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17797b934fb98cdf4c6addf3a4cc2f2c332d8dd1 | Kogelo, Kenya (CNN) -- Four years ago this village was the center of "Obama mania." The celebration of 2008 "was exceptional, it is something not any of us would have imagined to have happened because we were at the brink of history being made," said village resident Malik Obama, half-brother of the president. In 2008, Malik Obama peered into a tiny TV with a flickering CNN signal for an all-night vigil watching results come in. After a rain-soaked night that stranded more than a few reporters who had come to the village, Malik Obama emerged bleary-eyed but dancing. A crowd of supporters chanted his name. Kogelo is the birthplace of Barack Obama's father, Barack Obama Sr. Then-Sen. Barack Obama visited in 2006 and paid special homage to his grandmother, Sarah Obama (now universally known as Mama Sarah). It's not just Sarah and Malik, there is a whole wing of the Obama clan here: cousins, aunts and half-cousins. If 2006 was the start of the love affair, in 2008 it went full-blown. Everywhere there were Obama T-shirts, DVDs and cakes (a black forest cake with an edible picture of the president-to-be and Mama Sarah was a favorite). Things have certainly cooled down since then. To many Africans (and Americans, if polls are correct), Barack Obama's presidential campaign of "hope" and "change" hit a wall of reality when he came into office. Africans, in particular, saw great hope in the new American president with African roots. But after just one brief swing through Ghana in four years at the White House, many feel let down by Africa's "favorite son." The administration contends that Africa is a priority, and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has been a regular fixture in Africa. But to Africans, and especially to Kenyans, it is not the same. "Under the circumstances with what he has had to deal with we understand," said Malik Obama, "and we hope that circumstances will change. We hope he has the opportunity to come here and say hello." Even without a visit from President Obama, Kogelo is still trying to make good use of the connection. Where there was once just a dirt track running through town, now a paved road is nearing completion. Electricity is connected to many houses. Water projects have increased. Simply put, President Obama's win put Kogelo on the map. Locals here say that charities flooded into Kogelo to get a bit of the "Obama cache." With a tight race looming in 2012, many here are nervous. "I don¹t know the other person who is contesting," said Pastor Joseph Omundi of the Christian Life church in Kogelo, "but we know Barack Obama is the son of this land." Omundi, a fiery preacher who delivers sermons with a translator in a staccato double act, said his congregation has been praying for "peace, the economy, and Barack Obama." Everyone a CNN crew spoke to in Kogelo is for Obama: the fruit vendors; the commuters streaming by in matatu, or minibus, vehicles; and even the opinionated boda boda, or bicycle and motorcycle, drivers. Many just refer to Mitt Romney as "the other guy." While Kogelo has changed, with a new recreation center and lodge for foreign tourists, it is still just a rural village some 260 miles (418 kilometers) west of Nairobi, the capital. The flood of foreign visitors predicted by the government hasn't materialized, and the much-touted road isn't quite finished. But Malik Obama stays positive. "Washington, D.C., is the capital of the United States, but Kogelo is the capital of the world, because everybody comes to visit," he said. | The village of Kogelo was the birthplace of President Obama's father .
In 2008 the village celebrated "Obama mania"
Barack Obama's win put Kogelo on the map .
Now, with a close election looming, many are nervous . |
1779a4775dd2cbcbe850207b0c90e0afc54887b8 | Washington (CNN) -- In the past few weeks, we've seen a British soldier hacked to death with a meat cleaver on the streets of London and bombers blowing up spectators at the Boston Marathon. On the surface, terrorism is alive and well. So how should the United States react to these continuing threats? For the first time on Thursday, President Obama laid out the full scope of his proposed counterterrorism strategy, and it boiled down to this: George W. Bush's endless war on terror is over. And that's appropriate, since the enemy Bush went to war with after September 11 has largely been defeated. Obama's speech at the National Defense University in Washington was designed to lay the political groundwork to wind down America's longest war, the war that began when al Qaeda destroyed the World Trade Center and a wing of the Pentagon 12 years ago. Thursday's speech was the first time Obama had delivered an overarching framework for how to conceptualize the conflict that has defined U.S. national security policy since 9/11. Other speeches by Obama have focused on aspects of that conflict, such as Guantanamo and the Afghan war. But no speech has made such an expansive examination of the war against al Qaeda and its allies in all its manifestations, from drone strikes to detention policies to a clear-eyed assessment of the scope of the threats posed by al Qaeda and its affiliates, as well as by those "homegrown" extremists who attacked the Boston Marathon in April. Much of the coverage of the speech has centered on the measures the president outlined to impose greater constraints on CIA drone strikes and to try to hasten the eventual closing of Guantanamo. But the most significant aspect of the speech was the president's case that the "perpetual wartime footing" and "boundless war on terror" that has permeated so much of American life since 9/11 should come to an end. Obama argued that the time has come to redefine the kind of conflict that the United States is engaged in: "We must define the nature and scope of this struggle, or else it will define us." This is why the president focused part of his speech on a discussion of the seemingly arcane Authorization for the Use of Military Force that Congress passed days after 9/11 and that gave Bush the authority to go to war in Afghanistan against al Qaeda and its Taliban allies. Few, if any, in Congress who voted for the authorization understood at the time that they were voting for a virtual blank check that has provided the legal basis for more than a decade of war. It is a war that has expanded in recent years to other countries in the Middle East and Africa, such as Yemen and Somalia, where the U.S. has engaged in covert military operations against al Qaeda-affiliated groups. Theoretically, when U.S. combat troops finally withdraw from Afghanistan in December 2014, the authorization should simply expire, and the nation will no longer be at war. After all, once combat operations are over in Afghanistan, why would you want to keep in place an authorization for a permanent war? However, there are now some in Congress who would like to expand the scope of the Authorization for the Use of Military Force beyond its present parameters to include military operations against terrorist groups that were not involved in the 9/11 attacks, which could prolong America's wars indefinitely and add additional terrorist groups to the United States' list of enemies it is at war with. U.S. Sen. Bob Corker, R-Tennessee, ranking member of the influential Senate Foreign Relations Committee, for instance, last month called for an expansion of the scope of the authorization. Obama made it quite clear in his Thursday speech that he would oppose such an expansion, saying he hopes instead to "ultimately repeal the AUMF's mandate. And I will not sign laws designed to expand this mandate further." In short, Obama intends to end a seemingly endless war. That's because, according to Obama, "the core of al Qaeda in Afghanistan and Pakistan is on the path to defeat. Their remaining operatives spend more time thinking about their own safety than plotting against us." On Thursday, Obama asserted (in my view, correctly) that what remains of the terrorist threat, while significant and persistent, is nothing on the scale of the al Qaeda organization that launched the 9/11 operation and instead consists of "less capable al Qaeda affiliates, threats to diplomatic facilities and businesses abroad, homegrown extremists." These threats, the president further asserted, can be managed by carefully targeted drone strikes overseas and efforts to counter extremist ideology at home and do not require some kind of broader war. Obama is also looking to his legacy and the presidents who will follow him and is trying to begin to create the public consensus and legal framework that will help to ensure that the United States isn't "drawn into more wars we don't need to fight, or continue to grant presidents unbound powers more suited for traditional armed conflicts between nation states." Obama clearly hopes to leave office in 2016 as the commander in chief who finally ended America's longest war. | Terrorism has been in the news with Boston bombing and killing of UK soldier in the street .
Peter Bergen says despite recent acts, the enemy behind 9/11 has been defeated .
He says President Obama signaled he wants Bush's endless war on terror to end .
Bergen: Key part of Obama speech was idea that America's perpetual war footing should end . |
1779c9867eb78c1a226e35669052388396f3cb78 | By . John Preston . WOUNDED TIGER: A HISTORY OF CRICKET IN PAKISTAN by Peter Oborne (Simon & Schuster £25) One of the many strange things about Pakistani cricket is that the aggression, the competitiveness and the bloody-mindedness the team displays on the pitch are nothing compared with what goes on in the dressing room. Reading Peter Oborne’s splendidly eccentric, if at times understandably exasperated, history of Pakistan cricket, I lost track of the number of times a player threw a tremendous strop and stomped off into the sunset. Matters were not helped when Saeed Ahmed, booked to go out to bat at the fall of the first wicket, locked himself in the bathroom and refused to come out, Oborne notes wearily of the first Test against England in 1967. Only a few pages later, Saeed Ahmed is at it again, this time going AWOL on a shopping trip with his wife. Imran Khan, who played 88 test matched for Pakistan between 1971 and 1992 and captained the team . On one occasion, in 1976, the Pakistan squad was riven by such dissent that two separate teams turned up to contest the second Test against New Zealand, one captained by Intikhab Alam and the other by Mushtaq Mohammad. ‘Who’s coming to toss with me,’ asked the puzzled New Zealand captain, Glenn Turner, ‘Mushy or Inti?’ As Oborne points out, deep fissures have run through Pakistani cricket ever since Pakistan became a country in 1947. To begin with, the shadow of colonialism was never far away. Much to the annoyance of local players, the cricket ground in Rawalpindi was dominated by an enormous statue of Queen Victoria. When the first Pakistan team to tour England arrived in 1954, they were treated either with lofty disdain, or baffled incomprehension by their hosts. After each day’s play, the team would go back to their B&B to wash their kit, while their captain tried to teach them how to hold a knife and fork. However, there was a taste of things to come when, having been comprehensively whacked in the first three Tests, Pakistan won the fourth test at the Oval by 24 runs. Pakistani test cricketer Hanif Mohammad, pictured in 1954, became the country’s first cricketing superstar at the tender age of 15 . Among the delighted spectators was one General Ayub Khan, who was later to mount a military coup — thereby setting in train the pattern that has bedeviled Pakistan, and Pakistani cricket, ever since. Cricket in Pakistan was organised very differently to other countries. Cricketers played for teams sponsored by the armed forces, police, or government departments, with the players in effect being paid to do non-existent jobs. When he was just 15, Hanif Mohammad, who became the country’s first cricketing superstar, was appointed to the post of roads inspector by the Pakistan Public Works Department. His younger brother Mushtaq, who soon joined him in the Pakistan team, was only 12 when he became a cement clerk in the same department. In 1958, Hanif Mohammad scored one of the greatest of all Test innings — 337 against the West Indies in Bridgetown. It took him 16 hours and 39 minutes, at the time the longest innings ever played in first-class cricket. Peter Oborne suggests controversial cricketer Mohammad Amir wasn't guilty of match-fixing . There were no thigh pads in those days, and so Hanif pushed bathroom towels down his trousers to try to protect himself against the West Indian fast bowlers. Not that it did much good — afterwards, he had a deep indentation in one of his legs, while his cheekbones were black with burned blood from spending so long in the sun. Although this is a sober — and comprehensive — history on the one hand, it’s far less dry than this description might imply. It’s also a kind of love-letter to Pakistan cricket, a salute to its fortitude and fieryness. Oborne makes no attempt to disguise his admiration for some of the country’s most notable, and controversial, figures. Thus, the former Pakistan captain Javed Miandad, usually depicted as a colossal egomaniac, emerges in quite different colours here — as clever, courageous, and always willing to put his team’s interests above his own. Oborne even has some sympathetic words for the fast bowler Mohammad Amir, who was found guilty of match-fixing in 2010 and imprisoned. He insists, very persuasively, that Amir was an innocent caught up in events that were way out of his control. What becomes plain is that, in a country beset by tribal and political schisms, cricket is one of the few things that unites people. Remarkably, the Taliban turn out to be keen cricketers, although their insistence on wearing traditional costume apparently plays havoc with their stroke play. Even so, there are limits. Al-Qaeda have never taken to cricket, Oborne records. It seems they’ve always preferred the considerably less macho charms of volleyball. | Peter Oborne re-visits the match-fixing case involving Mohammad Amir .
Pakistani cricketers historically played for teams sponsored by the armed forces, police, or government departments .
The Taliban turn out to be keen cricketers, although Al-Qaeda are less keen . |
1779cbf280cc99e91e73cb16fd2e5f9adc080975 | By . Neil Ashton . Follow @@neilashton_ . When Tim Sherwood met Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy last week, he gave him three specific transfer targets. West Ham defender Winston Reid, Manchester City midfielder Gareth Barry and Chelsea striker Romelu Lukaku were the men he wanted at White Hart Lane next season. Sherwood’s recommendations had been taken so seriously during a transfer meeting the previous month that director of football Franco Baldini went to watch Fulham play Everton on March 30, instead of travelling to Anfield to watch Tottenham. Given the 4-0 scoreline at Liverpool, it was a wise decision. VIDEO: Scroll down to watch Sherwood defiant over Spurs future after 5-1 win . All over bar the shouting: Tim Sherwood will be replaced as Tottenham manager in the summer . Character: Sherwood has been outspoken as Spurs boss and at times it might have been too much . Attention! Sherwood (right) salutes Emmanuel Adebayor after the Spurs striker's second against Sunderland . Don't get too comfortable: Sherwood (centre) sits in the dug-out before Tottenham's 5-1 win over Sunderland . This break from the norm for Baldini, who usually sits close to Levy in the directors' box at Tottenham matches, was significant. Lukaku and Barry both played the full 90 minutes for Everton in their 3-1 victory and they were wanted men. Sherwood was desperate to get them to Spurs. At the time he was in with a chance of keeping the job, despite the interest from Louis van Gaal, Frank de Boer, Carlo Ancelotti and Mauricio Pochettino. Of the names under consideration at White Hart Lane, former Tottenham striker Jurgen Klinsmann is the only candidate who has not been agitating for the job behind the scenes. Big tick there from the boardroom. More on them in a moment. Sherwood knows he has made mistakes since he replaced Andre Villas-Boas as Tottenham’s manager and it probably wasn’t a good idea to ask for the ear of the chairman after another leathering, this time at Anfield. Goodness knows Levy has had a gutful of that this season and anybody who knows him will tell you that no-one gets away with humiliating Tottenham’s chairman in public. This season alone he has been on the end of some hidings: 6-0 and 5-1 against Manchester City, 5-0 and and 4-0 against Liverpool, 4-0 at Chelsea, 3-0 at home to West Ham and three defeats against Arsenal. In Levy’s world, someone will always pay the price for that. Sherwood has certainly provided some entertainment in his 23 games in charge of Spurs, but Levy believes he lacks maturity and stature for such a prestigious position. Tim's targets: Romelu Lukaku, Gareth Barry (below left) and Winston Reid (below right) were wanted by Sherwood when he thought he still had a future as Tottenham manager . It probably wasn’t wise, even in jest, for Sherwood to say that he would be returning to the technical area for the Sunderland game and ‘might knock a few people out’. He knows that. He is highly-emotional, passionate about his work and his team. There is something to be said for that, even if it is a bit much at times. Sherwood spoke of the ‘shackles coming off’ after the team ran out 5-1 winners against Sunderland on Monday, shining a torch on his pre-match team talk with Tottenham’s players. They have been made aware that their manager is leaving at the end of the season and will be replaced someone with vast experience in the game. Waiting game: Louis van Gaal (right) has kept Spurs hanging on as he watches the situation at Manchester United . Big tick: Jurgen Klinsmann (left) is favoured by the Spurs board, while Frank De Boer also wants the job . Under pressure: Carlo Ancelotti (left) remains an option for Tottenham if he is fired by Real Madrid . Not the answer: Southampton boss Mauricio Pochettino isn't ready to manage Tottenham . That is Levy’s wish, something he has already articulated to his board as he begins to plan for next season. Presumably this means Southampton manager Pochettino, who has lost twice against Tottenham in the league this season, is not ready for the 14th biggest job in European football, according to the 2014 Deloitte Money League. At 42, a man who refuses to speak English despite a near perfect command of the language, is not the answer for Tottenham at this moment in time. Klinsmann, who is preparing for the World Cup with the USA, had been offered the position until the end of the season when Villas-Boas was fired. Levy had tried to tempt him with the bait that he could keep a closer eye on the Americans playing in Europe if he could help Spurs out in the short term. Klinsmann said no. Rebuilding job: Daniel Levy (front) will have to appoint yet another manager . After Real Madrid’s stunning 4-3 defeat at home by Barcelona on March 23, Ancelotti was under so much pressure at the Bernabeu he believed he could be fired at the end of the season. His team are now third in La Liga, three points off Atletico, although they are in Friday’s draw for the Champions League semi-final after beating Borussia Dortmund. Ancelotti has not been ruled out. The Italian remains an option if he is fired. Then there is Van Gaal, the man who has kept Tottenham waiting after hanging out for the possibility that Manchester United could replace David Moyes. The relative upturn in recent results, with the exception of the 3-0 defeat at home by Manchester City, has closed the door on Van Gaal’s hopes of heading to Old Trafford. Moyes is staying for the time being. Sherwood will not remain and he will walk away from Spurs after their final game of the season at home to Aston Villa on May 11. Beyond that, Levy will have to start rebuilding this club. Again. | Jurgen Klinsmann is favoured by the Spurs board to be the next manager because he hasn't agitated for the job .
The German was offered post after Andre Villas-Boas was sacked .
Louis van Gaal has been waiting for the Manchester United job .
Carlo Ancelotti is an option if he is fired by Real Madrid .
Frank De Boer is also keen to be Tottenham manager .
Southampton boss Mauricio Pochettino could be deemed not ready . |
177a88e6430bb84446c65f6f154537c6935b84e1 | BAGHDAD, Iraq (CNN) -- A German woman held hostage in Iraq since February has been freed, but her son was still being held, German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier said Wednesday. An image taken from a video issued in April shows Hannelore Marianne Krause and her son Sinan. The woman, Hannelore Marianne Krause, was taken to Germany's embassy in Baghdad after being taken captive with her adult son 155 days earlier. Steinmeier said he was "very relieved" Krause was released on Tuesday, yet there still remains "a great deal of uncertainty" about her son, who "remains in captivity." "Rest assured we will do everything in our power to reach her son, Sinan," the foreign minister said. In early March, Iraqi militants holding Krause and her son hostage demanded that Germany withdraw its troops from Afghanistan to ensure their safety. As part of NATO's Afghanistan force, Germany sent about 3,000 troops in the relatively peaceful northern part of the country. German troops also help train Iraqi soldiers and police, but not in Iraq. The Arrows of Righteousness group posted video clips on the Internet, threatening to kill the two in 10 days if Berlin did not comply. CNN could not independently confirm the authenticity of the video. In it, the woman identified as Krause urged German Chancellor Angela Merkel to heed the demands. A passport with Krause's name was shown in the video. While sitting next to her son, Krause tells Merkel, "These people want to kill my son in front of my eyes, and then they'll kill me, if the German troops did not withdraw out of Afghanistan." She and her son clutch each other and cry as they speak while three militants, two armed with large assault rifles, stand behind the pair. "They are not joking, and they'll kill us. I am very tired. Please help me. Take any decision or we will be killed." Reading a prepared statement, one of the militants says, "We have warned you. Otherwise you will not see their bodies." "Muslims are all one nation, and have one religion. It is not acceptable that Germany leads the coalition troops in Afghanistan, and attacks the secured villages and claim it is not fighting in Iraq." E-mail to a friend . CNN's Diana Magnay contributed to this report. | German foreign minister says woman was released after 155 days .
Germany will continue efforts to free her adult son, who remains in captivity .
In video, militants had demanded that German troops leave Afghanistan . |
177b4713f0e979b024253d076067ed6dde5f4077 | Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott has been struggling to avoid one very hot topic at Brisbane's G20 summit but it seems it was inevitable. With Sunday's temperature scorching to over 40, climate change has been a very topical conversation among world leaders, who have probed the Aussie PM in a number of 'difficult discussions'. With the G20 nations turning up the heat on the host and Australian PM for some 'real action' on the issue, the final address confirmed the G20 nations have strongly backed action on climate change. 'We support strong and effective action to address climate change,' the official communique said on Sunday. Scroll down for video . Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott (pictured) addressed the G20 and says the nations strongly back action on climate change . Climate change wasn't on the formal agenda prepared by the Australian presidency, but supportive statements by US President Barack Obama (pictured) this weekend ensured its inclusion in the final statement . Climate change wasn't on the formal agenda prepared by the Australian presidency, but supportive statements by US President Barack Obama this weekend ensured its inclusion in the final statement. The leaders agreed their future actions will support sustainable development, economic growth and certainty for business and investment. The G20 will work together to adopt a protocol under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change to present at the Paris climate conference in 2015. 'We encourage parties that are ready to communicate their intended nationally determined contributions well in advance,' they said. 'We reaffirm our support for mobilising finance for adaptation and mitigation, such as the Green Climate Fund.' The UN-backed fund was set up to help poor countries deal with the impacts of climate change, such as rising sea levels and severe weather events. Tony Abbott (pictured) confirmed the G20 will work together to adopt a protocol under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change to present at the Paris climate conference in 2015 . German Chancellor Angela Merkel (pictured right) chats with British Prime Minister David Cameron (pictured centre) and US President Barack Obama (pictured left) during the USA-EU meeting at the G20 summit in Brisbane . The US this weekend committed $US3 billion to the fund, and Japan $US1.5 billion. Following his address to the G20, Mr Abbott was questioned about Australia's commitment to climate change. 'This government has just passed through the parliament legislation to put into effect our emission reduction fund, a $2.5 billion fund,' said Mr Abbott. 'We aren't just talking about taking action about climate change, we are cracking on with the job.' 'Australia is a high performer when it comes to actually delving on real action when it comes to tackling climate change.' 'We'll be making further decisions at the right time. What we want to do is to take effective action against climate change which is consistent with strong economic growth.' On Saturday US president Barack Obama said that no country was immune to the effects of climate change and that everyone must play a role in fighting the global phenomena. 'I want my daughters to be able to come back and I want them to be able to bring their daughters or sons to visit,' he told an audience at the University of Queensland to loud applause. Question on Australia's commitment to climate change Tony Abbott (pictured) said 'This government has just passed through the parliament legislation to put into effect our emission reduction fund, a $2.5 billion fund' Leaders of G-20 nations finalised a plan to boost global GDP by more than $2 trillion over five years by investing in infrastructure and increasing trade . 'I want that there 50 years from now.' Meanwhile, under pressure to jolt the stubbornly lethargic world economy back to life, leaders of G-20 nations finalised a plan to boost global GDP by more than $2 trillion over five years by investing in infrastructure and increasing trade. The communique also revealed that leaders plan to jump start growth in part by creating a global infrastructure hub and it would help match potential investors with projects. They also aim to reduce the gap between male and female participation in the workforce by 25 percent by 2025. Tony Abbott said countries will hold each other to account by monitoring implementation of their commitments to boost growth. The International Monetary Fund and OECD will also play a role in monitoring progress and estimating the economic benefits. U.S. President Barack Obama (pictured right) and France's President Francois Hollande (pictured left) during a meeting with European leaders at G20 Summit to discuss transatlantic trade and the situation in Ukraine . Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott (pictured) has been unable to avoid talking about climate change confirming the G20 nations will work together to adopt a protocol under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change to present at the Paris climate conference in 2015 . The G-20 communique says if the $2 trillion initiative is fully implemented it would lift global GDP by 2.1 percent above expected levels by 2018 and create millions of jobs. Abbott said countries have agreed more than 800 measures to spur the global economy, which the IMF says is facing a 'new mediocre.' 'The G-20 has delivered real, practical outcomes and, because of the efforts that the G-20 has made, this year, culminating in the last 48 hours, people right around the world are going to be better off,' Abbott said. But with international agencies downgrading their global growth forecasts in recent months, the G-20 - which represents around 85 percent of the global economy - faces an uphill struggle to implement its plan. Growth in China and Japan has weakened and Europe is teetering on the brink of a recession. Abbott said leaders unanimously agreed that expanding global trade would directly benefit countries and people around the world. 'Trade is a key driver of growth, perhaps the key driver of growth and we're focused on domestic reforms to facilitate trade as well as the importance of a strong global trading system,' Abbott said. | G20 nations confirmed they have strongly backed action on climate change .
The world leaders have turned up the heat on Tony Abbott to make sure there is 'real action' on the controversial issue .
The G20 will work together to adopt a protocol under the UNFCCC to present at the Paris climate conference in 2015 .
Leaders of G-20 nations finalised a plan to boost global GDP by more than $2 trillion over five years . |
177b482660131dc8c382f833c16f44450ec0c371 | By . Marcus Townend . PUBLISHED: . 08:52 EST, 25 April 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 01:53 EST, 26 April 2013 . Disgraced trainer Mahmood Al Zarooni was banned for eight years for instigating the biggest drug scandal in British horseracing. The 15 horses given anabolic steroids in his Godolphin stable in Newmarket have been banned from running for six months — effectively ending their season. Three other employees — an assistant vet and two yard foremen — were also involved in administering Ethylestranol and Stanozolol to the horses, which are all owned by Sheik Mohammed, ruler of Dubai and the biggest racehorse owner in Britain. Scroll down for video . Punished: Mahmood Al Zarooni left his hearing after being given an eight-year ban . The futures of the three stable staff remain under review by Godolphin. Godolphin’s racing manager Simon . Crisford said despite the massive embarrassment of an affair which has . damaged the reputation of his boss, the Sheik would not be reducing his . commitment to the sport. But in a damning condemnation of Al . Zarooni, who had sourced the performance-enhancing drugs in Dubai, where . he has admitted using them before, Crisford said he did not believe Al . Zarooni’s explanation that he had not realised he was breaking the . rules. Scrum: 15 horses trained by Al Zarooni were also suspended on a damaging day for the sport . It is permitted to use steroids on horses in Dubai, providing . they are not present in the system on raceday. The 37-year-old, who gave the drugs . to his horses on March 14, cut a forlorn figure as he left the BHA’s . London base, his career in tatters. Crisford, who said he had not . considered resigning himself, admitted it will not be easy to restore . Godolphin’s tarnished reputation. ‘Mr Zarooni said he had administered . drugs before in Dubai, where it is legal providing the horses do not . race,’ said Crisford. Circus: Al Zarooni, centre, was surrounded by photographers as he arrived for his inquest . Back off: Photographers mobbed the Godolphin trainer as he arrived for the London hearing . Desert Blossom (Earnings: $19,262)Certify ($254,829)Fair HillGhostflower ($2,819)Orkney IslandSweet RoseValley Of Queens ($2,088)Artigiano ($68,952)Bathrat AmalOpinion Poll ($1,671,075)Restraint Of Trade ($21,230) Total prize money: $2m (£1.31m) ... and the four new names . Comitas, Sashiko, Vacationer, Tearless . ‘He did it at the beginning of last . winter. He did it on a small number of horses — less than 10 in . pre-training — and assured me all the horses stayed in Dubai. Sheik . Mohammed was completely unaware of this. ‘It goes without saying that this is a terrible situation for British racing and an absolutely awful situation for Godolphin. ‘Mr Zarooni has acted with awful . recklessness and he has caused tremendous damage not only to Godolphin . but also British racing. For that, we are deeply sorry. It will take a . very long time for Godolphin to regain the public’s confidence. ‘For Sheik Mohammed, racing is fun . and there is no fun attached to this. I very much hope this does not . leave a dark stain that he feels puts him a difficult position.' Rocked: 1,000 Guineas hope Certify was one of 11 horses to test positive and will not run in the Classic . Ethylestrenol and stanozolol boost muscle growth and fat loss - they are man-made anabolic steroids. Stanozolol is more commonly taken by athletes and bodybuilders - either by injection or in tablet form. Ethylestrenol is similar to nandralone and can aid recovery from injury. He added: ‘He has tremendous passion for horses . and horseracing. I’m sure he will want to get everything right as soon . as he can at Moulton Paddocks and continue his racing stables. But, in . the short term, we have to re-structure.’ Crisford read a statement on Al . Zarooni’s behalf which said: ‘First and foremost I would like to . apologise to His Highness Sheik Mohammed as well as to all those . involved with Godolphin and the public who follow British racing. ‘I accept that it was my . responsibility to be aware of the rules regarding the use of prohibited . substances in Britain. I can only apologise and repeat what I said in my . statement earlier in the week. I have made a catastrophic error.’ Bad news, boss: Godolphin owner Sheik Mohammed (left) with trainer Al Zarooni . Godolphin had already announced all horses in Al Zarooni’s care would not run until they had been dope tested and cleared. At least a degree of independence was . introduced when it was announced the BHA would be involved in the . testing procedures.But the haste of this inquiry — just three days after . the positive tests emerged — leaves an an uneasy feeling, one which BHA . chief Paul Bittar attempted to quell by suggesting the governing body . would be rigorous in seeing Godolphin put their house in order. Bittar said: ‘We are not saying this . is the end of it, but it is the end of the beginning. We will also . provide advice to Godolphin of necessary changes to its procedures and . controls where appropriate — this will be supported by Godolphin’s own . review. Scandal: 2012 St Leger winner Encke was also trained by Al Zarooni . ‘Naturally, the BHA also consider the . wider issues raised by this matter and we will work to ascertain and . collate all other relevant information including, where necessary, . interviewing other employees and contractors of Godolphin.’ Whether this leads to further charges . remains to be seen but a sceptical wider world will take some . convincing that this unsavoury incident was confined to four bad apples . in the Godolphin empire. The first chapter of this tawdry . affair is closed and the villain of the piece, a man who had previously . worked for a trainer who himself fell foul of the drugs testers, has . exited. The once rising star of the team will . probably be airbrushed from Godolphin history. His 192 winners a cause . of embarrassment rather than pride. | Mahmood Al Zarooni banned for eight years by BHA .
Godolphin racing manager Simon Crisford describes it as 'a terrible day for British racing'
Al Zarooni arrived for hearing at 2.30pm to a scrum of photographers .
11 Al Zarooni-trained horses tested positive for anabolic steroids .
BHA suspend those 11 horses, plus the four horses volunteered by Godolphin bosses who had also been given the drug .
Former 1,000 Guineas favourite Certify one of the 15 horses suspended .
Three other men 'involved' in the scandal, an assistant vet and two foremen . |
177bcaf92e52f53bba43d5c628b677f6e52dffa7 | (CNN) -- As many as 200,000 people -- most of them mainland China-based Taiwanese - are expected to return to Taiwan this weekend for an election viewed as critical to the future of an economy that has boomed thanks to warmer ties with Beijing. Taiwan does not allow absentee voting and the growing political clout of Taiwan's expatriate businessmen -- known as Taishang in Chinese -- will be a determining factor in elections that will set the tenor of the relationship with Beijing. "Because of the closeness of the race, this election has the highest ever number of returnees," says Professor Ray-Kuo Wu of Fu Jen University, adding that estimates could be as high as 250,000 returnees. "Corporate bosses have mobilized their employees to participate in these elections like never before. "Hon Hai Precision is chartering six planes to get people back to vote and Formosa Plastics Group is another company that is helping employees return for the election." With memories of the 2008 election still fresh, when incumbent Ma Ying-jeou of the Kuomintang Nationalist Party was returned with just 30,000 of the 13 million votes cast, the Taishang are concerned that a change of government could stall the lucrative rapprochement with Beijing. Ma's chief opponent is Tsai Ying-wen of the pro-independence Democratic Progress Party. Tsai has the chance to become the Taiwan's first female president, but her campaign to paint Ma's pro-Beijing policies as selling out Taiwan's sovereignty may cost her Taishang votes, analysts say. "Taiwan is a democracy and, of course, the way that they vote remains to be seen," says Wu. "But the pro-business and pro-Beijing campaign is something of a double-edged sword. The opposition DPP has been able to paint the president as someone whose policies have only benefited the big corporations." Although Taiwan is called the "Republic of China," and Taiwan has been de facto independent from the People's Republic of China since 1949 when the Kuomintang or Nationalist government lost the Chinese civil war and withdrew to Taiwan, Beijing considers the island a mere breakaway province. China has never ruled out the use of force against Taiwan to achieve reunification. If China uses military force against the island the United States could intervene under the Taiwan Relations Act, raising fears of a much wider conflict. Relations between Taiwan and Beijing softened in 2008 when the two governments opened trade, transport and postal services, allowing direct links for the first time. What had once been a daylong ordeal, where flights to Beijing had to be routed through Hong Kong, has become a short hop across the Taiwan Strait. Tourism has strongly benefited, with 30% of the 6 million foreign visitors arriving in Taiwan coming from mainland China. Exports, meanwhile, are enjoying a bonanza, hitting a record US$115 billion, up 35% from a year earlier. "Economically, it's been a big boost for Taiwan," says Wu. For its part, mainland China, also drawn by the economic prospects of closer ties, has been content not to disturb the status quo, in marked contrast to earlier elections. In 1996, it reacted angrily to the first direct presidential elections in Taiwan believing that the favorite to win that poll, Lee Teng-hui, was advocating a separate identity and formal statehood for what Beijing has always dubbed a 'renegade province.' Prior to those elections, Beijing conducted missile tests in the Taiwan Strait aimed at intimidating voters and the United States moved two aircraft carriers into the region. Beijing's posturing created the opposite effect and Lee won the poll handsomely. Since then, Beijing has taken a hands-off approach, not wanting to upset what is settling into a strong economic relationship. "The Taiwanese government has stated that the election is their domestic affair and, so far, there has been nothing overt in terms of opposition from Beijing's side," says Wu. Key to the current policy between Beijing and Taipei has been widespread support for the 1992 Consensus which enshrined the "One China principle." Under this agreement, both sides recognize there is only one China -- that both the mainland and Taiwan constitute China -- but it is up to each side to express their own definition of this. "Traditionally business leaders have shied away from commenting on political issues," says Wu, adding that this election has been different in that Taishang have been more overtly partisan than in previous elections. "But there's a recognition that there's a need to continue with the 1992 Consensus and that it's the best choice for Taishang in terms of the prosperity of Taiwan," he said. | Taiwan heads to the polls on Saturday to vote in presidential elections .
Since ties with Beijing have warmed, thousands of Taiwanese businesses are based in China .
Returning 'Taishing' could decide one of the closest polls on record .
Tycoons have been chartering planes to fly employees back to vote in the election . |
177be0122cef95c8166a3c807f78ea3a15ab18e9 | An American adventurer and environmental activist has spoken of how he managed to stay clean - despite not showering for an entire year. Rob Greenfield, 27, has spent the last year bathing only in natural water resources such as rivers, lakes, waterfalls and in the rain. When natural water was not available, he would go in search of fire hydrants and leaking taps. Environmental activist Rob Greenfield, pictured covered in algae in New Jersey, managed to stay clean despite not showering for an entire year by bathing in only natural water resources . Mr Greenfield, pictured washing at the Great Allegheny Passage, in Pennsylvania, spent the last year bathing only in rivers, lakes, waterfalls and in the rain . However, if there was no natural source of water available, Mr Greenfield would have to go in search of fire hydrants and leaking taps. He is pictured here bathing by a leaking fire hydrant in Brooklyn, New York . The idea for the project came to Mr Greenfield while he was cycling across America to promote sustainability and eco-friendly living. Mr Greenfield, who lives in San Diego in California, initially planned to go shower-free for 100 days during his bike ride, but once he was done cycling, he extended the time period - first to six months and then a year. The average American consumes around 100 gallons of water a day, but Mr Greenfield said on average he used around two gallons a day for the entire year. Mr Greenfield, whose activism and outlook on life have gained him tens of thousands of social media followers, said that he hopes to encourage people to live happier and healthier lifestyles. The adventurer, who once ate only dumpster meals for a week to build awareness of food waste, runs an environmentally active marketing company called The Greenfield Group in San Diego. He said: 'For the entire bike ride I had committed to not taking a shower and instead just swimming in lakes and rivers when I came across them. Mr Greenfield (pictured in Lake Michigan) initially planned to go shower-free for 100 days while cycling across America . He then extended the time period he planned to go without a shower, first to six months and then to a year . Mr Greenfield, pictured in New Haven, Connecticut, said he hoped to encourage people to live happier and healthier lifestyles . The adventurer and environmental activist, pictured soaking in the rain in Michigan, once ate only dumpster meals for a week to build awareness of food waste . Mr Greenfield runs an environmentally active marketing company called The Greenfield Group in San Diego. He is pictured drinking water from a leaking hydrant in the Bronx, in New York . 'Once the tour was over I decided to keep on going. My mission is to inspire people to start paying attention to their surroundings and to be conscious of how their simple actions affect the world around them. 'When we over consume water, we waste electricity, use extra chemicals used to treat the water, increase pollution and put a strain on the sources where our water comes from. 'For doing the challenge, I got a lot of marriage proposals, excitement, smiles, and high fives. 'Of course, I get plenty of comments but that really is just a lack of understanding because I really have proved to myself and others that it's possible to stay clean while living a natural lifestyle and certainly a lot healthier than eating junk food and covering our bodies with cosmetics that are full of chemicals.' He said he had received a lot of 'marriage proposals, excitement, smiles, and high fives' for doing the challenge . The 27-year-old (pictured in Indiana) said: 'For the entire bike ride I had committed to not taking a shower and instead just swimming in lakes and rivers when I came across them' Mr Greenfield has said his 'mission is to inspire people to start paying attention to their surroundings and to be conscious of how their simple actions affect the world around them' Mr Greenfield, pictured in Iowa, while cycling across America . Mr Greenfield (pictured washing in Denver, Colorado) said: 'When we over consume water, we waste electricity, use extra chemicals used to treat the water, increase pollution and put a strain on the sources where our water comes from' | Rob Greenfield spent the last year bathing only in natural water resources .
Initially planned to go shower-free for 100 days while cycling across US .
But once the cycling trip was over he decided to extend the time period .
Said he wanted to make people 'pay attention to their surroundings' |
177df013afcd428e6a1561940e1643a63684527f | By . Nina Golgowski, Kerry Mcqueeney and Damien Gayle . PUBLISHED: . 18:00 EST, 23 September 2012 . | . UPDATED: . 12:43 EST, 24 September 2012 . A woman who was allegedly raped by a high-risk sex offender in a popular New York City park has revealed how she pleaded with her attacker to let her go. In a harrowing interview, the victim said she looked deep into her attacker's eyes and begged him to stop. It has also emerged that suspect Jonathan Stewart, who was arrested nearby, attempted suicide in the lockup at Manhattan Criminal Court as he waited to face charges. In custody: Jonathan Stewart is taken away by police after his arrest on suspicion of raping a woman in a popular New York City park this morning . The 25-year-old was rushed from the . cells to Bellevue Hospital after trying to hang himself at about 10.40am . on Sunday morning, the New York Post reported. 'He’s lived with himself doing this so . long, it’s surprising that now it has become too much,' his alleged . victim told the Post after hearing about the attempt. The woman, an unnamed actress from . Tribeca, today revealed how she asked him to think about his mother or . sister before he launched his assault. According to the New York Daily News, . the 21-year-old woman asked him: 'How can you do this? Don't you have a . mother and sister?' She claims her attacker then looked at her and replied: 'They're dead. Shut up.' Detectives lead homeless Stewart from the police station: The suspect was on parole after last year being released from a seven-year sentence for robbing and assaulting a woman in 2004 . The woman described how she was in a . reflective mood when she went to the Hudson River Park at about 5.15am . on Saturday in search of solitude. She had been sitting on a bench when . she was allegedly approached by Stewart - a registered Level III sex . offender released from prison last year - who sat down beside her and . began a conversation about her iPhone. The actress said Stewart's eyes were bloodshot red and, sensing danger, she got up to walk away. However, she was dragged into nearby bushes where she was beaten, choked and raped . She told the New York Daily News: 'It was a nightmare... it seemed like it lasted forever.' Describing how she begged her attacker to stop, she added: 'I'm a good person, I was trying to get on his moral side.' The woman was able to break free from . her attacker after about 20 or 30 minutes and ran, naked and screaming, . through the middle of the park. She was unable to call police because . her phone had been smashed during the attack, but she found two Parks . Department officers who circulated the rapist's description via their . radios. Attacker: Jonathan Stewart, 25, a registered level-III sex offender, was arrested over the assault . Homeless Stewart, who was released . from prison in 2011 after serving a seven-year sentence for robbing and . assaulting a woman in 2004, was arrested by NYPD officers nearby. He has since been charged with rape, sex abuse, assault and forcible touching. His victim, an actress who won roles . on television after moving to the city four years ago, was taken to the . Beth Israel Medical Center where she was given medical treatment before . being released. The woman told the New York Post how . she found it 'sickening' when she found out her alleged attacker was . still on the street despite being previously convicted of another sex . crime. She told the local how she felt 'lucky . to be alive' adding: 'I'm in pain, but trying to stay positive and keep . my mind off of it. I've been sleeping a lot.' Police sources described the woman as a . 'true victim' and a 'really good girl' who had been enjoying the park's . tranquillity before the attack happened. The two Park Enforcement officers who . gave chase after the victim ran to them also today told of their part . in the capture of the suspected rapist. Officers Daniel Murphy and Luis Cabezas told The Tribeca Trib they had just come on duty at around 5am when the screaming victim came running toward them. 'She . ran towards us completely naked,' Officer Murphy said, describing how . his colleague immediately ran after the suspect while he helped her into . the back seat of their car and gave her a blanket. 'She was distraught, . very distraught,' he added. Officer . Murphy told the Trib how the suspect lay on the ground, shirtless and . silent when he was cornered by them and officers of the NYPD about a . block away on the West Street Median at North Moore Street. Only about three minutes passed between their finding the woman and apprehending the suspect, the policeman added. The Daily News reported that Stewart, who had been on parole until July, was also taken to hospital after his arrest. In search of solitude: The woman was in a reflective mood when she went to the Hudson River Park (pictured) The violent sexual attack is the second this month within the city's parks. Earlier a 73-year-old woman was raped . by a man in Central Park around the John Lennon landmark named . Strawberry Fields after allegedly days before taking a compromising . photo of him touching himself in public. That man, 42-year-old David Albert . Mitchell who is a convicted rapist and once suspect in a 2002 unsolved . murder, was arrested on charges of first-degree rape, robbery, assault . and other charges. A group of city officials yesterday held a rally and march through the Hudson River Park to express the community's outrage at the sex attacks. At the 'Take Back The Park' demo, city council speaker Christine Quinn said that sexual predators will not be tolerated by the local community. 'We are not going to yield one blade of grass, one acre of park to perpetrators who think women are going to live in fear,' CBS New York quoted Ms Quinn as saying. 'To anyone who thinks you can commit acts of sexual violence or any other violence against women and girls or anyone else in this city, we’re here to tell you, you cannot.' Reports of sexual violence are on the rise in New York City. So far this year 1058 rapes have been reported in the city, an increase of 4 per cent compared to this time last year and nearly 11 per cent over the past two years. | Woman 'looked deep into her attacker's eyes' and asked him to think about his mother or sister, to which he allegedly replied: 'They're dead. Shut up'
She describes how she escaped the 'nightmare' attack after 20 or 30 minutes and ran, naked and screaming, through the park .
Jonathan Stewart, a registered sex offender, was arrested near Hudson River Park in lower Manhattan .
He yesterday reportedly attempted suicide while waiting to be arraigned in the lockup at Manhattan Criminal Court . |
177e6eb44935ddf1b986b616e21ace4c1e6aff52 | LONDON, England (CNN) -- An elderly British couple who died together at an assisted suicide clinic in Switzerland died "peacefully" after receiving "wonderful and humbling care" from their doctors, the couple's family said. Peter and Penelope Duff from Bath, England, died in Zurich on February 27, according to a statement released Thursday by their family and reported by Britain's Press Association. Both had terminal cancer, the statement said. "Penny had fought a rare cancer, GIST, since 1992 and Peter's colon cancer had spread to his liver," the statement said. "Their decision in no way reflected on the wonderful and humbling care they have received from their consultant, doctors and nurses, for which the family, and they, were so appreciative." Peter Duff, who was reported to be 80, was the executive chairman of Alcohol in Moderation, a nonprofit group that advocates a "sensible drinking ethos." His daughter, Helena Conibear, is executive director of AIM Digest, a monthly publication. Conibear and AIM could not be reached for comment Friday. The Press Association said Penelope Duff was 70. Her condition, GIST, stands for gastrointestinal stromal tumor, a rare type of cancer found in the digestive system. Dignity in Dying, a British charity that advocates the choice of assisted death for terminally ill patients, said it was "extremely sad" that the Duffs had to travel abroad to die. "Had they had the option of an assisted death in this country they may still be alive, as their physical ability to travel would not have been a factor," said Sarah Wootton, chief executive of Dignity in Dying. Wootton called on Parliament to modernize laws on suicide to allow for assisted dying. Phyllis Bowman, executive director of Right to Life, which opposes euthanasia, also said the Duffs' case was sad. "I think it's very sad, particularly as they could have gone together into a hospice. A hospice with cancer -- there is not uncontrollable pain," Bowman told CNN. "I think that with the euthanasia lobby, they feed on despair and they encourage despair rather than hope." | Peter and Penelope Duff from Bath, England, died in Zurich on February 27 .
Penny had fought a rare cancer, GIST, since 1992 and Peter had colon cancer .
Dignity in Dying charity: "Extremely sad" the Duffs had to travel abroad to die .
They called on UK to modernize laws on suicide to allow for assisted dying . |
177ed4796c8422eb3c8a420d3ca2c720f50cb615 | (CNN) -- Last Thursday was back-to-school night in many of the communities that dot the peninsula below San Francisco, California. Off-duty firefighters and police officers who went to schools with their children and families soon learned something horrible had happened in a San Bruno residential neighborhood. Speculation ran from an airplane crash, to an earthquake, to terrorism. It was only later that they learned that is was a gas transmission line explosion. South San Francisco firefighter Anthony Ottoboni was at his son's baseball practice when he got the news. "My wife looked right at me and said, 'Go.'" Capt. Bill Forester of the San Bruno Fire Department was on duty. "We looked out the back door and saw a fireball," he said. John Priolo, also with the fire department, recalls rushing to work and seeing the "walking wounded" arrive at the station. Tuesday, first-responders gathered near the fire site to talk about the heroics of others, including citizens, last week. They spoke of the strong fraternity of the 400 firefighters, paramedics and police officers who thronged to the neighborhood. They mentioned how their training prepared them, but there are some things training can't foresee. "Somebody said it was like they took a Saturn V rocket and tipped it upside down at the blastoff," said Forester. The high-pitched roar of gas sounded like a jet engine, he added. Chaos greeted them as they moved into the area. Many people were running away. Bystanders were taking photos. Always, there was the wall of fire and oppressive heat. "I realized immediately how overwhelmed we were going to be," said Sgt. Mike Guldner of the San Bruno Police Department. Guldner and some civilians helped a seriously injured man. "Thank God to the people and citizens of San Bruno who stepped up to provide assistance to me," Guldner said. Firefighters quickly learned the water mains had been taken out by the explosion. "It's a sinking feel to say the least because you count on that water being there," said Forester. "If there was ever a time you need it, it was there." But firefighters improvised, stretching lines from another water grid. The responders, many of whom knew people who lived in the Crestmoor Canyon neighborhood, went to smoke-filled homes, making sure people got out. They were assisted by several residents. "We got as close to the flame as we possibly can without getting ourselves burned," said Officer Ken Chetcuti of the South San Francisco Police. Lt. Ron Carlino of the South Francisco Police Department recalled the dazed homeowners who grabbed a few belongings. "Some people wanted to grab just anything," he said. "They felt like they couldn't leave empty-handed." Four people died in the fire and three are still missing, officials said Tuesday. Thirty-seven homes were destroyed. Homeowners have since returned to Crestmoor Canyon and are trying to patch their lives back together. But the people of San Bruno have changed, according to local police officer Scott Rogge. "We had everyday people running into houses, helping us," he said. Since then, the community has received and given donations, opened a shelter, provided food, clothing and more. "People that normally you see maybe wave -- they are exchanging emails, phone numbers, hugs and tears," Rogge said. "Those are the true heroes, the people of the community... We do this every day. We've chosen to do this. But those people stepped up." | Residents assisted firefighters and police officers in San Bruno .
Firefighters recall sinking feeling when they realized there was no water .
Some residents grabbed a few belongings before fleeing .
Community came together following tragedy . |
177f41c8fef81420b83511e708c459f9fd14c903 | The New York dad who shot dead his girlfriend, one of their daughters and his girlfriend's mother before taking his own life thought the woman was cheating on him, according to reports. Nightclub bouncer Jonathan Walker, 34, is believed to have shot Shantai Hale, 31, his seven-year-old daughter Kayla Walker, and Hale's mother Viola Warren, 62, in their heads at their Springfield Gardens, Queens home in the early hours of Saturday. Walker, who was later found dead from a gunshot wound to his head in his car, also shot his 12-year-old daughter Christina in the head, but she survived and managed to call 911. Hours before the attack, Walker was overheard at a liquor store saying he thought Hale was cheating, possibly with more than one person, a law enforcement source told the New York Post. Murdered: Shantai Hale, left, and her seven-year-old daughter Kayla Walker, right, were both shot in the head at their home in Queens on Saturday morning by Walker's father, authorities said . Gunman: Jonathan Walker, 34, pictured, massacred his family before taking his own life on Saturday . He got drunk before skipping his bouncer shift on Friday evening and then headed home, where he shot his two daughters. He shot them because he said he would prefer them to die than go into foster care after he killed their mother, a source told the Post. Walker then shot his common-law-wife, a computer analyst, and her mother, who worked at JFK airport, in another bedroom before driving from the home and taking his own life inside his car. The car, a 2013 GMC Acadia, and his dead body were found in a wooded area near JFK Airport. A .45-caliber firearm was recovered from the scene, authorities said. The father had apparently used the same gun to shoot his family and take his own life. Christina, who managed to call 911 and open the door for first responders, was rushed to Long Island Jewish Medical Center and is in a medically induced coma after undergoing surgery to ease swelling on her brain. Victim: Viola Warren, his girlfriend's mother, was also fatally shot in the head during the early-morning attack . Killed: He fatally shot Kayla, left, her mother, right, and her grandmother. He also shot Kayla's 12-year-old sister Christina, but the girl survived her wounds and managed to call 911 . Doctors are 'hopeful', her uncle, Silford Warren, said. 'She moved her head backward at just the right moment when [her father] fired and that probably saved her life,' he told the Post. New York City Councilman Donovan Richards said Walker was with friends moments before the shooting, and said he was going home to watch Netflix. 'What happened to make him snap?' Richards said, Newsday reported. 'That's the million-dollar question that everybody is trying to find out.' Richards added: 'It doesn't add up, it just does not add up.' Chief detective Robert K. Boyce told Newsday that the NYPD responded to domestic incidents at the home in 2005 and 2006 but called them 'nominal matters'. He also said Walker had been arrested twice previously, but that both cases are sealed. Scene: After killing his family at their home, pictured, he drove off and took his life near JFK airport . | Kayla Walker, 7, Shantai Hale, 31, and Hale's mother Viola Warren, 62, were found fatally shot in their heads in their Queens home on Saturday morning .
Kayla's 12-year-old sister Christina was also shot in the head in the grisly attack but she survived and called 911 .
Their father, nightclub bouncer Jonathan Walker, 34, was later found dead in his car having apparently shot himself in the head .
Before the attack, he got drunk and told people at a liquor store that he thought his girlfriend was cheating on him, according to reports . |
177f8a252d71c367ded976ced12cea63abc9abad | SAO PAULO, Brazil (Reuters) -- The main runway at Brazil's busiest airport reopened Friday, 10 days after a passenger jet skidded off its rain-slicked surface and crashed, killing almost 200 people in the country's worst aviation disaster. At least 12 people also were killed on the ground when the Tam Airlines plane rammed into a cargo terminal. Authorities opened the recently repaved runway at Sao Paulo's Congonhas Airport even though it has not yet been entirely grooved to drain rainwater and prevent planes from slipping when they touch down. Landings will be restricted in wet weather until the surface is completely grooved, which could take weeks. In the meantime, flights arriving in heavy rains will touch down on the backup runway at Congonhas or be diverted to the city's Guarulhos International Airport. The main runway at Sao Paulo's Congonhas was reopened after being inspected by new Defense Minister Nelson Jobim, who was appointed Wednesday to overhaul Brazil's ailing aviation sector. The defense ministry and the air force oversee airports and air traffic in Brazil. The runway, one of the shortest in the country, has been at the center of a fierce debate over air safety since an Airbus A320 carrying 187 people crashed in a botched landing attempt on July 17. The plane, flown by Brazilian carrier TAM Linhas Aereas, barreled off the landing strip in the rain and rammed into a cargo terminal and gas station, bursting into flames. Everyone on board and at least 12 more on the ground were killed in the accident. Authorities are investigating if the runway, which is known for being slippery, was unsafe for landing in the rain. Investigators also are trying to determine if possible pilot error and mechanical problems contributed to the crash. Air travel in Brazil descended further into chaos after the accident, the second major aviation disaster in the country in 10 months. In September, 154 people were killed when a Boeing 737 clipped wings in midair with a private jet and crashed in the Amazon jungle. The closure of the main runway at Congonhas after the TAM crash forced airlines to cancel hundreds of flights and caused a ripple effect of delays around the country. Since then, revolts at ticket counters have become routine and some airlines have even urged passengers to travel by bus. Air travel was slowly starting to return to normal Friday, with fewer delays and cancellations around the country, according to Brazil's airports authority Infraero. At Congonhas, however, 40 percent of all flights were canceled Friday morning before the runway reopened. E-mail to a friend . Copyright 2007 Reuters. All rights reserved.This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. | Brazil air travel slowly starting to return to normal, with fewer delays, cancellations .
Main runway reopens at Sao Paulo's Congonhas Airport after last week's crash .
The runway has been at the center of a fierce debate over air safety .
Nearly 200 people were killed July 17 in Brazil's worst aviation disaster . |
177fef387bd75dff6c4a7af8d425b213ea0b05d3 | (CNN) -- Argentina FA president Julio Grondona has spoken about Carlos Tevez's absence from Sergio Batista's squad that faced Portugal on Wednesday, claiming it was a disciplinary measure. Media reports speculated that Tevez was omitted from the side that beat Portugal 2-1 in Switzerland as a favor to his club side Manchester City, ahead of this weekend's crucial Premier League derby against Manchester United. But Grondona admitted to a radio station that Tevez was left out as a punishment for his attitude in missing last year's friendly against Brazil in Doha, only to play for City against Fulham just four days later -- scoring twice in the match. Grondona told Radio Pop: "Tevez's absence was because of his attitude when he didn't come to play against Brazil and shortly after this he took the field for his club. "That attitude didn't go down well with the coaching staff, it was a lot easier to tell us that he didn't want to come." However, Grondona was quick to point out that Tevez was not left out because of his close friendship with former Argentina manager Diego Maradona. "Tevez's absence has nothing to do with Maradona, we cannot go down that road,'' he added. ''I want to leave that crystal clear." | Argentina FA president speaks out about Carlos Tevez's absence to face Portugal .
Julio Grondona says Tevez's omission on Wednesday was a disciplinary measure .
Grondona claims the coaching staff were unhappy Tevez missed friendly with Brazil .
Tevez blamed an injury but played for Manchester City against Fulham four days later . |
1780e4f6d445e0b7292b38225ef72c9aea830866 | LONDON, England (CNN) -- Playing the Nintendo Wii Fit could improve balance and help avoid falls in seniors, researchers taking part in a new study suggest. Researchers in Aberdeen think playing Wii Fit may improve the elderly's balance and lower risks of falling. The University of Aberdeen, Scotland and the UK's National Health Service (NHS) have embarked on a four month study on people over 70 to observe any changes in balance after regular use of the Wii Fit. The video game has different activities including yoga poses, push ups, strength, balance and aerobic exercises. The Wii Fit includes a balance board that records movements and gives feedback on performance. Dr Marie Fraser, a specialist registrar at Woodend Hospital in Scotland, UK, is carrying out the research. She told CNN: "Falls are the most common cause of accidental injury in older people and the most common cause of accidental deaths in 75-year-olds and over." It is hoped that using the Wii Fit's balance board can improve elderly people's balance and confidence. Dr Alison Stewart, who devised the study said she came up with the idea while working in the Osteoporosis department at the University of Aberdeen, after seeing a large number of fractures in old people who had fallen. Stewart, a commercial research manager with the NHS, said she then decided to research how to improve older people's balance. She told CNN: "There exists a medical fitness device that improves balance, but it is expensive and I could not get the funding. "That's when I looked up the Wii and discovered it is very similar to the other equipment, but less expensive. "What is great about the Wii is it also has an entertainment value. The fact that it is enjoyable also makes the compliance rate higher." The latest study comes as another pilot study at Southern Cross University, Australia looked at the benefits of using the Wii to help Parkinson's sufferers. A group of seven older people with and without the degenerative condition took part in the pilot project, and were put through an almost daily regime of playing the Nintendo Wii. Associate Professor Rick van der Zwan who led the research said initial results were "positive." They ultimately hope to determine the effectiveness of computer games in developing muscle strength and co-ordination and reducing the risk of falls for people with Parkinson's. "People generally start to develop the disease in their 50s or 60s. It leads to inertia and people become unstable on their feet," said Van der Zwan in a media statement. "What we are trying to do is reduce the risk of serious harm. These people are nine times more likely to fall over than someone without the disease and falls in this older age group can be very serious." Van der Zwan now wants to recruit 15 more research participants to broaden the study. Since its launch in 2006 the Nintendo Wii has seen a huge rise in the number of elderly players. At one senior citizen home in north-east England, staff introduced the popular games console at Christmas in all five of its homes. "Everyone loves it and we noticed it has improved the physical fitness of residents who play," Rachel Todd of McArdle Care told CNN. Todd believes the device's entertainment value not only improves residents' fitness levels, but also their mental fitness. Among the Wii Fit fans at the home are 74-year-old Ian Fisher and 86-year-old Betty Dennis. "I always loved sports, particularly football" Dennis told CNN. "But I had a stroke six months ago and am now in a wheelchair." "Since the Wii I really feel movement in my right arm has improved, which is all I need to play skittles." Her bowling partner Fisher told CNN he recently played the boxing game on Wii Fit with his four-year-old great-grandson. "It really spans all ages, although my great-grandson knocked me out twice," the former bricklayer said. | Researchers study whether Wii Fit can can improve older people's balance .
Residents in English nursing home feel the physical and mental benefits of Wii .
Falls are the most common cause of accidental deaths in elderly, says researcher . |
17811a8d831d26f5a07a7de8cb19aa15d9439491 | By . Sarah Griffiths . Plenty of teachers might be scoring an A for effort but a U for their strategy of motivating pupils ahead of important exams. Teachers who use the fear of failure in a bid to get students to knuckle down and revise hard for GCSEs and A Levels may be having a negative effect on their success, according to a new study. Students who were told that failing an exam would prevent them from finding a good job reported feeling less motivated and performed worse in exams than those given encouragement. Heads down: Students who were told that failing an exam would prevent them from finding a good job reported feeling less motivated and performed worse in exams than those given encouragement. Pupils taking a GCSE mathematics exam are pictured . U.S. scientists recently found that taking notes using a laptop could be harmful to academic performance as they encourage ‘mindless transcription’. They found that students putting pen to paper displayed a better grasp of concepts that they had just learned. Pam Mueller of Princeton University and Daniel Oppenheimer of UCLA studied college students in classrooms where some used laptops and others traditional notebooks. They discovered that the students using laptops were more likely to take more notes in a lecture than those using a pen. But they were also more likely to simply write down what was said in a ‘mindless transcription’. Both groups of students memorised around the same amount of facts from the lecture, but those using laptops did not display as deeper an understanding as those using pens when asked about ideas behind the facts half an hour later. In another experiment students who took hand written notes scored higher in a test and were better able to study than other students who typed their notes. The study, led by Edge Hill University in Lancashire, looked at different styles of pre-exam persuasive messages used by teachers, the impact they can have on students’ motivation and ultimately, their academic performance. ‘Teachers are desperately keen to motivate their students in the best possible way but may not be aware of how messages they communicate to students around the importance of performing well in exams can be interpreted in different ways,’ said educational psychology expert, Professor David Putwain. The study found that messages that used scare tactics, such as ‘if you fail the exam, you will never be able to get a good job or go to university,’ achieved fewer positive results than messages that focused on success, like ‘the exam is really important as most jobs that pay well require that you pass and if you want to go to college you will also need to pass the exam’. Students who said they felt threatened by messages that frequently focused on failure reported feeling less motivated and performed worse in their tests than students who reported that their teacher used fewer fear tactics. Stress: The study looked at different styles of pre-exam persuasive messages used by teachers, the impact they can have on students' motivation and ultimately, their academic performance. The findings come as many students face stress (illustrated) revising for their GCSEs and A Levels . ‘Both messages highlight to students the importance of effort and provide a reason for striving,’ Dr Putwain said. ‘Where these messages differ is some focus on the possibility of success while others stress the need to avoid failure’. The results of the study which are published in the American Psychological Association’s School Psychology Quarterly, come at a time of stress for many students in the UK who are preparing for GCSEs and A Levels. Researchers interviewed 347 students over an 18-month period leading up to their GCSEs and were asked questions such as: ‘How often do your teachers tell you that unless you work hard you will fail your exam?’ and ‘Do you feel worried when your teachers tell you that your exam is getting nearer?’ The questions were designed to measure how threatened the students felt and they were asked to rate each of them on a scale of one to five, where one was ‘never’ and five being ‘most of the time. Their responses were compared to the students’ final grades after 18 months. Dr Putwain said: ‘Teachers should plan what types of messages would be the most effective and how they could be incorporated into the lesson plans.’ | The study, led by Edge Hill University in .
Lancashire, looked at different styles of pre-exam persuasive messages .
used by teachers .
It found teachers who used scare tactics to motivate students ahead of exams had a negative effect on their success .
Students who were encouraged to do well performed better in GCSE exams . |
1782e4f3ca3841c80b8509520402303321cc3839 | CLICK HERE to read Martin Samuel's full match report . Brendan Rodgers' decision to field a weakened team for Liverpool's Champions League clash against Real Madrid was not the unmitigated disaster many predicted. The Reds lost by a smaller margin than their 3-0 home defeat to the reigning champions - but Karim Benzema's match winning strike still leaves Liverpool's European hopes in the balance. Sportsmail's Ian Ladyman was at the Bernabeu to pick out a few points... Karim Benzema celebrates scoring the opening goal as Liverpool's defence appeal for offside . One of the few surprises was that Cristiano Ronaldo did not get on the scoresheet . GOING CHEAP . One of the advantages of having an enormous stadium is that you can afford to offer a few tickets at more affordable prices. So it was on Tuesday night that Madrid were still selling tickets for about £30 for this game right until kick-off. Mind you, those seeing Liverpool's team sheet may have asked for their money back. Brendan Rodgers decision to field a weakened team made cut price tickets look less value for money . Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti gives Rodgers a sideways glance as managers watch from the sidelines . PENNY FOR YOUR THOUGHTS, STEVEN . In his interview with Sportsmail last week, Steven Gerrard talked dismissively of the way Jose Mourinho sent out a weakened team to try and frustrate Liverpool at Anfield towards the end of last season. 'For me, they just destroyed the game and broke it up,' said the Liverpool captain. It's hard not to wonder what he made of Brendan Rodgers' selection. Steven Gerrard's comments about facing Chelsea's second string came back to haunt him at the Bernabeu . Gerrard and Jordan Henderson (L) warm up at the Bernabeu after being left out of the starting line-up . NOT SUCH A SAFE PAIR OF HANDS . Interesting that amid all the team changes, goalkeeper Simon Mignolet kept his place. One of the more worrying aspects of Liverpool's current problems is the lack of the reliable and genuinely threatening back up goalkeeper. Another issue for Brendan Rodgers to ponder. Liverpool keeper Simon Mignolet crashes into teammate Kolo Toure as he attempts a save from Benzema . Mignolet (L) can only watch as Real Madrid teammates celebrate taking a first half lead . IFS BUTS AND MAYBES . During what was admittedly a very one-sided first half, the only occasions that Real Madrid ever looked remotely uncomfortable was when Liverpool ran at them directly. Lazar Markovic almost got through on a couple of occasions but all that did was make you wonder what may have happened had the lightening Raheem Sterling been playing. Most of Liverpool's best moves in the first-half came from the flank patrolled by Lazar Markovic . Had Liverpool decided to start with Raheem Sterling, the outcome may have been different . | Liverpool lost 1-0 to Real Madrid in their Champions League clash .
Karim Benzema scored the match winning goal with a first-half strike .
Brendan Rodgers rested players incl. Steven Gerrard and Raheem Sterling .
Simon Mignolet kept his place in goal but looked far from convincing .
Lazar Markovic was at the heart of the Reds' best moves at the Bernabeu . |
1783bea79d33d7a2235d19bc725f01752e4796db | By . Zoe Szathmary . A car crash on Thursday afternoon in Ohio killed three teenagers and injured two others. The teenagers crashed shortly after 12:30pm when their Mitsubishi went off the road, flipped and hit a tree, Sgt. Russell Pasqualetti told the Newark Advocate. Photos from the scene show the car in two pieces. The Ohio Highway Patrol says Cheyenne Spurgeon, 15, Linzie Bell, 15, and Michael Hoskinson, 17, were dead at the scene. Victims: Linzie Bell, left, and Cheyenne Spurgeon, right, were both killed in Thursday's crash . 'Just from looking at it, from the length of the skid marks and the damage to the vehicle, they were certainly going over the speed limit on this road,' Pasqualetti said. 'Certainly traveling in excess of any safe speed on this road.' Driver Jaylynn Rigio, 16, is at Children's Hospital in Columbus. His condition has not been released. Passenger Ashton Cody, 16, was reportedly hospitalized, according to local media. Three people were ejected from the car during the crash, according to ABC6OnYourSide. None of the teens wore seat belts. Killed: Michael Hoskinson, pictured, also died in the car crash . Wreckage: The five teenagers were in this silver Mitsubishi when it went off the road, flipped its side and hit a tree . Counselors and clergy were available on Thursday for students and staff with the Johnstown-Monroe Local School District, superintendent Dale Dickson said in a statement. 'The Johnstown-Monroe Local School District is saddened to learn of the tragic accident involving our students,' he said. 'Our children are among the most precious gifts we receive in life. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families and friends of these precious ones.' A candlelight vigil was also held on Thursday evening for the victims. | Cheyenne Spurgeon, 15, Linzie Bell, 15, and Michael Hoskinson, 17, were dead at the scene .
Driver Jaylynn Rigio, 16, and passenger Ashton Cody,16, were both taken to Columbus hospitals .
Three people were ejected from the car during the crash, and none of the teens wore seat belts . |
178553e5464c8537272fa666dcca40dc6e2b2569 | By . Joani Walsh . PUBLISHED: . 17:13 EST, 28 October 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 03:41 EST, 29 October 2013 . With a supermodel daughter, it is natural to assume that Valerie Campbell would be as looks-obsessed as the modelling industry. Yet when she was diagnosed with breast cancer in her right breast and underwent a mastectomy, Valerie, 61, decided against the reconstructive surgery that might have maintained her perfect figure. 'After what I’d been through, my looks weren’t important,’ says Valerie, who lives in Surrey. 'When you’re staring into the chasm between life and death, you put things into perspective and whether I was left with one arm, one eye or one breast, staying alive was what mattered. Glamorous: Naomi Campbell and mother Valerie after the latter's operation . 'I didn’t have concerns about reconstructive surgery - that’s not why I turned it down - but it was unnecessary to me; my legs are more important to how I feel about my appearance than my breasts - and it wasn’t worth the risk, or physical trauma. Besides, I’m scared of needles.’ Eight years after Valerie’s diagnosis, she has no regrets - although friends and family are still surprised by it. 'Even now Naomi rings me up and says, “Mum, why don’t you have a reconstruction?”. I think my daughter worries that’s the reason I’m on my own, that maybe I’m scared of intimacy. But it couldn’t be further from the truth. 'I can live without my breast. It hasn’t changed my character or affected my body image. I still wear low-cut tops and swimming costumes - I use prosthetics. If I’m not bothered about what my chest looks like, why should a man? If someone comes along who’s right for me, he won’t care.’ Valerie is not alone in deciding against reconstructive surgery after mastectomy. Around 17,000 women a year have a mastectomy, but only a quarter have reconstructive surgery, according to the National Mastectomy and Breast Reconstruction Audit of England and Wales published last year. The majority of reconstructions are performed at the same time as surgery to remove the cancer. Women who wait often want time to accept their diagnosis and its impact on their self-image. Mother-daughter duo (pictured in 1992): 'You don't argue with Naomi,' laughs Valerie about her daughter's insistence she be seen by a specialist in the U.S. But most breast cancer patients never have a reconstruction. 'In specialist centres that offer reconstruction routinely and have access to highly trained surgeons, only about 40 to 50 per cent of women have one,’ says Fiona MacNeill, consultant breast surgeon at the Royal Marsden Hospital, West London. Ms MacNeill says that women often find their daughters are the ones encouraging them to have reconstructions. 'The daughters are usually transferring feelings about their own self-image - they’re sure they would choose one so think it must be right for their mother,’ says Ms MacNeill. 'Women have different relationships with their breasts throughout their lives. A lot of older women, particularly mothers, see their breasts as functional and now they’ve served their purpose are less affected by their loss, while younger women are more likely to have reconstructions.’ A reconstruction is major surgery and can take three months to recover from, which also puts women off, she adds. 'Their breasts are never going to look, feel or have the same sensation as before treatment. Some patients take pride in their scars and see them as a sign of winning a battle.’ Others may see their breasts as a threat that could potentially kill them, so are not concerned about losing them. 'If I’m not bothered about what my chest . looks like, why should a man? If someone comes along who’s right for me, . he won’t care.’ 'As long as they’re fully informed about options, women tend to make the best decisions for themselves,’ adds Ms MacNeill. Therein lies a problem, as many women are not fully informed about their options, says Joe O’Donoghue, plastic surgeon and British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons member, who co-authored the audit. Lack of awareness of the options and access to specialist plastic surgeons play a significant role in the low rates of reconstructions. The audit found more than a third of women surveyed said the risks and benefits of reconstruction were never discussed. Options include an implant-based reconstruction, or a tissue reconstruction that involves skin, fat and muscle grafting. Reconstructive surgery is not risk-free - 35 five per cent of women who have implant reconstructions undergo a 'revision’ operation within five years due to problems, including capsular contracture (when tissue forms around the implant, causing hardness and pain) - or asymmetry. 'The surviving breast will naturally age, while the implant hasn’t,’ explains Mr O’Donoghue. This problem is avoided with a tissue reconstruction as the breast ages the same way as the other breast and changes size, but the surgery is longer, more complex, and leaves scars. Valerie had an advanced invasive ductal carcinoma - cancer affecting the cells lining the milk ducts. She had felt a lump while bathing and was soon referred to the Mayday Hospital in Croydon, Surrey. She was given a biopsy and then the shocking news that she had cancer, and it had spread to her lymph nodes. Like daughter, like mother: Valerie, pictured on the catwalk, joins many other women in refusing reconstructive surgery . 'My younger sister, Yvonne, who came with me to get the diagnosis, was bawling her eyes out, but it felt like the doctor was talking to someone else. All I heard was “cancer” and “advanced”.’ Delivering the news to her children Pierre, then 21 and training to be an actor in New York, and Naomi, then 35, who was working in Europe, was emotional. 'Everyone cried but me - I was shell-shocked.’ But Valerie remained positive. 'I said to Naomi: “Wherever this has come from, it’s going right back,” and she said she knew I’d be fine.’ Naomi insisted Valerie got a second opinion from a specialist in the U.S. 'You don’t argue with Naomi,’ Valerie laughs. Valerie, who by now had been referred to the Royal Marsden, immediately started chemotherapy to shrink the tumour, before doctors decided that Valerie should have a mastectomy. Valerie was also seeing specialists at the Mayo Clinic Cancer Centre in the U.S. and she opted to have the surgery - removing her breast and affected lymph nodes - there. 'Naomi arranged an apartment for me near the Mayo Clinic while I recuperated.’ Valerie stayed there for three months while undergoing radiotherapy. Back in the UK, Valerie started hormone therapy with the drug anastrozole, which stops the production of oestrogen and cuts the risk of breast cancer recurring. Valerie took anastrozole for seven years, but stopped because of the side-effects. 'It made me so puffy I couldn’t see my cheekbones, I was bloated, tired, moody, had pins and needles - you name it.’ Her regular check-ups ended after five years, and she now has the three-yearly mammograms that are offered by the NHS. 'I’ve been free of cancer so long I don’t think about it any more. Now I see and appreciate the detail in life, as if someone’s turned up the colour. I’ve found myself again and I want other women going through it to know that’s possible - with or without your breasts.’ Valerie Campbell is working on a natural skincare line with Perfect Look & Health products, which will donate 20 per cent of profits from sales of products during October to breast cancer research: lookandhealth.co.uk . | 'I can live without my breast,' says Valerie - and so can many others .
Most breast cancer patients never have a reconstruction .
This may be because it is major surgery, often taking 3 months to recover .
And it's not risk-free: over a third who have it undergo 'revision' surgery . |
1785615b9f41ceb9eaa6522f1b88b9674f265c93 | By . Joshua Gardner . A 91-year-old Pennsylvania woman who was raised an only child and even once considered becoming a nun now has an astonishing 126 direct descendents and could not be happier. Peggy Koller's decision not to join a convent led her to marry and eventually become mother to eleven children. Today, her sons and daughters, 56 grandchildren and 59 great-grand-children all say Koller is the family social director who keeps the group informed of everyone's comings and goings. Big family: Peggy Koller's decision not to join a convent led her to marry and eventually become mother to eleven children. Today, her sons and daughters, 56 grandchildren and 59 great-grand-children all say Koller is the family social director who keeps the group informed of everyone's comings and goings . 'It's a really busy life,' said Koller, who spends most every weekend at a graduation, wedding, or some other ceremony. 'I'm always at somebody's house for dinner. It's wonderful' 'It's a really busy life,' she told the New York Daily News. 'I'm always at somebody's house for dinner. It's wonderful.' Koller spends all her weekends bouncing from graduations to weddings to baptisms and other ceremonies and does whatever she can to keep from missing one of the life events. 'She’s the type of person who, even at 91, if you asked her, "Granmom, will you help me with this?’ or, ‘Can you do this?,’ she will,”' one of her granddaughters Lauren Naldzin told ABC News. On the rare day when she does't have an event to attend, Koller exercises and attributes her longevity to the healthful practice. Peggy married her husband William in 1942. They opened a funeral home in Philadelphia that two of their children still run. William died in 2008 . 'The exercising, I think, is the thing that has kept me going,' she said. 'I’ve exercised my whole lifetime.' Koller told ABC that she originally wanted have 12 children, but she missed the mark with her husband William by just one. The two started their life together when they married in 1942 before opening a funeral home in Philadelphia, Koller Funeral Home. Mr. Koller died in 2008. The funeral home is still run by one of their sons and one of their daughters. 'My husband and I always had a lot of faith in God, and I think that just helped because we figured we were doing the will of God and he would look out for us, and he did,' Koller said. 'It's like [there were] little miracles all throughout my life and big ones, too.' Busy life: Koller spends all her weekends bouncing from graduations to weddings to baptisms and other ceremonies and does whatever she can to keep from missing one of the life events . | Peggy Koller's 11 children have a total of 56 of her grandchildren, who've in turn given birth to her 59 great-grandchildren .
Koller considered joining a convent before marrying her husband with whom she started a Philadelphia funeral home in 1942 .
Her family now says the nonegenarian never misses a family event and spends most every weekend at a graduation, weddings and communions . |
17860fbacc275d931e49785836cfd6a721fdc119 | By . Hannah Roberts In Rome . Amanda Knox will never return to Italy to face justice, her grandmother has declared, and nor will any other member of the Knox family. Elisabeth Huff, Knox's maternal grandmother and closest confidante, whom she wrote to often from prison, said that her granddaughter had been 'persecuted' in Italy. Knox, and former boyfriend Raffaelle Sollecito, 29, spent four years in prison for the 2007 murder of her British flatmate Meredith Kercher, who was found with her throat slit in the cottage they shared in Perugia. Amanda Knox, pictured (left) after arriving back in the U.S. after being acquitted of the murder of British student Meredith Kercher, will never return to Italy to . face retrial , her grandmother Elisabeth Huff (right) has said . The pair were freed on appeal in 2011, but Italy's highest court this week dramatically quashed their acquittal, ordering a retrial. Knox does not need to return for the new trial, but if found guilty, Italy could demand her extradition. Mrs Huff, the first member of her . immediate family to speak out about the family's true feelings, said . that Italian prosecutors' pursuit of her granddaughter amounted to . 'harassment'. Meredith Kercher, 21, was found semi naked and with her throat cut in her bedroom of the house she shared with Knox in November 2007 . She told the Italian newspaper La Stampa: 'It's a persecution. She has already been tried twice. Why reopen it. The prosecutors want to find other guilty parties at any cost and they will never give up. That is the view of Amanda and our entire family. 'Because of this Amanda will not return to Italy for the new trial. She will never go back. No one in our family will.' Mrs Huff, who was with Knox at her mother's house when she was told of the retrial, told how her granddaughter wept. 'She was hurt, sad, in pain, Mrs Huff remembered, 'She had thought that the nightmare was finally over. 'She cried, she repeated that she was innocent. 'She said she was scared and that it was impossible to live a normal life like this.' It's difficult to move on when you are 'constantly harassed' she added. Knox's book, due out on April 30, will explain her innocence, her grandmother said. Sollecito, . who has already released a book about his experience, has registered a . company which will re-examine and solve cold cases, according to Italian . media. Couple: Amanda Knox holds hands with her boyfriend James Terrano in downtown Seattle . Knox and her then boyfriend Raffaelle Sollecito, who always professed their . innocence, were initially found guilty in 2009 and sentenced to 26 and . 25 years in prison respectively . | Elisabeth Huff told how Knox broke down and wept after learning of retrial .
She is Knox's maternal grandmother and closest confidante .
She said that her granddaughter had been 'persecuted' in Italy .
Knox spent four years in prison for the 2007 murder of Meredith Kercher .
She and then boyfriend Raffaelle Sollecito were released on appeal in 2011 .
Italy's highest court has quashed their acquittal and ordered a retrial . |
17876b0593d6315a66e6b809a996cfea9937428b | Woolly mammoths could roam Earth again, according to one eminent scientist who believes frozen DNA from newly discovered frozen mammoths could be the key to the species' resurrection. Stem cell scientist Sir Ian Wilmut who is best known for cloning the world's first mammal, Dolly the sheep, thinks modern techniques could be used to create a replica of the prehistoric animal. While he believes the ancient animal could be re-introduced to the world - an idea reminiscent of Jurassic Park - there are ethical dilemmas. Stem cell scientist Sir Ian Wilmut who is best known for cloning the world's first mammal, Dolly the sheep, thinks modern techniques could be used to create a replica of a woolly mammoth like Yuka (pictured) who is on display in Japan having been pulled from the Siberian permafrost . Sir Ian said told The Guardian: 'I've always been very sceptical about . the whole idea, but it dawned on me that if you could clear the first . hurdle of getting viable cells from mammoths, you might be able to do . something useful and interesting.' 'I think it should be done as long as we . can provide great care for the animal. If there are reasonable prospects . of them being healthy, we should do it. We can learn a lot about them.' The source of viable mammoth cells could come from a number of frozen bodies discovered in the Siberian permafrost in recent years. The source of viable mammoth cells could come from a number of frozen bodies discovered in the Siberian permafrost in recent years. Here you can see frozen tissue and blood . The giant beasts lived in the late Pleistocene period, tens of thousands of years ago. Their numbers were thought to have fallen across North America and on mainland Eurasia around 10,000 years ago, probably as a result of hunting by our ancestors as well as a changing climate. Just last month,the most complete body of a woolly mammoth was recovered and captured the science community and the general public's imagination about the possibility of seeing the giant creatures walk Russia's plains again. The baby mammoth, called Yuka, lived around 39,000 years ago and her body is currently on display in Yokohama, Japan, where visitors can see her incredibly preserved fur and tissue. The baby mammoth pictured lived around 39,000 years ago and her body is currently on display in Yokohama, Japan, where visitors can see her incredibly preserved fur and tissue . Samples from the little mammoth have been sent to laboratories in South Korea and Russian researchers hope to clone her. Interestingly, Sir Ian told the newspaper he is not terribly optimistic about the scientist's chances as there are many technical challenges. Writing for academic publication The Conversation, Sir Ian said in order to clone a mammoth, hundreds of thousands of eggs from closely related species such as the Asian Elephant and plenty of healthy mammoth cells would be required to even stand a chance of achieving the scientific feat. Mammoth cells are needed that still have their DNA intact, but they degenerate quickly as the snow and ice that has kept them preserved for so many years melts away. The study, published in the journal Proceedings of the Royal Society B, involved DNA sequencing of a large number of mammoth remains found across northern Eurasia and North America . Sir Ian wrote: 'By the time you've got a bone sticking . up in the sunshine, it's effectively too late. You need to get it . straight out of the deep freeze, as it were.' The process of cloning also requires a female - in this case probably an Asian elephant - to provide eggs and carry a baby, which would be part created using a cloned embryo, but elephants themselves are rare. Sir Ian believes it is 'inappropriate' to collect 500 eggs from the animals when they themselves are at risk of extinction. He suggests that the best way to create a woolly mammoth is to re-programme good quality cells extracted from frozen mammoths using modern stem cell techniques. Sir Ian suggests the best way to create a woolly mammoth like Yuka, whose foot is pictured, is to re-programme good quality cells extracted from frozen mammoths using modern stem cell techniques . The cells - if they exist - could be transformed into different types, including sperm and eggs, which could create a new mammoth life. The technique has already been used to give birth to mice. Sir Ian thinks it could be 50 years before the technology is developed enough to create a woolly mammoth, but at least the time frame could give scientists a chance to work out if the idea is a good one, in order to avoid a disastrous scenario reminiscent of Jurassic Park. Scientists are reportedly concerned that a 'modern' mammoth would not be able to adapt to cold conditions, when its mother lived on hot, dry plains. They also worry that the science must be developed enough to create friends for a mammoth very quickly in order to care for the animal's welfare. However, none of these concerns will matter if scientists cannot get good quality cells from bodies of frozen mammoths and while Sir Ian says the prospects of reintroducing the mammoth to the Earth is 'fairly unlikely' he thinks there is a chance. Heaps of mammoth bones found piled up at the foot of a cliff were initially thought to be the results of Neanderthals driving the creatures over the edge . | Sir Ian Wilmut said the best way to create a woolly mammoth .
is to reprogramme good quality cells extracted from frozen mammoths .
But he thinks cloning a mammoth presents many technical challenges and ethical dilemmas .
The Scottish scientist believes the best source of viable cells could come from the bodies of frozen mammoths discovered in the Siberian permafrost .
It could be 50 years before the advanced stem cell technology is available to create a woolly mammoth . |
1787cfc30c9519d20a59cee865cc5d65a8e2ff0d | (CNN Student News) -- November 12, 2013 . As the Filipino president declares a "state of national calamity," CNN Student News reports on rescue and recovery efforts following a devastating typhoon. We also discuss the Washington Monument's repair status, and we see how the U.S. and other countries paid tribute to their veterans. Plus, we hear how the U.S. military plans to outfit commandos with "Iron Man" suits. On this page you will find today's show Transcript, the Daily Curriculum, Maps pertaining to today's show, and a place for you to leave feedback. TRANSCRIPT . Click here to access the transcript of today's CNN Student News program. Please note that there may be a delay between the time when the video is available and when the transcript is published. DAILY CURRICULUM . Click here a printable version of the Daily Curriculum (PDF). Media Literacy Question of the Day: . What unique challenges do reporters face in an area struck by a natural disaster? Key Concepts: Identify or explain these subjects you heard about in today's show: . 1. "national calamity" 2. Washington Monument . 3. military technology . Fast Facts: How well were you listening to today's program? 1. Where in Washington, D.C. would you find the Washington Monument? Why was this monument closed to the public two years ago? 2. About how many veterans are there in the U.S.? What are some ways in which veterans were honored yesterday around the world? 3. How has Miami Dolphins player Richie Incognito responded to accusations of bullying? What has been said about the issue by player Jonathan Martin's lawyer? Discussion Questions: . 1. What kind of information do you think relief workers might need to help survivors of Typhoon Haiyan? What might be the challenges of getting this information? 2. What are your thoughts about recent allegations of misconduct among some Miami Dolphins players? Have your views on this story changed since more details came to light? Explain. In your view, what are some possible outcomes regarding this issue? 3. What do you think might be some of the benefits and limitations of the "Iron Man" suit ordered by the U.S. military? What modifications would you make to such a suit to give it new functions? Can you think of non-military uses for this kind of suit? Explain. CNN Student News is created by a team of journalists and educators who consider the Common Core State Standards, national standards in different subject areas, and state standards when producing the show and curriculum. We hope you use our free daily materials along with the program, and we welcome your feedback on them. MAPS . Download PDF maps related to today's show: . Asia . Philippines; Mt. Fuji, Japan . North America . Washington, D.C. FEEDBACK . We're looking for your feedback about CNN Student News. Please use this page to leave us comments about today's program, including what you think about our stories and our resources. Also, feel free to tell us how you use them in your classroom. The educators on our staff will monitor this page and may respond to your comments as well. Thank you for using CNN Student News! Click here to submit your Roll Call request. | This page includes the show Transcript, the Daily Curriculum, and Maps .
Use the Transcript to help students with reading comprehension and vocabulary .
The Daily Curriculum offers the Media Literacy Question of the Day, Key Concepts, Fast Facts and Discussion Questions .
At the bottom of the page, please share your feedback about our show and curriculum . |
17883d25a9e5a7e4aac57588544a88b5f89989bf | By . Amie Keeley . Nazi SS leader Heinrich Himmler's love letters to his wife are to be revealed for the first time . Nazi SS leader Heinrich Himmler's love letters to his wife are to be revealed for the first time. Hundreds of the notorious SS commander’s private letters, notes and photographs dating from 1927 to 1945 will be published on Sunday by Germany’s Die Welt newspaper. The architect of the Holocaust, which claimed the lives of six million Jews, met his future wife Marga, who ran a Berlin nursing home, in 1927. The trove of letters give an insight into the early days of their relationship and also document the breakdown of the marriage from 1938 onwards when Himmler had an affair with his private secretary. The documents belonged to an Israeli family and are now being stored in Tel Aviv. They are also expected to detail Himmler’s extreme anti-Semitism and give new insight into the rise and fall of the Nazi regime. They were taken by U.S. soldiers from a safe in the Himmler family home after he committed suicide while in Allied custody swallowing a cyanide pill. But it is not clear how they ended up in Israel. Die Welt said the letters had been independently verified. Michael Hollmann, president of the German Federal Archive, told The Telegraph: ‘We are sure about these documents. There is no reason to doubt the authenticity of the documents in Tel Aviv.’ According to Die Welt, the letters do not change the overall picture of the Nazi reign of terror, but they certainly add countless previously unknown details and help [give] a better idea of what type of person the SS leader was, his everyday life and his surroundings’. The letters are expected to detail the extreme anti-Semitism Himmler (pictured here with his daughter) harboured and give new insight into the rise and fall of the Nazi regime . | Collection includes letters and photographs from between 1927 and 1945 .
Letters give detailed insight into SS commander's relationship with wife .
Holocaust architect committed suicide in custody after Second World War . |
1788a6313151db07062fa10003e40b6ac5eeb663 | By . Ellie Zolfagharifard and Sarah Griffiths . PUBLISHED: . 13:18 EST, 26 September 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 13:31 EST, 26 September 2013 . Birds develop different 'accents' in their song depending on where they live, scientists said. A study of 723 male chaffinches in twelve different populations across the European mainland, the Azores and the Canaries found their notes became more unpredictable the further they moved. U.S. researchers believe that one reason, along with more mystifying ones, may be that island birds face less competition. Birds develop different 'accents' in their song depending on where they live, scientists said. A study of 723 male chaffinches in twelve different populations across the European mainland, the Azores and the Canaries found their notes became more unpredictable the further they moved . Whereas a female may be attempting to . pick out the right male among 60 other species singing all at once in . Europe, in the Azores she faces just eight others. The males are the singers and biologist Robert Lachlan, of Duke University, North Carolina, said: ‘One of the jobs the female has is to identify her own species.’ He compared the songs using a computer and discovered that the pattern of the notes, which he calls 'syllables', lost their syntax on the mid-Atlantic archipelago which the birds have colonised over half a million years. The research found the chaffinches living in Gran Canaria in the Canary Islands, still sing the same notes, but with a much less structured pattern from one bird to the next. Dr Lachlan said: ‘A chaffinch from mainland Europe always sounds like a chaffinch from mainland Europe.' But on Gran Canaria, it is much harder for a human to pick them out by hearing alone. The study, published in the journal Current Biology, found the syntax was gradually lost step-by-step matching the known dispersal of the species. U.S. researchers believe island chaffinches (pictured right next to a greenfinch) face less competition than their friends on the European mainland. Whereas a female may be attempting to pick out the right male among 60 other species singing all at once in Europe, in the Azores she faces just eight others . At the end of the island chain, it ‘is not just changing, it is disappearing,’ Dr Lachlan said. ‘It is not about changing the rules, it is about losing them.’ There are almost twice as many species on the Canary Islands as on the Azores, yet the Canary Island songs have much less structure, leading Dr Lachlan to say that 'other factors must also be involved.’ A large body of research has shown birds learn their species-specific song from their elders. The research found the chaffinches living in Gran Canaria (pictured) in the Canary Islands, still sing the same notes, but with a much less structured pattern from one bird to the next . But if cultural transmission were the only source of syntax, one would expect songs from the smaller island populations to have more than those from the mainland, Dr Lachlan said. Yet there is also a genetic component to that learning. Hundreds of genes have been identified which relate to song learning and singing. Studies show young birds have a genetic predisposition helping them pick out which songs they ought to be learning in order to develop typical songs. Dr Lachlan said: ‘It appears very likely what we measured is the result of the evolution of such genes.’ He believes one of two plausible explanations may be something called a ‘cultural trap’. ‘In small populations, like those on islands shortly after colonisation, an evolutionary interaction between culture and genetic predisposition favours individuals that can recognise and learn a wider range of songs - in this case, a wider range of syntactical patterns,’ he added. It may also be a case of ‘withdrawal of learning’. When populations are very small on the new island, young birds may find few tutors to learn from. Some would be forced to improvise, and this would introduce new songs into the at a higher rate than normal, leading to rapid change in structure. Now he has established this pattern of syntax loss across the islands, Dr Lachlan hopes to use it to investigate the causes of song learning evolution. | U.S. scientists studied 723 male chaffinches in twelve different populations across the European mainland, the Azores and the Canaries .
They found the birds' notes became more unpredictable the further they moved, perhaps because island birds face less competition .
Researchers at Duke University found the chaffinches living in Gran .
Canaria still sing the same notes, but with a .
much less structured pattern . |
1788be87f6f1749ca3e15fbd58c0219fed78a9ca | A heavily-pregnant teenage girl who has been missing since early last week is believed to be with a 24-year-old man. Lindsey Turner, 15, who disappeared on September 8 from Hialeah, Florida, is thought to be with Hailey Vallier. A statewide missing child alert had been issued but was canceled today.The Florida Department of Law Enforcement canceled the alert just before noon on Wednesday but could offer no more details to MailOnline today as to why the public announcement was no longer active. Lindsey Turner, 15, who disappeared on September 8 from Hialeah, Florida, is thought to be with 24-year-old Hailey Vallier . MailOnline was awaiting a comment today from the Hialeah Police Department. The teenager was last seen on the 1900 block of West 60th Street in the town, according to ClickOrlando before getting into a white Nissan car. Miss Turner is very close to giving birth, according to various news reports. Police believe that the pair may be in Orlando or Charlotte County. Their relationship is unclear. The pregnant teen was last seen on this stretch of road on September 8 in Hialeah, Florida. She is believed to be with a 24-year-old man in Orlando or Charlotte County . | Lindsey Turner, 15, who disappeared on September 8 from Hialeah, Florida, is thought to be with Hailey Vallier, 24 .
A statewide missing child alert had been issued but was canceled today .
Miss Turner is believed to be very close to her due date . |
178b8503097d20b217be4db4396c57e7b52ec050 | Three years of observations show that the Antarctic ice sheet is now losing 159 gigatonnes (159 billion tonnes) of ice each year - twice as much as when it was last surveyed in 2012. A team of scientists from the UK Centre for Polar Observation and Modelling, led by researchers at the University of Leeds, have produced the first complete assessment of Antarctic ice sheet elevation change. They used measurements collected by Esa's CryoSat-2 satellite mission, which carries an altimeter, an instrument to measure altitude, specially designed for this task. A survey from 2010 to 2013 by Esa's CryoSat-2 satellite shows that the Antarctic Ice Sheet is now losing 159 Gigatonnes of ice each year, enough to raise global sea levels by 0.45 millimetres per year. Colour scale ranges in this image from -1 to +1 metres (3.3 feet) per year . In sharp contrast to previous altimeter missions, CryoSat-2 surveys virtually the entire Antarctic continent, reaching to within 135 miles (215 kilometres) of the South Pole. This has enabled a fivefold increase in the sampling of coastal regions where today's ice losses are concentrated. 79.5 trillion laptops . 2.27 trillion people . 14.5 billion Hubble Space Telescopes . 381 million International Space Stations . 3.06 million Titanics . 430,000 Empire State Buildings . 397 times the world’s human population . 32 teaspoons of neutron star . 22% of the mass of carbon stored in Earth’s atmosphere . Overall, the pattern of imbalance continues to be dominated by glaciers thinning in the Amundsen Sea sector of West Antarctica. However, thanks to the improved capabilities of CryoSat-2, problem areas such as the rugged terrain of the Antarctic Peninsula can now also be surveyed. On average West Antarctica lost 134 gigatonnes of ice, East Antarctica three gigatonnes, and the Antarctic Peninsula 23 gigatonnes in each year between 2010 and 2013 - a total loss of 159 gigatonnes each year. The polar ice sheets are a major contributor to global sea level rise and, when combined, the Antarctic losses detected by CryoSat-2 are enough to raise global sea levels by 0.45 millimetres each year alone. The largest loss of ice is occurring at the West Antarctic Ice Sheet, with the Pine Island Glacier shown here. West Antarctica is losing 139 gigatonnes of the total 159 gigatonnes every year, which is double the rate of ice loss from 2005 to 2010 . In West Antarctica, ice thinning has been detected in areas that were poorly surveyed by past satellite altimeter missions. These newly-mapped areas contribute additional losses that bring altimeter observations closer to estimates based on other approaches. But the average rate of ice thinning in West Antarctica has also increased, and this sector is now losing almost one third (31%) as much ice each year than it did during the five year period (2005 to 2010) prior to CryoSat-2's launch. Lead author Dr Malcolm McMillan from the University of Leeds said: 'We find that ice losses continue to be most pronounced along the fast-flowing ice streams of the Amundsen Sea sector, with thinning rates of between 4 and 8 metres [13 to 26 feet] per year near to the grounding lines of the Pine Island, Thwaites and Smith Glaciers.' This sector of Antarctica has long been identified as the most vulnerable to changes in climate and, according to recent assessments, its glaciers may have passed a point of irreversible retreat. Launched in 2010, CryoSat carries a radar altimeter that can 'see' through clouds and in the dark, providing continuous measurements over areas like Antarctica that are prone to bad weather and long periods of darkness. The radar can measure the surface height variation of ice in fine detail, allowing scientists to record changes in its volume with unprecedented accuracy. ESA¿s Earth Explorer CryoSat-2 mission (artist¿s illustration shown) was launched on 8 April 2010 and is dedicated to precise monitoring of changes in the thickness of marine ice floating in the polar oceans and variations in the thickness of the vast ice sheets that blanket Greenland and Antarctica . Professor Andrew Shepherd, also of the University of Leeds, who led the study, added: 'Thanks to its novel instrument design and to its near-polar orbit, CryoSat allows us to survey coastal and high-latitude regions of Antarctica that were beyond the capability of past altimeter missions, and it seems that these regions are crucial for determining the overall imbalance. 'Although we are fortunate to now have, in CryoSat-2, a routine capability to monitor the polar ice sheets, the increased thinning we have detected in West Antarctica is a worrying development. 'It adds concrete evidence that dramatic changes are underway in this part of our planet, which has enough ice to raise global sea levels by more than a metre [3.3 feet]. 'The challenge is to use this evidence to test and improve the predictive skill of climate models.' And Professor David Vaughan of the British Antarctic Survey said: 'The increasing contribution of Antarctica to sea-level rise is a global issue, and we need to use every technique available to understand where and how much ice is being lost. 'Through some very clever technical improvements, McMillan and his colleagues have produced the best maps of Antarctic ice-loss we have ever had. 'Prediction of the rate of future global sea-level rise must begin with a thorough understanding of current changes in the ice sheets - this study puts us exactly where we need to be.' And finally Dr Ian Joughin at the University of Washington, author of a recent study simulating future Antarctic ice sheet losses, concluded: 'This study does a nice job of revealing the strong thinning along the Amundsen Coast, which is consistent with theory and models indicating this region is in the early stages of collapse.' | Esa's CryoSat-2 mission has provided new data on the Antarctic ice sheet .
It surveyed the region from 2010 to 2013 and found losses had doubled .
In total the ice sheet is losing 159 gigatonnes (159 billion tonnes) each year .
That is twice the rate of ice loss found in the last survey from 2005 to 2010 .
And just this loss alone will raise sea levels by half a millimetre a year .
But sea levels will rise much more when other factors are considered . |
178c63564492d48513080edfe444097de5537400 | (CNN) -- Terrilynn Monette had no problem uprooting her life to help children. When the California native learned of the "teachNOLA" program, which sends educators to New Orleans to teach in impoverished areas, she packed her bags and headed to Louisiana. "I always wanted to be a teacher, and what better place to teach than New Orleans, where passionate teachers are needed most?" she said in a 2011 video. Her dedication and excellence in the classroom earned her a "Teacher of the Year" nomination in her district. But after a night celebrating the accolade with friends, the 26-year-old vanished. That was almost two weeks ago. With each passing day, her family's anxiety compounds. "There's total emptiness in my life right now. I miss my daughter so, so much, no one can hardly believe the impact that she has had on our family," said Monette's mother, Toni Enclade. "She's a beautiful person. She walks in the room, she lights up with her beautiful smile. I can't imagine anyone that would take her away from us." Hundreds of volunteers and police have scoured New Orleans, but are no closer to finding Monette. She left no clues behind. A night of celebration . New Orleans police said she was last seen on March 2 at Parlay's, a bar in the Lakeview area of the city. One of the bartenders working that night had to "cut off" Monette, indicating the bartender felt she had had too much to drink and should no longer be served, bar manager Anna Boudousque said. Monette told her friends she was going to sleep in her car before driving home because she had been drinking, police said. She was seen about 4 a.m. talking to an unidentified man in the parking lot, police said. Authorities said that man has been interviewed and is not considered a suspect in the disappearance. Jefferson Parish sheriff's deputies even used magnets and grappling hooks to search a local bayou between the bar and Monette's home, but found no sign of her missing 2012 black Honda Accord. On Wednesday, search workers found a vehicle in the waters of Bayou St. John, but it was determined not to be Monette's car, police said. The vehicle was discovered by Equusearch, an independent search and rescue team out of Texas that has volunteered to help police comb the lagoons and waterways of New Orleans City Park. It discovered the car using a small sonar device attached to a boat that swept the waterway. Police then sent divers down to examine the vehicle, and confirmed it did not belong to Monette. Equusearch found additional vehicles, the group said Thursday, but none fit the description of Monette's car. Enclade said she believes someone has taken her daughter -- a new aunt -- against her will. "Terrilynn was supposed to be the baby's godmother, and I know she wouldn't have just left on her own like that," she said. A star teacher . In her first year of teaching second grade at Woodland West Elementary School, Monette turned one of the lowest-performing classes into one of the highest achieving. "She is wonderful, she is vibrant. She is determined. She holds her students to the highest of expectations," Principal Amy Hoyle said. "She is very loving with her students. They are a family." Enclade said she and her daughter usually speak every day, and it's extremely uncharacteristic for Monette to drop out of sight. Friends and family have erected a billboard in downtown New Orleans seeking help in finding Monette. They also created a Facebook page. "It hurts," Monette's aunt, Sheryl Bennett, told CNN affiliate WDSU. "There's a lot of danger out here." But in her 2011 video, Monette said she had no qualms about starting her teaching career in New Orleans. "I absolutely do not regret my decision to move out here. Becoming a teacher in New Orleans is one of the best decisions I've ever made in my entire life." CNN's Nick Valencia, Tristan Smith and Michael Pearson contributed to this report. | NEW: Workers find additional vehicles, but none is the teacher's missing Honda Accord .
Terrilynn Monette was last seen on March 2 at a bar in New Orleans' Lakeview area .
Monette was out celebrating her "Teacher of the Year" nomination when she vanished .
Principal: Monette turned a low-performing class into one of the highest achieving . |
178d5eb86a7906eae76cae3808c44301d143b47a | Statins should be given to all over-50s, regardless of their health history, because they dramatically cut the risk of heart attacks and strokes in later life, one of the UK's leading experts has said. Currently statins are given only to high-risk patients, around eight million people, who have high cholesterol or have a risk of heart disease. But there is 'clear evidence' that healthy people can also benefit based on their age alone, says Professor Sir Rory Collins. Statins are taken each day by eight million adults in the UK but there is 'clear evidence' that healthy people can also benefit, it is claimed (posed by model) He led the world's largest study to investigate statins in the prevention of cardiovascular disease which proved that cutting levels of 'bad' LDL cholesterol in the blood saved lives. The risk of having a major vascular event such as a heart attack is cut by one-fifth for each 1.0mmol/L (millimoles per litre) fall in LDL, whether in high or low risk patients. But current guidelines on their use - and misguided safety fears about muscle pain and memory loss - are restricting the range of people who can take them, he said. 'At 50 you should be considering it and whether you should be taking them at an earlier age is an open question' he said. 'If you start treatment earlier and continue for longer the benefits will be much greater, you're not trying to unfur the arteries, you're preventing them from furring in the first place' he said. Prof Collins, who was giving a keynote lecture at the European Cardiology Congress in Munich, said evidence from 130,000 patients taking statins in trials show they are safe. Professor Sir Rory Collins says statins should be given to all over-50s, regardless of their health history . Yet drug safety watchdogs here and in the US have insisted on flagging up relatively minor side effects which are putting patients off the drugs, he said. These include memory loss, depression, sexual difficulties and depression, while recent research suggests cataracts and diabetes may be more common in patients taking statins. Trial data shows only one significant side effect, myopathy or muscle pain, which affects one in 10,000 patients, said Prof Collins. He said: 'We need to look properly at the safety of statins. The reality is that these drugs are remarkably safe, but the problem is that high risk patients are getting the message that these drugs have side effects.' Prof Collins, 57, went to his GP a fortnight ago to ask about taking statins despite a relatively low cholesterol level, and was dismayed to learn she could not get high risk patients to take them because of fears about side effects. Research earlier this year co-ordinated by the Clinical Trial Service Unit Oxford University, where Prof Collins is co-director, reviewed findings from 27 statin trials involving 175,000 people, some of whom were at low risk of heart problems. The drugs cut the risk of heart attacks, strokes and operations to unblock arteries by one third or more. The benefits were gained no matter what level of cholesterol patients started out with. Healthier people who were given statins also had lower overall death rates than those who were given a placebo. It concluded the positives greatly exceeded any side-effects from taking the drugs. More than eight million adults are already taking statins, but it is estimated that routine use by the over 50s would lead to 10,000 fewer heart attacks and strokes a year, including 2,000 fewer deaths in the UK. The small cost of the drugs - as low as £16 a year - would be outweighed by NHS savings due to the reduced number of heart attacks and strokes. At present, statins are restricted to those with at least a 20 per cent risk of having a heart attack or stroke over the next five years. But, said Prof Collins, trial data shows very low risk groups can benefit where individuals have just a five to 10 per cent chance of heart disease, and even lower. He said there did not appear to be a threshold at which the drugs didn't work and the longer they were taken, the greater the benefit. 'We need to review the guidelines and the current thresholds should go,' said Prof Collins, who claimed medical tests such as liver function were also unnecessary. Professor Peter Weissberg, medical director of the British Heart Foundation, said: 'The issue is where do you set the threshold between low, normal and high risk. 'The current arbitrary threshold was decided by cost but now statins are off patent (and much cheaper) it may be appropriate to see if there are benefits for more people - the threshold is a bit too high,' he added. | Currently statins only given to around eight million high-risk patients .
But Professor Sir Rory Collins says healthy people can also benefit .
He said evidence from 130,000 patients taking statins shows they're safe . |
178e8f0140388c08989074adce23e954d09c62c7 | By . Damien Gayle . Charged: Oelwein mayor Joseph Manus, who was arrested yesterday by sheriff's deputies after a month-long investigation into alleged sexual abuse . The mayor of a Midwest town is facing a potential 125 years in prison after he was charged with the alleged sexual abuse of two young girls. Sheriff's deputies swooped on the home of Joseph Manus, mayor of Oelwein, Iowa, acting on warrants charging him with five counts of second-degree sexual abuse. The 36-year-old is accused of abusing a 14-year-old girl four times and a nine-year-old girl once between July and August 2010. Each count carries up to 25 years in prison. The investigation was not initiated by the city's own police department, according to reports. Manus was arrested by deputies from Fayette County Sheriff’s Office. A statement from the sheriff's office said some charges could not be filed because of Iowa's statute of limitations on sexual offences. Oelwein is a small , mainly white city of just more than 6,400 people in north-east Iowa. A former 'railroad town', its population has been in slow, steady decline since the 1980s when most railroad tracks around it were abandoned. City officials told the Waterloo Cedar Falls Courier they didn't know the specifics of the investigation, but they pointed out the incidents were alleged to have happended before Manus became mayor. 'The Oelwein City Council, administration would like to express our deepest concerns for those involved in today’s development,' said City Administrator Jamie Letzring in the statement. During an initial court appearance, Manus was ordered held on a $125,000 bond. He said he anticipated retaining attorney Craig Ament, who didn't immediately return a message left by the Associated Press. After moving to the town only six years ago, Manus narrowly defeated the incumbent mayor, Larry Murphy, in November 2013 and took office in January after the tally was upheld by a recount. Mr Murphy told the WCF Courier: 'If it’s true, it’s sad for the community. 'Obvious, it was a close election, and I think the people of the community were ready for a change. But I think there’s always a risk voting for someone who, I would say, most of the community didn't know very well.' Local people were shocked to hear of the accusations. Sarah Lewis, who has lived in Oelwein for 12 years, told CBS2 Iowa: 'Obviously it strikes harder than it would in a bigger town. 'It's a very unfortunate thing but it's things like this that brings the community together.' Pedro Velez, another local, worried that the allegations might 'tear this town apart'. 'There are gonna be people who say he couldn't have done it. There are others that are gonna say hang him, get rid of him,' he told CBS2. Sheriff Marty Fisher said his office launched the investigation a month ago after receiving information from the Iowa Department of Human Services. | Joseph Manus charged with five counts of sexual abusing two girls in 2010 .
One alleged victim was 14 years old and the other aged just nine at the time .
He became the mayor of the north-east Iowa city of Oelwein in 2013 .
Now he is in jail on a $125,000 bond . |
17907d8ecb37a54be8e30138c71d4e785518dfa4 | (CNN) -- Three Americans and a Panamanian died when their plane crashed during a mission to monitor drug trafficking in northern Colombia Sunday, U.S. officials said. Two Americans survived the crash near the city of Capurgana, Colombia, and were rescued by Colombian military forces, according to a statement from the U.S. military's Southern Command. The survivors were taken to a hospital in Bogota, it said. "There is no indication the plane was shot down," the U.S. military's statement said. Communications with the DH-8 aircraft, which was contracted by the U.S. government, was lost over the western Caribbean Sea near Panama's border with Colombia, the statement said. The news release did not identify the Americans or reveal what organization they were working for. The Panamanian who died was a member of Panama's Air National Guard, it said. The plane's mission was to "provide detection and monitoring of drug trafficking routes in the coastal region of Central America as part of Operation Martillo," it said. "We express our sympathies to the families of the deceased, and are particularly saddened by the loss of a Panamanian Air National Guardsman," said Gen. John Kelly, commander of the U.S. Southern Command.  "We also want to thank the Colombians for their outstanding rescue and recovery efforts." More than $1 million tossed from a plane in Bolivia . | Two Americans who survived the crash were rescued by Colombian military forces .
Officials did not identify the Americans or what organization they worked for .
"There is no indication the plane was shot down," the U.S. military said .
The mission was to detect and monitor of drug trafficking routes in Central America . |
1790a3942bcd6763bf8f7b8b029ea9995cb94a6a | (CNN) -- The family of New York bus monitor Karen Klein -- who has gained sympathy worldwide after a video of seventh-graders brutally taunting her while on the job went viral this week -- is asking for the harassment of the children to stop. "Between all of us, we don't feel that's right by any means," Klein's daughter, Amanda Romig, told CNN on Friday. "We would like people to stop harassing the family and the kids. That's another form of bullying." The video recorded by a fellow student sparked a storm of criticism against the boys, who attend middle school in the Rochester suburb of Greece. The father of 13-year-old Wesley, one of the four boys involved in the incident, told CNN his son is "pretty depressed" and "somewhat in shock" by the level of attention the video has received and the vitriol directed at the students. "I think the lesson's learned," he told Anderson Cooper. "This whole thing that we've been through is going to scar our family for life. This is life-changing. ... I don't see this ever happening again." The family has received "numerous death threats," the father said, as well as people coming to their house and banging on the door after their phone number and address were posted on the Internet. "It's gotten to the point where we don't want to leave the house," he said, describing the atmosphere as "very tense." Greece police Capt. Steve Chatterton also called for the harassment to stop, even while acknowledging that police, too, "felt everyone's pain" in watching the video. "There's not going to be a whole lot of remorse for the children," he said Thursday. "And people aren't going to feel real sorry for them. But they've received death threats. We've received 911 calls to their home saying someone was holding them hostage. That's not funny, that's a crime, that's a form of bullying." Meanwhile, Klein continues to adjust to the attention and emotions spurred by the video's posting. Supporters worldwide have donated more than $575,000 online so far through the international crowd-funding site, Indiegogo.com. The site launched the effort to send Klein on vacation after the video surfaced. And Southwest Airlines announced this week that it would send her and nine others on an all-expense-paid trip to Disneyland. Klein told CNN she's thinking about quitting her job and doing volunteer work after some supporters suggested the donations were enough for retirement. "I thought, 'That's not a bad idea!' " she said. She's also weighing donating some of the money to organizations benefiting autism and Down syndrome causes, said Romig, her daughter. Klein wants to raise awareness because of family members with autism and Down syndrome, who might also be victims of bullying, Romig said. As for her own bullies, Wesley's father visited her on Thursday to express his apologies and his mother wrote a note "to say how sorry she was and how sick it made her to see that her son was involved in this," according to Romig. "I think he was sincere," Klein said of the father's visit, but expressed doubt over the apologies she's gotten so far from some of the boys. "I don't really think they're sorry. Sorry they got caught, yes, that would be more like it." Klein said one boy wanted to come to her home to speak with her, "But I said no, because I wasn't ready to look at his face." But she added that may change after she's able to get away on the trip provided by Southwest: She's taking her two daughters and six grandchildren to Disneyland. CNN's Maggie Leung and David Puente contributed to this report. | "That's another form of bullying," Karen Klein's daughter says of threats made against kids .
The father of one boy says his son is "depressed" and "in shock"
Karen Klein is weighing whether to return to her job .
Donations have poured in since video of the bullying went viral . |
1790a4e2ac86dfabc8ecf8a751c9ba9cd03af43c | A 10-year-old boy was among at least 13 casualties of a US-led raid late Friday that ended with the death of an American photojournalist held captive by al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula. Special operations commandos sent to rescue Luke Somers, 33, in the village of Dafaar in Yemen became bogged down in a firefight and were unable to reach him before he was shot and killed by his captors. Another hostage, South African teacher Pierre Korkie, 56, was also executed by captors in the midst of the raid, US officials said. Failed rescue: Special forces sent to rescue Luke Somers, 33, in the village of Dafaar in Yemen became bogged down in a firefight and were unable to reach him before he was shot and killed by his captors . The list of casualties included a woman, an AQAP commander and two militants, as well as six members from their tribe, according to other militants' social media feeds. The commander, Jamal Mubarak al-Hardal-Daghari al-Awlaki, appeared to be the same person as Mubarakal-Harad, named in a Yemen Defence Ministry statement on Saturday as the leader of an AQAP faction. Several of those killed were reported to be from the Daghari and Awlaki families, important tribes in Shabwa . province. The hostages were . being held in the house of a man named Saeed al-Daghari, according to a statement from the Yemeni government on Saturday. SEAL officers came as close as 100 yards from the building where the hostages were being held, before becoming embroiled in a firefight with AQAP militants. As special forces fought off the attack, kidnappers in the home where the two hostages were being held shot and killed them, according a local identifying himself as Jamal. Killed: South African teacher Pierre Korkie, 56, was also executed by his captors, adding to the list of at least 13 killed during the raid . Held hostage: Somers had been held by extremist militants since September 2013 and pleaded for his life in a video released by his captors . Kidnapped: Somers was taken from Sana'a, Yemen's capital, and brought to Dafaar, a village in the Shabwa province to the south . Ministry of Defense: Yemen's government and local residents said Yemeni forces participated in the raid, though US officials claim the raid was carried out by American forces alone . US officials have said the raid was carried out by U.S. forces alone, but both . Yemen's government and local residents said Yemeni forces participated in the raid, though US officials claim the raid was carried out by American forces alone. 'Before the gunshots were heard, very strong floodlights . turned the night into daylight, and then we heard loud . explosions,' Jamal told Reuters. 'The soldiers were calling on . the house's inhabitants to surrender and the speaker was clearly . a Yemeni soldier,' he added. Another witness, named Abdullah, said the Yemeni army had . blocked access to the Wadi from all directions before the raid . began. 'When the forces withdrew, we found lots of bloodstains, but . did not know if those were of the soldiers or the hostages,' Abdullah said. For the South African Korkie, the raid came just before his expected release on Sunday, according to the Gift of the Givers relief group, which had negotiated for his freedom. The South African government said it had undertaken 'numerous initiatives' to help free Korkie. His body was expected in South Africa on Monday. Yemeni journalist Abdel-Razaq al-Jamal said AQAP may have originally intended to ransom Somers as well, but was likely angered by the earlier rescue attempt in November. US Secretary of State John Kerry said the second operation had only been approved . because of information that the American's life was in imminent . danger. AQAP, formed in 2006 by the merger of the Yemeni and Saudi . branches of the network, has for years been seen by Washington . as one of the movement's most dangerous branches. At least one British hostage and a Turkish man are currently being held by the group. | Navy SEALs sent to rescue Luke Somers, 33, were unable to reach him before he was executed by his captors .
South African hostage Pierre Korkie, 56, was also shot and killed a day before his expected release .
During fighting between Navy SEALs and al-Qaeda fighters, a woman and a 10-year-old boy were killed .
An al-Qaeda commander and two confirmed militants were also killed . |
1790c332e76389e40a18e47c7b33c88bd5c77fd4 | Contact lens wearers are risking their sight by shunning opticians and buying directly over the internet, eye experts are warning. They might be saving themselves a few pounds, but in ‘cutting corners’ they are also said to be putting themselves at risk of a dangerous eye infection. Foreign websites that sell lenses without asking to see evidence of a prescription are believed to be largely to blame for the problem. Scroll down for video . Experts fear that people are buying contact lenses online so they can avoid paying for a prescription (file pic) Cases of eye infection with a type of amoeba called Acanthamoeba – which can irreparably damage the corneas – have doubled since 2010, said Professor John Dart, of Moorfields Eye Hospital in London. He said the trend towards internet purchasing had contributed to the rise, because people do not undergo ‘vital’ eye checks so frequently. These are essential for spotting early signs of infection and to make sure people know about contact lens hygiene, explained Prof Dart. He said: ‘People will want to save money. So a student or a young person may try to cut corners to save money. They will get their eyes tested for lenses in the high street, but then get new supplies of lenses on the net. ‘They will decide to save money by avoiding contact lens checks. But these checks are vital, not just to see if the prescription needs changing, but to check eye health. 'You are putting a foreign object in your eye, and it is important your eyes are checked to make sure your contact lenses aren’t harming your eyes.’ Infection: Student Saira Hussain, 21, damaged her sight through poor contact lens care . Infection starts when contact lenses are exposed to the amoeba because, for example, the wearer stores them in water rather than sterile saline solution, or has worn them in the shower. If spotted early it can be treated with drugs, but if left untreated the infection can badly scar the eye. In a third of cases the cornea is so badly scarred it needs to be taken out and replaced with a donor one. Prof Dart has seen a seven-fold increase in cases of the infection – officially called Acanthamoeba Keratitis – at his Moorfields clinic since 2010, up from 11 a year to about 80. Nationwide, the number of known cases has risen from around 100 to more than 200 a year, although Prof Dart believes that is just a fraction of the true number, as many people fail to seek treatment. Optometrist Dr Nigel Best, from Specsavers, said the real threat came from ordering lenses online from foreign-based websites, rather than UK-based firms which required a prescription. He explained: ‘Once the prescription expires, you cannot re-order online from a reputable UK website, so you have to go back for a test. ‘However, there are an awful lot of foreign websites [selling to UK customers] and these don’t require a prescription. Because they are based outside the UK, the General Optical Council is powerless to act.’ Art student Saira Hussain, 21, from Southend, Essex, developed the infection in her first year at university. ‘I used to do things that put you at risk like wearing throwaway daily contact lenses more than once and sleeping in them if I stayed over at a party. And I showered in them, but I didn’t know I was doing anything wrong,’ she said. ‘I developed a sore red eye and blurry vision and after a number of weeks ended up as an inpatient at Moorfields. My vision in one eye has been damaged. My other eye compensates, but it has been a shock.’ Other risky contact lens behaviour includes licking lenses to moisten them if they fall out, swimming in them, touching them with dirty hands, reusing solution, and even making a ‘DIY’ solution from tap water and salt. | People are buying lenses online to avoid having to pay for a prescription .
But in doing so hundreds of people miss out on 'vital' eye checks .
Experts believe this puts people at risk of infections that can damage eyes .
Number of cornea-damaging Acanthamoeba cases has doubled since 2010 .
In a third of cases a part of the eye has to be taken out and replaced . |
1790ddbb48f0f558f37c2c318cc39889c6d722a8 | By . Helen Lawson . PUBLISHED: . 07:49 EST, 20 June 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 12:21 EST, 20 June 2013 . Injured friends of a student nurse who died in a minibus crash as they all travelled to a hen party joined hundreds of other mourners for her funeral today. Beth Jones, 18, died in the collision between the bus and a lorry on the M62 near Pontefract in West Yorkshire in April. Today, many of Miss Jones's friends who were injured in the crash were in tears as they waited for the cortege to arrive outside St Joseph's Church, in South Elmsall, West Yorkshire. Scroll down for video . Some of the other hen party victims of the M62 crash attended Beth Jones's funeral today in their wheelchairs . Student nurse Beth Jones, 18, was killed in the collision between the hen party's minibus and a lorry in April . Ryan Jones acted as the lead pall bearer to carry his sister's coffin today . Miss Jones's parents, Diane and Paul, led the mourners along with her boyfriend, Nathan Hurcomb. Diane Jones was also injured in the crash and she walked into the church with the aid of crutches. Miss Jones's sister, Amy, was in a wheelchair. Bride-to-be Stefanie Firth, 24, walked into the church still wearing a neck brace, supported by her fiance Gary Leafe. The pair had been due to get married in the fortnight after the crash, but have postponed their wedding. Mr Leafe's mother Lesley was also seriously injured in the crash. The women were travelling from South Elmsall, between Doncaster and Wakefield, for the hen night in Liverpool. Twenty women on the bus were hurt, eight of them seriously. Ryan Jones wore a pink tie for his sister's funeral in South Elmsall today . Beth's parents Paul and Diane Jones left the funeral accompanied by her boyfriend Nathan Hurcomb . Nathan Hurcomb, also wearing a pink tie in tribute, wept as he left his girlfriend's funeral today . Miss Jones's brother Ryan and boyfriend Nathan Hurcomb helped carry the white coffin into the church. Ryan Jones led tributes to his sister during the 90-minute service. Reading a message from their sister, Amy, he said: 'My beautiful baby sister. 'I can't begin the explain, that I had the most amazing sister in the whole wide world, my best friend forever. 'I will never forget you. We were the same on the inside and out. Love you always, your big sister.' And reading a message from their father, he said: 'My little girl - not just beautiful on the outside but stunning on the inside.' He added: 'Beth could light up any room with her smile and warmth. A true diamond. 'Forever in my heart and thoughts, love Dad.' Bride-to-be Stefanie Firth attended the funeral wearing a neck brace and walking on crutches, accompanied by her fiance Gary Leafe, whose mother Lesley also suffered critical injuries in the crash . An order of service is shown in the hands of a mourner during the funeral of Beth Jones . Miss Jones's cousin, Becca Thompson, told the packed church her friend was a 'fun, caring, happy-go-lucky girl who would always wear a smile to brighten up any day'. She said Miss Jones was the 'big sister I never had - my best friend'. The service was relayed by speakers to mourners who gathered outside the packed church. Many of those waiting were wearing pink clothes and sporting pink flowers. A choir from St Wilfrid's Catholic High School, where Miss Jones studied, sang Purify My Heart, I'm Giving You My Heart and I Watch The Sunrise. The service ended with the hymn All Things Bright and Beautiful and was followed by a private cremation nearby. Crash survivors Ashley Warner, left, and Beth's sister Amy, right, attended the service in their wheelchairs as they continue to recover from the April crash . Injured friends of Beth Jones attended her funeral today in their wheelchairs following a minibus crash on the M62 in April . Miss Jones, who would have celebrated her 19th birthday last Monday, was in the first year of a nursing course at Leeds University. She died in the crash that happened close to one of the off-slips of junction 32 of the motorway. The lorry involved was travelling in the same direction. Firefighters who attended the battered minibus said the scene was one of the worst they had ever seen. In a statement after the crash, Miss . Jones' family said: 'Beth was a fun and bubbly girl who was caring and . considerate to everyone she met. 'She was the apple of her grandad's eye and she will never be forgotten and sadly missed by everyone.' The family has asked for donations to Beth's Angels, a fund to raise money for those affected by the crash, which has already raised £12,000. Many of the mourners, including Beth's sister Amy, wore pink and carried pink flowers in tribute . Ashley Warner was one of the hen party members who arrived at the church in a wheelchair today . St Joseph's Church in South Elmsall was packed for today's service, which was followed by a private cremation . The fund was set up by her cousin Mark Larkin, the landlord of the Barnsley Oak pub, where Miss Jones worked. He said: 'I knew a lot of people had started raising money for the air ambulance after the crash but I thought we needed to do something for the girls who are going to be out of work for a long time while they recover. 'Also, we wanted to support Beth's family while they look after her older sister Amy, who was also injured and was the last one to leave hospital.' The driver of the minibus, Jimmy Johnson, 62, from Bradford, was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving last week. He was bailed pending further inquiries. Lorry driver Kevin Ollerhead, 43, was arrested and bailed following the crash. Another crash victim, Sarah Johnson, was pictured being wheeled into church today . The crash that killed Beth Jones happened on the M62 in West Yorkshire between junctions 32 and 32A as a hen party for bride-to-be Stefanie Firth made its way to Liverpool . | Funeral of Beth Jones, 18, was held today in South Elmsall, West Yorkshire .
Mourners wore pink and carried pink flowers for the church service .
Six hen party friends arrived in wheelchairs while others were on crutches .
Ryan Jones acted as the lead pallbearer for his sister's white coffin . |
17910cca7dcedfe47f75978e5e29f9b10dcaf793 | By . Bianca London . PUBLISHED: . 10:05 EST, 3 February 2014 . | . UPDATED: . 10:30 EST, 3 February 2014 . She may be better known as the daughter of a rock star with a penchant for parties but Georgia May Jagger shows off a more innocent side in her latest campaign. The 22-year-old has been unveiled as the new face of jewellery brand Thomas Sabo and has been given a feminine, floral makeover for their SS14 campaign. Shot by fashion photographer Ellen von Unwerth, the campaign is centred around the new range, which the luxury brand say symbolises 'inner balance and peace'. New face: Georgia May Jagger has just been unveiled as the face of jewellery brand Thomas Sabo's SS14 campaign . Georgia May is the ultimate boho chick in floaty kaftans, draping beads and natural make-up. Georgia May takes over the reigns from Poppy Delevingne, her close friend and the sister of her housemate, Cara. Boho babe: Georgia May pulls off the feminine look in a floaty kaftan and the brand's latest bead offering . Playful: Georgia May, who celebrated her 22nd birthday last month, bites on her finger as she showcases the latest range . The British model is also one of the . faces of Rimmel London, and has starred in fashion campaigns for Hudson . Jeans, Chanel, H&M, Miu Miu, Versace and Vivienne Westwood. For . H&M, Georgia posed with her mother Jerry Hall, who at her age had . already appeared on the front cover of 40 magazines. Not that Georgia hasn't carved out a . name for herself out of the shadows of her top model mother and Rolling . Stones father Mick Jagger. She also landed another fashion campaign for Italian brand Sisley with her rocker boyfriend Josh McLennan. Sir Mick Jagger’s daughter celebrated her 22nd birthday last month with model pals Cara Delevingne, . Tyra Banks and Suki Waterhouse at The Palms Casino Hotel. Face of 2014: This year looks set to be big for the model, who already has also recently modelled for Rimmel and Sisley . Good genes: Georgia with her supermodel mother, Jerry Hall, left, and, right, walking the catwalk for Marc Jacobs . | Model, 22, unveiled as face of SS14 campaign .
Is the ultimate boho babe in florals .
Shot by fashion photographer Ellen Von Unwerth .
Last month celebrated 22nd birthday with Cara Delevingne in Las Vegas . |
17917f01580ba1706ccb903a33e8544ade6776c7 | A set of Interactive maps have revealed how the world’s emissions have dramatically changed over the last 160 years. The fascinating tools reveal how developed nations began to produce huge amounts of carbon dioxide after the Industrial Revolution. And they also reveal how China is quickly becoming the world’s biggest emitter. Use the interactive map below to see emissions over the last 160 years . The maps were created by the World Resources Institute in Washington DC. In the first map the carbon dioxide emissions of nations across the world from 1850 to 2011 are shown . And in a second, the per capita emissions of each nation across the same time period are detailed. World - 45.914 billion tons . 1. China - 10.26 billion tons . 2. US - 6.135 billion tons . 3. EU - 4.263 billion tons . 4. India - 2.358 billion tons . 5. Russian Federation - 2.217 billion tons . 6. Indonesia - 2.053 billion tons . 7. Brazil - 1.419 billion tons . 8. Japan - 1.17 billion tons . 9. Canada - 847 million tons . 10. Germany - 806 million tons . The WRI says the total carbon dioxide emissions for the world are nearly 46 billion tons. The largest emitter is China at more than 10.26 billion tons, while the US comes in second at 6.135 billion tons. The maps were created using the WRI’s Cait 2.0 data, which compiles global emissions data. This uses climate data from research centres, government agencies and international bodies to measure the emissions of six major greenhouse gases from 1990 to 2011. Carbon dioxide emissions, meanwhile, stretch back to 1850 in 185 countries. For more than 100 years since the industrial revolution emissions were dominated by the West, but over the last few decades Asia’s emissions have rapidly caught up. In 2005 China became the world’s largest emitter while several Western countries including the US and UK stabilised their carbon emissions - albeit at a high level. In the first map the carbon dioxide emissions for each nation are shown, while this second interactive map shows global emissions per capita . The largest emitter is China at more than 10.26 billion tons, while the US comes in second at 6.135 billion tons . | The World Resources Institute in Washington DC has mapped the emission of carbon dioxide around the world from 1850 to 2011 .
The West dominated emissions for a century after the industrial revolution .
But now Asia - especially China - has caught up and is usurping other developed nations as the biggest emitter .
In the first map the carbon dioxide emissions for each nation are shown .
A second interactive map shows global emissions per capita . |
1792f66ff1d5f4f9f1f5b7d4f5380b5b9e7fd910 | The final few days of April last year were the worst of Sam Bell-Minogue’s life. Her one-year-old daughter, Poppy, was seriously ill in hospital with a mystery condition that gave her seizures and made her scream out in pain. ‘She couldn’t sit up or lift her head,’ says Sam, 30. Scroll down for video . Poppy was diagnosed with Maple Syrup Urine Disease (MSUD) at the age of one after suffering seizures and screaming out in pain (pictured at around three weeks with mother Sam Bell-Minogue) ‘All of her muscle strength had gone and she couldn’t move her arms.’ Sam, an assistant sports director, had rushed Poppy to the Royal Derby Hospital after she suddenly took a turn for the worse following a week-long chest infection. Tests over a week at the hospital brought bad news. Although doctors couldn’t identify the cause, an MRI scan showed that Poppy had brain damage. Other tests, including a heart ECG and blood tests, indicated her organs were starting to fail. Sam and her husband Eugene, 34, a sports development manager, were warned that their daughter could die within a couple of months. ‘Apart from some physiotherapy, the doctors said there were no potential treatments,’ says Sam, who lives with Eugene, their four-year-old son Charlie and Eugene’s daughter Molly, eight, as well as Poppy, in Ilkeston, Derbyshire. Poppy in hospital in late April this year, taken with her grandmother Linda Bell . ‘We took her home and tried to come to terms with it. Losing a child — that’s the worst thing you can hear as a parent.’ Eugene adds: ‘We were talking about things like funerals. It was devastating.’ But a phone call a few weeks later brought some hope. Poppy had tested positive for Maple Syrup Urine Disease (MSUD) — a rare genetic condition that affects approximately one in 100,000 babies. It is so-called because it can cause urine to have a syrupy smell. She’d had the blood test for MSUD after a doctor at the Royal Derby was advised to test her by a neurologist, who recognised that trouble sitting up was a symptom of the disorder. Another MRI scan and genetic tests confirmed the diagnosis. It meant doctors could now treat Poppy. ‘She was still very poorly, but there was a chance of keeping her, so this diagnosis brought some relief,’ says Sam. MSUD causes problems digesting certain amino acids — the building blocks of protein. These can build up to a toxic level, severely affecting the baby’s brain and muscle function. This can lead to problems sitting up and moving limbs, as the build-up interferes with signals from the brain to muscles in the arms and legs. The digestive system can also be affected, leading to poor feeding and vomiting. Untreated, the build-up can lead to coma and permanent brain damage. But if MSUD is diagnosed early, babies can be treated with a low-protein diet and go on to live a normal life. Starting this week, MSUD is being added to the NHS Newborn Blood Spot Screening Programme, along with three other conditions, in England and Wales. 'If it wasn’t for the neurologist thinking of MSUD, things could have been very different,' said Sam . Currently, all babies are given a heel-prick blood test at five days old to check for five conditions, including the blood disorder sickle cell disease and cystic fibrosis. Spotting the ‘new’ conditions earlier could mean the difference between a healthy, active life and an early death. In addition to MSUD, these conditions are homocystinuria, glutaric aciduria type 1 and isovaleric acidaemia. All are caused by an inability to process amino acids and can kill if not treated. If the baby survives, it can be left severely disabled or brain-damaged. But detected early, they can be managed with similar low-protein diets to the one for MSUD (avoiding proteins such as meat, fish and eggs and taking synthetic proteins to replace the amino acids sufferers can’t digest). Although rare (each affects around 25 babies each year) screening for the conditions will save or vastly improve many lives. The changes come after a successful pilot run by the National Institute for Health Research and Sheffield Children’s NHS Foundation. Professor Jim Bonham, director of newborn screening at Sheffield, who headed the programme, says it could ‘radically improve the quality of life of children who are detected. For some, it could mean the difference between being in a wheelchair and playing football with their friends’. In the pilot, 437,000 babies in five cities were tested between July 2012 and July 2013. It identified 40 babies at risk — 12 were diagnosed with one of the four ‘new’ conditions and were then treated. While the new blood tests have been welcomed, countries such as Australia and New Zealand already screen babies for 28 conditions — rather than nine, as is now the case here. Campaigners believe we should follow suit and extend our test to even more conditions, such as Krabbe’s disease, a genetic disorder that can cause brain damage, which affects more than 100,000 people worldwide. ‘There are other disorders children are being severely disabled by, or dying from, which could be screened for with the heel-prick test,’ says Pat Roberts, executive director of the Save Babies Through Screening Foundation UK, which has organised an online petition calling for the test to be extended. All NHS screening programmes must be assessed and passed by the UK National Screening Committee (UK NSC). Sam with husband Eugene, their four-year-old son Charlie and Eugene’s daughter Molly, eight, as well as Poppy who is now aged 19 months and learning to walk and talk as normal . Dr Anne Mackie, its director of programmes, says: ‘We have taken a very rigorous view of wanting to know, condition by condition, that we do more good than harm at reasonable cost.’ She adds that any UK test must be accurate, as this minimises ‘false positives’, and there must be an effective treatment available. UK NSC is considering ten conditions to add to the test, including Hurler syndrome, an enzyme deficiency that can cause organ damage, which affects around seven babies a year in the UK. Sam Bell-Minogue welcomes the new tests, but says she is concerned health workers may not be prepared: ‘When I was last in hospital with Poppy in November, none of the doctors or nurses knew about MSUD — or that screening would start in January.’ Poppy’s diagnosis came just in time. After three months, she was back to good health. Now aged 19 months, she’s learning to walk and talk as normal. However, MRI scans show she has ‘small pockets’ of damage all over her brain. How this will affect her will not become clear until she is older, but a recent scan has shown signs of improvement to her nervous system. ‘It’s been a miraculous recovery,’ says Sam. ‘If it wasn’t for the neurologist thinking of MSUD, things could have been very different. 'Without the test, we wouldn’t be here now.’ To find out more about newborn screening, visit expanded screening.org . | One-year-old Poppy was seriously ill in hospital with a mystery condition .
‘She couldn’t sit up or lift her head,’ says mother Sam Bell-Minogue .
Poppy tested positive for Maple Syrup Urine Disease (MSUD)
It is so-called because it can cause urine to have a syrupy smell .
Rare genetic condition affects approximately one in 100,000 babies . |
17942fd881703fdabf26d1ec7d15802634356677 | (CNN) -- From a Chinese pop idol to a champion of ethnic minorities in China, singer Dadawa is a musician like no other. Dadawa, whose real name is Zhu Zheqin, was a student in the southern Chinese city of Guangzhou when she won a TV talent competition in the early 1990s. But despite finding herself on the fast-track to pop stardom, she knew from a young age her life and musical career would take her away from the mainstream. "(Growing up) I always have my own idea. I imagine one day I will be traveler, travel all around the world," she says. "At that time I told my mother and the other kids and they were laughing at me. At that time China was like your mother, father work in a certain unit and child will follow them." Her imagination and travel led her away from the Chinese pop scene to Tibet that inspired the 1995 album "Sister Drum". It struck a chord with a global audience -- it was the first time in 45 years that a Chinese album had been launched globally -- but also brought criticism from across China including those in Tibet. "That's really, really surprising me," she says. "For a time I was so miserable for that because I didn't expecting. And I am always hoping in the future, for some other young generation, like the artist, who don't have to face that sort of problem." Before becoming Dadawa, Zhu also faced a problem with her name in attracting a global audience. Tibet and her interest in surrealism inspired the transformation. "I was thinking what kind of name I should have, of course should be very simple, you know the vowels very common language pronunciation. So I'm thinking about it, and at that time I was traveling in Tibet; I'm so in love with Tibet," she says. "So in Tibet, Dawa means moon. And I'm also interested in Dali-ism, which is surrealism. So I put two concepts together and make a new name for myself." Zhu has recorded four albums as Dadawa since her 1995 debut, but she has also spent much of her time promoting the ethnic culture and music of China as a U.N. Goodwill Ambassador. "My thinking is that we have to do something definitely, especially for the ethnic minority culture. You know the people have liked the culture when we are traveling there, they say 'wow that's a fantastic culture'. But when we left they always think that it's so far away from us.... That's why I thought I should do something with connect with other people." Dadawa was talking to CNN Talk Asia at Hullett House, the design-led heritage hotel located in Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong . | Dadawa is a globally recognized Chinese singer .
Her music is inspired by ethnic minorities across China .
She is also a U.N. Goodwill Ambassador for China, promoting minority culture . |
1794abf3f6a416db2678f93f4d5019bdcdddd3ab | London, England (CNN) -- The arrest of a Nigerian politician who deposited millions of dollars of stolen money in UK accounts has raised questions about the role of British banks in corruption. As governor of the oil-rich Delta state in Nigeria, James Ibori's salary was only $6000 a year, yet he managed to afford luxury properties, fleets of Rolls Royces, a Bentley and a Maybach, first class travel, private boarding school fees and a private jet worth $20 million. In April, accused of money laundering, Ibori pleaded guilty to stealing $80 million, although investigators believe he may have stolen three times as much. He was sentenced to 13 years. Prior to entering politics, Ibori had lived in London, England with his wife Theresa. In 1990, the pair were convicted of stealing from a hardware store where Ibori worked as a cashier. The next year, he was convicted of handling a stolen credit card. By the end of the decade, having lied about his criminal record, Ibori was governor of Delta State, and was reelected for a four year term in 2003. The Africans looking to make it in China . Although acquitted by a Delta State court in 2009, justice finally came for Ibori in a South London court, after a seven year investigation by the Proceeds of Corruption Unit of London's Metropolitan Police. The unit, staffed by a dozen or so detectives, traces the flow of foreign politicians' money through London, and is funded by the UK government's Department for International Development, which also delivers aid to Africa. "We hope that, by tackling the likes of James Ibori, we're saying to those stealing from the state purse, you can't have your children at private school in London. You can't have a multimillion pound house in one of the most affluent areas of London. You can't drive around in top of the range vehicles. We won't let you move money around to buy multimillion pound jets," says unit head Detective Chief Inspector Jonathan Benton. Ibori employed a range of methods, some straightforward, some devious. He inflated contracts, took kickbacks, and simply transferred cash out of state accounts. He was helped by his family, wife and mistress, as well as by London-based professionals, who set up shell companies, assisted in purchases and provided false due diligence. According to Robert Palmer of anti corruption NGO Global Witness, London holds a double attraction for corrupt politicians. "We are a major financial and legal center so there's a lot of expertise, and there's also a lot of assets that go through the British financial institution, so it's easier to disguise your assets." Palmer believes London also seems like a great place to spend "illicit loot". "There's a prestige about being able to bring your assets and your wealth into the UK," he observes. In March, the Financial Services Authority fined Coutts, a private arm of Royal Bank of Scotland, a record $14 million for failing to monitor three-quarters of its high-risk customers, known as Politically Exposed Persons. Although Coutts says it found no evidence of money laundering, and its processes are now robust, campaigners say London's banks are still playing a role in the problem of African corruption. "I think we need to see more sanctions," says Chandu Krishnan of Transparency International. "And the greater the severity of penalties, the greater the deterrent effect. And that will ensure fewer institutions would commit these offenses." Palmer has similar concerns. "According to the prosecutor, Ibori and his associates had accounts with Barclays, HSBC, Citibank. He had a Centurion American Express card. These are major financial institutions that all took money from James Ibori and his associates," he notes. "I think the only way we're going to get serious change is if you have heavy penalties, you go after individual bankers and, in the worst cases, in the most egregious failures, you put people in jail." Is narcotic khat funding terrorism? Prosecutors in Ibori's case were aided by a whistleblower, Dotun Oloko. Although Oloko's identity was accidentally leaked back to Nigeria, resulting in his relocation to the UK, he continues to campaign against Nigerian corruption -- whether it's in Britain or Nigeria. He observes a "terrible paradox": "The international financial intermediaries believe they can engage in this kind of activity, being protected by the same states or the same governments that are leading the same anti-corruption battle." Detective Benton says although British banks do cooperate with his unit, tracing the sources of money can still be difficult, particularly without international cooperation. "They may have accrued legitimate wealth. They may have had family interests in businesses. What you are trying to do is look at a pot of money and go, 'What is legitimate and what isn't?' and that can be very, very, difficult. A spokesperson from the Proceeds of Corruption Unit said Ibori's embezzled assets will be confiscated and repatriated to their rightful owners -- the people of the Delta State. "It is always rewarding for anyone working on a proceeds of corruption case to know that the stolen funds they identify will eventually be returned to some of the poorest and most vulnerable people in the world." | Former Governor James Ibori embezzled an estimated $250 million from the people of Delta State .
He was caught by an investigative unit funded by the same body that delivers aid to Africa .
Campaigners question the role of British banks in facilitating African corruption . |
1794e60e71a9ced8f447c18feaa96106c6ba762b | By . Harriet Arkell and William Turvill . PUBLISHED: . 12:06 EST, 18 November 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 20:08 EST, 18 November 2013 . Geoffrey Counsell, 51, was in charge of the fireworks display in Taunton, smog from which caused a fatal crash on the M5, Bristol Crown Court heard . A fireworks display created an ‘impenetrable’ wall of smog that drifted over a motorway and caused a 34-car pile-up which left seven dead, a court heard yesterday. The smoke was so thick that motorists said it was ‘as if someone had tipped a tin of paint over the windscreen’, a jury heard. Prosecutors say that motorists on the northbound carriageway of the M5 near Taunton in Somerset had 'no chance' as they drove along at around 8.20pm on the evening of November 4, 2011. Anthony and Pamela Adams, Maggie and Michael Barton, Malcolm Beacham, Terry Brice and Kye Thomas died and 51 people were injured, including some seriously, in the pile-up. A total of 34 vehicles, including cars and lorries, were involved in the crash on the motorway when they were driven into a thick smog, which had blown across the northbound carriageway from the firework display at the nearby Taunton Rugby Club. Prosecutors allege that Geoffrey Counsell, who was the contractor in charge of the display, breached health and safety rules by failing to ensure the safety of others. The organiser did not include drawings of the site in his risk assessment plan, a court heard. The event saw around 1,500 rockets fired during a 15 minute display. And Counsell allegedly did not include sketches of the site when he filled in risk assessment forms. He then handed the plans to Colin Bentley, marketing manager at Taunton Rugby Club where the event was held, three weeks before the show. But Mr Bentley did not read them because he is dyslexic and there were no drawings to assess any potential dangers, a court was told. Counsell, who runs Firestorm Pyrotechnics, did not keep a copy of the risk assessment forms himself, Bristol Crown Court heard. 'Biggest in living memory': Seven people died and 51 were injured in the smash on 4 November, 2011 . Counsell is facing a charge under the Health and Safety at Work Act of failing to ensure the safety of others. Peter Blair, prosecuting, said Counsell met with Mr Bentley on October 14 to hand over the forms. Mr Blair said: 'They were pre-prepared. Mr Counsell had already brought them in a prepared state. 'Mr Bentley has dyslexia and he accepts he did not read them. He has searched for them and can not find them now but it is his recollection that when he was handed that risk assessment it did not have on it a sketch plan.' He added that Mr Counsell did not retain a copy of the risk assessment for himself. He said: 'Would Mr Counsell not retain a copy for himself, not least to remind himself of the significant features of the site and the geography of it to have it at the front of his mind when three weeks later he came to do the display?' Counsell had been carrying out a fireworks display at Taunton Rugby Club which runs adjacent to the M5 on November 4, 2011. He set off around 1,500 fireworks during a 15 minute display which was electronically triggered, the court heard. Counsell is facing a Health and Safety prosecution after the deadly smash on the motorway in Somerset . Mr Blair said the Les Phippen Memorial Stand - opposite the main clubhouse and where the display took place - was 190 metres from the edge of the M5 motorway. A combination of a lack of wind and humid conditions then helped create a low smog in the area, the court was told. Mr Blair said: 'He was not handling little rockets and bangers that we might acquire in November for our back gardens for our children. He was handling explosives. 'Essentially what we will hear is particles making up the smoke are able to attract moisture in the air and as they attract moisture the particles grow. 'Any light that is shone towards that spot then scatters. It can not penetrate. It creates an impenetrable smog.' The deadly smash happened between 34 vehicles on the northbound stretch of the M5, just after Junction 25 at around 8.25pm. Counsell is facing a charge under the Health and Safety at Work Act of failing to ensure the safety of others . Aerial shots after the crash showed the trail of devastation with burned out cars and lorries covering the carriageway. Drivers caught in the smoke from the fireworks display run by Counsell, 51, said it was like 'having a pot of paint tipped over the windscreen', the court heard. Motorists became 'completely disorientated' and the lights from their cars were not strong enough to penetrate the smog. Peter Blair, prosecuting, said the pile up happened at around 8.21pm - just six minutes after Counsell's display finished. He said: 'Essentially the display went on and the smoke drifted east. It engulfed the pitch itself. It was gloomy. It was really thick. 'It hit the motorway embankment and began rising. There was little wind. It seemed to be travelling at a walking pace towards the motorway. View of the wreckage on the M5 in Somerset . 'The prosecution say they experienced a loss of visibility generated we say by a plume of smoke created by Mr Counsell from his firework display which had built up and built up. 'It could not disperse because there was no wind to do that, mixed with that humid air that was around and it drifted towards the motorway becoming a thick smog. 'With visibility at effectively zero there would have been no opportunity for drivers to have reacted.' He said the first few cars - who were not involved in the mass pile up - described 'the suddenness of entering it and the suddenness of leaving it'. Mr Blair said: 'The prosecution say this was no ordinary patch of fog. Some speak of it as if someone had tipped a pot of paint over the windscreen. 'They were completely disorientated. Their car lights had no affect whatsoever pointing to what was in front of them. 'They couldn't see any road signs. It was impossible to see anything around them.' He said as a result 34 cars ploughed into each other and a number burst into flames. He added: 'Some of them were of such intensity that even firefighters had to retreat and withdraw from the rescue effort at some stage.' The jury were shown a video from a camera which was attached to the front of a train which travelled on the railway line close to the rugby club. The train driver, travelling from Bristol to Taunton, spotted the mass smash-up and momentarily could not see anything in front of his train, at around 8.30pm. Mr Blair said: 'It is more opaque near the club there. It becomes clearer as it moves away towards Taunton. 'You gain an impression as to how visibility was affected at 11 minutes past eight that evening as the train passed that display. 'He [the driver] it was bright silver with grey marble moving very slowly through it. It wasn't until the other side of the motorway bridge he could see a thing.' The packed public gallery heard the drivers could do nothing to stop themselves colliding with the cars which crashed in front of them. In October 2012 Mr Counsell, of Ashill, Somerset, was charged with seven counts of manslaughter but those were dropped. Counsell set off around 1,500 fireworks during a 15 minute display which was electronically triggered . Lorry drivers Terry Brice, from Patchway, south Gloucestershire, and Kye Thomas, from Gunnislake, Cornwall, died in the crash, along with father and daughter Michael and Maggie Barton, from Windsor, Berkshire. Grandparents Anthony and Pamela Adams, from Newport, south Wales, and battle re-enactor Malcolm Beacham, from Bridgwater, Somerset also died in the collision, which investigating officers called 'one of the worst in living memory'. Mr Blair said a man who set up a firework display at a school two miles away will be called to give evidence later in the trial. The trial continues. Sorry we are unable to accept comments for legal reasons. | Fireworks boss Geoffrey Counsell, 51, was in charge of show at Taunton .
He is accused of failing to ensure the safety of others before the display .
Smog from the rockets drifted over to M5 and dozens of cars collided .
Seven people died and 51 were hurt in one of UK's worst road accidents . |
17965357b6765d4216649fb605ddec94e25d4342 | Socks are a Christmas stocking staple but while the majority of us are happy with plain old wool, for those who can afford it, FALKE have launched a £726 vicuña pair. The socks, which come with their own presentation box, are only available in golden-brown as the vicuña, an illama-like camelid that hails from Peru, produces wool so delicate that the dyeing process would damage it beyond repair. But those who want a pair will need to place their orders quickly, as just 10 pairs of the luxury socks have been made. Luxurious: The limited edition socks are made from vicuña wool which is quite literally worth its weight in gold . The socks are part of German hosiery specialist FALKE's autumn/winter collection, which also includes 20 limited edition pullovers, each worth approximately £2,015, created from the same fabric. The range, which offers a choice of roll or v-necklines, offers a luxury spin on the brand's mainline menswear collection, most of which crafted from merino wool, silk and cashmere. 'The fine wool and thermal properties communicate the uniqueness of the yarn,' explain the company in a description on the website. 'FALKE is the first clothing manufacturer producing socks made of this premium wool. Vicuña wool is the rarest and most expensive wool in the world, being softer, lighter and warmer than any other wool. 'Since the fibres are very delicate, the wool’s natural golden colour remains unchanged.' Expensive: The £726 socks come in a special presentation box and only 10 pairs of the footwear have been made . Endangered: Vicuñas, which live in the Andes and can only be shorn once every two years, are protected by law . The vicuña is a small endangered camelid that lives in the Peruvian Andes and produces some of the most expensive wool in the world. Related to the illama and the alpaca, the fineness of vicuña makes it stand out from that of its less expensive cousins. Additional value is created by its rarity - and its mountainous habitat. Just to make getting your hands on vicuña wool even more difficult, each animal can be shorn just once every two years under Peruvian law. Dubbed the world's most expensive fabric, vicuña wool is quite literally worth its weight in gold because of its rarity and the difficulty involved in obtaining it. Vicuñas, a relative of the illama and the ancestor of the alpaca, are the national animals of Peru and live high in the Andes mountains. Their wool is the finest of all animal-derived fibres, is just 12 micro-metres in diameter and cannot be dyed because it is so delicate. An endangered species, vicuñas cannot be domesticated, so all wool is taken from wild animals, which can only be caught and sheared once every two years. If that wasn't enough, each animal produced just one pound of wool each, making the wool rare as well as hard to get hold of. But for those who can afford to splash out £726 on a pair of socks, rarity is likely to be just as much of a reason to buy as keeping their feet warm. | Vicuña is the world's most expensive fabric and is worth its weight in gold .
The socks are being launched in a limited edition run of 10 by FALKE .
The company also offers a run of 20 pullovers, each of which costs £2,015 . |
1797ac5f2c146143d62d45cd811c891d7d912f4e | By . Daily Mail Reporter . PUBLISHED: . 11:23 EST, 18 October 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 12:54 EST, 18 October 2013 . A police officer who was served a McDonald’s burger with a raw beef patty at a drive-through in Derry, New Hampshire says it was ‘deliberate’ because he is a cop. Rob Moore ordered the double quarter pounder with cheese at midnight at the fast food restaurant recently, which is the only place open when he works the night shift. He says the restaurant was empty and that he drove through in full uniform. When he was given his order, he dug in and took four quick bites out of it before realising that something was not quite right. Scroll down for video... Disgusting: The officer was served this burger with a raw beef patty at a McDonald's in Derry, New Hampshire. He managed to take four bites before realising what he was eating . 'Deliberate': Police officer Rob Moore believes the fast food staff gave him the raw burger on purpose because he is a cop . Routine: Moore ordered a double quarter-pounder with cheese at the McDonald's, something he does a couple times a week during his late shift . ‘I took the bun off and the first patty was cooked, the second patty revealed a raw mess and I’m sitting there holding that. I couldn’t believe what I just ate,’ Moore told CBS Boston. The beef patty was completely raw, he says, which he believes was done on purpose because he is a police officer. ‘A lot of people don’t like police officers, all the circumstances are there. Only one there in full uniform and it was obviously cooked after I arrived.’ Shock: The McDonald's drive-through in Derry served Moore a raw burger. He was expecting a well-cooked double quarter-pounder with cheese . Sick: Moore says he went home and vomited all night long after he ate the raw meat . It was at a McDonald's drive-through in Derry, New Hampshire, that the police officer was given a raw burger . Moore admits he went home and became violently sick and vomited all night long. According to Moore, a surveillance video shows the cook preparing his order and not being able to close the cooker properly. The cook eventually gives up and slaps the raw meat onto the bun. A statement from the Derry McDonald’s owner and operator, Emile Haddad, said they were looking into the incident. ‘We take matters regarding food safety and quality very seriously. We have investigated the issue and have resolved the customer’s concern at the restaurant level,’ said the statement. | Rob Moore ordered a double quarter pounder with cheese from a drive-through in Derry, New Hampshire .
The police officer took four bites of the burger before realising the meat was raw .
He says the restaurant staff did it on purpose because he is a cop .
Moore said he was sick after the incident and vomited all night .
McDonald's said they are 'investigating the issue' |
1797fdb5af014a2834a7312d397763dad6e49e25 | The world's fastest woman has been revealed as a British mother-of-two who smashed the land speed record by going 264mph on a motorbike her husband built. IT analyst Becci Ellis set the record on her modified Suzuki bike, smashing the existing fastest land speed by 20mph. Mrs Ellis, from Scunthorpe in Lincolnshire, bought the off-the-shelf bike second hand in 2008 to use as spares but after testing it on a track she realised it had potential to be a record-breaker. Scroll down for video . Becci Ellis, who has been named the fastest woman in the world after breaking the existing land speed record . Mrs Ellis set the record on a modified Suzuki bike, smashing the existing fastest land speed by 20mph . The 46-year-old has been riding motorbikes since she was a youngster and says it give her an adrenalin rush . Her husband Mick has spent the last two years tweaking the 1300cc bike and developing a one-of-a-kind turbo system so his wife can reach break-neck speeds. And his hard work finally paid off when Mrs Ellis blasted down the mile-long course at Elvington airfield in North Yorkshire on her beloved 500bhp Suzuki Hayabusa bike at 264.1mph, destroying American rider Jennifer Robertson's existing record of 243.6mph. The lightning-quick speed is the equivalent of travelling at a 118 metres a second and it took her just over 20 seconds to complete the course. It also makes her the fourth fastest rider in the world, just 30mph behind the overall world record set by the late American rider Bill Warner who died in a crash during the record attempt. The 46-year-old has been riding motorbikes since she was a youngster but it wasn't until she met her husband, who was a motorbike drag racer in the early 1990s that she started racing. Mrs Ellis with her husband Mike, who built the bike she used to break the land speed record in their garage . Mrs Ellis says Mick, pictured had been building the bike's boost system for a number of years to allow her to reach such fast speeds . She started attempting speed records and soon set her sights on becoming the fastest woman in the world on two wheels. She explained: 'I've had a passion for bikes since I was nine years old and I knew that was what was going to help me live my dream. 'I met Mick when I was 25 and working as a bike instructor. He had been drag racing since the 1970s and got me into it. 'I've always had a passion to be the best at something and it became obvious to me that I was going to try to be the fastest woman on two wheels. 'In 2008 I bought a second-hand Suzuki Hayabusa for spares but after testing it on the track I realised it was quick enough to set records on. The second hand Suzuki, with 25,000 miles on the clock, which Mrs Ellis was riding when she broke the record . 'Mick has been building my bike's boost system for a number of years and we're the only people in the world using it. 'The amazing thing is my bike is basically a street bike - I could put lights and indicators on it and it would be road legal. 'The record for a standing mile on a conventional motorcycle ridden by a woman stood at 243.6mph which had been held by an American rider since September last year. 'In June this year I managed 248.5mph and then in August I did 264.1mph. There is no other woman who has ever gone faster than me on a conventional bike. 'It was a dream come true. Mrs Ellis pictured in 1995, left, and 1985, right, said it was always her dream to ride motorcyles . 'I know going that quickly could be dangerous but I don't find it scary at all. I wouldn't get on the bike if I didn't have full confidence in it and the team running it. And now she predicts her new record will stand for years to come - but has vowed to keep trying to go quicker. She added: 'I get up to about 90mph in first gear and then the boost from the turbo kicks in - it's like being shot out of a gun, it's so fast. 'I get an adrenaline rush but there's no nerves. I'm totally focused and I know exactly what I'm doing. 'The feeling is phenomenal. I absolutely love it - I can't get enough. 'Completing the mile only takes just over 20 seconds so everything's over very quickly. It's utterly exhilarating. 'I think my record will stand for some time. 20mph is a big increase - it's the biggest increase in 40 years. 'I'll keep trying to set speed records for as long as I can. I've no intention of stopping any time soon. 'Age is against me but I love it and when I can't do it any longer I'll help someone else to.' | Becci Ellis, 46, set the record on by going 264mph on her modified bike .
She smashed the previous fastest speed by 20mph at an airfield in Yorkshire .
The mother set the record on a second hand bike modified by her husband .
Now she has pledged to keep trying to get quicker and hang on to the record . |
179801a65e81d75702335293efcdd7b2430e2f81 | A Texas hunting club that auctioned off a permit to kill an endangered black rhinoceros says it will cancel the winner's hunt if a federal agency denies his request to bring the dead rhino back to the U.S. as a trophy. Corey Knowlton paid $350,000 at a January auction held by the Dallas Safari Club for a permit to hunt a black rhinoceros in Namibia -- a species listed as critically endangered, according to CBS News. Knowlton applied for a permit from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service last Spring that would allow him to import the body of the endangered animal from Namibia after his hunt. The agency has yet to give him an answer. Scroll down for video . Active: Corey Knowlton is an active hunter who takes hunting trips around the globe and posts updates and photos from his hunts on his Facebook page . Opportunity: A Club official said that Knowlton bid on the opportunity for the experience, not to parade a dead animal around . Many opposed the auction. Knowlton and the Club even received death threats from activists wanting the hunt called off. Now the opposition may get their wish. The Club plans to refund Knowlton's money if the agency denies his request. The Club billed the auction as a fundraising effort to to save the endangered species but the agency is applying extra scrutiny to Knowlton's request because of the rise in poaching CBS reports, and the agency is evaluating whether the hunt will result in enhancement of the species's survival. 'Most people that have an animal mounted, it's their memory of their experience,' Ben Carter, the Club's executive director, told CBS. 'It's not always, 'Look at what I've shot.' When they look at it, they remember everything. That's what he bid the money on, that opportunity.' Knowlton told WFAA in January that he simply wants to experience a black rhino. 'I'm a hunter,' Knowlton said. 'I want to experience a black rhino. I want to be intimately involved with a black rhino.' Cancel: The Dallas Safari Club plans to cancel the hunt of the winner of a black rhinoceros hunting permit if an agency denies his request to bring the rhino's body to the U.S. as a trophy . Black Rhino: Corey Knowlton paid $350,000 at a January auction held by the Dallas Safari Club for a permit to hunt an older, male, non-breeding black rhino in Namibia . The opposition doesn't see it that way. Many are fervently protesting the hunt and, protester Susan Oakley told CBS that claims that the hunt is ultimately to save the species 'don't hold water.' The agency is holding public comment until Dec. 8 and plans to make its decision afterward. The agency is taking into account the condition of the critically endangered species and the fact that more than 1/3 of the world's black rhino population live in the Namibian herd where Knowlton is to hunt. Knowlton, an active hunter who goes on hunting trips around the globe, received the permit to kill an older, male, non-breeding rhino that has been responsible for the death of other rhinos, CBS reports. And proceeds of the auction reportedly went to the Namibia Wildlife Products trust, a fund run by the Namibian government in an effort to boost the specie's population. Protesters: Many are fervently protesting the hunt saying the 'kill it to save it' logic is cruel and not conservation at all . Wrong: Many protesters hold that the Club's claims that the hunt is an effort to preserve species 'holds no water' but the culling of old, sick, or problematic animals is a common practice in wildlife management . It is a common practice in wildlife management, conservationists say, to kill herds of old, sick, or problematic animals, according to CBS. Each year, Namibia grants up to five permits to hunt the rhinos and this, in turn, funds efforts that protect the species. But activists say the 'kill it to save it' logic is cruel and not conservation at all. Arguments surrounding the situation have even grown to involve the FBI, CBS reports. The Club received death threats like: 'For every rhino you shoot, we'll kill ten of your members' and 'The winner of this hunt will find himself in the crosshairs.' The Club has turned the threats over to the FBI . The agency must take all arguments into account, and said it will examine how the auctioned funds will be administered. But for now, Knowlton's hunt hangs in the balance as both he, and the Club, await the agency's decision. | The Dallas Safari Club says it will cancel, the winner, Corey Knowlton's hunt if a federal agency denies his request to bring the dead rhino back to the U.S. as a trophy .
The agency says they have to thoroughly scrutinize Knowlton's request due to the rise in poaching .
Knowlton: 'I'm a hunter. I want to experience a black rhino. I want to be intimately involved with a black rhino.' |
17983cce12b8db6752739dfb3d869b071fa4ace8 | A grandmother with an aggressive brain tumor has died after waiting more than two months for insurance coverage because of mixups with Nevada's health care exchange. The family of Linda Rolain, 64, who passed away on Monday, had joined two lawsuits against the State of Nevada and the company that built its troubled online software, Xerox, since April. 'I came in, held her hand,' her devastated husband of 45 years, Robert, told KTNV. 'I whispered in her ear "I love you, I'm gonna be fine". She knew she was gonna die. She really knew it.' The state launched the Silver State Exchange in October in response to President Barack Obama’s Affordable Care Act - but it was fraught with problems and Xerox was finally dropped in May. Scroll down for video . Loss: Linda Rolain, 64, passed away from her brain tumor on Monday. She had encountered numerous issues with getting health insurance coverage following the Affordable Care Act . After suffering a seizure at the end of 2012, Rolain learned in early 2013 that she had a brain tumor and because she couldn’t afford health insurance in the private market, she was the prime candidate for the Affordable Care Act, the Las Vegas Sun noted. She tried enrolling in the Silver State Exchange in November - well ahead of the December 15 deadline - but repeatedly struggled with sign-up problems and spent hours on the phone to representatives. They finally enrolled in January and sent a $138 money order to the exchange for a plan that was set to start March 1 - but when she sought treatment, she was told there was no record of her name. The insurance company finally sent her an insurance card in May and she underwent brain surgery but suffered through a difficult recovery. She spent her final three weeks in a hospital bed in her living room and in her final four days, she slipped into a coma. Heartbroken: Her husband Robert said that after all the trouble, Linda knew that she was going to die . Together: Robert cared for his wife of 45 years in a hospital bed in their living room in her last few weeks . Robert Rolain, who lost 60 pounds due to stress, said working with the Silver State Exchange was 'pure hell'. He said he . believes that if enrollment had worked properly, Linda could have . undergone chemotherapy and radiation to get rid of the tumor - and that . she would still be alive. Husband Robert Rolain . 'It's hard, knowing she could have lived a little longer anyway,' he said. Rolain was one of about 150 Nevadans . suing Xerox for enrollment issues that . left them without the health insurance they paid for, the Las Vegas Review-Journal reported. Her lawyer said he fears that hers will not be the last case to end so tragically. 'Some of . our clients are so ill that if their needs are not addressed now, it is a . matter of life and death,' Matthew Callister told the Review-Journal. 'We urge all Nevadans to verify that their . insurance is active and in place in light of the many problems that . hundreds if not thousands of Nevadans have gone through.' Much-needed care: After first trying to apply for health insurance coverage in November last year, Mrs Rolain finally underwent surgery in mid-May for her brain tumor but she struggled to recover . Problems: Her family joined two lawsuits against the State of Nevada and the company that built its troubled online software (pictured), Xerox, since April. Xerox has now been dropped . Silver State Exchange officials could not be reached for comment. A Xerox spokesman told the Review-Journal in a statement that the company would not 'be able to comment on this tragic development'. Nevada received $91 million in federal money to run the exchange and paid Xerox $12.3 million to build its website, Nevada Health Link, the Las Vegas Sun reported. By June 1, 36,000 people had signed up, which was 30 per cent of their goal. See below for video . | Linda Rolain passed away at her Las Vegas home on Monday .
Her family had joined two lawsuits against the State of Nevada and the company that set up its troubled online software, Xerox .
She had tried to enroll in the state's health exchange in November and after numerous issues, finally paid in January for coverage to start in March .
But when she went to get treatment, there was no record of her name and she finally received an insurance card in May .
She underwent surgery in mid-May but struggled to recover . |
1798628f9659b19e36b5eba5ccd6b245a8727c29 | Samsung's Galaxy S6 is expected to appear in a radical Edge version with curved screens when it is unveiled on Sunday, while the standard version looks like an iPhone 6. Leaks have shown the final design of Samsung's handset following months of speculation. Both phones will be revealed at a special event in Barcelona before the Mobile World Congress begins there on Monday. Scroll down for video . Samsung's new Galaxy S6 handsets are revealed in this image, it has been claimed. is expected to appear in a radical Edge version with curved screens when it is unveiled on Sunday, while the standard version looks like an iPhone 6. Previous leaks said the Galaxy S6 will feature a Quad HD 5.5-inch display. Other reports claim the screen will measure a smaller 5.1 inches. It is expected to have an octa-core processor and 16MP rear-facing camera. More recent rumours suggest the firm will also unveil an Edge version of its flagship phone. The S6 Edge is said to have a curved screen that covers both sides. The Korean giant believes its curved technology could give it an edge over arch rival Apple. And the curved screen has already been used in Samsung's Note Edge. Both handsets are expected to be unveiled at Mobile World Congress on 1 March. The images were posted to the xda-developer website. No other information about the handsets was posted. Another user also posted pictures of the standard version of the handset on the same forum. 'Can't say where it's from but it's from AT&T directly,' the poster said. 'Obviously a prototype or test model and it says not for sale on the package. 'Obviously a phone, I was scared to play with it much but seems a glass back and front with metal on the sides.' 'Our source, who has seen Samsung's new devices in person, tells us that the mid-level 64GB curved Galaxy S6 will cost carriers €949 ($1,076), with the top-end 128GB model priced at €1,049 ($1,189)—around €50 more expensive than the comparable iPhone 6 Plus.' The same source also said the firm is having yield issues for the curved display, which could mean the handset is in very short supply when it launches. Reports claim the ground breaking handset could be prohibitively expensive - and that Samsung is struggling to make the screen. According to a source at one of Samsung's mobile carrier partners in Europe who spoke to Ars Technica under the condition of anonymity, Samsung is launching both the curved and normal Galaxy S6 at high price points. The Standard version of Samsung's Galaxy S6, which will be revealed on Sunday. The firm has been showing off the curved screen in teaser adverts, but is believed to be struggling to manufacture them in large quantities. For the non-curved Galaxy S6, European pricing is €749 ($849), €849 ($963), and €949 ($1,076) for the 32GB, 64GB, and 128GB models respectively - $100 cheaper than the curved version. The site warns that these high prices could dent the phone's popularity. 'The pricing of both the normal and curved versions of the Galaxy S6, however—if carriers pass the price hike onto consumers—could be problematic unless the hardware is truly sensational.' Samsung is set to unveil the handset in Barcelona on March 1st. The Galaxy Edge will have curved screens on each side, and the Korean giant believes its curved technology could give it an edge over arch rival Apple. Created by designes Ivo Marić and Jermaine Smit, the new renders show both expected versions - a standard one and an 'Edge' with both sides having curved displays. Both phones are also expected to have all-metal bodies, in a move away from Samsung's current plastic range, and 5.1-inch screens. The Korean giant believes its curved technology could give it an edge over arch rival Apple. And the curved screen has already been used in Samsung's Galaxy Note Edge. However, the S6 Edge will have the ability to work in a left or right-handed mode . Users will have an option to choose favourite contacts and an ability to assign specific colours to them. Both phones are also expected to have all-metal bodies, in a move away from Samsung's current plastic range, and 5.1-inch screens. The handsets are also set to include wireless charging capabilities. And now the Korean firm has heavily implied the device - or multiple new devices - will come with wireless charging built-in. Many current phones need specially-designed cases and accessories to charge wirelessly, but Samsung's next-generation models could add the feature within the handset on a single chip. In a blog post by Seho Park, principal engineer in Samsung Electronics' IT and mobile division wrote: '2015 will be a landmark year for the growth of wireless charging. The S6 is expected to look similar to Apple's iPhone 6 handset . It will also include a rumoured 20 megapixel camera . 'With our upcoming Galaxy smartphones, users will be able to enter a new wireless world like never before.' The use of the plural 'smartphones' adds further weight to the fact Samsung will unveil at least two handsets at this year's Mobile World Congress in Barcelona in March. These are expected to be the Samsung Galaxy S6, and the S6 Edge that is rumoured to have a curved screen that covers both sides. Until now, many phones and other products have predominantly used the 'magnetic-inductive' method of charging. This involves pairing a device with a dock and is used from phones to electric toothbrushes and shavers. There are three wireless charging organisations including the Wireless Power Consortium (WPC), and its Qi standard, the Power Matters Alliance (PMA) and the Alliance for Wireless Power (A4WP). Samsung is a member of all three groups. This means that manufacturers have to choose which standard they use, and not every standard is supported across different charging points, for example. However, last year, components that support multiple standards on a single chip were released and in January, the PMA and A4WP announced they would join forces to offer better wireless charging features. The S6 won't be the first phone to have wireless charging built in - the Nokia Lumia 920 already offers this feature - but the Lumia 920 runs on the Qi standard. The concept video shows both handset designs . Until now, many phones and other products have predominantly used the 'magnetic-inductive' method of charging. This involves pairing a device with a dock and is used from phones to electric toothbrushes and shavers. There are three wireless charging organisations including the Wireless Power Consortium (WPC), and its Qi standard, the Power Matters Alliance (PMA) and the Alliance for Wireless Power (A4WP). Samsung is a member of all three groups. This means manufacturers have to choose which standard they use, and not every standard is supported across different charging points, for example. However, last year, components that support multiple standards on a single chip were released. Samsung's next Galaxy phones are expected to be the first to support these multiple standards on a built-in chip. Samsung's next Galaxy phones are, however, expected to be the first to support multiple standards on a built-in chip. This means they will be more versatile to take advantage of public charging ports being introduced across retailers such as McDonalds and Starbucks. It will also beat main rival Apple to introducing the technology. Samsung surprised audiences at the Berlin-based trade show IFA in September when it unveiled its original curved device. The screen was described by Samsung's David Park at the event as working like a 'ticker', with notifications and news scrolling along it. The Galaxy Note Edge's unique curved touchscreen provides quick access to frequently used apps and alerts. The curved screen displays notifications at the top and bottom, while viewing a video without disruption, for example. Earlier this month, in the face of stiff competition, and following a consecutive drop in profits, Samsung announced plans to curb the number of phones it makes each year. Instead of releasing handset after handset and saturating the market with Samsung devices, the firm has decided it needs to concentrate on making fewer handsets, better. The South Korean manufacturer is also expected to ramp up production of its remaining models so they can be sold more cheaply. The use of the plural 'smartphones' in the blog post adds further weight to the fact Samsung will unveil at least two handsets at this year's Mobile World Congress in Barcelona in March. Samsung's invite (pictured) hints at a curved device and the firm is expected to announced the Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge . The strategy was unveiled during a presentation in New York by Samsung's head of investor relations, Robert Yi. He said the company would reduce the number of smartphone models in 2015 by between a quarter and a third. Executives at the South Korean firm said it would overhaul its lower-tier line-up to boost price competitiveness, and use higher-quality components to set its devices apart. 'The mid-to-low end market is growing rapidly, and we plan to respond actively in order to capitalise on that growth,' said Samsung Senior Vice President Kim Hyun-joon during a conference call with analysts. In a rare acknowledgement, Mr Yi added that Samsung had lagged behind changing market conditions. The company's response 'was not quick enough,' said Mr Yi. Both phones are expected to have all-metal bodies, in a move away from Samsung's current plastic range, and 5.1-inch screens. The Korean giant believes its curved technology could give it an edge over arch rival Apple. And the curved screen has already been used in Samsung's Note Edge (pictured) | Set to come in standard and edge varieties when revealed on Sunday .
Galaxy S6 Edge will have curved screens on both sides .
Both handsets are expected to be unveiled in Barcelona in March .
Expected to include wireless charging and mobile payment system . |
17989a681564935dfe7feb2df359acedc77cce71 | A high school coach in suburban Atlanta is accused of biting another coach's face. South Cobb High School girls basketball coach Melonie Joyce Martin was standing about two inches from Coach Tyrone Harris when authorities say she bit him in the eye and nose, according to an arrest warrant. Martin has denied the allegations, her attorney, S. Carlton Rouse, told WSB-TV. South Cobb High School girls basketball coach Melonie Joyce Martin denies biting the eyes and nose of another coach in an argument over a game . 'Since the incident, Ms. Martin consistently denied touching (the coach) and certainly never threatened his safety,' Rouse said in an email, the Atlanta station reported. The confrontation happened inside a school office Jan. 9, after the South Cobb girls team lost to Campbell High School, authorities said. Martin also is accused of throwing a chair and telling Harris she would stomp him and knock his teeth out, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported. The confrontation happened inside a school office Jan. 9, after the South Cobb girls team lost to Campbell High School, authorities said . Martin was charged with terroristic threats and acts, and simple battery. She intends to vigorously fight the charges, her attorney said. 'While she would like to respond in great detail revealing (the victim's) true motivation for making such a sensational claim, based upon the advice of counsel, she must respect legal process and will introduce facts at the appropriate time in court,' Rouse wrote. School officials have not released information on her status as a coach, WSB reported. | Authorities say South Cobb High School girls basketball coach Melonie Joyce Martin was standing about two inches from Coach Tyrone Harris when authorities say she bit him .
Martin's attorney tells reporters she's denied the allegations .
Martin also is accused of throwing a chair and telling Harris she would stomp him and knock his teeth out . |
1798cbceece4bb5a10dcd676fd0fefe4eb8f803e | Washington (CNN) -- A verbal flash-fire erupted on the House floor Thursday night over nine-year battle to pass a benefits bill for emergency workers who were first on the scene of the 9/11 attacks. Frustrated with Republican votes against the $7.4 billion measure because Democrats suspended the rules to prevent them from offering unrelated amendments -- and at the same time requiring a two-thirds majority to pass -- Democratic Rep. Anthony Weiner excoriated the minority party. "It's Republicans wrapping their arms around Republicans rather than doing the right thing on behalf of the heroes," Weiner said during an impassioned, 90-second speech. "It is a shame. A shame! If you believe this is a bad idea to provide health care--then vote no! But don't give me the cowardly view that 'Oh, if it was a different procedure.'" The bill failed to get the 291 votes it needed for passage, polling just 255 votes. But that 255 votes easily surpassed the 218 needed for a simple majority. Democratic New York Rep. Carolyn Maloney -- the sponsor of the bill who has been working on the legislation since just after terrorist attacks -- is working to convince her party's leadership to hold a simple majority vote before the ninth anniversary of the attacks. She told CNN Friday that passing the bill under suspension rules was "a very high bar." "My goal is to have it on the floor again under regular rule, majority rule, which would require only 218 votes. We clearly had the 218 votes to pass it," Maloney said. Texas Rep. Lamar Smith, another Republican, opposed the legislation on the basis of cost. He called the bill an "irresponsible overreach" that "does not contain the necessary protections to safeguard taxpayer dollars from abuse, waste and fraud." "I think this is another example of the Democrats' insatiable appetite for the taxpayers' hard-earned dollars," Smith said Thursday night on the House floor. But Rep. Pete King, R-New York -- who actually voted in favor of the bill -- tipped the debate in another direction, focusing on the Democratic tactic that kept the Republicans from offering up an amendment on illegal immigration. "But what we are doing tonight is a cruel hoax and a charade," King said from the House floor, every bit as passionately as Weiner would moments later. "Everyone knows that this bill will not get the two-thirds majority required on the suspension calendar. Everyone also knows that this bill would pass with a clear majority if the Democrat leadership would allow it to come to the floor under the regular procedures of the House. "The reason H.R. 847 is not being brought up under regular order is because the majority party is petrified of having its members face a potential vote on illegal immigration," he said. "You can blame it on the Republicans -- and I've been strongly critical on the Republican position on this issue -- but the reality is you could pass this bill if you wanted to." King's words set off Weiner. "It takes great courage to wait until all Members have already spoken and then stand up and wrap your arms around procedure," Weiner began. "We see it in the United States Senate every single day when Members say, 'We want amendments. We want debate. We want amendments, but we're still a 'no.'' And then we stand up and say, 'Oh, if only we had a different process, we'd vote yes. "You vote yes if you believe yes," he said. "You vote in favor of something if you believe it's the right thing. If you believe it's the wrong thing, you vote no.'' King tried to interject, but Weiner refused to yield the floor. "The gentleman gets up and yells, trying to intimidate people into believing he's right -- he is wrong!" Weiner shouted. "The gentleman is wrong! The gentleman is providing cover for his colleagues rather than doing the right thing!" "I will not stand here and listen to my colleague say, 'Oh, if only I had a different procedure that allows us to stall, stall, stall and then vote no.' Instead of standing up and defending your colleagues and voting no on this humane bill, you should urge them to vote yes, something the gentleman has not done," Weiner concluded, punctuating his final words with an index finger in the air. King told CNN Friday that if the bill went to simple majority vote he "would sit with the Democrats all day and defend the bill against the Republicans." Weiner defended his outburst and acknowledged that many people are unhappy with what they see as partisan bickering in Congress, but he said that many people may not understand what's actually happening. Suspending the rules for certain votes, he said, "is a common procedure ... used all the time." "Frankly, it was beyond a lot of people's understanding why anyone would want to politicize this and make it a long, drawn-out fight," he told CNN. | Democrats suspend rules for vote, requiring 2/3 majority .
Bill falls nearly 40 votes short .
Weiner blasts Republicans for voting "no" because they couldn't add amendments .
King blasts Democrats for being "petrified" of immigration vote . |
17995078ca522daccd5a022650347397430fbeb8 | By . Laura Cox . PUBLISHED: . 19:23 EST, 4 December 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 19:27 EST, 4 December 2013 . Mary Berry has revealed that she and her husband give each other IOUs for Christmas. The TV cook said they hand each other promises instead of presents on December 25th – and then buy gifts later when they have more time to spare. The Great British Bake Off star said it enables spouse Paul Hunnings, a retired antiques book seller, to avoid the last-minute dash to find something she’ll like. Mary Berry and her husband Paul Hunnings (pictured when she became a CBE) say they give each other IOUs at Christmas instead of gifts . Her co-star Paul Hollywood will be spending this Christmas abroad at a hotel 'in the snow' She said: ‘My husband always gives me an IOU, because then, when you’re on holiday, you’ve got time to buy a present. 'It’s just the fact of all being together I enjoy most, everybody together in the kitchen and around the table.’ This year the couple will be joined at their 19th Century Surrey home by their two children and five grandchildren. Miss Berry, 78, told Radio Times: ‘Putting my feet up is not one of the things I like to do. 'There’ll be about 12 of us around the table and lots of fresh air to walk off all the things that we’ll be eating.’ She said she likes brandy cream with her Christmas pudding, but her daughter-in-law ‘adores’ custard, ‘so I do some for her, too’. However, her Bake Off co-star Paul Hollywood appears to be spending Christmas abroad, after revealing that he will be in a hotel ‘in the snow’. The baker, who recently split from his . wife over an affair with a co-star, said he usually spends the time . making mince pies – in batches of 48 – for family and friends. And he confessed that he is often to be found panic-buying gifts on Christmas Eve, having run out of time. But this year he is to be in a hotel, where he will be sampling their festive menu on the 25th . He said: ‘The food for me is where it’s at: good turkey, good stuffing, and I always look forward to the Christmas pudding.’ | Great British Bake Off star says it gives them time to buy each other gifts they really want .
Berry said she will cook for 12 members of her family on the 25th .
Whereas co-star Paul Hollywood said he will be at hotel 'in the snow' |
17996d57848a2d5b0c895e8088af805b60e3d728 | FBI agents have begun questioning members of the mosque where one of the suspected Boston bombers attended services. Tamerlan Tsarnaev, who was killed in a shoot-out with police on Friday, was still going to prayer services at a Cambridge, Massachusetts, mosque just weeks before the bombing. Mosque spokesman Yusuf Vali said the 26-year-old had previously caused disturbances there, and imams had threatened to ban him following a confrontation during a prayer service. Place of worship: A banner reading 'United We Stand For Peace on Earth' stands outside the Islamic Society of Boston mosque in Cambridge, Massachusetts, where Tamerlan Tsarnaev attended . Mr Vali told NBC News that as soon as they learned of Tamerlan's alleged involvement 'we immediately called law enforcement and said: "Listen, we've got folks who knew him and if you need any information, we're here."' 'Those folks have already met with the FBI,' he added. Tamerlan Tsarnaev was killed in a police shoot-out on Friday following a manhunt to track down those responsible for bomb attacks at the Boston Marathon finish line which killed three and injured a further 264. His younger brother Dzhokhar Tsarnaev was tracked down and charged on Monday with using a weapon of mass destruction to kill. He could face the death penalty if convicted. Suspects: Tamerlan Tsarnaev, left, was killed in a police shoot-out on Friday. His younger brother Dzokhar, right, was charged on Monday with using a weapon of mass destruction to kill and could face death if convicted . Family members have said that in recent years Tamerlan Tsarnaev had fallen under the influence of a new friend who steered the previously apathetic young man toward a strict strain of Islam. Under the tutelage of a friend known to the Tsarnaev family only as Misha, Tamerlan gave up boxing, stopped studying music, and began a religious makeover, his family said. This new-found radicalism came to a head at a Friday prayer service at the Islamic Society of Boston mosque in Cambridge three months ago. Tamerlan was reportedly thrown out of the mosque after sparking a 'shouting match' with an imam who had held up assassinated civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr as an example of a man to emulate. He was eventually readmitted, but one member of the congregation, who gave his name only as Muhammad, told the LA Times: 'He had an anger inside ... I can’t explain what was in his mind' The moment of the explosion at the Boston Marathon finish line: Three people were killed and a further 264 injured in the two blasts, which happened last Monday afternoon . Mr Vali, the mosque's spokesman, elaborated on the story. He said that as the imam had begun speaking of Dr King, Tamerlan stood out and accused the speaker of being a 'non-believer' and a 'hypocrite'. 'The congregation yelled back, "You need to leave",' Mr Vali said. 'And then the leadership had a conference with him and told him, that you need to stay silent or you are not welcome here.' He eventually returned to the mosque, and continued to attend services there until recently. No one has come forward to claim the body of Tamerlan Tsarnaev, it has been revealed, as investigators continue to piece together his movements prior to the attack . | Spokesman says they contacted authorities as soon as they heard Tamerlan Tsarnaev was a suspect .
The elder of the two alleged bombers had previously caused disturbances there and had been threatened with a ban . |
179a5088024cf25931e8eb1743a86e8b6925ae03 | (CNN) -- With fish as witnesses, the president of Maldives and his Cabinet wore scuba gear and used hand signals Saturday at an underwater meeting to highlight the threat climate change poses to the archipelago nation. The Maldives declaration will be presented at a U.N. summit on climate change in December. The meeting, chaired by President Mohamed Nasheed, took place around a table about 16 feet (5 meters) underwater, according to the president's Web site. Bubbles ascended from the face masks the president and the Cabinet wore, and fish swam around them. At the meeting, the Cabinet signed a declaration calling for global cuts in carbon emissions that will be presented before a U.N. climate summit in Copenhagen, Denmark, in December. "We are trying to send our message to let the world know what is happening and what will happen to the Maldives if climate change isn't checked," Nasheed said, according to his Web site. Asked what would happen if Copenhagen fails, the president said, "we are all going to die," according to the site. The ministers signed their wet suits, which are being auctioned, to raise money for coral reef protection in the Maldives, the Web site said. Maldives is grappling with the very likely possibility that it will go under water if the current pace of climate change keeps raising sea levels. The Maldives is an archipelago of almost 1,200 coral islands south-southwest of India. Most of it lies just 4.9 feet (1.5 meters) above sea level. The United Nations' Intergovernmental Panel of Climate Change has forecast a rise in sea levels of at least 7.1 inches (18 cm) by the end of the century. The country's capital, Male, is protected by sea walls. But creating a similar barrier around the rest of the country will be cost-prohibitive. Watch how the Maldives are fighting to survive » . Soon after his election in November, Nasheed raised the possibility of finding a new homeland for the country's 396,000 residents. The tourist nation wants to set aside part of its annual billion-dollar revenue into buying a new homeland, he said at the time. "We will invest in land," he said. "We do not want to end up in refugee tents if the worst happens." Nasheed's government said it has broached the idea with several countries and found them to be "receptive." Lands owned by Sri Lanka and India were possibilities because the countries have similar cultures, cuisine and climate as the Maldives. Australia is also being considered because of the vast unoccupied land it owns. CNN's Saeed Ahmed contributed to this report. | President, Cabinet don scuba gear to sign carbon emissions declaration .
"We are all going to die," leader says, if climate change isn't checked .
Most of archipelago lies less than 5 feet above sea level .
Experts expect water levels to rise more than 7 inches by end of century . |
179a8227b567daa34fce4b872e6715fd3fd362e2 | Future: Footballer Ched Evans, pictured with girlfriend Natasha Massey, is set to be offered a £5,000-a-week deal with former club Sheffield United . Rapist footballer Ched Evans is set to be offered a two-year contract by his former club worth more than £500,000, it has been claimed. Evans, an international striker for Wales, was released from Wymott prison yesterday having served half of a five-year sentence for raping a 19-year-old girl in his home town of Rhyl. But it seems the 25-year-old might now get his career on track - just one day after his pre-dawn release from jail. A source told The Sun that the 25-year-old had been offered a deal, worth £5,000-a-week, and was expected to sign it. The source said: 'Sheffield United are the only club to have made him an offer and have been waiting for him to be released before announcing it. 'He's going to be loyal to them because the club's stuck by him.' It is understood that as a condition of the contract, Evans - who continued to maintain his claims of 'absolute innocence' of rape yesterday - must make a public apology. The source added that, despite considering himself an innocent man, the footballer will apologise as 'he knows saying sorry will help his public image'. If it goes through, the deal would mark a significant paycut for the footballer, whose last contract with the League One club, which expired in June, was worth £20,000-a-week. And it could see the player return to training at the Yorkshire club as early as next week, according to The Sun. Sheffield United today issued a statement that said the club had not offered Evans a formal contract. The revelation came as it emerged that fans who are caught chanting songs during matches that 'celebrate' Evans' crime or ridicule his victim will face serious punishment. If reference is made to his crime, in particular the name of his victim, then police would act against any person involved. Revealing the name of a rape victim is a criminal offence. The Football Association told the Daily Mirror: 'If supporters chant songs that praise the offender or ridicule, or possibly identify the victim, the FA will contact the club to discuss what measures they can take to prevent this. 'These include messaging supporters through local media or directly through the club's communication channels.' Fans can be banned for life from football clubs if they use foul, abusive or racist language at matches. Earlier this week, Sheffield United claimed publicly that they were still wrestling with the moral dilemma of having a convicted rapist in their team. Their co-chairman, Jim Phipps, said that they were 'puzzling' through the problem and said that they would not necessarily reach a decision any time soon. While their manager Nigel Clough said this week that he would leave the decision to his employers. New deal: The striker, who scored 48 goals in 113 games for Sheffield United before he was jailed, could begin training with the Yorkshire club as early as next week, according to a report in The Sun . Today, Sheffield United's co-Chairmen Kevin McCabe and Jim Phipps released a brief, joint statement. It said: 'Sheffield United has become aware of speculative media coverage concerning the immediate future of its former player Ched Evans. 'An article in The Sun today that Sheffield United has offered a contract to former player Ched Evans is false and damaging to the Club. 'We have made a statement on this matter previously and the lack of credibility and substance from this latest media report does not warrant any expansion from previous comments apart from noting that we are continuing to deliberate on any long term decision about Ched Evans.' Secrecy: Earlier this week a club spokesman refused to comment on the fact they continued to pay Evans's £20,000-a-week wages for more than three months after he was jailed. Above, Evans with girlfriend Natasha . The Club offered no further comment. Earlier this week a club spokesman refused to comment on the fact they continued to pay Evans's £20,000-a-week wages for more than three months after he was jailed. The club released him at the end of a contract that expired on June 30, but they chose not to sack him. Judy Finnigan sparked fury during her debut as a panellist on Loose Women this week when she suggested Evans should be allowed to return to his club because the victim was 'drunk' and the rape was 'unpleasant' but 'not violent'. Today, the veteran broadcaster said that she has horrified by the online backlash suffered by her husband, daughter and herself. Writing in the Daily Express, Ms Finnigan said that 'the stuff the debased and degenerate human beings unleashed' against her 27-year-old daughter Chloe 'astonished and frightened her'. She said that rape threats were made against her and her daughter. Ms Finnigan added that she hoped 'there is a special place in hell reserved for trolls'. The striker had a successful career with Sheffield United before he was jailed, scoring 48 goals in 113 games. Evans, who has been capped 13 times by Wales, cost £3million when Sheffield United bought him from Manchester City in July 2009. The club's manager and co-owner Kevin McCabe visited Evans in jail in April, reportedly to invite him back to training on his release. And there has been a suggestion dialogue continued throughout his imprisonment between Evans's family and his representatives and the club. Wales boss Chris Coleman has said he would have to look at Evans' selection 'in great detail' with Football Association of Wales (FAW) officials 'because of the magnitude of the situation'. Earlier this week, Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg, a Sheffield MP, warned the football club against re-employing a convicted rapist and Richard Caborn added his voice to the debate. Speaking on his weekly radio phone-in, Mr Clegg warned club bosses they cannot 'wish away' the rape conviction and must remember that the players are not just a footballers but role models to millions of fans. On the official Ched Evans website, his supporters insist he is a role model who will 'make a personal and profound statement by video' next week. Evans was jailed for five years in 2012 after being convicted of raping a drunken 19-year-old after a former team-mate invited her back to a hotel room in his home town of Rhyl, North Wales. Release: News of the deal comes just over 24 hours after Evans was released from jail before dawn yesterday, pictured above. It is understood that he needs to release a public apology as part of the agreement . He admitted having sex with her, but the woman told the jury she had no memory of the incident. Last night, an online petition against Evans return to Sheffield United had attracted more than 150,000 signatures. The petition, set up by feminist campaigner Jean Hatchet, calls on Kevin McCabe, chairman of Sheffield United, where Evans played until he was jailed, to 'refuse to reinstate Ched Evans as a player'. Yesterday, a steady stream of well-wishers called at his family home ahead of an expected celebration, with relatives having flown in from all over the world for the reunion. His girlfriend Natasha Masssey, who has been the victim of Twitter trolls for choosing to stay with the football player, was also expected to attend. An appeal against Evans' conviction was rejected in 2012. Yesterday his family said they were confident an application to the Criminal Cases Review Committee for a second appeal would succeed. | Ched Evans set to be offered £5,000-a-week contract with Sheffield United .
Could see him return to training at the Yorkshire club as early as next week .
But Evans, who maintains his innocence, would need to publicly apologise .
The club's manager and co-owner visited Evans in prison in April .
Fans caught chanting songs about his crime will face serious punishment . |
179a872b74e449fe7694ae30c1ad51e86764a329 | (CNN) -- England and Sri Lanka drew their third and final Test at the Rose Bowl on Monday, a result that saw hosts England take a 1-0 series victory. A century from Sri Lankan captain Kumar Sangakkara, the 25th of his career, ensured the tourists escaped defeat in a match that saw 155 overs lost due to bad weather in its first three days. A final downpor during the tea interval prevented any further play, with Sri Lanka on 334 for five in their second innings -- having lost just two wickets on the final day. This meant Sri Lanka had a lead of 141, in reply to England's first innings total of 377 for eight declared. England won the first Test in Cardiff by an innings and 114 runs before a draw in the second Test at Lord's, and Sangakkara -- who made 119 -- told reporters his side were ultimately made to pay for collapsing to 82 all out inside 25 overs in that first Test match. "None of us were really switched on for Cardiff, we could have had a 0-0 Test series if we were," said Sangakkara. "There is a lot of regret but lessons were learned. There were various situations that could have played out today but we batted with our heads held high and walked away with a good result." England captain Andrew Strauss added: "We got ourselves in a position to go on and win the game but fair play to Sangakkara, the Sri Lankans blunted our attack -- we didn't make the inroads we needed to make." "I think we got ourselves into good positions in all three Test matches and in a way that two-hour session in Cardiff was good enough to get us one result." England remain third in the ICC Test rankings behind leaders India, their next Test opponents, and South Africa. | England and Sri Lanka draw their third and final Test at the Rose Bowl .
Captain Kumar Sangakkara scores a century as Sri Lanka batted out to avoid defeat .
England won the three-Test series 1-0 courtesy of first Test victory in Cardiff . |
179bd10081d3c8945142dc41ccbfff889d73c46c | A U.S. Air Force pilot was killed when the F-16 Fighting Falcon he was flying crashed in an noncombat incident in Jordan, officials said. The crash happened at about 11 p.m. ET Sunday, U.S. Central Command said in a statement Monday. The jet was returning to its base shortly after takeoff, the statement said. It did not give a location, other than to say the crash was not in Syria or Iraq. A U.S. official told CNN the crash happened in Jordan. Pentagon spokesman Col. Steve Warren said the plane suffered maintenance problems after takeoff and then crashed as it attempted to return. Although it was a noncombat incident, the jet was headed to a combat mission, Warren said. Per military policy, the pilot's name was not immediately released. The crash remains under investigation. Air Force pilot's remains found in Gulf of Mexico after F-16 crash . | A U.S. Air Force pilot was killed in the crash .
The pilot's name has not been released .
The jet suffered a maintenance problem, the Pentagon says . |
179c404de6f800152ffcbb8f5634d9c9338e2350 | (Health.com) -- For Marika Holmgren, fighting breast cancer was an uphill battle -- literally. She got back on her mountain bike shortly after her diagnosis in February 2007, smack-dab in the middle of chemotherapy. "The treatment is so intense -- it strips everything away. You're physically and completely changed," says Holmgren, 40. "I was trying to retain some sense of normalcy. And truthfully, I felt a little badass being on my bike during treatment. I was giving cancer the middle finger." Health.com: My Breast Cancer Diary in Pictures . Tooling around on a mountain bike during chemotherapy sounds intense, maybe even unadvisable. But just the opposite is true: Holmgren was being a model patient. In the past, doctors often told cancer patients to take it easy during treatment. Although the appropriate amount of exercise varies from patient to patient, that conventional wisdom is now considered old hat. In fact, new guidelines on cancer and exercise from the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) urge cancer patients to be as physically active as possible both during and after their treatment. "The idea that you should be staying put and resting is ultimately doing more harm than good," says Kathryn Schmitz, Ph.D., an epidemiologist at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, in Philadelphia. Schmitz, who studies the role of physical activity in chronic diseases, presented the guidelines at the American Society of Clinical Oncology's annual meeting last week. Health.com: 30-Minute Workout, No Gym Required . The last thing people overwhelmed by cancer's psychological and physical impact may want to hear is "exercise more." During treatment, bone-crushing fatigue, nausea, and body-changing surgery -- not to mention the emotional drain of coping with worried children, friends, and life partners -- often puts exercise very last on the list of priorities. Still, experts now say that exercise may help with -- not add to -- those problems. It boosts energy, helps stave off the weight gain often associated with treatment, and provides a psychological pick-me-up at a time when a person's morale is likely to be battered. Even small amounts help . How much exercise is enough? The ACSM recommends 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise per week, which works out to about 20 minutes a day -- the same amount recommended to the general public. That said, the organization is realistic about how cancer and its treatment can alter mood and energy levels. Any kind of activity -- even a short walk -- is better than none, the ACSM says. Health.com: 5 Ways to Stay Healthy After Breast Cancer . "The risk of inactivity for cancer patients is so great that it's best to just get started with something," says Schmitz. If you begin to feel worse or overtired, Schmitz recommends discussing it with your doctor. People who were sedentary before their diagnosis should start by walking for 10 minutes each day, says Schmitz, and gradually increase their time by 10 percent to 15 percent each week until they can do 30 minutes at a stretch, five times per week. There may be days when you feel nauseous, exhausted, or utterly despondent. But friends or family can help. "A lot of it will be up to the caregivers, because they are the ones who will know how to motivate patients facing an uphill battle," says Schmitz. "They're the ones who can say, 'Hey, let's get dressed today,' and then, 'Hey, let's get dressed and walk around the house.'" It's important to pick an activity you enjoy, says Alyson Moadel, Ph.D., the director of the psychosocial oncology program at the Albert Einstein Cancer Center, in the Bronx, New York. "It is not a one-size-fits-all answer, since patients may be more responsive and adherent to different fitness programs," she says. "It's important to allow patients a choice and to tailor a fitness program to each patient." Fortunately the options are greater than ever before, as exercise programs for cancer patients have become increasingly popular nationwide. In 2007 the Lance Armstrong Foundation partnered with the YMCA to provide physical activities designed specifically for survivors, and more and more hospitals are creating their own programs as well. Cancer patients who aren't willing or able to travel to a facility on a regular basis can sign up for programs that can be delivered by mail, phone, or the Internet. "Right now we're working to develop a variety in the types of programs available," says Schmitz. Health.com: The Joy Workout . Holmgren -- a longtime mountain biker -- took to the San Francisco hills with a group of women who ride with the Bay Area chapter of Team LUNA Chix, a group of amateur bikers, runners, and triathletes affiliated with the Breast Cancer Fund, a nonprofit advocacy organization based in San Francisco. "I had no hair, no eyelashes, and no eyebrows, and yet I didn't think they would know I had cancer," says Holmgren. "The women were so fun and inspiring, and they never babied me. They just let me do my thing at my own pace." How exercise helps . Dozens of studies have demonstrated the benefits of staying active both during and after treatment. Regular exercise can help fight the weight gain that often comes with cancer treatment, including breast cancer. "It's about what the typical American could expect to gain over the course of a couple of years, but it's happening all at once," says Schmitz. But exercise is also important for cancer patients whose treatment can cause them to lose weight. Prostate cancer, cancers of the stomach and gut, and head and neck cancers can all lead to a significant decrease in muscle mass, as well as a loss of taste and an inability to process certain foods. "Those patients really need to focus on resistance exercises," says Schmitz. "That will help them increase their muscle mass and gain that functional tissue that they need." Even though most patients won't be able to accomplish the same physical feats they were capable of before their diagnoses, adds Schmitz, staying active helps them achieve "a whole lot more than they would have been able to if they hadn't been exercising." Health.com: Fit at Any Age: Your 50s Strength Workout . Exercising has more intangible benefits as well. In a 2007 study that followed advanced cancer patients who exercised while undergoing chemo, the participants were asked to keep diaries. Many of them noted the positive mental aspects of exercise. "It feels good to have a sense of an everyday life again," wrote one participant. "I have become incredibly energetic," wrote another. In addition to making patients feel normal again, staying active is a way for patients to measure the progress of their recovery. Holmgren stuck with her rides all summer while undergoing chemo. "They became a real benchmark for me," she says. "The more I would ride, the more I felt like I was getting back to my old self." Though Holmgren still can't match some of the climbs she conquered pre-diagnosis, mountain biking has helped her make peace with her changed body. "The hormone treatment, early menopause, early arthritis, the weight gain, the surgeries -- breast cancer takes a huge toll on your body," she says. "I knew I was going to feel bad no matter what, so I figured I might as well be feeling bad on my bike doing something that I used to do -- and something that people not going through cancer might not be able to do." Enter to win a monthly Room Makeover Giveaway from MyHomeIdeas.com . Copyright Health Magazine 2010 . | Marika Holmgren got back on her mountain bike shortly after her cancer diagnosis in 2007 .
Many studies have shown the benefits of staying active during and after cancer treatment .
Exercising has more intangible benefits as well, in terms of mental health . |
179ca6e8fad92396556b68d2a3b0373ce6115b9e | A shocking video has emerged showing horses that had been so neglected their hooves had grown into painful 'slippers'. The footage was captured by animal welfare staff after they rescued the two horses from a farm in Somerset. It shows the animals being led around a yard - with their coats matted, tails unkempt and hooves so overgrown they had curled upwards. Scroll down for video . Neglected: A shocking video has emerged showing horses that had been so neglected their hooves had grown into painful 'slippers'. Above, Jerry the horse, who was rescued by animal welfare staff from a Somerset farm . Mistreated: Footage shows the animals being led around a yard - with their coats matted, tails unkempt and hooves so overgrown they had curled upwards. Above, Jojo the horse is pictured with an animal welfare officer . Overweight: The horses can also be seen carrying excess weight after being forced to eat a rich diet . They can also be seen carrying excess weight after being forced to live in a field with cows, which were being fed a rich type of hay by their owner. The harrowing video of the horses, called Jerry and Jojo, was filmed by staff at HorseWorld, an animal rescue charity in Bristol. Footage shows Jerry walking on hooves that have curled into 'slippers', which are pointed at the tips, covered in dirt and 'painful' to stand on. Meanwhile, Jojo can be seen sporting slightly upturned hooves, a matted coat and a dirty mane. Painful: The harrowing video was filmed by staff at HorseWorld, an animal rescue charity based in Bristol . Curled up: Footage shows Jerry walking on hooves that have curled into 'slippers' (pictured), which are pointed at the tips, covered in dirt and 'painful'. Meanwhile, Jojo can be seen sporting matted hair and a dirty mane . The centre has now helped the animals get back to full health and lose the excess weight. Jerry is part of a . HorseWorld programme, which helps young people with emotional problems through interaction with horses, while Jojo has just been adopted. Meanwhile, the animals' owner has been prosecuted. Joanne Vaughan, HorseWorld's . husbandry manager, said: 'Jerry and Jojo were in a bad way and had . almost eaten themselves to death, so it was lucky we could rescue them. 'But they are the tip of an iceberg and there are many more animals relying on the work we carry out 365 days a year.' Recovering: The centre has now helped the animals get back to full health. Above, Jerry is pictured today . Adopted: Jerry is part of a HorseWorld programme, which helps young people with emotional problems via interaction with horses, while Jojo (above) has been adopted. Their owner (not pictured) has been prosecuted . | Footage shows neglected horses which are overweight with matted fur .
Their hooves are so overgrown they have curled into painful 'slippers'
Horses were rescued by animal welfare staff from a farm in Somerset .
They are now back to full health and their owner has been prosecuted . |
179cfb516aecc6d8ff4558df92f68910a9f59e31 | (CNN) -- International diplomats are meeting Thursday in Gabon for talks aimed at resolving a brewing crisis in the Central African Republic, where rebels are threatening the capital. The discussions in the Gabonese capital, Libreville, come a day after the United Nations called on the C.A.R. government and rebels to end violence and turn to dialogue. Diplomats from the United States and Japan are expected to meet separately with Nassour Guelendouksia Ouaido, secretary general of the Economic Community of Central African States, a spokesman for the regional body said. Read more: Amid unrest, African Union chief arrives in Central African Republic . Josue Binoua, minister of territorial administration and decentralization for the C.A.R., told CNN that a meeting between C.A.R. President Francois Bozize and the rebel group, organized by the ECCAS, might also take place next week in Gabon, on Africa's western coast. The ECCAS has taken a leading role in trying to stabilize the situation in the inland African nation, where simmering unrest has prompted international concern. Rebels, angry with the government, have staged attacks in the past month, although they appear to have halted their advance this week toward the country's capital and largest city, Bangui. Central African Republic: Government officials, rebels to hold talks . The volatile situation spurred demonstrations last week in Bangui, with protesters urging foreign intervention to stop rebels from entering the city. The United Nations is continuing to follow the situation in the country "with serious concern," U.N. spokesman Martin Nesirky said in a statement Wednesday. "We are calling on both the government and the rebels to focus on dialogue that can avert violence and lead to a peaceful resolution and respect for the Libreville Comprehensive Peace Agreement," he said, referring to a 2008 treaty. "We welcome regional efforts to seek a political solution and to reinforce security," Nesirky said. U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon's special representative Margaret Vogt is in close contact with key parties in the Central African Republic and the region, he added. Read more: U.S. diplomats leave Central African Republic . Nesirky said the United Nations was aware of reports coming from the region about possible negotiations between the government and rebels, but did not confirm they would take place. The U.N. Security Council issued a statement last week calling on all parties to refrain from violence against civilians, respect human rights and seek a peaceful solution. In a statement Wednesday, South Africa said it was also "gravely concerned" about tensions in the country. "We demand that the armed groups immediately cease hostilities, withdraw from captured cities and cease any further advances towards the city of Bangui," said Clayson Monyela, a spokesman for the Department of International Relations and Cooperation. South Africa wants all parties to work toward a negotiated solution and welcomes the commitment of Bozize to do so, he said. Pretoria sent its defense minister to the Central African Republic on Monday to "assess the situation," the statement added. The ongoing unrest has prompted the United Nations to relocate dependents and nonessential staff from the country and the U.S. Embassy in Bangui to shut down operations. The U.S. State Department said last week that its ambassador and diplomatic team had left the capital, but that the United States was not cutting off diplomatic relations with the turbulent African nation. Bozize last week asked for other nations' help in staving off rebel advances that threaten his rule. Bozize specifically called on France -- which ruled his country, then as a colony known as Ubangi-Shari, until it gained independence in 1960 -- and the United States to help ensure "the rebels return home ... instead of destroying and killing Central Africans." | Diplomats from central Africa, the United States and Japan are meeting for talks .
They are seeking a resolution to simmering unrest in the Central African Republic .
Rebels, angry with the government, have staged attacks in the past month .
The government has appealed for international help to stave off rebel advances . |
179debf31b65eda2b470b6714d001f28e1ec8b70 | Miami (CNN) -- "No queremos ir pa' Cuba!" We don't want to go to Cuba. Those words were repeatedly sung by a young man in his mid-20s, who had just risked his life to escape the communist island. Instead, he found himself, along with nine other Cuban men, lying on the deck of the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Margaret Norvell. The eyes of all 10 filled with desperation and sadness. They knew they were going back. On this night, the Norvell received the men from another cutter, less than 10 miles off Key West, Florida. In the distance, they could see the lights of the land of freedom they hoped to reach. But, like many before them, they would be quickly processed and repatriated. This is a different front line of the immigration crisis: the Florida Straits, a 90-mile-long stretch of open water between the Florida Keys and Cuba. On one side, the Bahamas. On the other, the Gulf of Mexico. And, in between, an alarming increase in the number of people -- mostly Cubans and Haitians -- using makeshift rafts and boats in an attempt to reach America. In fiscal year 2014, which ended September 30, the U.S. Coast Guard 7th District, which patrols this area, saw the highest number of migrants in five years, with 10,126 people found on land and sea. That's over 3,000 more than the previous year. "Most of it is economic. They're looking for a better way of life," said Lt. Kirk Fistick, commanding officer of the Norvell. More attempts, new routes . For some of those caught and returned, it's just the latest chapter in their long journey to freedom. CNN learned one of the Cuban men on the Norvell was on his ninth attempt at crossing the Florida Straits. "There are people that have done this dozens of times," said Fistick. And, since 2012, the Coast Guard says it has seen human smugglers use new routes to get migrants to America -- namely, by avoiding Florida altogether. In Cuba's case, people on the island now have more freedom to visit other countries. So, an increasing number of Cubans are legally flying to smaller Caribbean islands near the U.S. Virgin Islands, then smugglers are bringing them over to the tiny American territory. "That's a very short maritime distance. And so, it's tough to combat that," said Capt. Mark Fedor, the chief of response for the Coast Guard 7th District. For Haitians, the new routes are longer and more dangerous. "There are organized smugglers that will try to lure them from Haiti through the Dominican Republic, and then into Puerto Rico. That never happened really, before 2012. And now, that vector accounts for 40% of all the Haitians leaving Haiti," said Fedor. Doing more with less . When it comes to dealing with migrants, the Coast Guard is in a unique position. Part of the agency's mission is humanitarian. But, unlike the other military branches, the Coast Guard, which now resides within the Department of Homeland Security, also has federal law enforcement responsibilities. In that capacity, it also serves as the lead agency in charge of stopping human and drug smugglers in open waters. And, along the Florida Straits, it's not an easy task. "There are organized smugglers here, especially human traffickers -- the lowest of the low, when it comes to trafficking. It could be kids, women caught up in the sex trade. They're moving people any way they can to try to get them in the United States," Fedor said. He said it can get frustrating to deal with these multiple missions, with such limited resources. In a recent summary released online, the Coast Guard's budget is expected to be about $6.7 billion for the 2015 fiscal year -- a fraction of what other military branches receive. "We try to do the best we can to be creative, to be nimble and to try to be one step ahead of these smugglers. But it's a challenge, because they're thinking the same way. They're running a for-profit, multimillion-dollar business, so they have a lot of incentive to get their product to market, whether it's drugs or people." 'This is what we do' Ronald Garcia, 33, is on the crew of the Norvell. The 13-year Coast Guard veteran is also the son of Cuban immigrants, who came to the United States in 1979. "They did everything they could to come and have children in the United States, and provide better opportunities for us. I'm able to live the American dream." Garcia is one of two Cuban-Americans on the cutter. They both admit, at times, it's hard to separate their jobs from their personal connections to the plight of the migrants they find. "It's a very difficult thing to deal with. Personally, it's just difficult for me to see the situation they're in," said Garcia. It's a reality that's not lost on his fellow crew members, including the commanding officer, Fistick. "We empathize with them and it's tough on the human spirit to do it. But, we're in the military. We follow orders. This is what we do." | Florida Straits are 90-mile-long stretch of open water between the Florida Keys, Cuba .
It's where many use makeshift rafts and boats in an attempt to reach America .
This year, Coast Guard has seen the highest number of migrants in five years . |
179dfd1faf0638c88f096033e05256f58f87ea9b | Benefit claimants are being asked only . to make ‘some of the same choices working families have to make every . day’, George Osborne insisted yesterday. Accusing his critics of talking . ‘ill-informed rubbish’, the Chancellor said most voters understood the . need to change a welfare system that Labour allowed to spiral so far out . of control it cost one pound in every six paid in tax by workers. He said the Government’s reforms, . including a cap to ensure no one on benefits can get more than the . average working family, were restoring ‘common sense and control’. Scroll down for video . Chancellor George Osborne defended changes to the benefits system which he said were designed to back people who work hard and want to get on . Mr Osborne sought to present a more populist image, addressing workers at the Morrisons supermarket distribution centre in Sittingbourne, Kent . He conceded the shake-up would mean . welfare claimants having to make choices such as living in a ‘less . expensive house, to live in a house without a spare bedroom unless they . can afford it, to get by on the average family income’. But he insisted: ‘These are the . realities of life for working people. They should be the reality for . everyone else too. I’m proud of what we’re doing.’ Speaking at a supermarket distribution . centre in Kent, the Chancellor warned those opposing the Government’s . reforms they were ‘out of touch’ with ordinary families whose taxes paid . for the benefits system. In 2010, when Labour left power, payments to working age families cost a staggering £90billion, the Chancellor said. Mr Osborne suggested his approach to welfare cuts was inspired by the Morrison slogan . Mug's game: The Chancellor drank tea with staff at the site, as he argued that capping benefits was fair for those who worked and paid taxes . ‘That means about one in every six . pounds of tax working people like you pay was going on working age . benefits. To put that into perspective – that’s more than we spend on . our schools,’ he added. ‘For too long, we’ve had a system . where people who did the right thing – who get up in the morning and . work hard – felt penalised for it, while people who did the wrong thing . got rewarded for it.’ George Osborne's hopes of avoiding an unprecedented triple dip recession are on a knife-edge. The British Chamber of Commerce yesterday predicted that the economy grew from January to March, averting the devastating second consecutive quarter of decline would have officially returned the UK to recession. Export deliveries and orders from the services sector - which accounts for more than three quarters of UK economic output - rose close to the all-time highs seen in 1994 during the first three months of 2013, the BCC said. John Longworth, director general of the BCC, said: 'We should not be satisfied with a long and tortuous road to recovery. These results provide a glimpse of the as-yet-distant sunlit uplands of recovery - businesses up and down the country are working hard to drive the economy, create jobs and export, but they cannot accelerate this process alone.' However, fears of a triple dip recession were fuelled by new figures which suggested Britain's manufacturing sector contracted in the first quarter following another month of sliding output. The sector's 'winter of discontent' continued into March as overall activity slumped for the second month in a row, with a worse-than-expected headline reading of 48.3 - below the 50 level which separates growth from contraction, the latest Markit/CIPS purchasing managers' index (PMI) revealed. The Chancellor was scathing about the . ‘vested interests’ who complained with ‘depressingly predictable . outrage’ about every change. ‘In recent days we have heard a lot of, . frankly, ill-informed rubbish about these welfare reforms,’ he said in . response to criticism from Labour, charities and some church leaders. ‘Some have said it’s the end of the . welfare state. That is shrill, headline-seeking nonsense. I will tell . you what is true. Taxpayers don’t think the welfare state works properly . any more.’ Mr Osborne said the Government had to . act to reform a system that was ‘fundamentally broken’, leaving people . better off on the dole than if they went out to work. ‘Defending benefits that trap people in poverty and penalise work is defending the indefensible,’ he said. A raft of changes comes into force . this month, including a £500-a-week cap on household benefits and an . average £14-a-week cut in housing benefit for council tenants who insist . on a spare room. The first trials will be held of a . universal credit, which replaces the main out-of-work benefits and is . designed to ensure it always pays to take a job or work more hours. For Labour, Shadow Chancellor Ed Balls . insisted: ‘The benefits bill is rising under this Government because . our economy is flatlining, inflation is rising and unemployment is high. ‘The best way to get the benefits bill down is to get our economy growing strongly and get people back to work.’ Anne Marie Carrie, head of the . children’s charity Barnardo’s, appealed to ministers to ditch a 1 per . cent cap on benefit increases, which is well below the rate of . inflation. Disability living allowance is being replaced by a personal independence payment. Mr Osborne said that for too long people who work were penalised to fund handouts for the jobless . Before delivering his speech on benefit changes, Mr Osborne unveiled a plague to officially open new City watchdog, the Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA), as the Governor of the Bank of England Mervyn King, second left, and Andrew Bailey, left, the Chief Executive of the PRA, look on . | Osborne says his reforms are backing 'people who want to get on in life'
He said 'vested interests always complain' about welfare shake ups .
14million households will be better off, the Chancellor announces .
Defends cutting the 50p top rate of tax for highest earners . |
179e2c015bfc21616413e70868b2e4d7128ecdd2 | A skin-care specialist to the Hollywood stars has been acquitted of charges she plotted to murder a rival beautician she wrongly blamed for stalking her. Dawn Melody DaLuise, 56, was cleared in Los Angeles County Superior Court after about an hour of deliberations by jurors in the bizarre case that included allegations that a former NFL lineman was hired to knock off the competitor. Prosecutors alleged DaLuise, who has counted Jennifer Aniston, Sarah Michelle Gellar and Christian Slater among clients at her Santa Monica salon, became so obsessed with a competitor that she tried hiring a hit man to kill him. Dawn DaLuise (pictured left) was cleared on Thursday of charges she plotted to murder a rival beautician, Gabriel Suarez (right) who she wrongly believed was stalking her . Well-connected: DaLuise is pictured with actor Gary Busey in Beverly Hills in November 2010 . DaLuise was released immediately after the not guilty verdict on charges of solicitation of murder and solicitation of assault. 'Obviously, we're ecstatic about getting not guilty on both counts,' defense lawyer Jamon Hicks said. 'We're just hoping to help her rebuild her reputation, rebuild her business and rebuild her life.' Defense lawyers said DaLuise was venting when she told friends she hated esthetician Gabriel Suarez and had found someone to take him out. She was reportedly furious when Suarez moved into the same building as her salon, Skin Refinery, in Santa Monica. Authorities said there was no evidence anyone acted on a plot to kill Suarez. DaLuise wrongly believed Suarez was behind a campaign that included posting lewd flyers of her face photo-edited on pornography, emails and Craigslist ads with her home address seeking men to act out a 'rape fantasy'. In a bizarre twist, police later connected the postings to a friend of DaLuise. Authorities arrested her friend, Edward Feinstein, on suspicion of stalking and said he had goaded her into the murder-for-hire plot. Feinstein has not been charged in the case. Ricardo Santiago, a spokesman for the district attorney, said that investigation continues. Prosecutors said DaLuise became obsessed with Suarez, who had recently opened his business on the same West Hollywood block as her Skin Refinery, which counted Alicia Silverstone, Jennifer Jason Leigh and Christina Ricci among its clientele. At some point, DaLuise confided in Chris Geile, who played three games for the Detroit Lions in 1987, about her suspicions that Suarez was behind the stalking. Geile testified that he was only a shoulder to cry on for DaLuise and was never asked to kill anyone. She sent text messages to friends saying Geile was going to 'take Gabriel out'. DaLuise reportedly moved to California to become a model in the 1980s. She lost her business after being jailed in March on charges of solicitation of murder and solicitation of assault likely to produce great bodily injury, Hicks said. Her personal website is also now defunct. Getting back to work will be her second priority after reuniting with her two daughters once she's released from custody. Hicks said DaLuise grabbed his leg as the first verdict was read. Fearing the jury would convict her on the second, lesser count, he cautioned her to wait before celebrating. 'When you heard the second 'not guilty,' you could hear her gasp and say, 'Thank you, thank you, thank you,' he said. Mr Suarez's Smooth Cheeks Salon (pictured) opened on the same Santa Monica block as DaLuise's store allegedly enraging her, jurors heard during the trial . | Jurors reached the verdict on Thursday in Los Angeles in the case against former model Dawn DaLuise .
Prosecutors alleged DaLuise, 56, became so obsessed with a competitor that she tried hiring a hit man to kill him .
Defense lawyers said DaLuise was venting when she told friends she hated Gabriel Suarez and had found someone to take him out . |
179ea3e150ffef6b72cf0cdeaacb25f1ee6d9772 | (CNN) -- She hit the big time in the 1980's with Eurythmics and found huge success as a solo artist with her 1992 album "Diva", but for singer Annie Lennox, being able to express her passion has always been the motivating factor in whatever she's done. Annie Lennox will continue to SING with her AIDS awareness charity. As a result her musical career has taken a back seat to her political activism and charity work in recent years; most notably with SING her AIDS awareness in Africa charity, as well as working with Amnesty, Save the Children and as a UNICEF ambassador. Yet the 54-year-old maintains that she'll always keep singing as well as working on the other things that she feels passionate about. "I'm a multi-tasker. I have to do a lot of things at once. I love music. And I want to keep making music. I hope that I'll always be a music-maker and I'll always be an activist," she told CNN in Hong Kong. Growing up in Aberdeen, Scotland, Lennox found enormous success with Eurythmics and the 1983 album "Sweet Dreams" and single of the same name. It catapulted her to international success and stardom, something she had always wanted, but at first found difficult to adjust to. "We were really on a whole kind of roller coaster with [Eurythmics], which on the one hand I was very grateful for, and on the other hand, it sort of sucked out your life, any sort of privacy," she said. "Just the ability to be anonymous which I absolutely really value. I love to just to be mixing with people and not have to be the one person in the room with the spotlight and the heads all turning. So that was a little bit hard to adapt to...I might as well have a neon light for a head." She's sold over 80 million records during a career that has spanned four decades, which she credits to hard graft fueled by an unending passion for music. "The glamour side to it is what we see as the end result. But all the rest of it is hard work and dedication. And it's not easy always, you have to be very focused. And you have to be really, really motivated to do it. You have to have a kind of yearning, a passion for that. "I was never thinking, 'Oh, I'm in this for the long haul.' I just think as I'm still thinking, I want to have a life where I'm able to do the thing that makes me feel alive." Aware of the downsides of a career in music, Lennox also has a greater sense of the perils and pitfall in life, something she has often expressed in her music. "I have encountered individuals and I've encountered things in the industry that were vile. Bad things happen everywhere. And the music industry and all that surrounds it, is no exception.". Having experienced unscrupulous people in the music industry and been through her own personal upheaval through two failed marriages, Lennox remain passionate, energetic and sanguine. Ultimately, she says, "its all part of life's rich tapestry." | Sold over 80 million records in career that has spanned four decades .
Found success first with Eurythmics, British band founded with Dave Stewart .
Lennox set up SING charity to combat HIV and AIDS in Africa . |
179f38e72b959f1def69c05b487bd51ff5287f95 | Blogger championed Lady Gaga at the start of her career but they had a bitter falling out . Claims she got drunk during an interview and became upset with his questions . Blames fame for 'poisoning' her and says she was just using him . By . Paul Chavez . Perez Hilton re-ignited his feud with Lady Gaga on Tuesday during an appearance on the Australian talk show Mornings in which he claimed she has been 'poisoned' by fame. The 36-year-old celebrity blogger told show hosts Sonia Kruger and David Campbell his friendship with the 28-year-old superstar started to unravel after she got drunk and became upset with questions he asked her during an interview. But Perez truly believes Gaga's fame was the main reason their friendship fell apart. Scroll down for video . Feud origin: Perez Hilton appeared on the Mornings show on Tuesday and told about the origin of his public feud with former friend Lady Gaga . 'Actually, all the drama went down in . Australia in the summer of 2011,' the blogger, real name Mario . Lavandeira Jr, told the hosts. Perez said he was in Sydney hanging out with his then-friend and she was taking part in a special he was filming for television that included a cooking session with the singer. 'She proceeded to get obliterated drunk, drinking Jameson, and she was a surprisingly functioning drunk woman,' said Perez who was wearing a T-shirt that read 'Parental Advisory Explicit Content.' Perez said he was sober and interviewing Gaga when she became upset over a question about her single Judas. Singing superstar: Lady Gaga, shown earlier this month in New York City, asked her fans to stand down last year after her feud with Perez went public . 'The [question] framing made her real angry,' Perez recalled. He followed that up with a question about her boyfriend and he claimed that further angered the Poker Face singer. 'The fact that I brought up her boyfriend made her livid and she stormed off the set and stopped the interview,' Perez said. Harsh words: Mornings hosts David Campbelll and Sonia Kruger quizzed Perez about his relationship with Lady Gaga . The blogger said the blow-up made him re-evaluate his friendship with her. 'Now I feel like I think the whole time she was just using me,' Perez said. Sonia asked if maybe the Jameson whiskey played a role in her reaction and Perez dismissed that. Former friends: Lady Gaga and Perez are shown kissing in May 2009 in Irvine, California . 'No, I think it was fame that just poisoned her,' he said. 'She had an album Fame Monster, her second album, and she became consumed by that which she was fascinated about. You know, fame can be a very deadly drug and it has damaged her personally,' he said. He also said he no interest in rekindling their friendship. Happier times: Lady Gaga and Perez were close in September 2009 at her Video Music Awards after party in New York City . 'I have zero interest. I don't want to be her friend. I don't need friends like that in my life,' he said. He also blasted her latest artistic efforts. 'I think she has unfortunately become a victim of this character she created. Instead of being an artist she became this freak and this cartoon character and so unrelateable to people,' Perez said. Death threats: Perez, shown with son Mario earlier this month in New York City, received death threats after angering Lady Gaga's fans . The public feud between the two hit its height last August when Gaga released a 445-word statement urging her fans to stop sending death threats to her haters. The online storm broke after a fan alerted Gaga about a Perez sighting in her New York apartment building. 'STAY AWAY FROM ME + MY FAMILY YOU ARE SICK TRYING TO RENT AN APARTMENT IN MY BUILDING TO STALK ME. LEAVE ME ALONE!!!' the artist formerly known as Stefani Germanotta tweeted. Going strong: Lady Gaga, shown with her dog Asis on Tuesday in New York City, recently recorded a song with Tony Bennett . Perez followed that up with a 352-word posting on his popular website titled 'A Statement On LadyGaGa's Lies'. The blogger hit back after being deluged with death threats against him and his baby son from Gaga's obsessive fans. Gaga asked her fans to stand down and instead channel their anger through art. | Blogger championed Lady Gaga at the start of her career but they had a bitter falling out .
Claims she got drunk during an interview and became upset with his questions .
Blames fame for 'poisoning' her and says she was just using him . |
179f63f3e4cfb12a55949d8152b2a4d69547b0c5 | When guests are splashing out more than $43,000 (£27,000) for a week's holiday, it seems only right hotels reward them with some amazing perks. A night at the $5,947 (£3,697) Ritz-Carlton Suite in New Orleans, for instance, comes with its very own hangover concierge who will provide water, snacks and massages for tired guests who have partied too hard. From complimentary super cars from the Four Seasons in Beverly Hills - where a premier suite costs over $19,000 (£12,000) for a week - to arrival by paraglider at the $1,800- (£1,147) a-night four-star Six Senses Hideaway in Oman, there’s a world of luxe treatment on offer for those who have the cash to spend. The treats are highlighted in a new infographic - '11 hotel perks you won't believe exist' - compiled by Hotels4u. In at number four is the sunshine butler for those who stay in the master suite ($345/£215-a-night) at four-star The Club & Hotel Spa, Jersey. He'll help rub in sun lotion, and even polish sunglasses. And instead of being woken up rudely by the housekeeping crew, an in-room body sensor in the Grand Suite at $1,280- (£794) a-night Hotel 1000, Seattle lets travellers sleep peacefully as staff are alerted to their presence in the room. Book a $19,000- (£12,000) a-week stay in the Dream House of the Namale Resort & Spa in Fiji and they’ll throw in a ‘kidnapping service’ where staff whisk guests away to a secret waterfall for a romantic picnic. Pet lovers should book a stay at the $481- (£299) a-night grand suite in Hotel Monaco, Portland where a pet psychic helps guests improve their relationship with their pets. Need a good night's sleep? Book a stay at the $500- (£325) a-night Terrace Suite in The Benjamin New York where the sleep concierge reccomends NASA designed pillows. Or if it's waking up that's troublesome then Gaylord Opreyland Resort & Convention Centre in Nashville's celebrity wake up call might just do the trick. But nothing beats the Manta Ray Hot Phone at the $2,900- (£1,816) a-night Four Seasons Maldives where, as soon as manta rays have been spotted, guests are sped off on a private speedboat to view the graceful creatures. | Get a rub down from the Sunshine Butler at the Club Hotel & Spa in Jersey .
Guests at Four Seasons Beverly Hills have fleet of supercars to choose from .
NASA designed pillows, celebrity calls and free Fender guitars on offer . |
17a017e49802648bb8ee1a76865769cc207710fd | By . Martin Jay In Beirut And Jack Doyle . Firebrand: Omar Bakri has been arrested in Lebanon after authorities in the country cracked down on radical Salafist preachers . The radical Islamist cleric Omar Bakri who is said to have once described the July 7 bombers as the Fantastic Four was arrested in Lebanon yesterday. Bakri, 54, was the spiritual leader of banned extremist group Al-Muhajiroun and lived in London where he was known as the Tottenham Ayatollah. He went on the run in Lebanon last month following a raid on his house in a crackdown on radical clerics following a spate of car bombs, shootings and assassinations. He was arrested by security forces in the eastern town of Aley. Bakri was sentenced to life in Lebanon in 2010 following a terrorism conviction, but was released on bail after witnesses recanted their testimony. The 54-year-old sparked controversy in UK over his inflammatory language including calling for young British Muslims to take up arms and join Al Qaeda. After travelling to the Lebanon nine years ago he was refused re-entry to the UK. Since then he has faced repeated investigation by the Security Services in that country. He went on the run last months following a raid on his house in the wake of a crackdown on radical clerics in the country. Local media reports on Saturday suggested intelligence officers raided a house on a retreat in the early hours on Mount Lebanon. In March he told The Daily Mail when speaking of the troubles in Tripoli ‘only jihad salafi can save it and save Lebanon’. He added: ‘This country needs to be made an Islamic state, obviously ... but I know the security services are getting ready to nab me soon’. Tottenham ayatollah: Omar Bakri on stage with Abu Hamza at the Rally for Islam in Trafalgar Square in 2002 . The radical Islamic cleric was placed under house arrest after he was released from jail shortly after arriving in war-torn Lebanon in 2005. It was reported that Bakri referred to the four suicide bombers who killed 56 people on July 7 as ‘the fantastic four’. He said the British people were to blame for the terror attacks on the capital because they ‘did not make enough effort to stop its own government committing its own atrocities in Iraq and Afghanistan’. He also sparked outrage when he said on TV that he would not inform police if he knew Muslims were planning a bomb attack on a train in the UK and supported Muslims who attacked British troops in Afghanistan and Iraq. More recently there were reports he issued a ‘fatwa’ against Pakistani schoolgirl Malala Yousafzai who he said ‘should be sentenced to death’. Bakri denies being an Al Qaeda leader, while openly praising the terrorist organisation including its leadership. He came to attention in 2004 when he led a demonstration outside the US Embassy in London in which protesters chanted the name of Osama bin Laden and torched an American flag. | Omar Bakri, 'the Tottenham Ayatollah', was leader of Al-Muhajiroun .
He was refused re-entry to the UK after visiting Lebanon nine years ago .
Last month he went on the run in the country after a raid on his house . |
17a0204215e20c503a88433daa7af14f6bf77239 | Pensioners could be hit by a tax raid to fund Ed Miliband’s plans to cut university fees . Pensioners could be hit by a tax raid to fund Ed Miliband’s plans to cut university fees, it emerged last night. The Labour leader is expected to announce details of the party’s policy to lower tuition fees from £9,000 to £6,000 within days, but is yet to agree with Shadow Chancellor Ed Balls on how the £2billion scheme could be funded. It emerged last night that one option being considered by Mr Balls is cutting some of the tax breaks handed to people saving for a pension. Pension tax breaks are worth about £24billion in total each year and have already been cut by Chancellor George Osborne. More money could be saved by lowering the £40,000 ceiling on the amount savers can put aside each year tax-free or cutting the lifetime tax-free limit of £1.25million per pension, The Times reported last night. Lord Mandelson weighed into the row yesterday, admitting Mr Miliband’s policy was not yet finished and insisting Labour must say where it will find the money. Otherwise, he said, it would face a ‘credibility gap’ over its plans to cut the deficit. The former business secretary, who was in charge of universities in Gordon Brown’s government, said it was ‘inconceivable’ that Labour could cut funding to the sector. He told academics and university administrators in London: ‘If any reduction in fees is announced, and I’m not assuming that it will be, it’s absolutely vital that replacement funding from taxation is identified and announced at the same time. ‘Not in a generalised way, but in a specific way. Because that will ensure that no credibility gap is opened up either around university funding or the Labour Party’s commitment to reducing the fiscal deficit.’ He supported Government claims that the rise to £9,000 fees had not led to a fall in applications, pointing out that even the poorest students were now more likely to apply. Lord Mandelson also said cutting fees for UK students could increase the rate at which universities recruit from abroad to plug the funding gap – potentially ‘at the expense’ of home applicants. When he campaigned for the Labour leadership, Mr Miliband proposed a graduate tax as an alternative to tuition fees. But Labour is yet to agree on its stance ahead of the election. Lib Dem Business Secretary Vince Cable said cutting fees to £6,000 would be ‘foolish’, costing £10billion over five years . Lib Dem Business Secretary Vince Cable said cutting fees to £6,000 would be ‘foolish’, costing £10billion over five years. ‘[It] would be a populist gesture which would achieve nothing and do a lot of damage,’ he wrote to Mr Miliband. Critics of cutting fees point out that the benefits would mainly go to the highest-earning graduates as they would end up paying less. A Labour Party spokesman said its policy on university fees would be ‘set out shortly’. n A pact between Labour and the SNP would be ‘the ultimate nightmare scenario’ that could break up Britain, David Cameron warned yesterday. He accused a ‘spineless’ Ed Miliband of betraying the Union by refusing to rule out a deal with the Scottish Nationalists. | Pensioners could be hit by a tax raid to fund Ed Miliband’s tuition fee plans .
Labour leader is set to announce plan to lower fees from £9,000 to £6,000 .
But he is yet to agree with Shadow Chancellor Ed Balls on how £2billion scheme could be funded . |
17a038b25943156305662e6993799ad724535a29 | (CNN) -- "Flowers of War" has a multitude of advantages over its rivals in the Oscar race for best foreign language film. Most obviously, it stars Christian Bale, who plays an American pretending to be a priest in order to survive the brutal 1937 Japanese invasion of Nanking, China. Moreover, Bale's character, and several others, speak English, making the film much more accessible to Academy voters. Lastly, it's the official category submission from China, which just so happens to be the most promising unrealized market for blockbuster Hollywood films. But the Oscars can also be very political, in every possible way. Including the literal sense. Last week, when Bale was roughed-up on camera while attempting to visit Chen Guangcheng, a blind activist who had been under house arrest in China for documenting his country's population-control measures, the Dark Knight actor reminded western audiences of China's less-than-stellar human rights record. If that wasn't enough, Chinese authorities responded strongly to the scuffle, saying that Bale "should be embarrassed" by his actions. "He was not invited to create a story or shoot film in a certain village," said a spokesperson for the Chinese government. "I think if you want to make up news in China, you will not be welcome here." Think voters might now be tempted to view "Flowers of War" in a different light? The Zhang Yimou film wasn't the race's favorite to begin with -- "Iran's A Separation" looks to be the frontrunner -- but this public-relations controversy and China's belligerent response could have a severe impact on the war film's Oscar prospects. Hollywood's interest in access to China's restrictive market is now counterbalanced by a temptation to stick up for Batman. Didn't the Chinese see the Hong Kong scene in The Dark Knight? In the real world, who cares? China has broader interests than a golden statue. But make no mistake: China covets an Oscar that would legitimize its booming movie industry -- "Flowers of War," with a budget of nearly $100 million, is its biggest project ever -- and despite two previous nominations in the category, the country has never won the trophy. Now with its spotlight film's most visible star at odds with the government, the chances of a Chinese Oscar could be dead on arrival. See the full article at EW.com. CLICK HERE to Try 2 RISK FREE issues of Entertainment Weekly . © 2011 Entertainment Weekly and Time Inc. All rights reserved. | Christian Bale plays a pseudo American priest in his new movie "Flowers of War"
The movie is nominated for an Oscar in the best foreign film category .
Bale engaged in a scuffle while filming and he is now at odds with the Chinese government .
China has never won a trophy and now has less chances of winning an Oscar this year . |
17a03e72d33d508993260febd82565b8f6dda861 | If Scotland's match with Germany wasn't entertaining enough, it seems another encounter on the pitch had everybody gripped on Sunday night. During the Scots' Euro 2016 qualifier against the world champions Scotland's James Morrison and Germany's Christoph Kramer went head-to-head in a battle of 'Rock, Paper, Scissors' while Marco Reus received treatment. An aerial shot showed West Brom midfielder Morrison gesturing to his midfield rival whether or not he knew the game. VIDEO: Watch James Morrison take on Christoph Kramer in 'Rock, Paper, Scissors' Head-to-head: Germany's Christoph Kramer and Scotland's James Morrison did battle twice on Sunday night . Break in play: Marco Reus went down injured allowing Kramer and Morrison time to do battle in Dortmund . Rock, paper, scissors? An aerial view appeared to show Morrison asking Kramer whether he knew the game . Kramer, who plays his club football with Borussia Monchengladbach, on loan from Bayer Leverkusen, then proceeded to draw his hand to do battle. However, while Gordon Strachan's side lost 2-1 - despite Ikechi Anya's impressive 66th minute equaliser - it's unknown who came out on top as Morrison's hand was blocked from view right at the decisive moment by one of the German physios! Many on social media believe the pair resorted to the hand game in order to decide who should later regain possession but whatever the reason, Kramer was clearly amused by Morrison's challenge of a duel. Battle of two minds: Scotland Morrison and Germany's Kramer then proceeded to draw their hands . Who won? The view of Morrison's hand was blocked by a German physio... Kramer appeared amused though . | James Morrison and Christoph Kramer were spotted playing 'rock, paper, scissors' during Germany v Scotland .
Unknown exactly why pair decided to go head-to-head as Marco Reus received treatment on the field .
Scotland lost 2-1 to the world champions in Euro 2016 qualifier . |
17a1a5e84066ac70f2819cb51e33fbe850eae9db | Washington (CNN) -- The United States has lifted its ban on U.S. carriers flying to and from Tel Aviv, Israel. The Federal Aviation Administration's move came Wednesday night, a day and a half after it imposed the prohibition over security concerns amid renewed Mideast violence. Airlines moved quickly to restore service. Delta Air Lines, United Airlines and US Airways said Thursday they are resuming flights to Israel's busiest airport, Ben Gurion International. The European Aviation Safety Agency also has reversed its recommendation that airlines avoid flying to Ben Gurion. Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, lobbied Washington to reverse the extraordinary order the FAA put in place after a Hamas rocket struck close to the airport Tuesday. Many international airlines followed suit, canceling flights to and from Tel Aviv. The FAA said it had worked with other U.S. government agencies and officials to assess security in Israel and "carefully reviewed" new information and measures Israel was taking to "mitigate potential risks to civil aviation." Two U.S. officials said Thursday the facts on the ground in Tel Aviv are the same as they were before the FAA freeze was put into place, but Israel has shared more information about airport defenses. A State Department official said "the circumstances in Tel Aviv from 72 hours ago are no different than the circumstances now." Another U.S. official cautioned that people in Washington are keeping a close eye on the situation in Tel Aviv and "if this goes south the ban could go back into place." Sources told CNN that the FAA, the U.S. intelligence community and other government agencies have been in intense discussions with Israel since the ban was put into the place. "There was significant new information about the threat -- new information/intelligence about the threat which they took into account, which led to the rescinding of this notice, and also measures -- new measures the government of Israel put in place to mitigate potential risks to civilian aircraft and aviation," State Department spokeswoman Marie Harf said Thursday. But the U.S. official said lifting of the ban "was not so much new intelligence as much as it is a better understanding of the planes going into and out of the airport." The Israelis improved certain protocols and procedures after the ban and were able to share new information with Washington about their defense capabilities that convinced the United States to resume air service into Israel, the official said. "We had a higher comfort level with the way they proposed to mitigate the threat we were seeing and it was satisfactory enough to allow airliners to resume," the official said. While U.S. airlines operate only a handful of flights per day to Israel, FAA safety directives are influential worldwide and can affect future bookings. Air Canada said it would start flying to Israel again Thursday night, according to its verified Twitter account. Spain's Iberia Airlines also announced that it would resume flying to Ben Gurion. "We are operating this flight with a bigger plane than we usually fly: an Airbus A330 with 278 seats," double the usual capacity, an Iberia spokeswoman said via e-mail. British Airways never stopped its twice-daily flights, it said. The Lufthansa Group, which includes Austrian Airlines and Swiss International Air Lines, has canceled flights through Friday. Ban openly questioned . The FAA ban was openly questioned by the Israeli government and sharply criticized by some high-profile U.S. political figures. They included former New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg, who flew to Tel Aviv and made his point bluntly on CNN, and Sen. Ted Cruz, a Texas Republican, who said he believed the step was imposed to pressure Israel into a cease-fire. But Antony Blinken, the deputy White House national security adviser, insisted to CNN's Wolf Blitzer that politics played no role in the decision. "We didn't use the FAA to do anything. The FAA makes independent judgments for safety and security of our airline passengers and for our airlines," Blinken said. "They made a judgment, and we're not in the business of second-guessing the FAA or overturning what they do." Also speaking to Blitzer after flying to Israel on its flag carrier, El Al, Bloomberg said the FAA ban had been a mistake. "We certainly don't want to stop flights into airports in America," he said. "It would be devastating for America. It's devastating for Israel when you stop flights." Unrest in Ukraine, Israel raises travel tension . Many flights soar over conflict zones . Planning on going to Israel? Share your story . CNN's Aaron Cooper, Carma Hassan, Rene Marsh and Mike Ahlers contributed to this report. | NEW: A U.S. official tells CNN the ban could be reinstated .
NEW: Official also says Israel shared new information about defense capabilities .
Israel had been lobbying Washington to reverse FAA decision . |
17a253033b4fbf963fc1faf0c51b9f80bf6a2b8b | By . Lizzie Edmonds . PUBLISHED: . 13:58 EST, 1 March 2014 . | . UPDATED: . 06:25 EST, 2 March 2014 . Britain's first ever 'cat cafe' where customers can enjoy a cup of coffee in the company of several felines officially opened its doors this morning. The grand opening of Lady Dinah's Cat Emporium in Bethnal Green, east London, was much anticipated by animal lovers across the capital. Within hours of its opening date being announced online, the cafe's website crashed when 3,000 people attempted to book a table. The cafe's website crashed as cat-lovers scramble to book a table . The UK's first cat cafe Lady Dinah's Cat Emporium opened today in Shoreditch, London . Cat cafes are already hugely popular in Taiwan, China and Japan - with over 100 already established in Tokyo . Two moggies await customers at Lady Dinah's Cat Emporium, which opened its doors this morning . No doubt they were hoping to enjoy a selection of sandwiches, cakes, teas and coffees while stroking 11 residents cats and kittens - named Adamska, Artemis, . Biscuit, Carbonelle, Donnie, Indiana, Loki, Mue, Petra, Romeo and . Wookie. But this morning Lady Dinah's looked a little quiet - with only a handful customers waiting for it to open. Cat cafes are already hugely popular in Taiwan, China and Japan - with over 100 already established in Tokyo. The cafe's website explains the concept: 'It's not just about being able to play with the cats. The cafe is owned by 31-year-old Australian Lauren Pears - a self confessed 'crazy cat lady' Comfy: A black and white cat reclines on a small bed . Ms Pears funded Lady Dinah's through crowdfunding website indiegogo.com . Odd sleeping arrangement: A ginger cat relaxes on a customer's laptop . Russian animal welfare campaigner Anna Kogan invested around £200,000 in the business . Cat-lovers can enjoy a cup of coffee and something to eat in the company of 11 animals at the east London cafe . The emporium is decorated in a vintage, Victorian style and offers sandwiches, cakes, teas and coffees . One of 11 resident cats and kittens can be seen exploring the cafe - owned by Lauren Pears . Customer Nicoletta Wylde waits patiently for the shop to open this morning. 3,000 people tried to book a table at the eatery within hours of its launch . More keen customers arrive at the shop this morning, having heard about its launch online . 'It's about the whole experience: a small indulgence, a place to forget . about your day and unwind. 'It's about coming in from the cold to a . comfortable wingback chair, a hot cup of tea, a book, and a cat.' The unusual eatery is owned by 31-year-old Australian Lauren Pears - who is a self confessed 'crazy cat lady.' Ms Pears funded Lady Dinah's through crowdfunding website indiegogo.com. Lunging around: One of the cafe's 11 resident felines takes a break on an armchair . The Shoreditch-based cafe is decorated in a vintage Victorian theme . The crowd-sourcing of £100,000 was met in just two months . The owner thinks the cafe will appeal to Londoners who love cats but can't own one because of work commitments or rental agreements . Feline supine: A cat relaxes on a hammock suspended above a stairwell . Two customers wait for a table this morning. The business was founded after Ms Pears started a campaign on crowdfunding website indiegogo.com . The shop is located in Bethnal Green, east London. Ms Pears raised £108,000 for her business via the site . After hearing of the runaway success of cat cafes in Asia, she started her campaign to raise over £100,000 on the site on Christmas Eve 2012 - a target which was exceeded within two months. One Russian animal welfare campaigner Anna Kogan, who is now the co-owner of the emporium, invested around £200,000 in the business - enough for Ms Pears to get a visa to stay in the UK. Speaking earlier this year, Ms Pears said: ‘If something exists you can probably get it in London, but there’s one thing that lots of people living in London can’t have – a kitty. One of the cats relaxes in a cat bed. Ms Pears was inspired to start the business after hearing of numerous successful shops in Asia . The owners hope customers will come to the shop to 'forget about' their days and 'unwind with a cat' ‘We thought long and hard about who would really benefit from having a cat café in London. 'I see commuters walking on their way to and from the station stopping to pet the neighbourhood cats, and since I am unable to own a cat myself due to my current flat and long hours I understand the desire to have a cat around.' The cafe is decorated in a vintage Victorian theme. Customers can also buy a selection of gifts and mementos via the Lady Dinah's website. | Lady Dinah's Cat Emporium opened its doors in east London today .
Customers can enjoy a selection of food and drink in company of 11 cats .
Cat Cafes are something of a craze in Asia, with over 100 opened in Tokyo .
Eatery owned by Lauren Pears - who raised money for business online . |
17a298dd08b5c131eb8182fadc6b48bc4fde2b52 | By . Mary Mcconnell . UPDATED: . 06:11 EST, 28 December 2011 . Barack Obama has topped a list of Americans' most admired men, even though his presidential approval ratings stand at just 47 per cent. When asked which man they most admired, 17 per of Americans named the US president, while Hillary Clinton, the US Secretary of State, topped the female list, also with 17 per cent. US TV star Oprah Winfrey was the second . most admired woman, and Mr Obama's wife, Michelle, was third. Former . British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher was seventh and The Queen ninth . on the list. Public support: Barack Obama was the most admired man among Americans despite low presidential approval ratings . The poll was carried out by public . opinion website Gallup, who asked Americans, without prompting, to name . their most admired man and woman living today. Behind Mr Obama in the men's poll were former presidents George W. Bush and Bill Clinton, who gained three and two per cent of the vote, respectively. The evangelical Christian Reverend Billy Graham was fourth. Americans' support for Mr Obama hit an all-time low in October when he was given a 38 per cent approval rating. It has since risen to 47 per cent but it remains a far cry from the 69 per cent approval rating he gained when he first came to office three years ago. Seal of approval: US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has been named the most admired woman for the tenth year in a row . Mrs Clinton has topped Gallup's poll, which has been running since 1946, for the tenth year in a row, while Mr Obama has been the most admired man for the past four years. 1. Barack Obama . 2. George W. Bush . 3. Bill Clinton . 4. Rev. Billy Graham . 5. Warren Buffett . 6. Newt Gingrich . 7. Donald Trump . 8. Pope Benedict XVI . 9. Bill Gates . 10.Thomas Monson . The Queen has never finished first in the poll but she has been in the top ten more than any other woman, making a record 44th appearance this year. She first made the top ten in 1948, five years before she was crowned. Mrs Thatcher has the second highest number of appearances on the top ten for women at 33. Rev Graham has clocked up the highest number of appearances on the men's list, making the top ten 55 times, although he has never been voted the most admired man. That accolade usually goes to the American president, who has topped the list for the past 31 years. Admiration: The Queen has been on Gallup's top ten 44 times . The most admired men and women typically come from the worlds of government, religion, business and entertainment or humanitarian causes. There are three business leaders in the men's list - Warren Buffett, Donald Trump and Bill Gates - and three religious leaders - Rev Graham, Pope Benedict XVI and Thomas Monson, the leader of the Mormon Church. 1. Hillary Clinton . 2. Oprah Winfrey . 3. Michelle Obama . 4. Sarah Palin . 5. Condoleezza Rice . 6. Laura Bush . 7. Margaret Thatcher . 8. Ellen DeGeneres . 9. Queen Elizabeth II . 10. Michele Bachmann . Among the women there are eight from government and two from television - Ms Winfrey and chat show host Ellen DeGeneres. Former vice-presidential candidate Sarah Palin, who was voted the second most admired woman over the past three years, has fallen two places this year to number four. Dwight Eisenhower holds the record for first-place finishers among men, with 12, followed by Ronald Reagan and Bill Clinton with eight each. In total Hillary Clinton has topped the Gallup list 16 times, Eleanor Roosevelt is second with 13 number one finishes. | Hillary Clinton named most admired woman for record 16th time .
Former vice-presidential candidate Sarah Palin has dropped from second to fourth . |
17a2a7716f241170aa2f155efa0ae754c69148b0 | A Texas mother was arrested after she was caught on video pulling a gun on a teenage girl who was fighting her daughter in a public park. Two female students from Pasadena High School in Houston confronted each other Tuesday afternoon, when one of the girls' mothers, Virianda Alvarez, showed up armed with a handgun. According to school officials, Ms Alvarez, 33, aimed the gun at her daughter's rival and threatened her. Scroll down for video . Bringing a gun to a fistfight: Virianda Alvarez (left), 33, of Houston, was charged with aggravated assault after she was caught on video holding a gun to the head of 14-year-old Victoria Myers during a fight (right) Packing heat: A cellphone video shows Ms Alvarez, dressed in a pink T-shirt, brandishing a black handgun . An armed officer with the Pasadena Independent School District showed up a short time later and broke up the fight. Virianda Alvarez was arrested Tuesday night and charged with aggravated assault. She is being held on $35,000 bond. During her first court appearance, Alvarez told a judge that she just wanted to 'scare' her daughter's rival with the gun, and her family later told the station KPRC2 that the weapon was not loaded. The violent brawl broke out in the park across the street from Pasadena High School after class Tuesday, drawing a large crowd of spectators. Victoria Myers, 14, told the station KHOU she got into a dispute with Virianda Alvarez's daughter over a boy, and then the girl’s friends challenged her to show up for a fight. Mean girls: Victoria Alvarez (pictured in teal sweatshirt) got into a dispute with Virianda Alvarez's daughter over a boy, and the girl's friends challenged her to a fight Tuesday after school . Footage from the fight shows the two classmates pummeling one another and pulling each other's hair . Myers said she had no idea that her classmate's mother came to the park armed with a gun until she saw a friend's cell phone video, which captured the moment Ms Alvarez allegedly pointed the handgun at her head . The shaky video, obtained by NBC DFW, begins with Victoria and her romantic rival standing in a circle of girls in the middle of the park, looking uncertain about what they are supposed to do next. Then one of the teens in the crowd shoves Alvarez's daughter towards Victoria, and the two begin pummelling one another with their fists and pulling on each other's hair. In the video, Victoria Alvarez throws her opponent to the ground and punches her several times in the face. For a split second, Virianda Alvarez appears in the frame in a bright-pink shirt holding a black handgun pointed at the ground. Unaware: Ms Myers (pictured on top) said she had no idea her rival's friend showed up with a gun . Show's over: An officer with the school district eventually broke up the fight before anyone got seriously hurt . Punishment: Both girls have been suspended from school until Monday and ticketed . Some of the spectators recorded the brawl on their cell phones, including the moment Ms Alvarez allegedly threatened an unsuspecting Victoria Myers with the gun. By the time a school district officer showed up to stop the fight, Ms Alvarez had stuffed the weapon in her purse, according to witnesses. The woman was identified and arrested only after videos and still photographs from the fight surfaced online and were brought to the attention of police. Victoria Myers and Alvarez's daughter have been suspended from school until Monday. Both girls also received citations and will have to partake in a five-day guidance program. | Virianda Alvarez, 33, charged with aggravated assault for allegedly pulling a gun on her teen daughter's rival in a fight .
Cellphone video shows Alvarez brandishing a black handgun in a crowd of spectators .
A photo taken during fight shows Alvarez holding gun to the head of her daughter's opponent .
The mother told a judge she only wanted to scare 14-year-old Victoria Myers . |
17a399e0b03e94fa69a8e942d3336f235a65b0e8 | By . Ray Massey . PUBLISHED: . 19:06 EST, 27 November 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 20:10 EST, 27 November 2013 . The number of ‘morning-after’ motorists caught over the drink-drive limit the day after a night out on the tiles is increasing. Arrests between 6am and 8am for drink-driving following a heavy night rose by nearly 4 per cent last year, according to police figures. Many motorists do not realise they are still at risk of being over the limit even after hours of sleeping it off. A police breathalyser: Many people do not realise that they could still be over the legal drink driving limit the morning after a night out . And with Christmas and New Year looming – the peak time for morning-after offences, accounting for 10 per cent of the annual total – arrests are likely to soar further. A separate survey of 1,688 drivers by insurers LV showed that 3 per cent – or 1.2million – admitted driving while over the legal limit the morning after a drinking session in the past two years. Some 37 per cent insisted that driving was unavoidable, 26 per cent said they were only going a short distance and 19 per cent thought they were all right to take to the road. Seven per cent even thought it was acceptable to drive because they were not on a motorway, and 13 per cent believed they were only a little over the limit so it did not matter. The report noted that most morning-after drink-drivers still have around five hours to go before they become sober enough to drive. Arrests between 6am and 8am for drink driving following a heavy night rose by nearly four per cent last year . The arrest figures were obtained by LV under a Freedom of Information Act request and were based on replies from 22 police forces. They show that 350 drivers were arrested for drink-driving between 6am and 8am in 2011, rising to 363 in 2012 – an increase of 3.7 per cent. The LV survey showed that 46 per cent of drivers underestimated how long it took for alcohol to leave the body – or did not know, while 30 per cent of men and 19 per cent of women admitted to having driven at least once after a heavy drinking session the night before. The LV report says: ‘Morning-after drink-driving is on the increase, with more motorists putting themselves and other road users at risk. 'This upward trend is being exacerbated by a lack of awareness among drivers about how long it takes alcohol to leave their system.’ The current drink-drive limit is 80mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood, 35mg per 100ml of breath or 107mg per 100ml of urine. This equates to approximately four units for an average man and two to three units for an average woman. Official guidelines say it takes an hour for the body to break down one unit. But experts say that this is not a reliable measure because it will vary depending on the person’s age, weight, gender and metabolic rate. | Rise in 'morning-after' drink drivers according to new study .
Many do not realise they could still be over legal limit the next day .
Christmas and New Year a peak time for drink driving offences .
It takes one hour for the body to break down one unit of alcohol . |
17a4009315be7ee27e28f52fbf6629ff5ec4f2bc | It is easy to sing hosannas for Max Verstappen, the boy who will make his Formula One debut for Toro Rosso next year at 17 years of age, becoming the youngest driver in the sport’s history. He is a talented driver by all accounts and appeared precociously assured before the assembled media in the paddock in Spa this weekend. Many fellow racers here have given him a generous welcome to the most exclusive drivers’ club in the world. Here is Jenson Button, the 2009 world champion, speaking self-deprecatingly about Verstappen, son of Jos, the Dutch driver of the 1990s and early 2000s. VIDEO Scroll down to watch Who is 16 year old F1 driver Max Verstappen? Ready for the challenge? Max Verstappen, 16, will become the youngest driver in the history of Formula One at 17 years old when he joins the Scuderia Toro Rosso team next season . Centre of attention: Verstappen was composed during his first press conference at Spa in Belgium this week after being announced as Toro Rosso's new driver . ‘I don’t know Max at all,’ said Button. ‘I knew his father because I raced against him, as did Fernando (Alonso) and Kimi (Raikkonen), I think. Somebody obviously thinks he’s ready for Formula One because they have given him the opportunity. ‘I got my drive with Williams when I was 19 years old. I wasn’t ready for Formula One. I was ready when I was 23. But I took the opportunity because it might not come again. Frank (Williams) phoned me up – I was in the pub with my mates having a pint of beer – and said, “Do you think you are ready for Formula One?” I said: “Definitely not”. He said: “OK, right, thank you.” ‘I put the phone down and phoned my dad and he said, “You’re kidding me!” He said: “phone him back and tell him you are.” So I called him back and said I was ready. Frank invited me to the factory and that’s how it all started – I got the test and got the drive. 'For anyone who comes into the sport and is given the opportunity, as a driver, a dad or a manager, you have to take it. Whether Max is ready, nobody knows.’ Ready or not: Jenson Button admitted he wasn't ready for the challenges of Formula One until the age of 23 . Pedigree: Verstappen on the podium during an FIA Formula 3 European Championship race at Silverstone . Button was being very fair. He raised doubts about the suitability of a 17-year-old – which will make him two years younger than the youngest previous driver, Jaime Alguersuari – but cautioned us against judging Verstappen by his own standards between the age of 19 and 23. Jacques Villeneuve, a former team-mate of the young Button at BAR Honda, was less sympathetic towards the experiment. The 1997 world champion, who made his F1 debut aged 24, said: ‘Basically, it’s like getting all the presents without deserving anything. But there is this thing of “the younger, the better”. What's the next step? A team who will sign someone at 15 just to get the image out of it? ‘It is the wrong way round. Caesar and Napoleon were good from the beginning but it takes time before you become an emperor. You build it. ‘He is still a boy so it is very risky. You don’t take a 16-year-old, who hasn’t even been to university, into the best hospital as a doctor, even if he is very good and very intelligent. Sceptical: Former world champion Jacques Villeneuve (left), seen here with Verstappen (right) and his father Jos, said Toro Rosso's appointment represented a big risk . Number one: Verstappen celebrates after winning the Zandvoort Masters of Formula 3 race last month . ‘You need to pay dues. You need to deserve it because that is only how you will become a man.’ Speaking to Autosport, Villeneuve added: ‘Getting a Super Licence (a prerequisite for Formula One) should be meaningful – not just doing three hundred kilometres and it being fine.’ I tend to agree with many of Villeneuve’s observations. Formula One should be the pinnacle; the final logical step in a career through various formulas. That a boy who only started racing cars this year, in Formula Three, can be deemed able to drive in Formula One may reveal how easy it is – in comparison to years gone by – to drive these cars. When Susie Wolff, of Williams, stepped in to test earlier this season, she was alarmingly close to the team’s regular race driver Felipe Massa on the timesheets, and, by all accounts, she is hardly Stirling Moss. But more than anything I hope Max is not burned in the exercise. Being a former Formula One racer while still in his teens would be an unwelcome conclusion to an astonishingly youthful beginning. Bernie Charles Ecclestone, 83 years old, is back in command behind the opaque glass – from the outside that is – of his portable HQ. I suspect the underground movement that pressed for change in their longed-for post-Bernie era will fall silent again now that he is not going to jail for bribery. It was always thus in Formula One. Back in charge: Bernie Ecclestone talks to reporters at Spa in advance of the Belgian Grand Prix. He is once again able to concentrate his energies fully on Formula One following the end of his bribery trial in Germany . One senior paddock figure told me that he would like to excise the whole current crop of drivers. They are, he thought, too highly trained in the dark, spin-doctoring wiles of saying nothing interesting. This view is not entirely misplaced. Nico Rosberg, for example, was coy despite being angry with Lewis Hamilton for not moving over as instructed during the last race in Hungary. Perhaps he was being smart, but some former drivers would have given vent to their feelings. Or, to put it another way, told it how it was. Ditto with Marussia’s Max Chilton and the curious issue of whether he would race this weekend in Belgium. He provided no explanation for his reinstatement a day after announcing he would sit out the grand prix. However, we journalists are not entirely blame-free in all this obfuscation. We criticise people for small slips of the tongue. They clam up more. The relationship between press and participant worsens. It is a vicious circle. Guarded: Nico Rosberg had little to say on Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes team orders in his press conference ahead of the Belgian Grand Prix . | Max Verstappen, 16, will make his Formula One debut for Toro Rosso next season and become the youngest driver in history at 17 years of age .
Young Dutchman looked composed in front of the media this week and has been welcomed into the sport by the other drivers .
Jenson Button admitted he was not ready for F1 until the age of 23 .
Jacques Villeneuve was sceptical about the decision, saying F1 should be the pinnacle of a career, not the beginning .
Bernie Ecclestone back in command at Belgian Grand Prix after bribery trial . |
17a47d6db655aac453bcf1059e9c675ad86fd825 | A group of schoolboys were caught by police after they were pictured surfing on the back of a bus while wearing rollerskates. The five youngsters, all aged between 12 and 15, were stopped by officers after a shocked bystander took a picture of them hanging on to the back of the bus as it drove up a hill in Dudley, West Midlands. But instead of charging them after they admitted being carried or towed by a motor vehicle, officers thought of a more productive punishment - they made them clean up the local us depot. Dangerous: A group of five youngsters were spotted hitching a ride on the back of a bus on rollerskates . PC Reg Steele, from West Midlands Police, said: 'As this was a minor traffic offence it could have been dealt with in two ways, either through the courts where a fine could have been processed or a community resolution. 'We agreed with National Express West Midlands that a community resolution would be the best solution and would give the youngsters time to think about their reckless actions. As well as cleaning up the depot, the group will also have to clean National Express's fleet of West Midlands buses. Raj Mishra, National Express West Midlands Operations Manager said: 'We hope that by the youngsters working with us to clean our vehicles and spending time on site with us, it will help them understand the dangers of using vehicles to tow them along.' Police guidance suggests officers should use them only for low level offences in which no-one is hurt, or for anti-social behaviour. Punishment: The youngsters, who were filmed by a shocked passer by, were made to clean up a local bus depot and its buses by police . Earlier this year, a schoolboy nicknamed 'the Titch-hiker' was named and shamed by his parents and handed over to police after video footage emerged of him hitching a lift home on the tailbar of a 40-tonne lorry. Sonny Wilson, 12, was captured on film sitting on the back of the truck as it drove through Blackburn, Lancashire. His father David Wilson and mother Karen Brian both saw the footage on Facebook and called the police. Eventually when the TNT delivery lorry slowed down at traffic lights the boy jumped off and gave the occupants of the car behind, who were filming him, a cheeky thumbs up before walking off down the street. | The group, aged between 12 and 15, were spotted in Dudley, West Midlands .
They were made to clean up the local bus depot by police who caught them .
The schoolboys will also have to clean up a fleet of National Express buses . |
17a5158a8783cc4f7a44134719f0385eb9f4fd4f | Google has made a bold statement against discrimination on its home page. The search giant's rainbow Olympic-themed logo, posted to mark the first day of the Sochi Winter Games, sends a powerful message of support for not only gay athletes competing in the games, but for the gay community at large and its supporters. The company often changes its logo to reflect current events or to mark significant anniversaries. The latest "Google doodle" features images of athletes involved in Winter Olympic events, against a backdrop colored like the rainbow flag, the adopted symbol of the movement for gay rights. Unlike the current iteration, Google doodles usually conform to the company logo's color scheme. Under the search bar, the company quotes the Olympic Charter, which promises all athletes the right to practice sport. "The practice of sport is a human right. Every individual must have the possibility of practicing sport, without discrimination of any kind and in the Olympic spirit, which requires mutual understanding with a spirit of friendship, solidarity and fair play," the Charter excerpt reads. The quoted paragraph is the fourth in the Charter's "fundamental principles of Olympism" (pdf). The colored logo is a direct rebuke to Russian president Vladimir Putin's government, whose recently-introduced anti-gay legislation, the so-called anti-gay propaganda law, has been a focal point of critics of these Games. Opponents argue that the laws that Putin's government enacted last year are in contravention to the spirit of the Games. Russian Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Kozak, recently warned both spectators and athletes against promoting gay rights during the Olympics. Last month Anatoly Pakhomov, the Mayor of Sochi, drew ridicule by suggesting that the city was devoid of gay people. Ban Ki-moon, the UN secretary general, used his speech to the International Olympic Committee on Thursday to offer support to the LGBT community, saying that "many professional athletes, gay and straight, are speaking out against prejudice." Google's undisputed position as the world's most-used search engine means that this is a rebuke that may be seen by billions. The Sochi Winter Olympics officially open today and will run until the 23rd of February. | Google doodle supports LGBT community with rainbow flag and Olympic Charter quote .
Putin's government criticized for its anti-gay stance .
UN Secretary General also shows support for LGBT community in IOC speech . |
17a571ce28d407eb671edd0db7fbcfc939c9c802 | (CNN) -- CNN wants to hear from viewers in both English and Russian for its weeklong focus on modern Russia. CNN Moscow Correspondent at Star City, the Russian cosmonaut training facility. Reflecting on Dmitry Medvedev's first year as president, and looking ahead to President Obama's first trip to the Kremlin in July, CNN delves beyond politics to profile the many facets of this vast land through an ambitious bi-lingual audience initiative and a wide-ranging week of programming. The audience initiative -- CNN's first with a Russian-language component -- complements an energetic mix of live reporting and interviews, feature and documentary programming, and cultural despatches running the gamut of sports to space travel, fashion to music, business to farming, as CNN travels the length of the country to bring viewers the Russia of today. CNN wants to hear from both Russian residents and worldwide viewers, in English or in Russian, what they think about Russia's role in the international community. Send us your comments via Sound Off below. or send your videos and pictures via iReport or to youtube.com/CNN. The best will be posted online to be read and watched by CNN.com Youtube audiences around the world, while English language contributions have the additional opportunity to feature on air in CNN's programming output. "Russia is making its voice heard far beyond its borders at a time when the global community has never been more interdependent," said Mike McCarthy, CNN International's vice president of coverage and feature programming. "We want our compelling interviews and reports to stand alongside the very best in audience commentary to provide a really lively insight into what contemporary Russia looks like at a time when its impact is being felt not just in politics but in a diverse array of other fields. We're also excited to offer an online outlet for the first time for Russian language audience feedback as well." The week of programming kicks off with a special travelogue documentary Eye on Russia: Moving Forward where CNN's Moscow-based Senior International Correspondent Matthew Chance rides the train from the Arctic north of Murmansk down to the southern climes of Sochi by way of St Petersburg and Moscow, to offer a diverse range of reports. He visits a Russian farm to look at the country's ambitions to be an agricultural superpower, checks out the Star City astronaut training center, meets with seven-foot boxing world champion-turned-movie star Nikolai Valuev and talks along the way with entrepreneurs and environmentalists working to make the city of Sochi home to green Olympics in 2014. CNN also catches up with famous faces like NHL hockey star Alexander Ovechkin, Russian Vogue editor in chief Aliona Doletskaya, A list model Natalia Vodianova, acclaimed conductor Valery Gergiev, the "Russian Madonna" singer Valeriya, and London-based Russian art collector Nonna Materkova to bring together an eclectic mix of Russians who have made it on the world stage. Additionally, there are reports on Russian communities around the world that have sprung up in places as different as Ashdod, Israel and Brighton Beach, New York. CNN is also live every night from a range of iconic Moscow locations as Chance gives his topical insights into a country increasingly at the center of international headlines, to complement a range of interviews with top Russian CEOs and industry leaders airing throughout CNN's prime time evening programming. From St Basil's Cathedral, the Kremlin, Christ the Saviour Cathedral and Manej Square, Chance gives us the latest on what makes the Russia of today, from domestic and foreign policy, to business, to culture. The Eye on series has travelled around the world visiting France, Russia, India, South Korea, China, South Africa, Brazil, Beirut and Poland. | CNN launches week-long series of special programming on modern Russia .
Moscow Correspondent Matthew Chance rides train from Arctic to Black Sea .
Series also features hockey star Alexander Ovechkin, conductor Valery Gergiev .
Tell CNN what you think about Russia's role in the international community . |
17a57a18301d83d281245f337d4cecf5b5e30927 | Mogadishu, Somalia (CNN) -- Somalia's parliament voted by an overwhelming majority to approve Abdi Farah Shirdon as the country's new prime minister Wednesday. Shirdon, who was the president's nominee, received 215 out of 275 votes. His appointment comes as the nation works to set up an effective central government following two decades of civil war. Shirdon, an economist who ran an import business in neighboring Kenya, was nominated by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud this month. Shirdon will now form a Cabinet -- the first of its kind in Somalia in more than 20 years. Speaking to parliamentarians at the session, Shirdon said his government will do more to ensure the security of the country and to fight against terrorism and piracy. His appointment is the latest in a series of political transitions. In recent months, Somalia has also adopted a provisional constitution, selected members of parliament and appointed that body's speaker. Read more: Somali lawmakers pick president in landmark vote . The new leaders face the daunting task of propping up Somalia's first effective central government since 1991. Somalia plunged into chaos after dictator Mohamed Siad Barre was overthrown 21 years ago. Following his ouster, clan warlords and militants battled for control, sparking a civil war and mayhem nationwide. The nation since then has mostly been under a shaky transitional federal government. Read more: Member of Somali's new parliament gunned down . Even though insurgents have fled the capital and guns have fallen silent, portions of the nation remain lawless. African Union and Somali troops are battling militants from Al-Shabaab, an al Qaeda-linked group that controls part of the nation's south. The troops have driven the militants out of various areas, including the lucrative port city of Kismayo and the capital, Mogadishu. Life is slowly returning to normal as coalition forces exert control in more regions. In remarks at the United Nations Tuesday, the special representative of the U.N. secretary-general for Somalia, Augustine Mahiga, hailed the progress made. "The fall of Kismayo, the last stronghold of the extremist Al-Shabaab insurgents in late September, marked a decisive turning point in the conflict," he said. Mahiga said the next challenge will be to maintain security and stability in Kismayo and other areas newly liberated from Al-Shabaab. He called for more international support for AMISOM, the African Union's peacekeeping mission in Somalia, in its efforts to keep Somalia's coastal waters secure. This is necessary for commercial reasons, to interrupt Al-Shabaab's supply lines and to deter piracy, he said. Journalist Omaar Nur and CNN's Pierre Meilhan contributed to this report. | Abdi Farah Shirdon receives 215 out of 275 votes from parliament .
His appointment follows that of a new president last month .
Somalia is setting up an effective central government following decades of civil war .
Shirdon says his government will do more to ensure security and to combat terrorism . |
17a593e1dfa5fe0a6dc3b240cbd32d969d3345bb | It seems a roaring fire wasn't the only thing keeping Bronze and Iron Age Scandinavians warm through cold winter nights. From northwest Denmark, from 1500 to 1300 BC, to the Swedish island of Gotland as late as the first century AD, Nordic people were drinking an alcoholic ‘grog’. Chemical traces of the ingredients of the drink were found buried in tombs alongside warriors and priestesses, . Scroll down for video... Ancient Scandinavians drunk an alcoholic mixture of barley, honey, cranberries, herbs and grape wine imported from Greece and Rome. Pictured here is an ancient Roman drinking-set, comprised of a bucket a ladle, and several drinking cups. They were uncovered under the floor of a settlement at Havor in Sweden . Honey . Bog cranberry . Lingonberry . Bog myrtle . Yarrow . Juniper . Birch tree resin . Wheat . Grapes . Barley . Rye . By analysing chemicals found in ancient jars, scientists revealed that the drink was a hybrid of local ingredients. These included honey, bog cranberry, lingonberry, bog myrtle, yarrow, juniper, birch tree resin, and cereals including wheat, grapes barley and rye. The research proves the existence of an early, widespread, and long-lived Nordic grog tradition - one with distinctive flavours and probable medicinal purposes. It also provides the first chemically proven evidence of importing grapes from southern or central Europe as early as 1100 BC, demonstrating both the social and cultural prestige attached to wine. Samples of the drink were found buried in tombs alongside warriors and priestesses. Pictured here is a uoung woman, believed to be a priestess, buried in an oak trunk coffin under a mound at Egtved in Jutland, Denmark . With Dr McGovern's help, Delaware-based . Dogfish Head Craft Brewery recreated the Nordic grog in October 2013, . using wheat, berries, honey and herbs. According to Dr McGovern, the grog tastes sour, like a Belgian lambic. There are also other options available to those who want a taste of Bronze Age Europe. The Swedish brewery Nynäshamns Ångbryggeri, for instance, created different version of grog called Arketyp. ‘About the closest thing to the grog today is produced on the island of Gotland in the Baltic Sea,’ Dr McGovern noted. ‘You can taste Gotlandsdryka in . farmhouses. It’s made from barley, honey, juniper, and other herbs like . those in the ancient version.' ‘Far from being the barbarians so vividly described by ancient Greeks and Romans, the early Scandinavians, northern inhabitants of so-called Proxima Thule, emerge with this new evidence as a people with an innovative flair for using available natural products’, said Dr Patrick McGovern, lead author of the paper. ‘They were not averse to adopting the accoutrements of southern or central Europeans, drinking their preferred beverages out of imported and often ostentatiously grand vessels,# he added. ‘They were also not averse to importing and drinking the southern beverage of preference, grape wine, though sometimes mixed with local ingredients.” To reach their conclusions the researchers, based at the University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology, obtained ancient residue samples from four sites in a 150-mile radius of southern Sweden and encompassing Denmark. The oldest, dated 1500 – 1300 BC, was from Nandrup in northwestern Denmark, where a warrior prince had been buried in an oak coffin with a massively hafted bronze sword, battle-axe, and pottery jar whose interior was covered with a dark residue that was sampled. A second Danish sample, dated to a later phase of the Nordic Bronze Age from about 1100 – 500 BC, came from a pit hoard at Kostræde, southwest of Copenhagen. A brownish residue filling a perforation of a bronze strainer, the earliest strainer yet recovered in the region, was sampled. VIDEO: Dogfish Brewery recounst re-creation of Scandinavian ancient ale . A third Danish sample was a dark residue on the interior base of a large bronze bucket from inside a wooden coffin of a 30-year-old woman, dating to the Early Roman Iron Age, about 200 BC, at Juellinge on the island of Lolland, southwest of Kostræde. The bucket was part of a standard, imported Roman wine-set, and the woman held the strainer-cup in her right hand. A reddish-brown residue filling the holes and interior of a strainer-cup, again part of imported Roman wine-set, provided the fourth sample. Dating to the first century AD, the strainer-cup was excavated from a hoard, which also included a large gold torque or neck ring and a pair of bronze bells, at Havor on the Swedish island of Gotland in the Baltic Sea. According to Dr McGovern, the . importation of southern wine grew rapidly in the Bronze and Iron Ages, . and eventually eclipsed the grog tradition - but never completely. Many . of the ingredients in Nordic grog went on to be consumed in birch beer . and as the principal bittering agents of medieval beers, before hops . gained popularity. To reach their conclusions the researchers obtained ancient residue samples from four sites in a 150-mile radius of southern Sweden and encompassing Denmark. Pictured here is a map of southern Scandinavia, showing archaeological sites investigated . ‘About the closest thing to the grog today is produced on the island of Gotland in the Baltic Sea,’ Dr McGovern noted. ‘You can taste Gotlandsdryka in farmhouses. It’s made from barley, honey, juniper, and other herbs like those in the ancient version.’ With Dr McGovern's help, Delaware-based Dogfish Head Craft Brewery recreated the Nordic grog in October 2013, using wheat, berries, honey and herbs. 'The base of Kvasir is a toasty red winter wheat, and the bog-grown berries deliver a pungent tartness,' according to the website. 'While a handful of hops is used, the earthy, bitter counterpunch to the sweet honey and birch syrup comes from the herbs.' | Nordic grog predates Vikings and was found buried in tombs of warriors .
Other grog ingredients included honey, lingonberry, juniper and cereals .
There was also evidence of grape wine imported from Greece and Rome .
Dogfish Head Craft Brewery in Delaware has recreated the drink using wheat, berries, honey and herbs . |
17a5ca7828f830f77e037a67ef76144d11351496 | (CNN) -- By definition, a model is an archetype, an example to emulate. Within those standards, Shaun Ross is a model of imperfection. The 22-year-old was born with albinism, a congenital disorder that results in the production of little to no pigment in the skin, hair and eyes. The condition affects an estimated 1 in 17,000 people in the United States, according to the National Organization for Albinism and Hypopigmentation, and puts people at risk for persecution in some parts of the world, according to the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. During this New York Fashion Week, which runs until September 12, Ross appeared in presentations for brands Third NYC and Monsieur Belange. He previously walked the runway in Berlin and appeared in music videos for Katy Perry and Beyoncé. His most anticipated project is an upcoming short film entitled "Tropico" with Lana Del Rey. Ross, who describes his look as "euphoric," is one of a growing number of anti-cookie-cutter models. He said his smile "isn't the prettiest," but illuminating; his face is "very disoriented," but edgy. "I challenge photographers," he said. Interactive: The look of NYFW . Ross said his condition doesn't confine or define him -- it has just always been there. The 6-foot-1 model came into the world the same way he did the modeling industry: in an unlikely fashion. Ross's mom gave birth to him on the highway on the way to the hospital. "The nickname my parents always called me was Nissan," Ross said with a laugh. But growing up in the Bronx borough of New York, Ross said he was called everything from "Casper" to "Powder" to "white bread." In seventh grade, the teasing culminated when a boy stabbed him in the back six times with a pen. "I was always the outcast, but a confident outcast," Ross said. "I just had to accept it. I'm going to be me; either you're going to accept it or you're not." Ross, in part, credits his confidence to his mother, who never dwelled on his differences. "It's really weird to say, but I never thought about my skin being weird. I just knew that's what it was. I never asked myself why I didn't look like my parents," Ross said. "My mother has showed me you have no fear. You let people judge you, but who gives a f—k?" To him, beauty is confidence. While the runways this week continue to be dominated by waif-like bodies, angular faces and symmetrical, round eyes, Ross arrived on the scene just as the modeling industry is abuzz about what it means to be beautiful. Fashion Week's first plus-sized designer . The New York Times recently declared it the season of the quirky model. "It girl" of the moment Cara Delevingne sports full, bushy brows and self-deprecating, goofy Instagrams to match. She also suffers from psoriasis, an autoimmune disease that often results in splotchy red patches on the skin. A recent flare-up served as an accessory to a red Versace gown during Milan Fashion Week in February 2013. "It only happened during Fashion Week!" Delevingne told W Magazine. "Which is, of course, the worst time of the year for me to be covered in scabs. Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease, and I'm sensitive. Kate (Moss) saw me before the Louis Vuitton show at 3 a.m., when I was being painted by people to cover the scabs." Meanwhile, Lindsey Wixson with her "bee-stung lips" and gap teeth glided down the runway for top designers Rebecca Minkoff and Zac Posen, among others, during New York Fashion Week. Ukrainian model Masha Tyelna's otherworldly eyes pierce the cameras, while Andrej Pejic continues to push limits with crossover between menswear and womenswear. Charlotte Free rocks pink hair, while Saskia de Brauw sports a short, grunge haircut -- and challenges the notion that models must be in their late teens by continuing to work at age 32. High fashion, minus the labels . Some argue there isn't enough racial diversity in modeling, such as model-turned-activist Bethann Hardison, who sent a memo to Fashion Week organizers on behalf of the Diversity Coalition, an advocacy group that champions diversity on the runway. "Eyes are on an industry that season after season watches fashion design houses consistently use one or no models of color," Hardison wrote to the Council of Fashion Designers of America, as well as to the British Fashion Council and the governing fashion week bodies for Paris and Milan. "No matter the intention, the result is racism," she continues; the memo went on to call out specific designers who featured zero or only a couple of black models during their last season. According to Noah Shelley and Angus Munro, two of the most influential casting directors during New York Fashion Week, one part of casting is a designer's aesthetic: Does it make sense to put a rock 'n' roll girl in a romantic gown? But the majority is based on instinct. "When an 'it girl' arrives, to an untrained eye, you wouldn't give her a second glance," Munro told CNN after Opening Ceremony debuted its spring collection at Fashion Week, where models were juxtaposed with flashy sports cars and Justin Bieber and Rihanna watched from the front row. "Models are supposed to be aspirational, unreal characters," Munro said. "The fact that they are abnormally tall, perfectly proportioned and have amazing skin, it's because we're creating a picture. It entices someone to buy something." Shelley said that when he and Munro make casting decisions, there are a limited number of diverse models. They have seen a growing number of Asian models, as that area of the world has become one of the fastest growing markets for luxury goods. "All the shows essentially want the best of the best," Shelley said. In a statement, the British Fashion Council said the lack of ethnic models is also a multitiered problem, from who the agencies decide to sign to what designers request. "The British Fashion Council does not organize model castings for London Fashion Week, although, as its governing body, strongly asserts that all participating designers should recognize that London is one of the most multicultural cities in the world and should consider reflecting this demographic at their shows and presentations," it said in its response to the Diversity Coalition's memo. This season, Munro and Shelley say that personality and quirk appeals because of the intensity of model turnover. During the era of the supermodel, the faces of Cindy Crawford, Christy Turlington, Linda Evangelista and Naomi Campbell transcended the runway -- often into mainstream media -- for years. Now, a model's look can be in and out of vogue in a matter of a few seasons. A day in the life of a model . It can be a matter of a model having the right look at the right time, whether heroin chic, like Kate Moss in the 1990s, or the androgynous look spurred by Agyness Deyn in the mid-2000s. "The world has to want what that girl offers at that exact time," Shelley said. But Shelley and Munro try not to cross the line from quirk into novelty. "There's a fine line between an interesting event and a spectacle," Shelley said. "It's a spectacle when it becomes more about people wanting to identify with the strange." Ross, the model with albinism, is a tricky one to cast, Munro said. "That guy is unbelievably good-looking in an unbelievably bizarre way. But many designers haven't thought that way," he said. Ross summed up his attitude with a hashtag he uses to his growing social media following, #InMySkinIWin, which he says promotes a level of comfort with yourself. He started it to raise albinism awareness, but has since expanded the meaning to just loving who you are. "It's the DIY generation," Ross said. "Kids are becoming muses because they understand that what it takes to be successful is to be desirable and confident." Follow Sarah LeTrent and on Twitter and Instagram for dispatches from New York Fashion Week. | Shaun Ross challenges the standards of beauty at New York Fashion Week .
Ross was born with albinism: "I was always the outcast, but a confident outcast"
Media outlets say quirky is in when it comes to models .
Some argue there's still not enough diversity on the runway . |
17a5e6d0f7ebd6d69f5fbd3daa08db0416ec5351 | By . Tara Brady . An ambulance crew took nearly half an hour to get to a woman in cardiac arrest after their satnav system tried to send them the wrong way. Jodie Fields, 20, from Leigh-on-Sea, in Essex, died at her home on May 20, 2012, from sudden adult death syndrome. The university student, who was training to be a nursery nurse, had visited four different doctors in the three months before her death complaining of leg pain, a racing heart and breathing problems. Much loved: Jodie Fields pictured with her mother Karen who believes a catalogue of errors led to her daughter's death . However, she was told she was suffering from stress and anxiety. Jodie's sister Kirsty called 999 after finding her unconscious at the flat which they shared. An inquest in Chelmsford heard a lone paramedic arrived minutes later but it took 24 minutes for an ambulance crew to arrive. There were no crews available in near towns so the ambulance had to travel from Basildon which was about 10 miles away. Chris Smith, a paramedic on board, said he and his colleague used the satnav system because they were unfamiliar with the area. He said: 'The satnav tried to send us the wrong way down a one-way road. 'We would not normally respond to calls in that area from Basildon. Ideally there would be more local crews.' Kirsty Fields and her mother Karen Fields hold a picture of Jodie who died of sudden adult death syndrome . However, he said the satnav error may have set them back no more than a minute. Miss Fields was declared dead half an hour after the ambulance crew arrived. Chelmsford Coroner's court also heard how Miss Fields had seen a doctor in the run-up to her death who had been placed under the supervision by the General Medical Council over his record keeping. It took five visits to a doctor before she was referred to a cardiologist. Coroner Caroline Beasley-Murray said Miss Fields died from adult death syndrome and recorded a verdict of death by natural causes. But her family believe a 'catalogue of errors' contributed to the death of Miss Fields. Her sister Kirsty, 24, told The Sunday Mirror: 'It's disgusting we had to wait so long for an ambulance. 'I believe it cost Jodie her life.' Her mother Karen added: 'It's just a catalogue of errors. All we want is to make sure this never happens to anyone else. We owe that to Jodie.' | Jodie Fields, 20, from Essex, died at her home on May 20, 2012 .
Student visited four different doctors three months before her death .
She had complained of leg pain, a racing heart and breathing problems .
Ambulance crew travelled from Basildon which was about 10 miles away . |
17a5e90ce67929871fef2d83b9cb4bf2b06fb588 | By . John Drayton . Pre-season . training is all about building up strength for the gruelling campaign . ahead, and Arsenal have wasted no time in getting ship-shape. Gunners . stars including Jack Wilshere, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Santi . Cazorla were all pumping the iron in strenous excercises at the Gunners' London Colney base. Arsene . Wenger was on hand to put his side through their paces as the likes of . Aaron Ramsey, Tomas Rosicky and Kieran Gibbs got ready for the new . season. VIDEO Scroll down to watch Wenger say he is not deeply concerned about Wilshere . Working out: Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain works on his strength and fitness during Arsenal training . Heavy lifting: Jack Wilshere (left) and Santi Cazorla (right) also took part in the training exercise . Arsenal . kicked off their pre-season schedule with a 2-0 win at Boreham Wood on . Sunday before Saturday sees them start their USA tour with a match . against Gunners legend Thierry Henry's New York Red Bulls. Ahead of their tour, Wenger said he can't wait to play in a country where the World Cup was so widely embraced. 'It is the first time since I [started to] go to World Cups that I've been stopped by so many American people,' he told Arsenal's official club website. Young gun: As well as weight training Oxlade-Chamberlain (left) was able to show off his ball skills in practice . Decision maker: Arsene Wenger (left) will have a lot of choices to make in midfield including Wilshere (right) Changing of the guard? Mikel Arteta (left) and Gedion Zelalem (right) battle for the ball on Wednesday . VIDEO One trophy not enough - Arteta . Starters? Mathieu Flamini, Tomas Rosicky and Aaron Ramsey (left-right) will battle to be in Arsenal's midfield . 'I can . tell you something I'm completely convinced of - before people didn't . know who you were, but now every American guy I met knows Arsenal, knows . England and knows the Premier League. 'The enthusiasm about soccer in the States is new but big. I expect us to have a good crowd there. 'I hope that we can help to develop the interest in the game and that we can play a good match there to make people enjoy it. 'It is the perfect time to go. I always wanted to go with Arsenal to the United States, so I'm personally very happy to do it.' Sitting pretty: Wilshere takes a break from training at London Colney on Wedneaday . | Arsenal players take part in pre-season training ahead of USA tour .
Jack Wilshere, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Santi Cazorla work out with weights during Wednesday's session .
Arsenal fly to America to play a friendly against the New York Red Bulls . |
17a775484ea64367543571e6b05238f9be08b2a7 | By . Peter Allen . Witness: British cyclist Brett Martin has told police he passed a motorbike driving away from the scene a few minutes before he arrived at the layby . A mystery motorcyclist seen around the Alpine beauty spot where four people were blasted to death is now the prime suspect for the murders, it emerged today. The breakthrough in the baffling case came thanks to Brett Martin, a British cyclist who discovered the bodies close to Lake Annecy, in eastern France. The 53-year-old ex RAF serviceman has told French police that he passed a motorbike driving away from the isolated lay-by where the slaughter took place on September 5th last year. Between three and five minutes later he discovered a BMW containing the bodies of Surrey engineer Saad al-Hilli, 50, his wife Iqbal, 47, and her mother Suhaila al-Allaf, 74. Lying next to the car was the murdered French cyclist Sylvain Mollier, 45, while the al-Hilli’s daughter, seven-year-old Zainab, was stumbling around outside having been shot in the shoulder and pistol whipped. French police today confirmed that - despite numerous appeals - neither the motorcycle nor its rider has been traced. 'It passed me three, four or five minutes’ before Mr Martin arrived, the Englishman told detectives during a number of meetings. Mr . Martin said the rider was wearing a full-face helmet, possibly white, . and black clothing, and that the motorbike’s engine may have been white . with a top case on the back. The . description is similar to that of a motorbike seen around the time of . the murders on a stretch of private road at Col de Cherel, four miles . further up the mountain. A dairy farmer recalled seeing a white motorcycle with a top case and possibly with saddlebags. 'The farmer thought he [the motorcyclist] was acting suspiciously and looked lost as he stopped to check his route,’ a police source told the Sunday Times. Baffling: Police are still trying the solve the murder of Saad al-Hilli and his family in the French Alps . The source confirmed that the motorcyclist seen by Mr Martin was the 'prime suspect’ for the killings. Neither the farmer nor Martin could identify the make or model of the motorbike, nor provide further details about its rider. Murdered: Saad al-Hilli, was found dead alongside three others, including his wife and mother . Eric Maillaud, the prosecutor in the case, confirmed his appeal to the motorcyclist to 'make himself known as soon as possible’. Mr Martin had been riding his mountain bike up a steep road above the French village of Chevaline when he arrived at Le Martinet car park at about 3.30pm. As he turned the corner, he saw the small, frail figure of Zainab collapse face down in front of him and wrongly thought she was 'pranking around'. He put Zainab in the recovery position - a move which may well have saved her life - and then switched the BMW’s engine off. Mr Martin did not spot the Al-Hilli’s second daughter, four year old Zeena, who had escaped the killer by hiding under her mother’s clothing and was not found by French police until around eight hours later. Unable to get a phone signal, Martin began to cycle back down the road and met a car carrying three hitchhikers who alerted the authorities. As a routine part of their inquiry, police examined Mr Martin’s own background but found nothing to arouse suspicion. While the rider of the motorbike has been firmly established as the prime suspect, the motive for the massacre remains a mystery. Speculation has ranged from a feud within the al-Hilli family or a random shooting by a psychopath to the suggestion that Mollier was the intended target. Speculation: The rider of the motorbike has been firmly established as the prime suspect . | Biker seen driving away from the scene minutes before bodies were found .
Neither the motorcycle or rider have been traced by the French police .
The mystery rider was wearing a full-face helmet and black clothing . |
17a8221ed724c9beb369dfbb0035f83c48e0efd7 | Arrested: Medics at Franklin Medical Centre in Winnsboro, Louisiana, called police when Lasasha Allen brought her toddler to them with severe injuries . A mother has been charged with the attempted murder of her own child for allegedly throwing the 20-month-old out of a moving car as sped down a rural road at 45mph. Medics at Franklin Medical Centre in Winnsboro, Louisiana, called police when Lasasha Allen brought the toddler to them suffering severe injuries. The 23-year-old mother of six was arrested and, after investigations, police said they believe she inflicted the injuries on the child in a bid to get its father's attention. Franklin Parish Sheriff Kevin Cobb told myarklamiss.com: 'It was finally determined that this was more than an accident. This was an intentional act.' Police said Allen on Sunday sat her child in the front passenger seat of her car, with no seatbelt, and drove to a remote spot close to her home with a curve in the road. With another of her children, a seven-year-old, watching from the back, she is said to have then sped along the curved road before reaching over, opening the door, and allowing the toddler to fall out. She then waited several hours before taking the toddler to hospital. Police said she told them she only intended to inflict a few cuts and bruises. Doctors found the toddler had a fractured skull and several broken bones. They arranged for an airlift to Louisiana State University Hospital in Shreveport where surgeons were waiting to operate. The toddler was 'doing okay', Sheriff Cobb told KFOR.com yesterday. Sheriff Cobb told KATC.com that on Saturday, the day before the incident, Allen had tried get the attention of the toddler's father by sending him a text message claiming his child had fallen from a car window. After that text failed to provoke a response, she 'staged' the accident in an out-of-the-way spot on LA 865 to avoid being 'caught in a lie' with the child's father, the sheriff said. He told KFOR: 'She decided that she would take the child for a ride, placed the child in the passenger seat on the very edge of the vehicle, unrestrained. 'She reached over and opened the vehicle door, in which the child was basically slung out of the vehicle.' Sick ruse: Allen had told the child's father that the toddler had fallen from a car window and, when that failed to provoke a response, she 'staged' the accident on LA 865 to avoid being 'caught in a lie', the sheriff said . Allen is in custody at Franklin Parish Detention Centre, held on a $750,000 bond. Her other five children have been taken into care. Sheriff Cobb called the allegations a 'horrendous act' that is 'beyond explanation.' 'I hope that everyone will pray for that child and its siblings through this ordeal,' he told KATC. 'One thing is certain, the child is in a safer place today than in the hands of the mother. Justice can't move quickly enough in this.' | Doctors called police when Lasasha Allen, 23, brought the badly hurt child in .
She allegedly staged accident after telling father it had already happened .
Police have charged her with attempted murder and taken her six children . |
17a87d5d3258bb6ec9586f06563a5f363522a808 | By . Oliver Todd . Follow @@oliver_todd . Jose Mourinho spent long periods of last season bemoaning his lack of a 'real striker' - but this pre season he is putting in the hours to get exactly what he wants. At Chelsea's Waldarena training base in Austria, the Chelsea boss has been spending a lot of time with his new £32million hitman Diego Costa, working to ensure that the 25-year-old knows what his new manager expects of him. Mourinho's man-management skills have long been lauded as the best around. Back in his first spell at Stamford Bridge in 2004, he told Frank Lampard he was the best player in the world - and the prolific midfielder went on to guide the Blues to their first title in 50 years. VIDEO Scroll down to watch Diego Costa wax Xabi Alonso's leg sitting on the bench . Special ones: Jose Mourinho lets new signing Diego Costa know exactly what to do on the training field . Powerhouse: Costa will pose a handful for Premier League defences next season when on runs like this one . Rivals: Fernando Torres and new signing Costa will likely fight in out for one place up front at Stamford Bridge . This is how you do it: Mourinho put in a lot of time with his new striker to help him hit the ground running . Not-so-hot-shot: Cesar Azpilicueta aims a shot which Cech saves - the full back has just one goal for Chelsea . New boys galore: Cesc Fabregas gets away from Filipe Luis with youngster Izzy Brown approaching . First goal: Petr Cech, back in training with the first team, tries to get to a Luis shot across the goal . Now, Mourinho looks to be giving Costa the same treatment in the hope the addition of a proven goalscorer can help Chelsea go two marks better in the Premier League and the Champions League. In the second session of their Austrian training camp, Mourinho was often spotted having a word in Costa's ear, pointing out where he wanted to be and explaining his tactics. He wants the former Atletico forward to hit the ground running - and not to become the latest of Chelsea's scrapheap of failed big money striker purchases. And Costa, who had a difficult World Cup as Spain were knocked out in the group stage, looked to be pleased with how things are going since joining up with Chelsea's squad - smiling and posing for selfies with fans. Elsewhere, Petr Cech was back with the first team, fielding shots from new boy Filipe Luis among others as Chelsea prepare for their third pre season game on Wednesday against RZ Pellets. Let me take a selfie: Costa and Fabregas both pose for photos with Chelsea's fans at their Austria base . Back in town: Gary Cahill escapes the attentions of Lewis Baker and Nemanja Matic to play a pass . Relief: Mo Salah, fresh from the news he is not required for military service, takes possession of the ball . Not-so-hot-shot: Cesar Azpilicueta aims a shot which Cech saves - the full back has just one goal for Chelsea . Doing well: Mourinho's gesture appears to show his appreciation for the players' work in Austria . Taking it seriously: Skipper John Terry calls for the ball during a game organised by Mourinho . Utility man: Branislav Ivanovic, who played up front against Wimbledon at the weekend, tackles Dominic Solanke . Familiar territory: Ivanovic tries to get a diving header past Cech at the Waldarena . Mr Nice Guy: Costa signs autographs at the Waldarena in Austria and is joined by former Atletico team mate Filipe Luis . Get into the groove: Cech will have been relieved to make his return with Thibaut Courtois threatening his place . Youth vs new: Nathaniel Chalobah comes up against Fabregas in a midfield duel . | Blues boss was frequently seen having a word with new striker .
Costa is expected to lead the line for Chelsea in their title push .
£32million forward will fight it out with Fernando Torres for starting spot .
Petr Cech is back working with the first team in daytime session .
Cesc Fabregas and Filipe Luis pose for photos with fans in Austria . |
17a8f106f7bfd8bfe868dcc145f9fa64f06badc9 | By . Kieran Corcoran . PUBLISHED: . 11:45 EST, 13 September 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 11:47 EST, 13 September 2013 . Karen Welsh, pictured, was strangled in her home by paranoid schizophrenic John Constantine . A damning investigation into the killing of a nurse by a paranoid schizophrenic has revealed a series of blunders by the NHS, police and probation service. Karen Welsh, 52, was strangled at home by John Constantine, 33, who had been discharged from a psychiatric hospital. Constantine beat Mrs Welsh and cut her wrists in March 2010 – while he had already breached the conditions of a suspended prison sentence. Mrs Welsh, a nurse, had let Constantine, stay in her Cardiff home as he was homeless after being let out. At the time he was only receiving treatment for depression. But a report into her death by Healthcare Inspectorate Wales has said that he was misdiagnosed by doctors, and should also have been arrested by police years earlier. It said that his hospital treatment was ‘inadequate’, and that he was only properly diagnosed as a ‘floridly psychotic’ paranoid schizophrenic after killing Mrs Welsh. Cardiff and Vale University Health Board, which initially assessed Constantine, was criticised for underestimating the risks he posed. The report said: ‘Had there been a more assertive and less fragmented attempt to gain a better understanding of the risks that he posed, it is possible the killing may have been preventable.’ It also revealed that police and probation officers repeatedly failed to arrest Constantine - who breached the conditions of his suspended sentence for a hammer attack, burglary and car theft in 2008. Karen Welsh, pictured right with her daughter Joanne, left, might not have died if police and doctors had acted properly, a report said . It said: ‘On more than one occasion opportunities were missed to apprehend him and bring him back under the supervision of the probation service or the courts.’ Her daughter Joanne Welsh described her heartbreak on finding out that her mother’s death was preventable. She said: ‘It is extremely upsetting to hear the conclusions. ‘My mother could still be alive had it not been for misdiagnosis, failures in communication between the relevant agencies and a lack of mental health awareness. ‘These failings meant that a very dangerous and unwell man was let down and allowed to commit such a devastating crime.’ When Constantine was tried in court for Mrs Welsh’s murder, it emerged that he was a paranoid schizophrenic who had been fit and well until suffering a mental breakdown in 2008. He denied murder but admitted manslaughter by diminished responsibility and was sent indefinitely to a maximum security hospital. The court heard that he had changed his name from Kevin Astley to John Constantine after a Keanu Reeves character. Reeves played the occult detective in Constantine, a 2005 occult thriller in which his character can talk to demons. Ruth Walker, head of nursing at Cardiff and Vale University Health Board, said: ‘It is clear that communication between statutory agencies fell short of expectation. ‘Both patients were let down by that failure, with tragic consequences.’ Dr Ruth Hussey, chief medical officer for Wales, said: ‘In this complex case, there were several key findings of concern. ‘The Welsh Government expects the local health board involved to work with other partners to take the appropriate actions and learn from this tragic case. ‘On behalf of the NHS in Wales, I would like to apologise sincerely to everyone affected by this tragedy.’ | John Constantine, 33, strangled Karen Welsh at home in Cardiff in 2010 .
Constantine, a paranoid schizophrenic, had been released from a mental hospital .
Report into the death of Mrs Welsh, a nurse, shows it was preventable .
Says Constantine was misdiagnosed by doctors .
He should also have been arrested for breaking terms of release for earlier crimes . |
17a98b317564b18e2d317e40c1b0d7490985a6f7 | South Africa captain Jean de Villiers faces a race to be fit for next year's World Cup. De Villiers was carried off during the Springboks' 12-6 defeat against Wales in Cardiff on Saturday after twisting his left knee and suffering a dislocated knee cap. Scans shortly after the match revealed significant ligament damage, and 33-year-old De Villiers was assessed by an orthopaedic surgeon in Cape Town on Monday, who advised that the centre requires surgical reconstruction of the knee. VIDEO Scroll down for Sportsmail's Big Match Stats from Wales vs South Africa . Jean de Villiers was carried off the Millennium Stadium pitch on a stretcher on Saturday . The Springboks captain dislocated his knee after twisting his leg during a challenge on Saturday . De Villiers saw a specialist on Monday to find out whether he has a chance of playing in the World Cup . Springboks team doctor Craig Roberts told www.sarugby.net that 106 times-capped De Villiers' absence from rugby 'would probably be at least eight months'. South Africa kick off their World Cup campaign against Japan in Brighton on September 19 next year. 'We are currently consulting with the best specialists in South Africa to determine the best way to approach the surgery, as there are potentially a few options available,' Roberts said. Wales' Dan Biggar (left) and Rhys Webb (right) tackle South Africa's De Villiers on Saturday . 'It's imperative that the best course of action is decided on so that Jean can start recovery and rehabilitation as soon as possible to give him the best chance to be fit for the World Cup. 'At this stage it's still difficult to determine how long he will be out of action, but it would probably be at least eight months.' | Jean de Villiers dislocated his left knee cap against Wales .
Springboks captain saw an orthopaedic surgeon in Cape Town on Monday .
The 33-year-old could miss the World Cup in 2015 as surgery is needed .
Wales beat South Africa 12-6 at Millennium Stadium on Saturday .
De Villiers faces at least eight months out due to injury . |
17a9c339529e887ab4370745db2b5e9b2e7a4f85 | (CNN) -- With his Hyperloop proposal, Elon Musk isn't the only entrepreneur proposing ways to rev up American transportation. The man who brought us sleek, clean electric Tesla cars and SpaceX -- a private space program that successfully sent a payload to the orbiting space station -- is setting his sights on a radically different mass transit proposal called Hyperloop. Giant vacuum tubes would suck travelers across hundreds of miles in a matter of minutes. Related: Elon Musk wants to revolutionize transportation again . Technology in the Digital Age is spurring creative ideas aimed at improving -- and even reinventing -- the way humans travel. The issue is becoming a pressing one with increasing traffic and vehicle emissions. Musk's idea is one of countless transportation concepts being bandied about -- some of which may blow your hair back, others that may amount to pie in the sky. Some may be closer to reality than you think -- like driverless cars and space tourism. For other ideas, the future is murky. You be the judge. The media loves a good gee-whiz story. Remember the Segway? When that was announced in 2001, we read that these two-wheeled transportation machines would change the way we commute and how cities would be designed. How many Segway owners do you know? Or how about the Shweeb, a pedal-powered transportation system that so impressed the folks at Google, the company gave its inventors $1 million for research and development. In the three years since Shweeb won the award, it hasn't made a lot of news. The lesson is, it's a long way between the drawing board and reality. Related: More transportation coverage . Let's take a look at some of the ideas floating out there that may influence the way we travel from Point A to Point B in the future. Planes . By 2019, a small aircraft-maker reportedly plans to start offering a $5 million two-seater jet aimed at business execs who want to fly as fast as 720 mph -- close to the speed of sound. But, mostly, the buzz around the future of flight surrounds something even faster: supersonic combustion ramjets -- aka scramjets. Imagine flying from New York to Tokyo in under two hours. Scramjet technology could make that dream a reality. Experts predict scramjet engines could propel aircraft as fast as 15 times the speed of sound, according to NASA. Unlike conventional jet engines, scramjet engines have virtually no moving parts. And unlike rockets, scramjet engines would burn oxygen from the atmosphere instead of having to carry heavy tanks full of oxygen. The result: a more efficient vehicle for military or commercial purposes. Last year the Pentagon tested a 25-foot long scramjet called an X-51A Waverider. Such technology could be used to develop "cruise missile-like weapons that could reach a target on the other side of the planet in minutes instead of hours," one expert told CNN. Another application for the technology, he said, is an "aircraft which could put a quick-reaction force on a far-off battleground within hours instead of days." A UK-based outfit called Reaction Engines has been working on scramjet technology. It produced a video to show its vision for a passenger aircraft called the A2, which would fly five times the speed of sound. This month Reaction Engines announced a partnership with the European Space Agency to figure out its next system to launch vehicles into orbit. Related: How we'll travel in 2022 . Trains . Early in the Obama administration, federal transportation officials began pushing the idea of high-speed rail, by offering taxpayer dollars to interested states. One of those states is California. On its website, California's high-speed rail project still officially promises service from San Francisco to the Los Angeles area in under three hours at more than 200 mph. But the program's initial projected cost of $34 billion has ballooned to $118 billion. Officials are considering a slower, less ambitious train system, CNN Special Investigations Correspondent Drew Griffin reports. Related: Is California high speed rail for real? Related: Would you board a moving train? In the Northeastern United States, Amtrak operates Acela Express -- a rail service capable of speeds up to 150 mph that shoot riders from New York City to Washington in about 96 minutes. Responding to critics who say Acela is too slow and too infrequently reaches its top speed, Amtrak plans to run test trains at 165 mph in Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, Rhode Island and Massachusetts. High-speed rail critics often oppose it because they say it costs taxpayers too much. Which is why a proposal in Texas is so interesting. The Texas Central Railway has a plan to build a high-speed train without any taxpayer dollars. Spanning the nearly 240 miles separating Dallas and Houston, a Japanese-style "bullet train" reportedly would haul 500 passengers in just 90 minutes. Maximum speed: around 220 mph. If all goes as planned, the train would be running by 2020, according to organizers. Related: Vehicles that changed the world . Automobiles . Drivers? Who needs 'em? We've got computers! Driverless cars have been legal in California for nearly a year. Carmakers Audi, BMW, Mercedes and Volvo are planning to offer automated vehicles by the end of this year, The New York Times reported. As more computers take the driver's seat, it remains to be seen how driverless cars will safely interact with cars piloted by humans. Other car-related transportation ideas are winding their way through the national conversation. How about solar-powered smart-roads? Inventor Scott Brusaw has proposed building a national network of wired highways made of very strong glass. Solar electricity generated by the highways would recharge electric vehicles that use the road. The highway's streetlights and LED warning signs also would be powered by the road. Space . Justin Bieber's on board. Who else wants to fly to the edge of space? Bieber has signed on to be among Virgin Galactic's first passengers. The company -- founded by billionaire Richard Branson -- says it's on track for its passenger spacecraft to reach space in a test flight for the first time by the end of this year. More than 500 would-be space tourists have signed up to take short $200,000 flights that would involve several minutes of weightlessness. New Mexico says it's ready for space travel. The state has built a kind of airport for space ships called Spaceport America. It's open for business and NASA has already used the facility for unmanned rockets. Other ideas aimed at going up include a proposal for an elevator that would take cargo and travelers into space. Opinion: Hyperloop could be a reality . Other ideas . What about the extreme future of transportation? Believe it or not, scientists have been talking about an idea of getting from here to there that sounds like something from "Star Trek." Could Scotty's "transporter" ever become a real thing? In 2007, scientists indicated to CNN that someday it might be possible to scan a person using some advanced form of the technology used to perform MRI scans, and transmit that scanned information somewhere else -- using normal electrical or sound signals -- where it would then be reassembled into an approximation of the original. But there will always be skeptics, like Valerie Jamieson, physics editor of New Scientist Magazine. "I really don't think it is ever going to happen," she said. "Then again, one thing I've learned is never to underestimate the ingenuity of physicists, so never say never." Hyperloop vs. world's fastest trains . | Entrepreneur Elon Musk proposes Hyperloop: shooting travelers through tubes .
Musk's idea is aimed at allowing people to travel from San Francisco to Los Angeles in 30 minutes .
The technology era is spurring countless ideas to improve transportation .
Ideas include scramjets, bullet trains and driverless cars . |
17aab3e39671c8b37b7d1a7f6bea8e578f67b6e2 | By . Daily Mail Reporter . PUBLISHED: . 00:00 EST, 8 March 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 09:00 EST, 11 March 2013 . A man who accused former tennis champion Jennifer Capriati of beating him up has also claimed that she stalked him for a year. Capriati, 36, allegedly got into an argument with ex-boyfriend Ivan Brannan, a former Florida State . University golfer, on February 14 at a Palm Beach gym in Florida. Brannan, 28, also claims that Capriati stalked him and called his work place more than 100 times in a single day last year. Champion: Capriati, 36, allegedly got into an argument with ex-boyfriend Ivan Brannan, a former Florida State University golfer, on February 14 at a Palm Beach gym in Florida . Allegations: Ivan Brannan has accused ex-girlfriend Jennifer Capriati of beating him up at a Florida gym on Valentine's Day . Capriati reportedly turned up at Brannan’s workplace in January and banged on the windows, according to the New York Post. The tennis pro has hired lawyer Steve Sessa . who said that the police report is 'one-sided' and the story which was . circulating was an 'over-exaggeration'. Brannan . asked the Palm Beach County Circuit Court for a restraining order . against Capriati last year. The judge declined the request. He . also says she sped through a security gate at his condo building in her . Porsche after a guard declined her requests to be let in. Support: Christine Corley (right) the ex-girlfriend of Ivan Brannan, said that he had previously accused her of assaulting him after he called the police on his more recent ex, tennis pro Jennifer Capriati . The North Palm Beach Police Department did not respond to a request for comment. However Brannan's ex-girlfriend has come to Capriati's defense, saying that he also tried to blame her for an attack. Christine Corley, who starred on . Gordon Ramsey's MasterChef, offered her support to Capriati via Twitter . on Saturday, saying that her ex Brannan called the police on her, saying . that she had also stalked and assaulted him. Florida police are considering charges . of battery and stalking against Capriati in connection with the incident . at Oxygen Health and Fitness gym. Questions: North Palm Beach County police are considering charges of battery and stalking in connection with the incident at Oxygen Health and Fitness gym involving the tennis pro . Capriati . allegedly hit 28-year-old Brannan's chest with her fists several times . before a yoga instructor intervened. Brannan then ran into the men's . locker room and called 911. Capriati fled the scene in her car but was stopped by police a few miles away. They allowed her to go at the time. Ms Corley, who has a three-year-old son with Brannan, tweeted on Saturday: 'See I'm not crazy! --- this is the father of my child --! HILARIOUS...' The chef told Gossip Extra: 'He is doing to Jennifer Capriati what he did to me... This man is just a master manipulator.' The single mother added that Brannan had accused her of hitting him but that no charges were ever filed. Capriati was only ten when she made her Sports Illustrated debut and by 13, she was on the cover. She won Olympic gold in 1992 at age 16 and two years later, she was out of the game and into legal trouble when she was cited for shoplifting and arrested for marijuana possession. Brannan (front row, far right) has previously requested a restraining order against Capriati . | Ivan Brannan, 28, claims that the tennis pro punched him at a Florida gym on Valentine's Day .
Brannan's ex-girlfriend Christine Corley says that he falsely accused her of hitting him and is a 'master manipulator' |
17aabacc82dfa7407f3d2e68ac80acb4f422ab20 | By . Louise Boyle . PUBLISHED: . 08:30 EST, 19 June 2012 . | . UPDATED: . 09:49 EST, 19 June 2012 . The number of Asians moving to the U.S. has surpassed Hispanics for the first time ever, reflecting a slowdown in illegal immigration while employers increase their demand for highly-skilled workers. An expansive study by the Pew Research Center details what it describes as 'the rise of Asian-Americans,' a highly diverse and fast-growing group making up nearly 6 per cent of the U.S. population. Mostly foreign-born and naturalized citizens, their numbers have been boosted by increases in visas granted to specialized workers and to wealthy investors as the U.S. economy becomes driven less by manufacturing and more by technology. Diversity: The number of Asian migrants entering the U.S. has surpassed Hispanics reflecting a slowdown in illegal immigration and more visas for highly skilled employees . 'Too often the policy debates on immigration fixates on just one part - illegal immigration,' said Karthick Ramakrishnan, a political science professor at the University of California-Riverside and a fellow at the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars. 'U.S. immigration is more diverse and broader than that, with policy that needs to focus also on high-skilled workers.' He added: 'With net migration from Mexico now at zero, the role of Asian-Americans has become more important.' Around 430,000 Asians, or 36 per cent of all new immigrants, arrived in the U.S. in 2010, according to the latest census data. That's compared to about 370,000, or 31 per cent, who were Hispanic. Across the nation: Regional dispersal of Asian-Americans, according to the latest census data . The Pew analysis, . released today, said the tipping point for Asian immigrants likely . occurred during 2009 as illegal immigrants crossing the border from . Mexico sharply declined due to increased immigration enforcement and a . dwindling supply of low-wage work in the weak U.S. economy. Many Mexicans already in the U.S. have also been heading back to their country, putting recent net migration at a standstill. As recently as 2007, about 390,000 of new immigrants to the U.S. were Asian, compared to 540,000 who were Hispanic. The shift to increased Asian . immigration, particularly of people from India, China and South Korea, . coincides with changes in U.S. immigration policy dating to the 1990s . that began to favor wealthy and educated workers. The policy, still in place but subject to caps that have created waiting lists, fast-tracks visas for foreigners willing to invest at least half a million dollars in U.S. businesses or for workers in high-tech and other specialized fields who have at least a bachelor's degree. The study revealed variations among Asian subgroups which belied their typecast as a 'model minority' POVERTY: As a whole, Asian-Americans had a . poverty rate in 2010 of 11.9 per cent, lower than the 12.8 per cent for . the general U.S. population. By country of origin, however, Koreans, . Vietnamese and Chinese were more likely than the average American to . live in poverty, at rates of 14 per cent or more. EDUCATION: The share of . Asian-Americans who hold at least a bachelor's degree surpasses the . national average, 49 per cent to 28 per cent. Vietnamese, however, fell . below the national average at 26 per cent. People from India were most . likely to have a college degree, at 70 per cent. UNEMPLOYMENT: Asian-Americans ages 25 and older were somewhat less likely to be . unemployed than the national average for the first quarter of 2012 - 6 . per cent compared to 7.4 per cent for all U.S. workers. But in terms of . long-term unemployment, Asian-Americans fared much worse, with median . duration of unemployment at 28 weeks, second only to African-Americans . (31 weeks). The national average was 22 weeks. ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION: While immigrants from Asia often obtain visas and arrive . legally, many also sneak across the U.S. border or become undocumented . residents after overstaying their visas. Up to 15 per cent of Asian . immigrants in the U.S. are here illegally, compared to 45 per cent of . Hispanic immigrants. International students studying at U.S. colleges and universities are now most likely to come from Asian countries - around six in ten - and some of them are able to live and work in the U.S. after graduation. Asian students, both foreign born and U.S. born, earned 45 per cent of all engineering Ph.D.s in 2010, as well as 38 per cent of doctorates in math and computer sciences and 33 per cent of doctorates in the physical sciences. Several bills pending in Congress that are backed by U.S. businesses seek to address some of the visa backlogs, through measures such as eliminating per-country limits on employment-based visas or encouraging investment in the sluggish U.S. real estate market. They have stalled amid broader public debate over immigration reform that has focused largely on lower-skilled, undocumented workers. In recent years, more than 60 per cent of Asian immigrants, aged 25 to 64, have graduated from college, double the share for new arrivals from other continents. As a whole, the share of higher-skilled immigrants in the U.S. holding at least a bachelor's degree now outpaces those lacking a high-school diploma, 30 per cent to 28 per cent. 'Like immigrants throughout American history, the new arrivals from Asia are strivers,' said Paul Taylor, executive vice president of the Pew Research Center and co-author of the report. 'What's distinctive about them is their educational credentials. These aren't the tired, poor, huddled masses of Emma Lazarus's famous inscription on the Statue of Liberty. They are the highly skilled workforce of the 21st century.' The findings are part of Pew's broad portrait of Asian-Americans, immigrants or U.S.-born children of immigrants who come mostly from China, the Philippines, India, Vietnam, Korea and Japan. Now tied with Hispanics as the fastest-growing U.S. group, the nation's 14.5 million Asian-Americans are slowly becoming visible as founders of startups in Silicon Valley, owners of ethnic eateries, grocery stores and other small businesses in cities across the U.S., as well as candidates for political office and a key bloc of voters in states such as California, Nevada and Virginia, according to experts. Deterrent: Illegal immigration to the U.S. from Mexico has dropped following moves like the fences along with Arizona-Mexico border . Projected to make up one in ten residents by mid-century, Asian-Americans as a whole tend to be more satisfied than the general public with their lives and the direction of the country. They lean Democratic, prefer a big government that provides more services, and place more value on marriage, parenthood, hard work and career success. The Pew survey is based on an analysis of census data as well as interviews with 3,511 Asian adults living in the U.S., conducted by phone from January 3 to March 27. The poll has a margin of error of plus or minus 2.4 percentage points for all respondents, higher for subgroups. | Demographic change caused by increase in visas granted to specialized workers and wealthy investors .
36pc of new immigrants from Asia - compared to 31pc Hispanic . |
17abb355d3b36a9d524a52e55f7b0cb290ee26ff | By . Gerri Peev and Matt Chorley . PUBLISHED: . 07:24 EST, 30 May 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 08:31 EST, 30 May 2013 . Ed Miliband has been attacked for lacking a ‘credible’ economic message and leading a ‘policy-light’ party by Labour’s biggest donor has said. John Mills, the chairman of shopping giant JML, warned that the Labour leader does not have a ‘clear idea on how to get the economy growing again at a reasonable speed and how to get the deficit down to a much more sustainable proportion’. The scathing assessment came as a . poll showed the public view the Labour leader as as less competent and . trustworthy than Gordon Brown. Weak: Gordon Brown was seen as stronger in the days after his election defeat than Ed Miliband is now, according to a damning new opinion poll . The millionaire, who made the remarks to LondonlovesBusiness.com website, has given Labour £1.65 million in shares this year. He is the only substantial business person to back Labour under Mr Miliband, with most of Labour’s funds still coming from trade unions. ‘The whole political spectrum is policy-light and this includes the Labour Party,’ Mr Mills said. ‘I’m not sure anybody has a compelling message.’ Asked why Ed Balls, the shadow chancellor had not communicated a strategy, he said: ‘That’s a very good question but patently this hasn’t happened’. Mr Mills is also the chairman of Britain for Business, a campaign group which is demanding that the UK renegotiates its relationship with the European Union. He said of Mr Miliband’s refusal to promise a referendum was ‘not a vote-winner on the doorstep and the Labour leadership has to weigh this up’. His praise for Mr Miliband was limited to him being a ‘very nice person’ and a ‘very capable speaker’, but the tycoon added that anybody in opposition ‘always looks like a pygmy’. A damning new survey shows voters think Mr Miliband is weaker and more dithering than Gordon Brown. Pressure: Mr Miliband has seen his poll lead eroded amid speculation fears an upturn in the economy could write-off his election hopes . Leadership: The YouGov poll found voters thought Mr Miliband was less 'in touch' and more 'dithering' than Mr Brown . Strength: More people thought Mr Brown was trustworthy and more thought Mr Milband was weak . Voters also believe Mr Miliband is less decisive than his predecessor – despite the criticism of Mr Brown that all he did in office was launch countless policy reviews. After two and a half years in the job, the YouGov poll for the Times showed that more than 50 per cent of the public regard him as out of touch, dithering, weak or unclear about what he stands for. Fewer than one in five believe he is decisive or strong. The characteristic most often associated with Mr Miliband was that he dithered. More people regard him as incompetent – 42 – to competent – 28. And even more view him as untrustworthy – 40 per cent – compared to trustworthy – 29 per cent. However, the public did regard Mr Miliband as honest, with 39 per cent believing he was truthful compared to 24 per cent who did not. Compared to Mr Brown after polling day in May 2010, Mr Miliband was seen as being more on the side of a select few (34 per cent to 38 per cent) and more dithering (57 to 56). However Mr Miliband was regarded as a better leader of the Labour party than Mr Brown by 32 per cent of voters, while 17 per cent he was worse and 41 per cent he was no better or worse. A separate poll to monitor the public’s perception of Boris Johnson found that the London Mayor’s colourful private life had made no impact on his popularity. Asked by ComRes whether the revelation that Mr Johnson had cheated on his wife and fathered a child with his mistress would make it less likely for them to vote for him in a general election, 76 per cent disagreed and just 15 per cent agreed. UKIP supporters were the most relaxed about Mr Johnson’s philandering, with just ten per cent saying they were less likely to vote for him because of it. | Poll reveals voters trust current leader less than his predecessor .
Major donor John Mills says party lacks clear economic message . |
17abcd15187a18677ce785e654c25b1bca29317f | Johannesburg (CNN) -- South African anti-apartheid icon Nelson Mandela successfully underwent hernia surgery Saturday, a family member told CNN Saturday. Mandela was "comfortable" and in "a satisfactory condition" Saturday, said the South African president, who referred to the medical event only as "a planned procedure." The 93-year-old likely will be discharged within the next two days, a Mandela relative told CNN. Considered the founding father of South Africa's democracy, Mandela became an international figure when he endured 27 years in prison for fighting racial segregation. He was freed in 1990, and three years later, he and then-South African President F.W. de Klerk won the Nobel Peace Prize. In 1994, Mandela was elected president, serving only one term as he had promised. On Saturday, President Jacob Zuma said Mandela was being treated for a "longstanding abdominal complaint." The president referred to Mandela by his affectionate clan name Madiba. "Madiba is fine and fully conscious and the doctors are satisfied with his condition, which they say is consistent with his age," Zuma said in a statement Saturday afternoon. "He was in good health before admission in hospital but doctors felt the complaint needed a thorough investigation. He underwent a diagnostic procedure as part of his ongoing medical management. We are happy that he is not in any danger and thank the doctors for their hard work and professionalism," Zuma said. A government official assured the public that Mandela's hospital stay was not an emergency. "People need not panic. This was planned ... Mandela has had abdominal pains for sometime," said Keith Khoza, a spokesman for the ruling African National Congress. Officials and family declined to name the hospital where the former president is undergoing treatment. Mandela last appeared in public in the closing ceremonies of the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. He was hospitalized last year for treatment of an acute respiratory infection, and continued to receive treatment at home after doctors discharged him. Despite his rare appearances, Mandela retains his popularity and is considered a hero of democracy here. He spent 27 years in prison after being convicted of sabotage and attempts to overthrow the former apartheid regime. In a life fighting the racism of apartheid he went from being considered a terrorist to jailed freedom fighter to nation builder to elder statesman respected in the world's capitals. Clint Eastwood's 2009 film "Invictus," starring Morgan Freeman as Mandela, dramatizes Mandela's nation-healing presidency in the 1990s. Mandela relocated to his childhood town of Qunu last year, but moved back to his Johannesburg home earlier this year. At the time, Zuma said the move was because the home in his boyhood town was undergoing maintenance. Members of the public can send messages to Mandela through President Zuma to president@po.gov.za, officials said. CNN's Nadia Bilchik, Faith Karimi and Michael Martinez contributed to this report . | Mandela is "comfortable" and in "a satisfactory condition," president says .
Mandela had an operation for a hernia, relative says .
He should be released no later than Monday, relative says .
The former president last appeared in public in 2010 . |
17aca8647cfca4c620ccb4dd0a05982bdf3b2e8d | They are the men you can depend on, the influential players who are always involved and usually deliver the goods whatever the situation in the match. An Opta analysis of the Premier League season to date has revealed that Aston Villa's Andreas Weimann is the player who is involved in the highest proportion of his team's goals. With three goals and two assists this campaign, the Austrian striker has been involved in 71.4 per cent of Villa's goals. Andreas Weimann has been involved in 71.4 per cent of Aston Villa's goals so far this season . The top 10 Premier League players for goal involvement so far this season. Courtesy of Opta . Despite playing a part in five of Villa's seven goals this season, Weimann could do with scoring some more . Admittedly, they have only scored seven goals so far but this statistic shows his vital importance to their cause. Gylfi Sigurdsson of Swansea is second in the ranking, as his two goals and eight assists mean he has played a hand in 58.8 per cent of his team's goals this term. QPR's Charlie Austin - seven goals and one assist - has been involved in 57.1 per cent of their goals, while Saido Berahino has scored over half of West Brom's. Gylfi Sigurdsson has contributed two goals and eight assists for Swansea so far this season . Charlie Austin has been involved in 57.1 per cent of QPR's Premier League goals this season . Saido Berahino has played a role in 53.8 per cent of West Brom's goals so far this season . Club-by-club table of the most influential players this season. Courtesy of Opta . Manchester City have scored 27 league goals so far and their talisman Sergio Aguero has played a hand in 14 of them (51.9 per cent) - a very impressive return. And the value of Alexis Sanchez to Arsenal is underlined by his involvement in 10 of their 21 Premier League goals so far this season. Louis van Gaal will be satisfied that £60m signing Angel di Maria has played a part in over 40 per cent of Manchester United's goals this campaign. Jose Mourinho can be happy with his summer acquisitions too - both Diego Costa and Cesc Fabregas have been involved in 36.7 per cent of Chelsea's goals. Sergio Aguero has 12 goals and two assists for Manchester City this season . Angel di Maria has been involved in more of Manchester United's goals than any other player . Alexis Sanchez has played some part in 10 of Arsenal's 21 Premier League goals this term .  . | Opta have analysed goals and assists in the Premier League this season .
Aston Villa's Andreas Weimann has been involved in 71.4% of his team's goals with three goals and two assists .
Gylfi Sigurdsson has played role in 10 of Swansea's 17 league goals .
Charlie Austin has figured in 57.1% of QPR's goals so far .
Alexis Sanchez and Sergio Aguero also feature in top 10 list . |
17aced629b406fb834fca5096faf2b39912886fb | (CNN) -- The U.S. and Russian ambassadors to the United Nations have exchanged a flurry of Twitter posts about the controversial punk rock band Pussy Riot. Meanwhile, Russian media suggested a Russian athlete in the Sochi Games may have been sporting an image supporting Pussy Riot on his snowboard Thursday in what could be the Olympics' first protest. In the diplomatic dispute, Samantha Power, the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, apparently initiated the exchange with a Russian counterpart when she tweeted Wednesday about meeting formerly imprisoned band members Maria Alyokhina and Nadezhda Tolokonnikova, both of whom were released in December. Power posted a photograph of herself with the two punk rockers, who "came by to discuss their time in jail," Power tweeted. She also stated: "Met some brave 'troublemakers' today." . Power subsequently tweeted: "I asked #PussyRiot if they were afraid of prison. Response: No. In prison we could see the terrible conditions. It's human rights fieldwork." Then the Russian ambassador to the United Nations, Vitaly Churkin, told a U.N. press conference that Power should join the band and invite them to play at the National Cathedral in Washington. Power responded on Twitter: "Ambassador Churkin, I'd be honored to go on tour with #PussyRiot -- a group of girls who speak up & stand for human rights. Will you join us?" Power also added: "I can't sing, but if #PussyRiot will have me, Amb Churkin, I say our 1st concert is for Russia's pol. prisoners. #LiveFromMatrosskayaTishina." Matrosskaya Tishina is a notorious Moscow prison where opposition activists have been held. Pussy Riot tells Christiane Amanpour: 'We are free people, and free people feel no fear." A third member of Pussy Riot, Yekaterina Samutsevich, was released in 2012. The three members were sentenced to prison after performing a song critical of Russian President Vladimir Putin in one of the Russian Orthodox Church's most important cathedrals in February 2012. The performance was carried out in a flash-mob style. Meanwhile, the Russian state-run media agency RIA Novosti reported Thursday that Russian athlete Alexei Sobolev sported an image on his snowboard resembling "a female figure in a balaclava wielding a knife." That image purports to resemble members of Pussy Riot because the anti-Putin, all-female band perform while wearing balaclavas, the news agency reported. The headline stated: "Sochi Snowboarder Coy on Possible Pussy Riot Protest." When asked if the design was an homage to Pussy Riot, Sobolev responded: "Anything is possible." He added: "I wasn't the designer." Sobolev, a slopestyle rider, was also the first Russian to compete in the Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia, and finished 10th in a qualifying heat Thursday. The drawing on his snowboard was described as "what could be the first protest by an athlete" in the games, the Russian news agency said. CNN's Brian Walker contributed to this report. | U.S., Russian ambassadors to U.N. exchange words over Pussy Riot, prison conditions .
Three members of punk rock band Pussy Riot recently served Russian prison terms .
A Russian athlete has an apparent Pussy Riot image on his snowboard, agency says .
"Anything is possible," Winter Olympian says, adding, "I wasn't the designer" |
17acfdaa901a1c2822558e0673ef6de6ff99db53 | Dani Alves could be heading out of the Nou Camp after revealing that he hasn't been offered a new contract by Barcelona. The Brazilian is heading into the last six months of his contract and insists that despite the uncertainty about his future, he will not be distracted by the speculation. Alves has won 13 trophies in his time with Barcelona but is now open to talk to other clubs ahead of a move at the end of the season. Dani Alves could be heading out of Barcelona after revealing he has not been offered a contract by Barcelona . Martin Montoya (left) is also expected to be leaving the club so Barcelona may struggle with replacing Alves . 'I have a contract until the summer,' he told reporters in Barcelona. 'I'm a Barcelona player and I'm not interested in negotiating an exit. I want to finish these six months in the best way possible, and afterwards, we'll see. 'At the moment I've not been offered a renewal. But I'm relaxed. It is what it is.' With Martin Montoya also expected to be leaving the club in 2015 and summer-signing Douglas having made just three starts, the right-back position could be an issue for Barcelona. The club would not be able to sign a replacement for the 31-year-old after FIFA banned them from making any signings in 2015, however, Alves insists this is not a concern for him. 'The problem of leaving them weak on the flank is not my problem, but Barcelona's.' | Dani Alves revealed he has not been offered a new contract by Barcelona .
The Brazilian insisted he will not be distracted by any speculation .
Barcelona may struggle to replace him with their transfer ban in 2015 . |
17af1d43350b504ec35bca28d849285d9ee6d011 | By . Amanda Williams . PUBLISHED: . 06:40 EST, 30 April 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 07:59 EST, 30 April 2013 . It is surely the bane of drivers' lives - discovering what you think is the perfect parking spot, only for it to be ruined by the appearance of a set of double yellow lines. But at just four foot wide, and far too narrow to fit a car down, it was unlikely any motorists were going to risk a ticket down this lane. This 'ridiculous' set of double yellow lines, painted by bungling council workers on a Wiltshire lane, have now been covered over after complaints from residents. Swindon Borough Council became was branded a laughing stock when the lines appeared earlier this year. A 'ridiculous' set of double yellow lines were painted by council workers on a Swindon lane which is too narrow to drive down . The council blamed the gaffe on contractors, incredibly saying the workers had forgotten 'just how big cars actually are'. There was just 13 inches of space between the two sets of yellow lines - which is roughly the width of some high-end car tyres, and barely wide enough to fit a toy car between. The council blamed the gaffe on contractors, incredibly saying the workers had forgotten 'just how big cars actually are'. A spokesman for the council has now confirmed the yellow lines have now been covered over in black paint. They said: 'The lines will be burnt off, but in the meantime they have been painted over as a temporary measure.' The yellow lines were in a lane so narrow a man struggles to walk in the space in between them (left) and (right) resident Liz Adams in the lane, now the council has 'erased them' using black paint . Ray Mudhar, the owner of Ray's Autos near the alleyway double yellow lines in Swindon, previously described the gaffe as 'one of the stupidest things I've ever seen.' He said: 'When me and my mate saw it we were just laughing our heads off. It's a waste of time, waste of money and waste of material. 'The only thing you could get down there would be a bike and no-one is going to leave a bike parked up there. 'They have painted down all the alleys around here. I can see why, because emergency vehicles need to get through and there is no room if there are parked cars. 'This is ridiculous though.' | Lane in Swindon just four foot wide was painted with yellow lines .
Council said workers simply 'forgot just how big cars were'
The lines have now been covered over after complaints from residents . |
17af2de07a6d2f23881e6c3e4bebe637579f0bce | Los Angeles (CNN) -- Chris Brown is reaching into Lindsay Lohan's playbook for avoiding jail: Go to rehab before your court date. The singer's arrest Sunday on an assault charge put him on a path toward a possible prison sentence, but he will be in a rehabilitation facility as his next court date approaches. "Chris Brown has elected to enter a rehab facility," said a statement Tuesday night from his representative. "His goal is to gain focus and insight into his past and recent behavior, enabling him to continue the pursuit of his life and his career from a healthier vantage point." There has been no indication that Brown, 24, has a substance abuse problem. The behavior that has landed him in legal trouble over the past several years has been anger management. Brown's brutal attack on former girlfriend Rihanna on the eve of the Grammys in February 2009 resulted in a felony domestic violence conviction that carried a lengthy probation period. A judge found him in violation of that probation in August because of discrepancies in proving he fulfilled the court-ordered 1,400 hours of community labor. He imposed another 1,000 hours of work. The Los Angeles County district attorney appears in no mood to cut Brown any breaks, which suggests that prosecutors will ask for jail time for him because of the arrest early Sunday in the shadow of the White House. While the simple assault charge in Washington is a misdemeanor, it could trigger a probation revocation. Brown is in a vulnerable position. The Los Angeles judge overseeing his felony probation could order him to complete as many as four years in prison for the beating of Rihanna if he is found in violation of probation. Brown is due in a Los Angeles court on November 20 for a probation status hearing. Prosecutors have declined to comment on if they will seek to put him behind bars. The U.S. attorney in the District of Columbia charged Brown and his bodyguard with simple assault for a brawl over the weekend in which a 20-year-old Maryland man suffered a broken nose. Brown spent 36 hours in a Washington jail and was taken to court in shackles Monday afternoon. He was released and ordered to report to his California probation officer within 48 hours. The probation officer's job is to prepare a report for the Los Angeles judge who will decide if Brown will be found in violation of his probation. Going to rehab -- as his rep said "to gain focus and insight into his past and recent behavior" -- could allow Brown lawyer Mark Geragos to argue that the entertainer is getting proper help for his core problem. The statement from Brown's rep did not disclose where the singer is going for rehab, how long he intends to stay, or what might be a "healthier vantage point" for him. CNN's Carolyn Sung contributed to this report. | The announcement comes after he was arrested in Washington on simple assault charge .
The singer has landed in legal trouble for anger issues .
He is still on probation for the brutal attack on former girlfriend Rihanna . |
17b029c71df59f523897287ce250bce673beec93 | (CNN) -- The fire that severely damaged a drilling rig in the Gulf of Mexico subsided Thursday as sand and mud stopped up a natural gas well that blew out earlier this week, federal regulators said. The blaze erupted Tuesday aboard the rig, located about about 60 miles off Grand Isle, Louisiana, in 154 feet of water. What remained Thursday was a small flame "fueled by residual gas at the top of the well," the federal Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement reported. The accident happened when workers aboard the Hercules 265 hit an unexpected pocket of gas while preparing the well for production. Forty-four workers were evacuated from the rig without injury, officials said. While the rig remained standing, parts of the structure above water had collapsed as a result of the intense heat, officials said. The BSEE said Wednesday that the only contamination so far had been a light sheen on the ocean that appeared to dissipate quickly. No oil was being released, the BSEE said. The rig's owner, Hercules Offshore, said Wednesday that it had brought in an environmental expert to keep an eye on wind and ocean conditions to track any possible contamination. It was not immediately clear what steps would now be taken to secure the well. Hercules Offshore had said Wednesday it was preparing to bring in another of its drilling rigs to prepare a relief well, if necessary. Tuesday's blowout was the second this month in the Gulf, where the worst oil spill in U.S. history occurred in 2010. Workers on a production platform lost control of an aging gas well while trying to plug it on July 8, resulting in a leak of about 250 gallons of liquid natural gas. There were no injuries. Most of the work being done in the shallow water off Louisiana now involves attempts to draw the remaining gas out of old wells or to shut down ones that are no longer profitable, said Eric Smith, associate director of the Tulane Energy Institute in New Orleans. In this case, the rig was set up next to an existing gas platform, drilling a "sidetrack" well to reach the remaining gas after an existing well became blocked, Smith said. In the aftermath of the blowout, the well operator is likely to close it off and abandon the site, he said. "The platform is probably a write-off. The rig is definitely a write-off," Smith said. "You're probably talking somewhere on the order of $50 million for the rig and $20 million for the platform and existing wells." Unlike the catastrophic Deepwater Horizon blowout in 2010, which released millions of barrels of crude oil and gas at high pressures, this week's accident "is a much smaller blip on the horizon," he said. But the recent incidents are a reminder that offshore work is "inherently risky" and that blowouts "aren't that infrequent," said Michael Bromwich, the former chief of the BSEE and its predecessor agency, the Bureau of Ocean Energy, Management Regulation and Enforcement. "They generally don't lead to the kind of catastrophic consequences that we saw in Deepwater Horizon, but they are unfortunate events that happen," Bromwich said Thursday. "And the fact that we've had two in the last month simply underscores that fact." The drill rig Deepwater Horizon blew up and sank in April 2010, killing 11 men aboard. The well it was drilling was nearly a mile below the surface of the Gulf, and it took nearly three months to cap. BSEE oversees about 3,400 wells in the Gulf of Mexico. The agency investigated more than 70 accidents aboard rigs and platforms in the Gulf in 2012, including a November explosion that killed two workers about 20 miles southeast of Grand Isle. Rules were tightened after Deepwater Horizon, but Bromwich -- who led reforms of the Interior Department's offshore oversight agencies in that period -- said both industry and government need to remain vigilant about the safety of workers offshore. "These all should be learning exercises," he said. "What went wrong here? Where they errors in human judgment? What remedial or corrective actions should be taken by the company, and what can the industry and what can the regulators learn?" CNN's Dave Alsup and Eliott C. McLaughlin contributed to this report. | NEW: Platform and drill are "probably a write-off," analyst says .
Gas flow stops at the damaged Gulf of Mexico natural gas well .
A fire broke out Tuesday when crew members hit an unexpected pocket of gas .
It's a reminder that offshore work is "inherently risky," former regulator says . |
17b0933857ae4294f2f09d6ef35013e900729ba2 | A list of the worst mobile phone apps for extracting personal information such as location and contacts has been compiled by academics. Among the worst for taking details from users who have little or no idea it is happening include Angry Birds and Brightest Flashlight. Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University, in Pittsburgh in the US, looked at the most popular programs in Google's Android app store to compile their list. Researchers found that users often have little idea their apps take details such as location. Some of the apps, such as Google Maps, were at least half expected by mobile users to be taking location details but others were more of a surprise. When told that the Angry Birds mobile app took location details, 80 per cent of users questioned were surprised. Dr Jason Hong, of the university’s Human-Computer Interaction Institute, wrote on a blog: "A vast majority of people (95%) were surprised that Brightest Flashlight used location data, but no one (0%) was surprised that Google Maps did so. 'Here, we can use level of surprise as one form of privacy. If people aren't surprised, then from our perspective it's less of a privacy issue, since people have some level of informed consent. 'On the other hand, if lots of people are surprised, then we have a potential privacy issue at hand.' The list, which was not ranked in any order, was released after Dr Hong and colleague including Professor Norman Sadeh analysed the 100 most popular Android apps. The other eight apps were Toss It game, Talking Tom virtual pet, Backgrounds HD Wallpapers, Dictionary.com, Mouse Trap game, Horoscope, Shazam music, and Pandora Internet Radio. One or more of three types of information - location, device identifying details, and contact lists - were collected, the researchers found. Users were often in the dark as to why the information was collected by the app, such as 58 per cent being unaware device IDs could be used for marketing. Dr Hong said users would be far less suspicious if they were to be told why the information is being extracted as there can be good reasons for it. The mobile Angry Birds app was among those named by researchers. Backgrounds HD Wallpapers takes contact details because because it has a facility to change the appearance of the screen when one of the contacts rings or texts. He said it is important that the apps are transparent about what they take and why. He added: 'Some of these uses, while rated unusual, were actually perceived as legitimate once it was explained how the data was used. 'For example, the Dictionary.com app uses location for finding words that others near you are searching for, rather than for ads or other purposes. 'In our work, we also found that people were generally ok with this usage once it was made clear to them. 'In the short-term, the main thrust of our research is to help people understand these kinds of unusual behaviors of apps, as well as increase transparency. 'It's worth pointing out too that a lot of this information seems to be used for advertising rather than malicious purposes (though it obviously depends on your definition of malicious). 'In the long-term, we need better policies and best practices around this kind of data collection, as well as better ways of helping developers create sustainable business models that also respect privacy. Professor Sadeh was quoted by NBCNEWS.com as saying: ‘When you look at the fundamental issue, it's about informing users and giving them an option. ‘You need to say more to users than, “I need permission to collect this.” You need to tell them what you will do with what you collect. When you communicate, you put people at ease.’ But he added: ‘The platforms invite developers to collect more information than you would like. ‘And the developers can hide behind what the app store offers (for disclosure options). 'They can say, “Hey, there's no way for me to offer more.” It's up to these marketplaces to make an effort to convey more information.’ | Astonishment at realisation a flashlight app extracts location information .
Angry Birds game named among the worst offenders on mobile phones . |
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