that living standards appeared to be ‘crawling back to the levels of five years ago’ Yesterday’s ONS figures showed the economy has grown by more than 8 per cent since the last election, having crashed by 6 per cent in the so-called ‘Great Recession’ under Labour. The UK economy is now 3.7

Summary: Figures revealed families are better off now than when Coalition started . Economy is growing faster than expected with strongest growth since 2006 . UK is out-performing all other leading economies including U.S. and Japan . Labour repeatedly said families are £1,600 worse off than before Coalition . But Labour MP Chris Leslie conceded living standards are 'crawling back' Gross domestic product – the total size of the economy – rose by 2.8 per cent in 2014, the best performance since 2006; . Disposable incomes per head were 1.9 per cent higher at the end of 2014 than a year earlier and 0.2 per cent higher than when the Coalition came to power; . Just over half of workers had a pay rise last year and more are optimistic about seeing their salaries increase in 2015; . Business investment jumped 7.5 per cent over the past year, the biggest increase since 2007; . Car giant Honda announced a £200million investment in its Wiltshire plant; . Research group GfK said its index of consumer confidence rose last month to its highest level since September 2002; . Demand for mortgages rose to the highest level in six months amid evidence of a price war among lenders.


The Madeira Islands Open has been reduced to 54 holes after strong winds meant no play was possible at Santo da Serra on Thursday. Gusts reached 47mph and stayed steadily above 35mph during the day, causing balls to move on the greens at the mountain-top venue. Round one is scheduled to start on Friday, with tee times for the first two rounds remaining unchanged and the cut coming after 36 holes. The Madeira Islands Open will only be played over 54 holes after the first round was delayed . European Tour meteorologist Guy Nestor (left) measures wind speeds of around 47mph . The tournament in Madeira, Spain has bee affected by weather problems in the past . Tournament director Jose Maria Zamora said: 'Despite the efforts we've made - we didn't cut the greens for the last two days because we knew about this forecast - winds have been too strong and gusty. Every time we sent our referees to check, the balls were moving on the green. 'The players have been waiting in the players' lounge now for up to eight hours, so the best option is to send them back and start fresh tomorrow.' The wind is forecast to die down overnight, although rain and possible thunderstorms could affect play on Friday. The tournament has suffered numerous weather problems down the years and was reduced to 36 holes last year due to lengthy fog delays. Max Orrin of England hits a tee shot during the pro-am event on Wednesday before the storm arrived . Peter Lawrie of Ireland takes a swing during the pro-am event at the Santo da Serra Golf Club .

Summary: Gale force winds have delayed the start of the Madeira Islands Open . The tournament has been cut back for a second year running . The first round has bee rescheduled for Friday with tee times unchanged .


Free to go: Ghoncheh Ghavami, 26, from west London, will not have to return to prison in Iran . A law graduate from west London who was jailed after for trying to attend a men's volleyball game in the Iranian capital will not have to return to prison, her family has said. Ghoncheh Ghavami, 26, was arrested at a Tehran stadium as she tried to attend a volleyball match between Iran and Italy last June. Ghavami, who has dual British and Iranian nationality, was freed on bail in November and has today been told that the remainder of her sentence has been waived. The former law student, from Shepherd's Bush in west London, lodged an appeal against the charges earlier this month. Ms Ghavami spent 151 days in an Iranian prison after being found guilty of 'propagating against the ruling system'. Her brother, Iman, 28 said: 'As we were celebrating Iranian new year, the Iranian government wiped out the rest of my sister's sentence. 'This means Ghoncheh will not have to spend another day in prison. This is amazing news. My mum has finally become her old happy self. 'This wouldn't have been possible without the support of everyone who backed my campaign, signed my petition on Change.org and never lost faith that we would eventually bring my sister home.' More than 777,000 people signed a Change.org petition calling for the Ms Ghavami's release. She was taking part in a protest against a ban on women in Iran attending sporting events in the company of men in public stadiums when she was arrested. The Iranian authorities held her in solitary confinement for 41 days in Tehran's Evin Prison from June 30 before moving her to a shared cell. While in prison the University of London's School of African and Oriental Studies graduate staged two hunger strikes, lasting 14 and six days each. In Iran propaganda against the regime is a crime which carries a potential prison sentence of up to one year. Jailed: Ghavami, 26, from Shepherd's Bush, west London, was arrested at a Tehran stadium as she tried to attend a men's volleyball match between Iran and Italy last June . Despite the charges against her being dropped, Ms Ghavami faces a two-year travel ban. Iman Ghavami said that the family had previously heard unconfirmed rumours that his sister was to be pardoned. But it was not until today that she received paperwork confirming that she had effectively been pardoned. Mr Ghavami said: 'My sister now wants to move on with her life. When she was released on bail things were really difficult but they have improved over the last few months. 'She won't be challenging the travel ban because the authorities have been generous but maybe through a dialogue of some sort we can try to have that lifted too. 'The campaign had a tremendous effect from day one. Before it started we were all hopeless and we did not see any other option but to go public. 'When we did, from day one we started to get support and

Summary: Ghoncheh Ghavami, 26, was jailed after trying to watch men's match . Ghavami, from west London, was freed on bail on November last year . She has today been told she will not be going back to Iranian prison .


When Robin Rinaldi revealed the intimate details of her 5:2 marriage she drew gasps from married couples and staunch monogamists. For the author of The Wild Oats Project described how, for a year, she would spend weekdays sleeping with strangers and weekends with her husband of 17 years, Scott Mansfield. At the time, the dramatic move was a bid to save their relationship after Scott had a vasectomy, but now he's spoken out to say that he never wanted to see other people. Scroll down for video . In her new book Robin Rinaldi revealed that she spent a year having sex with other people ultimately ending her marriage, now her husband Scott has revealed he wouldn't have ever chosen the experiment . While Robin has widely discussed their free-wheeling year, and explores it in a new book, The Wild Oats Project, Scott has kept quiet on the matter - until now, revealing that if he'd had his way the couple would never have entered into the '5:2' marriage in the first place. 'It wasn't something I wanted to do,' the brewer and wine-maker told The Times. 'I didn't like the idea of opening up our marriage. But if I didn't do it, I felt we were heading for divorce, so I thought why not take the chance and maybe we can come out the other side?' His premonition was correct a ultimately the decision led to the end of their marriage and Robin getting together with one of her lovers. Scott says that while he understood his wife's desire to experience sexual relationships with other people - he himself had enjoyed a promiscuous youth - he had always felt it might spell trouble for their marriage. And it seems the question of whether or not to have children had always been an issue for the couple with Scott being firmly against the idea. Irretrievable: After Rinaldi's year of uninhibited encounters, she was unable to rekindle her loving marriage with Mansfield, and the two now have different partners . However, he defends himself in the new interview, revealing that he had always been honest with Robin about his desires and intentions. 'Is it cruel to not change your mind about something you believe in?' he said of fatherhood, 'I don't think Robin ever thought I was being cruel. At any point she could have left me and found somebody else to have a child with or I could have left her and found somebody who wasn't going to bother me about it.' During the course of the year-long experiment he revealed that he dated a handful of women, however, he only slept with one of them. Account: Rinaldi describes every step of the 'project' in intimate detail in her newly-released book, The Wild Oats Project . They had a six month relationship before he eventually called it off. And Scott says it was flattering to get attention from other women. He said: 'I enjoyed the feeling of being attracted to other women and getting good feedback. I had a couple of women

Summary: 'Good girl' writer Robin Rinaldi, 50, was with Scott Mansfield since 1990s . Has written a book about taking lovers during a year long 'open marriage' Now Scott, from San Francisco says he hadn't wanted the experiment .


Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger was presented with a framed collection of photographs from his time with Monaco by vice-president Vadim Vasilyev as he made his return on Monday. Wenger faces the club he first managed in 1987 on Tuesday night when Arsenal try to overturn their 3-1 defeat from the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie. The Frenchman left Monaco in 1994, six years after winning the Ligue 1 title in his debut season, but Wenger will put sentiment aside as he tries to inflict defeat on the club he still remembers fondly. Monaco vice-president Vadim Vasilyev presents Arsene Wenger with a framed collection of photographs . Arsenal manager Wenger was in bullish mood ahead of their Champions League showdown in Monaco . Arsenal boss Wenger walks on the pitch at the Stade Louis II on Monday night ahead of his team's match . Wenger, ahead of his first competitive return to Monte Carlo, said: 'For me personally, it’s a very special moment. 'I was a young coach here and was here for seven years. But tomorrow we have a Champions League game and the experience I gained here can help me. 'I am able to separate the importance of the game for my club and the pleasure I have at coming back. 'The best way to enjoy it most is to do well and to turn it around. 'My real pleasure would be to come back here more to see friends when there is not a match. I’m here for work and job is for the club to win. 'I have lots of respect for Monaco and I want to thank the club because they gave me my chance as a young trainer.' Wenger's seven years in Monaco saw him deliver the title in 1988 and the Coupe de France in 1991, but he will have to make history again on Tuesday night if Arsenal are to qualify. No team in the Champions League era have come back from a two-goal home deficit in the first leg and gone through. The last team to do so was Ajax in 1969 when they came from behind against Benfica and went through following a replay. Even worse for Arsenal is Monaco have not conceded three goals at home in a match for three-and-a-half years, and Wenger has his work cut out for him at his former club. Wenger's seven years in Monaco saw him deliver the title in 1988 and the Coupe de France in 1991 . A younger-looking Wenger celebrates a goal in 1990 as he was given his chance as a young coach in Monaco . Wenger returns to Monaco looking to cause an upset as Arsenal must come back from a 3-1 first-leg defeat . Wenger pictured in 1990 during a training session taking place during his time as Monaco manager . VIDEO Monaco favourites to progress .

Summary: Monaco vice-president Vadim Vasilyev welcomed Arsene Wenger with a framed collection of photographs from his time there . Wenger faces the club he first managed in 1987 on Tuesday night . Arsenal manager will try to use experience gained at Monaco against them . 'For me personally, it’s a very special moment, I was a young coach here and was here for seven years,' Wenger admits .


Most afternoons I can be found huffing and puffing my way up Primrose Hill in North London, pushing what feels like the world's heaviest baby in a buggy. The view of the city from the top is spectacular but for a few precious days I swapped it for an even better one - with the magnificent backdrop of the Italian Dolomites. After a two-hour car journey from Innsbruck we were greeted at Rosa Alpina - a five-star, family-owned hotel and spa tucked in a valley in the tiny village of San Cassiano - with a local speciality: a sweet and comforting hot apple juice. Impossibly neat: Rosa Alpina is nestled in the green foothills of the Italian Dolomites . In the sunshine, the village looked pristine, with pretty wooden chalets stacked against mountain pastures which would have been snow-covered in winter but were now a vivid green. The grass was impossibly neat and as I wondered how many cows it must take to maintain, I spotted sit-on mowers weaving up and down the slopes. Completing the alpine scene was a hefty-looking herd with jangling cowbells. Having picked out a buggy from the hotel lobby, with map in hand we set off on a mountain walk but took the lazy way up - in a cable car. As the cable car lurched, my four month-old daughter Romilly wobbled in my lap, lip trembling; looking back down the mountain and up to the peak seemed a long way off. I began to doubt my fitness for what was my first post-baby trip away - billed as a Yummy Mummy healthy strolling break. I had feared craggy paths at the summit, precariously winding round the mountain, but found gentle, undulating trails. There was a restaurant, playground, park and fountain. It was as family friendly as the nursery department at John Lewis. Families and groups were starting out or finishing walks, with children in backpacks and buggies, or just jogging alongside their parents, perfectly content without a gadget in sight. Some were Nordic walking, others speed hiking. Would this sort of family outing happen back home? Not likely and what a shame. Instead of craggy, unforgiving trails, Sarah found undulating trails in the mountains perfect for buggies . The views were awesome and the air so pure I took in great gulps in the hope it might benefit my London-worn lungs. We could have easily taken a different trail each day of the week. At one hilltop restaurant, deckchairs overlooked the spectacular view like a sort of mountain beach, and children played on swings. For a different view of the mountains, the larch trail runs through meadows and up into the mountains opposite the hotel. It makes for a wonderful outing for energetic children (and their parents) and Rosa Alpina has produced a brilliant educational booklet which encourages little ones to look out for flora and fauna, plus answer questions on their surroundings. Sarah and her four month-old daughter Romilly enjoy the alpine views from the cable car . Tucked up inside at Rosa Alpina, the

Summary: Rosa Alpina is a five star hotel tucked away in San Cassiano . Cable car rides to gentle trails make for pleasant walking in the mountains . Outdoor activities and exploring are the order of the day .


A Michigan man killed in a shootout that also left a rookie Wisconsin state trooper dead was part of a group of skinheads who attacked black and Hispanic people nearly 20 years ago, court records show. Steven Timothy Snyder was convicted in 1996 of disorderly conduct in Fond du Lac, the same city where he killed Trooper Trevor Casper on Tuesday. A third person was also found dead, but police have not said who was responsible. Shootout: Steven Timothy Snyder, left, killed rookie Trooper Trevor Casper, right, on Tuesday . Crime: According to the Wisconsin Department of Justice, Snyder robbed a bank in the Village of Wausaukee, a community in northeastern Wisconsin just a few miles from the Michigan border, early Tuesday afternoon . According to charging documents, Snyder, then 19, was part of a group of skinheads police noticed walking through downtown in April 1996. Police saw the group walk up to a house. A group of black and Hispanic people emerged and the two groups pulled out pipes and baseball bats and began swinging at each other. The groups dispersed as police arrived, and an officer chased Snyder down and captured him. The documents say he had several 'White Power' tattoos and was carrying several dozen printed cards in his coat promoting a neo-Nazi organization called the National Alliance. The cards contained messages such as, 'That no multi-racial society is a healthy society — that if the white race is to survive we must unite our people on the basis of common blood, organize them within a progressive social order, and inspire them with a common set of ideals,' the charging documents said. Snyder told officers that some of the black and Hispanic people who came out of the house were carrying guns. The documents listed Snyder's address as Macomb Township, near Detroit. Alone: Casper had just graduated from the State Patrol's academy in December and was on his first solo patrol on Tuesday when the fatal shootout took place . Remembered: A funeral for Casper will be held Sunday at his alma mater, Kiel High School. A private burial is scheduled Monday . History: Steven Timothy Snyder was part of a group of skinheads who attacked black and Hispanic people nearly 20 years ago, court records show. Police are seen at the scene of the shootout on Tuesday . He was convicted of disorderly conduct in May 1996 and sentenced to 50 days in jail. Online court records don't list any other charges against Snyder in Wisconsin. According to the Wisconsin Department of Justice, Snyder robbed a bank in the Village of Wausaukee, a community in northeastern Wisconsin just a few miles from the Michigan border, early Tuesday afternoon. Later that evening the 21-year-old Casper, who had just graduated from the State Patrol's academy in December and was on his first solo patrol, began following a vehicle in Fond du Lac that matched the description of the one used in the Wausaukee robbery. Casper ultimately got into a shootout with Snyder and both were fatally wounded, according to Department

Summary: Steven Timothy Snyder was part of a group of skinheads who attacked black and Hispanic people nearly 20 years ago, court records show . Snyder was convicted in 1996 of disorderly conduct in Font du Lac, the same city where he killed Trooper Trevor Casper on Tuesday . Documents say he had several 'White Power' tattoos and was carrying several dozen printed cards in his coat promoting the National Alliance . According to the Wisconsin Department of Justice, Snyder robbed a bank in the Village of Wausaukee that day . Casper was on his first solo patrol when he followed a vehicle in Fond du Lac that matched the description of the one used in the robbery . The trooper ultimately got into a shootout with Snyder and both were fatally wounded, according to Department of Justice officials .


While his Italian team-mates are away vying for Euro 2016 qualification, Liverpool striker Mario Balotelli is reminiscing on a past tournament... by recreating his famous goal celebration from 2012. The out-of-sorts striker, who was left out of Antonio Conte's squad for Italy's qualifier against Bulgaria and a friendly with England, posted the picture to Instagram on Tuesday afternoon. In 2012, after scoring for the Azzurri against Germany in a European Championship semi-final, Balotelli whipped off his shirt, before striking a pose to show off his muscular frame. Liverpool striker Mario Balotelli recreated his famous goal celebration for an Instagram photo on Tuesday . The Italian scored for his country against Germany in the semi-final of Euro 2012 in Warsaw, Poland . Perhaps serving as a reminder of what he can do, Balotelli recreated the celebration for Instagram, alongside the message, 'Old euro cup pose LOADING....' In the most recent picture, Balotelli appears to be sporting a new tattoo on his pectoral, as well as a far less zany hairstyle. The Reds forward has struggled for goals of late, only netting four in 25 matches this season. He did, though, get on the scoresheet for Jamie Carragher's XI in last weekend's Liverpool All-Star game. He'll be hoping he can take that form into the Premier League, starting with Arsenal next Saturday. Balotelli is congratulated after scoring for Jamie Carragher's XI in the Liverpool All-Star game on Sunday . Balotelli also posted a picture of his football boots, inscribed with his initials and number: 'MB45', on the back .

Summary: Mario Balotelli scored in the Euro 2012 semi-final against Germany . His celebration has become famous and he recreated it on Instagram . Balotelli was left out of Italy's squad for their Euro 2016 qualifier . The Liverpool striker has scored just four goals in 25 games this season . CLICK HERE for all the latest Liverpool news .


Militants fighting for the Islamic State in Syria have released sickening images of a young man having his hand hacked off after he was accused of stealing. The images, understood to have been taken in the terror group's de facto capital Raqqa, show the terrified young man being dragged out onto a public square in front of a bloodthirsty crowd. The blindfolded victim is forced to sit in a chair in the centre of the square, where he is held in place by one of the jihadis, while two others use a large meat cleaver to brutally sever his hand from his arm. Sick: The victim is seen pinned in a chair by a group of men, one of whom uses a chord to pull his arm taut while two others place a heavy meat cleaver on the top of his wrist, ready to strike . Horror: The images, understood to have been taken in ISIS' de facto capital Raqqa, show the terrified young man being led from a vehicle by three heavily armed terrorists, one of whom appears to be no older than 16 . The horrific images were shared on the Twitter page of the local activist group Raqqa Is Being Slaughtered Silently, who work undercover in the city to expose the atrocities committed by ISIS. The four photographs are high quality shots and carry the distinctive yellow branding of ISIS' Al-Hayat Media Center, suggesting they may be stills from an as-yet unreleased propaganda video. The first image shows the blindfold and baseball cap-wearing victim being led from a vehicle by three heavily armed Islamic State terrorists, one of whom appears to be no older than 16. Another shot captures a bearded cleric appearing to read charges against the man - using a microphone and PA system to tell the crowd of sadistic onlookers that the man is accused of stealing. The victim is then seen pinned in a chair by a separate group of men, one of whom uses a chord to pull his arm taut while two others place a heavy meat cleaver on the top of his wrist, ready to strike. A final image shows the victim lying on his back in agony on a metal gurney while a man who appears to be a surgeon tends to the injury on his left hand. Accusations: A bearded cleric appears to read charges against the man - using a microphone and PA system to tell the gathered crowd of sadistic onlookers that the man has been accused of stealing . Painful: A final image shows the victim lying on his back in agony on a metal gurney while a man who appears to be a surgeon tends to the injury on his left hand . The video comes just one day after ISIS released gruesome footage of the murder of a man the terror group accused of working as a spy. The video was filmed in Aleppo and shows a man believed to be named Ahmed Muhammad being led out to a forecourt by masked executioners, who then

Summary: Victim is dragged before bloodthirsty onlookers in the Syrian city of Raqqa . Bearded cleric tells the crowd that he has been found guilty of stealing . Man is pinned down in a chair while a group of jihadis hold him in place . They then use a large meat cleaver to brutally sever his hand from his arm . Another image shows ISIS surgeon tending to the man's gruesome wounds .


Westminster’s Public Administration Committee said the country’s top mandarin, Sir Jeremy Heywood (pictured), had been ‘wrong in law’ during a row over two of Theresa May’s Special Advisers . Sir Jeremy Heywood was given a humiliating rebuke by MPs yesterday for clearing taxpayer-funded advisers to take part in political campaigning. Westminster’s Public Administration Committee said the country’s top mandarin had been ‘wrong in law’ during a row over two of Theresa May’s Special Advisers. It is another blow to the reputation of the Cabinet Secretary – who is known as Sir Cover Up for trying to block the publication of letters related to the Iraq War. Nick Timothy and Stephen Parkinson, two of the Home Secretary’s closest aides, refused an order from Tory HQ to take part in telephone canvassing during last year’s Rochester by-election. The pair said it was a breach of the special adviser's code, which says that - as public servants - they should not conduct canvassing in by-election campaigns and are required to resign their posts if they wish to do so. Number Ten and Tory HQ disagreed – suspending both men from the list of candidates at the forthcoming General Election as a punishment. To justify the decision, Number Ten relied upon advice from Sir Jeremy, who wields enormous power inside Government. He controversially ruled it was acceptable for special advisers to take part in ‘backroom support’ activities in their private time and telephone canvassing fell into this category. But that interpretation has now been flatly rejected by the public administration committee. The committee said: ‘Any direction to a Special Adviser to conduct telephone canvassing was misguided, and that advice that such a direction or such canvassing was permitted under their Code and contract of employment was wrong in law. ‘We recommend that Special Advisers should never again be confronted with directions or informal pressure that puts them in breach of the Code and of their contracts of employment.’ The Speaker’s Counsel, Michael Carpenter, told MPs he had been ‘unpersuaded’ by Sir Jeremy’s arguments. Mr Carpenter said that, far from being a backroom activity, telephone canvassing involved taking part in a political debate with members of the public. Mr Timothy and Mr Parkinson are now expected to apply to be re-instated to the candidates list after the election. Sources said they appeared to have a ‘slam dunk case’ to get their suspension lifted. Labour deputy chairman Jon Ashworth said: ‘The Parliamentary Authorities have delivered a damning assessment of the Number 10 operation, and we now need to know which Ministers were complicit in issuing this ‘misguided’ advice. Sir Jeremy controversially ruled it was acceptable for special advisers to take part in ‘backroom support’ activities in their private time and telephone canvassing fell into this category. Pictured: Theresa May . ‘Given the proximity of the election campaign, we need a formal government response today which outlines how Number 10 will ensure no rules will be broken over the role played by Special Advisers.’ At the time, the decision to remove the advisers from the candidates list was widely

Summary: Sir Jeremy Heywood given humiliating rebuke by MPs in row over advisers . Given dressing down for clearing advisers to help in political campaigning . He ruled it was acceptable for Nick Timothy and Stephen Parkinson to do ‘backroom support’ activities in private time and telephone canvassing .


The U.S. study showed supplements of of purified Omega 7 oil, the key fatty acid found in anchovies, could reduce harmful blood fats and boost 'good' cholestrol . Anchovies could hold the key to cutting risk factors for heart disease and stroke. An extract of omega oil found in them reduced levels of harmful blood fats and boosted ‘good’ cholesterol. The findings come from the first human trial of supplements of purified Omega 7 oil, the key fatty acid found in anchovies. After just a month volunteers were found to have a 44 per cent cut in C-reactive protein (CRP), a marker of inflammation in the blood, along with triglycerides and bad LDL cholesterol. Experts say the health benefits of palmitoleic acid, the prime Omega 7 acid, are only just emerging. Dr Michael Roizen, who led the US study, said ‘I think the major benefit come from decreasing inflammation as well as a beneficial effect on other contributing risk factors to cardiovascular disease, with no side effects that we know of.’ Dr Roizen, professor of medicine and head of the Wellness Institute at the Cleveland Clinic, said ‘The trial showed inflammatory markers were reduced and the effect on good fats was a bonus. ‘There seems to be a lot of benefit and not much risk – this could help us tackle some of the factors made worse by obesity that can lead to heart disease,’ he added. In the study, 60 adult volunteers were randomly assigned to take 220mg of palmitoleic acid once a day or an inactive supplement for 30 days. Those taking part had mildly raised levels of blood fats and inflammation. After the study tests showed a 44 per cent reduction in CRP, 15 per cent cut in triglycerides and eight per cent fall in LDL cholesterol – all factors linked to heart disease. Levels of HDL – a good form of cholesterol – rose five per cent compared with those taking dummy capsules. The trial, published by the Journal of Clinical Lipidology, was funded by Tersus Pharmaceuticals which provided the experimental capsules called Provinal. Provinal is available in the UK as Pura 7, a new brand of Omega 7 concentrated wild anchovy oil. Unlike the better known polyunsaturated fatty acids known as omega-3s, omega-7s are monounsaturated fats and they have different mechanisms of action. But to get the same effect from anchovies alone would mean eating a can of the fish a day . Palmitoleic acid was found by scientists at Harvard University in 2008 to be the first fatty acid to act as a hormone in the body. It plays an important role in regulating metabolism and appears to protect against harmful processes associated with obesity-related diseases such as diabetes. Dr Roizen, who chairs the scientific advisory board for Tersus Pharmaceuticals, said people would have to eat around a can of anchovies a day to get the same amount of omega 7 oil from a daily dose of supplements. ‘That’s a reasonable amount of anchovies every day if you like them, but some people find it simpler

Summary: An extract of omega oil found in them reduced levels of harmful blood fats . Purified Omega 7 oil supplement trial found it boosted 'good' cholesterol . But people would have to eat a can of anchovies a day for the same results .


A hound's howl breaks through the cold rainfall. Dozens more hounds emerge from a stand of trees and bound across a field in search of a fox's scent. Horses carrying riders in red and black coats follow from a ways behind, quickly disappearing again over a hillcrest, minutes away from Baltimore's growing suburbs. The Elkridge-Harford Hunt Club has roots dating back to 1878, but records show organized foxhunts took place in Maryland as early as the 1790s. In order to preserve a pastime that requires vast open space in the midst of one of the world's densest regions, the club has managed to protect a patchwork of land that is larger than Manhattan. According to the website of the Masters of Foxhounds Association of America, there are nearly 160 organized foxhunting clubs in the U.S. and Canada. And while the sport's ban in Britain over animal welfare concerns 10 years ago is still debated, the American hunt is a chase - the intent is not to kill a fox. In many places red foxes are a rarity in the US so the hounds chase coyotes - a distant cousin of the fox - instead. But from dress to decorum, many of the traditions remain unaltered from its inception. On the hunt: Hounds wander in a field as huntsman Geoff Hyde, top center, and members of the Elkridge-Harford Hunt Club prepare for a fox hunt to begin in Monkton, Maryland, in January . Trek: Members of the Elkridge-Harford Hunt Club follow a path during a hunt. In order to protect a pastime that requires vast open space in the midst of one of the world's densest regions, the club has managed to secure a patchwork of land that is larger than Manhattan . Trophy: A stuffed fox is displayed on a shelf in the Elkridge-Harford Hunt Club clubhouse in Monkton, Md. The club has roots dating back to 1878, but records show organized foxhunts took place in Maryland as early as the 1790s . Getting ready: Huntsman Geoff Hyde leads a group of hounds out of their kennel at the Elkridge-Harford Hunt Club as they head out for a fox hunt . Animal companion: A member of the Elkridge-Harford Hunt Club holds the reins of his horse after a January 3 fox hunt in Monkton . Dress to impress: A member of the Elkridge-Harford Hunt Club puts on boots in this December photograph as he prepares for a fox hunt . Lead the way! A a member of the Elkridge-Harford Hunt Club leads his horse out of a barn for a December 14 2014 fox hunt. The American hunt is a chase - the intent is not to kill a fox . Where is it? A hunting club member rides a horse through a stand of trees during a November fox hunt in Maryland . Remembered: Hunters from years past are seen in photographs on a wall inside the Elkridge-Harford Hunt Club's clubhouse . Trek: A hunting club member is seen through trees during a fox hunt . Clear the path: A hunting

Summary: According to the Masters of Foxhounds Association of America, there are nearly 160 organized foxhunting clubs in the U.S. and Canada . And while the sport's ban in Britain over animal welfare concerns 10 years ago is still debated, the American hunt is a chase and the intent is not to kill a fox . The Elkridge-Harford Hunt Club has roots dating back to 1878, but records show organized foxhunts took place in Maryland as early as the 1790s .


A jealous transvestite who attacked the Polish wife of a man she fancied with her stiletto shoe is facing jail. Plagad Somian, 23, began hassling Marek Pietrzycka, 45, when she saw him walking with his wife Katarzyna in the street in Pattaya, a city on the east coast of Thailand known as a sex tourist hotspot. She reportedly told him to 'ditch the b**** and make the switch' which annoyed Mrs Pietrzycka, 42, who told Somian her husband was not interested before taking his hand and walking off. Katarzyne Pietrzycka, 42, was attacked with a stiletto by a Thai transvestite jealous over her husband, leaving her bleeding heavily from her head (right) following the assault in the east coast Thai city of Pattaya . Transvestite Plagad Somian, 23, has been arrested over the incident after allegedly flying into a jealous rage . Mrs Pietrzycka is comforted in hospital after the horror attack. She and her husband were trying to walk away . But as the couple tried to leave the brunette sex worker flipped, taking off her shoe and striking Pietrzycka in the face, knocking her to the ground and screaming: 'Don't f***ing mess with me you ugly whore.' Fellow tourist Oliver Kolar, 33, told local TV: 'The ladyboy had been talking to the woman's husband and she obviously didn't like it. 'The blonde started telling the man they were leaving, and the next thing you knew the ladyboy went mental, took off her shoe and smashed it into the woman's face. 'She was swearing a lot and when she attacked, the blonde went down like a tonne of bricks and was lying on the floor with blood streaming down her face. 'The ladyboy then hit her again and that's when the man, who I assumed was her husband, pulled her off.' Police quickly arrived on the scene and arrested Somian, who was being calmed down by fellow transvestites. Local man Son-Ram Wonggoun, 42, said: 'Foreigners are quite vulnerable around here and there have been a few incidents where they have been robbed or ripped off. The Polish tourist was struck in the face and knocked to the ground while on holiday in Pattaya, Thailand . Somian is detained. She reportedly shouted 'ditch the b**** and make the switch' before launching the attack . 'But I have never seen anything like this. 'The local working girls and ladyboys are temperamental but are normally very good to tourists as that is their trade. 'Attacking one is bad news for everyone as it will give us a bad reputation. 'People won't come here and enjoy what's on offer if they feel threatened by the prospect of violence. 'It was clear that this blond lady was on holiday with her man for sightseeing and not there for the other stuff. 'The ladyboy should have stayed away.' A police spokesman said: 'She admitted attacking the woman but said she had done it in a fit of rage at being slighted. She said the Polish woman had insulted her. 'She has been charged with causing bodily harm

Summary: Plagad Somian, 23, began hassling Marek Pietrzycka, 45, in the street . He was walking with wife Katarzyna, 42, in Pattaya, a city in east Thailand . Sex worker told Polish man to 'ditch the b**** and make the switch' When he and his wife walked away, the transvestite 'flipped' and attacked . Struck Ms Pietrzycka, yelling: 'Don't f***ing mess with me you ugly whore' Left the victim 'lying on the floor with blood streaming down her face' Now charged with causing bodily harm and is being detained before trial .


Australian cricket captain Michael Clarke has been slammed by social media for his appearance in the new Oral B campaign, labelled the worst marketing campaign ever by unimpressed fans. It could have been the photo of him batting with an electric toothbrush, or holding a winning trophy labelled 'The Gnashes,' or even going undercover as a dentist for Oral B, but whichever it was, keyboard warriors acted immediately. He was mocked by being renamed 'Michael Plaque' and called a 'sellout' and 'money-grubber' as he is rumoured to be making £256,000 for the endorsement deal. VIDEO Scroll down to see Michael Clarke's Oral B advert . Australia captain Michael Clarke has been roundly criticised on social media for his Oral B TV advert . Clarke dropped the bat and picked up the toothbrush for his new 'True Blue Challenge' campaign with Oral B . Facebook has slammed Clarke for his endorsement calling him a 'sellout' and 'money-grubber' Clarke had donned these new pair of whites for a campaign called the 'True Blue Challenge,' aimed to boost Australia's oral health and overtake England by 'bowling them over.' 'This is outrageous Australia, the Poms are laughing at us, it's time to take action,' Clarke says in his Oral B adverts. 'I love beating the Poms on the cricket field, it's time to do it again with my oral health.' Social media trolls even furthered their displeasure by comparing his campaign with his performance on the cricket field. 'Can't score more than 40 in grade cricket...may as well advertise mouthwash,' one disgruntled viewer said. 'Glad to see he managed to get through the entire commercial without an injury!' said another. 'I love beating the Poms on the cricket field... It's time to do it again with my oral health,' Clarke says in advert . 'Michael Plaque' has been trending as Clarke's new name since the campaign was initiated . Facebookers have slammed the Australian cricket captain for the endorsement deal . Oral B initially began Clarke's involvement as a 'guess who' campaign with many fans recognising his tattoo . The 33-year-old even took to going undercover as a dentist for his Oral B endorsement deal . Clarke was made an ambassador for Spartan in 2012 which made much more sense to many of his fans . Clarke's tattoos have also received ridicule for their appearance in the adverts, especially the Arabic writing scrawled up his left arm, loosely translating to 'the pain of discipline is nothing like the pain of disappointment.' Viewers took to asking him to step down as captain due to the embarrassment of the endorsement deal calling him a 'goose' and a 'commercial whore.' Clarke has previously become an ambassador for Australian sport products company, Spartan, in 2012. He received mostly praise for this deal among fans. The 33-year-old will be aiming to hit back at his critics with an inspiring performance when the tournament co-hosts face Sri Lanka on Sunday.

Summary: Michael Clarke has been ridiculed on Facebook for new campaign . Oral B advert sees Australia captain bat with an electric toothbrush . Trolls renamed him 'Michael Plaque' and called him a 'sellout' Australia face Sri Lanka in their next Cricket World Cup tie on Sunday .


A smart cooking device that uses 'satellite technology' for precision-temperature cooking has been unveiled. The £330 ($499) Cinder Sensing Cooker looks like a sandwich toaster but is used to cook a variety foods, including steak. An app tells you when your food is done - and even stores it for up to two hours if you aren't ready to eat just yet. A San Francisco-based company has developed the Cinder Sensing Cooker (shown). It uses 'satellite technology' to cook food to precise temperatures . The boss of the San Francisco-based company, Eric Norman, was previously an engineer at Lockheed Martin - known for its involvement in the space industry. Mr Norman said they ‘drew upon rocket science used in spacecraft to create a wholly down-to-Earth cooking experience.’ For example, the materials and the structural design were selected specifically to optimise heat flow, while the device can cook food to very precise specifications. ‘Like controlling the motion of a satellite, Cinder’s predictive control system and sensor placement are carefully tuned to avoid overshoot,’ the company said. Dimensions: 18 x 12 x 5 inches (46 x 30 x 13cm) Weight: 12 lbs (5kg) Electric: 1800W at 120V . Max temperature: 290°C (550°F) Connectivity: WiFi and Bluetooth . Mr Norman said the product enables people to ‘combine the best parts of home cooking - the creative and sensory experience - with the best part of fine dining, which is the perfectly cooked, delicious food.’ To cook food, Cinder has an enclosed chamber and two non-stick aluminium cooking plates. These are equipped with highly accurate sensors that achieve and maintain the precise temperature to cook a particular food. This can either be calculated by the machine, or selected according to the cook’s preferences. The company said it can ‘prepare a perfect, medium-rare New York Strip steak, cooked evenly edge-to-edge and with a beautiful seared exterior, in 28 minutes.’ The user selects what food is cooking via an app. The device then uses two plates to heat it to the right temperature. It can also store cooked food for up to two hours ready to serve . The app will send you reminders to let you know when your food is done and the user can also control the cooker remotely using any connected device. It is currently only available for iOS . To cook food in Cinder, the user simply places the food inside and closes the lid. They then select what they are cooking - for example ‘NY Strip, Medium Rare’ - in an accompanying app. It reaches its target temperature ‘within seconds’ and then maintains this until the food also reaches its correct temperature. Once cooked, the machine can then keep the food at its serving temperature for two hours. ‘Because the temperature inside Cinder is so precise and remains constant, it is impossible to overcook or undercook the steak,’ the company claimed. 'To monitor the temperature of the food, Cinder uses a ‘patent-pending virtual-thermometer algorithm.’ Cinder is available now for pre-order, and will begin shipping in early 2016. Mr Norman said the product

Summary: San Francisco company has developed the Cinder Sensing Cooker . It uses 'satellite technology' to cook food to precise temperatures . The user selects what food they are cooking using an app . The device then uses two plates to heat it to the right temperature . It can also store cooked food for up to two hours ready to serve . The company plans to release the product in early 2016 .


Follow live coverage of the Europa League quarter-final draw from UEFA's headquarters in Nyon, Switzerland. Everton may have been the last Premier League club to bow out but a strong field remains, all hoping to reach the Warsaw final on May 27. Dynamo Kiev, Fiorentina, Napoli, Sevilla, Wolfsburg, Zenit St Petersburg, Club Brugge and Dnipro are the teams in the pot. Follow the draw live from 12pm. Host commentator . The draw in full for you then: . Sevilla vs Zenit St Petersburg . Dnipro vs Club Brugge . Dynamo Kiev vs Fiorentina . Wolfsburg vs Napoli . The first legs will be played on April 16 with the second legs seven days later on April 23 . The Russians will take on the defending champions, Sevilla . Because of the complication regarding Russian and Ukrainian teams, who can't be drawn against each other, the ball with Zenit in it has been separated and will be drawn first. The special guest today is the former Liverpool and Poland goalkeeper Jerzy Dudek, who is the ambassador for the Warsaw final this year. Gianni Infantino is back on the stage, even receiving a round of applause as he walked in. The only teams that will be kept apart are those from Russia and Ukraine because of the conflict there. That means Zenit will not be paired with Dynamo Kiev or Dnipro. The Europa League theme tune is playing so we shouldn't be too far away from the main draw now. A reminder that this season's Europa League final will be held in Warsaw, Poland on May 27. The total wipeout of English clubs from European competition this week has led to another feverish debate about where our game stands in relation to our continental counterparts. But before we get too down about things, there is still one Englishman standing in Europe this season. Manchester City may have crashed out to Barcelona but their on-loan defender Micah Richards is still eyeing European glory with Italian side Fiorentina. CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL STORY . We've had the Champions League draw and next up in Nyon we will discover who's playing who in the last eight of the UEFA Europa League. The remaining sides are Dynamo Kiev, Fiorentina, Napoli, Sevilla, Wolfsburg, Zenit St Petersburg, Club Brugge and Dnipro. Kiev, as you may have seen, put paid to English hopes of silverware when they beat Everton last night. The first legs will be played on April 16 with the second legs seven days later on April 23. The draw will get started at about midday and we'll have all the news for you first here.

Summary: UEFA Europa League quarter-final draw takes place in Nyon at midday . No English clubs remain after Everton lost to Dynamo Kiev . Fiorentina, Napoli, Wolfsburg, Sevilla, Zenit, Club Brugge and Dnipro are also in the last eight draw . CLICK HERE to read a summary of the UEFA Europa League draw .


New York City's storied yellow cabs are taking a back seat to black cars. Uber cars, often black sedans that can be summoned with smartphone apps, now outnumber the yellow taxis that city riders have hailed with a whistle and a wave for generations. It was a changing-of-the-guard moment that passed with little fanfare this week in figures released by the city's Taxi and Limousine Commission: 14,088 registered Uber cars compared with 13,587 yellow cabs. Uber cars, which are hailed by an app, now outnumber the yellow taxis in New York City, a place famous for its classic yellow cars (file photo) But it hardly means yellow cabs are out of favor. In fact, there are about 440,000 yellow cab rides a day, compared to just 20,000 to 30,000 Uber rides. That's because Uber drivers often own their own cars and work less than 40 hours a week, while most yellow taxis are owned by cab companies, have more than one driver and are on the road close to 24 hours a day. 'Yellow cab rides significantly outstrip the number of black car rides,' said Meera Joshi, chairwoman of the taxi commission. 'So the number of their affiliated vehicles in and of itself doesn't paint a complete picture.' Uber was introduced in New York City in 2011 and has grown steadily in popularity, particularly among tech-savvy customers who are comfortable hailing rides through an app that shows when a car is on the way. A customer can even follow its progress with a blip on a street map. Similar companies such as Lyft use apps to connect with riders. Prices are comparable, but some Uber riders have complained about fare add-ons for larger vehicles and 'surge pricing' during rush hour, bad weather or holidays. Figures released by the New York's Taxi and Limousine Commission shows that 14,088 registered Uber cars compared with 13,587 yellow cabs in the city (file photo) 'I absolutely do love the convenience, and if it's not surge pricing I find the costs very comparable and in some cases cheaper than yellow taxis,' said Kerry Farrell, a paralegal who uses Uber about three times a week. Uber spokesman Matt Wing declined to comment on the significance of the numbers of Uber cars surpassing yellow cabs. But some drivers and their advocates grumbled that Uber's growth has flooded the market, lowering average incomes for all drivers. 'Uber having an unlimited number of cars means no drivers — taxi or black car and livery — will earn a decent living,' said Bhairavi Desai, executive director of the New York Taxi Workers Alliance, an advocacy group that includes both Uber and yellow cab drivers as members. Mamadou Diallo, who has been driving a yellow cab since 2004, said he once could count on at least 30 fares a day. But his take has dropped 30 to 40 percent since Uber and other such car services entered the New York market. 'It's a jungle,' he said, 'and the big fish always eat the small fish.' New York's 13,587 yellow cabs are in competition

Summary: There are 14,088 registered Uber cars and 13,587 yellow cabs in New York . But there are about 440,000 yellow cab rides a day and just 20,000 to 30,000 Uber rides . Uber cars, which can be summoned by a smarthphone app, were introduced in New York City in 2011 and has grown steadily in popularity .


The latest numbers from the US Labor Department show that 295,000 jobs were added in February, marking the 12th straight monthly gain above 200,000, while the unemployment rate dropped to a more than six-year low. But the decline in the jobless rate from 5.7 to 5.5 per cent occurred mainly because some people out of work stopped looking for jobs and were no longer counted as unemployed, according to federal officials. Economists polled by Reuters had forecast a 240,000 increase in payrolls after a previously reported 257,000 rise in January. They had forecast the jobless rate falling one-tenth of a percentage point to 5.6 per cent. Scroll down for video . Job gains: US employers added 295,000 jobs in February, marking 12th straight monthly gain above 200,000 . Progress: The unemployment rate dropped to a more than six-year low of 5.5 per cent . However, the stronger-than-expected job gains weren't enough to boost wages by much. The average hourly wage rose just 3 cents in February to $24.78 an hour. Still, over the past 12 months, 3.3 million more Americans have gotten jobs. More jobs and lower gas prices have led many consumers to step up spending. That's boosting the economy, offsetting sluggish economies overseas and giving employers the confidence to hire. The closely followed employment report was released a little more than a week before the US central bank's March 17-18 policy meeting. The strengthening job market could give the Federal Reserve room to move toward raising interest rates from record lows. Most analysts expect the Fed to pave the way for higher rates by adjusting the statement it issues after its March policy meeting, to be followed by the first hike in June or September. After the jobs report was released Friday morning, investors sold ultra-safe US Treasurys, a sign that many anticipate a Fed rate hike. The yield on the 10-year Treasury note rose to 2.18 per cent from 2.11 percent before the report was issued. The US job market and economy are easily outpacing those of other major nations. Though Europe and Japan are showing signs of growing more than last year, their economies remain feeble. The euro currency union's unemployment rate has started to fall, but at 11.2 percent it remains nearly twice the US level. The US economy expanded at a breakneck annual pace of 4.8 per cent in last year's spring and summer, only to slow to a tepid 2.2 per cent rate in the final three months of 2014. Many economists estimate that growth is picking up slightly in the current quarter to an annual rate of 2.5 per cent to nearly 3 per cent. Back to work: Over the past 12 months, 3.3 million more Americans have gotten jobs . Still, economists remain bullish about hiring despite the slowdown in growth. The fourth quarter's slowdown occurred largely because companies reduced their stockpiles of goods, which translated into lower factory output. But companies focus more on consumer demand in making hiring decisions, and demand was strong in the October-December quarter. Americans stepped up their

Summary: Employers added 295,000 jobs in February, marking 12th straight monthly gain above 200,000 . Labor Department says decline in jobless rate from 5.7 to 5.5 per cent occurred because some people stopped looking for work . Average hourly wage rose just 3 cents in February to $24.78 . Over the past 12 months, 3.3 million more Americans have gotten jobs .


Sometimes getting a bit of peace and quiet can prove impossible - especially with annoying housemates to contend with, as this new video shows. Russian YouTube user Vladlena Tkachenko filmed her giant St. Bernard dog attempting to get a nap as he was licked and sniffed by his tiny kitten friend. The sleepy canine is seen rolling his eyes in annoyance before stopping the feline in its tracks with his large paw. The little cat wags its tail as it remains momentarily trapped. A child watching the scene is heard laughing in the background. After the kitten manages to wriggle free it sits still, looking a little dazed and confused. However, it soon goes back to annoying its dog friend, pawing him in the eyes and rubbing up against his face. At one point the infant animal takes to nibbling the St Bernard's droopy jowls. The canine throws a look of disdain at the camera. It appears sometime a bit of peace and quiet can be too much to ask... Caught on camera: Russian YouTube user Vladlena Tkachenko filmed the moment her giant St. Bernard dog attempted to get a nap before being licked and sniffed by his tiny kitten friend . Got you now: The sleepy canine is seen rolling his eyes in annoyance before stopping the feline in its tracks with his large paw . Let me go: The little cat wags its tail as it remains momentarily trapped .

Summary: Russian YouTube user Vladlena Tkachenko filmed the moment her giant St. Bernard dog attempted to get a nap before being annoyed by his kitten pal .


Leeds' England international Tom Briscoe will be sidelined for around three months with a shoulder injury, coach Brian McDermott has confirmed. The 25-year-old former Hull winger, who missed just two matches in his first season with the Rhinos in 2014, will undergo surgery on Saturday after scans revealed the full extent of an injury he has been carrying for a few weeks. 'There's a fair bit of damage in there,' McDermott said. 'He's been good for us so we'll miss him but it gives an opportunity for Ash Handley to get some more game time. Leeds' England international Tom Briscoe will be sidelined for around three months with a shoulder injury . 'He did okay against Wigan. The acid test for Ash will come in the coming weeks to maintain that level.' Handley, 19, made only his second Super League appearance and scored his first try in Leeds' 26-14 win over Wigan last Friday and keeps his spot for the trip to Perpignan to face Catalans Dragons on Saturday, while Liam Sutcliffe will continue to deputise for skipper Kevin Sinfield, who is still recovering from a hamstring injury. Another England international, Zak Hardaker, keeps his place pending the outcome of an investigation into an assault he committed on a student in Leeds in February. 'At some stage the club will make an announcement,' McDermott said. 'I think it's coming to its conclusion but we're still on with it.' Leeds Rhino coach Brian McDermott admits Briscoe's injury lay-off is a blow for the team . Hardaker was dropped when the incident came to light earlier this month but recalled for the Wigan game and McDermott insists he is right to select the player, who was released by police without charge after paying compensation and issuing an apology to his victim. 'Zak gets paid to do a job,' McDermott added. 'I know there is a sentiment from people out there who say 'why is he still playing?' but to stand Zak down doesn't do him any good. 'If a bricklayer makes an error at work, you don't give him time off. Why would we give Zak Hardaker the time off to live a decent lifestyle where he can do what he wants? 'He has to do a job for us. He is paid to do that job and he will go out and do it. I don't feel that's covering anything up.'

Summary: Tom Briscoe will miss three months of action, confirms Brian McDermott . Leeds winger will undergo surgery on shoulder injury Saturday .


He had gone on daytime television to try to win over the women voters he struggles to appeal to. Nigel Farage had even been given a list of ‘women-friendly’ policies to show how he could cater to the audience of Loose Women. Then he went and said it was a ‘fact of life’ that women will earn less than men when they return to some jobs after childbirth. Scroll down for video . Nigel Farage today faced the wrath of the Loose Women, as they challenged him about his smoking, drinking, the state of his marriage and why he is the most hated man in Britain . The Ukip leader appeared on the ITV show as part of an effort to soften his image and tackle the idea that the party struggles to appeal to female voters . The Ukip leader said new mothers should expect to be paid less in City jobs because they will ‘find themselves behind the rest of the pack’. He told the ITV daytime panel show: ‘If you’re a doctor, a lawyer, a researcher, you’re a woman, you have a baby, you take six months or a year off. You are not disadvantaged at all in that job. ‘But there are other jobs in which if you take six months off and come back you find yourself behind the rest of the pack and earning less money. That is a fact of life. It’s difficult to change that.’ Labour’s business spokesman Stella Creasy was one of those who objected to the comment. She wrote on Twitter: ‘Sorry, @Nigel_Farage said what?! Just a fact of life is it women earn less after kids? No it’s an injustice and we can change it.’ Linda Robson: 'I don't really know much about politics but can you tell me why you've been voted the most hated man in Britain?' Mr Farage: 'That's quite a compliment isn't it' Jane Moore asked him why he had dropped his immigration cap. She said he was a 'bit flip-floppy'. Mr Farage: 'The cap is a nonsense.' Asked about his drinking, Mr Farage said: 'I only spend five or six hours a day in the pub, that's all I do. I can't see what all the fuss is about.' Nadia Sawalha told him: 'If I was your wife I would be giving you a bad telling off for that, what does your wife think?' Before his appearance, Mr Farage was shown outside the studio sipping from a Loose Women mug while smoking a cigarette. He joked that he felt like he was going into the lion’s den and begged the presenters to have mercy on him. Actress Linda Robson, one of the show’s panellists, asked Mr Farage why he had been voted ‘the most hated man in Britain’. He began replying: ‘If you look at the political class we’ve got, by which I mean the people that go to the same handful of schools, all go to Oxford, all do the same degree...’ He was then challenged with the comment: ‘Well you’re one of them. You

Summary: Ukip leader appears on daytime TV to soften image with female voters . Panellists ask him about smoking, drinking and the state of his marriage . Linda Robson asks: Why are you the most hated man in Britain? Nadia Sawalha says she would give him a 'telling off' for boozing . Jane Moore questions 'flip-floppy' policy on immigration this week . Farage boasts Ukip will get more than 10 MPs to hold balance of power . Insists he is 'fit as a flea' and deserves a 'sherbert' in a pub at lunchtime .


A 10-year-old Michigan boy ran over his 9-year-old brother with a stolen car in the state's northern Lower Peninsula, authorities said. The younger boy was successfully freed and airlifted to a Flint hospital for treatment. The 9-year-old's ordeal took place after he and his older brother twice stole cars from a Village of Roscommon dealership. Investigation: A 10-year-old Michigan boy seemingly ran over his 9-year-old brother with a stolen car in the state's northern Lower Peninsula, authorities said. The two boys are believed to have used a cooler to break into a used car dealership (pictured) The Roscommon County Sheriff's Department responded at approximately 2:30am Sunday after receiving a call, Detective Sergeant John Wybraniec, a spokesman for the sheriff's office, told Daily Mail Online. The boys live with their grandparents across the street from the used car dealership, he said. Wybraniec said deputies responded to the initial break-in and saw the lights were on inside, that a northeast window had been broken, and that there was a cooler underneath it. After securing the business, deputies noticed that vehicles outside were 'askew, not in a neat line that they normally are,' Wybraniec told Daily Mail Online. The sheriff's department said in a news release that thieves swiped car keys and wreaked havoc at the dealership by driving cars and slamming them around. The boys confessed to the joyrides, according to the sheriff's department. Wybraniec told Daily Mail Online said that the boys took out a 2009 Impala and a 2012 Malibu, and that a total of six vehicles were damaged. He said that deputies collected the car keys and the Department of Human Services was contacted. Deputies received a call around 11:30am on Sunday, Wybraniec said. The two boys took the same cars out and drove along Shelley Street. One car, the 2012 Malibu, slammed into a snow bank and got stuck, he said. Wybraniec said that the 10-year-old was behind the wheel of the 2009 Impala that he seemingly drove over his brother. 'We think it's inadvertently,' he told Daily Mail Online. The boy was found underneath the car in a vacant lot next to their house. Wybraniec said that the boys' grandmother discovered the 9-year-old pinned underneath and contacted 911. Wybraniec said it didn't appear his injuries were life-threatening, but that their extent is unknown. He said that deputies do not know the motive for stealing the cars, but that it appears the pair snuck out after their grandparents went to sleep and used the cooler for the break-in. The brothers, who both have learning disabilities, spoke to police and will be interviewed this week by a Children's Assessment Center specialist, Wybraniec said. Charges are possible but unlikely, he said. Response: A sheriff's department spokesman said that the 10-year-old was behind the wheel of the 2009 Impala that he seemingly drove over his 9-year-old brother (pictured)

Summary: A 10-year-old Michigan boy seemingly ran over his 9-year-old brother with a stolen car in the state's northern Lower Peninsula, authorities said . Deputies talked to the family at their home Sunday morning - and went back after the 9-year-old got pinned underneath a car . The two boys went back to dealership a second time, swiped vehicles, and slammed them against one another .


Prince Charles, pictured today, has been told his letters to ministers must be released despite warnings it would infringe his 'freedom of expression' Prince Charles's 'lobbying' of ministers is set to continue unabated – even though more than two dozen private letters already written by him on issues of Government policy will be made public within weeks. Clarence House yesterday expressed its 'disappointment' that the Supreme Court ruled the Attorney General had acted unlawfully in using a veto to block publication of his so-called 'black spider' memos. But senior royal sources also insisted to the Mail that the future king had no regrets about acting as an 'advocate' for his people. One said the judgment was 'unlikely to impact' on Charles doing what sees as his public duty. Yesterday's ruling by the UK's highest court follows a nine-year legal battle between the Government and The Guardian newspaper, which used the Freedom of Information Act to apply for 27 letters written by the Prince to senior politicians to be released. The Prime Minister also said he was disappointed by the ruling. Charles has long been accused of bombarding ministers with memos in an attempt to influence policy on issues close to his heart such as the environment, farming, the countryside, GM crops and complementary medicine. During the period in question – September 2004 to April 2005 – he wrote to seven Government departments: Business, Innovation and Skills; Health; Children, Schools and Families; Environment, Food and Rural Affairs; Culture, Media and Sport; the Northern Ireland Office and the Cabinet Office. The correspondence – nicknamed black spider memos because of Charles's scrawling handwriting and use of underlining and exclamation marks – is said, according to previous Attorney General Dominic Grieve, to contain 'full and frank' expressions of his 'most deeply held personal views'. The newspaper was initially successful in its application. In 2012, however, the Attorney General employed a rarely-used ministerial veto to block publication under Section 53 of the FOI Act. He said the public could interpret the letters sent to ministers in the last Labour government as showing Charles 'disagreeing with government policy'. This would be 'seriously damaging to his role as future monarch because, if he forfeits his position of political neutrality… he cannot easily recover it when he is king'. That veto was challenged by The Guardian in the Supreme Court which ruled, by a majority of five to two, that the government did not have a right to overrule a decision taken by the courts. Charles and Camilla today spent today riding in a rickshaw at Clarence House to promote a race across Madhya Pradesh, India later this year . Views: An August 2000 letter from Lord Irvine, Tony Blair's mentor and later the Lord Chancellor, heavily annotated by Prince Charles in his 'black spider' handwriting . The seven Supreme Court judges made their ruling on two legal points. One was whether Dominic Grieve, the Attorney General in 2012, was right to issue a Section 53 certificate under the Freedom of Information Act, effectively blocking publication of the letters. The

Summary: Attorney General made a final attempt to block release of Charles' letters . High Court wanted release but Government appealed to Supreme Court . Known as 'black spider' memos because of royal's scrawled handwriting . Prince wrote to at least seven departments about variety of subjects .


In Darwin’s theory of evolution, life is able to evolve through a process of ‘natural selection’, where certain traits become more or less common in animals based on their benefit. And now researchers are starting to emulate the same process in robots, so that they can learn how to perform complex tasks. The research involves a similar process of selection but on a larger and faster scale, allowing artificial brains to pick out the most worthwhile traits and continue evolving. Research carried out by a team from Michigan State University used genetic algorithms to model a large population of robot brains (stock image shown). These were asked to perform tasks, such as finding the exit to a maze. Those that performed the task best had simulated 'offspring', creating a better brain . The research, led by computational biologist Dr Chris Adami from Michigan State University, involves using genetic algorithms to model a large population of robot ‘brains’ working on a task. For example, this could be finding the exit to a maze. The brains that performed the task best had the largest number of simulated ‘offspring’, meaning the smartest robots multiplied. The researchers ran this genetic algorithm over thousands, and sometimes hundreds of thousands of generations, and then downloaded the surviving brains into robots that executed the tasks in the outside world. One of the more complicated tasks the team's robots worked on required multiple machines to figure out and remember in which order they would leave a room. The robots were then asked to come back into the room, either in the same order as they left, or in the reverse order. ‘This is difficult because the robots have to ID each other,’ Dr Adami said. In December 2014 scientists mimicked evolution in the laboratory for the first time using droplets of oil. The researchers behind the study claim their work proves that a non-biological system composed of chemicals can be made to evolve. The findings mark an important step towards creating synthetic life and may also help scientists to explain how the first biological cells appeared on Earth more than 3.6 billion years ago. Evolution was long believed to be a process that only biological creatures were capable of, but recent research aimed towards creating synthetic life has begun to question that idea. Professor Lee Cronin, regius chair of chemistry at the University of Glasgow who led the new research, used a robot to create tiny oil droplets from a mixture of four chemicals. Each droplet was dropped into a petri dish of water and analysed for three different types of 'fitness' over the course of a minute using video cameras. The robot then selected the droplet that performed best and the chemical composition of this was used to replicate the experiment, tweaking the mixture slightly each time. Over the course of 21 generations, the oil droplets became more stable in the watery world in which they were being dropped. This, according to Professor Cronin, mimicked the process of natural selection, which Charles Darwin proposed for driving evolution. After the

Summary: Research was carried out by a team from Michigan State University . They used genetic algorithms to model a large population of robot brains . These were asked to perform tasks, such as finding the exit to a maze . Those that performed the task best had simulated 'offspring' and multiplied . In so doing they could learn to perform tasks better and better . It simulates Charles Darwin's theory of natural selection .


The world's oldest person is set to celebrate her 117th birthday, but says that despite her age, her life has seemed rather short. Misao Okawa was born in Osaka, Japan, on March 5, 1898, was recognized as the world's oldest person by Guinness World Records in 2013. Mrs Okawa said she still does not know how she has lived for so long, but has previously credited her longevity to eight hours sleep, eating sushi, and doing squats until the age of 102. Scroll down for video . Long life: The world's oldest person, Japanese Misao Okawa, born on March 5, 1898, says she does not know how she has lived for so long . 'It seemed rather short,' she said after an Osaka government official asked how she felt about living for 117 years, adding that she is 'very happy' to be that age. Asked for the secret of her longevity, the great-grandmother responded nonchalantly, 'I wonder about that too.' During the celebrations of her 116th birthday last year, Mrs Okawa said: 'Eat and sleep and you will live a long time. You have to learn to relax.' The head of Mrs Okawa's retirement home added that she 'eats three large meals a day, sleeps eight hours a night, and insists that her favourite meal is sushi, particularly mackerel on vinegar-steamed rice.' The great-grandmother has slowed in recent months and has trouble hearing but she eats well and is in good health, the Osaka care home said today. Japan's Misao Okawa, poses with her son, grand children and great-grandchildren and Ward Mayor Takehiro Ogura, right, at her nursing home in Osaka, western Japan . Despite saying today that she does now know why she has lived for 117 years, Mrs Okawa has previously credited her longevity to eight hours sleep, eating sushi, and doing squats until the age of 102 . She is also known to have made every attempt to stay active for as long as possible, and revealed in an interview 15 years ago, aged 102, that she does leg squats 'to keep her body in shape'. Mrs Okawa married her husband, Yukio, in 1919, and they had three children — two daughters and a son. The following things took place in 1898: . January 1: The City of Greater New York is created through the annexation of land. April 25: The starts of the Spanish-American War (ended August 12 after 3,5 months of fighting) July 7: The United States annexes the Hawaiian Islands. August 23: The Southern Cross Expedition to Antarctica set sail from London. August 28: An American man named Caleb Bradham registers a soft drink - Pepsi-Cola. December 26: Marie Curie and her husband Pierre discovers radium. Mrs Okawa says that the happiest moments of her life were her wedding and the birth of her children – she still has a surviving son and daughter who are now 94 and 92. She now has four grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. Her husband died in 1931. Mrs Okawa, the daughter of a kimono maker, was recognized as the world's

Summary: Misao Okawa was born in Osaka, western Japan on March 5, 1898 . The 117-year-old claims not to know why she has lived so long . She has previously cited sleep, sushi and squats as key to long life .


Spain goalkeeper and captain Iker Casillas is unlikely to lose his place in the national side despite a recent poor run for his club Real Madrid, coach Vicente del Bosque said on Wednesday. Casillas is one player, along with Wales winger Gareth Bale, who has been blamed by Real fans for the European champions' slump and he was again the target of their ire during Tuesday's 4-3 Champions League loss at home to Bundesliga side Schalke 04. Although they squeezed through to the quarter-finals 5-4 on aggregate, Casillas and his team mates were whistled off the Bernabeu pitch by their angry supporters, already fuming after Real gave up the La Liga lead to Barcelona with a loss to Athletic Bilbao. Iker Casillas was blamed for this goal as Schalke's Klaas-Jan Huntelaar pounced on his poor parry . Huntelaar buried his finish and the Real Madrid fans booed their keeper after the 4-3 Champions League loss . 'He did not play well and he admitted that,' Del Bosque said in an interview with Radio Marca. 'He also saved Madrid at the end,' added the 64-year-old, who coached Casillas when he was in charge at Real between 1999 and 2003. 'We don't have to make a change unless the dip in form is alarming. I think he is in good shape.' Del Bosque has plenty of options if he decides to call time on Casillas's international career, with the likes of David De Gea (Manchester United) and Kiko Casilla (Espanyol) pushing for a starting place. Casillas's apparent drop in form doesn't bother Spain coach Vicente del Bosque who's back his keeper . Casillas (left) shows his disappointment alongside Toni Kroos after Real's loss to Schalke . However, he has consistently backed his captain during several difficult periods in recent years and is unlikely to drop him unless he suffers a sustained slump. Casillas has made 160 appearances for Spain, more than any other player, and led the side to back-to-back European crowns in 2008 and 2012 with the nation's debut World Cup triumph in between in 2010. Spain's next game is a Euro 2016 qualifier at home to Ukraine on March 27. With four matches played, Spain are second in Group C on nine points, three behind leaders Slovakia, who beat them 2-1 in Zilina in October, and level with Ukraine. Casillas is helpless as Austrian defender Christian Fuchs opens the scoring for Schalke on 20 minutes . The keeper and captain admitted his team had hit rock bottom after a recent poor run of results .

Summary: Spain coach Vicente del Bosque has backed keeper Iker Casillas . Casillas is in a slump for Real Madrid but safe in the national side . Casillas, along with Gareth Bale, are being blamed for Real's poor run . Real Madrid lost 4-3 to Schalke on Tuesday but still scraped through to the Champions League quarter-finals .