A Penn State professor who was arrested on an American Airlines flight after lighting a cigarette and ranting about Obama said she was expressing an act of 'civil disobedience'. Dr Karen Halnon, 52, became an internet sensation after she was caught on camera lighting up shortly after a flight from Nicaragua landed at Miami International Airport on Saturday. Halnon said she used the moment to protest 'U.S. military global domination,' claiming the country has 'declared war on Venezuela' and was responsible for giving her hero Hugo Chavez cancer. Dr Karen Halnon, left in her police mugshot and right in a faculty photo, said she was expressing an act of 'civil disobedience' when she was filmed smoking and ranting about the US after her plane landed in Miami . The sociology professor also said the US was after Venezuela's water and oil. 'I had to speak out now,' she told Philadelphia Magazine. 'The situation is dire and urgent.' 'Any sacrifice I make for my own self, if it saves lives — there have been far too many lives lost due to U.S. global military domination.' Halnon claims she was 'tortured' by the FBI and TSA after she was arrested in Miami for disorderly conduct. 'I was put in a room with two fans in the ceiling, it was freezing cold for hours and hours and hours,' she said. Halnon alleged she was not allowed to go to the bathroom and had to wet her pants. She said she also defecated on the floor and was forced to pick it up while being 'laughed at'. A number of passengers around Halnon became angered after she lit up on the plane. The professor said the act was a 'symbol'. 'Every revolutionary I know smokes,' she said. 'It was identifying with the revolutionary cause. 'Beyond that, it is a symbol that the United States is a smoking gun.' Halnon also questioned how she got through security with the lighter, which she said was right on top of her book bag. Halnon is seen smoking onboard the flight, in a video uploaded to YouTube and posted on Reddit . When fellow passengers flagged down a flight attendant to complain about her unruly behavior, Halnon blamed someone else for smoking and went on a rant, saying the US had 'declared war on Venezuela' 'The action was necessary,' she said. 'They are going to kill many more people.' During her political rant aboard the flight Halnon, who said she teaches about US imperialism in Latin America, equated the country's tough economic sanctions against Venezuela with a declaration of war. According to an eyewitness, she also allegedly said that Obama 'kills people on Tuesdays'. Halnon shouted: 'The United States has declared war on Venezuela. Venezuela has been declared a national security threat.' 'You're a national security threat,' a passenger remarked off camera. 'She's gangster' another passenger said, laughing. Flight attendants warned the woman that the police would be waiting for her once the plane landed if she didn't calm down. But she yelled louder, ranting that Venezuela 'previously owned the

Summary: Dr Karen Halnon, 52, became an internet sensation after she was caught on camera lighting a cigarette and ranting on an American Airlines flight . Halnon said she was expressing an act of 'civil disobedience' Sociology professor said the cigarette was a 'symbol' that identified her 'revolutionary cause' Halnon said she believes US has 'declared war on Venezuela' and that it gave her hero Hugo Chavez cancer . Also claims she was put in a 'freezing cold room' for 'hours' after her arrest and was not allowed to use the bathroom .


A 20st teenager who was addicted to playing video games has lost half of his body weight in three years to pursue his dream of joining the marines. Jai Harms, 17, from Waterlooville, Hants shed an incredible 10st by ditching a diet of fast food and his games consoles to train five hours a day. His weight had ballooned to a staggering 20st 7lb by his 14th birthday when he feasted on a diet of bacon rolls, snacks and Chinese takeaways every night. At 14 Jai Harms weighed over 20st but just three years later the teenager has lost half of his body weight . Now three years on Jai's waistline has dropped from 46in to 28in and the determined teen is now nine months into a course at the Military Preparation College in Portsmouth, spending half the day on physical training. Jai says that before he decided to turn his life around he had very little respect for his own body existing of greasy takeaways. 'It was pretty bad - I would eat what I want, when I wanted. 'I would make regular trips to McDonald's and order McFlurrys and milkshakes with my meals and my lunch was normally four bacon rolls. 'My dad used to work for a Chinese restaurant too as he delivered food and at the end of the every day we used to get free meals.' As well as a bad diet Jai would be immobile for hours of the day devoting his time to video gaming. Jai slimmed down in order to fulfill his dream of joining the marines and now trains everyday . Before he began his weight loss Jai would spend 12 hours a day playing games on his Xbox . 'When I was in school I barely moved. I would just sit around and play on my Xbox for 12 hours a day, probably more, from the moment I woke up until I went to bed. 'I would play car racing games and FIFA football but I don't even look at the Xbox now.' Jai was bullied over his weight at school but decided to turn his life around on New Year's Eve 2011 when he told his mum Andrea, 48, he wanted to take up boxing. Three months later she and his father Neil, 51, gave him permission to start and Jai started training at his local club once a week. When Jai stepped on a set of scales he discovered his weight had reached an unhealthy 20-and-a-half stone. Jai decided to ditch the computer games when he wanted to take up boxing and is now a champion for his age . Before joining the military college Jai lived off four bacon rolls for his lunch and a Chinese takeaway every night, but now the 17-year-old survives off a high protein diet . Shocked into action Jai soon started running three times a week in addition to his boxing and started to lose between one and two kilos a week. When he enrolled at the Military Preparation College (MPCT) the weight kept

Summary: At 14 Jai Harms was addicted to his Xbox and weighed in at over 20st . Desperate to become a marine he ditched takeaways and started training . Now he's halved his body weight and become a local boxing champion .


A Russian airline UTair . Boeing 737 plane, carrying 78 passengers plus crew, . has requested an emergency landing at the Pulkovo airport in St Petersburg, the company and a Russian aviation source said on . Wednesday. The source said one of the plane's engines had failed and . that the plane had been due to land at 12:25 pm (0925 GMT). The emergency landing was carried out 'after the transmitter went off, signalling the right engine's failure', a source told RIA Novosti news agency. Russia's Emergencies Ministry said it could not immediately . comment. Near miss: The flight path of the Russian Boeing 737 that carried out an emergency landing at St Petersburg's Pulkovo airport after the starboard engine reportedly cut out . Fear: A Boeng 737 similar to the aircraft pictured, but belonging to the UTair airline rather than Hainan Airlines, has requested an emergency landing at Russia's Pulkovo airport inSt Petersburg .

Summary: The emergency landing occurred at St Petersburg's Pulkovo airport . The plane's starboard engine had reportedly failed . The flight had been due to land at 0925 GMT . This follows the tragic crash of a Germanwings plane in the Alps .


A third of burglaries in England and Wales are committed by children, according to new statistics. Researchers found that of 291,567 burglaries where an offender was caught, 95,872 - or 32 per cent - were aged under 18. It was also revealed that of the total 1,068,901 burglaries committed between January 1 2008 and December 31 2013, less than a third resulted in a conviction. Alarming: A third of burglaries in England and Wales are committed by children, according to new statistics (file picture) The study was carried out by home security firm ADT, which submitted a Freedom of Information request to 43 police forces in England and Wales. Spokesperson Gail Hunter said: 'We have found that some of the worst affected victims of burglary are children, yet these statistics have shown that the perpetrators of the crimes are children themselves. 'Our aim is to deter burglars and give householders peace of mind.' Of the 23 forces who responded to the FoI request, Nottinghamshire, Greater Manchester and the Metropolitan Police had the highest percentage of child burglars. Of the 23 forces who responded to the FoI request, Nottinghamshire, Greater Manchester and the Metropolitan Police had the highest percentage of child burglars . Nottinghamshire had the highest rate of minors at 43 per cent, Greater Manchester had 41 per cent and London had 37 per cent. In contrast, only four police forces registered a figure lower than 15 per cent, with Wiltshire the lowest at three per cent. Norfolk registered 9.8 per cent, Thames Valley 13.9 per cent and Durham had 14 per cent. The new figures by ADT as part of its 'Take No More' campaign with the charity Victim Support, which aims to highlight the impact of burglaries. Police force Total burglaries Offenders caught Number under 18 % under 18 . Avon & Somerset 69520 9527 1998 20 . Bedfordshire 20822 5472 1134 21 . Devon & Cornwall 22423 3585 645 18 . Dorset 10900 3021 642 21 . Durham 11132 2922 410 14 . Gloucestershire 33200 3892 862 22 . Greater Manchester 111243 21013 8742 42 . Kent 33529 7058 1792 25 . Lincolnshire 13135 2137 279 13 . Met 362013 163652 60790 37 . Researchers found that of 291,567 burglaries where an offender was caught, 95,872 - or 32 per cent - were aged under 18 . Norfolk 9658 2290 224 10 . North Yorkshire 10961 2424 449 19 . Northamptonshire 20297 3391 1102 32 . Northumbria 22904 4341 827 19 . Nottinghamshire 37427 5116 2232 44 . South Yorkshire 46847 8989 2237 25 . Staffordshire 20228 3518 698 20 . Thames Valley 54730 7372 1025 14 . Warwickshire 12674 2171 404 19 . West Mercia 19070 4610 725 16 . West Yorkshire 108024 21796 7933 36 . Wiltshire 8765 652 20 3 . North Wales 9399 2618 702 27 . Total 1,068,901 291567 95872 32 . John Hayward Cripps, Director for Victim Support, said: 'From supporting thousands of burglary victims every year, we know that what they want most is for no one else to suffer like they

Summary: Of 291,567 burglaries where an offender was caught 32% were children . Researchers compiled statistics from 23 forces across England and Wales . Nottinghamshire had highest rate of minors at 43 per cent, figures show . Only four of the forces that responded registered figures lower than 15% .


David Jubb, the artistic director of Battersea Arts Centre, said he was 'overwhelmed' by public generosity after a fire ripped through the Grade II listed building last night . The 'heartbroken' artistic director of Battersea Arts Centre said he was overwhelmed by public generosity after a fire ripped through the Grade II listed building last night. Donations began flooding in as soon as news broke that the 120-year-old arts building was on fire at just after 4.15pm yesterday, which engulfed the roof and destroyed the Grand Hall and Lower Hall. Nearly 1,000 people have now given money to an appeal set up by the charity National Funding Scheme which has raised more than £22,000 in just 24 hours. More than 80 firefighters battled to bring the blaze under control, some fighting the fire from above using aerial platform ladders. Billowing black smoke was seen for miles around the theatre while there were reports of people watching on in tears as flames engulfed the tower at the top of the centre, which then collapsed. London Fire Brigade were able to save half of the building, including the 'priceless' octagonal dome, and salvage artwork from the centre, while some crews remained at the scene yesterday damping down hot spots. The centre reopened parts of the building undamaged by fire for performances last night. Battersea's artistic director David Jubb said: 'The most important thing' was that nobody was hurt in the fire. 'It's heartbreaking. But we will get through this. Brick by brick. 'Huge thanks are owed to all the emergency services, who literally saved the front half of the building, to staff, artists and volunteers at Battersea Arts Centre, and to everyone who has shown their overwhelming support online over the last 24 hours. 'The passion for the building and the organisation is extraordinary. Thank you all for being part of this. We really need you at this time.' The cause of the fire is unclear but investigators were continuing to sift through the ashes yesterday to look for clues. Station Manager Matt Burrows, who visited the scene, said: 'Firefighters did a great job to save large parts of the building including the octagonal dome which I'm told is priceless and salvaged valuable art work. 'The centre are hopeful that they will be able to open unaffected areas of the building to the public today. We'll continue to damp down and our fire investigators are inspecting the building to find the cause.' Scroll down for video . The aftermath: The remains of the Battersea Arts Centre in south London after a blaze ripped through the building last night, damaging half and destroying the 120-year-old structure's roof . The outline of the Grade II listed building disappeared in the smoke and flames that engulfed the roof and destroyed the tower yesterday . Black smoke and flames could be seen for miles after the massive blaze broke out out at the historic Battersea Arts Centre in south London at just after 4.15pm yesterday . This incredible photo shows the flames of the inferno reaching up into

Summary: The massive blaze broke out at the historic Battersea Arts Centre in south London just after 4.15pm yesterday . More than 80 firefighters battled to bring the fire which ripped through the Grade II listed building under control . Witnesses claimed people watched in tears as flames engulfed the tower of the theatre which then collapsed . 'Heartbroken' artistic director David Jubb was overwhelmed by public generosity £22,000 was raised in just 24 hours .


Louis van Gaal has been deliberately antagonising his Manchester United players in training so that they learn to keep their cool in the white-hot atmosphere of Anfield on Sunday. United’s volatile clashes with Liverpool have produced 15 red cards in the Premier League — second only to the Merseyside derby — and Van Gaal has already seen Chris Smalling and Angel di Maria sent off in big games against Manchester City and Arsenal this season. The Old Trafford boss has been testing his players’ temperaments by giving incorrect decisions in training matches to wind them up. Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has been deliberately antagonising his players in training . Van Gaal has been teaching them how to keep their cool in the white-hot atmosphere of Anfield on Sunday . ‘I am the referee in the games that we have had on the training pitch and I have whistled in the way that they have to control their aggression, and to prepare them for the atmosphere,’ he said. ‘And I have mentioned that to them after lunch. Control of emotion is also a talent.’ Sunday's meeting is set to be even more highly charged than usual with both teams competing for a Champions League place and just two points separating them in the Premier League table. United have a poor recent record away to Liverpool, winning just one of their seven games there. Typically, though, Van Gaal does not lack confidence as he prepares to take charge of a team at Anfield for the first time in his career. Van Gaal (left) goes head to head with Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers (right) on Sunday . Steven Gerrard pictured scoring against United in 2011 at Anfield, where they have a poor away record . England striker Daniel Sturridge will look to keep up United's poor recent away record at Anfield on Sunday . ‘It’s the most difficult ground for Manchester United, I have heard,’ he added. ‘But now I’m the manager here maybe we can change that.’ Meanwhile, Michael Carrick has signed a new one-year deal at United. The 33-year-old, who joined from Spurs for £18.6million in 2006, was due to be out of contract in the summer but the club have exercised an option to extend it by another 12 months. The England midfielder has emerged as a key figure under Van Gaal despite missing the first two-and-a-half months of the season with an ankle injury. Van Gaal said: ‘He is important. He can read the game as a player on the pitch so he can coach during the game.’ England midfielder Michael Carrick has signed a new one-year deal with Van Gaal's United . The 33-year-old Carrick has made 17 appearances for United this season following his ankle injury .

Summary: Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has got tough in training . He has been teaching his players how to keep their cool in a hot scenario . United’s clashes with Liverpool have produced 15 red cards in the league . United face Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday in the Premier League .


The draw for the Europa League quarter-finals took place on Friday afternoon with defending champions Sevilla's tie against Zenit St Petersburg the standout clash. The pair have both won the tournament in the past with Sevilla winning the competition three times previously, while Zenit's sole triumph came in 2008. The odds are looking ominous for Zenit who have won only twice in 14 encounters with Spanish sides, and are without a victory in their last seven games against La Liga opponents. Defending Europa League champions Sevilla will face Zenit St Petersburg in the quarter-finals . Zenit (right) are through to the quarter-finals after beating Serie A outfit Torino 2-1 on aggregate . Sevilla vs Zenit St Petersburg . Dnipro vs Club Brugge . Dynamo Kiev vs Fiorentina . Wolfsburg vs Napoli . First and second legs to be played on April 16 and 23 . Elsewhere Ukrainian outfit Dynamo Kiev will face Fiorentina. Kiev, who knocked out Everton 6-4 on aggregate in the last 16, have won just twice in 18 encounters with Italian clubs, with both of those wins coming against Roma in the 2004/05 UEFA Champions League. The Viola, who feature on loan Chelsea midfielder Mohammed Salah, are yet to lose in eight games against Ukrainian sides - having won five and drawn three. Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk, the other Ukrainian representative in the draw, host Belgian outfit Club Brugge first in their quarter-final tie, while Wolfsburg face Italian opposition once more. Wolfsburg, who knocked out Inter Milan in the previous round, will entertain Napoli in the first leg of their quarter-final before travelling to Naples for the return encounter. This clash is the only pairing in the round when the sides have never met in Europe before. Dynamo Kiev will face Fiorentina in the Europa League quarter-finals after beating Everton in the last 16 . On loan Chelsea midfielder Mohamed Salah (right) will prove a key man for Fiorentina against Dynamo Kiev . Kevin De Bruyne (right) will be hoping to lead Wolfsburg to victory in their quarter-final against Napoli .

Summary: Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk host Belgian side Club Brugge in the first leg . Other quarter-final tie sees Wolfsburg entertain Serie A outfit Napoli . Quarter-final matches will take matches on April 16 and 23 . CLICK HERE to see how it all unfolded .


A man accused of carrying out attacks on five separate public places had a crossbow and hundreds of rounds of ammunition stored at his house. Hong Young chose his targets at random with the first attack taking place at Arundel Mills mall, Maryland, on February 24, police said. The 35-year-old, from Beltsville, was arrested on Tuesday and charged with attempted murder and assault after police spotted a 1999 Lincoln Town car linked to him near the site. Scroll down for video . A man accused of firing at five public places in Maryland had a crossbow and hundreds of rounds of ammunition stored at his house . After searching his two-storey house they found ten weapons including several handguns. The mall shooting was the first of five attacks by Young in the last week. It involved a 61-year-old man who had the windows of his car shot out as he was driving through the shopping complex on February 24 around 7.30am. The following Saturday the footage of the Lincoln Town car was released, according to the Baltimore Sun. But police were notified of a second shooting at a Walmart in Laurel on Monday. That same day, cleaning crew staff reportedly heard gunshots around 5.10am at the AMC Theater in Columbia. Hong Young (left) has been charged with attempted murder and assault after the five attacks. Police searching his house (right) found ten weapons . After searching his two-storey house police also found a variety of ammunition kept in wooden drawers . One of the weapons discovered at the 35-year-old's home in Beltsville, Maryland was a large black gun . Tuesday, February 24, 7.30am: Arundel Mills shopping complex . Saturday, February 28: Footage of Lincoln Town car released . Monday, March 2, early morning: Walmart in Laurel . Monday, March 2, 5.10am: AMC Theater at The Mall in Columbia . Tuesday, March 3, 3pm: Intercounty Connector in Laurel . Tuesday, March 3, 5pm: National Security Agency in Fort Meade . On Tuesday a dump truck carrying two Nelson Tree specialist workers was travelling eastbound on the Intercounty Connector when it was struck by gunshots coming from a nearby wood. The attack, which happened just before 3pm, left both passengers with injuries. One was hurt by shattered glass and the other bruised from a bullet fragment, according to the Washington Post. Just two hours later the National Security Agency (NSA) in Fort Meade was targeted and several gunshots struck one of its office buildings. No injuries were reported, a spokesman for the NSA told the Daily Mail Online. A police spokesman said Young was being monitored at a nearby hospital under police guard. Investigators will look into whether Young is tied to all five incidents spread across three different Maryland counties (above map showing where the shootings took place) Police were searching for a grey or blue Lincoln Town car (above), which was spotted near some of the crime scenes. They believe it belongs to Young . He said: 'Clearly, he was continuing to do it until he got caught. 'This guy apparently has

Summary: Ten weapons found at Hong Young's house in Beltsville, Maryland . 35-year-old arrested after five public places targeted in the last week . Most recent shooting was at National Security Agency headquarters . Other targets include a shopping complex, Walmart and a truck . Mirrors Washington attacks where ten died from 'sniper' shootings in 2002 .


One in five gay teenagers in schools across Britain are being subjected to bullying by teachers or other adults, new research has shown. Another third of gay male pupils said they left school without being taught anything about HIV or safe sex, despite a spike in infections nationwide. A survey by the National Aids Trust (NAT), which quizzed more than 1,000 gay or bisexual men aged 14 to 19, also found that more than half had experienced some form of discrimination. More than half of gay teenagers said they had been bullied at school. While 99 per cent said they had been targeted by a classmate, 39 per cent said their tormentor was a teacher or adult (file image) Of those 99 per cent said they had been targeted by another pupil, while 75 per cent said they received online abuse, reports The Independent. However, another 39 per cent said the bullying had been at the hands of a teacher or another adult at their school. Deborah Gold, the chief executive of NAT, said: 'It's an incredibly high number. 'The idea that teachers or other adults at school are sometimes responsible for bullying and discrimination is utterly unacceptable.' The survey also showed a worrying lack of education among young men about the spread of HIV and safe sex, despite them being in the most at-risk group in the UK. Two thirds of those surveyed said they had not been given information about testing for the killer virus, while a third were given no information about the spread of HIV. Another three quarters were also unaware of the drug PEP, which can help prevent infection if it is given to a patient within three days of them being exposed to HIV. A third of teenage boys said they had been given no information on HIV or safe sex, while two thirds said they didn't know how to test for it, despite being in the most at-risk group (pictured, the HIV virus) Three quarters of pupils also said they had been given no information on same sex relationships during sex educations lessons. Ms Gold added: 'The number of young men who have sex with men who are contracting HIV is increasing. I think there's an absolute link between the lack of this education at a time when people need it and the consequences of that.' While education on HIV is required as part of the science curriculum, it is only recommended as part of social and health education classes, with campaigners calling its application 'patchy'. The most recent figures from Public Health England show that HIV infection rates among men who have sex with men are at an all-time high, and are continuing to rise. In 2012 there were 3,250 new diagnoses of HIV among this group, pushing the total to more than 40,000, of which around 7,300 were unaware they had the virus.

Summary: Survey found more than half of gay teens bullied for sexuality at school . 99 per cent abused by classmate, but 39 per cent targeted by an adult . A third also left school with no education on HIV or having safe sex .


Bangladesh gave co-hosts New Zealand a real scare but fell just short of securing another Pool A victory at the World Cup on Friday. The Tigers established a strong position thanks to a ton from top-scoring Mahmudullah, yet New Zealand boasted a centurion of their own in Martin Guptill, who shrugged off injury to make 105 at Seddon Park. Shakib Al Hasan was the pick of the bowlers with his four wickets maintaining belief Bangladesh could restrict the Black Caps in Hamilton. A late flurry from Tim Southee, however, got the home team over the line as they recorded a three-wicket triumph. New Zealand batsman Martin Guptill hits a pull shot during his side's game against Bangladesh on Friday . Guptill pulls up with cramp while on 99 as the Black Caps chased the Tigers total in Hamilton . Guptill recovered from his injury to score his century and finish with 105 as New Zealand remained unbeaten . Both sides had already qualified for the quarter-finals, but the result is perhaps more heartening for the Tigers. They registered 288 for seven from their 50 overs, having been put into bat. Mahmudullah, having become his country's first World Cup centurion in Monday's win over England, made it back-to-back hundreds with a brilliant 128 not out. The Bangladesh innings got off to a shaky start, with openers Imrul Kayes (two) and Tamim Iqbal (13) dismissed within the first 10 overs. Mahmudullah followed up his century against England on Monday with another ton against the Black Caps . Trent Boult snared both, knocking over Kayes' off stump and inducing an edge from Tamim which was snapped up by Corey Anderson at second slip to send the bowler back top of the 2015 World Cup wicket-takers' list. Soumya Sarkar (51) and Mahmudullah steadied the ship with a 90-run third-wicket stand, before the former bottom-edged a Daniel Vettori delivery to Anderson at long-on. Anderson then got in on the action with the ball, accounting for the wickets of Al Hasan (23) and Mushfiqur Rahim (15) - both caught behind by Luke Ronchi. Sabbir Rahman contributed 40 and Nasir Hossain 11 before falling to Grant Elliott in the final three overs. Nasir Hossain drops a catch that would have dismissed New Zealand's Daniel Vettori . New Zealand also made a wobbly start, quickly losing both Brendon McCullum and Kane Williamson. The former was snagged by Al Hasan for eight while Williamson sliced over to Iqbal for a single off the same bowler. It fell to Guptill and Ross Taylor to steady the ship and the pair brought up 50 runs before the latter reached 5,000 ODI runs with a four off Rahman. Corey Anderson made 39 runs to help New Zealand to a 290 for 7 victory against Bangladesh . Guptill was fast approaching his century when he suddenly pulled up after glancing for a single. After a few nervous minutes it became clear the opener was suffering from a bad bout of cramps. He gritted his teeth and soon brought up his maiden World Cup ton with

Summary: Martin Guptill shrugged off injury to make 105 for New Zealand . A ton from top-scoring Mahmudullah gave Bangladesh the perfect start . Shakib Al Hasan was the pick of the bowlers with his four wickets . A late flurry from Tim Southee, however, got the home team over the line . Both sides had already qualified for the quarter-finals before the match .


BBC political editor Nick Robinson has undergone a life-saving operation to remove a tumour . BBC political editor Nick Robinson has revealed that a life-saving operation to remove a tumour from his lung had been a 'complete success'. Mr Robinson, who announced in February that he was undergoing treatment for lung cancer, said an operation to remove it had gone well and 'normal service will be resumed as soon as possible'. Writing in a blog on the BBC's website, the 51-year-old thanked doctors and nurses at the Royal Brompton and Royal Free Hospitals for looking after him. He said: 'I am now beginning a course of chemotherapy to try to stop the cancer even daring to think of returning. I'm also working to restore the strength of my voice after the op. 'Many thanks to all the doctors and nurses who have been, and are, looking after me - particularly at the Royal Brompton and Royal Free Hospitals. 'Heartfelt thanks too to the many people who have been in touch with their good wishes.' News of his illness last month sparked an outpouring of messages on Twitter, with Prime Minister David Cameron one of the first to tweet a get-well message. He said: 'Sorry to hear you'll be off for a few weeks. I wish you well - and a speedy return before the general election.' Labour leader Ed Miliband tweeted: 'Best wishes for a speedy recovery. Look forward to seeing you on the campaign trail soon.' Mr Robinson, who is married with three children, used the blog to kick-start his return to work and covering the election with some advice for voters. His message was: 'It's all about you. Not them. You.' Mr Robinson had been diagnosed with a rare bronchial carcinoid tumour. Located in the lungs' larger tubes, they are usually slow-growing. But they can spread and trigger cancer elsewhere in the body, becoming fatal. Bronchial carcinoid tumours are different from 'normal' lung cancer, which forms among the cells that line the lung. Carcinoid tumours are actually cancers of tissues that produce hormones and send messages, called the neuroendocrine system. They can occur in numerous organs. Two-thirds appear in the digestive tract, a quarter in the lungs, and others in the pancreas, kidney, ovary and testes, according to Cancer Research UK. Mr Robinson faced vicious personal attacks by supporters of the 'yes to independence' campaign during the Scottish referendum . Dr Keith Prowse, medical adviser to the British Lung Foundation, said while bronchial carcinoid tumours were malignant, they tended to be less aggressive than other forms. He said: 'I've had ten or a dozen patients who have had it removed successfully and are still around, some of them older than I am. The majority are cured by surgery. 'It's often possible to remove the tumours completely, because they tend to grow inside the air passage rather than into the lung.' About 70 per cent of patients live at least five years after being diagnosed, he added. But he said if they did spread, they tended to be fairly resistant to

Summary: Nick Robinson announced in February that he was undergoing treatment . Political editor had been diagnosed with a rare bronchial carcinoid tumour . Mr Robinson thanked medics at Royal Brompton and Royal Free Hospitals . He said he was now undergoing chemotherapy to stop the cancer returning .


A Spanish government commission has imposed fines of £2,200 (€3,001) on a Real Madrid member and two others who insulted players and struck Gareth Bale's car after Sunday's La Liga defeat at Barcelona. Wales winger Bale was targeted along with coach Carlo Ancelotti after they arrived back in Madrid following the 2-1 defeat at the Nou Camp. The government's anti-violence in sport commission imposed the fines as well as a six-month ban from sports installations, the commission said on Thursday. Gareth Bale's car was attacked by angry Real Madrid fans following their 2-1 defeat by Barcelona on Sunday . The world's most expensive footballer was confronted by fans as he left the club's Valdebebas training base . The £86million signing's white Bentley is struck by this fan while others jeered Wales international Bale . The fan tries to give the car a kick as Bale pulls away and the abuse continues to be thrown his way in Spain . Real said on Monday one of the three men had been identified as a member and had been suspended and banned from their facilities pending a disciplinary hearing on whether to expel him from the club. Bale was accosted driving away from the club's training ground in the early hours of Monday morning. Two men tried to stop Bale, kicking out at his car as he sped away from them without stopping. The men shouted 'Hijo de puta' ('Son of a bitch') at the player as security guards attempted to calm them down. Bale's team-mates Jese and Sergio Ramos were also targeted. Bale has been singled out by Real supporters since the turn of the year as the team have lost three games in the league. On Monday, Real announced that the offending member's identity has been sent to the club's discipline commission with the request for him to be expelled from the Santiago Bernabeu outfit for the 'very serious offence.' In addition the club say that they will take applicable legal action against the individuals responsible for the incident. Bale and his Madrid team-mates lost 2-1 at the Nou Camp on Sunday night in a fiercely-contested El Clasico . An estimated 400 million people watched Bale struggle on television as Real moved four points behind Barca . On their official club website, Real Madrid's statement read: 'Following the incidents that occurred involving three individuals in the early hours of this morning outside Ciudad Real Madrid, Real Madrid C. F. wishes to outline the following: . 1.- The Club has already identified the individuals responsible, one a Real Madrid member, for these aggressive and violent actions against several of our players. 2.- Details of this member's identity were sent to the Club's Discipline Commission, requesting that it expel the individual from Real Madrid for what is considered a very serious offence. 3.- This afternoon, the Discipline Commission held an emergency meeting and decided to open a disciplinary investigation and provisionally suspend the individual's rights as a member and access to the Santiago Bernabéu or any Real Madrid facilities. 4.- Real Madrid has notified

Summary: Gareth Bale's car was attacked following Real Madrid's El Clasico defeat . Three men have been found guilty and fined £2,200 each . The culprits will also serve six-month bans from 'sports installations' Real Madrid have identified one of the attackers as a club member . The £86million signing's performance against Barcelona was criticised . Carlo Ancelotti, Jese and Sergio Ramos were also targeted by fans . Real Madrid lost 2-1 against Barcelona as they lost ground in title race .


A while ago, I visited a Hampshire nursery which raises more than four million orchids a year. It was like a slow-motion factory; tissue-cultured plantlets came in at one end, flowering specimens trundled out of the other, each in a posh ceramic pot. Orchids, particularly Phalaenopsis (moth orchids), have become Britain's favourite houseplant but most die within weeks. That should not happen. Moth orchids are easier to nurture than indoor cyclamen or poinsettias and, with care, they can flourish for years. But it helps to know a little about this weird plant group and to understand its special needs. Hardy beauty: Moth orchids (pictured) need gentle treatment to produce glorious blossoms . More than 22,000 species of orchids make up Orchidaceae, the world's largest flowering plant family. About 50 are native to Britain, and the common spotted orchid grows in my own tiny flower meadow. With such a huge range of habitats, orchids' needs differ widely. But once you learn the likes and dislikes of popular houseplant orchids, it's not hard to keep them happy. KNOW THEIR NEEDS . Phalaenopsis, like many cultivated orchids are epiphytes, meaning that they grow in bark crevices in forest trees. They subsist on rain or mist, and nourishment comes from debris lodging in the tree bark, so their sparse roots are as important for clinging on as for absorbing nutrients. In a pot in your house, the orchid needs to think it is in a tropical forest. That means a minimum 16 degrees Celsius ambience, humidity and good light. To boost humidity in spring and summer spray rainwater on to the leaves from an atomiser (if possible always use rainwater warmed to room temperature). In winter, move your orchid closer to an east or west-facing window and the extra light will encourage flowering. The commonest cause of death is overwatering. To avoid that, imagine the orchid perched up a tree, soaked by rain from time to time but drying out in between. Cram the roots into wet compost and it will die. That is why it is best to grow epiphytes in slatted containers or transparent, perforated orchid pots and to allow the prehensile roots to poke into the air. During the growing season, feed monthly with special orchid feed. But in winter, reduce watering and do not feed. HANDS-ON MANAGEMENT . Phalaenopsis should last for about three months but, when they fade, you can persuade the old stem to sprout again. Feel it carefully for swellings (nodes) near the base. They are dormant buds. If you cut the stem just above the second node from the base, a new flower spike should develop. Repot your orchid only if it has become pot-bound or has been in the same compost for more than two years. Do that when the pale roots develop green tips; a sign the plant is ready to repot. Use special epiphytic orchid compost — it will appear coarse and lumpy and is available at good garden centres. Remove any dead or shrivelled roots, shorten the remaining healthy ones to about 12cm and

Summary: Orchids have become Britain's favourite house plant but die within weeks . Moth orchids are easier to nurture and can flourish for years . With more than 22,000 species, orchids' needs differ widely .


Earlier this week, supermodel-turned-actress Suki Waterhouse revealed the secret to achieving her perfectly-tousled red carpet-ready hair: washing her tresses with Coca-Cola. During an interview with US Weekly, the British-born 23-year-old, who is currently busy promoting her new sci-fi thriller Insurgent, admitted that she rinses her hair with the popular soda because it gives her hair the perfect amount of volume and texture, saying: 'I don't like my hair when it's washed - it's fine and limp - but Coca-Cola makes it tousled, like I've gone through the Amazon or something.' As someone who has always suffered from slightly limp, lifeless hair, I was overjoyed to hear that there might be such an easy - if not slightly bizarre - fix to my haircare woes and I couldn't wait to give it a go. Scroll down for video . Haircare hero: Suki Waterhouse, 23, pictured at last week's Insurgent premiere in New York, revealed earlier this week that she rinses her hair in Coca-Cola to give it added texture and bounce . Having bought two cans of Coca-Cola at a nearby store - unfortunately they were all out of bottles - I made my way home, all the while trying my best to warm up the cans so as not to have to shower myself in freezing cold Coke. As Suki wasn't particularly clear about what method she prefers when it comes to rinsing her hair with fizzy soda, I did some research online to see whether there was a general consensus about the easiest and most effective way to use Coca-Cola as an alternative to shampoo. I admit I was quite surprised to see that Suki's cola theory seems to have a lot of support from various outlets online; along with advice on how to use the beverage in order to clean your windows and remove rust from metal, there were several Coke-based haircare tips. And while some articles suggested using the soda as a pre-shampoo rinse, the majority claimed that using Coca-Cola as your only 'haircare' product would produce the best results, prompting me to abandon my beloved Serge Normant shampoo in favor of my cans of cola. Sadly, my many attempts to warm up the cola cans under the warm water in the shower failed, so when it finally came around to dumping the stuff over my head, it was still fairly frosty; certainly not the most enjoyable pre-bedtime experience. It is highly likely that I'm also far less coordinated and graceful than Suki, who boasts years of red carpet and catwalk experience, but I found the logistics of the whole Coca Cola rinse to be really quite tricky. Pre-cola and post-cola: Having suffered from limp, lifeless hair in the past (L), Charlie decided to give Suki's Coca-Cola rinse a go but found it left her with very greasy roots (R) First of all, the soda - predictably - fizzes everywhere and I was left with several sticky brown splashes of cola in my bath which, although not a complete disaster, was just a bit of a pain. Secondly, the

Summary: Suki, 23, revealed earlier this week that she uses the fizzy soda to rinse her hair because is helps to add texture and volume .


Wife of senator Glenn Lazarus, Tess has revealed she was dropped from the Palmer United Party after standing up to Clive Palmer . The wife of senator Glenn Lazarus has revealed she was dropped from the Palmer United Party after standing up to Clive Palmer. Tess Lazarus, who was sacked as chief of staff for 'failing to comply', said her husband decided to quit because the pair did not tolerate 'bullying behaviour' but the Palmer United Party leader has denied these claims. 'I did make it clear to Clive that I was not happy with being bullied and spoken to using foul language,' she said, according to Sydney Morning Herald. 'I do not think that anyone should have to put up with this behaviour in the workplace. Glenn and I do not agree with bullying behaviour.' But Mr Palmer has hit back, telling Fairfax Media: 'I've never bullied anyone.' The claims follow after Mr Palmer slammed Mr Lazarus for being 'unprofessional' when the senator announced his resignation from the Palmer United Party via a text message. The Queensland senator told Mr Palmer in a text message on Thursday night he was quitting to serve as an independent. But in response to the departure, the PUP leader replied with one word: 'OK'. The senator's decision came just hours after his wife Tess was sacked from her party role. Scroll down for video . Tess Lazarus (centre) said her husband (left) decided to quit because the pair did not tolerate 'bullying' Queensland Senator Glenn Lazarus told Clive Palmer in a text message he was quitting to sit as independent . Senator Lazarus said the sacking was 'one of many things' forcing him to call it quits, but the key reason was Mr Palmer's dictatorial style and announcement of policies without consulting him. 'I have a different view of team work,' he said. It leaves PUP with just one senator - Western Australia's Dio Wang - and means the government now has to negotiate separately with all eight Senate crossbenchers in order to get six of them onside to pass legislation. Meanwhile, the bitter split by senator Lazarus has raised hopes in the Abbott government of getting it's higher education changes through the Senate next week. Prime Minister Tony Abbott said the decision did not remove from the government the need to hold 'good faith' talks with crossbenchers. Education Minister Christopher Pyne, who wants his university fee deregulation plan passed by the Senate next week, said Senator Wang had publicly indicated his support for the reform. The senator's decision came just hours after his wife Tess was sacked from her party role on Thursday . Billionaire Clive Palmer (centre), Rugby League great Glenn Lazarus (right) and former A-League football goalkeeper Scott Higgins pose for a photo in Brisbane . Senator Lazarus (right) quit the party in a statement released on his Facebook page overnight . 'So I at least hope, now that Glenn Lazarus is not the leader of the Palmer United Party in the Senate anymore, that Dio Wang might be free to support

Summary: Wife of senator Glenn Lazarus claims her husband left after being 'bullied' But Palmer United Party leader Clive Palmer has denied these claims . Senator Lazarus put in his resignation via a text message to Mr Palmer . The senator's decision came after his wife was sacked from her party role . It leaves PUP with just one senator - Western Australia's Dio Wang . PM says he will continue to talk in good faith with crossbench senators .


The BBC has been accused of ‘exploitation’ after it allowed an apparently drunk Charles Kennedy to take part in Question Time. The former Liberal Democrat leader, who has a history of problems with alcohol, slurred during the discussion show on Thursday and appeared to be struggling to follow the arguments of other guests on the panel. He gave confused and disjointed answers, misinterpreted comments from fellow panellists and wagged his finger. Mr Kennedy resigned as party leader in 2006 after losing the support of MPs in the wake of his public admission that he had a drink problem. Scroll down for video . Viewers criticised the BBC after Charles Kennedy gave confusing answers to some questions he was asked . The former Lib Dem leader, who is a recovering alcoholic, represented his party on the show last night . Mr Kennedy, MP for home seat of Ross, Skye and Lochaber, was on the panel last night alongside Conservative minister Anna Soubry, Labour's Lucy Powell MP, Green leader Natalie Bennett and Private Eye editor Ian Hislop for the debate filmed in Leeds. He spoke about defence spending, predicted a minority government after the election and gave his views on intelligence gathering on terror suspects. He later shared an anecdote about Jeremy Clarkson throwing a Biro at Ian Hislop, saying: 'I was there. It's true. I saw Mr Hislop give forth blood.' Asked what he thought of Clarkson's suspension, he said: 'Jeremy Clarkson, the future, this is very politically incorrect of me, but, end of Gone With The Wind, frankly my dear, I don't give a damn.' It is understood Mr Kennedy agreed to appear on the programme after being approached by the BBC directly and was not put forward as a spokesman by Lib Dem HQ. A Lib Dem source said: ‘It was quite clear that he was not his usual self last night.’ Many of those watching the show took to Twitter to suggest he was a poor choice of panellist by the programme's makers. The children’s writer and poet Michael Rosen said: ‘I don’t think the BBC is safeguarding the safety of Charles Kennedy.’ Davey Stewart tweeted: 'Charles Kennedy on #bbcqt was very uncomfortable viewing. A visibly broken soul! Shame on #BBC for allowing him onto the panel #DutyOfCare' A website user called fenwench added: 'Charles Kennedy has admitted to alcoholism. It was very clear to 1000s watching tonight that his fight is ongoing. BBC should be ashamed.' And Robert Richard wrote: 'Irresponsible of the BBC to let Charles Kennedy on in that state. Hope the man finds the help, care, and peace which he needs.' John Hemming, Liberal Democrat MP for Birmingham Yardley, said the BBC had taken advantage of Mr Kennedy. ‘The BBC has been exploitative here,’ he added. ‘What is the duty of care of the broadcaster to the people who appear on television? Is it to exploit them? The BBC doesn’t seem to be setting out to inform people, but to entertain people. ‘My question is whether they provided booze in the green room [where TV guests

Summary: Scottish MP gives disjointed answers to questions posed in TV debate . He waggles finger at panellists and accuses them of talking 'claptrap' Viewers criticise the BBC for letting him go on the flagship show . Mr Kennedy represented the Lib Dems alongside Labour and Tory MPs . In 2006, he admitted he had a drink problem but said it was 'resolved'


A three-year-old boy's parents were horrified when some of his first words were expletives they say he learned from a Peppa Pig toy. Amari Black had been given the Peppa Pig Fun And Learn tablet as a present and parents Garfield and Marcha had hoped it would help their son improve his speech. But then they heard the boy utter 'f*** you', and realised he had picked it up from the malfunctioning £20 toy. Scroll down for video . Amari Black's parents are horrified when some of the three-year-old's first words were 'f*** you', which they say he picked up from this Peppa Pig toy . Painter and decorator Mr Black, 48, noticed that instead of saying 'find the odd one out', the toy says 'f**k you? odd one out'. 'I was cooking in the kitchen when I heard him saying 'f*** you,' he said. 'I was disgusted, I thought he had learned it at nursery. 'But then when I was playing with him I realised that it was Peppa Pig that was teaching him it - I was very upset. Amari had been given the Peppa Pig Fun And Learn tablet as a present and parents Garfield and Marcha (pictured with their son) had hoped it would help their son improve his speech . Amari's parents heard the boy utter 'f*** you', and realised he had picked it up from the malfunctioning £20 toy . Amari's father noticed that instead of saying 'find the odd one out', the toy says 'f**k you? odd one out' 'I was going to destroy it, that's how angry I was. 'Now he's saying it constantly and he finds it funny. I tell him swearing is wrong but he keeps saying it now.' The toy was bought as a Christmas present for Amari by a family friend from Argos and is said to be suitable for children three and above. Amari was was born with rickets and has learning difficulties so his parents hoped the toy would help him improve his speech . Amari was was born with rickets and has learning difficulties so his parents hoped the toy would help him improve his speech. 'We want our kids to be happy - so we work hard to buy these things for our kids but they just go and teach them how to swear.' said Mr Black, who believes the foul language is down to a malfunction in the toy. 'He can say "mum", "dad", "please", "thank you", and sadly "f**k you". 'We've been buying Peppa Pig toys for our kids for years but will never buy them again.' Job centre advisor Mrs Black, 34, said she was shocked when relatives questioned whether Amari had learned the swear word from his parents. 'I'm devastated. He got in trouble at my mum's for saying it and told me off because she thought he was learning it from us at home,' she said. 'He's definitely banned from playing with it now. 'We would never use that language at all, let alone in front of an impressionable child. 'I

Summary: Amari Black was given Fun And Learn tablet to help his language skills . Parents Garfield and Marcha say their son learned 'f*** you' from the toy . Instead of saying 'find the odd one out' it utters expletive, parents say . Toddler is now swearing 'constantly', to the horror of his family .


A tube of Pringles similar to the tin a Mumsnet user found in her son's bedroom filled with urine . Messy teenage boys' bedrooms... they're the stuff nightmares are made of. But a mother on the parenting website Mumsnet has now clarified just how gruesome it can get when clearly out the room of an adolescent, after discovering a Pringles tube full of urine. The mum, who goes by the username 'myotherusernameisbetter' revealed she made the discovering while cleaning out her son's room this weekend. She wrote: 'Today [my second son] (13) was away for the day and I was waiting on hospital visiting time as my Mum is very unwell, I needed something to keep me occupied so I decided to do [his] room as a treat. 'Apart from the dirty laundry I found: 2 empty juice bottles, 1 empty smoothie carton, 1 empty milk shake carton, 6 empty crisp packets, 3 apple cores, a pile of orange peel, a pile of sweet wrappers, some bits of popcorn, 2 plastic bowls, 2 plastic cups......and a Pringle tube full of urine. 'We are going to have to have a talk when he gets home. The lid was on - I reached out to pick it up expecting it to be light.....it was heavy, and full of liquid - i opened and sniffed. 'It's just as well he keeps his windows open and heating off.' The revelation caused some shock to other users on the forum, with some saying that they would be serious consequences for such behaviour in their households. But other mothers, often of teenage boys, were sympathetic, with many sharing their own horror stories of items left to rot in their children's bedrooms. One user called SoupDragonwrite: 'I did [my son's room] whilst he was away over half term. 'I filled 4 kerbside recycling crates with paper, 2 with bottles and cans, 3/4 of the landfill bin and did approximately 47 billion loads of laundry which mostly consisted of odd socks. 'I was a little surprised not to find a dead rat.' Another called BellMcEnd said: 'I mucked out [my eight-year-old son's] bed today. 'Under his pillow I found: 4 books, 52p, a medal from sports day, a weird piece of felt he'd been doing something with at school for art, a lego man and a lip salve. 'I only changed it ten days ago.' Teenage boy in messy bedroom (posed by model) One disgruntled mother is so fed up with her son's untidy habits that she has given up attempting to tidy his room. Faithope said: 'My [son] is 16 and a slob when it comes to his room. 'Dirty pants and clothes continue to lay on the floor- the pile of clean and ironed clothes are piling up as I just add to it. T . 'The fact that [my son] thinks he has run out of clean pants and has helped himself to his dad's so he has a pair to wear...if only he looked in that lovely pile of laundry on his bedroom floor, he would

Summary: Mumsnet discussion today centred on disgusting items in teen bedrooms . It started after one mother said she had found a Pringles tube of urine . She became suspicious after lifting up the tin and finding it heavy .


Hearing: Snaresbrook Crown Court, pictured, was told that Shamsul Islam molested a string of girls on public transport in London . A sex attacker molested four teenage girls then claimed he did not know what he was doing because he was fasting for Ramadan, a court heard today. Shamsul Islam, 33, sidled up to girls as young as 15 on empty buses and trains across east London then sexually assaulted them. When one of his victims confronted him he said 'I'm sorry, I'm fasting, I don't know what I'm doing,' Snaresbrook Crown Court was told. Islam, from Barking, pleaded guilty to four counts of sexual assault, and was sentenced to three years in prison - after which he will be deported to his home country of Pakistan. Judge Sheelagh Canavan branded him 'a danger to society'. Sentencing him to three years' imprisonment, Judge Canavan described him as a ‘serial, sexual pervert' and called for him to be removed from the country as soon as possible. She said: ‘Your devotion to your religion is only convenient to you when it gives you an excuse for your sexual misconduct. ‘You are not a national of this country, and the sooner you are removed from the country the better. The first attack took place on a C2C train going from Essex into central London, the court heard. Prosecutor Karl Masi said: 'The defendant got onto the train and sat down beside [the first victim] - even though there were plenty of empty double seats on the carriage. 'The victim noticed Mr Islam was rubbing his elbow up against her. She tried moving away but the defendant kept moving closer to her. He would look away whenever she tried to look at him. 'At one point, after the defendant had got up and sat back down again, the victim felt him touching her stomach and looked down to find his hand under her top. 'When she challenged him the defendant got up and moved.' The second assault, on a 15-year-old girl, happened on a bus in mid-afternoon a few days later, the court was told. The teenager boarded the bus and immediately felt uncomfortable because Islam had been staring at her at the bus stop. 'There were other double seats available yet the defendant chose to sit next to her,' Mr Masi said. 'He was staring at her before moving his arm and touching her right leg with his hand. He then tried to get his hand under her top and on top of her leggings.' The third attack, which happened on another bus the same day, left the 16-year-old victim 'paralysed with fear'. Islam sat next to her, before using his fingers to caress the girl's stomach and moved his hand down to her shorts. Attack: One of the assaults took place on a C2C train from Essex to London (file photo) A few weeks later he boarded a different bus where he sat next to a girl and grabbed her breast. When the girl confronted her attacker he replied: 'I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm

Summary: Shamsul Islam, 33, attacked one girl on a train and three others on buses . He sat next to them then started rubbing against them and stroking them . When one confronted him he said, 'I'm fasting, I don't know what I'm doing' He has been sentenced to three years in prison and will then be deported .


It was supposed to be a special moment when Laura Strange cradled her newborn daughter in her arms for the first time. But instead of enjoying the happy arrival, the 25-year-old was preparing to say goodbye to the tiny infant. At little over two hours old Haley, swaddled in a hospital blanket, was taken away from her mother and it could be two years before the pair are reunited. Scroll down for video . Heartbreaking: New mother Laura Strange, 25, is forced to say goodbye to her daughter Haley just hours after she gave birth to the infant . Strange will have to serve the remainder of her two year prison sentence before she can take back custody of her daughter . Little Haley is one of 340 babies born each year to mother's serving sentences at Valley State Prison, in Chowchilla, California. With on average 120 inmates pregnant each month only a handful of women are lucky enough to avoid separation from their infants. Strange said: 'I accept the consequence of my crime; I accept the fact that I broke the law. But what does that have to do with my child? Inmate Laura Strange was shackled to the hospital bed after giving birth to her second child . 'Giving her up was the hardest thing I have ever done in my life. 'I hurt every second of the day for her.' Photographer Mark Allen Johnson was allowed access to the prison and its pregnant inmates to capture the struggle of giving birth behind bars. Being pregnant does not secure expectant mother's special treatment at Valley State, the world's largest prison for women. With nearly four thousand inmates, they are forced to continue to rub shoulders with murders and violent offenders at the 640 acre site. 'Being pregnant does not give you better treatment,' one expectant mother complained. Another alleged received threats of violence from her fellow detainees while she was with-child. Blonde-haired Strange was taken from her prison cell at the onset of labour to Madera Community Hospital where she gave birth by cesarean section. Just two hours after the delivery, a booming voice breaks the silence of the ward, 'Strange, fifteen more minutes.' Eager to enjoy their last few moments together, the new mother quickly feeds the infant from a bottle of baby formula whispering: 'Momma doesn't want to send you away on an empty stomach.' Gazing down at the shackles around her ankle that confine her to the hospital bed, Strange shakes her right foot. 'My damn leg fell asleep again,' she moans. 'Five more minutes,' the voice shouts, interrupting her final moments with Haley. Trembling, Strange quietly pleads, 'Why me?' As the newborn finishes her bottle a nurse arrives and prises the infant from her mother's grasp before walking out of the door with the child. Just an hour later Strange is on her way back to Valley State Prison, where she will spend two years behind bars for drugs charges. While she serves the remainder of her sentence her mother, Anita, who is already looking after

Summary: Laura Strange, 25, is incarcerated at Valley State Prison, California . Mother-of-two is serving a two year sentence for drugs charges . Newborn daughter taken away just two hours after she gave birth . Strange says being without the infant hurts 'every second of the day' Photographer Mark Johnson given access to expectant mothers at jail . He captured on camera the struggle of pregnancy, giving birth and motherhood behind bars . The prison hospital delivers on average 340 babies each year . There is not enough space on the mother and baby programs for them all to stay together .


Fans: The Queen and Prince Philip using a Defender in 1968 . Jaguar Land Rover yesterday breathed new life into its iconic Defender – a favourite of the Queen. It confirmed that it will create a new version of the 4x4 and also said the existing model will continue to roll off the production line. But amid announcements of the firm's £600million investment in the UK it said neither model would be made in Britain. There had been rumours that a factory would be created in Coventry, possibly to build the revamped Defender. Manufacture of the current version of the all-terrain vehicle, first made in 1948 and one of the first cars owned by the Queen after she came to the throne in 1952, is due to end in December after a series of special editions roll off the production line. But it is understood that the new model will be built abroad. A spokesman for Jaguar Land Rover, owned by Indian industrial giant Tata, said: 'We will create a new version of the Defender but no decision has been made on where it will be built or when.' Commenting on the future of the existing model, the spokesman added: 'We are investigating the possibility of maintaining production of the current Defender at an overseas production facility for sale outside of the EU, after we cease building in the UK.' This could mean it being built at Jaguar Land Rover's factories in Brazil or China. Three-quarters of the two million Defenders built since launch are still in regular use. A prototype of the new generation 4x4 was unveiled in 2011, and yesterday's announcement brings it a step closer. But at the heart of Jaguar Land Rover's current plans are a £400million revamp of its Castle Bromwich site in the West Midlands, including a £320million body shop to manufacture the XF, the new all-aluminium sports saloon. The remodelled car was launched earlier this week with a dramatic stunt – being driven on wires over water in London's Docklands. Jaguar Land Rover also said it was doubling the size of its advanced design and engineering centre in Whitley, Coventry, at a cost of £50million, 'to support the company's creation of high-technology, ultra-low emission vehicles'. The plans are expected to create thousands more jobs on top of the 32,300 people the firm already employs in the UK. Jaguar Land Rover is also funding a £150million research complex – the National Automotive Innovation Centre – in partnership with Warwick University. Chief executive Dr Ralf Speth said the venture demonstrated its 'unwavering support to the British automotive industry'. He added: 'This investment, made here in the heart of our UK business operations, signals the confidence we have in this region to support the creation, engineering and manufacture of ultra low-emission, premium British products.' Revamp: The car maker plans a new-look Defender but has no date for launch .

Summary: Jaguar Land Rover has breathed new life into its iconic Defender model . It has confirmed it will create a new version of the 4x4, liked by the Queen . But it's understood despite £600m of UK investment, it will be built abroad .


This is the heart-breaking moment the grieving mother of a young whale killed by orcas returns to her offspring's corpse in a desperate bid to save it. Photographer Craig McInally, 40, caught the moment two orcas tore the young humpback whale to pieces when he was diving off the Revillagigedo Islands in the Pacific. In the remarkable photos, the orcas can be seen isolating the calf from its mother and killing it before its mother returns to its side having watched it being killed. The mother (left) of the dead humpback calf returns to the corpse of its offspring (right) after having watched it being killed by orcas . After having killed the young calf, the two predatory orcas set about tearing its skin off in a brutal display of aggression . Little was left of the calf after it was drowned and torn apart in the savage attack . Pictured is the baby swimming with its mother prior to being isolated, drowned and torn apart. The images were taken by photographer Craig McInally . Left, the baby swims with its mother prior to the attack. Right, its lifeless corpse floats upside down after being savagely attacked . Mr NcInally said: 'In fifteen years of expeditions to the remote Revillagigedo Islands, the crew of the boat I was on had never seen orcas there, much less witness the orcas' exhibit predatory behavior. 'The attack was chaotic and horrible to watch.' Mr McInally, a qualified technical diver from San Diego, California, had been diving with the humpback school the day before the attack. In the photos, the humpback calf can be seen swimming closely with its mother before the larger killer wales separate the pair before slowly drowning and killing the baby. Craig added: 'The first day we were diving with the humpbacks the mother was patient and comfortable with us. 'She allowed us to get extremely close and the baby seemed inquisitive, passing close to us whenever coming up to breathe every three minutes or so. Photographer Craig McInally, 40, caught the rare event when he was diving. Here the baby and mother are pictured swimming together . Fully grown humpback whales, such as the one pictured by Mr McInally, can grow to be 16metres in length . The baby calf cuddles up to its mother during a swim through a Pacific . 'The next day another diver noticed an odd fin breaking the surface. I looked over and was shocked to see the unmistakable fin of a male orca. 'We grabbed our cameras and dive gear and after a moment we realized the orcas were here for the baby. 'The battle was hard to follow. The baby was trying to escape and get back to its mum, but the orcas coordinated the attack to keep the baby separate. 'The next tactic was to injure the baby, perhaps to slow it down. Finally, the orcas succeeded in drowning the baby and then fed on the blubber. 'It was not until back onboard that I had the time to process the immensity of

Summary: Photographs show a humpback whale calf being isolated and killed by orcas before its mother returns to its side . The mother can be seen mourning as it circles the lifeless corpse of its offspring before it was torn to shreds . Incredible pictures show the two killer orca whales tearing the skin off the humpback whale calf's corpse . Photographer Craig McInally captured the scenes on camera after having dived with the humpbacks a day earlier .


If you’re a Saturnian, it’s time to reset your clocks because it’s been discovered that a day lasts just 10 hours, 32 minutes and 45 seconds - seven minutes shorter than previously thought. Saturn’s rotation period - the time it takes to rotate once around its axis - has been notoriously difficult to estimate in the past because of the planet’s unique properties. But using measurements of the ringed planet’s gravitational field combined with its shape and density, scientists have determined a more exact value for a day on the planet. Scientists in Israel have revealed a new estimated rotation speed for the ringed planet (shown). Previously it was thought to rotate in 10 hours, 39 minutes and 22 seconds. But new figure of 10 hours, 32 minutes and 45 seconds is more accurate. This is based on measuring its gravitational field, shape and density . The research was carried out by scientists at Tel Aviv University in Israel. Radio measurements by the Voyager spacecraft had estimated Saturn's day at 10 hours, 39 minutes and 22.4 seconds in the 1980s. In 2006, astronomers used more advanced equipment to measure the planet's rotation ending up with a measurement of about 10 hours and 47 minutes. But an estimate that was 12 minutes shorter in 2009 only added to the confusion. Mercury: 58 days and 15 hours . Venus: 243 days . Earth: 23 hours, 56 minutes, 4 seconds . Mars: 24 hours, 39 minutes, 35 seconds . Jupiter: 9.9 hours . Saturn: 10 hours, 32 minutes and 45 seconds . Uranus: 17 hours, 14 minutes and 24 seconds . Neptune: 16 hours, 6 minutes and 36 seconds . The new method, though, provides what might be the most accurate reading so far. Gas giants - such as Saturn and Jupiter - do not have solid objects on their surface that allow their rotation period to be observed, so other methods of finding this property must be found. The same formula came up with the correct rotation period of Jupiter - which was already known owing to its tilted magnetic field. Saturn’s magnetic pole is aligned with its rotational axis and this means - unlike Jupiter - its rotation period cannot be calculated using the magnetic field alone. But verifying the method with Jupiter allowed scientists to apply the same technique to Saturn. Alternative methods such as measuring Saturn’s radio emissions or wind field, or tracking the planet’s clouds, had only served to increase uncertainty and resulted in a rotation period of between 10 hours and 32 minutes and 10 hours and 47 minutes. The same method came up with the correct rotation period of Jupiter (pictured) - which was already known owing to its tilted magnetic field. Verifying the method with Jupiter allowed scientists to apply the same technique to Saturn and come up with the revised estimate . Scientists used measurements of the ringed planet’s gravitational field combined with its shape and density, some of which was gathered by the Cassini spacecraft in orbit (artist's illustration shown) ‘The alignment of Saturn’s magnetic

Summary: Scientists in Israel have revealed new rotation speed for the ringed planet . Previously it was thought to rotate in 10 hours, 39 minutes and 22 seconds . But new figure of 10 hours, 32 minutes and 45 seconds is more accurate . This is based on measuring its gravitational field, shape and density . The same method correctly calculated the rotation speed of Jupiter .


Talk about making an entrance. The teams were out for the second half, the spectators were seated and the referees were ready to get going but there was one problem: two players were missing. So Anfield waited patiently, expectantly and then they got what they wanted: emerging from the tunnel, wearing No 7 and No 9, came Luis Suarez and Fernando Torres, two of this stadium’s most revered former sons. This was an afternoon for nostalgia, a chance for Liverpudlians to embrace the past and pay homage to some returning heroes and they grabbed their chance when Suarez and Torres took to the field for this All-Star Charity match, between teams captained by Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher. Steven Gerrard (third left) is congratulated by former Liverpool strikers Fernando Torres (second left) and Luis Suarez (third right) at Anfield . Suarez, Torres, Luis Garcia, Xabi Alonso, Gerrard, Dirk Kuyt, Pepe Reina and Alvaro Arbeloa pose for a photograph after the game . Mario Balotelli, who hasn't shown his best form since arriving at Liverpool for £16million in the summer, scored a brilliant goal from long range . Drogba Drogba added a second goal to put Jamie Carragher's side 2-0 up, latching on to a pass and rounding goalkeeper Brad Jones to score . Gerrard converted a penalty to bring his team back into the game on a sunny afternoon at Anfield in the all-star charity game . A second penalty of the afternoon followed for Gerrard in the second half and he duly converted that one too to level the scores . Steven Gerrard's XI: Jones (Vigouroux 78 mins), Johnson, A Gerrard (Dann 46), Terry (Williams 46), Riise (Warnock 46), S Gerrard (Teixeira 81), Alonso (Teixeira 32) (Adam 46), Nolan (Spearing 46), Babel, Sinclair (Torres 46), Henry (Suarez 46). Manager: Brendan Rodgers . Jamie Carragher's XI: Reina (Gulacsi 61), Flanagan (Moreno 32), Carragher, Kelly, Arbeloa (Clichy 46), Lucas (Maguire 72), Shelvey (Noone 46), Kewell (Borini 46), Downing (Bellamy 46), Drogba (Garcia 46), Balotelli (Brannagan 46). Manager: Roy Evans . Attendance: 44,903 . Torres, who was sold to Chelsea for £50million two days after Suarez joined Liverpool in January 2011, had admitted to being unsure what kind of reception he would receive, given the circumstances in which he had left. There was also the fact that his last touch on this ground came on April 27 last year, when he slipped the ball past the stranded Simon Mignolet to Willian. The upshot, of course, was the Brazilian scoring and Chelsea blowing a hole in Liverpool’s title challenge. He need not have worried. His name was cheered before the game, he was hailed on to the pitch and his was the first name sung in the second half of a ‘contest’ that should see local charities benefit to the tune of more than £1m. It wasn’t just about Torres, though. This was an opportunity for many big names from Liverpool’s past to say proper goodbyes, for men like Xabi Alonso, Pepe Reina, Suarez, Jon Arne Riise and the non-playing Dirk Kuyt to bring closure

Summary: Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher selected teams to take part in a charity match at Liverpool's Anfield home . Current Liverpool star Mario Balotelli opened the scoring for Carragher's XI from long range after eight minutes . Chelsea striker Didier Drogba doubled the lead on 21 minutes after rounding goalkeeper Brad Jones . Gerrard pulled a goal back for his side eight minutes before half-time after Jerome Sinclair went down for a penalty .


Her turn as a cold character in Four Weddings And A Funeral and a villain in Only God Forgives made her a household name - and one of the world's most in-demand actresses. But, at 54, Kristin Scott Thomas says she's fed up of playing these 'cold' characters and is now swapping the cinema for the stage. Speaking to the Radio Times, the acclaimed actress said: 'I got fed up with being asked to do the same thing, playing cold, wicked bitches'. Kristin Scott Thomas, who has made the move from the silver screen to the stage, says she got fed up with being asked to play cold, wicked women . The mother-of-three added: 'I felt like the camera was stealing bits of me and the end product was a mosaic, just snippets. If I cried on film, they weren't my tears.' The British-French actress is now vowing to make theatre her priority and she's kicking things off in May by portraying the Queen in The Audience. She takes over the reins from Dame Helen Mirren in Peter Morgan's show, which tells the tale of the royal's weekly meetings with various prime ministers. Indeed, Kristin and Helen now have more in common than just a shared role; Kristin was named a Dame in the New Year's Honours List, alongside Joan Collins and Sheridan Smith. Speaking to the Radio Times, the acclaimed actress said: 'I got fed up with being asked to do the same thing, playing cold, wicked bitches' One of her most celebrated roles was in Four Weddings and a Funeral alongside Simon Callow, Charlotte Coleman, John Hannah and Hugh Grant . In the past, the star has said that she considers herself to be more French than English after moving to Paris to become an actress at the age of 19 and bringing up her three children there. The actress is nonetheless diverting her attention back to her British roots for the foreseeable future after announcing that she had quit films in 2014 and taking on a string of West End roles. Speaking to The Guardian about her latest career move last year, she said: 'I just suddenly thought, I cannot cope with another film. 'I realised I've done the things I know how to do so many times in different languages, and I just suddenly thought, I can't do it any more. I'm bored by it. So I'm stopping.' At 54, the brunette discussed her place in the industry and the brick wall she's facing as a 'woman in her fifties.' 'I'm sort of, as the French would say, "stuck between two chairs",' she continued. 'Because I'm no longer 40 and sort of a seductress, and I'm not yet a granny.' The actress, pictured back in 1995, is diverting her attention back to her British roots for the foreseeable future after announcing that she had quit films in 2014 and taking on a string of West End roles .

Summary: Actress, 54, is focussing on theatre . Will star as the Queen in Peter Morgan's The Audience . Was honoured in New Year's Honours List .


Rory McIlroy fired three successive bogeys late in his third round at the Arnold Palmer Invitational here at Bay Hill on Saturday to ruin a charge through the field. World No 1 McIlroy had closed to within one of the lead when he dropped shots at the 14th, 15th and 16th to finish the day seven adrift of tournament pace-setter Henrik Stenson. McIlroy said afterwards he still hoped to push himself into contention with a fast start on Sunday but admitted victory in his final tune-up before the US Masters was now unlikely. Rory McIlroy plays out of a bunker on the 11th hole during the third round of the Arnold Palmer Invitational . The world No 1, pictured playing his approach to the green on the sixth, carded a one-under-par 71 . McIlroy is seven shots behind leader Henrik Stenson after bogeying three holes in a row on the back nine . 'Everything was going really well for 13 holes,' McIlroy said, 'and I got myself right into the tournament. Then I had a messy three holes. It would have been nice to have been a little bit closer to the lead.' McIlroy was not too dismayed by his late hiccup. He has worn the air this week of a man intent on saving his best for the Masters, which starts at Augusta in less than three weeks. So McIlroy chatted a little about Ireland's win in the Six Nations and opened his eyes wide when he heard how close England had come to getting the final try they needed. He will try to close the gap to Stenson and then spend the next fortnight honing his game in private. Henrik Stenson sits on top of the leaderboard after a second consecutive round of 66 on Saturday . Stenson, pictured after hit his drive on the eighth hole, has a two-shot advantage heading into the final round . Everything is about the build-up to Augusta where McIlroy will attempt to join a select group of the greats of the game by winning the only Major that has eluded him. Victory would lift him into the company of Gene Sarazen, Ben Hogan, Gary Player, Jack Nicklaus, and Tiger Woods who all won the Masters, the US Open, The Open and the USPGA at least once in their careers. 'I have pretty much got what I wanted out of the week so far,' McIlroy said. 'It has highlighted a couple of things I need to work on and that's what I will do in the next couple of weeks.' McIlroy, pictured lining up a putt on the 10th green, will prepare for the Masters in the coming weeks . The 25-year-old is looking to complete a career Grand Slam with victory at Augusta next month . One of the reasons McIlroy played Bay Hill was because he wanted to replicate his routine from 2011 when he had a fortnight off before the Masters and led the field before collapsing on the back nine. 'It worked pretty well at Augusta, at least for 63

Summary: Rory McIlroy shot a one-under-par round of 71 on Saturday in Orlando . The world No 1 bogeyed three holes in a row to drop down the leaderboard . Henrik Stenson leads by two shots heading into the final day at Bay Hill . McIlroy will work on his game ahead of the Masters next month . He is looking to complete a career Grand Slam by winning at Augusta .


Harmony Jones' 10th birthday celebration last week was marred by a letter penned by a friend saying she could not make it to the party because Harmony is black. The note, written in pink, blue and green markers, and sprinkled with spelling errors, read: 'Maby I will not be able to come to your birthday sleepover, because my dad will not let me go because you are black not trying to be races [sic], but my mom let me no [sic] Happy birthday!' Both Harmony, who is African-American, and her unnamed friend, a 10-year-old who is presumably white, attend Highland Oaks Elementary School in Memphis, Tennessee. Scroll down for video . Offensive letter: Harmony Jones, 10, from Memphis, got a letter from a friend ahead of her birthday that read in part: 'Maby [sic] I will not be able to come to your birthday sleepover, because my dad will not let me go because you are black.' Birthday girl: Harmony, seen on the night of her birthday sleepover wearing Hello Kitty pajamas and a tiara, met the no-show friend at school . Harmony's father, Christopher Jones, told the station WREG he was surprised and upset when he read the missive from his daughter's school friend. ‘It angered me a little bit, it hurt me that my 10-year-old girl had to deal with this, and I myself never thought I would have to deal with this,’ he said. But Jones, who also has a younger daughter, added that he doesn't blame the other girl for her parents’ apparent bigotry. ‘I guess us as parents need to be more aware and conscious about what we teach our children,’ he said. Hurt: Harmony's father, Christopher Jones, said he was surprised and upset when he read the letter, but he does not blame its young author . The Jones family said they did not let the ugly incident ruin Harmony's sleepover. Christopher Jones said up to this point, the family has been satisfied with Highland Oaks Elementary, which he described as a multi-racial and friendly environment. According to the dad, Harmony has made many new friendships since enrolling at the school, including with the 10-year-old girl who penned the offensive note. '[I] never thought anything like this would happen,’ he told Fox 13.

Summary: Harmony Jones, 10, from Memphis, got the note on the eve of her 10th birthday party . Note was written by a friend from Highland Oaks Elementary School in Memphis .


Nicky Morgan has suffered a fierce backlash from teachers who yesterday branded her 'misguided' for snubbing a major union conference. The Association of Teachers and Lecturers said she had been 'repeatedly' invited to speak at the event but had 'chosen not to attend'. The union also accused her of 'cynicism' over her rhetoric on teachers' workload and said it was now clear this was 'just a major PR exercise'. Nicky Morgan has suffered a backlash from teachers who said she was 'misguided' for snubbing a union conference . It comes as members are due to debate possible industrial action over teachers' pay, which could take place after the general election. The row is likely to put a damper on Mrs Morgan's efforts to placate the teachers' unions after taking over from Michael Gove last year. She earned herself the nickname of 'Ms U-Turn' after a series of apparent departures from her predecessor's policies, but now it appears her attempt to reverse Mr Gove's war with the unions may be faltering. At the weekend, she was attacked by NASUWT, the biggest teachers' union, for failing to accept an invitation to address their conference in Cardiff. And according to the ATL, this year's conference in Liverpool will be the first in recent history where there will be no representative MP from the Government. Speaking yesterday ahead of the event, general secretary Mary Bousted said: 'She was invited repeatedly. She has chosen not to attend, we don't know why she's not attending. 'I think that's not a good place for the new Secretary of State for education in a coalition government to be. 'If she really cared about teachers and if she really cared about their working lives, and the work that they're doing and the issues that they want to raise, then she would come. 'She's missing an important means to engage with teachers.' Mary Bousted, general secretary of NASUWT, said it gave 'such a bad message' that Mrs Morgan would not go to the major union conference . Dr Bousted pointed out that Mrs Morgan had chosen to speak to head teachers at the Association of School and College Leaders at the weekend. Lib Dem schools minister David Laws was also invited to the ATL event, but sent a 'personal apology' for not being able to make it, she said. She said of Mrs Morgan: 'I think it's just so misguided and gives such a bad message, to be able to go and speak to school leaders but not to be able to speak to teachers. 'What is she afraid of? Would she at ATL get a bad reception? No. Would she be jeered or shouted at? No. She would get tough questioning, but she would get a perfectly polite, and perfectly courteous hearing. 'I would have thought it would be a major platform for her to speak directly to the profession, and she's chosen not to do so. I think it's a big mistake.' She also attacked Mrs Morgan's pledge to help reduce teachers' workloads, which included a promise not to make

Summary: Nicky Morgan snubbed Association of Teachers and Lecturers conference . Union accused her of 'cynicism' over rhetoric on teachers' workload . Comes as members are due to debate possible industrial action over pay . Row puts damper on Mrs Morgan's efforts to placate teachers' unions .


Chris Smalling insists Manchester United are capable of overtaking bitter rivals Manchester City and finishing second in the league. United put on their best display of the season on Sunday as they swept aside Tottenham in a near-effortless 3-0 victory at Old Trafford. The impressive performance raised hopes and expectation levels at the club and Smalling thinks United are well-equipped to sustain that kind of performance level for the rest of the season. Chris Smalling, pictured tussling with Tottenham's Harry Kane, believes Manchester United can finish second . Wayne Rooney scores United's third goal in their comfortable 3-0 win against Tottenham on Sunday . United are two points behind City, who lost to Burnley on Saturday, and just one point adrift of third-placed Arsenal. And Smalling is convinced finishing second above City is not just a pipe dream. 'Yes, I think we could, especially after City's result on Saturday,' the United defender said. 'It is all very close. 'I think it's very open all the way up to second place and we will be aiming for that, especially when we are playing those teams coming up. 'We want Champions League football back here. It's a must. Fourth is the minimum but when it's there, second is a realistic target and if we keep on performing like that I don't see why we can't give it a good push.' United face Liverpool, Aston Villa, City and Chelsea over the next four weeks and then host Arsenal on the penultimate weekend. Many viewed the difficult run-in as a reason why United could fail to qualify for the Champions League, but Smalling views the situation in exactly the opposite way. Marouane Fellaini helped United cruise past Champions League rivals Spurs with an early goal at Old Trafford . The former Everton man celebrates in front of a section of home supporters after finding the back of the net . 'These games are six-pointers,' the England centre-back said. 'We can do ourselves a favour and do our rivals big damage as well. 'Sunday was the first step. It was the perfect time to put in a performance like that, especially with our run of fixtures. 'Confidence will be good, it's one of the biggest games of the season and hopefully we can play like that again.' A video released by The Sun on Sunday, appearing to show Wayne Rooney being knocked out by Stoke defender Phil Bardsley, dominated the build-up to the match. But Rooney poked fun at the episode by shadow boxing during his celebration for his goal at Old Trafford. Rooney celebrates his goal against Spurs by mocking a video of him being knocked out by Phil Bardsley . It was not the first time Rooney has been at the centre of controversy during his career and it was interesting on Monday that he picked out another player who had a rollercoaster career - Paul Gascoigne - as his favourite English footballer during a Chevrolet Google+ Hangout. 'I think he's probably still, to this day, the greatest English player. For excitement and goals, he

Summary: Manchester United are just two points behind their local rivals . Manchester City go to Old Trafford for the Manchester derby on April 12 . Chris Smalling claims Champions League football is 'a must' next season . The defender believes finishing fourth is a minimum target for United . CLICK HERE for all the latest Manchester United news .


While having a baby is a joyous time for families, nine months of pregnancy followed by the sleepless nights, the challenges of breast feeding and hormonal changes have their own effect on new mums. As the Duchess of Cambridge prepares to have her second child next month, she’ll no doubt be prepared for any post-birth eventuality. But just in case, we’ve helped prepare a shopping list of must-have products that have been tried and tested by from other A-list mothers including Jessica Alba, Kim Kardashian, Kate Hudson and Gwyneth Paltrow. Scroll down for video . The Duchess of Cambridge is now preparing for the arrival of her second child, thought to be due on April 25 . KIM KARDASHIAN'S STRETCH MARK SOLUTION . They're the silvery streaks caused when skin is suddenly stretched either during a growth spurt or weight gain and are the bane of many pregnant women's lives. Kim Kardashian has long been a fan of Bio-Oil, £8.95, a mixture of calendula, lavender, rosemary oils and vitamins A and E, that claims to soften skin to prevent the marks and also reduce the appearance of stretch marks after pregnancy. She said: 'It [Bio-Oil] prevents wrinkles around my eyes and stretch marks over my body.' For best results the makers of Bio-Oil, recommend that it's applied twice daily for at least three months . Reality TV star Kim Kardashian West apparently loves Bio-Oil, £8.95, for preventing stretch marks on her body . For best results Bio-Oil, which includes vitamin A and E, should be applied twice daily for at least three months . KATE HUDSON'S HAIR SUPPLEMENT . Post-natal hair loss is an issue for many new mothers. This is because pregnancy hormones stop womens’ usual daily hair-shedding, giving the appearance of extra-thick hair. But once the hormones return to normal about three to six months after birth, the extra hair finally falls out. Although many mums fear they're going bald, in fact their hair is returning to normal in a process that can take up to a year. Kate Hudson noticed her hair was thinning after having both her children Ryder, aged 11, and Bingham, now three. She told Redbook magazine in 2012: ‘When I had [first son] Ryder, I was 24 and didn’t really experience any changes to my hair or skin. But with my second child, I got acne, all my hair fell out after he was born, and I definitely had to work out to drop the weight. No pregnancy is easy to bounce back from.’ But her stylist David Badaii credits the supplement Viviscal for restoring her tousled locks to their full thickness. Viviscal, £49.95 one month supply, contains an amino acid called AminoMar C, discovered by a Scandinavian dermatologist who was studying the Inuit population of Greenland and noticed their thick, healthy hair, which he linked to the protein now used in the capsules to boost hair growth. Like many new mothers, actress Kate Hudson experienced post-partum hair loss and thinning after having both of her children, Ryder, aged 11, and son of Muse frontman

Summary: Are these the post-natal products the Duchess will be stocking up on? Kate Hudson's £50 vitamin supplement to boost thinning post-baby hair . Kim Kardashian's £8.95 body oil to prevent stretch marks during pregnancy .


Prime Minister Tony Abbott has come under fire from Irish leaders who dubbed his St Patrick's Day video message 'patrionising'. Mr Abbott said St Patrick's Day is a 'great day for the Irish...and anyone else who wants to come to a party', and that it is the 'one day of the year when it's good to be green,' in the video posted to the Liberal Party's YouTube page. 'This is the love of life and good humour the Irish have given Australia,' he continued. 'As you can see, I've got my green tie on for the occasion.' Tony Abbott has come under fire for his 'patronising' St Patrick's Day message . 'It has been said that the English made the laws, the Scots made the money and the Irish made the songs,' Mr Abbott says in the video . 'It has been said that the English made the laws, the Scots made the money and the Irish made the songs.' An Irish businessman in Australia said the Prime Minister's message is 'patronising', according to the Irish Times. 'I would have hoped for a more business-focussed message in a video that was designed for business functions,' he said. 'There are so many good stories of Irish people in business in Australia, Mr Abbott's lack of awareness of any of that is astonishing.' The video was supplied to both the Irish Australian Chamber of Commerce and the Lansdowne Club to be played during St Patrick's Day celebrations, but reportedly neither party will show it. The Lansdowne Club said it was unable to find space on the day's schedule to show the 70-second video. 'I would have hoped for a more business-focussed message in a video that was designed for business functions,' an Irish businessman told the Irish Times . The video was supplied to both the Irish Australian Chamber of Commerce and the Lansdowne Club to be played during St Patrick's Day celebrations, but reportedly neither party will show it. Irish Australian Chamber of Commerce Chief Executive Barry Corr said the video was 'a generic St Patrick's Day message' and 'on that basis it is not part of the event'. More than 2000 people are expected to attend sold-out events at the Irish Australian Chamber of Commerce in Melbourne and the Lansdowne Club in Sydney. Mr Abbott concluded the video message by apologising for not being able to attend celebrations, and not being able to 'share a Guinness or two, or even three'. St Patrick's Day is March 17.

Summary: Prime Minister Tony Abbott appeared in the video message on YouTube . Liberal's sent it to the Irish Australian Chamber of Commerce and the Lansdowne Club but neither will play it on St Patrick's Day . Irish business leaders reportedly angered that it doesn't mention business . 'Mr Abbott's lack of awareness is astonishing,' one businessman said .


Vincent Kompany was benched by Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini for Wednesday night's visit of Leicester City. The captain was one of five changes from the side that lost 2-1 at Liverpool on Sunday. Kompany, 28, has been criticised for a series of high-profile errors. Manchester City captain Vincent Kompany (right) was dropped to the bench for the visit of Leicester . Kompany has come in for criticism this season following a number of high-profile errors for the champions . He gave away a penalty against Arsenal, could have done better with both of Barcelona's goals in a 2-1 Champions League defeat and was dispossessed by Philippe Coutinho in the build up to Jordan Henderson's strike for Liverpool at Anfield. A poll in the local newspaper, the Manchester Evening News, saw fans vote to drop Kompany from the squad. Pellegrini has backed the Belgian, who he described as 'a great player', but rested him for the clash with Nigel Pearson's bottom-of-the-table visitors. Midfield pair Samir Nasri and Fernandinho dropped out of the squad altogether while Pablo Zabaleta and Edin Dzeko were alongside Kompany on the bench. Wilfried Bony, a £28m signing from Swansea City, made his full debut alongside Sergio Aguero while Martin Demichelis partnered Eliaquim Mangala at the heart of defence in place of Kompany. Man City claimed a 2-0 victory over the Foxes courtesy of goals from David Silva and James Milner. Manchester City midfielder Fernandinho was dropped from the squad altogether against Leicester .

Summary: Man City made five changes to side that lost 2-1 against Liverpool . Club captain Kompany has received criticism for errors this season . Fans voted to drop Kompany in recent poll conducted by local newspaper .