A Filipino heroin smuggler’s final legal appeal is thought to be all that now stands between Andrew Chan and Myuran Sukumaran’s execution date being set. Indonesia's attorney general has insisted the executions of the two Bali Nine smugglers and other drug offenders are going ahead, even though he's decided to respect the pending legal processes of Filipino woman Mary Jane Fiesta Veloso. She is the only one of the 10 convicts slated for the firing squad who is not yet on Nusakambangan prison island where the deaths will take place. The Supreme Court is considering her application for a second judicial review, and Co-ordinating Minister for Politics, Law and Security Tedjo Edhie Purdjiant on Monday said the decision would be sped up. Scroll down for video . Philippine national Mary Mary Jane Fiesta Veloso, center, is escorted by a court official and a police officer upon arrival for a judicial review hearing at Sleman District Court in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, Tuesday, March 3 . Mary Jane Fiesta Veloso is expected to be executed with Bali Nine members Andrew Chan and Myuran Sukumaran of Australia and other drug smugglers from Brazil, France and Nigeria . 'We'll wait. Maybe this week we will get a decision,' he told reporters, as quoted by Indonesian website okezone. The Australians were moved from Bali to Nusakambangan - the island where the executions are set to take place - last week under heavy security. Authorities wish to keep prisoners on the Central Java island for as little time as possible before their execution. They are required to give the condemned prisoners a minimum 72 hours notice of their pending deaths. With the Bali Nine pair in place on the island, Jakarta unexpectedly shifted gear on Friday and said it would respect prisoners' ongoing legal processes. On Monday, the duo received grim news when a Nigerian inmate on death row had his legal challenge rejected, offering poor prospects for their own appeal. Mary Jane Fiesta Veloso (R) in court in Sleman in central Java island during a hearing of judicial review on March 3, 2015 after her plea for clemency was rejected by Indonesian President Joko Widodo . Andrew Chan and Myuran Sukmaran's fellow inmate - a Nigerian man - had his appeal rejected on Monday . Nigerian Jamiu Owolabi Abashin believes the prosecution case against him has been entirely based on his fake identity. He was arrested under his alias in 1998, smuggling 5.3 kilograms of heroin . Jamiu Owolabi Abashin had his appeal against clemency rejected on the grounds that the Administrative Court did not have jurisdiction over Joko Widodo's presidential decision. Abashin and his lawyer, Utomo Karim, will appeal the latest decision and seek a judicial review on Wednesday on the basis that he committed his crime under the alias Raheem Agbaje Salami 17 years ago. He was arrested under his alias in 1998, smuggling 5.3 kilograms of heroin but his fake identity was still used right through his arrest, conviction and clemency plea. Attorney General HM Prasetyo told reporters in Jogjakarta on Monday it wasn't accurate

Summary: Filipino Mary Jane Fiesta Veloso is going through a judicial review . She is the only one of the 10 convicts slated for the firing squad who is not yet on Nusakambangan prison island . Nigerian Jamiu Owolabi Abashin had his appeal rejected on Monday . Andrew Chan and Myuran Sukumaran have an appeal on Thursday . But Abashin's rejection may have diminished hope for the Bali 9 duo . Abashin believes his case was illegal due to the continual use of his alias .


The BBC was last night accused of suppressing an interview that called for corporation boss Rona Fairhead to resign over her £10,000-a-day second job at scandal-hit HSBC bank. It’s a new blow to Mrs Fairhead, chairman of the BBC Trust and a non-executive director of HSBC, who is facing growing calls to quit one of her high-profile jobs over claims of a conflict of interest. She is due to be questioned by MPs tomorrow after The Mail on Sunday revealed that she was paid £513,000 for just 50 days work at the troubled bank last year, vastly exceeding her £110,000 salary for what is supposed to be her main job overseeing the BBC. Last month HSBC came under fire over allegations that its Swiss banking arm helped wealthy clients dodge millions of pounds of British taxes, and that it sought to influence media coverage. Silenced: Retired businessman Michael Mason-Mahon (right) who said Rona Fairhead was not a fit and proper person to be chairwoman of the BBC Trust, will not be shown . Now an HSBC shareholder has claimed the BBC refused to broadcast an interview with him in which he declared that Mrs Fairhead was not a fit and proper person to be heading the Trust. Retired businessman Michael Mason-Mahon says he was invited to Broadcasting House in Central London to discuss the turmoil at HSBC in an on-the-record interview with a BBC business reporter on February 23. His interview failed to feature in the broadcaster’s coverage of the HSBC story that evening. He believes it was shelved because of his remarks questioning Mrs Fairhead’s fitness to run the Trust. He said: ‘I said during the interview I disagreed with her appointment as BBC Trust chairwoman. ‘I couldn’t understand why a non-executive director who is there to protect the shareholders ignored us when we told her on numerous occasions in the past about illegal behaviour that was going on involving HSBC. ‘It’s my personal belief she’s not a fit and proper person to be chairwoman of the BBC Trust. The HSBC item was shown, but my interview was not in it. I believe it may have been suppressed.’ Mr Mason-Mahon has attempted to obtain a copy of the interview but has been told that this would be against BBC policy. Mr Mason-Mahon is well-known for his outbursts at the annual general meetings of big public companies. Last May he brought a lawsuit against HSBC’s North American arm after it was fined £1.2 billion having been found guilty in 2012 of allowing Mexican drug cartels to launder money. Last week former BBC chairman Sir Christopher Bland called on Mrs Fairhead either to give up her post at HSBC or to resign from the Trust. Tomorrow she is due to appear in her role as an HSBC Board member in front of the Commons public accounts committee, which has fiercely attacked tax-dodging corporations. Last night the BBC declined to say why the interview with Mr Mason-Mahon was not broadcast and whether or not Mrs Fairhead – who is not supposed to be involved

Summary: Called for Rona Fairhead to resign over £10,000-a-day second job . Due to be questioned by MPs after Mail On Sunday revealed payments . Figure dwarfs £110,000 salary of main job overseeing BBC . Axed interview said she was not 'fit and proper person' to be in charge .


It looks like Game Of Thrones. It sounds like Game Of Thrones. But as the camera sweeps across the map, it soon becomes clear that this short film has re-imagined the TV fantasy series to deliver a very modern political message. Titled Game Of Cuts (Winter Is Coming For Councils), it was produced by a campaign group which is calling for fairer funding and fewer cuts for the councils it represents - 45 urban authorities in northern, midland and south-coast regions of England. The production, which cost £11,000, cleverly echoes the drama played out in the hit HBO show. Game Of Thrones spoof Game Of Cuts was produced by campaign group Sigoma, which is calling for fairer funding and fewer cuts for the councils it represents - 45 urban authorities in northern, midland and south-coast regions of England . Made by Sigoma (Special Interest Group of Municipal Authorities), it depicts a fictional kingdom where funding cuts have meant some regions cannot fund vital services, while other areas moan about not having luxuries. In the opening scene are characters based on those from the House of Lannister - a rich and powerful dynasty in the south. Among them is a parody of King Joffrey Baratheon, a ruthless ruler, who is informed: 'The seven kingdoms prosper once more. 'We must not jeopardise this by pandering to the whims of the north... Our funding cuts will help to protect the future of the seven kingdoms.' Honourable northerner Lord Ned Starp (played in the actual series by Sean Bean as Ned Stark) is seen right, in the foreground. He says to the evil King Joffrey of the south (left: 'Your grace, what is the meaning of this? The people of the northern cities are already on their knees! Our old and the sick have no one to care for them' In the film, Queen Cersei is seen reinforcing the claims made by her son Joffrey . Enter honourable northerner Lord Ned Starp (played in the actual series by Sean Bean as Ned Stark): 'Your grace, what is the meaning of this? The people of the northern cities are already on their knees! Our old and the sick have no one to care for them.' 'Our children have no places to read and our roads are crumbling.' But at every turn, Starp's entreaties are scoffed at. To join Sigoma, council must pay an initial fee of £3,000. However, the film has been criticised by Conservative party vice-chairman and former local government minister Bob Neill. He said: 'Taxpayers' money shouldn't be used to subsidise the Box Set fantasies of town hall officials. At the end of the short film, the king fires an arrow at Lord Starp, whose pleas for more funding in the north are scoffed at . According to Sigoma, by March 2016, the amount of funding cuts for regions will be: . 'It's a complete waste of money, but also a complete fiction. It's missing the key plot - there's a black hole in the Kingdom's coffers, thanks to the bad old days of King

Summary: Game Of Cuts produced by Sigoma (Special Interest Group of Municipal Authorities) It cleverly spoofs evil King Joffrey and honourable Lord Stark . Depicts fictional kingdom where funding cuts mean some regions cannot fund vital services while other areas moan about not having luxuries . Bob Neill, Conservative party vice-chairman, called film 'a complete waste of money' and a 'complete fiction' Neill added: 'It's missing the key plot - there's a black hole in the Kingdom's coffers, thanks to the bad old days of King Gordon'


A woman whose eczema covered her entire body and caused a 'snowstorm' when she walked says porridge oats have dramatically improved her skin. Amy-Louise James, 25, had such severe eczema she had to change her bed sheets every day because of her weeping wounds. She also scratched so much that flakes of skin fell from her body - forcing her to apologise to strangers for being 'disgusting'. Now she has treated her eczema using Quaker's oats – bought from Tesco for £1.99. Amy-Louise James, 25, had such severe eczema she had to change her bed sheets every day because of her weeping wounds . She also scratched so much that flakes of skin fell from her body - forcing her to apologise to strangers for being 'disgusting' Now, Miss James, with her partner Nicola, says one of the best remedies she has tried is Quaker oats – bought from Tesco for £1.99 . Miss James said spreading porridge over her body has improved her skin - and she is healthier than she has been in years. She said: 'People don't realise how serious eczema is, they think it's just red skin that's a bit itchy. 'I had to change my bed every day because there would be so much skin and my eczema wept so much the sheets got all sticky. 'I itched constantly and there would be blood on the sheets too. It was just permanently painful.' Miss James, who works for a recovery firm in Northampton, first suffered from a small flare up aged three. She said: 'I can't remember not having eczema. It started in the creases of my arms when I was little.' The eczema gradually spread over her arms and patches appeared on the back of her knees, followed by her hands, stomach and over her legs. In her teens, the eczema progressed and by aged 15, it had spread to her neck and her face. She said: 'I was teased for having 'lovebites' on my neck but it was the eczema. 'I used scarves to try and cover it up but then people thought I was covering the lovebites.' And while most distraught teenagers would reach for the foundation, Miss James had no idea how to use cosmetics. She said: 'I wasn't one of those girls who knew how to use make up. I didn't know how to cover it up. 'When I got to college and started going out, I just saw so many girls on nights out who were beautiful and I looked disgusting. 'I just couldn't even hide it, so on a bad day I wouldn't even leave my room. 'I thought it was down to stress with exams.' Miss James' eczema used to cover her entire body and caused a 'snowstorm' when she walked . Even sat at her desk, Miss James was faced with problems. She said: 'At the office I would have to go to the bathroom and have a scratch for 20 minutes. 'My fashion sense went downhill because I couldn't wear anything that wasn't cotton.' Despite trying countless

Summary: Amy-Louise James, 25, has had severe eczema since she was a child . She scratched so much that flakes of skin continually fell from her body . 'People don't realise how serious eczema is, they think it's just red skin' Now treating her eczema using Quaker's oats, bought from supermarket .


Thierry Henry has told French football fans to stop complaining and enjoy Zlatan Ibrahimovic as long as the Swedish striker remains in Ligue 1. The 33-year-old forward drew criticism for his foul-mouthed outburst, during which he gave a scathing assessment of a referee's performance in Paris Saint-Germain's defeat by Bordeaux and called France 'a s*** country'. Paris Saint-Germain striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic has drawn criticism after a recent outburst . Thierry Henry and Ibrahimovic were team-mates at Barcelona in 2009 and 2010 . But Henry, who was a team-mate with Ibrahimovic at Barcelona, thinks French fans should cut the Swede some slack. 'Zlatan is an extraordinary guy. He is incredibly kind and we laughed a lot together,' Henry told L'Equipe . 'The people in France should make up their mind about what they really want. First they were complaining about the lack of big stars in Ligue 1 and now they have a player of Ibrahimovic's stature, they are complaining about him again. Ibrahimovic in training with the Sweden team in Moldova as they prepare for a Euro 2016 qualifier . Henry with Zinedine Zidane (left), Marcel Desailly (second right) and Patrick Vieira (right) in Paris on Thursday . 'He is an amazing player, someone really special who has marked an era. He has won league titles wherever he went. 'Of course, he can be quite temperamental. He says what he thinks, but that has never bothered me. There are not a lot of players with his character. People in France should enjoy Ibrahimovic while it lasts.'

Summary: Thierry Henry tells French fans to lay off Zlatan Ibrahimovic . Ibrahimovic drew criticism for an outburst in which he called France 'a s*** country' and gave a damning assessment on a referee's performance . Henry and Ibrahimovic were team-mates at Barcelona .


Germany boss Joachim Low believes his side will be more focused when they take on Georgia for their Euro 2016 qualifier after a lacklustre 2-2 friendly draw against Australia on Wednesday. Low rested half a dozen key players, including Bastian Schweinsteiger, Manuel Neuer, Mats Hummels and Jerome Boateng against Australia and the lack of quality on the pitch showed at times as the bold Asian champions narrowly missed out on a shock win. 'This was a good test from which we can draw some conclusions,' said Low, who recently extended his contract to 2018. 'But the team's tension will increase ahead of the Georgia game. We will be much more concentrated against them.' Joachim Low is looking for a response from Germany following a poor performance against Australia . Germany's Marco Reus gives the World Cup winners a 17th minute lead at the Fritz-Walter-Stadion . Low fielded an experimental three-man backline that not surprisingly failed to shine given Shkodran Mustafi, Benedikt Hoewedes and Holger Badstuber, back after a two-and-a-half year absence, had never played together. 'We never really had our defence under control,' Low admitted but said he would continue experimenting as he looks to make his team more flexible, with his players shifting positions more often. Better news for Low was the return of Badstuber and Ilkay Guendogan, back for the first time since August 2013, after their long injury absences. Germany's celebration is low key as they take the lead over Australia, the Asian Cup champions . James Troisi (left) pulled Australia level with a fine header during the 2-2 draw in Germany . The Australians celebrate as the underdogs peg one back against the World Cup champions . 'You can't expect everything to work after such long absences. We did not apply things that we wanted to,' said Low. 'But we know that we need to win on Sunday.' Lukas Podolski's 81st minute equaliser was a further positive point for the head coach with the out-of-form winger again delivering for Germany with his 48th goal to climb to third on the all-time scorer list. 'You can always count on Lukas to inject life into a game,' Low said of the player, who has struggled for form at Inter Milan. Germany needed an 81st minute goal from Lukas Podolski to earn a draw against the Socceroos . Germany have been also been erratic in the qualifiers. They have managed seven points from four games, as many as Ireland and Scotland, with Poland three clear at the top of Group D. With Germany in full force against Georgia few will bet against the World Cup winners leaving with three points to heave their qualification back on track. With Toni Kroos, Thomas Mueller and the other players rested on Wednesday ready to take over, Germany remain the favourites to win as they chase after top spot in the group. 'It was certainly not the performance we were looking for against Australia,' midfielder Sami Khedira said. 'We are aware of how serious the situation is for the Euro qualifiers. But no one should

Summary: Germany struggled to a 2-2 friendly draw against Australia on Wednesday . Joachim Low believes his side will be more concentrated for Euro 2016 qualifier against Georgia . Low rested half a dozen key players, including Bastian Schweinsteiger .


Former Scotland football captain Colin Hendry, pictured arriving at Blackpool Magistrates, has admitted drink driving . Ex-Scotland football captain Colin Hendry is preparing to fight a ban from the roads after blaming his drink driving on a 'rare' metabolism. The 49-year old former Rangers and Blackburn Rovers defender was arrested last month after police stopped him near his home in Lytham, Lancashire in the early hours of February 21. Officers had claimed Hendry who was nicknamed 'Braveheart' when he captain of Scotland was almost twice the limit after failing a breathalyser test. But today, widowed father of four Hendry disputed the reading and asked Blackpool Magistrates to have the case adjourned so his metabolism could be tested. The court heard that Hendry admitted drinking before driving his blue Ford Focus, but argued the amount of alcohol he drank over a certain period of time should not have put him over the limit. His lawyer Glyn Lewis - who has previously represented a string of celebrities over his expertise in exploiting motoring legal loopholes - said: 'Usually we go to sentence and it is inevitable he would have to be disqualified because he has entered a guilty plea because he accepts the facts. 'But the instructions I have over the amount of alcohol consumed and the time period, when you do the calculations they don't correlate with the figure he has given. 'There are two possibilities - one is because of the fact that he has got some alcohol in his system he is unaware of and the other is quite rare is we have somebody whose metabolism is such they provide a specimen of breath which does not correlate with the reading of blood. 'We have had a forensic scientist give us an indication that the figures provided by the defendant don't correlate with the figures given by the sample. 'We accept the prosecution's case - the police followed him, he wasn't driving erratically, nothing unusual about that, he accepts that - the question is why is this alcohol reading being given that is being investigated. 'We can establish what he consumed and when it was because there are receipts. 'Mr Hendry might have to be tested for his metabolism in the lab with a reconstruction of the whole evening's events. The ratio between breath and blood is not the same for everyone. 'If our investigations don't have foundation in science we would bring it back to court and have it dealt with. Mr Hendry wants the matter to be dealt with as quickly as possible.' He was stopped by police and arrested near his home in Lytham, Lancashire in the early hours of February 21, and was found to be driving his blue Ford Focus while almost double the legal alcohol limit (stock picture) The court agreed to adjourn for a 'special reasons' hearing in which Hendry will call evidence from a forensic service scientist and two civilian witnesses who were with him on the night of the incident. Hendry - who arrived for the hearing in sunglasses and a grey

Summary: Colin Hendry was arrested for drink driving near his Lancashire home . When breathalysed, he was found to be nearly double legal alcohol limit . But Hendry claims he did not drink much and blamed a ' rare' metabolism .


Astronomers may have finally found evidence of the elusive dark matter that permeates the universe. Its presence has potentially been spotted in a dwarf matter orbiting the Milky Way which is radiating gamma rays - the most powerful form of radioactive waves known in the universe. How these mysterious waves are made, and where exactly they come from have baffled scientists for years, but scientists believe they are a sign for dark matter. Scroll down for video . Scientists at Brown, Carnegie Mellon, and Cambridge universities have detected gamma ray emissions from the direction of the galaxy Reticulum 2. Bright areas indicate a strong gamma ray signal coming from the direction of the galaxy, according to the researchers’ search algorithm . Dark matter is the missing substance that makes up to 80 per cent of the universe's mass. It has been described as 'the most important unsolved problems in modern physics.' When physicists study the dynamics of galaxies and the movement of stars, they are confronted with a mystery. If they only take visible matter into account, their equations simply don't add up; the elements that can be observed are not sufficient to explain the rotation of objects and the existing gravitational forces. There is something missing. From this they deduced that there must be an invisible kind of matter that does not interact with light but does, as a whole, interact by means of the gravitational force. Called 'dark matter', this substance appears to make up at least 80 per cent of the matter in the known universe. The galaxy, named Reticulum 2, was discovered within the past few weeks in the data of the Dark Energy Survey. At 98,000 light-years from Earth, Reticulum 2 is one of the nearest dwarf galaxies yet detected . According to physicists at Carnegie Mellon, Brown and Cambridge universities, gamma rays coming from the direction of the galaxy are in excess of what would be expected from normal background. 'Something in the direction of this dwarf galaxy is emitting gamma rays,' said Alex Geringer-Sameth, a postdoctoral research associate at Carnegie Mellon University. 'There's no conventional reason this galaxy should be giving off gamma rays, so it's potentially a signal for dark matter,' said Alex Geringer-Sameth, a postdoctoral research associate in CMU's Department of Physics and the paper's lead author. 'In the search for dark matter, gamma rays from a dwarf galaxy have long been considered a very strong signature,' added Brown University's Savvas Koushiappas Koushiappas, an assistant professor of physics. 'It seems like we may now be detecting such a thing for the first time.' The researchers caution that while these preliminary results are exciting, there's more work to be done to confirm a dark matter origin. Scientists know that dark matter exists because it exerts gravitational effects on visible matter, which explains the observed rotation of galaxies and galaxy clusters as well as the fluctuations in the cosmic microwave background. Dwarf galaxies are important in the hunt for the dark matter particle. They are thought to lack other gamma-ray-producing sources, so a gamma ray

Summary: Dark matter is the missing material making up 80% of universe's mass . Gamma rays from a dwarf galaxy are considered a sign of dark matter . They were spotted in direction of 'Reticulum 2' 98,000 light-years away . Scientists say this is the most convincing signal of dark matter yet .


Twenty-five people have been hospitalised after an Air Canada flight made a crash landing at Halifax Stanfield International Airport earlier this morning. It has been reported the Airbus A320 crashed into a power line on landing, and then skidded off the runway. The airline said a preliminary count showed Flight AC624 from Toronto had 132 passengers and five crew members, and had set out from Toronto Pearson International Airport. Scroll down for video . The Airbus A320 skidded off the runway at the Halifax airport in bad weather, and 25 people were taken to a hospital for observation and treatment . It's no wonder why many passengers were treated for injuries as the force of impact was substantial . The crash landing caused extensive damage to the win and nose of the Air Canada plane . A passenger on the plane, Treasure Addison-Mills, speaking to NBC News said there were 'people with bloody faces', and that it 'took a long time being stranded on the runway with snow coming down.' 'We are thankful no serious injuries have been reported,' Halifax Stanfield International Airport tweeted. The airport said its airfield remained closed. Another passenger on the flight Mike Magnus, a businessman, said the plane was at the 'furthest tip of the airport' when it stopped. He says he heard that the plane may have clipped a power line that caused the power outage at the airport. 'It was so chaotic at the time. I'm pretty sure the landing gear broke on it. The engine on my side popped off,' the 60-year-old from Halifax. The future running of the Air Canada plane could well be up for debate with the damage severe . Passengers Randy Hall, left, and Lianne Clark, from Mount Uniacke, Canada stand waiting at an airport hotel after Air Canada flight 624 left the runway . Magnus believes at least one engine was torn off the Airbus A320. He says the nose of the plane was sheared off and he believes the wings were damaged too. He added that the snow that covered the runway likely deadened any sparks that may have caused a fire and engulfed the plane. 'The snow caused it and the snow saved it,' he said. Mike Magnus was a passenger on board the Air Canada flight that crashed through a power wire . This photo shows the impact the crash landing had on the nose of the plane at Halifax Airport . Magnus was released from hospital after being treated for minor injuries to his shoulder and jaw. 'I'm safe and that's all that matters. I'm going to have a glass of wine,' he said. Airport spokesman Peter Spurway said the aircraft touched down in stormy conditions. 'It came down pretty hard and then skidded off the runway,' Spurway said. He said he didn't know whether runway conditions played a role. Passengers were ushered inside the terminal, where 25 were then taken to hospital . The rescue operation can now begin to remove the stricken Airbus A320 from the Halifax runway . It is possible the

Summary: One passenger reports that on landing one engine 'popped off' Airbus A320 had flown in from Toronto Pearson International Airport . Halifax region is currently under heavy snowfall that could have caused reduced visibility .


America, this Bud Light's for you. At least that is what a new map showing every country's most popular beer indicates. The map was created using everything from research reports to corporate filings and it shows the 'beer brands of the world are as diverse as our planet itself'. Scroll down for video . The most popular beer for each country was determined by market share and VinePair made the map . Bud Light is the most popular beer in the US, while Bud is tops in Canada and Corona is king in Mexico . England prefers Carling over anything else, while Ireland opts for Guinness and Iceland goes for Viking . The map was created by VinePair. Although data wasn't available for every country - the US State Department recognizes 194 according to WorldAtlas.com - the map does include more than 100 countries. If data was available, VinePair determined the most popular beer for each country by market share. Australians go for Victoria Bitter while Lion Red is the top dog in New Zealand and Bintang rules in Indonesia . Skol is the preferred choice in Brazil, Chile likes Cristal and Quilme shows up as Argentina's beer of choice . China likes a beer called Snow, Russians go for Baltika above everything else and India likes Kingfisher . Many of the beers on the map come from one of the two largest beer companies in the world's -A nheuser Busch InBev or SABMiller. Anheuser-Busch Inbev controls the most popular beers in the United States, Canada, Brazil, Paraguay, Mexico, and Argentina, according to the Washington Post. SABMiller owns the most popular beer in Colombia, South Africa, Peru, Ecuador and other places. Tango is the preference in Algeria, Turkey goes for Efes and Gold Star is the gold standard for beer in Israel . Carling Black Label Beer is No. 1 in South Africa while Windhoek Lager is the top beverage in Nambia . A previous chart from VinePair shows that six of the top twenty beers in the US are versions of Budweiser .

Summary: Bud Light is most popular beer in US, while Budweiser is tops in Canada . England prefers Carling over anything else, while Ireland opts for Guinness . Australians go for Victoria Bitter while Lion Red is the top dog in New Zealand . The most popular beer for each country was determined by its market share .


Chester City striker Oliver McBurnie has vowed to prove Scotland's Under 19s don't need Real Madrid superkid Jack Harper by firing Ricky Sbragia's youngsters to a winning start in their UEFA Elite Round against hosts Austria on Thursday. Sbragia's decision to omit the promising Bernabeu talent for the tournament has caused uproar, mixed with bemusement, after the former Sunderland boss' comments about Harper not being physically strong enough. Harper's replacement does not have Zinedine Zidane as a coach or the luxury of a five-year deal with Real. In fact, McBurnie is currently on loan from Bradford City at Football Conference mid-table outfit Chester City. On loan Chesterfield striker is ready to step up for Scotland Under 19s against Austria on Thursday . McBurnie in action for Scotland Under 19s against Holland Under 19s during an International Challenge match . However, the 18-year-old is in agreement with Sbragia that Scotland need to be physical in their three games which starts on Thursday in Vienna against hosts Austria, before facing Italy on Saturday and Croatia next week. And he's had plenty of practice playing for Chester against the likes of Alfreton Town, Dartford and Lincoln City's grizzled defenders. McBurnie said: 'Obviously, Jack hasn't made the squad, but it's good to know it' s not just about reputations. If they do come and watch you and you do well then you get the rewards for that. 'The boys are confident and we know we have quality in this team and an ability to hurt the opposition. If we stick to the game-plan and play how we know we can play we've got a chance. It's tough against the hosts, Italy and Croatia for that matter but we want to test ourselves against the best. 'They're all good sides and hopefully we can go out there and prove a point. They're going to be big and powerful sides but we see ourselves in that bracket as well. Hopefully we can cope with that and let our football do the talking. Real Madrid youngster Jack Harper has been left out of the latest Scotland Under 19 squad . McBurnie says that he has had to toughen up playing against conference opposition . 'You have to grow up fast and it's very different to Bradford, although Chester like to try and play a bit to be fair. In the Conference it's tough to play football on some of the pitches against some of the teams. It's a great learning experience and just adds to my game. The defenders have definitely tried to rough me up. 'The worst was at Lincoln away. Both of their centre-backs were about 6ft 6in and I was playing up front on my own. That was tough. But we got through and won, so I enjoy testing myself against bigger and stronger players. It's a different experience.' But the Harper issue does bring back memories of a depressingly frank admission from Billy Stark, then Scotland Under-21 boss, in June 2009. A month earlier, Xavi and Iniesta had passed Manchester United to death during the

Summary: Scotland Under-19s play Austria on Thursday as part of UEFA Elite Round . Real Madrid teen Jack Harper was omitted from Ricky Sbragia's squad . Chesterfield striker Oliver McBurnie is ready to step in for Harper .


Serena Williams cruised into the third round of the Miami Open on Saturday with a comfortable victory over Monica Niculescu. The two players had failed to get on court on Friday due to the weather but the delay did not distract the top seed and she claimed a 6-3, 6-1 victory to set up a clash with 15-year-old CiCi Bellis. Williams had withdrawn from the semi-finals of the BNP Paribas Open last week with a knee injury but insisted her fitness was not a concern. Serena Williams cruised into the Miami Open third round with a comfortable victory over Monica Niculescu . 'It was a little sore in practice, but it was okay today,' she told www.wtatennis.com. 'I really didn't feel it to be honest. On the court you have so much adrenaline going, and the adrenaline kind of kills it. 'So I was surprised. I felt pretty good.' Sixth seed Eugenie Bouchard was also playing catch up after the weather and she made a shock exit as she lost 6-0, 7-6 (7/4) to qualifier Tatjana Maria. In the remaining second round matches to be completed, Sara Errani beat Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova 6-1, 7-6 (7/5) and Angelique Kerber was a 7-5, 3-6, 6-4 winner over Heather Watson. Williams insisted her fitness was not a concern following the knee injury suffered during last week's BNP Paribas Open semi-finals . Fourth seed Caroline Wozniacki moved into the last-16 with a 4-6, 6-1, 6-3 victory over Kaia Kanepi and will next face Venus Williams, a 6-4, 7-6, (7/3) winner against Samantha Stosur. Daria Gavrilova, the Russian wild card who shocked Maria Sharapova earlier in the week, continued her fine run with a 6-0, 7-6 (7-5) win over Kurumi Nara to set up a clash with Karolina Pilskova who beat Paula Badosa Gibert 7-5 6-1. Ekaterina Makarova was a 6-0, 6-4 victor over Elina Svitolina and will next face Andrea Petkovic, who beat Kristina Mladenovic 6-0, 6-2, while Carla Suarez Navarro's 6-0 6-4 win over Alize Cornet earned her a clash with Agnieszka Radwanska, a 6-2, 4-6, 6-2 winner against Irina Camelia-Begu. Caroline Wozniacki (above) moved into the last-16 with a 4-6, 6-1, 6-3 victory over Kaia Kanepi . In the men's event, top seed Novak Djokovic overcame a wobble to beat Martin Klizan. The Serb won the first set to love but then lost the second before closing out a 6-0, 5-7, 6-1 win and he will next face Steve Darcis who beat Gilles Muller 6-4, 6-7 (2/7), 6-3. Fourth seed Kei Nishikori beat Mikhail Youzhny 6-2 6-1 and will face Viktor Troicki, who overcame Simone Bolelli 7-5, 3-6, 6-4, while fifth seed Milos Raonic was a 6-1 6-4 winner against Teymuraz Gabashvili, next meeting Jeremy Chardy who beat Jurgen Melzer 6-4 6-1. Jo-Wilfried Tsonga won his first match of the season after a spell out with injury as he beat Tim Smyczek . David Ferrer was a 6-1, 6-1 winner over Federico Delbonis to set up a clash with Lukas Rosol, a 7-6 (7/0), 6-3 winner over Alexander Zverev. Jo-Wilfried Tsonga won his first match

Summary: Serena Williams earns 6-3, 6-1 victory against Monica Niculescu to reach Miami Open thirst round . Williams had withdrawn from BNP Paribas Open last week with a knee injury . American star insists she 'really didn't feel' any knee pain .


Microsoft is making a cheaper version of its Surface Pro 3 tablet computer in an effort to appeal to students and budget-conscious families. The new Surface 3 has a slightly smaller 10.8inch screen, but will run a full version of Windows. Microsoft hopes it will be able to replace a traditional laptop for many buyers, and help it fend off Apple's iPad and Macbook laptops. Scroll down for video . Microsoft hopes the new cheaper tablet will appeal to students and budget-conscious families - and lure buyers away from Apple. The new tablet has a slightly smaller screen - 10.8 inches rather than 12 . Atom x7 Processor . Front- (3.5MP) and rear-facing (8MP) cameras that both capture 1080p video . 10 hour battery life . 'As we planned the next addition to the Surface family, the questions to answer for our customers became simple,' said Panos Panay of Microsoft. 'What product would we build to be sure we could make the very best of what we built in Surface Pro 3 available to many, many more people? 'We started with what we’re known for — a great tablet that works as a laptop, the ability to run all Windows apps including full Office, and a pen experience that really sets Surface apart. 'We knew we would offer all of this in a more affordable package but decided at the outset that we would make no compromise on maintaining the beautiful fit and finish, the craftsmanship that so many love in our Surface products.' Priced at $499 (vs $799 to $1,949 for the Pro 3), the new tablet has a slightly smaller screen - 10.8 inches rather than 12 - a slower processor, and less flexible kickstand - just three angles rather than unlimited positions. A version with more storage and memory will cost $599. The firm will sell keyboard covers for £129, turning the tablet into a full featured windows laptop. Microsoft will also sell a stylus for the Surface 3 separately for $49 . A keyboard cover, one of the Surface's distinctive features, adds another $129. Microsoft bills the Surface line as a laptop replacement when used with the cover. And Microsoft will sell a stylus separately for $49. (It's included with the Pro 3.) The new Surface model is thinner and lighter, partly because it gets rid of the fan - similar to Apple's new MacBook laptop. At 214 pixels per inch, the screen resolution is comparable to the Pro 3's. Battery life is promised at 10 hours for video playback. The Surface 3 runs the regular version of Windows 8.1, just like the Pro 3. In the past, Microsoft has used a lightweight version called RT in its cheaper tablets. The Surface 3 also has a USB port, a feature that distinguishes the Surface line from most rival tablets.

Summary: Users can buy $129 keyboard cover to turn tablet into laptop . Microsoft hopes tablet will lure buyers away from iPad and Macbook . Surface 3 has a slightly smaller 10.8inch screen and keyboard case is extra .


The parents of a young girl with leukemia who want to build their daughter an outdoor playhouse have been blocked by their homeowners association. Pete and Jennifer Schultz, who live in the Kansas City, Missouri, suburb of Raymore, say they need the playhouse for their 6-year-old daughter, Ella Joe, because her health keeps her from playing with other children. 'She's earned this — she deserves it,' Pete Schultz told The Kansas City Star. 'She can't get out and play with other kids. This playhouse is what she would have. Is it really going to hurt someone?' Scroll down for video . Ella Joe Schultz of Raymore, Missouri is battling leukemia. When Make-A-Wish asked what she would like she asked for a playhouse, but the local homeowners association said no. Ella Joe and her family live at this home in Raymore, a suburb of Kansas City, Missouri, and had wanted to erect a 'barn-style' playhouse outside it . The Make-A-Wish Foundation, which grants wishes to children with life-threatening illnesses, contacted Ella Joe's parent offering to grant a wish to Ella. The young girl said she wanted a playhouse and at first everything seemed to be going well. The shingles of the house were even going to match the ones throughout the neighborhood. But the homeowners association said no. 'The proposed plan they've given us is a violation of our covenants,' Stonegate HOA board president Stacy Bayers told KCTV. The homeowners group has since published a statement on its website saying the proposal for a 'barn-style' playhouse was denied because it didn't have enough details to merit an exemption. 'Our hearts are with Ella Schultz and her family as they battle this terrible illness,' it read. 'She's earned this — she deserves it': Father Pete Schultz said his daughter asked for the playhouse because she can't get out and play with other kids . Stonegate HOA board president Stacy Bayers told KCTV that the initial request was turned down because it violated covenants . The Stonegate of the Good Ranch is committed to working with the Make-A-Wish Foundation 'to see if we can figure out a way to make Ella's wish come true,' and the group has requested additional information from the charity and a construction company that has committed to building the play house. One local man has even offered via Ella Joe's GoFundMe page to put her playhouse in his yard. As this plays out, Ella Joe has been in the hospital fighting complications from her cancer. The Schultz's neighbors have rallied around the family before, including last year, when after spending several months in the hospital, Ella Joe came home to a neighborhood parade. The Schultz's neighbors have rallied around the family before, including last year, when after spending several months in the hospital, Ella Joe came home to a neighborhood parade .

Summary: Ella Joe Schultz of Raymore, Missouri is battling leukemia . The Make-A-Wish Foundation asked what she would like and she asked for a 'barn-style' playhouse . The local homeowners association said no, claiming that the request violated covenants . They've since said they are committed to working with Make-A-Wish 'to see if we can figure out a way to make Ella's wish come true'


Labour is trying to shut down Margaret Thatcher's flagship 'right to buy' policy by the back door, a minister warned yesterday. Housing minister Brandon Lewis branded Labour the 'enemy of aspiration' over growing moves by the party to curb the right of people to buy their council home. Earlier this month, Ed Miliband's housing adviser Sir Michael Lyons described right to buy as a 'failure'. Welsh Labour has said it will restrict or even abolish the right to buy if it wins power in the principality next year. Ministers fear Mr Miliband could cut a post-election deal with the SNP, which has already scrapped the right to buy. Earlier this month, Labour leader Ed Miliband's (pictured) housing adviser Sir Michael Lyons described right to buy as a 'failure' And a string of Labour councils have introduced moves in recent months that will curb the right to buy in the future. A number of Labour-run authorities are exploiting a loophole in the law to avoid having to offer council-owned homes for sale to their tenants. Enfield Council, in London, has set up a private company to buy up local properties for rent, boasting that the new company will be 'exempt from right-to-buy obligations – meaning the properties would be owned by the council until the authority chooses to sell them.' Sheffield Council has set up a new firm to build and run more than 2,000 homes in the city. And other Labour-run councils such as Ealing and Thurrock are now following suit. Mr Lewis said he would act to outlaw the practice if the Conservatives win power in May. But he also accused Labour of a wider attempt to run down the right to buy, which the Tories are expected to extend. Mr Lewis said: 'Once again the Labour Party is proving itself to be the enemy of aspiration by trying to block the rights of hard working people to buy their own home. 'The right to buy not only gives something back to families who worked hard, paid their rent and played by the rules, it also allows them to do up their home, change their front door, improve their garden - without getting permission from the council. 'This Government has worked hard to reinvigorate the scheme, which gives people a sense of pride and ownership not just in their home, but in their street and neighbourhood, helping to build strong families and stable mixed communities. Now Housing Minister Brandon Lewis claims Labour is trying to shut down Margaret Thatcher's flagship 'right to buy' policy by the back door . 'By contrast in Labour-run Wales the housing ladder has been kicked away for thousands of hardworking families and Welsh Labour is returning to its outdated socialist dogma, believing that government rather than individuals know what is best for them and their families.' Labour critics of the right to buy claim that it has resulted in the stock of public housing being slashed, increasing the housing shortage. But ministers dismiss the charge, pointing out that councils are now allowed to use the proceeds

Summary: Housing Minister claims Labour is trying to shut down 'right to buy' policy . Brandon Lewis says they are trying to 'block the rights of hard working people to buy their own home' Scheme branded a 'failure' by Labour leader Ed Miliband's housing advisor . Welsh Labour will restrict or abolish right to buy if it wins power next year . Critics inside Labour Party say the policy added to the housing shortage .


Inter Milan loan signing Lukas Podolski has revealed that he doesn't care about the criticism that has been directed at him regarding his recent performances, insisting it is part and parcel of the game. The 29-year-old has flattered to deceive since joining the Italian giants from Arsenal, most recently being named the second-worst Serie A capture of January in a poll conducted by Gazzetta dello Sport. The Germany international is yet to open his account for Roberto Mancini's side either - despite making nine appearances in all - although he is not phased about the criticism he has been receiving as a result of that. Lukas Podolski (right) in action for Inter in a training session on Wednesday afternoon . Inter boss Roberto Mancini has been unimpressed with Podolski's performances since joining the club . Click here to see who have been voted as the best and worst signings in the January transfer window in Serie A. He told Sport1: You need to swallow [criticism] in professional football. There is always another direction, meaning a positive one. 'I don't care for media or people being critical of me. I know that this is part of the business. It's important to know what you have to do to be better. Fredy Guarin participates in keepy uppies with his head during the session . Podolski was substituted in the 66th minute against Fiorentina after a disappointing display . 'The folks always want to see you hit rock bottom though.' The former Bayern Munich forward has also come under pressure from the Inter fans, who booed him after he was substituted in the 1-0 defeat against Fiorentina on Sunday. Inter boss Mancini has also had his say recently commenting on the German: 'Podolski must do more. What he's doing is not enough and he's the first to recognise that.'

Summary: Lukas Podolski has struggled to impress since joining Inter Milan . The 29-year-old has failed to score since signing on loan from Arsenal . The Germany international was booed by supporters after being substituted in Sunday's defeat against Fiorentina . Inter boss Roberto Mancini says Podolski needs to raise his game .


Liverpool midfielder Joe Allen admits it took longer than they expected to turn their season around but he now has every confidence they can make it a success. A dreadful start to the campaign saw them slip to 10th, seven points off the minimum requirement of a top-four place, in mid-December and exit the Champions League at the group stage. Since then, however, they have taken 30 points from their 12 subsequent Premier League matches to put themselves firmly in the mix for a top-four place and have an FA Cup quarter-final replay against Sky Bet Championship side Blackburn to face next month. Joe Allen (centre) warms up with SImon Mignolet and Lazar Markovic (right) last week . Allen (left) trains with team-mate Steven Gerrard and right back Glen Johnson (centre) 'We always knew we'd turn it around but we wondered how long it was going to take. It did take longer than we expected, I think,' said Wales midfielder Allen. 'Losing Luis Suarez in the summer (to Barcelona) and Daniel Sturridge being out (injured) for so long as well and the change we had, we always knew there'd be a little bit of a rocky patch but we didn't expect it to go on so long. 'We put expectation on ourselves because we think we're good enough to go on runs like this. Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers is trying to tie down a number of his first-team stars to longer deals . Emre Can and Kolo Toure (right) battle each other as they go for a sprint during training . 'With the players we've got, and the confidence we're playing with, I think it's a case of long may it continue.' The turnaround came after their Champions League failure was followed immediately by a 3-0 defeat at Manchester United, their main rival for a top-four spot. A change in system to a 3-4-2-1 formation has brought the best out of a number of players, particularly 22-year-old playmaker Philippe Coutinho and utility man Emre Can, who recently turned 21. Liverpool goalkeeper Mignolet gets down low to his right to stop a ball with his hand in training . Liverpool striker Rickie Lambert strikes one on the volley with his left foot during training . Martin Skrtel works on his fitness and conditioning with Liverpool coach Ryland Morgans (left) 'People forget sometimes that we're a pretty young team and squad,' Allen, who is fit again after a hip problem to face former club Swansea this evening, told liverpoolfc.com. 'The beauty of that is that we will get better. We've shown that as the season has gone on. 'With this run of games we're going on, we're really looking forward to Monday night's game and we'll be setting our stall out to go there and pick up three points. 'We've grown massively and I think you can see the change in formation. We've taken to that really well and quickly, which is important. 'I think we seem to have that edge back, even if we're not playing the most flowing football or things aren't

Summary: Liverpool have taken 30 points from last 12 games to climb to fifth in table . Liverpool travel to Swansea on Monday looking to continue top-four push . Joe Allen reveals he has opened talks with club over extending contract . Brendan Rodgers: Liverpool need 23 more points for top-four spot . CLICK HERE for all the latest Liverpool news .


Houston Rockets guard James Harden has been suspended for one game without pay for kicking Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James in the groin, the NBA announced on Monday. The incident between the two league most valuable player candidates occurred with 2:08 remaining in the third quarter of the Rockets' 105-103 overtime victory on Sunday against the Cavaliers in Houston. Closely guarded by James, Harden lost his footing, fell to the floor and then lifted his left leg and kicked James below the belt. VIDEO Scroll down for James Harden suspended for kicking LeBron James in the groin . Houston Rockets' James Harden pushes against Cleveland Cavaliers' LeBron James on Sunday night . Harden works to keep control of the ball under pressure from Cleveland Cavaliers' James in overtime . Harden was assessed a flagrant foul for the incident. "Obviously that's not a basketball play," James told reporters after the game. "I have no idea why he would do that, but two competitors just trying to go at it, and he won this one." Harden will serve his suspension on Tuesday when the Rockets travel to Atlanta to play the Hawks. James drives the ball past Houston Rockets' Trevor Ariza in the first half of the game in Houston. James goes to the basket as Houston Rockets' Josh Smith tries to knock the ball away in overtime .

Summary: Guard James Harden has been suspended for one game without pay . Rockets star kicked LeBron James in the groin during game on Sunday . Incident happened in third quarter of Rockets' 105-103 overtime victory . He will serve suspension on Tuesday when they face the Atalanta Hawks .


Hundreds of women and children have been seized from Nigerian primary schools by Boko Haram militants to be used as 'human shields' as the extremist group starts to lose its grip on the region. The Islamic militants took adults and children from primary schools in the north-eastern town of Damasak as troops from Niger and Chad approached a month ago, Mike Omeri, the Nigerian spokesman for the fight against Boko Haram, confirmed this week. When the soldiers arrived, they found the town largely deserted - with local reports suggesting as many as 500 people were taken in the raids. Scroll down for video . Kidnapped: As many as 500 women and children were taken from Damasak, in north-eastern Nigeria, as Chadian troops (pictured) advanced on the town, which had been held by Boko Haram for months . Mr Omeri refused to be drawn on exactly how many people had been taken by Boko Haram militants, but he was clear on the reason why they had been kidnapped. 'Boko Haram ... rushed to primary schools they took children and adults that they are using as shields to protect themselves from the menacing advance of troops,' he said. 'They are being used as shields by Boko Haram.' Damasak, which is near the border with Niger and had been held by Boko Haram for months, was recaptured on March 16 - but officials have only confirmed the kidnappings now. Evidence of a mass grave was also discovered by the troops from Chad and Niger, who now hold the town, Chad's ambassador to the U.N. Mahamat Zene Cherif confirmed Wednesday. Last week, the troops found the bodies of at least 70 people in an apparent execution site under a bridge leading out of Damasak, which had been used as an administrative centre for the extremists who hope to create their own 'caliphate' in the region. Defence: Officials believe they were taken so they could be used as human shields when troops arrived. Pictured: Chadian army celebrates entering Damasak - showing off one of Boko Haram's flags . A 40-year-old resident, who gave her name as Fana, said fighters had rounded up captives in the main mosque before taking them out of town. She said she saved her two children by hiding them in her house. The news of the mass kidnappings and killings comes at a crucial time - just days before Nigeria goes to the polls in crucial elections. The six-year battle against the insurgents is one of the major issues voters will be considering on Saturday. Gruesome: Soldiers also discovered a mass grave near the town. Pictured: Seizing the militants' weapons . Thousands have already lost their lives - including an estimated 10,000 last year alone - while more than 174,000 people are thought to have fled to neighbouring Cameroon, Chad and Niger as refugees. Last year, Boko Haram's reign of terror hit the international headlines when they took 276 girls from a government boarding school. Dozens escaped in the first couple of days, but 219 remain missing. Since then, troops from Nigeria's neighbours

Summary: As many as 500 women and children taken from Damasak primary schools . Kidnapped by Islamic militants as troops advanced on north-eastern town . Official confirms the extremists planned to use them as human shields . Mass grave also discovered in the town, used as an administrative centre .


Russian President Vladimir Putin has an army of professional trolls flooding the internet with pro-Russian propaganda . Vladimir Putin has an army of professional trolls running thousand of fake Twitter and Facebook accounts to flood social media with pro-Russia propaganda. Hundreds of workers are paid £500 a month to work exhausting 12-hour shifts bombarding the internet with comments placing Putin in a more favourable light. The trolls work under strict condition which see them banned from talking and even forging friendships with one another. One former worker at the Internet Research Centre - dubbed the Troll Factory - has lifted the lid on how employees must write more than 130 online posts a shift or face the sack. Marat Burkhard explained how the operation, based in modern building in St Petersburg, is opened 24 hours a day and employees often work in teams of three. 'One of us would be the 'villain,' the person who disagrees with the forum and criticizes the authorities, in order to bring a feeling of authenticity to what we're doing, he told Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty. 'The other two enter into a debate with him -- "No, you're not right; everything here is totally correct." 'We create the illusion of actual activity on these forums.' Mr Burkhard revealed how he and his fellow trolls got to work after a story broke about US President Barack Obama spitting his chewing gum out in India. ''You need to write 135 comments about this, and don't be shy about how you express yourself,' Mr Burkhard, reportedly said he was told. ''Write whatever you want, just stick the word Obama in there a lot and then cover it over with profanities." On another occasion he was told to repeatedly post on websites that the majority of German's supported Putin and his policies and were unhappy with Merkel. Inside the factory the trolls are not just targeting Russian sites but those around the world, including the UK. The trolls are often given five key words which they must make sure each of their posts are littered with. He claimed workers faced sanctions from manager if they were missing from their comments. The comments must make Putin appear in a more favourable light compared with his western counterparts . Mr Burkhard, who now works as a blogger, quit after two months slaving away at his keyboard. 'I decided I can't engage in absurd work,' he said, according to Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty. 'To keep going didn't make any sense - it's all absurd. He compared his time at the Troll factory to the Ministry of Truth in George Orwell's 1984. 'You work in the Ministry of Truth, which is the Ministry of Lies, and everyone kind of believes in this truth.' Mr Burkhard compared his time at Russia's troll factory to the Ministry of Truth in George Orwell's 1984 .

Summary: Army of professional trolls running fake accounts for Vladimir Putin . Workers are reportedly paid £500 a month for exhausting 12-hour shifts . Told they must bombard sites with more than 130 comments a day . Staff not allowed to talk to each other or form friendships .


Fiji reclaimed the Hong Kong Sevens title when it routed defending champion New Zealand 33-19 in the final on Sunday. Fiji blasted to a 21-0 lead in the first half, taking the tension out of the 12th final matchup between the tournament's most successful sides. Each time New Zealand rallied, Fiji had a reply, and even denied New Zealand the last say when Fiji's Vatemo Ravouvou and Apisai Domolailai bundled out Rieko Ioane just shy of the left corner flag. VIDEO Scroll down for highlights from Hong Kong . Fiji celebrate after defeating New Zealand to win the Hong Kong Sevens on Sunday . Fiji players celebrate the team's victory at the Hong Kong International Stadium . Fiji supporters celebrate in the stands after their side scored a try in the final against New Zealand . 'Tactically, we were really astute,' Fiji coach Ben Ryan said. 'I'm really pleased with the way they managed the final.' The win was Fiji's third in four years in the Hong Kong Sevens, and a record-extending 13th in the tournament it prizes above all others. Fiji's third win from six tournaments in the sevens world series also lifted it above New Zealand into second place, two points behind leader South Africa, and in position to win a first series in nine years. New Zealand, also defending the series title, was one point behind. The Japan Sevens is next weekend in Tokyo. Great support play set up Savenaca Rawaca for the opening try, then Semi Kunitani stole ruck ball from New Zealand and sent in Jerry Tuwai. New Zealand tried a five-man attacking lineout, but then trying to back up the sole player out wide ended up giving an intercept try to Rawaca. Fiji's Jerry Tuwai goes high in the air to catch a ball during Sunday's final . Tuwai (left) attempts to run clear from New Zealand's Jo Webber . New Zealand's D J Forbes is tackled to the ground by Fiji players during the final . Beaudine Waaka's try just before halftime put New Zealand on the board, and Scott Curry's immediately after raised hope. But it was dampened by a try by Jasa Veremalua for 28-12 with seven minutes to go. Curry scored his second try after Sam Dickson took in three defenders, but Ravouvou swept around the left and gifted Domolailai the fifth and last try for Fiji. 'That's a great Fijian side,' New Zealand coach Gordon Tietjens said. 'They defended really well and a couple of length-of-the-field tries killed us.' Fiji did well merely to survive its quarterfinal. It led England 14-5 with a penalty try, then lost a man to the sin-bin, too. England, at 14-12 down, gave James Rodwell a chance in the right corner, but Rawaca pulled off a brilliant try-saving tackle. Fiji blasted to a 21-0 lead against South Africa in the semifinals then just managed to hold on 21-15 in another thriller. South Africa finished third, beating Samoa 26-5.

Summary: Fiji beat New Zealand 33-19 in Sunday's Hong Kong Sevens final . It is Fiji's third victory in the last four years at the Hong Kong event . Fiji are now in second place behind South Africa in the sevens world series .


Twitter has ruthlessly mocked Starbucks campaign for the company's new anti-racism campaign in which baristas talk to customers about race issues while serving their coffee. One user tweeted, 'I don't have time to explain 400 years of oppression to you & still make my train', while another pointed out, 'y'all realize there are no coloured hands in the press photos right'. A third speculated, 'maybe Starbucks actually wanted to get people of all races & ethnicities to join hands and make fun'. Scroll down for video . Campaign: Starbucks boss Howard Schultz has instructed staff to write 'RaceTogether' on cups in an effort to draw customers into a discussion about the state of race relations in America . Talking point: Although Starbucks says that nobody will be forced into a discussion, baristas are attempting to speak to customers about racism in America by writing slogans on their coffee cups. But Twitter has branded the campaign 'cringe-inducing' and 'patronizing' Humiliation: Corey duBrowa, Starbucks' Senior Vice President of Global Communications was forced to delete his account due to 'a cascade of negativity' Corey duBrowa, the company's Senior Vice President of Global Communications, was forced to delete his Twitter account, before re-activating it the next day. 'Last night I felt personally attacked in a cascade of negativity,' he said in a post on Medium. 'I got overwhelmed by the volume and tenor of the discussion, and I reacted'. Staff at the 4,700 cafés across America now have the option to write 'RaceTogether' on cardboard cups, which is the slogan of a Starbucks anti-racism campaign. It was hoped that customers who encounter the slogan on their coffee cup would be inspired to discuss the deeper issues affecting America, in an attempt to 'create a more empathetic and inclusive society - one conversation at a time'. But many customers found the campaign 'patronizing'. '#RaceTogether is what happens when a 1%-er without any actual anti-racist education or training has a mid-life "white man's burden" crisis,' one user tweeted. Another took a sarcastic approach, tweeting a picture of a white barista, with the message: 'Here's your macchiato! Let's discuss the historic disenfranchisement of your people that has allowed me to prosper.' The campaign was the brainchild of Howard Schultz, 61, the company's boss, who has a track record of speaking out about contentious topics, from gay marriage to gun control. His decision came in response to the escalating racial tension that emerged when grand juries failed to indict white police officers involved in the killings of Michael Brown, 18, in Ferguson, Missouri, and Eric Garner, 43, in Staten Island, New York. Last year, Schultz travelled to Starbucks branches in the cities most affected by racial tension, including Los Angeles, St Louis, Chicago, New York, Oakland and Seattle. Mr Schulz met about 2,000 Starbucks staff on the tour, and made contact with the rest of his 200,000 employees - 40 per cent of whom are from ethnic minority backgrounds - via a video address. 'It's an emotional issue,' he said. 'But it is so vitally important to the country.' Last

Summary: Howard Schultz, boss of Starbucks, told baristas to write 'RaceTogether' on cups in an effort to stimulate debate about racism . Twitter users quickly branded the campaign 'patronizing' and 'cringe-inducing', and subjected executives to a wave of mockery . One user pointed out that no black people featured in publicity photographs for the campaign . Corey duBrowa, a Starbucks PR executive, was forced to delete his Twitter account as he felt 'overwhelmed by the volume and tenor of the discussion'


RAY DAVIES: A COMPLICATED LIFE . by Johnny Rogan . (Bodley Head £25) The exhilarating finale of a musical called Sunny Afternoon currently offers one of the great nightly spectacles in London’s so-called ‘theatreland’, as hundreds of mostly middle-aged punters leap or, in some cases, creak to their feet, jigging and jiving to the music of The Kinks. Just a few weeks ago, I was one of them, and resolved as I left to learn more about the singular life of Ray Davies, the band’s brilliant but melancholic frontman, who wrote such timelessly wonderful hits as Waterloo Sunset, You Really Got Me, Lola and, indeed, Sunny Afternoon. Ray Davies (pictured) is the brilliant, but sometimes melancholic, frontman of The Kinks . Well, Johnny Rogan’s monumental biography has filled all the gaps in my knowledge of one of the men who made the Sixties swing (while simultaneously lampooning the Swinging Sixties with his mickey-take of Carnaby Street dandies, Dedicated Follower Of Fashion). Gloriously rousing though it is, the stage show hardly does justice to the enigma that is Raymond Douglas Davies. Mercurial, introspective, sometimes cruel and spectacularly, almost sociopathically, mean with money, but also sensitive, principled and capable of great kindness, Davies is above all one of the creative geniuses of our age. Those who are or have been close to him, including his brother Dave and the singer Chrissie Hynde (the mother of one of his four daughters), might not always echo the sentiment, but we are lucky to have him. Davies was born in 1944 in Muswell Hill, North London, on the night of an air raid. It was a suitably explosive beginning. He was the seventh child in a boisterous, tight-knit, working-class family but, more significantly, the first son. One of the pivotal episodes in shaping his complex personality came before he was three years old, when baby David arrived, rudely undermining his status. Much later, Dave’s musicianship would also be central to the success of The Kinks, but he was resented by Ray from day one. Indeed, David still remembers a childhood mock fight in which he thought he’d accidentally knocked his older brother unconscious. He bent over him, whispering, ‘Are you OK?’, only for Ray to spring up and punch him hard in the face. ‘I felt the pleasure that I’d knocked him over, then concern that I’d hurt him,’ says Dave now, ‘but all he really wanted was to get back at me. It’s symbolic of our whole relationship, really.’ While Dave grew up happy and outgoing, Ray was troubled and solitary and was even sent to a child therapist, which can’t have been usual in working-class North London during the Fifties. The sudden death of much-loved older sister Rene compounded his torment. But he found refuge in music, especially in the records of the American blues singer Big Bill Broonzy, a discovery he credits with changing his life. With Dave, and schoolfriends Pete Quaife and John Start, he formed the Ray Davies Quartet. He auditioned a cocky boy from the year below him at William Grimshaw

Summary: Ray Davies was the frontman of iconic band The Kinks . He wrote hits such as Waterloo Sunset, You Really Got Me and Lola . He has been heralded as one of the creative geniuses of our age .


A horse-drawn beach hut in Cornwall has been placed on the market for the first time since it was purchased 92 years ago, and the price has certainly increased. Holidaymakers who want to snap up the holiday chalet will have to splash out £80,000 for the property - compared to just £10 spent on the hut back in 1924. The beach hut, named Roskear, was bought by the Truan family from Camborne in 1924, when farmers were still using horses to pull their ploughs. Scroll down for video . The Cornish beach hut is expected to fetch around £80,000 when it goes up for sale, and has a whole lot of history behind it . Electricity was added in the 1950s, and despite the cramped nature of the hut, there are plenty of facilities . It might be small, but a bit like Doctor Who's Tardis, appearances can be deceptive for inside it has two bedrooms, a hall and a toilet extension . Every year on April 1, the Truans, along with many other local families, could get permission to simply hitch up a horse and tow their chalet on to the seaside dunes at Riviere Towans in St Ives Bay for the summer season. In 1926 the chalet was the first to be given a permanent fixed and anchored position in the dunes where it remains today. Now the little hut, the oldest still existing on Riviere Towans, is up for sale and is expected to fetch at least £80,000. A reminder of a bygone age, it is largely untouched from the time it was purchased for £10 in 1924, say selling agents Driftwood Properties. It might be small, but a bit like Doctor Who's Tardis, appearances can be deceptive for inside it has two bedrooms, a hall and a toilet extension. The beach hut, named Roskear, was bought by the Truan family from Camborne in 1924 . While it may need a bit of touch-up work here and there, the beach hut offers a real escape from everyday life . There is enough room to add your own personal touches to the beach hut should you wish . Over the years the Truans added extensions for sleeping accommodation and toilet facilities, adding electricity in the 1950s - another first - and cladding a decade later. During the war years, trenches were dug outside its door, and later more chalets were built around it and larger holiday companies arrived in St Ives Bay. Original features dating back to 1924 include the doors, windows, a Belfast sink and a meat safe. It has a living room, two bedrooms and an attached outside toilet cubicle. The Truan family added extensions for sleeping accommodation and toilet facilities, adding electricity in the 1950s . Audrey Chivers, daughter of John Truan, who bought the property the day she was born, inherited it as a wedding gift. She died last year. Family friend John Prela, who was charged with selling the hut, said: 'John Truan worked for Camborne Railway Station and was transferred to Reading but they

Summary: The beach hut, named Roskear, was bought by the Truan family from Camborne in 1924 . It might be small, but appearances can be deceptive for inside it has two bedrooms, a hall and a toilet extension . Original features dating back to 1924 include the doors, windows, a Belfast sink and a meat safe .


A self-confessed makeup addict who spends thousands of pounds on beauty products every year has vowed to go bare-faced for 12 months to raise money for charity. Rebecca Mead, 25, says she never leaves the house without wearing foundation, powder, blusher, mascara, lipstick, eyeshadow and eyeliner - which takes her an hour every morning to apply. In her lifetime, Becca, who lives in Hadley, Suffolk, claims she has spent more than 5,000 hours applying makeup to her face - and is now going cold turkey – to prove women do not need 'a mask' and to raise money for Special Effects, which helps disabled people. ecca with her new bare-faced look as she vows to go a year without wearing any makeup . Becca, pictured left as a brunette and, right, as a blonde, estimates she spends 5,000 hours a year applying makeup - but has vowed to quit to raise money for charity . Becca, who will also stop dyeing her hair every month and wearing fake nails, said: 'Considering I have worn a full face of makeup everyday for 16 years and refused to leave the house without a full layer of foundation it's quite scary.' So far, the beauty obsessive, who spends hundreds of pounds a year on beauty products, says people's reactions have been mixed. 'Some people have said nothing but other people said I looked tired, which isn't great,' she said. The supermarket worker started applying hair dye at 12 and wearing makeup at 14, spending hours before school carefully applying cosmetics to her face. Becca (pictured left and right with makeup) never left the house without makeup before taking on the challenge . Becca (pictured with makeup) spent at least an hour each morning layering on foundation, powder, blusher, mascara, lipstick, eyeshadow and eyeliner . She would spend at least an hour each morning layering on foundation, powder, blusher, mascara, lipstick, eyeshadow and eyeliner and even put on false eyelashes. 'I'd get up at least an hour earlier each morning so I looked my best,' Miss Mead admitted. 'I had special tricks like applying extra powder to my eyebrows to make them look thicker. 'I would carefully apply nail varnish and had boxes of cosmetics which I ordered off the internet. 'I spent a lot of money on makeup and loved it.' But Becca is now out to prove a point: 'I think women have become too reliant on makeup and I want to prove they don't need to be. Becca, pictures with makeup, revealed that she will be going fresh-faced for a year to to raise money for a charity called Special Effects which helps disabled people . Becca admitted hair dye was one of her biggest problems, and she changes her colour every month . 'There was a time when I would change my hair colour every month – now I realise that was not necessary. 'I can't believe I used to be too scared to leave the house without makeup. I wouldn't even pop to the shops without applying slap which seems ridiculous.'

Summary: Rebecca Mead, 25, of Suffolk, never leaves the house without makeup . Supermarket worker spends 5,000 hours a year applying products . Now Becca is going cold turkey to prove women do not need 'a mask' Also raising money for charity Special Effects, which helps disabled people .


Convicted criminals could be banned from smoking in the communal areas of prisons after a landmark court ruling. A High Court judge in London has declared that the 2006 Health Act, which prohibits lighting up in public and in workplaces, applies to all Crown premises, including prisons. It comes after Mr Justice Singh rejected Justice Secretary Chris Grayling's argument that the Crown had immunity from the Act. Criminals could be banned from smoking in the communal areas of prisons following a landmark ruling at the High Court in London . However, the judge accepted his ruling had wide-ranging implications and said it should not take effect until Mr Grayling has had a chance to appeal. The judge was told by Government lawyers that criminalising smoking could lead to unrest in the jails of England and Wales. Prisoners can smoke in their cells with the door shut and outside in exercise yards, but both inmates and staff could face prosecution for lighting up in communal areas if the ruling is not overturned on appeal. The case was brought by Paul Black, an inmate at HMP Wymott in Lancashire, who says he suffers from a range of health problems made worse by second-hand smoke. High Court judge Mr Justice Singh, pictured, made the ruling after rejecting the argument that Crown premises had immunity from the Health Act 2006, which bans smoking in public places and in workplaces . Lawyers for Black, a sex offender who has been at Wymott since 2009, argued both prisoners and staff were guilty of lighting-up in areas prohibited under prison rules, including on landings, in laundry rooms and in healthcare waiting rooms. Lawyers for the Justice Secretary maintained the rules and regulations, especially the sanction of withdrawal of privileges, were sufficient to deal any problem. The Health Act already applies to private prisons as they are not Crown premises. Mr Justice Singh, sitting in London, declared: 'In my judgment it is clear from the terms of the 2006 Act that the intention of Parliament was indeed that it should apply to all public places and workplaces which fell within its scope, including those for which the Crown is responsible.' But giving permission to appeal, the judge acknowledged concerns in the Prison Service over the impact of his decision on 'prisoners who feel the need to smoke and may be resistant to the criminalising of that conduct in places where in my view the Health Act does apply.' Black had also argued that prisoners were legally entitled to anonymous and confidential access to the NHS freephone smoke-free compliance line to report infringements of the rules. The judge said that issue should be reconsidered by the Justice Secretary in the light of his judgment. Black is serving a sentence of indeterminate detention for public protection (IPP) after being convicted in 2007 of sexual assault and outraging public decency. His minimum term in jail expired after 203 days but he cannot be released on licence until the Parole Board decides he is no longer a danger to the public. The case was

Summary: High Court rules smoking in communal areas of prisons should be banned . Mr Justice Singh says smoking ban should apply to all Crown premises . Comes after case was brought by Paul Black, an inmate at HMP Wymott . He claims he suffers health problems caused by second-hand smoke . But Government say criminalising smoking could lead to unrest in jails . Currently prisoners can smoke in cells with doors shut or in exercise yards .


Mathematics is probably not a subject that many people find sexy, but it could hold the key to finding true love. Mathematicians have developed a series of theories that can help people find the perfect partner. These include tips such as not trying to hide the less attractive parts of your appearance in your online dating profile pictures and looking for people who had fewer colds as a child. Scroll down for video . Dr Hannah Fry's (pictured left) book (right) explains how maths underpins love. She said the Discreet Choice Theory dictates that if there are two women - A and B - who men rank as equally attractive, if a third woman comes along who looks like a less attractive version of woman A, then woman A becomes more popular . They have also proposed mathematical approaches to finding the perfect wife or husband - by not choosing to settle down until after the age of 22 years old. Dr Hannah Fry, a lecturer at University College London and author of a new book on The Mathematics of Love, outlined the theories at the Oxford Literary Festival. She said that choosing friends who are slightly less attractive than you when going out looking for love could also bring advantages. This is known as the Discreet Choice Theory, where the presence of an irrelevant alternative can change how you view your choices. In her book, Dr Hannah Fry suggest a number of techniques to help people find true love. Have friends who are less attractive than you: Known as Discreet Choice Theory, the idea is that if there are two women - A and B - who men rank as being equally attractive, if a third woman comes along who looks like a less attractive version of woman A, then woman A becomes more popular with the men. Highlight your flaws: Analysis from dating websites has shown that often it is not those who are rated the 'most attractive' who get the most responses from other users. Instead it appears to be those that divide opinion - so those that have something that sets them apart from the rest of the crowds. Men with bald heads, for example, should not wear a hat to cover their pate as their lack of hair will be attractive to some. Those who are overweight should also not use clever photo cropping to hide what they perceive as flaws. This means people who find these traits attractive will face less competition than messaging those who have 'perfect' profile pictures. This formula produced by psychologist John Gottmann and mathematician James Murray predicts how positive or negative a wife and husband will be when they respond in the next turn of a conversation. The most successful couples are those that allow each other to complain and don't let trivial problems build up . Choose 'healthy' looking partners: Dr Fry also explained that looking for those who tend to be heathlier are also likely to be more attractive. Don't settle down until 37% of your 'dating period' has

Summary: Dr Hannah Fry claims maths holds the secret to having the perfect love life . Mathematicians have developed a number of theories about love . These include the Discreet Choice Theory and Optimal Stopping Period . Discreet Choice Theory suggests having friends how are slightly less attractive makes you more appealing to a potential partner . Optimal Stopping Period advises against settling down until 37% of a person's 'dating period' has past . And for people already married, a formula explains how to stay together .


These are the faces of a continent - Africa up close and personal. The tight frames they are shot in barely seem to hold these people as they stand proud and stark against deep black backgrounds. The images are the work of John Kenny, a 38-year-old photographer who has spent much of the past decade travelling around south, east and west Africa, pointing his camera at the most unforgettable faces he can find. There is the young Mumuhuila girl from Angola who illustrates the obsessive pride the women of the tribe take in their hair thanks to the colourful beads, shells and animal oils woven into its strands. A girl from the Oromo tribe in eastern Ethiopia wears a striking, sequined headscarf. One day she will likely carry an umbrella to shield her from the sun like many older Oromo women. Scroll down for video . This young Hamar girl (left), from Ethiopia, is festooned with brightly coloured glass beads and dainty white shells. The girl on the right is from the Wodaabe tribe and is pictured in Niger. They are traditionally nomadic cattle-herders and traders in the Sahel . A girl from the Oromo tribe in eastern Ethiopia wears a striking, sequined headscarf (left). One day she will likely carry an umbrella to shield her from the sun like many older Oromo women. Some of the colours worn by the subjects like the girl on the right are stunning . A woman from the Rendille, a Cushitic-speaking ethnic group inhabiting Kenya's North Eastern Province (left). A lady from Ethiopia's Hamar tribe (right). Along with the two countries Kenny has also travelled to Namibia, Ethiopia, Kenya, Mail, Angola, Niger, Togo and Burkina Faso . And there is a young Hamar girl, also from Ethiopia, whose neck is festooned with hundreds of tiny glass beads and dainty white shells. It seems as if there's no room for any more jewellery but as she has yet to find a husband or have a proposal accepted by her father, there are none of the metal necklaces worn from engagement onwards that denote the social status of married women. Kenny has travelled round 13 African countries photographing traditional tribesmen and women. These include Namibia, Ethiopia, Kenya, Mail, Angola, Niger, Togo and Burkina Faso on an odyssey which began in 2006 when he made his first six-month trip to Africa. The end result of these years of work in tribal African societies is a book, ‘Facing Africa’, that was released in late 2013. Back in 2006, he says, 'at the very start of my Africa journey, I was buzzing with energy having met people of real magnetism just days into my trip. These young Mumuhuila girls from Angola illustrate the obsessive pride the women of the tribe take in their hair thanks to the colourful beads, shells and animal oils woven into its strands. Kenny travelled through 13 countries to capture intense subjects like these . This mother and child are from the Daasanach ethnic group in Ethiopia. The man is from the Nyangatom people in the

Summary: John Kenny has visited 13 countries since 2006, pointing his camera at the most unforgettable faces he can find . Thirty-eight-year-old has seen Namibia, Ethiopia, Kenya, Mail, Angola, Niger, Togo and Burkina Faso since first trip . Beads, shells and animal oils on Mumuhuila girl from Angola illustrate pride women of the tribe take in their hair . Young Hamar girl, also from Ethiopia, has neck festooned with hundreds of tiny glass beads and dainty white shells . For immediacy, Kenny removed subjects from all context, shooting them indoors against stark black background . Photographer was shot at in northern Kenya but experience has done nothing to dampen desire to keep going back .


Kell Brook has called Amir Khan's bluff regarding a potential grudge fight between the pair - telling his British rival: 'It's not about money for me.' The calls for Khan to finally settle his long-running feud with Brook have grown stronger in the last few days, but the Bolton fighter insists he has more pressing issues. While Khan is keen to meet the IBF welterweight champion 'one day', he added he would be keen on a winner-takes-all fight. Kell Brook called out Amir Khan in an interview after beating Jo Jo Dan in Sheffield on Saturday night . Khan's last fight came against Devon Alexander in December, whom he beat to take his record to 30-3 . Brook, though, is unfazed as he told Sky Sports News HQ: 'It's not about money for me. It's about everywhere I go, (people asking) "when are you going to fight him?". 'It's public demand now. I think that he's getting forced in to this fight if he gets in.' Brook defended his world title with a four-round demolition job of mandatory challenger Jo Jo Dan over the weekend and is supremely confident he could do a similar job on Khan, whose much-maligned chin is still considered to be a major weakness. 'He's been knocked down to the canvas by super-featherweights in his career,' said Brook. 'He's fighting a big, strong welterweight in myself who's a world champion, who's very confident, who's never lost, who's determined to flatten him. 'Don't get me wrong, Amir Khan is a very, very, very good fighter; very fast hands, most definitely the fastest hands I will have been in with. But the fact is when I connect on his chin, it's good night Vienna. 'I'm all wrong for him. I'll find a way to catch him, we've got 12 rounds. We'll have the perfect gameplan.' Brook demolished Dan in Sheffield, beating him in just four rounds to retain his IBF World Welterweight title . Khan has previously refused a fight with Brook but now promises it will take place within 12 months . Khan, though, is chasing a showdown with the winner of the Floyd Mayweather-Manny Pacquiao super-fight and told Brook earlier on Tuesday that he would have to wait his turn. 'I'd love to fight Kell Brook because it could be his last fight - I'd give him so much of a beating that it could end up being his last fight,' Khan told Sky Sports. 'Maybe he wants it because he knows that one fight against me will financially secure him for the rest of his life. 'But it's all about timing. If I've got a different route and I want to face the likes of Mayweather or Pacquiao out there; Kell Brook will have to wait. 'It'll happen one day and if Kell really wants to fight me, I'll fight him, but the winner takes all. I'll do a huge bonus because I know he's going to lose the fight. 'Give him a little guarantee, but the guy who wins the fight takes a big lump sum.

Summary: Amir Khan has said he will fight Kell Brook within the next 12 months . Brook believes he has the power to knock out Khan when they meet . He insists that money is not a factor in agreeing a deal with Khan's camp . Promoter Eddie Hearn believes Khan does not want to fight Brook .


A Labour MP has received a dressing down from his own party after he described Nicola Sturgeon as ‘the wee lass with the tin helmet on’. Party whip David Hamilton was accused of sexism after he made the ‘disgraceful slur’ about the First Minister in a speech at Scottish Labour’s spring conference. The remark, which is thought to be a reference to the SNP leader’s height and haircut, was greeted with laughter by party members in the audience. Fury: Party whip David Hamilton (left) was accused of sexism after he made the ‘disgraceful slur’ about Nicola Sturgeon (right) Mr Hamilton, who is a whip at Westminster, was later ‘pulled up’ about his comments by deputy Scottish Labour leader Kezia Dugdale at a women’s event. During an address to the meeting in Edinburgh on Saturday, Mr Hamilton said the party ‘has got to change’ in Scotland. Speaking about the General Election campaign, he said: ‘We’ve got to go out there and not just be negative about the SNP because that’s very easy to do when you see the wee lass with the tin helmet on.’ He finished the speech, which he said would be his last to the party’s conference as an MP, by saying: ‘Let’s stick it to the SNP.’ SNP politicians immediately demanded that Mr Hamilton be disciplined. Scottish health secretary Shona Robison wrote to Miss Dugdale on Twitter: ‘Not impressed with David Hamilton MPs sexist comments today, were you?’ Scottish Labour deputy leader Kezia Dugdale later 'pulled up' Mr Hamilton for his controversial remark . Miss Dugdale replied: ‘No and he was pulled up about it at the women’s reception’. She added that Mr Hamilton had attended the event to ‘hear the feedback’. Owen Thompson, the SNP candidate who is hoping to become the MP in Mr Hamilton’s Midlothian seat, said: ‘This sexist comment - and the reaction in the hall at Labour Conference - proves that the dinosaurs are sadly still roaming the Labour Party in Scotland.’ A spokesman for Miss Sturgeon added: ‘It’s disappointing to see Labour are stuck in the past - no wonder more and more Scottish women are planning to vote SNP on May 7.’ Mr Hamilton worked as a miner for 19 years after leaving school and spent two months behind bars during the 1984-85 strike before being cleared. He was one of 206 workers sacked during the dispute that left him unemployed and blacklisted. In January he announced that he would be stepping down at the election from his seat in Midlothian where he has been the MP since 2001. In his resignation letter, he wrote: ‘I believe that it is the right time for me to stand aside to allow the Labour Party in Midlothian to select a younger member, with fresh ideas and the hunger to meet the challenges of this changed landscape.’ He also said that he wanted to spend more time with his wife, children and grandchildren. Miss Sturgeon, who is thought to be around 5ft 4in, became Scottish First Minister last year after Alex Salmond stepped down following

Summary: Party whip David Hamilton made remark about Nicola Sturgeon in speech . Comment thought to be a reference to the SNP leader’s height and haircut . Hamilton later ‘pulled up’ by deputy Scottish Labour leader Kezia Dugdale .


A pregnant woman and her husband were forced to sleep in the car park of an Auckland motel after the receptionist said he had no record of their booking. Unfortunately for Lucy and Gary Best, they had failed to check the TripAdvisor reviews of Epson Motor Inn before they decided to stay there. The couple, from Kerikeri in New Zealand, may have decided to book in somewhere else had they spent some time researching their accommodation. Complaints from past guests range from mould in the bathroom and unpainted walls to blood on the bed sheets. Lucy Best and her husband Gary were forced to sleep in their car after the motel said there was no record . ‘I thought I was lucky to find somewhere because it was one of a very few that were available,’ Mrs Best told Daily Mail Australia. ‘I'm not fussy so at $75 a night it sounded reasonable and within distance.’ But when the pair arrived on February 21, they were told the motel was booked out despite Mrs Best having a 'full confirmation' receipt as proof when they went to check in. 'The guy at reception looked confused and said there was no booking for Lucy Best,' Mrs Best said. 'He then gave me a book of motels in the area and told me I should call around. 'I was devastated and it was our first night out together without our two-year-old son since May 2014 so it was rewarding but I ended up in tears trying to find accommodation.' The photo advertised by Epsom Motor Inn doesn't appear to add up, according to previous guests . Kel K who stayed at the motel with his wife recently said his room had 'wet carpet with a light fur of mould on it' (left) and 'unfinished repair in the bathroom' (right) Another guest, KarolynTimarkos, said the motel should 'invest in exit mould' after staying in an 'unclean' room (left) and old rubbish left behind by previous guests . The 29-year-old said she spent the next few hours scouring through the phone book but the couple had no luck. 'I called every motel, hotel and hostel - while trying not to sob over the phone but every single one said they were fully booked out because of the concert in town,' Mrs Best said. 'We ran out of time because we had to meet up with some friends who had flown in from the UK and then it was time to head to the gig. 'My husband bought some bath towels and we agreed it was looking likely we were to sleep in the truck.' The couple found a quiet cul-de-sac and camped inside their four-wheel-drive overnight. ‘It was the worst night’s sleep I’ve ever had,’ Mrs Best said. ‘I am half way through pregnancy and my husband is 1.8 metres tall. ‘There isn't enough words to describe the anger and upset I felt as it totally ruined what should've been an exciting and happy weekend. ‘To get no offer of help was disgusting, having worked in customer

Summary: Epsom Motor Inn in Auckland has been heavily criticised on TripAdvisor . It has been described as 'appalling', 'disgusting' and 'shocking' by guests . Complaints range from blood on the bedding to mould in the bathroom . Lucy and Gary Best, from Kerikeri in New Zealand, had a brutal experience . When they arrived a receptionist said there was no record of their booking . Despite explaining she was pregnant, the couple had to sleep in their car . Motel's manager said he has offered the couple free accommodation .


Utah became the only state to allow firing squads for executions when the governor signed a law on Monday approving the method when no lethal injection drugs were available, even though he called it 'a little bit gruesome'. Utah is a capital punishment state and needs a backup execution method in case a shortage of the drugs persists, Republican Governor Gary Herbert said. 'We regret anyone ever commits the heinous crime of aggravated murder to merit the death penalty, and we prefer to use our primary method of lethal injection when such a sentence is issued,' the governor's spokesman said. Scroll down for video . The firing squad execution chamber at the Utah State Prison in Draper, Utah in June 2010. Utah became the only state to allow firing squads for executions when Governor Gary Herbert signed a law Monday approving the method for use when no lethal injection drugs are available . However, enforcing death sentences is 'the obligation of the executive branch'. The governor's office noted that other states allow execution methods other than lethal injection. In Washington state, inmates can request hanging. In New Hampshire, hangings are fallback if lethal injections can't be given. Ronnie Lee Gardner, pictured above, was the last person killed by firing squad in the U.S. after choosing this method of execution. Gardner, 49, was executed on June 18, 2010, at 12.15am at Utah State Prison in Draper. In 1984, Gardner had killed Melvyn John Otterstrom, shooting him in the face during a robbery in Salt Lake City and leaving his body to be found by his wife. In April 1985, he shot dead attorney Michael Burdell at a court hearing as he tried to escape. He was given a life sentence for the first murder and condemned to die for the second. The firing squad was made up of police officers who had volunteered. One gun was loaded with non-lethal wax bullets so it would not be known who fired the kill shot. And an Oklahoma law would allow the state to use firing squads if lethal injections are ever declared unconstitutional. Utah's new approval of firing squads carries no such legal caveat and represents the latest example of frustration over botched executions and the difficulty of obtaining lethal injection drugs as manufacturers opposed to capital punishment have made them off-limits to prisons. Death by firing squad requires detailed preparations. The prisoner is strapped into a chair at the ankles and by the arms and chest in front of a wood panel with sandbags piled high on either side to prevent the bullets ricocheting. A target is pinned to the prisoner's heart with the intention that shots be fired into the heart rather than the head and the individual will bleed out quickly. The shooters are picked from volunteer police officers. The inmate has two minutes to say any final words before five shooters line up behind a slot in the wall, 25 feet from the chair. The shots are fired from .30 caliber Winchester rifles until the prisoner is declared dead. The bill's

Summary: Republican governor Gary Herbert has said Utah needs a backup execution method in case a shortage of the drugs persists . Opponents of the measure say firing squads are barbaric and makes the state 'look backward and backwoods'