When Adam Scott waved a short putter to magical effect during the first round of the WGC-Cadillac Championship at Doral on Thursday, he effectively consigned to history one of the most contentious subjects the game has known. Nine months ahead of the official death knell for long putters, the great and good have seemingly imposed their own sanction. The banishment was started by Ernie Els and Webb Simpson, who snapped his over his knee to ensure he would not be tempted any more. Then came Keegan Bradley, leaving Scott as the last man standing in terms of players who won majors using a long putter. Australian Adam Scott putts for birdie on the eighth green during the WGC-Cadillac Championship . Scott watches his tee shot on the 14th hole in the second round of the WGC-Cadillac Championship . It was this group who forced the hands of the governing bodies when they claimed all four majors between them in the space of just 18 months, from Bradley's PGA Championship triumph in 2011 through to Scott's Masters victory in 2013. The authorities were persuaded by the powerful evidence that less nerve was needed in anchoring a long putter to the body and the plain inequity that such a crutch could prove decisive at a major. Hence the ban on anchoring which, by extension, meant the end for long putters. Scott was the most high-profile since his long putter was the ugliest contraption of all. As long as he kept turning up with it in his bag, the subject rumbled on. It was during a three-month break that the genial Australian decided it was time to change. His caddie Steve Williams had announced his retirement while Scott's wife had given birth to their first child, Bo. 'Everything was getting a little boring so I thought why not change everything completely and ditch the putter as well,' said Scott (right), wryly. At home he experimented with a range of 50 different putters. He tried various grips and methods. By the time he arrived in Miami, Scott was confident enough to announce he was going back to the short putter he last wielded in competition in 2011. Scott plays his second shot on the 10th hole in the second round of the WGC-Cadillac Championship . The Australian chips the ball out of the bunker and onto the 11th green at the WGC-Cadillac Championship . The 34-year-old admitted to some first-hole nerves and genuine concern as to how it would hold up over long putts. As things turned out, it went better than he could have imagined. Using the 'claw' grip favoured by Sergio Garcia, the putting stroke looked pure and he had just 27 putts in an opening round of 70. 'I'm really pleased,' Scott said afterwards. 'I've tried not to clutter my mind and I've shown myself it is not that big a deal. It helps that I used a short putter for years, so the adjustment was really to do with muscle memory.' One or two middle-ranking players such as the Swede Carl Pettersson

Summary: Adam Scott is now using a short putter at the WGC-Cadillac Championship . The transition has gone very smoothly for the US Masters Champion . He shot two under round off the back of a strong short game at Doral . Short putters will be introduced across golf by January 1, 2016 .


The last time Liverpool finished outside the top eight in England’s top division was in the 1961-62 season, when they weren’t even in the top division. They were winning the old Second Division title that year, ending an eight-year spell outside the top flight, one of the rare periods in their history when they have played below the elite. In the 110 seasons they have played league football since promotion from the Lancashire League to the Second Division of the Football League in 1893, they have finished, on average, eighth. That means they have the highest average finish, all-time, of any club. Their precise average finish is 8.26, which puts them ahead of next-best Arsenal (average finish 8.78, also in 110 seasons) and third-placed Everton, who have averaged a placing of 9.71 in their 115 league seasons. Daniel Sturridge equalises for Liverpool at Anfield against Manchester United on Sunday . Liverpool players celebrate in the dressing room having won the Division One title in 1990 . Luis Suarez, now at Barcelona, guided Liverpool to second place in the Premier League last season . The average finishing positions have been calculated as part of a MailSport study to explore which English clubs are the ‘biggest’; 59 different teams of the current 92 in the top four divisions have been considered, having played in England’s top division for at least a season. Liverpool’s incredible consistency over time means they have only spent 11 seasons of 110 outside the top division. Those were their inaugural season, plus 1895-96, then 1904-05, then the eight-year spell between 1954 and 1962. At the peak of their powers, between 1972-73 and 1990-91, they finished outside the top two in the top division just once, when they were fifth in 1980-81. Chelsea, celebrating a 3-2 win at Hull on Saturday, lead the Premier League this season so far . Phil Neal is pictured with the UEFA Cup, Charity Shield, and League Championship trophies in 1976 . Arsenal last won the Premier League title in 2004, when they went unbeaten for the entire season . Steve McMahon (centre) lifts with Division One trophy in 1986 with his Liverpool team-mates . In that 19-year period Liverpool won the title 11 times and their finishing positions in a list looked like this: 1-2-2-1-1-2-1-1-5-1-1-1-2-1-2-1-2-1-2. Arsenal have been in the top division non-stop since 1919-20 but had 13 seasons in the second tier at times before that. Although famously a top-four team since Arsene Wenger arrived in 1996-97, they have finished outside the top 10 as recently as 1994-95 (when 12th) and were distinctly mediocre and finishing well down the pecking order in the mid-1970s. Everton are one of 10 current league clubs who have played all 115 seasons since the league began in 1888-89; the others being Preston, Aston Villa, Wolves, Blackburn, Bolton, West Brom, Burnley, Derby and Notts County. Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has kept the Gunners in the Premier League top four since 1997 . Former Arsenal forward Paul Merson celebrates scoring against Liverpool as the Gunners won the 1991 title .

Summary: Between 1972-73 and 1990-91 Liverpool finished outside the top two in the top division just once, winning the title 11 times . Arsenal and Everton follow behind with 8.78 and 9.71 average finishes . Everton are one of 10 current league clubs who have played all 115 seasons since the league began in 1888-89 . Sportsmail's HOW BIG IS YOUR CLUB? study finally settles great debate .


Mario Balotelli was filmed giving a group of Manchester United fans the finger following Liverpool's 2-1 defeat at Anfield on Sunday. The 24-year-old striker was goaded with chants of '[Manchester] City reject' and 'what a waste a money' as he left Anfield before seemingly taking a picture of the fans and raising his middle finger and smirking. Balotelli endured another difficult afternoon in a Liverpool shirt as his brief cameo saw the Italian make headlines for the wrongs reasons after a heated exchange with United defender Chris Smalling. Mario Balotelli looks at his phone as he leaves Anfield following Liverpool's defeat against Manchester United, prior to swearing at fans who were taunting him . The Italian striker seemed to take a picture of the United fans shouting abuse in his direction . Balotelli gives the finger to the travelling fans, who were shouting 'what a waste of money' The former AC Milan frontman had to be restrained by his own fans following a forceful challenge from Smalling which saw Balotelli launched into the advertising boards. Balotelli, who looked to be making a beeline towards Smalling was held back by several Liverpool fans in a bid to calm the hothead striker down. Unfortunately for the Anfield faithful, it was to be Balotelli's most meaningful input into the game as Brendan Rodgers' side suffered defeat after two brilliant goals from Juan Mata enough to earn three points against 10-man Liverpool following Steven Gerrard's dismissal for a stamp on Ander Herrera. The Italian was angry at the England international after a tussle forced them into the advertising board . Mario Balotelli (right) is restrained by some Liverpool supporters after his clash with Chris Smalling . The duo competed for the ball and momentum appeared to take them into the boards . Balotelli grabbed Smalling by the ankle but was restrained before anything more could kick off . Juan Mata scored twice to help United to a 2-1 victory against 10-man Liverpool on Sunday .

Summary: Mario Balotelli swears at Manchester United supporters . 24-year-old was leaving Anfield following Liverpool's 2-1 defeat . United fans were mocking Balotelli before he gave them the finger . READ: Balotelli restrained by Liverpool fans after being involved in heated clash with Manchester United defender Chris Smalling . READ: Balotelli goes on another obscure rant on Instagram .


A benefits cheat who pocketed £15,000 claiming he could barely walk was caught out after being secretly filmed playing in midfield for his pub football team. Raymond Billam, of Bolton-on-Dearne, South Yorkshire said he was severely disabled because of problems with his knees and back as he claimed incapacity benefits. But unknown to him, fraud investigators had been tipped off and secretly filmed the 38-year-old playing football for his Sunday league side. Raymond Billam (left) pocketed £15,000 claiming he could barely walk - but was caught out after being secretly filmed playing in midfield for his pub football team . The 38-year-old (centre after passing the ball during a Sunday league game) said he was severely disabled because of problems with his knees and back - but was still able to play as a midfielder in his pub side . Caught out: Fraud investigators had been tipped off and secretly filmed Billam (left) playing football for his Sunday league side . Billam claimed he needed crutches to get around and was virtually unable to walk more than a few metres unaided, a court heard. But for nearly five years between 2008 and 2013 he pulled on the green shirt of Ingsfield Lane in the Mexborough and District Sunday League, South Yorkshire, putting in crunching tackles and running several miles in a match. Billam admitted defrauding the Department of Work and Pensions by pocketing £15,000 in benefits to which he was not entitled. Barnsley Magistrates Court was told by prosecutor Julie Grant that he played 87 games mainly for pub sides over several seasons. She added: 'Mr Billam said he could only walk 20 metres before he felt discomfort. Investigators saw him playing football. He was running and jumping. Billam had claimed he needed crutches to get around - but a court heard that he had been playing football regularly for five years . Billam (pictured right) pulled on the green shirt of Ingsfield Lane in the Mexborough and District Sunday League between 2008 and 2013 . The 38-year-old (right) admitted defrauding the Department of Work and Pensions by pocketing £15,000 in benefits to which he was not entitled . 'Mr Billam said when he was quizzed that he had good days and bad days. 'He said other people may have played football using his name. He became coy when he was asked further questions.' District Judge John Foster warned Billam he could be sent to prison. He said: 'The nature of the deception and the amount of money falsely claimed means I do not rule out jail or sending you to the crown court for a stiffer sentence than can be imposed here.' Billam's solicitor Chris Peace reserved his right to put his defence later. He will be sentenced next month and was granted unconditional bail. A spokesman for the DWP fraud team said: 'Billam was very brazen about what he was doing. 'It's hard to believe someone can think they are entitled to incapacity benefits because they claim they can't walk far without assistance. 'Yet we observed him on three consecutive

Summary: Raymond Billam claimed he had severe problems with his knees and back . The 38-year-old said he was severely disabled and needed crutches to walk . But for five years he had been playing for a pub team in South Yorkshire . Fraud investigators secretly filmed him 'running and jumping' during match . He later admitted pocketing £15,000 in benefits that he was not entitled to .


Mercedes . Engine: Mercedes . 44 Lewis Hamilton (GBR) Age: 30 . Grand Prix: 148 . Wins: 33 . 7 Nico Rosberg (Ger) Age: 29 . Grand Prix: 166 . Wins: 8 . Hamilton has got the confidence, but we do know that he can be fragile — his gaffe during qualifying for the British Grand Prix last year is a good example. Rosberg has a lot to prove, but he will undoubtedly learn from his mistakes. He will come back stronger. Nico Rosberg drives the new Mercedes car during testing at the Circuit de Catalunya in Spain on March 1 . Red Bull . Engine: Renault . 3 Daniel Ricciardo (Aus) Age: 25 . Grand Prix: 69 . Wins: 3 . 26 Daniil Kvyat (Rus) Age: 20 . Grand Prix: 19 . Wins: 0 . New Red Bull driver Daniil Kvyat takes the 2015 car round the track in Barcelona during a filming day . Williams . Engine: Mercedes . 19 Felipe Massa (Bra) Age: 33 . Grand Prix: 212 . Wins: 11 . 77 Valtteri Bottas . Age: 25 . Grand Prix: 38 . Wins: 0 . The flair and experience of Massa is balanced by the steely determination of Bottas, who I expect to lead the charge to Mercedes on a consistent basis. Massa is a great character and I hope he gets some good results, such as his pole position in Austria last year. Felipe Massa takes the WIlliams for a spin during testing in Barcelona at the end of February . Ferrari . Engine: Ferrari . 5 Sebastian Vettel (Ger) Age: 27 . Grand Prix: 139 . Wins: 39 . 7 Kimi Raikkonen (Fin) Age: 35 . Grand Prix: 213 . Wins: 20 . There is less pressure on Vettel because it is a fresh challenge. It is the first time he has flown the nest and I expect to see him develop. Kimi was fantastic at races in 2013 but at the same events last year he was nowhere. The car will be better and I hope it gives him what he needs. Sebastian Vettel has moved from Red Bull to Ferrari for the 2015 season . McLaren . Engine: Honda . 14 Fernando Alonso (Spa) Age: 33 . Grand Prix's 236 . Wins: 32 . 22 Jenson Button (GBR) Age: 35 . Grand Prix's 268 . Wins: 15 . All team bosses nominated Alonso as the driver they would want, but he clearly has problems. Keeping Jenson was right, too, but the car is not where it needs to be. They finished fifth in 2014 with the best engine but have changed to Honda, so my gut says they will not improve. Great Britain's Jenson Button drives the new Honda powered McLaren at testing this month . Force India . Engine: Mercedes . 27 Nico Hulkenberg (Ger) Age: 27 . Grand Prix: 77 . Wins: 0 . 11 Sergio Perez (Mex) Age: 25 . Grand Prix: 77 . Wins: 0 . Hulkenberg is one of the stars but he has not been in the environment

Summary: The 2015 F1 season starts next Sunday with the Australian Grand Prix . Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes will be hoping they can retain their titles . Former driver Allan McNish gives his verdict on the teams and drivers .


Dick Advocaat has a warning for Sunderland’s under-performing players – ‘If you don’t put it in for me I’ll be on the pitch letting you know’. The Dutch boss watched in horror from his home in Holland last week as the Black Cats slumped to a 4-0 defeat against Aston Villa at the Stadium of Light, a result which cost Gus Poyet his job. Advocaat has revealed he was waiting for Poyet to be sacked before taking over – he was sounded out three weeks ago - and says he will not tolerate performances such as last weekend's sorry surrender. Dick Advocaat has never been relegated in his career and does not want Sunderland to be the first . ‘I was very disappointed (watching the game). When they scored, you could see that something is going wrong in the players’ heads,’ he said ahead of his first match in charge at West Ham. ‘When Aston Villa scored their fourth goal, five players were standing still. When they lost the ball up front, the ball went, and five players were walking back instead of running back. ‘This is not possible. I told them, “If I was beside the line, I would have been on the pitch”. That means that something is wrong.’ Advocaat said he was disappointed with the Sunderland player's reaction after they conceded . Sunderland are one place and one point above the relegation zone . Advocaat has never been relegated during a 28-year managerial career – and he doesn’t intend to make that a first on Wearside. ‘I have never been relegated and I always have the feeling that I will never go down,’ he said. ‘So I don’t really want to talk about that. I have been close, but that was when I was a very young manager. I started at SVV when I was 36 and we were champions in one of the lower leagues. We had a difficult season the following year, but we survived in the last game.’ Advocaat has just nine games to save Sunderland from the drop and is confident his influence can make a difference. Advocaat has nine games to help Sunderland avoid relegation . ‘It is always better if you start at the beginning of a season because then you can put all of your ideas in,’ he said. ‘But in terms of organisation, it is not that difficult to bring the players into step, so that everybody knows what to do. They have to do that. ‘If we are to going to win games, they have to do that. The organisation is the most important thing in football, then you can add in the individual skills of the players.’ For if they don’t step into line, Advocaat will be on the pitch letting them know.

Summary: Dick Advocaat has nine games to save Sunderland from relegation . Advocaat has never been relegated in his career as a manager . The Dutchman says he will not tolerate performances like the one in the 4-0 defeat by Aston Villa last weekend .


Take That fans can party in singer Gary Barlow's former home now that the £7.5 million mansion has been transformed into a wedding venue. The sprawling six-bedroom Delamere Manor, surrounded by 100 acres of Cheshire countryside, is the ultimate millionaire's pad with a lake and its own disco ball-swinging nightclub. It was put on the market by the 44-year-old father-of-four in 2011 for the guide price of £7,250,000 and was snapped up by local businesswoman Michelle Stubbs. Scroll down for video . Gary Barlow put Delamere Manor, in Cheshire, up for sale in 2011 for the guide price of £7,250,000 . The superstar even whisked former lawyer Michelle off to a Take That concert, in Dublin, to seal the deal. Now Michelle hopes Take That fans will see it as the ultimate spot to tie the knot - by launching it as a premium wedding and private hire venue. Stunning Delamere Manor has only had a few owners since the famous Wilbraham family bought it in the 1700s. The Wilbraham's were the major landowners in Cheshire for centuries, spawning generations of politicians and innovative businessmen. Wedding guests will be able to enjoy the disco ball nightclub situated in Barlow's former estate . Music lovers can see exactly where Gary wrote three number one hits . Former X Factor judge Gary, whose mum is from Liverpool, spent ten years at the manor house, reportedly designing it in the style of Elton John's mansion. It has six, giant master bedrooms, three huge reception rooms, manicured gardens, a Victorian pump house and a six-acre lake. The luxury estate can host weddings parties from 50 to 300 guests and will be available for exclusive hire for brides looking for "the perfect English wedding day". Michelle, who has since redecorated with its next use in mind, will also hire out its nightclub for special parties. The large kitchen is large enough to hold some of 300 guests that the venue can accomodate . Guests will have plenty of rooms to explore on the 100-acre estate . One of the six bedrooms which will be available to visitors at Delamere Manor . Anyone feeling inspired to strike a tune will be able to indulge their love of music . The bedrooms are elegantly decorated in neutral tones to best appeal to a variety of tastes . The luxury venue can host between 50 and 300 guests . Guests in this room can either relax in the bedroom or in the ajoining living room complete with television . The decadent hallways of the Cheshire property are bright and airy . There are a number of bathrooms for guests to choose from including this tiled wet room . The reception rooms are large enough to cater for an excitable bride and her wedding party . The bride-to-be can ease those pre-wedding nerves with a relaxing bath . Guests will be able to sit back and relax after exploring teh 100 acres of grounds . The six-acre lake offers plenty of quiet spots for rest and relaxation .

Summary: X Factor judge put Delamere Manor up for sale in 2011 . Cheshire mansion sold for £7.5 million to businesswoman Michelle Stubbs . The house and six-acre lake offered to couples looking to get married . Guests can party in music room where he wrote three number one hits . Luxury estate can host parties from 50 to 300 revellers .


Starbucks is selling a limited edition coffee blend that is so rare it will only be available in stores for one week. The Nicaragua Laurina 'reserve' is currently available in just 20 select Starbucks stores in the United States, all of which have been flooded with requests from coffee lovers eager to get hold of the rare bean - which is being sold for $16 per half pound, more than double the amount of many of Starbucks' other more traditional offerings. Despite the coffee's hefty price tag, many of the stores in which the Nicaraguan blend was being sold have already run out of stock, less than 24 hours after the beans became available to the public. Scroll down for video . Rare breed: Starbucks' new Nicaragua Laurina blend is currently available in 20 select stores for just one week . Costly caffeine: The newly-released coffee bean is being sold for $16 per half pound bag, which is more than double the amount of many of Starbucks' other more traditional blends . 'Sold out of Nicaragua Laurina, it didn't last a day! #tobeapartner #sbuxyard @Sbuxbos @SBUXRoastery @starbucksprtnrs (sic)' California-based barista Ronnie Varela tweeted. 'Hopefully I can get to #sbuxyard in time tonight to buy some #NicaraguaLaurina (sic)' another added. According to Starbucks-focused blogger Starbucks Melody, the popular coffee company was only able to obtain 17 bags of the unique coffee bean from the farmer, which totals just 750lbs after the beans have been roasted. 'It’s considered a “micro lot” which is a smaller yield of coffee than a “small lot” coffee, usually found at Starbucks Reserve locations,' Melody explains on her website. The coffee-loving blogger also offered up her thoughts on the flavor of the unique bean, noting: 'The Nicaragua Laurina is a beautiful medium body coffee with lots almond-y sweetness and some sweet lemon notes.' Hand-scooped: According to coffee-based blog Starbucks Melody, Starbucks was only able to obtain 17 bags of the rare coffee bean . Sweet treat: Starbucks blogger Melody added that the coffee has lots of 'almond-y sweetness' to it . She added: 'The Nicaragua Laurina comes from a coffee tree with a smaller shrub and leaves, which produces a bean that is small, slender, and looks a bit like grains of rice.' According to Melody's website, the coffee, which was roasted at the Starbucks Reserve Roastery on March 10, was sent out to each of the 20 Starbucks stores that were chosen to stock it on their shelves either via Fed-Ex, for those locations outside of Seattle, or hand-delivered by car to those venues based in Starbucks' hometown. it is not the first time that Starbucks has offered such a rare - and expensive - coffee variety to its most dedicated fans. In November 2012, the coffee company sold a limited supply of Costa Rica Finca Palmilera beans, which retailed at an impressive $40 for just half a pound of beans.

Summary: The Nicaragua Laurina blend is being sold in 20 select Starbucks stores for $16 per half pound . Starbucks fans have flooded social media with inquiries about the rare coffee in the hopes of tracking down a bag . Many of the stores which have been provided with stock of the blend sold out within the first few hours of putting it on shelves .


Messages: Konstandinos Erik Scurfield kept in touch with friends through Facebook . Messages from the first Brit to be killed fighting ISIS have revealed frustration at the Kurds' lack of discipline - and his fear the 'Corps' would tell his mother he had gone to Syria. Konstandinos Erik Scurfield, who died while fighting against the terror group with the Kurdistan People's Protection Units (YPG), kept his friends updated through Facebook after heading to war-torn Syria in December. The former Royal Marine's posts and messages give a glimpse of day-to-day life for those fighting ISIS, advises interested friends on how to join up and reveals the Kurdish fighters lack of discipline, but huge determination. But it seems he was most worried about his mother finding out where he was. The messages, published by The Sun, reveal Mr Scurfield began looking for a way to get out to Syria to join up with the YPG at least a month before he arrived in Syria. He was recruited by the Lions of Rojava, and by November 3 had clear plans in place for reaching their base in Syria. On December 6, using a Facebook account set up under a fake name so his friends could keep in touch, he messages to say he has arrived safely in Syria, and met up with two other foreign fighters. But his parents still apparently had no idea where he was - with Mr Scurfield, of Barnsley, South Yorkshire, revealing on December 15: 'I've heard about the authorities threatening to tell my parents!' It is thought the 25-year-old told his friends he was going to do humanitarian work in the war-torn country last year after being 'horrified by the atrocities carried out by ISIS'. It is unclear what Mr Scurfield told his parents, archaeologists Chris and Vicci. Mr Scurfield (pictured kneeling, centre) revealed foreign fighters frustration with the Kurds lack of discipline, but also recorded how impressed he was with their attitude . Eventually, it seems the Royal Marines did take matters into their own hands, informing his parents sometime between Christmas and January 5. In his final Facebook post, Mr Scurfield, who was an expert in battlefield medicine, revealed: 'The Corps told my mum and I think she's taken it pretty well, I might even think she is a little bit proud.' The messages and posts also give an idea of what foreign fighters heading for Syria to fight with the YPG can expect. Mr Scurfield revealed 'quite a lot of Westerners' pack up and leave after a short time, disappointed by the Kruds' 'skills and drills'. But Mr Scurfield was impressed by the attitude of the Kurdish fighters - who are the only troops on the ground fighting . 'The Kurds don't do stuff like us but they never drip about going on patrol,' he wrote. Tributes: Fellow-fighters said Mr Scurfield (pictured) 'gave his life combating terrorism for his nation' Warrior: Fellow fighters in Mr Scurfield's 'Lions of Rojava' group have posted tributes to him online . Mr Scurfield's messages also reveal he was waiting for fighting

Summary: Konstandinos Erik Scurfield was killed fighting Islamic State on Monday . Former Royal Marine is first UK national to be killed battling ISIS in Syria . Had kept in touch with UK friends through Facebook under a fake name . Messages give insight into the day-to-day life of fighters in Syria . Also record his relief after Marine Corps tell his mother he is fighting ISIS . 'I might even think she is a little proud,' he says in his final Facebook post .


Jeremy Clarkson could return to Top Gear if he faces up to ‘his own shortcomings’, a senior BBC source hinted last night. The insider said the 54-year-old presenter, who is currently suspended after allegedly assaulting assistant producer Oisin Tymon, might be allowed to come back if he ‘sorted himself out’. The source, who asked not to be named, said: ‘Jeremy wants to stay with the programme and one possible way of him doing that would be if he could face up to his own shortcomings. Scroll down for video . Suspended: A BBC insider has suggested Jeremy Clarkson (pictured at the Roundhouse theatre this week) might be allowed to come back if he 'sorted himself out' ‘He has a great deal of public support and of course that shouldn’t be ignored. But he does needs to rest and sort himself out.’ The remarks come after The Mail on Sunday provoked an outcry last week when we revealed that a BBC executive had likened Clarkson’s support from politicians to that given to paedophile Jimmy Savile. The Corporation is due to decide Mr Clarkson’s fate this week, after he was suspended pending an independent review into allegations surrounding the alleged assault. To the disappointment of millions of fans, Top Gear has also been taken off the air. The BBC and Clarkson have been locked into a bitter war of words since it emerged he had been involved in an altercation with Tymon reportedly sparked by a row over the lack of hot food at a hotel. The 54-year-old presenter (right) is currently suspended after allegedly assaulting assistant producer Oisin Tymon (left) During a briefing to this newspaper last week, a BBC executive also claimed the host was ‘self-destructing’ and should go into rehab. Since then, the Corporation and the presenter have refused to comment publicly about the affair. Clarkson does not deny ranting at the producer but other claims that he punched his colleague remain unsubstantiated. Ken MacQuarrie, head of BBC Scotland, who has been investigating the claims, is due to report to BBC director-general Lord Hall, who will then decide on the star’s fate. But a senior BBC source has now told the MoS there is a growing realisation within the Corporation that it was a mistake to take Top Gear off the air while an investigation was under way. He said: ‘The programme could have and should have carried on during Clarkson’s suspension.’ He declined to comment on suggestions that the star needed to spend time in rehab: ‘I think he kind of knows he has to sort himself out. I don’t know if he should go into rehab or not. It’s not for me to say.’ Last week, the MoS’s story showed the extent of BBC briefing against the highly-paid presenter, with an executive likening Tymon’s position to that of Savile’s victims who feared they would not be believed while he was alive. The executive said: ‘The pressure this guy [Tymon] is under is so Savilesque in a way. ‘If you look at what David Cameron says or what [former Culture

Summary: Presenter was suspended after allegedly assaulting producer Oisin Tymon . But might be allowed to come back if he 'face up to his own shortcomings' Senior BBC source says public support for Clarkson 'shouldn’t be ignored' BBC has taken Top Gear off air and will decide 54-year-old’s fate this week .


Dave Chappelle was not amused when a drunken man hurled a banana peel at him during a stand-up show in New Mexico Monday night. Christian Englander, 30, of Santa Fe, struck the funnyman in the leg, earning himself a trip to jail on misdemeanor counts of disorderly conduct and battery. Englander acknowledged throwing a peel from a banana he had eaten earlier because he took offense to racially insensitive jokes Chappelle made about his companion, police said. Scroll down for video . Not amused: Santa Fe police say a man tossed a banana peel at Dave Chappelle during a show in New Mexico Monday, hitting in the comedian in the leg. Here Chappelle performs last summer . Thrower: Christian Englander, 30, of Santa Fe, was arrested on suspicion of misdemeanor disorderly conduct and battery. He told police he was angry at comments Chappelle made about his friend that night . Chappelle was performing a comedy routine at the Lensic theater in Santa Fe when a banana peel struck him . The friend reportedly was drawing in a sketchbook during the show at Lensic theater Monday night when Chappelle noticed and asked the man his name, which he gave as 'Johnny Appleseed,' Santa Fe police spokesperson Andrea Dobyns said. Chappelle then made jokes about the moniker, the police spokeswoman said, 'so that's when Englander got upset.' According to TMZ, the man thought Chappelle's quips were racist, so he decided to throw the peel, which he had in his pocket after consuming a banana and washing it down with a shot of the alcoholic beverage 99 Bananas at a convenience store before the show. Arresting officers said Englander appeared to be intoxicated after event security escorted him outside. Racial attack: Chappelle told police Englander did not seem remorseful, and he believed the banana attack was racially motivated . Englander was in jail Tuesday, and Dobyns said she didn't know whether he has an attorney to speak on his behalf. Chappelle has had his share of run-ins with audience members in the past. Fueled up: Englander said he ate the banana and washed it down with a shot of 99 Bananas liquor before the show . In a 2013 gig in Hartford, Connecticut, Chappelle shut down his act after 10 minutes because of heckling. Known for his sharp commentary on race relations in America, Chappelle has gradually resumed his stand-up career in the past two years, making a long-awaited return after abruptly abandoning a popular Comedy Central show in 2005. Court documents indicate that following his arrest Monday night, Christian Englander 'appeared unapologetic and made several statements that appeared to be racially motivated.’ A criminal complaint cited by the Albuquerque Journal states that while smiling and laughing, Englander said: 'maybe I should have handed you [Chappelle] the banana instead.' Chappelle told police it seemed that his attacker was not remorseful and that the banana toss was 'racially motivated,' according to the complaint. The 41-year-old comedian indicated that he wanted to press charges against Englander. Once Englander was removed from the venue, Chappelle resumed his routine

Summary: Chappelle, 41, was performing at Lensic theater in Santa Fe Monday when Christian Englander, 30, threw a banana peel at him . Englander told police he lashed out because he found Chappelle's jokes to be racially insensitive . He admitted that he had eaten the fruit and washed it down with a shot of 99 Bananas liquor before the show .


Paul Pogba struck a late goal to send Juventus 11 points clear at the top of Serie A as the Frenchman continues to show why he's one of Europe's most coveted midfielders. Juve scraped past Sassuolo on Monday as the playmaker scored his seventh league goal of the campaign and gave them a clear lead over nearest rivals Roma with 12 games left to play. The papers in Italy were keen to praise Pogba after his match-winning performance with Corriere dello Sport saying: 'A moment of magic from the Frenchman defeats Sassuolo to unlock a difficult match and gift the victory.' Corriere dello Sport praised Paul Pogba after his late goal sent Juventus 11 points clear at the top of Serie A . Pogba (left) fires Juventus into the lead in the 82 minute and earned praise from all over the sporting world . The midfielder's love-in continued as his picture dominated the front of the Italian pages and Tuttosport joined Corriere in praising his goal, 'A moment of magic from Pogba defeats Sassuolo. 'The Frenchman (who will miss the match against Palermo due to suspension) decides it with a great shot from outside the area. 'Finally Juve hit a winner on match point and Roma are further away.' The Gazzetta dello Sport also led on Pogba but had an interesting line on former Juventus boss Antonio Conte's comments proclaiming, 'With me they'd be 20 points clear.' The Gazzetta dello Sport also praised the Frenchman but included controversial quotes from Antonio Conte . The highly-coveted midfielder celebrates his winning goal as his side look likely to win the Serie A title . Carlo Ancelotti claims his front three of Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema and Gareth Bale are undroppable . The expensive front three have come under increasing scrutiny over there recent poor performances . While things for their European rivals going well, Real Madrid have come under scrutiny in recent weeks - with their heavily priced forward line feeling the brunt. But Carlo Ancelotti has backed his stars and AS's headline states that Cristiano Ronaldo, Gareth Bale and Karim Benzema's first team places are 'non-negotiable.' Marca included the quote from the Real Madrid boss but led on Luka Modric's imminent return to the first team saying, 'The Croatian will get half an hour against the Germans.' With Barcelona finding their form and now top of La Liga, Mundo Deportivo called them 'The Perfect Leader,' and described them as 'the best of the teams that dominate the big European Leagues, with more points, more goals for, less conceded and the Pichichi (Marca's trophy awarded to the top goalscorer) are their arguments. Luka Modric is set for a return to first team action and could get a run in their Champions League clash . Mundo Deportivo have described Barcelona as the 'perfect leaders' after they went top of La Liga . Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez have formed an impressive partnership which has helped propel Barca top .

Summary: Paul Pogba scored a late goal to send Juventus 11 points clear of Serie A . Former boss Antonio Conte claims he would have Juve 20 points ahead . Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti says his front three are 'non-negotiable' Luka Modric is set for a run out against Schalke in the Champions League .


A luxury private jet that used to belong to Osama bin Laden's family has been impounded by police in Florida amid accusations of theft and fraud. The 22-seater Gulfstream II plane, valued at $4.5million, is stuck on the tarmac at Miami Executive airport while its new owners do battle in court. Jose Avelino Goncalves, 49, a Venezuelan, has been accused making off with the plane after holding back more than $3million of what he agreed to pay a business partner for it. Bin grounded: This plane, which used to belong to Osama bin Laden's family, has been grounded in Miami amid a legal dispute between subsequent owners . Suspect: Jose Goncalves, 45, is accused of agreeing to buy the plane then not paying up. It was owned by the family of Osama bin Laden (right) until 1980 . Officers in Miami-Dade county have taken custody of the corporate vehicle, the Miami Herald reported. The Gulfstream II is a staple of international luxury travel, which rich businessmen often kit out with lavish interiors. Ownership records show that the plane belonged to the billionaire Bin Laden clan until 1980. At that point, Osama is thought to have just graduated from university in Saudi Arabia, and was still years away from founding al-Qaeda. His elder half-brother, Salem bin Laden, was then head of the family, which made its fortune from oil. It has changed owners more than a dozen times since then - complicated by the fact that foreigners are not allowed to own U.S. planes directly, so often register them under companies. The jet was recently owned by Luis Enrique Nuñez-Villanueva, a former business partner of Goncalves, who is now suing him over it. State prosecutors, who are also trying Goncalves on fraud and theft charges, say he agreed to buy the plane from Nuñez-Villanueva for $4.5million. Goncalves allegedly agreed to pay $1.5million up-front for it, and make monthly payments of $500,000 until the balance was covered. But it is claimed he only ever paid $829,196. Goncalves's lawyers, however, have characterized the spat as a 'misunderstanding' and say Nuñez- Villanueva took the $829,196 unlawfully to buy himself a helicopter. Goncalves is being held in Miami on a $4.5million bond during the trial, as prosecutors fear he could flee the country is left to go free. He is also wanted in Venezuela.

Summary: The 22-seater Gulfstream II luxury jet being held at Miami Executive airport . Pricey aircraft was owned by the Bin Laden family until 1980 . Prosecutors say new owner Jose Goncalves did not pay previous owner .


It’s everyone’s favourite stress release and for the residents of Charlotte, North Carolina it’s just become a whole lot more accessible. Nature’s version of bubble wrap has appeared on top of an expanse of water in the South East of America and there’s only one thing anyone can do – pop some bubbles. Stretching for as far as the eye can see in the video, the air pockets of ice appear in a range of different shapes and sizes. Nature’s version of bubble wrap stretches as far as the eye can see atop the expanse of frozen water in the video . The video maker walks across the ice with the camera facing downwards so as to pick up her feet, capturing the very moment she tramples on the bubbles. Exploding under her weight, the air bubbles disperse with a satisfying sound – just like the real thing. While bits of ice propel from the sides of it from the pressure of her foot. The frosty weather is a result of winter storm Remus, dubbed as one of the worst to hit South East America . Pop! Applying pressure to the frozen bubble the video maker captures the moment it explodes with a satisfying sound . The wintery weather being experienced in the South East of America at the moment is due to a storm named Remus. Dubbed one of the heaviest snow storms on record in parts of the surrounding Mississippi and Alabama, the weather has caused white outs, stand stills in traffic and even four deaths so far.

Summary: The natural bubble wrap appeared on an expanse of frozen water . The air pockets explode under the foot of the video maker . Footage was captured in Charlotte, North Carolina . The frosty weather is a result of recent winter storm Remus .


A dozen whales have died after they were stranded against a breakwater wall, while authorities hope to free five of the creatures who remain stuck. Early on Monday morning the Department of Parks and Wildlife were alerted to 22 long finned pilot whales who had become stranded in Bunbury, West Australia. Since then, 11 have died. Since then six have been rescued and 'herded out' by some small boats, a Department of Parks and Wildlife (DPAW) spokesperson told Daily Mail Australia. However one of these whales has now become re-stranded. On Monday morning 22 long finned pilot whales were discovered stranded in Bunbury, West Australia . There are a number of other whales who still remain alive but stuck, with vets checking on the marine animals revealing they are in relatively good health considering the situation. These remaining whales are in slings, and the DPAW spokesperson said earlier on Monday they hoped the creatures can be moved by early afternoon local time. However one of the whales who was earlier released has become stuck again, and the same could happen with three others. 'This afternoon's efforts have focussed on the rescue of four remaining whales that were stranded in the shallows, and they were pulled out to sea using a sling and boats,' Department of Parks and Wildlife nature conservation leader Kim Williams said. 'Unfortunately one of these whales has re-stranded and is being taken out to deeper water again, while the other three are not swimming strongly and there is a chance they will also re-strand. 'There is another pod of 15 long-finned pilot whales that has been swimming in the area all day, and we are hoping the whales we released this afternoon will join them. 'We will continue our efforts to rescue the animals until nightfall, when it is no longer safe to do so, and we will re-assess the situation in the morning.' Eleven of them have since died, and six have been herded back out to sea by small boats . Tragically, some of the long finned pilot whales who died also suffered serious injuries. The moving waves had been pushing them up against the break wall, injuring the creatures and spilling blood into the shallow water. Strandings along the coastline are not unheard of in the area, with the largest in West Australian occurring in 1996. Of 320 long finned pilot whales became stuck in Dunsborough, about 78 kilometres south of Bunbury, all but 20 were rescued. A number of the creatures remain stranded but vets and authorities hold hopes for their survival .

Summary: A dozen long finned pilot whales have died in Bunbury, West Australia . 22 of the marine animals were initially stranded on Monday morning . Six more whales have been dragged into deeper water and released . Some still remain stranded but authorities hope to release them soon .


She might have blue blood, a nanny and a husband on hand to help out but when it comes to new motherhood Zara Phillips is just like the rest of us. More than a year after giving birth to her daughter Mia in January 2014 the Queen's granddaughter, who is currently 15th in line to the throne, says she is still battling to regain her pre-baby fitness levels. In an interview with FT Weekend Magazine the 33-year-old, who is married to former England rugby player Mike Tindall and is one of Britain's leading equestrian riders, revealed: 'What surprised me about having a baby is losing all your fitness and how tough it is to get it back.' Zara Phillips says she is battling to get her fitness levels back more than a year after daughter Mia was born . Crowned BBC Sports Personality of the Year in 2006 Zara won team silver at the 2012 Olympics in London on her horse High Kingdom. She also has a host of other awards under her belt including individual and team gold at the European Eventing Championships in 2005 and individual gold and team silver at the World Equestrian Games in 2006. But, despite an active pregnancy in which she eschewed NHS guidelines and rode with her baby bump, she was forced to take a break from competitive riding and she says she's found it a battle to return to the same level of fitness since becoming a mum. Zara, who got back on the saddle just 12 weeks after giving birth to Mia, says she now spends her afternoons swimming and cycling to get back in shape. A pregnant Zara in August 2013, left, and at Goodwood six months after giving birth to Mia in July 2014, right . Zara, pictured at the Cheltenham Festival this month, says getting back in shape after having a baby is 'tough' She said: 'I also try to work out on an exercise bike first thing in the morning.' But while many new mums take their time to get their pre-pregnancy figures back, time is of the essence for Zara who is hoping to qualify for the 2016 Olympics in Rio. Zara's stables are next to the cottage she shares with Mike and Mia at Gatcombe Park, the Gloucestershire estate that belongs to her mother, Princess Anne, and with 17 months to go until the Olympics she is training hard. And the royal said the family-friendly nature of the eventing circuit means she can bring Mia with her to competitions 'so I don't have to go the entire day missing her'. Zara has put plans for baby number two on hold while she trains for the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio . Zara, pictured with Mia, is often seen at equestrian events with her one-year-old daughter in tow . With the Games looming any plans the couple have to add to their family have been put on the back burner until after next year's event. Zara says: 'That also means I won't be able to have any more

Summary: The Queen's granddaughter lost all her fitness after baby Mia was born . Zara, 33, is swimming and cycling to get back in shape . Baby number two is on hold until after the next Olympic Games .


Gareth Southgate has prioritised holding talks with Mauricio Pochettino in a bid to resolve the uncertainty around Harry Kane’s summer schedule. Southgate has stepped up preparations for Euro 2015 this week, taking his Under 21 squad to Olomouc — where they will be based during the finals in June. On Friday they face the Czech Republic here in Prague. The FA have been meticulously planning their assault on the tournament and Southgate has the backing of Roy Hodgson to take his strongest possible squad available, including Kane. Harry Kane (right) has scored eight goals in ten games for Gareth Southgate's Young Lions . Southgate says he has a good relationship with Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino . But the Tottenham striker’s situation is complicated by his club’s plans to play a money-spinning friendly in Australia at the end of the Premier League campaign, while Sportsmail revealed on Thursday they could also play in Malaysia, too. It has led to fears that Kane, who scored eight goals in 10 games for the Under 21s in qualifying, would be exposed to burnout if he is then made to go on to the Czech Republic. But Southgate plans to meet for talks with Spurs manager Pochettino, saying: ‘The situation with me and Mauricio is good and I have had a (text) exchange with Harry, so I think that situation is good as well. ‘At some point, there needs to be a visit, when we say “Ok, what is the plan?”. But I am relaxed about the situation. We have got a really good relationship with Tottenham and with Harry. Kane is currently training with the England senior squad, but Southgate wants him to play in the summer . Kane's situation is complicated by Tottenham's end of season friendlies in Australia this summer . ‘Mauricio has been very good. He was asked the question “would you like him to rest?” He replied “yes, but” — and the “but” bit has now gone from the debate. I know Mauricio was really proud to play for Argentina and the experiences I have had with him at Tottenham and Southampton is that he has always been really supportive of his international players. ‘As well as that, every quote I have seen from Harry (about playing for the Under 21s this summer) has been very positive.’ Southgate still has a dilemma over Ross Barkley, however. He has not played for the Under 21s since August 2013 and Everton would prefer him to rest this summer after a disappointing season. Barkley was under consideration for this trip, but the midfielder stayed with the senior party. Ross Barkley is eligible for the U21 side, but has never played for the Young Lions under Southgate . Both Barkley and Sterling could travel to the European Championships despite being in the senior squad . ‘I do feel the situation with Ross is different to that of Harry, John Stones and Luke Shaw, as he has never been in one of my squads,’ added Southgate. ‘I was pleased to see Ross named in the senior squad.

Summary: England U21 boss says he has a good relationship with Spurs manager . Harry Kane is currently in England senior squad . But Southgate wants Tottenham striker to go to U21 championships . Spurs have money-spinning post-season friendly in Australia .


It was the match Martin O’Neill needed to win to convince the many doubters that this qualifying campaign is not destined to end in failure. For regardless of substitute Shane Long’s stoppage-time equaliser amid a frenzied finish, it was a performance and result which again raises more questions than answers. O’Neill will protest that the second-half display was better – it could not have been worse than their sorry first-half showing – but this was supposed to be the making of Ireland at the Aviva Stadium, a venue which is yet to produce any iconic nights for the boys in green. Substitute Shane Long celebrates his 90th-minute strike which secured a crucial draw for the Republic of Ireland in Dublin . Slawomir Peszko pounces on a mistake from Republic of Ireland left back Robbie Brady to score the opener in Dublin . Peszko races away to celebrate after his powerful left footed strike put Poland ahead in the 26th-minute . The Poland forward is mobbed by his team-mates following his crucial goal at the Aviva Stadium . The celebrations continue on the sideline following Peszko's first-half strike . Ireland (4-4-1-1): Given 5; Coleman 6, O'Shea 5.5, Wilson 6, Brady 4; Walters 5.5, Whelan 6 (Long 83), McCarthy 6, McGeady 5 (McClean 67, 5) Hoolahan 6; Keane 5.5 . Scorers: Long 90 . Bookings: Hoolahan, O’Shea, Coleman, Wilson, McCarthy . Poland (4-4-2): Fabianski 6; Olkowski 6.5, Glik 6, Szukała 6, Wawrzyniak 6; Peszko 7.5 (Kucharczyk 87), Krychowiak 6.5, Jodlowiec 7, Rybus 7; Milik 6 (Mila 83), Lewandowski 6 . Scorers: Peszko 26 . Bookings: Glik, Szukala, Peszko . Referee: Jonas Eriksson (Swe) Man of the match: Peszko . The Group D standings following Sunday night's draw in Dublin . But therein lay part of the problem, for those in green were outnumbered by the partisan Poles, who celebrated Slawomir Peszko’s first-half opener by firing scores of fluorescent red flares. Thanks to Long’s late intervention, however, Ireland’s hopes of automatic qualification have not gone up in smoke, for now at least. But scrutiny of O’Neill and Roy Keane’s expensive tenure will intensify. They trail table toppers Poland by three points with world champions Germany and Scotland two ahead. It is, you feel, now a shoot-out between Ireland and the Scots – who meet here in June – for the third-placed play-off berth. ‘Scotland now is very, very important. I think we will have to beat them. If the second-half showing is anything to go by then I think we’re capable of doing that,’ said O’Neill. ‘This might just prove an important point. We are still in the competition.’ Poland's Tomasz Jodlowiec tackles Republic of Ireland and Stoke City forward Jonathan Walters in the early stages of the contest . Republic of Ireland defender Marc Wilson (left) clashes with Poland's Maciej Rybus . Wes Hoolahan (left) and Poland midfielder Grzegorz Krychowiak speak to referee Jonas Eriksson . O’Neill admitted before the game that defeat would have ended their hopes of finishing in the top two places. Long’s last-gasp effort at least spared the manager that

Summary: Slawomir Peszko fired Poland into the lead in the 26th-minute with a powerful left footed strike . Martin O'Neill's men improved dramatically in the second half . Substitute Shane Long pounced in added time to secure a crucial draw for his side .


No one expects to unearth histories of love while looking for a rice cooker. But for one couple, this helped them discover that their relationship started much earlier than they previously thought. Through finding a preschool class photograph, the couple realized they had actually met 16 years previously, when they were three years old. While at his girlfriend's house, believed to be in the U.S., Reddit user Evanaka1234 came across an old school photo of her and recognized her immediately, claiming that she looked like an 'imp'. Reddit user Evanaka found this preschool class photo in his girlfriend's house while trying to find a rice cooker . He recognized his girlfriend immediately, but then realized the boy next to her looked familiar as well. He then discovered that the boy next to his girlfriend was him and that the couple had unknowingly gone to preschool together . But as he stared at the photo he realized the blond boy next to his girlfriend, who has not been named, looked familiar. Then it hit him: The little boy next to his girlfriend was him. He couldn't believe it, so he called his mom, who confirmed the name of his preschool, which was in fact the school his girlfriend went to, even though neither of them remember it. Evanaka1234 posted the picture on Reddit, sharing his story with the world. Sixteen years later the couple are together again, except as a couple rather than classmates. It is unknown how long the couple has been dating. Daily Mail Online tried to reach out to Evanaka1234, but did not get a response. Earlier this week a couple in New Jersey announced that home video from 1988 has revealed they had actually crossed paths 16 years before they were set up on a blind date. Jourdan Barovick was 10 when she was being filmed by her parents coming down a waterslide in Langhorne, Pennsylvania. A boy in glasses aged 13 walks across the video- it is her future husband, Ryan Spencer. In a strange coincidence Ryan and Jourdan were introduced by 16 years later on a blind date and are now married with three children.

Summary: Reddit user Evanaka1234 was looking for a rice cooker in his girlfriend's house when he found the photo . He recognized his girlfriend immediately, only to realize next that he was sitting next to her . Both Evanaka1234 and his girlfriend are about three years old in the photo . They are now a couple, sixteen years after having preschool together .


A drought in the western United States has left water levels in the Colorado River basin far below their normal levels. Lake Powell, a reservoir at the Arizona-Utah border, is 45 per cent below its capacity, and the lack of water has left a 'bathtub ring' at the bottom of its majestic rock formations. The lake, from which the Colorado eventually snakes through Grand Canyon National Park, has lost 4.4 trillion gallons of water in a recent drought. The river's basin has been experiencing the drought for eleven of the last 14 years, shrinking a reservoir that was one-fourth the size of Rhode Island when it was at 'full pool', according to National Geographic. Scroll down for video . Lake Powell, which is the country's second-largest reservoir when it is at 'full pool' capacity, now has a white bathtub ring in its canyons from dropping water levels . The Colorado provides water for Nevada, Arizona and California, the last of which has seen large areas in 'extreme' and 'exceptional' drought levels and is trying to restrict how much water residents use. Seven states and 40million people get water from different parts of the river's basin, which extends into the southern reaches of Wyoming. Many climate scientists think that the Southwest is also due for a megadrought this century that would far outlast the current phenomenon. Lake Mead, the reservoir next to Hoover Dam, shrunk to 39 per cent of its capacity last year and was at its lowest level since the dam was built in the 1930s. To help the other reserve keep a steady supply, Lake Powell will release 8.23 million acre-feet (2.68 trillion gallons) downstream over the course of this year. The release is estimated to lower the water level at Powell, the second largest reservoir in the country behind Mead, by another meter. It is in danger of seeing its surface elevation fall below 1,075 feet above sea level by September, which would be the lowest level on record, set in 2005, and increase the size of its bleached white ring. Minerals in the water turn the walls of the sandstone canyons white, according to the Weather Channel. Minerals in the Colorado River turned the sides of Lake Powell's canyons white before the water levels dropped and the discoloration could be seen . Lake Powell provides water to Nevada, Arizona, and California, which has been experiencing its own drought problems . The reservoir is now at 45 per cent capacity after losing water from drought for most of the past 14 years . Around 40million people get water from different parts of the Colorado River basin, and Lake Powell (pictured) used to be one-fourth the size of Rhode Island . Lake Powell has lost 4.4 trillion gallons of water this century, rapidly decreasing in size from 1999 to 2013 . Sections of extreme drought have hit many states of the southwestern United States, including Arizona, Colorado, Nevada and California . The Colorado River basin stretches from the southern reaches of Wyoming to southwestern states such as Arizona (pictured) Lake

Summary: Eleven of the past 14 years have been droughts for Lake Powell reservoir . Reservoir at Arizona-Utah border is 45 per cent below 'full pool' capacity . Lake will drop even further as it gives water to Hoover Dam's Lake Mead .


A man has successfully sued the police after they made off with his car. James Ferrari of Manhattan was charged with a DUI in 2009 when he was pulled over for speeding while driving near his weekend home in Bellport, and the arresting officers seized his vehicle, a 2003 Ferrari Modena. Then, after a Suffolk County judge ruled the car belonged to the police, they auctioned the vehicle off. James Ferrari (above with Kanye West) was awarded $95,000 after police seized his car and then auctioned it after pulling him over for a DUI during a 2009 stop . Ferrari, 61, had initially claimed the car, a 2003 Ferrari Modena (new model above), was worth $110,000 . Ferrari sued however, and now, a few years later, he has been awarded $95,000 by a jury after claiming the car was worth $110,000. 'I’m very happy that it’s done with,' Ferrari, 61, told the New York Post. 'The government taking people’s property isn’t right.' As for the coincidence between his vehicle and surname, he told the paper; 'There’s no relation . . . It was just a car.'

Summary: James Ferrari of Manhattan was awarded $95,000 after police seized his car and then auctioned it after pulling him over for a DUI during a 2009 stop . Ferrari, 61, had initially claimed the car, a 2003 Ferrari Modena, was worth $110,000 . 'The government taking people’s property isn’t right,' said Ferrari .


Beef has been wiped off restaurant menus across Mumbai after its state government said it will now enforce laws making possession of the meat and the slaughter of cows illegal. But steak and kidney pie will continue to be served up at one of India's oldest British Raj-era clubs in defiance of the ban. The law was passed by the state of Maharashtra around 20 years ago, but not implemented until now by a new Hindu nationalist administration. Still on the menu: The British Raj-era Royal Bombay Yacht Club (above) in Mumbai has vowed to continue serving steak and kidney pies despite a state-wide ban on the possession of beef or the slaughter of cows . Violators could face a fine and up to five years in prison. Residents expressed outrage on Twitter using the hashtag #BanBeef - which topped the social network's trends, appearing more than 22,000 times in less than 24 hours. But panicked steak lovers will have a safe haven at the Royal Bombay Yacht Club, Mumbai, which will continue to serve its steak and kidney pies to customers. The 170-year-old club has said it will keep steak on the menu by sticking to its original recipes using 'buff' - buffalo meat - rather than beef for the pies. Club president Ardhendu Bose felt pessimistic about the ban until he realised that the leaner buffalo meat used in their recipes would leave the club's menu intact, he told the Daily Telegraph. On Wednesday night, the club served both steak and kidney and steak and onion pies, with parsley potatoes and sautéed cauliflower to reassured customers. 'I spoke to my vice president and said "we should do something, we don't want to get into trouble". 'But he said buffalo is allowed, so we'll carry on as usual', he said. Loophole: The 170-year-old club has said it will keep steak on the menu by sticking to its original recipes using 'buff' - buffalo meat - rather than beef for the pies . The 112-year-old Taj Mahal Palace Hotel removed beef from the menus on Wednesday, according to chief sommelier Abhas Saxena - including its 'really sought-after' Chateaubriand steak. Mr Saxena said: 'Beef has been on the hotel's menu for many years. 'Our signature restaurants were affected by the ban so we will have to look again at the dynamics of their menus. 'Our Chateaubriand, the tornado - a cut of meat - the tenderloin, the veal, all of that has been removed. It will definitely affect our business.' He added: 'We still need to understand the thought process behind the ban. 'There are many segments of society being affected by this - from the folks who grow the cattle, to us who would be selling it.' Hindus, who make up 80 per cent of India's 1.2billion population, consider cows sacred. But large numbers of the population - particularly the extremes of the international elite and the poor - eat beef.

Summary: Ban passed 20 years ago, but only enacted now by new Hindu nationalists . Makes it illegal to have beef or slaughter cows which are sacred to Hindus . 170-year-old Royal Bombay Yacht Club says it will continue with its menu . Its original recipes uses 'buff' - buffalo meat - rather than beef for the pies .


Youngsters who get themselves Saturday jobs like Brooklyn Beckham or Jamie Oliver's kids may end up harming their grades, a report has found. While it may do celebrity children – like David and Victoria Beckham’s son, who grabbed a few weekend shifts at a coffee shop – the world of good to get some work experience, research suggests it could come at a cost to young people’s education. Celebrity chef Jamie recently revealed he intends to keep his daughters ‘real’ by having them work in his pub on the weekends. Youngsters who get themselves Saturday jobs may end up harming their grades, a report has found. Jamie Oliver (pictured with his wife and children) says he will encourage his kids to work in his pub on weekends . But a new study by the Institute for Social and Economic at the University of Essex found teenagers who take on part-time jobs experience a slip in their GCSE results. This is because earning extra cash makes it more likely for youngsters to spend it unwisely – including on alcohol, cigarettes and and cannabis. And the effect was found to be more drastic for girls. Despite having millionaires for parents, Brooklyn Beckham took on weekend shifts at a coffee shop . Results showed an extra hour of work per week in Year 10 saw their results drop around one grade in one subject the following year. The study analysed the hours these young people spent working and the impact of this on time spent on study time, other activities and their grades at GCSE level. Dr Angus Holford, who wrote the report called Youth Employment and Academic Performance, says approximately a quarter of 13 to 16-year-olds take on some form of formal paid employment during term time. ‘This can be a good thing – they earn their own money and can pick up useful skills, which might help them find full-time work in the future,’ he said, according to The Observer. ‘However, they may spend that hard-earned money on less than useful things, or fall in with a different group of people. ‘We did find that schoolchildren who worked became more likely to drink alcohol regularly, smoke or consume cannabis.’ He added the long-term effect of employment would be particularly damaging for ‘borderline students’ – those who are at risk of not achieving the targets needed (five A*-C grades, including English and mathematics) to progression into further education. Dr Holford added that as academic results at 16 have such a great influence over future careers, the results of his study should come as a warning to parents who want children to achieve their full potential.

Summary: David and Victoria Beckham’s son took on a few shifts at a coffee shop . Jamie Oliver says he plans to encourage daughters to work in his pub . A quarter of 13 to 16-year-olds take on paid employment during term time . Study found kids are more likely to spend extra cash on risky behaviour .


England could recall two Lions forwards to their starting line-up as they prepare to step into the path of a juggernaut at Twickenham on Saturday — driven by France’s ‘big dudes’ up front. Stuart Lancaster’s team are bracing themselves for a fearsome onslaught in the latest instalment of ‘Le Crunch’ as they aim to clinch the RBS 6 Nations title and there is a significant chance they could turn to hooker Tom Youngs and lock Geoff Parling. Lifted by their win over Italy in Rome on Sunday, Philippe Saint-Andre’s French side will come to London with a monster pack and orders to grind English ambition into the earth. Yet the home forward unit, marshalled by Graham Rowntree, have stood toe-to-toe with all-comers and trumped most rivals in recent years, even if their dominance of the close-quarters combat has not always brought the deserved results. England forward Courtney Lawes described the French pack as 'big dudes' Along with Youngs and Parling, flanker Tom Wood is another established figure pushing hard for a place in the starting XV. One man who will be at the forefront of the home resistance is Northampton lock Courtney Lawes, whose comeback from injury against Scotland was a resounding personal triumph. He was laid back on Monday when considering the magnitude of a title decider. When asked about his French counterparts Yoann Maestri and Alexandre Flanquart, he said: ‘They’re big dudes. It’ll be an interesting game.’ It will be interesting for those who relish a thunderous encounter and Lawes is certainly in that category. He added: ‘I’ve played against many French sides. They’re always physical. Obviously we’ve got to stay with them and show them they can’t just roll over us. Then we can play some good rugby, get them moving around us and hopefully our fitness will tell come the end.’ VIDEO Robshaw sets sights on France following Scotland win . England stepped up their preparations for their final RBS 6 Nations clash with France at Twickenham . Richard Wigglesworth passes the ball as the team practice at their headquarters in Bagshot . England packs don’t make a habit of bending the knee to any opponents at home. There is pride in their reputation and they will protect it with gusto. ‘We’re not the biggest pack but we certainly bring physicality,’ said Lawes. ‘We like the contact and I don’t think we’ve ever really been shoved around. We’ve got a great pack, very dynamic, and we’ve got a lot of different things we can do which is great. We certainly don’t expect to get pushed around. ‘Physicality is a massive part of the game for French sides and it’s going to be a big challenge up front — something we’ve got to match, at least.’ Danny Cipriani passes the ball during England's training session at Pennyhill Park Hotel in Surrey . England coach Lancaster oversees his team's training session as they prepare for a French test . Romain Taofifenua and Alexandre Flanquart look on during France's clash with Italy in Rome . ALEXANDRE FLANQUART . (lock, 11 caps)

Summary: Stuart Lancaster's side beat Scotland 25-13 at Twickenham last Saturday . England, Ireland and Wales can all win the Six Nations title on Saturday . Courtney Lawes described French forwards as 'big dudes'


Leeds did it under Don Revie; Sir Alex Ferguson’s Manchester United side did it; Atletico Madrid under Diego Simeone do it. Many great sides have hounded and harassed referees over the years. It’s a characteristic at times of their determination to win and their unity. So when Chelsea surrounded referee Bjorn Kuipers to get Zlatan Ibrahimovic sent off on Wednesday it wasn’t something new, or a modern phenomenon that has been creeping up on us. It has nothing to do with foreign players and managers coming into the game. It’s been a part of English football for years. Having said that, now is the time to draw a line and punish teams that overstep the mark in this way, as I believe Chelsea did on Wednesday and I think it could be done with a simple amendment to the rules. Almost all the Chelsea squad surrounded referee Bjorn Kuipers after an incident at Stamford Bridge . If a referee feels that he is being aggressively hounded by a group of players he should have the power to reverse the decision and award the free kick the other way. So on Wednesday night, he could still have sent off Ibrahimovic if he really felt it was a red card offence but Chelsea would have lost the advantage of a free kick. It wouldn’t immediately cut out hounding refs but it would be a nudge in the right direction. Behaviour only changes if managers are encouraged to discipline their players. At the moment, it’s worthwhile clamouring round a referee to get a decision, so few coaches would discourage their players from doing so. However, if you felt that by hounding the referee, your team might lose a potential goal-scoring opportunity, because you would miss out on a free kick on the edge of the box, managers would soon start telling their players to exercise more restraint. And over-zealous appealing for penalties would stop pretty quickly. Imagine losing the chance to take a penalty kick because you had surrounded the referee. The manager would be furious. Referees are only human. Kuipers might have looked at the Ibrahimovic tackle and thought it was a 50-50 decision. But when you have 38,000 people screaming for the red card and then you have a group of players around demanding it too, all of that activity around him might make him feel it’s a 90 per cent decision. This tackle from PSG striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic sparked a furious reaction from Chelsea players . The Chelsea players surround referee Bjorn Kuipers at Stamford Bridge as he brandishes the red card . Chelsea captain John Terry (left) reacts after Zlatan Ibrahimovic's tackle on Oscar in the first-half . This would only be a small change in the rules but I believe it would make a massive change in behaviour over time. Certainly managers wouldn’t encourage their team to attempt to influence the referee in that way anymore because there would be an immediate punishment which could cost the team. It gives the referee a little bit more power and it would

Summary: Chelsea players surrounded referee Bjorn Kuipers to get PSG striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic sent off on Wednesday in their Champions League clash . The Blues were heavily criticised for such actions . Premier League games on a Friday could help English teams in Europe .


France has issued arrest warrants for three alleged terrorists said to have launched a murderous attack on a Jewish restaurant in Paris – 33 years ago. All are said to be responsible for killing six people, and wounding 22 others, at Jo Goldenberg’s in the historic Rue des Rosiers. It is in the centre of the Marais – which remains one of the most famous Jewish districts of the French capital. Scroll down for video . Aftermath: The facade of Jo Goldenberg after it was devastated by an attack . Shocking: The interior of the restaurant after the attack that killed six and wounded 22 others . Five men from the Abu Nidal Organisation, a terrorist group committed to the liberation of Palestine, ran in to the restaurant, unleashing grenades and firing indiscriminately with automatic weapons. Alain Jakubowicz, of the International League against Racism and Anti-Semitism (LICRA, as it is known in France) confirmed a report on RTL radio about the warrants. ‘It gives meaning to justice,’ said Mr Jakubowicz. ‘No criminal, no terrorist can hide. Wherever he is, he is likely to be chased until the end of his life.’ France’s judicial authorities have not issued the names of the suspects, but all are said to be married with children and living in the Middle East and Scandinavia. One, aged 60, is said to be in Ramallah, in Palestine’s Occupied Territories, while another, aged 63, is in Jordan. The third is now 56, and living in Norway, with his wife and four children. Firefighters evacuating victims of the anti-Semite attack carried out by the Palestinian group Abu Nidal . Police and firemen surrounding the restaurant on Rue des Rosiers in Paris . It is claimed that their part in the Jo Goldenberg attack has been established through a detailed investigation, which included interviews with survivors. Two Americans were among those killed in the terrorist outrage, which caused the worst loss of Jewish life in Paris since the Second World War Holocaust. The Rue de Rosiers currently remains under Army guard following an attack on a Kosher supermarket in January, in which four Jews died. Amedy Coulibaly, a Paris terrorist linked to Islamic State, was himself gunned down by police commandoes following the attack. Like the 1980s terrorists, Coulibaly said he was targeting Jews because of Israeli attacks on Palestinian civilians. Jo Goldenberg, the owner of the Jewish restaurant – which is still in business – died last year aged 91. His family founded it before the wartime Occupation of Paris, when thousands of French Jews were entrained to concentration camps in Germany.

Summary: All are said to be responsible for attack on Jo Goldenberg restaurant . Attackers threw grenades and fired indiscriminately with machine guns . Six died and 22 others were wounded in the atrocity in Paris . Suspects said to be married and living in the Middle East and Scandinavia .


The Food and Drug Administration is keeping a bold-letter warning on Pfizer's anti-smoking drug Chantix about suicidal behavior and other psychiatric side effects, after reviewing company findings suggesting the drug does not increase those problems. The twice-a-day tablet has carried the FDA's strongest warning label since 2009, following reports of suicidal tendencies and violent or bizarre behavior among some patients. The FDA on Monday outlined several updates to Chantix's labeling, including a new warning about its potential interaction with alcohol. Some patients have reported unusual or aggressive behavior when drinking while on Chantix. Caution: Anti-smoking drug Chantix has carried the FDA's strongest warning label since 2009, following reports of suicidal tendencies and violent or bizarre behavior among some patients . 'The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is warning that the prescription smoking cessation medicine Chantix (varenicline) can change the way people react to alcohol,' the agency said. 'In addition, rare accounts of seizures in patients treated with Chantix have been reported. We have approved changes to the Chantix label to warn about these risks. Until patients know how Chantix affects their ability to tolerate alcohol, they should decrease the amount of alcohol they drink. Patients who have a seizure while taking Chantix should stop the medicine and seek medical attention immediately.' The updated labeling also includes information from several studies and analyses conducted by Pfizer that found no difference in psychiatric problems between people taking Chantix and other stop-smoking treatments. 'These studies did not show an increased risk of neuropsychiatric side effects with Chantix; however, they did not examine all types of neuropsychiatric side effects, and they had limitations that prevented us from drawing reliable conclusions,' the FDA said. Last year Pfizer proposed that the FDA remove Chantix's so-called black box warning based on the company's findings and other data. Warning: The FDA on Monday outlined several updates to Chantix's labeling, including a new warning about its potential interaction with alcohol. Some patients have reported unusual or aggressive behavior when drinking while on Chantix . The agency's update follows the recommendation of a panel of outside experts, who voted last October to keep the boxed warning on the drug until it can be reevaluated based on new information. New York-based Pfizer is expected to complete a larger study of Chantix's psychiatric side effects in late 2015. Chantix's safety has been debated in medical journals and courtrooms since 2007, when reports of suicide, agitation and other problems first began streaming into the FDA. The drug's labeling currently tells patients to stop taking Chantix immediately if they experience agitation, depressed mood, suicidal thinking and other behavioral changes. Doctors are advised to weigh the drug's risks against its potential benefits of helping patients quit smoking. Pfizer's drug works by binding to the same spots in the brain that are activated by nicotine when people smoke. The drug, known generically as varenicline, blocks nicotine from binding to those spots and prevents the release of 'feel-good' brain chemicals that make smoking so addictive.

Summary: The FDA is keeping a bold-letter warning on Pfizer's anti-smoking drug Chantix about suicidal behavior and other psychiatric side effects . The tablet has carried the FDA's strongest warning label since 2009 . That followed reports of suicidal tendencies and violent or bizarre behavior among some patients . The FDA on Monday outlined several updates to Chantix's labeling, including a new warning about its potential interaction with alcohol . Some patients have reported unusual or aggressive behavior when drinking while on Chantix .


An overweight woman was spurred into losing four stone after she found a text on her boyfriend's phone describing her as an 'embarrassment'. Amy Jones, from Winsford, Cheshire, had no idea that her partner felt that way and the text was such a shock that she decided to make a positive change. Before finding the message, the 21-year-old says her boyfriend had always been supportive of her as her weight spiralled to more than 15 stone after they set up home together. Another turning point came for Amy when this picture was taken of her at her father's wedding, she cried when she saw the picture saying she looked almost as big as the tractor . Amy Jones was inspired to lose more than four stone after she found a cruel messages on her boyfriend's phone calling her weight an embarrassment. Pictured: Amy before her weight loss (left) Amy now (right) Then one day she discovered his true feelings - expressed in a text message to a mutual friend. 'She is massive - she is an embarrassment,' said the message which inspired Amy to go a body blitz which has seen her lose four-and-a-half stone, going down to 10st 11lb. She went down from a size 18 to a shapely size 10 and lost 38cm of fat from her body. Amy, 21, says that although they had their fall-outs she had never suspected that her weight would be an issue. 'It had always been a pretty volatile relationship and we did argue a lot. But my boyfriend was always very supportive when it came to my weight.' Amy was horrified when she found the text to a mutual friend that read: 'She is massive - she is an embarrassment' spurring her on to make a huge change to her lifestyle . Amy added that he would even compliment her on her size and discouraged her from losing weight. 'He always said that I looked fantastic and he liked me with a fuller figure when I asked him if I should lose weight. 'I was reassured by his comments even though I knew that I was getting out of shape. 'The reason why I had got so much fatter was because I had moved in with him. 'He was a body builder who was down the gym all the time. After switching her diet Amy lost almost a quarter of her body weight in less than a year . 'I would basically eat the same meals as him and then not go down the gym.' Amy's weight shot up until it reached 15st 4lb when she attended her dad Martin's wedding in Swindon last year. She was pictured standing in front of a tractor looking larger than she had ever been. When she saw the picture in the weeks after the wedding, she realised she badly need to turn things around. After discovering her boyfriend's text Amy split up with him but the pair have remained friends . Amy said: 'I cried when I saw the picture - I was so badly out

Summary: Amy Jones' weight spiralled out of control after moving in with her partner . She discovered a cruel text he had sent about her and decided to diet . She lost almost a quarter of her body weight in six months .


Jerome Sinclair produced a match-winning performance for Liverpool's under 21s on Monday night as they defeated Chelsea 2-0, winning a penalty and scoring an eye-catching individual goal. And his classy display drew high praise from an Anfield legend afterwards. Jamie Carragher, who was summarising the match for Sky Sports, was very impressed by the teenager's abilities. Liverpool's teenage striker Jerome Sinclair chases the ball in a UEFA Youth League match with Real Madrid . Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher, working as a pundit on Sky Sports, praised Sinclair's performance . Talking about Sinclair's second-half strike, his 22nd of the season, Carragher said: 'It was an outstanding finish. 'He got the penalty [converted by Harry Wilson] and was maybe fortunate in the first-half but there he left them for dead. 'Centre-backs don't like being put in that position out wide. He has pace and composure on his weak foot. ' But who is the hotshot winning such high-profile admirers? Sportsmail has everything you need to know. Sinclair breaks beyond the Chelsea defender Fankaty Dabo during Monday night's under 21 match in Chester . Sinclair slams home Liverpool's second goal in the 2-0 win over Chelsea on Monday night . Name: Jerome Sinclair . Age: 18 . Club: Liverpool . Position: Striker . Carragher certainly isn't the first pundit to notice the spectacular season Jerome Sinclair is having in Liverpool's academy teams. Across the under 18, under 19 and under 21 age groups, the England youth international has found the net 22 times this campaign. Chelsea, the defending champions in the under 21 league, were hoping to leapfrog a cluster of clubs and claim top spot as they headed to the Deva Stadium in Chester on Monday night. But Sinclair and Liverpool had other ideas. After just eight minutes, Sinclair used his abundant pace to get in behind the Blues defence and was wrestled to the ground by Fikayo Tomori. Harry Wilson, another highly-rated player, converted the spot-kick. Sinclair's unpredictable movement had been a headache all night and, shortly after half-time, he again burst past Tomori and finished high into the net from an acute angle. Sinclair gets away from the Chelsea back line during Liverpool's 2-0 win on Monday night . Jerome Sinclair scored twice as Liverpool's under 19s beat Ludogorets Razgrad in the UEFA Youth League . It was the assured finish of a player in the best form of his life and someone well on the way to achieving his obvious potential. This was just one example of the many types of goal Sinclair is capable of and a small glimpse into the buzz around a 18-year-old coaches at Anfield believe can become the next Raheem Sterling. Sinclair already holds the distinction of being the youngest player to turn out for Liverpool, making his senior debut with a nine-minute cameo in a League Cup tie at West Brom in september 2012. He was a tender 16 years and six days old. Although that remains Sinclair's one and only senior outing, he has been making great strides at youth team and under 21

Summary: Sinclair scored and won a penalty in Liverpool U21s win over Chelsea . His performance drew praise from Anfield legend Jamie Carragher . Second-half goal in Chester was Sinclair's 22nd of the season . He remains Liverpool's youngest first-team debutant back in 2012 . Quick and deadly, Sinclair has been compared to Raheem Sterling .


Luke Campbell scored an emotional third-round knockout in his home city of Hull on Saturday as he beat Levis Morales. Olympic champion Campbell initially pulled out of the fight because of the ill health of his father, but with the blessing of his family he made a late decision to return to the bill. The 27-year-old lightweight maintained his perfect professional record, extending it to 11 wins, putting his Nicaraguan opponent down at the end of the second and then again at the start of the third. Luke Campbell lands a big punch on Levis Morales as he won the bout in Hull in just three rounds . That was enough for referee Howard Foster, whose decision to call the fight off came at the same time a white towel appeared from Morales' corner. 'I've turned the negatives into positives, and I was excited to be here tonight, making my family proud,' Campbell told Sky Sports 1. 'It was a family decision to fight, to give everyone something to look forward to. There's nothing better for me than boxing in Hull, the love I get is priceless. 'It was very difficult. I pulled out of the show for quite a while. I never intended to box on this show. 'My dad will be watching at home as proud as punch. I love you dad, keep fighting.'

Summary: Luke Campbell wins in style in home town of Hull . Campbell had pulled out of the fight because of illness to his father . But the Olympian's family convinced him to fight against Morales . Campbell has now won all 11 of his professional fights .


This winter has been the season that literally divided America into two. This stunning weather map shows how those in the west of the country enjoyed one of the warmest February's on record, while those in the east endured heavy snowfall and freezing temperatures. The extreme contrast in temperatures has been put down to global warming and the melting sea ice in the Arctic by some experts, according to NASA's Earth Observatory. The satellite image produced by NASA records the land surface temperature. The places that experience below average conditions are coloured blue, normal appear white and those in red were warmer than average . The map has been produced using data from NASA's Terra satellite and shows how temperatures this February compared with those over the last ten years.. The satellite recorded the land surface temperature and the map shows a clear divide right down the middle of the country. The areas that experienced cooler than average conditions are coloured in blue, normal appear white, and those in red were warmer than average. The mercury soared some 10 degrees approve than average in the western half and those in the east saw temperatures 10 degrees below average. Statewide data showed that no state experienced record cold temperatures in February, but many cities broke their own records, according to Live Science. In New York a new low of minus 13 degrees was set, beating its old record by 1.6 degrees. Last month huge ice sheets formed on the surface of New York's Hudson River forcing the US Coastguard to deploy ice breakers in order to keep shipping and ferry traffic moving. Ferry operators in the city described it as the worst winter they had experienced in more than 28 years. A huge ice volcano also appeared in a New York Park. Records were also broken in the likes of Worcester and Massachusetts. In contrast record highs were set in the likes of Washington, Nevada, and California during February, according to the website. California is in the midst of a three year drought that has been caused by a combination of record high temperatures and sparse rainfall. This has produced the worst conditions in 1,200 years, according to a study. Experts predict it will take about 11 trillion gallons of water (42 cubic kilometers) -- around 1.5 times the maximum volume of the largest U.S. reservoir - for California to recover. Ice-encrusted: Lower Manhattan as seen from the Staten Island Ferry on February 25, 2015 as the New York Harbor is filled with large chunks of ice as the East River and Hudson freeze over . The dry bed of the Stevens Creek Reservoir in California: A combination of record high temperatures and sparse rainfall during California'sthree-year drought have produced the worst conditions in 1,200 years . Researchers were reportedly exploring a number of possible causes behind the contrasting weather patterns seen across the US last. NASA's Earth Observatory said: 'Most meteorologists attribute the sharply contrasting temperatures to the combination of a persistent ridge of high pressure—nicknamed the “Ridiculously Resilient Ridge”—over the northeastern

Summary: Weather map produced using data from NASA's Terra Satellite that measures land surface temperature . It shows how the temperatures last month compared with those recorded over a 10 year period from 2001 . Map shows the temperature divide that has been experienced between the east and west of the country .


Our ancestors typically rose with the sun and went to sleep when it set, but modern life and artificial lighting has pushed this routine out of sync. However, researchers have discovered a rural community in Brazil that still follows the natural sleep cycles of the past - despite having access to the same technology as its urban neighbours. And they now plan to study this group to learn more about how our move away from the natural rhythm could be damaging our health. Researchers have discovered a rural community in Brazil that follows the 'natural sleep cycles' (stock image) of our ancestors who rose with the sun, and typically went to bed when it set. The experts now plan to study this group to learn more about how our move away from the natural rhythm could be damaging our health . The community was discovered in the small town of Baependi in south-eastern Brazil in the state of Minais Gerais. Researchers from the University of Surrey and the University of São Paulo studied the population and asked them questions about their sleep habits and patterns. 'In big cities, the availability of cheap electricity has brought us both artificial lighting and a multitude of other electronic devices that compete with us going to sleep at night,' said lead author Dr Malcolm von Schantz from the University of Surrey. 'As a result, most of us go to bed much later than our ancestors did, and, many of us are sleeping less. 'Even though the people in Baependi have access to electricity and television, their daily rhythms are much closer to those of previous generations. 'Studying this population is like being able to look back at past generations through a pair of binoculars and provide an insight into the benefit this natural pattern may be having on their health.' Historian Roger Ekirch of Virginia Tech recently revealed an 'overwhelming amount of historical evidence' that suggested we used to sleep in stages. He found more than 500 references about ancestors sleeping in two shorter periods throughout the night. The total sleep would occur in a 12-hour period that began with up to four hours sleep, an 'awake period' of four hours and then ended with a second four-hour sleep. These days it is widely accepted human sleep patterns are governed by the 'circadian rhythm'. This is the 24-hour cycle of being awake and then, when it becomes dark, resting. 'However, built into this 24-hour pattern is a series of shorter cycles of about 90 minutes - called the "ultradian rhythm",' added Dr Nerina Ramlakhan, author of Tired But Wired: How To Overcome Your Sleep Problems. This explains smaller peaks and troughs of energy throughout the day. Dr Ramlakhan believes this ultradian rhythm is a throwback to our hunter-gatherer years. And while we tend to pay much more attention to the 24-hour cycle than the 90-minute one, Dr Ramlakhan believes the body works best when we move with these natural ultradian rhythms, building in pauses, stopping and resting, so continually renewing our energy. The community was discovered

Summary: Study has found a Brazilian community with 'pre-industrial' sleeping habits . They prefer to rise at 6.30am and go to sleep, on average, at 21.20pm . This is despite having access to the same electricity as urban neighbours . Nearby urban residents prefer to rise 07.15am and go to bed at 22.20pm . Experts said this is because the rural group predominantly work outdoors . They therefore have similar 'natural' cycles as our pre-industrial ancestors . The community was discovered in the small town of Baependi . Researchers now plan to study this group to learn more about how a move away from the natural rhythm could be damaging our health .


Pope Francis was mobbed by a group of starstruck nuns during his visit to Naples Cathedral, prompting a cardinal to exclaim: ‘They are going to eat him!’ The cloistered nuns, who usually observe the rules of ‘papal enclosure and rarely leave their nunneries, were let out of their convents for the special occasion. But to the pontiff’s bewilderment, the overly excited women swarmed him during his pastoral visit and needed to be reined in by the Archbishop of Naples. Scroll down for video . Starstruck: Pope Francis can barely contain his bewilderment as he is swarmed by a group of nuns in Naples . Celebrity: The cloistered received special permission to be let out of their convents for the special occasion . Cardinal Crescenzio Sepe urged the ‘sisters’ - who stood to applaud the pontiff as he made his entrance and then inundated him with gifts - to restrain themselves through a microphone, the Telegraph reported. He said: ‘Sisters… Later… well would you look at that.' And to the amusement of those in the building, he joked: ‘And these are the cloistered ones. Just imagine the non-cloistered ones.’ He then added: ‘They are going to eat him! Sisters, sisters!’ During his one-day visit to Naples yesterday, the Argentine pontiff visited the cathedral to visit priests and religious leaders. As he toured some of the city’s poorest areas, where the mafia reign, hundred of thousands gathered for a glimpse. Swarmed: The nuns needed to be reined in by the Archbishop of Naples. Pictured: Pope Francis is greeted by thecloistered nuns at the Duomo . Service: The pontiff with Naples' Archbishop Cardinal Crescenzio Sepe (on his left) as he blesses a relic believed to be the blood of San Gennaro at Naples' Cathedral today during his one-day visit . Ritual: Pope Francis kisses the ampulla containing the blood of San Gennaro at the Duomo . But only a few managed to get as much quality time with Pope Francis as the nuns, from seven different closed convents, who had acquired special permission to attend the service. In 2013, the Pope’s presence in the Brazilian town of Aparecida had a similar effect on a group of around 40 nuns. At the time, Vatican spokesman, the Reverend Federico Lombardi, said one nun rushed toward the Pope, embraced him and asked to take a photo together – leading others to follow suit. He added it was ‘one of the most remarkable things’ he had seen during Francis' first inaugral international trip. Mass: Pope Francis greets the crowds as he arrives to lead a service on Piazza del Plebiscito square in Naples yesterday . Opposition: Pope Francis told the crowd that nothing can justify the death penalty and there is no 'right' way to humanely kill another person . The Pope also had lunch with at least 10 gay, transgender and HIV-suffering inmates at a prison in Naples. He shared a meal with about 120 male and female inmates in a city jail, among them several transsexuals and AIDS sufferers chosen to represent those sectors of the prison

Summary: The overexcited cloistered nuns overwhelmed a bewildered Pope Francis . They had special permission to leave closed convents for special occasion . During pontiff's visit to Naples Cathedral, they needed to be reined in . Archbishop of Naples joked: 'These are the cloistered ones. Just imagine the non-cloistered ones'