id stringlengths 40 40 | article stringlengths 48 15.9k | highlights stringlengths 14 7.39k |
|---|---|---|
183e537b284c7480579f636d85bebb95b10756c9 | A university professor has decided to live inside a dumpster for an entire year in a radical experiment to see if people would be happier living a simpler lifestyle. After formulating and finalising his plans for the undertaking last year, Professor Jeff Wilson has now been housed in the 36-square-foot container for more than seven months. He may even continue living in the dumpster for another year if he feels like continuing with the much simpler life - which he claims to prefer. Scroll down for video . Professor Jeff Wilson has been living in this dumpster for seven months now and says he may yet stay for another year . The dumpster was large enough to fit a bed and a few pieces of Mr Wilson's (pictured) furniture . But it was just an empty barren space before he filled it with his possessions . Mr Wilson, who is dean of the University College at Huston-Tillotson in Texas, USA, said the toughest part of his challenge was dealing with the temperature inside the dumpster. The heat hit 45C in the summer and reaches -5C in the winter. Having now built temperature controls, though, he said he is focusing on communicating the design aspect of the project. However, managing the smells from the toilet can also be an issue. He said: 'We hope the dumpster will become a conversation box on subjects as wide as tiny housing, energy sustainability, science education, and higher quality of life. 'Ultimately, the hypothesis we are investigating is if a person can have a relatively good and happy life by downsizing. 'This is an outlier experiment. The students and university, thought they thought the experiment a bit odd, have warmed to the idea, even if they do stand upwind of me more than they used to.' Professor Jeff Wilson (left) holds a PhD in Environmental Science, while pictured right is the storage space below the dumpster which contains his belongings . Mr Wilson's bed and living space inside the dumpster. He admits managing the toilet smells can be an issue . Maintaining a comfortable temperature was initially a problem until Mr Wilson built temperature controls . | Professor Jeff Wilson has been living in a dumpster for past seven months .
The radical change of housing is part of his sustainable living experiment .
Claims to enjoy the simple lifestyle but admits toilet smells can be an issue . |
183e8948ce8aa5a202810129b750c96d1acc6889 | Venus Williams continued her encouraging form with a 6-1 6-4 victory over Swiss Timea Bacsinszky. The elder Williams sister has enjoyed her best season for some time, reaching the final in Montreal earlier this month, and next meets Sara Errani, who she has never lost to. It is the first time Williams has made it through to the third round since 2010, when she went on to reach the semi-finals. Through: Venus Williams continued her encouraging form with a 6-1 6-4 victory over Swiss Timea Bacsinszky . Boost: It is the first time Williams (left) has made it through to the third round since 2010 . The 34-year-old said: 'The last couple of years I fought really hard and I really played red-hot opponents. So it wasn't like I didn't try. 'Sometimes you don't win them. That's why you get up and you live to fight another day. So that's really what it's about for me. 'I'm happy I won a match again. Finally I did something I couldn't do the last couple of years. That's good stuff.' Powerful: Williams has faced some 'red-hot' opponents in the opening rounds in the last few years . VIDEO US Open: Day three review . | The American beat Timea Bacsinszky 6-1 6-4 at Flushing Meadows .
Venus Williams is enjoying her best season for some time .
The 34-year-old reaches the third round for the first time since 2010 . |
183eb700209227deeb96511dc044d802f2c3e2a7 | By . Victoria Woollaston . PUBLISHED: . 10:08 EST, 17 December 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 12:13 EST, 17 December 2013 . 2013 has been a great year for Apple after it hit 50 million app downloads in May, and the best selling app of the lot was Minecraft. The building app, which has become a phenomenon with children across the UK, was the most popular paid-for app on iTunes for both iPhones and iPads over the past 12 months, according to Apple’s annual sales round-up. Candy Crush Saga topped the list of free apps on both devices during 2013 and Skyfall was crowned the bestselling film of the year. Apple has unveiled its annual iTunes round-up of the bestselling games, apps, TV shows, films and music of the past year. Minecraft Pocket Edition, pictured, was the most popular paid-for game on iPhone and iPad . The Minecraft app, created by developer Mojang, is called Pocket Edition because it is a scaled down version of the popular PC and Xbox game. It includes Survival and Creative modes and users can compete and play with other iPhone and iPad players over a local Wi-Fi network. Minecraft was created in 2009. At the start of the game, a player is put into a 'virtually infinite game world.' They can then walk around different terrains, including mountains, forests and caves. Players can also fly up in the air for a birds-eye view of the landscape. TOP 10 FREE iPHONE APPS . 1. Candy Crush Saga . 2. Snapchat . 3. Temple Run 2 . 4. 4 Pics 1 Word . 5. YouTube . 6. Google Maps . 7. Facebook . 8. Instagram . 9. Despicable Me: Minion Rush . 10.Skype for iPhone . TOP 10 FREE iPAD APPS . 1. Candy Crush Saga . 2. YouTube . 3. Skype for iPad . 4. Temple Run 2 . 5. BBC iPlayer . 6. ITV Player . 7. eBay for iPad . 8. Despicable Me: Minion Rush . 9. 4 Pics 1 Word . 10. Calculator for iPad Free . TOP 10 PAID-FOR iPHONE APPS . 1. Minecraft - Pocket Edition . 2. Angry Birds Star Wars . 3. Sleep Cycle Alarm Clock . 4. Temple Run: Oz . 5. The Chase . 6. Facetune . 7. Grand Theft Auto: Vice City . 8. Plague Inc. 9. Angry Birds Star Wars II . 10. 7 Minute Workout Challenge . TOP 10 PAID-FOR iPAD APPS . 1. Minecraft - Pocket Edition . 2. Wreck-it Ralph . 3. Angry Birds Star Wars HD . 4. The Chase . 5. Temple Run: Oz . 6. Grand Theft Auto: Vice City . 7. Angry Birds Star Wars II . 8. Peppa Pig’s Holiday . 9. Plants vs. Zombies HD . 10. SCRABBLE for iPad . ALBUMS . 1. Now That's What I Call Music! 85 - Various . 2. All This Bad Blood - Bastille . 3. Our Version Of Events - Emeli Sande . 4. AM - Arctic Monkeys . 5. Now That's What I Call Music! 84 - Various . 6. Random Access Memories - Daft Punk . 7. All The Little Lights - Passenger . 8. 18 Months - Calvin Harris . 9. Jake Bugg - Jake Bugg . 10. Home (deluxe edition) - Rudimental . SONGS . 1. Blurred Lines - Robin Thicke . 2. Wake Me Up - Avicii . 3. Get Lucky (radio edit) - Daft Punk . 4. Let Her Go - Passenger . 5. La La La (feat. Sam Smith) - Naughty Boy . 6. Just Give Me A Reason - Daft Punk . 7. Roar - Katy Perry . 8. Mirrors - Justin Timberlake . 9. Waiting All Night (feat. Ella Eyre) - Rudimental . 10. Pompeii - Bastille . FILMS . 1. Skyfall . 2. Iron Man 3 . 3. Django Unchained . 4. Star Trek into Darkness . 5. Argo . 6. Oblivion . 7. The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey . 8. Jack Reacher . 9. Pitch Perfect . 10. Silver Linings Playbook . TV SERIES . 1. Homeland, Season 2 . 2. Homeland, Season 1 . 3. Breaking Bad, Deluxe Edition: Series 1 . 4. Suits, Season 1 . 5. Peppa Pig, The Holiday . 6. Sherlock, Series 1 and 2 . 7. Downton Abbey, Series 3 . 8. The Walking Dead, Season 2 . 9. Luther, Series 1 and 2 . 10. Dexter, Season 7 . Snapchat, headquarters pictured, was the second most popular free app in 2013. The two-year-old app was recently rumoured to have refused a $3million buyout from Facebook . Players are given blocks and tools to build towns and cities. As a player progresses they can earn advanced tools and building blocks in different materials. The app costs £4.99 but once a player pays, they can use the same game across multiple devices. Sweet-swapping game Candy Crush Saga, pictured, was the most popular free app on both iPhones and iPads during 2013 . Candy Crush Saga, in which players switch sweets to create lines of three or more to make them disappear, is free but players only get five lives at a time. To unlock more lives, they must either wait half an hour for each life to refresh, ask Facebook friends for lives, or pay 69p through the App Store. The app is also available through Facebook and developer King has today released a Dreamworld expansion pack for the popular game. The language-learning aid Duolingo was chosen by a panel of judges as the iPhone app of the year, while Disney Animated, which allows users to learn the secrets of creating cartoons and bringing illustrations to life, has been named as the iPad app of the year. The round-up also looked at the bestselling TV shows, movies and music. Emmy award-winning show Breaking Bad, which concluded its fifth and final series earlier this year, was the most popular TV series of 2013. Sam Mendes’ James Bond thriller Skyfall, starring Daniel Craig was the bestselling film. Now That’s What I Call Music! 85 was the number one selling album on iTunes of 2013 and Robin Thicke’s Blurred Lines featuring T.I and Pharrell was the number one selling song. Beyonce’s recent surprise fifth album smashed iTunes records last week by selling 828,773 copies in just three days, yet has not been on sale long enough to make the list. Channel 4 political drama Homeland took the top two spots in the bestselling TV shows of the year. The full list of winners and editor choices is available at the iTunes store. Robin Thicke's Blurred Lines, a still from the music video is pictured, featuring T.I and Pharrell was the number one selling song of 2013 on iTunes . The round-up also looked at the bestselling TV shows, movies and music. Sam Mendes' James Bond thriller Skyfall, starring Daniel Craig, pictured, was the bestselling film. Emmy award-winning show Breaking Bad, which concluded its fifth and final series earlier this year, was the most popular TV series of 2013 . | Minecraft was the most popular paid-for game on iPhone and iPad in 2013 .
Candy Crush Saga topped the list of free apps on both devices .
The iTunes round-up also looked at bestselling films, TV shows and music .
Number one film was Skyfall and Breaking Bad was the most popular show .
While the bestselling album was Now That's What I Call Music 85!
Robin Thicke's Blurred Lines was the number one song of the year . |
1841199f084228d7aae4fde3b595594e431b9245 | By . Rob Draper . Follow @@draper_rob . Joachim Low has said that the Premier League has too many foreigners for England to succeed as national team. Germany have qualified for every World Cup quarter final since 1938 and Loew said that the collaboration between the Bundesliga and German FA was crucial to the success of the national team. Speaking ahead of Germany’s World Cup quarter-final against France on Friday, the Germany manager said: ‘If England has a problem, it is that their league has a disadvantage because higher percentage of foreigners, so it becomes difficult for national coach to get things moving. Shamed: England were knocked out of the World Cup early on after two defeats to Italy and Uruguay . Foreign players: Stars like Luis Suarez are hampering English players, acording to Joachim Low . Tough test: Low was speaking ahead of Germany's quarter-final clash with France on Friday . 'We have changed over recent years because lots of young German players in German clubs are given an advantage over foreigners and we’re benefitting from that. In England many foreigners and perhaps that is not always beneficial. ‘I believe we have a good blend in Germany, a strong league with two or three of best teams in Europe. But I’m not unhappy if players are abroad. We can benefit from Sami Khedira and Mesut Ozil having different influences and cultures and coaches. They benefit personally as well and it helps players to mature.’ Loew expects Mats Hummels to have recovered from the flu and is hoping to field a full- strength side despite a mini-epidemic among their squad. ‘About a third of our team were complaining about sore throats,’ said Loew. ‘We were contaminated and we need to see how that develops. Hummels had a fever but all players are able to train. They’re still slightly suffering but there’s no feeling of exhaustion. I hope they stay stable and there is no worsening overnight.’ Loew is expected to play Philipp Lahm in midfield despite calls to switch him to right back with Andre Schurrle and Mario Goetze battling for the final place in the starting eleven. Seal skills: Bayern Munich defender Jerome Boateng balances a ball on his head during training . Care free: Mesut Ozil and Sami Khedira seemed to be enjoying themselves at the Maracana . | England were knocked out of World Cup early after two defeats to Italy and Uruguay .
Germany face France in quarter-final in the Maracana on Friday . |
1843a11734533f448a9d55b8d1689ab3a14034fb | The Ebola High Level Protection Suit - yours, on Amazon, for just $1,300. The Internet was awash with products offering protection from the deadly virus which has so far claimed one life in the U.S. An infectious disease doctor today rubbished the panic-buying of 'Ebola protection kits' as a waste of money, saying the only use the general public will have for a hazmat suit is as a Halloween costume. Protective suits, face masks and survival kits have been flying off the shelves amid increasing panic over Ebola in the U.S. after one sufferer died on Wednesday and two remained hospitalized. A total of 48 are being monitored for contagious symptoms. Online commerce sites are awash with isolation gowns, surgical masks, booties and duct tape claiming to offer full protection from the deadly virus. There has also been a huge buy-up in preparation kits and supplies. Kits often contain a mix of surgical masks, gloves, bio-hazard bags and sanitizer wipes. And the price of protection isn't cheap - while a basic Ebola protective kit costs around $50 per person, one high-level protection suit is selling on Amazon for $1,300. The bright blue suit, which appears more suited to a space mission than a trip to the mall, is described as a 'Level A Suite'. It has a back-entry PVC face shield, attached gloves and three-layers of fabric with 'proprietary barrier films, spunbond nonwoven substrate and inner barrier films'. However University of Pittsburgh infectious disease expert, Dr Amesh Adalja, told MailOnline today the suits only use would be as a Halloween costume. Dr Adalja, who sits on the public health committee for the Infectious Diseases Society of America, said: '[The suits] are a waste of money. 'Ebola does not pose a risk to the general public because it is not contagious unless you come in contact with the bodily fluids of a symptomatic individual.' He said that people on the street have little to fear because the virus doesn't spread like the common cold. He advised Americans to be more concerned with getting their flu vaccines - an infection which kills thousands of people each year. Dr Adalja added: 'Buying hazmat suits is for a very far-fetched scenario but it's not going to stop people from buying them. 'A suit won't have much use other than as a Halloween costume.' Dr Alexis Thomas, who practises in London, also said that there was little use in protective suits for the general public. She said: 'Panic buying of personal protective clothing e.g. hazmat suits is unnecessary and inappropriate. 'Ebola is transmitted via direct contact with the blood or body fluids of an infected person. 'Unless you are going to be caring directly for someone who has Ebola symptoms and has a high risk of having the disease due to recent travel from an endemic region, buying or wearing a hazmat suit is unnecessary and just helps to further fuel ill-informed hysteria.' Scroll down for video . Med-Tech Resource's Ebola kit, which sells for $24.99, is described on their website as the 'ultimate protection and prevention kit for Ebola, influenza, and other outbreaks' Mountainside Medical Equipment was promoting an Ebola Virus Protection Kit - which came with ten dollars off at $19.95 and included gloves, disinfectant and a biohazard waste bag . A number of sites were quick to target the Ebola market. Mountainside Medical Equipment was promoting an 'Ebola Virus Protection Kit' - which came discounted at $19.95. A representative for the company told MailOnline today that the kit was for 'personal protection' but the company couldn't '100 per cent guarantee protection against Ebola'. Another site, Med-Tech Resource, sells their Ebola Kit for $25, with the words: 'The ultimate protection and prevention kit for Ebola, influenza, and other outbreaks. 'Approved by the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), our kit includes everything you need to help prevent the spread of Ebola.' A representative from the company refused to comment to MailOnline today when asked about the number of kits which had been sold online. 'Expert' survival guides on how to survive Ebola are being self-published and sold on Amazon - close to 40 have been published in the last month alone . Then there's the literature where the majority of titles appear to be written by self-professed experts. For about $50, this Ebola kit can be bought online and claims to protect against the virus . One title, 'Ebola: Natural Remedies + Government Conspiracies', poses the question: 'The Ebola virus is here on U.S. soil, why was it welcomed here by the CDC? ... What are they trying to hide?' Another publication, 'Ebola Survival Guide 2015: 10 Things you Must Know to Survive the Coming Ebola Outbreak!' comes with a warning label on the cover: 'Ebola could infect 4.1 billion people over the next 24 months!' In the last 30 days alone, around 40 new Ebola titles have been self-published to be bought as e-books on Amazon. Dr Adalja refused to comment on specific publications which he had not reviewed but advised those with concerns about Ebola to look at the WHO and CDC websites, which has a wealth of scientifically-verified information on the virus. The CDC reported on Wednesday that it is being flooded with more than 800 calls per day from local health workers and patients who are desperate to know if symptoms including headaches, fever and nausea are Ebola. Thomas Eric Duncan, 42, became America's 'patient zero' on Wednesday after he was the first person to die from Ebola at Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital. The Liberian national had arrived in the country on September 20 and was finally hospitalized on September 28 with infection symptoms, after being initially sent home from the hospital with antibiotics. Some 48 people, who were in contact with Mr Duncan, are now being monitored, with ten being considered high-risk. On Wednesday, a Dallas sheriff's deputy, who was not among the 48 being monitored, attended an urgent-care clinic in Frisco, Texas, with Ebola-like symptoms. Ebola test results are pending for Sgt Michael Monnig. Five U.S. citizens have been diagnosed with Ebola and three of them have beaten the virus. Doctors Kent Brantly and Rick Sacra, along with missionary aid worker, Nancy Writebol, were all flown back from Liberia to be treated in U.S. hospitals this summer. They have since received the all-clear. NBC News cameraman Ashoka Mukpo, the latest American victim, was quarantined at Nebraska Medical Center on Monday after being flown in from Liberia. A fourth victim, a World Health Organization doctor, is being treated in Atlanta. Close to 3,500 people have died from Ebola in West Africa following the outbreak in December 2013 in Guinea. The concern over Ebola echoed the reaction more than a decade ago to the outbreak of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). The disease infected about 8,000 people in 2003, killing nearly 800. | Online commerce sites are awash with hazmat suits, surgical masks, booties and biohazard bags claiming to offer full protection against Ebola .
One high-level protection suit - complete with PVC face shield - is selling on Amazon for $1,300 .
University of Pittsburgh infectious disease expert, Dr Amesh Adalja, told MailOnline today the suits would only be needed as a Halloween costume .
Dr Adalja advised Americans to be more concerned about getting their flu vaccines . |
1843e0c83549b20e17fd61d40ed8fe29813dde74 | By . Claire Bates . PUBLISHED: . 07:53 EST, 6 March 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 09:02 EST, 6 March 2013 . Switching off a certain gene could stop junk food eaters from gaining weight . Switching off a 'fat' gene could prevent you from piling on the pound even if you stick to a high-fat diet, say researchers. A two-year study found that removing this gene in mice made them resistant to obesity. The animals showed unusual restraint when fed a high-calorie diet and were more active as well. 'When fed a diet that induces obesity . these mice don’t get fat,' said study author Professor James McManaman from the University of Colorado. 'It may be . possible to duplicate this in humans using existing technology that . targets this specific gene.' The absence of the gene may cause fat to be broken down faster by the body, he said. The research team created a strain of mice without the Plin2 gene, which humans also possess. It produces a protein that regulates fat storage and metabolism. They found their fat cells were 20 per cent smaller than typical mice and did not show the kind of inflammation usually associated with obesity. Obesity-associated fatty liver disease, common in obese humans and rodents alike, was absent in the mice without the Plin2 gene. 'The mice were healthier,' Prof McManaman said. Fat cells were 20 per cent smaller in mice without the Plin2 gene . 'They had lower triglyceride levels, they were more insulin-sensitive, they had no incidents of fatty liver disease and there was less inflammation in the fat cells.' The findings suggest switching off the Plin2 gene may lower the risk of heart disease (triglycerides are fatty molecules involved in the hardening of the arteries) and diabetes. 'It could mean that we have finally . discovered a way to disrupt obesity in humans. That would be a . major breakthrough,' Prof McManaman. The team next want to know how the gene alteration works physiologically and better understand how it affects food consumption. According to the study, understanding how Plin2 is involved in the control of energy balance will provide new insights into 'the mechanisms by which nutrition overload is detected, and how individuals adapt to, or fail to adapt to, dietary challenges.' The study, funded by the . National Institutes of Health was published in The Journal of Lipid Research. | Removing Plin2 gene made mice resistant to obesity .
Fat cells were 20% smaller and rodents also ate less .
Scientists think the effect could be duplicated in humans . |
184644c797a95157ad5f430ef59cc7cf1a5b0a6b | A woman had been charged with the murder of her own daughter after hitting her so hard the girl's stomach burst. 11-year-old Raasania J. Coley died as a result of blunt force trauma shortly after 9pm Friday, after officers found the girl unresponsive at home in Waukegan, Illinois. Nicholette R. Lawrence, 32, was charged with first degree murder after telling investigators she had struck the child earlier in the week. Nicholette R Lawrence, 32, from Waukegan, Illinois, told police she had struck her daughter in the stomach . The young girl was taken to hospital where she was pronounced dead. Lake County Coroner's office said that an autopsy determined the cause of death to be a torn stomach as a result of blunt force trauma, Fox 32 News reports. According to police, Lawrence has two other children, who also lived in the home, but there have been no allegations of abuse towards them. These children have been placed with relatives. Lawrence was charged with first-degree murder and is held at the Lake County Jail on $5 million bond. She is next due to appear in court on September 30. According to ABC News, neighbors said Raasania rarely came outside the home. 'We've been staying here for three years, we were here half of a year before I knew they had an oldest daughter,' next door neighbor Simone Allen told the news channel. Ms Allen said the few times she did see Raasania, she had a feeling something was wrong with the child. 'Every time I looked at her I just saw the hurt and pain, it was like something she wanted to say but couldn't say it,' she added. Sorry we are not currently accepting comments on this article. | Nicholette R Lawrence told police she had struck daughter in the stomach .
Police called to an address in Illinois where they found the girl unresponsive .
Raasania J. Coley died from torn stomach caused by blunt force trauma . |
1848a09a61d215b0110924cbd36ffc5d206b6e4b | Hong Kong (CNN) -- When Chinese teenager Ye Shiwen dives into the pool on Monday, all eyes will be firmly on the clock to see if she can repeat her world-beating -- Ryan Lochte-beating -- time in the last 50 meters. The 16-year-old is due to swim the heat of the 200 meter individual medley after taking gold in the 400 meter event on Saturday. It wasn't just the win that captured the world's attention, although she did clinch gold after beating American champion Elizabeth Beisel and smashing the world record in 4 minutes 28.43 seconds. The clock also showed that in the last 50 meters Ye swam faster than U.S. swimmer Lochte who won gold in the men's 400-meter individual medley the same night. Lochte vs. Phelps: Swimmer showdown heats up the Web . Ye, who wasn't among the race's favorites, clocked in 28.93 seconds in her final 50 meters of the competition's last 100 meter, freestyle leg, while Lochte went 29.10 seconds in his final 50. Sports pundits also pointed out the Chinese athlete broke the record previously set by Stephanie Rice in the 2008 Beijing Olympics; the Australian swimmer did it with the aid of a polyurethane suit, which is now banned. In Monday's 200 meter individual medley heats Shiwen finished 1.61 seconds clear of Kirsty Coventry in second, and 3.33 seconds ahead of 2008 Beijing Olympic champion Rice. Lochte, 27, who holds various world swimming records, said on Sunday: "It was pretty impressive. And it was a female. She's fast. If she was there with me, I don't know, she might have beat me." Not surprisingly, Chinese compatriots, from athletes to ordinary citizens, heaped praise on the swimming sensation. The hurdler champion Liu Xiang said, "Ye Shiwen, she shocked me!" while one netizen said: "Ye is only 16! Sixteen is the age at which I am doing my homework at home while she wins the gold medal." Even the swimmer herself was surprised. "I dreamed of winning the gold medal, but I never ever expected to break the record. So I am overwhelmed," Ye said in quotes carried Monday in the state-run China Daily. Ye's swift time apparently caught commentators in the UK by surprise. BBC Olympic presenter Clare Balding provoked criticism by making remarks some interpreted as a suggestion that Ye had been cheating. Turning to her co-presenter former British Olympian Mark Foster, Balding asked: "How many questions will be there, Mark, about someone who can suddenly swim much faster than she has ever swum before?" Lochte wins maiden U.S. gold as Phelps flounders . Users on China's version of Twitter jumped to Ye's defense. "Don't suspect other people's success while you never saw how hard they fought for it," wrote one netizen on Sina Weibo, while another wrote: "Why doubt her success? She has won the match and that's it, disgusting BBC." According to a profile in the China Daily last year, Ye was just seven years old when she told her mother she wanted to become a swimmer. She joined the Zhejiang provincial swimming team in 2007 and the national team the year after. Since the age of 14, Ye has scored a number of victories in national and international competitions. She took the top spots in the 200 meter individual medleys in the 2010 Asian Games in Guangzhou and the 2011 World Aquatic Championships in Shanghai. Ye has attributed her success to her training regime. "If the coach asks me to practice 10,000 meters, I would never be a lazy player to swim 9,900 meters instead," Beijing Morning News quoted her as saying. Q&A with Olympic swimmer Cullen Jones . | Chinese teenager who beat world record to swim again Monday .
Ye Shiwen beat Ryan Lochte's 50m split in relay Saturday .
Ye outpaced U.S. champion Elizabeth Beisel to win in 4 mins 28.43 seconds .
Lochte: "It was pretty impressive... she might have beat me" |
184a3264a90bb6594de6090bc3828a3e9d09129d | By . Laura Williamson . Follow @@laura_mail . Matthew Hudson-Smith is just 19 and had only run five 400 metre races this season before he took an astonishing 0.83 seconds off his personal best to become the quickest British athlete of 2014 over a lap of the track. The teenager’s 44.97sec performance to finish third at the Sainsbury’s Glasgow Grand Prix was also the second fastest time by a European athlete this season. It was a quite extraordinary breakthrough for a runner who only moved up to the 400m this season and he was rendered wide-eyed and almost speechless by his achievement. Hudson-Smith was only invited to take part in the prestigious Diamond League event five days before the race and ran blind from lane eight, yet finished with such a powerful surge on Saturday that there is surely more to come from this teenager. Bright future: Matthew Hudson-Smith reacts after finishing third in the 400m at the Glasgow Grand Prix . On the run: Hudson-Smith (far left) finishes strongly at the Diamond League meeting at Hampden Park . 1. Hudson-Smith is currently on a gap year, but plans to go to Worcester next year to study sports science. 2. His personal best of 44.97sec was the second quickest ever by a British teenager and ranks fifth of all time at Under 23 level. 3. The Birchfield Harrier dedicated Saturday’ssuccess to his coach, Tony Hadley, and his mum, and celebrated with a roast dinner at his nan’s. 4. Hudson-Smith won bronze medals in the 200m and 4x400m at the European JuniorChampionships last year, despite having run only one relay leg for his club before joining the British quartet. 5. He said he felt like ‘a jaguar being chased by a lion’ as he went under 45 seconds for the first time. ‘I surprised myself more than anything,’ he said. ‘I knew I would get to 300m fine but I seemed to find a different gear so I just kept going. ‘It’s my first Diamond League event and I’ve set the bar pretty high. I’ve literally just moved up from 200m. It was my sixth 400m of the year and it’s unbelievable.’ His coach, Tony Hadley, was not surprised. Hadley guided 1994 European 400m champion Du’aine Ladejo and world 4x400m champion Derek Redmond and knows a decent one-lap runner when he sees one. It was Hadley who looked after Jim Redmond’s camera when he fought his way on to the track to help injured son Derek complete his 400m semi-final at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics. Hudson-Smith won a European junior bronze medal over 200m last year, but turned heads in the 4x400m relay by running a 45.9sec split. He has since been selected to represent England in the relay at the Commonwealth Games, but now hopes to secure a place in the individual 400m at the European Championships when the selectors meet today. He might be the quickest British man this season but he was disqualified in the heats of the British Championships after stepping out of his lane and will therefore be reliant on the selectors’ discretion. ‘He was very angry about what happened at the trials,’ said Hadley. ‘It was like he got all dressed up for the party and then someone said, “You can’t come in”. Aiming high: Hudson-Smith is hoping to be selected for the European Championships after his recent displays . ‘We knew he had a quick time in him because I hadn’t seen the times he was running in training since Ladejo and Redmond. ‘He didn’t really distribute his speed very well on Saturday and he left some energy in the tank that could have been used on the back straight. ‘So he can go very, very fast if he keeps on working hard.’ | Hudson-Smith ran 44.97sec at the Glasgow Grand Prix .
The 19-year-old's time is the second fastest by a European this season .
He is hoping to be selected for the European Championships . |
184a6820b3bfb8b1edf57cc24736aa12fb5fd79c | The girl was given the tablet to help with her schoolwork. But a month later her mother checked the device and discovered she had been targeted by at least 16 men (picture posed by model) A ten-year-old girl was groomed by perverts through her iPad - despite her parents taking 'all sensible safety measures' to protect her. The girl was given the tablet to help with her schoolwork. But just a month later her mother checked the device and was 'terrified' to discover that she had been targeted by at least 16 men. They used popular applications such as Skype and Snapchat to send the girl explicit messages and encourage her to expose herself on camera. The perverts, who are understood to be based in the UK and overseas, were able to contact the girl, who lives near Middlesbrough, even though her parents had taken child safety precautions. Police have now launched an international investigation to find the men. Detectives from Cleveland Police are liaising with Snapchat and Skype bosses in the hope of tracking them down, according to the Sun. It comes just weeks after David Cameron unveiled new plans to tackle web pornography, calling for internet firms to do more to help catch paedophiles. The schoolgirl was first contacted by a man on Snapchat, who won her trust before leading the conversation on to sex. Her parents believe that he must have passed her details on to others. Her father, 37, said that his daughter told many of the men that she was ten years old, but that it only encouraged them to ask for explicit images. He told the Sun: 'In one case they begged her to undress. When she refused he said "Your parents won't come into your room in the time it will take to get out of your pyjamas".' He father added that the most frightening exchange he read was one in which a man offered to transfer his daughter money so that she might travel to meet up with him. On another occasion one man begged: 'Open cam baby open' and added: 'plzzzzzz I like sex. What problem r u no interest to sex.' The father, 37, said that he and his wife knew she was using the applications - which are popular with teenagers - and had taken 'all the sensible child safety measures that all good parents do'. Her mother, 32, said it was 'terrifying' that the men could reach children in their own home and said she 'thanked God' that she checked her iPad. She said: ' I'm asking every parent in Britain to do the same. My little girl was groomed into doing things we thought were unthinkable. If it can happen to us it can happen to anyone.' At a summit with internet firms and experts earlier this month, Mr Cameron announced a new criminal offence of sexual communication with a child is to be created, closing a staggering loophole in the law. Paedophiles who currently solicit explicit pictures of children routinely escape punishment if it can't be proved they have received an illegal image. But the new law will allow police and prosecutors to pursue those who send text messages or 'fish' for victims online, irrespective of the outcome of their behaviour. Mr Cameron announced that a Serious Crime Bill currently going through Parliament will introduce a broad new offence, punishable by two years in jail. It will allow police and prosecutors to pursue those who 'fish' for child victims on social networks and chat rooms but cannot usually be punished unless they can be shown to have received an illegal image. Mr Cameron said he and his wife Samantha had applied filters to computers and other devices in their home to keep the internet safe for their children. The schoolgirl was first contacted by a man on Snapchat, who won her trust before leading the conversation on to sex. Her parents believe that he must have passed her details on to others (picture posed by model) The PM urged parents and children to talk to each other about the dangers of online child sexual exploitation but added: 'That's difficult for parents - we're still learning a lot about the internet ourselves.' The NSPCC's research shows that there has been a 168 per cent increase in the number of children being counselled by ChildLine about online sexual abuse – averaging seven contacts a day to its helpline. Peter Wanless, NSPCC chief executive, hailed the announcement as 'a victory for our Flaw in the Law campaign but more importantly a major step forward in preventing online child abuse'. There are a number of steps that parents can take to safeguard their children while online - on tablets, laptops and desktop computers. The UK Safer Internet Centre offers parents, teachers and children advice on what they can do to make sure that children are able to use the internet safely. It suggests parents take the following steps. Have ongoing conversations with your children about staying safe online. The Safer Internet Centre suggests parents start by asking their children what sites they enjoy visiting and what they do to stay safe online. They could also ask children whether they know where to go for help online. Use tools on social networks and other online services, eg Facebook privacy settings . Parents should think about the sites their family uses and take a look at which services and features the sites have that might be helpful. It recommends: 'Talk to your children and make sure they know how to use the tools on the sites and services they use.' Decide if you want to use parental controls on your home internet . The 4 big internet providers in the UK – BT, Sky, TalkTalk and Virgin Media - provide their customers with free parental controls which can be activated at any time. But no filter or parental controls tool is 100 per cent effective, and many of the risks that young people face online are because of their own and other’s behaviour. Understand devices and the parental control tools they offer . The UK Safer Internet Centre recommends parents start by talking with their child about using their device safely and responsibly and agreeing a set of family rules. Rules could cover: not meeting up with people they have only met online, how much they are allowed to spend on apps, what websites it’s okay and not okay to visit, and whether their phone should be switched off at night. Get Safe Online, a public / private sector partnership supported by HM Government, adds that it is sensible to set these boundaries before children get their first device with internet access. It advises parents to their child about the kind of content they see online. It says: 'They need to understand the importance of not sending other people - whoever they are - pictures of themselves naked.' It adds: 'Explain to your child that being online doesn’t give them anonymity or protection, and that they shouldn’t do anything online that they wouldn’t do face-to-face.' Source: The Safer Internet Centre, Get Safe Online . | Girl was targeted by at least 16 men from UK and overseas through iPad .
They used popular apps such as Skype and Snapchat to make contact .
Perverts sent the girl explicit images and asked her to expose herself .
The ten-year-old had been given the tablet to help with schoolwork .
Parents knew she was using applications but took child safety measures . |
184bed72e0677d2b699b04d42ea12a564a38bad6 | By . Mark Duell . PUBLISHED: . 20:11 EST, 24 October 2012 . | . UPDATED: . 04:33 EST, 25 October 2012 . They should be so lucky - as it’s not every day someone this famous pops in for a surprise concert. Kylie Minogue dazzled the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall last night at St James's Palace when she performed by royal appointment - and Charles even pulled off some dance moves. The 44-year-old Australian pop princess sang three pared-down songs for the Prince and Camilla at a reception to mark their Diamond Jubilee tour, which begins next month. Scroll down for video . Royal greeting: Prince Charles (left) and the Duchess of Cornwall (centre) meet Australian pop singer Kylie Minogue (right) at St James's Palace in central London during a reception last night . Special guest: The 44-year-old Australian pop princess sang three pared-down songs for Charles and Camilla at a reception to mark their Diamond Jubilee tour, which begins next month . Laughing: Camilla has never been to Australia and the singer jokingly rebuked her, saying 'naughty Duchess' Pop princess: Before singing the Locomotion, the singer told her audience: 'The big question is, are you ready to swing your hips now?' Ahead of the performance, Kylie tweeted ‘One is on one's way to St James's Palace #oooh’ and posted a picture of a soldier on guard duty outside the historic building in central London. Famous faces and dignitaries from the three nations the royal couple will be visiting - Papua New Guinea, Australia and New Zealand - were invited to the event. Among the 200 guests were comic Barry Humphries, soprano Dame Kiri Te Kanawa, broadcaster and musician Rolf Harris, and former New Zealand rugby captain Sean Fitzpatrick. But all eyes were on Kylie, who wore a stylish black evening dress and was joined on a stage by two backing singers a guitarist and pianist. Excited: Ahead of the performance, Kylie tweeted 'One is on one's way to St James's Palace; and posted a picture of a soldier on guard duty outside the historic building in central London . Hello: Prince Charles is greeted with a traditional Maori hongi by Bruce Simpson from the Ngati Ranana London Maori Club at the reception for prominent Papua New Guineans, Australians and New Zealanders . Throwing lesson: Prince Charles (right) holds an Aussie rules football after being presented with it by former Aussie rules footballer Tony Woods (left) at St James's Palace . Presentation Camilla is seen left receiving the world-famous Aussie export of Vegemite spread from Australian author Kathy Lette - who is also pictured right with Charles . She is celebrating 25 years as a singer and has released her 12th album in celebration - The Abbey Road Sessions. 'The big question is, are you ready to swing your hips now?!' Kylie Minogue . It features 16 songs from her career, with new orchestral arrangements, recorded in the famous Abbey Road studios where the Beatles created their albums. Before singing the Locomotion, she told her audience: ‘The big question is, are you ready to swing your hips now?!’ She then told Charles and Camilla: ‘Bon voyage, have a fantastic trip.’ The Prince of Wales even joined in the movements for The Loco-Motion. She also sang On A Night Like This and I Believe In You, and described the experience as ‘terrifying but great’. Fine company: Camilla (centre front) is pictured with Australian-born dancer Craig Revel Horwood (left), and Australian comedian Barry Humphries (right) with his wife Lizzie (centre back) Tie Me Kangaroo Down: Camilla (centre) with Australian entertainer Rolf Harris (left) and his wife Alwen (right) After Kylie stepped down from the stage, she had a brief chat with the royal couple. 'It's been such a brilliant year to be in . my home, the UK, and so to send the royals off on this trip it felt . fitting to be part of the farewell for them' Kylie Minogue . Speaking before leaving, she said: ‘It's been such a brilliant year to be in my home, the UK, and so to send the royals off on this trip it felt fitting to be part of the farewell for them.’ Camilla has never been to Australia and the singer jokingly rebuked her, saying ‘naughty Duchess’. Asked about the highlights of her home country, Kylie replied: ‘Whenever anyone asks where should they go in Australia then I say “What do you want?” because almost everything you want is there. ‘It's such a big, beautiful country that I was glad to see (it) on the list of some of the places they're visiting - they're really giving it a good old shot.’ Meet and greet: The Duchess was also seen with New Zealand-born opera singer Dame Kiri Te Kanawa . Unusual guests: Traditional Maori dancers perform at the reception held last night at St James's Palace . Talking about the experience Camilla may have in Australia, Kylie said: ‘I hope she has a beautiful warm welcome. I don't hope - I know they will both enjoy the hospitality Australia offers.’ 'I hope she (Camilla) has a beautiful warm welcome (in Australia). I don't hope - I know they will both enjoy the hospitality Australia offers' Kylie Minogue . The singer first found fame in the soap Neighbours, playing girl-next-door Charlene opposite Jason Donovan, who was her boyfriend, Scott. She went on to launch a hugely successful pop career. Her albums sold just as well as her singles and over the intervening years millions were bought by fans as she reinvented herself from the cute girl-next-door to sultry diva. Away from the limelight, the entertainer, who started her career acting on TV while a young girl, has inspired millions with her successful battle against breast cancer. | Sang three pared-down songs at event for couple's Diamond Jubilee tour .
Famous faces from Papua New Guinea, Australia and New Zealand invited .
Among 200 guests were comic Barry .
Humphries and musician Rolf .
Harris . |
184bf8f8e46d5338089d4747e1732a14bd76cb1c | By . Daily Mail Reporter . A prison guard from East Mississippi has been arrested for allegedly having sex with an inmate. Autumn Wedgeworth, 33, of Meridian, was taken into custody on Tuesday on a charge of sexual battery. An East Mississippi Correctional Facility employee, Wedgeworth has since been released on $10,000 bond. Her case will be presented to the next available Lauderdale County Grand Jury. Accused: Autumn Wedgeworth is a prison guard from Mississippi and is accused of having sex with an inmate . The sheriff's department arrested . Wedgeworth after Management and Training Corporation discovered . Wedgeworth was allegedly having sex with an inmate. It's unknown exactly how this alleged activity was uncovered. The sheriff's chief deputy, Ward Calhoun, said Wedgeworth was arrested after the alleged act with the prisoner was discovered. He didn't provide any details on the investigation. 'Can't comment to the investigation itself,' Calhoun said. 'However, it is a violation of state statute for an employee, a correctional officer, any employee involved, or who has supervision over an inmate of any kind, any type of detainee, to have any type of sexual relations with that inmate.' Ward Calhoun: it is a violation of state statute for an employee, a correctional officer, any employee involved, or who has supervision over an inmate of any kind, any type of detainee, to have any type of sexual relations with that inmate . The alleged sexual act took place at an East Mississippi correctional facility . Calhoun says while this type of activity is not exactly uncommon in prisons, it also doesn't happen every day. 'We see it across the state and across the United States," Calhoun points out. 'Where you have individuals who are in charge of someone who they are in custody or in charge of. We see it with school teachers, we have seen it lately with that. We've seen it with correctional officers, law enforcement officers.' Calhoun said Wedgeworth worked in the facility's educational services area. He did not know how long she worked there or her current employment status. 'And now we'll put it within the hands of the judicial system to carry forth in the prosecution,' Calhoun said. | Autumn Wedgeworth has been charged with sexual battery .
She worked in the prisons' educational facility .
Her case will now be heard before a Grand Jury . |
184c76289567d61cf6198efc3c3f3264576c6eaa | It's the kind of European night that Liverpool fans have been craving for years. Anfield will be rocking when Real Madrid come to town, but can Brendan Rodgers’ side topple the European champions? Sportsmail’s top pundits give their verdicts... Raheem Sterling and Cristiano Ronaldo go head-to-head as Liverpool take on Real Madrid at Anfield . Sportsmail's Three Wise Men give their verdicts ahead of Liverpool's Champions League clash with Liverpool . How do you stop Madrid? MARTIN KEOWN: Madrid are lethal on the break and Brendan Rodgers will have looked at how they destroyed Bayern last season. Without Bale and Di Maria, they have lost some of that speed, but then there’s Ronaldo. Him running at Lovren and Skrtel is a recipe for disaster. It will be interesting to see if Liverpool stay with a diamond or maybe use two deep midfielders to offer more protection. Cristiano Ronaldo and his Real Madrid team-mates braved adverse weather during Tuesday's training session . JAMIE CARRAGHER: It is essential that Liverpool’s full backs only go forward when it is absolutely necessary. You have to guard against the way Madrid counter attack at blistering pace and they can’t be given opportunities to speed forward. JAMIE REDKNAPP: We all know about Madrid’s speed on the counter but they are a big, powerful side and so dangerous at set-pieces. They scored two in the semi-final against Bayern Munich last season and again against Atletico Madrid in the final. Sergio Ramos being out will help that but it will be very difficult for Liverpool. They must stay strong and Steven Gerrard, Jordan Henderson and Joe Allen have to look after that midfield. Ronaldo gives a thumbs up to his fans who waited to catch a glimpse of the frontman outside the Hilton hotel . So, how can Liverpool win? REDKNAPP: You have to look at Sterling because he is the stand-out player. If Liverpool can get him on the ball, he will frighten any defender. But the way Liverpool have been defending this season, I don’t think they will keep a clean sheet. The only way they can beat Madrid is to match them in attack and out-score them. KEOWN: They should be licking their lips at the prospect of playing Madrid. Of course it’s a tough game but they should relish the challenge. They have to work the ball well, moving it on quickly and accurately when they are in possession, and a lot depends on the speed of Raheem Sterling and Philippe Coutinho. But the players must enjoy the occasion and draw from it, not be fearful of it. CARRAGHER: By getting back to how they were last season. They need to be aggressive and intense in their play, start quick and get Madrid on the back foot. If they do that, they will have another weapon to use - the Anfield crowd. Liverpool must use the pace and power of Raheem Sterling to frighten the Real Madrid defence on Wednesday . Should Rodgers play Mario Balotelli? KEOWN: Absolutely. If you invest £16million in a player and aren’t prepared to play him after a few games it reflects badly on you. He has to be given the chance to continue the club’s tradition of great strikers. But to do so tonight has to be his greatest night in a Liverpool shirt. CARRAGHER: No. I would go for Sterling as the main striker with Adam Lallana and Coutinho supporting him. Sterling can get in behind a defence but he will also press. Mario Balotelli isn’t doing either at the minute. Sportsmail's Three Wise Men are split on whether Mario Balotelli should start for Liverpool against Madrid . REDKNAPP: I’ve never really taken to him - he acts like a genius but he doesn’t play like one - but I would probably still start him. I can’t see Sterling working as a central striker and though Rickie Lambert would work his socks of, he’s not match-fit. Balotelli has to pray he turns it on, otherwise it could be the end of his relationship with the fans. They won’t tolerate much more. The Liverpool squad appeared in good spirits on Tuesday as they prepare for the visit of mighty Real Madrid . What's your prediction? CARRAGHER: 1-1. Real Madrid might be favourites but there is no chance Liverpool will lie down at home. REDKNAPP: I agree with Jamie. I’ve played enough times at Anfield to know how much the crowd can lift the team. Madrid will win the home game but I’ve got a feeling Liverpool can sneak a draw on Wednesday night. 1-1. KEOWN: The electric Anfield atmosphere could power Liverpool to a special performance, so we could be in for a thriller. But I still feel Madrid are too strong. A 2-1 away win for the Spaniards. VIDEO Liverpool host Real in European epic . | Liverpool host Real Madrid in the Champions League at Anfield .
Spanish giants are favourites for Wednesday's Group B clash .
Sportsmail's Three Wise Men - Jamie Carragher, Martin Keown and Jamie Redknapp - give their verdicts ahead of the big game . |
184cba49b0d34a66ad8fd5dd4ea830beb1509bd7 | They have sleepovers, sunbathe and take selfies together. But Heather Tookey's best friend, Dew, is a lot furrier than your average pal. Since meeting at the Cheetah Experience in Bloemfontein, South Africa, in 2011, Heather, 21, from Beckenham, Kent, has visited her cheetah chum four times. 'There is no feeling better than the unconditional love of an animal,' says Heather Tookey, pictured with Dew . Nineteen-month-old Dew was born into the successful cheetah breeding programme at the conservation centre, and has built up a remarkable relationship with the HR assistant. 'People are astonished that I can have such a close relationship with a wild animal,' Heather explains. 'When she lies on top of my head, purring so contently, I can feel the love in her eyes as she stares down at me, sharing her cheetah cuddles. Nineteen-month-old Dew was born into the successful breeding programme at the Cheetah Experience . Hi-jinks: Heather plays with Dew at the Cheetah Experience in Bloemfontein, where they met in 2011 . 'There is no feeling better than the unconditional love of an animal, especially when that animal is a cheetah who you love with all of your heart.' Describing how she originally gained the big cat's trust, Heather says: 'Dew would slowly come closer and closer to me, to get used to my smell, my voice. 'I always talk to her. She is the best listener and is always keen to hear about my day and how beautiful she looks. Trust: Dew is completely comfortable with her human companion, who in turn feels just as relaxed . Walkies: Cheetah Experience was founded in 2006 with the sole aim of saving the cheetahs from extinction . 'The time when our bond was cemented was when I spent the night with her in the little house in her enclosure. 'She came and lay on me and stole my pillow to rest on and purred until we both slept arm-in-arm. 'Falling asleep to the sound of a cheetah purring with her head resting on mine, underneath a blanket of stars and a bright moon is a moment I will never forget. 'When I look into her eyes, I feel safe and at home.' Feline the love: Heather sunbathes with Dew, her sister Dawn and another cheetah friend . Cheetahs are Africa's most threatened big cats and the world's fastest land animals, reaching up to 75 mph . Cheetah Experience was founded in 2006 by Riana Van Nieuwenhuizen with the sole aim of saving the cheetahs from extinction. Currently Africa's most threatened big cats, cheetahs are the world's fastest land animals and can reach speeds of up to 75mph. Unlike the other big cats, they are not known for attacking humans, though freak cases have been reported, such as an incident involving the comic actor, Adam Sandler, last year. When the Happy Gilmore actor was on safari, he was lucky enough to get the opportunity to get up close to a cheetah, at a private lodge. But when he lent a little too close, the animal pounced. Luckily, he was rescued by a handler. 'When I look into her eyes, I feel safe and at home,' says Heather of her friendship with the young cheetah . A roarsome friendship: Heather says volunteering at the Cheetah Experience changed her life . Meanwhile, Dew may eventually be released into a protected wild situation where there will be little human contact but she will be monitored by professionals. 'Volunteering at Cheetah Experience has changed my life completely. I have learnt so much about animals, conservation, but also about life and love,' Heather said. 'Working with wild animals, especially big cats, had always been a lifelong dream of mine. I truly lost my heart to the project, the people and of course the animals. 'The only way to describe it is a piece of heaven on Earth, that has to be seen and felt to believe it.' | Pals met at the Cheetah Experience in Bloemfontein, South Africa, in 2011 .
Heather Tookey, 21, from Beckenham, has visited her furry chum four times .
Bond was cemented when she spent the night in the cheetah's enclosure . |
184d695107ad475cd78881fb7f978b47a02f6be9 | By . Amanda Williams . Missing A man has been arrested on suspicion of murder after Rui Li (pictured) disappeared after finishing her shift at a hospital five days ago . A man has been arrested on suspicion of murder after a nurse disappeared after finishing her shift at a hospital five days ago. Rui Li, 44, was last seen leaving Poole Hospital in Poole, Dorset, at around 6pm on Friday, May 23. Detectives, who said they feared the . nurse had 'come to some harm', said that they had arrested a 60-year-old . man on suspicion of her murder after concerned friends reported her missing to police yesterday morning. The man from Bournemouth, is said to be known to Ms Li. Police are now searching three addresses in the Boscombe area, including Burnham Drive. Detective Inspector Marcus Hester, of Dorset Police’s Major Crime Investigation Team, has now appealed for the public’s help to piece together Ms Li’s last movements. 'We sadly have reason to believe Ms Li may have come to harm and have arrested a man on suspicion of murder,' DI Hester said. 'However, at this time we do not know her whereabouts. 'Our investigations are focused on establishing exactly what happened between Friday evening and the time Ms Li was reporting missing to us on Tuesday morning. 'I would ask anyone who has seen or heard from her since she left work at Poole Hospital to contact us. 'We are building up a picture of her life, so I would also ask anyone who we haven’t spoken to already, who knew her well and may have information that could assist us, to get in touch.' Hospital: The 44- year-old was last seen leaving Poole Hospital (pictured) in Dorset at around 6pm on Friday . Investigation: Police, who said they feared the nurse had 'come to some harm', are now searching three addresses in the Boscombe area. Above, a forensic team is pictured entering a house in Burnham Drive today . Ms Li is described as a slim woman of Chinese appearance, around 5ft 5ins tall. She sometimes wears glasses and often has her shoulder-length black hair in a ponytail. Detectives have not found the 44-year-old’s body but they are concerned believe she may have come to harm. The middle-aged man was being held in the police cells while he awaits questioning by senior detectives. Response: The man, from Bournemouth, is said to be known to Ms Li. Above, Dorset Police in Burnham Drive . Operation: Ms Li is described as a slim woman of Chinese appearance, around 5ft 5ins tall. She sometimes wears glasses and often has her shoulder-length black hair in a ponytail. Above, police in Burnham Drive . Sorry we are not currently accepting comments on this article. | Rui Li, 44, last seen leaving Poole Hospital in Dorset, on Friday at 6pm .
Detectives said they feared the .
nurse had 'come to some harm'
They have since arrested 60-year-old man who was 'known to the nurse' |
184e1d80177bd0f11ea8533444bb92a2074cbb86 | As the world's most famous supermodel, Kate Moss has worked with countless acclaimed photographers, designers and celebrities and now, the notoriously tight-lipped model has revealed exactly what goes on behind the closed doors of fashion. Speaking in a rare interview with photographer Nick Knight, SHOWstudio founder and long-time friend, Kate opens up about her figure, body image and enduring appeal as a model. When Knight asks her about her time as the . unwitting poster girl for 'heroin chic' - a mid-1990s look characterised by extreme slimness, pallor, dark eyes and angular bone structure - she reveals: 'I think I was just really young and . thin, I mean my daughter's tiny… . 'I was working in fashion, back in the . day they didn't feed you. The jobs I was doing they didn't have . catering.' Scroll down for video . Opening up: Kate Moss, who is usually extremely elusive and swears by the mantra 'never complain, never explain', has opened up about the industry that sky-rocketed her to fame in a candid interview . Saint Laurent Resort 2014 shirt . We adore Saint Laurent! This super model is not scared of anything! No matter what red carpet she is on, Kate is willing to try something risky, and this time it's her striped sheer shirt by Saint Laurent. Kate has shown off her more masculine, androgynous style of late, opting for tuxedo jackets and trousers, usually teamed with a fitted shirt underneath, and this one, from Saint Laurent's Resort 2014 collection, is the most luxe one we've seen her in. Even though this is head-to-toe black, the stripes on Kate's sheer shirt draw your eye in. She's a clever lady too, just about covering up enough body to be acceptable on a red carpet. Since taking over the French fashion house last year, Hedi Slimane has steered it's direction into uber cool, rock chick territory, which is where Kate comes in. This is iconic Kate at her tailored best. ASOS Embellished Collar Long Sleeve Blouse . Visit site . Topshop Embroidered Shirt . Visit site . MissGuided Kinea Black Cropped Blouse . Visit site . ASOS Top With Detail Front And Drape Neck . Visit site . Kate, now 40, also opens up about the topless photograph by Corinne Day that featured on the cover of The Face in 1990 and catapulted her to fame at the age of 15. 'It was funny, but at the same time I was really embarrassed about my body,' she said. 'Very, very self-conscious. I was 14 or 15, still at school.' Despite fronting some of the most high-profile campaigns of the last 25 years, Kate is still mystified by her appeal. The mother, who has appeared on the cover of fashion bible Vogue 35 times, admits she has no idea why her appearance on the glossy cover causes magazine sales to sky-rocket. Heroin chic: Speaking about the angular bone structure she championed, Kate, pictured in 1993, reveals: 'I think I was just really young and thin, back in the day they didn't feed you. The jobs I was doing they didn't have catering' Modest: She has helped sell thousands of magazine covers and has fronted the most lucrative campaigns but Kate is still mystified by her appeal . 'I know it's weird though, innit? 'Cause I don't understand, I mean…let's not question it!,' she said. Having just hit the big 4-0, Mossy is busier than ever. Last week she unveiled her hotly anticipated collection for Topshop and has been quietly creating a new beauty range for Rimmel London, too. The . blonde was also recently unveiled as the face of Alexander . McQueen's SS14 campaign, and also is a contributing editor for Vogue. At . the end of last year, she was announced as the face of St. Tropez and . even designed a range of smartphone accessories for Carphone Warehouse. And her hard work is certainly paying off. After twenty stellar years in the industry, Kate saw her earnings triple in 2012. Her . total earnings as of October 2012 for the preceding year totalled . £11.72 million - that's nearly three times the amount she earned in . 2011. Bigger than ever: At the age of 40, Kate is . still going strong and one of her most popular campaigns was with St. Tropez last year . Maria Malone, Senior Lecturer and fashion expert at Manchester Metropolitan University, said: 'When . Kate Moss first appeared in magazines, she was a quirky antidote to the . long-legged, perfect in every way type models that consumers . were previously bombarded with. 'Kate is unique and distinct in appearance, preventing look-a-likes and making her stand out. 'She . has a natural "imperfect" yet unmistakable beauty which makes women . relate to her and men believe her to be a more approachable "girl next . door" than the unobtainable supermodels of old. 'The shelf-life of a model is short but Kate Moss is more than a model: she is a brand, a British brand.' No airbrush needed! Kate, who turned 40 . this year, shows off her flawless skin in the behind the scenes images . from her Rimmel beauty campaign . Seventies chic: Kate models a fringed suede jacket, left, and a sparkly disco fringed dress from her new collection for Topshop . 1988: . Discovered by Storm Model Management founder Sarah Doukas at JFK . Airport on her way back from a holiday in Bahamas, when she was 14 . 1990: Shot for The Face cover . 1992: Starred in Calvin Klein campaigns with Mark Wahlberg . 1995: Won Fashion Personality of the Year award . 2002: Gave birth to Lila Grace, her daughter with then-boyfriend, Dazed and Confused editor, Jefferson Hack . 2005: Announced as face of Rimmel London . 2005: Pictures of her published allegedly snorting cocaine, prompting her to be dropped from H&M, Chanel and Burberry . 2006: Named 'Model of the Year' at British Fashion Awards . 2007: Launched first collection for Topshop . 2010: Released new Topshop collection . 2012: Walked in Olympic Closing Ceremony . 2013: Launched accessories collection with Carphone Warehouse, turned 40, became face of numerous high fashion campaigns . 2014: Unveils range range for Topshop and designs Rimmel beauty range . Fresh-faced: Kate pictured at New York fashion week back in the 1990s . | Kate, 40, speaks in candid interview with photographer Nick Knight .
Reveals she was very self-conscious posing topless at the age of 15 .
Claims she is baffled by her enduring appeal . |
184f340ebbca0f6fba10cd7d3f02d156aae25a00 | Too soon: St Louis Cardinals outfielder Oscar Taveras died Sunday in a car accident in his native Dominican Republic . Less than a year after making his Major League Baseball debut, St Louis Cardinals outfielder Oscar Taveras has died in a car crash. The 22-year-old slugger's death was confirmed by his agent and newspapers in his native Dominican Republic, after he was involved in a traffic accident there on Sunday. His girlfriend, identified as 18-year-old Edilia Arvelo, was also reportedly in the 2014 Chevy Camaro when it crashed and died as well. 'He wasn't carrying documents at the time of the accident, but his body was identified by family members,' Col. Diego Pesqueira of the Metropolitan Transportation Agency said of Taveras. National police spokesman Jacobo Mateo Moquete said he was told by the mayor of Sosua that Taveras lost control of his vehicle and went off the road. It was reported that he died while driving on a stretch of road between the towns of Cabarete and Sosua. 'I simply can't believe it,' Cardinals general manager John Mozeliak said in a release. 'I first met Oscar when he was 16 years old and will forever remember him as a wonderful young man who was a gifted athlete with an infectious love for life who lived every day to the fullest.' Cardinals chairman Bill DeWitt Jr. said the organization was 'stunned and deeply saddened' by Taveras' death. Scroll down for video . Smashed: This photo shows Oscar Taveras' heavily damaged Chevy Camaro after the St Louis Cardinals player died in a crash with his young girlfriend in the Dominican Republic on Sunday . 'Oscar was an amazing talent with a bright future who was taken from us well before his time,' DeWitt said. 'Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends tonight.' 'All of us throughout Major League Baseball are in mourning this evening,' baseball Commissioner Bud Selig said in a release. 'Oscar, a young member of the baseball family, was full of promise and at the dawn of a wonderful career in our game, evident in his game-tying home run against the Giants exactly two weeks ago.' Several of Taveras' Cardinals teammates have started mourning his loss on Twitter. 'Absolute tragedy,' teammate Matt Carpenter tweeted after hearing the news. 'My prayers go out to Oscar [Taveras'] family.' 'We mourn the passing of Cardinals outfielder Oscar Taveras,' the MLB also tweeted. Taveras was signed to the Cardinals as a free agent in 2008. He made his major league with the Cardinals this past season, after being ranked the third top prospect by Baseball America. The magazine also called him an 'all-star in the making'. He appeared in 80 regular season games and seven post-season games, and hit a game-tying home run in a championship game against the San Francisco Giants two weeks ago. 'Obviously, we have deep condolences to his family. We are still waiting for more details before issuing a full statement,' Cardinals GM John Mozeliak said Sunday evening. Double the loss: The 22-year-old who made his debut with the team this past season, was driving with his girlfriend, who also reportedly died in the crash. Pictured above hitting a home run in a championship game against the San Francisco Giants two weeks ago . | The 22-year-old died Sunday in a car crash in his native Dominican Republic .
He made his MLB debut with the Cardinals this season and was called an 'all-star in the making' |
184fc40d903d6518d89fc3a996cb27b82d0221ea | Seattle (CNN) -- A suspect in the attempted bombing of a Martin Luther King Jr. Day parade frequently posted his beliefs on white supremacist websites, according to the Southern Poverty Law Center, which monitors hate groups. According to the Law Center, in 2004 Kevin Harpham posted, "I can't wait till the day I snap," on the Vanguard News Network online forums, a white supremacist site. "Who was the person during WW2 that said something like (sic). Those who say you can't win a war by bombing have never tried," another posting purportedly by Harpham read, according to the Law Center. On the Vanguard website, which advertises itself as "No Jews. Just Right," Harpham posted over 1,000 comments, according to the Law Center. Although the posts did not carry Harpham's name directly, Law Center officials said they had come to know him by his writing, and recognized his work as it appeared on line. "He'd been on our radar screen for some years," said Mark Potok, director of the Southern Poverty Law Center's Intelligence Project. "He wasn't a major character but we were aware of him." Harpham was arrested Wednesday outside his home in Addy, Washington, about 55 miles from Spokane, where on January 17 a bomb was found along the route of the city's Martin Luther King Jr. Day parade. A bomb squad rendered the device inert. Officials called the situation an instance "of domestic terrorism" that could have caused "mass casualties." An official briefed by law enforcement but not allowed to speak to the media regarding the investigation said the bomb was "chilling" in its sophistication. The bomb contained anti-coagulant chemical agents intended to make anyone wounded by the blast "bleed out," the official said. The bomb was surrounded by metal shrapnel and designed to go off by remote control, the official said. Roger Peven, a court-appointed attorney for Harpham, said he had no comment on the internet postings and had not decided on a plea for his client, who, he said, is unemployed. "It's too early," he said, "We are awaiting to see what the grand jury does." A grand jury is expected to hear evidence in the case on March 22, the day before the next court hearing is set for Harpham. He has been charged with the attempted use of a weapon of mass destruction and possession of an unregistered explosive device. A conviction for attempted use of a weapon of mass destruction carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment and a $250,000 fine, according to prosecutors. The attempted bombing was an unwelcome reminder for many residents of the region's past with white supremacist and neo-Nazi groups. "It was called 'the Northwest imperative,'" said the Southern Poverty Law Center's Potok, "It was a call to other white supremacists to move to the Pacific Northwest and populate the area with their own people. A nation within a nation. As ludicrous as that sounds, hundreds of white supremacists moved to the area and many still remain to this day." Many of the postings the Southern Poverty Law Center cited Harpham as writing on white supremacist websites were written under the pseudonym "Joe Snuffy," military slang for a low-ranking soldier. Harpham served in the U.S. Army at Fort Lewis from June 1996 to February 1999 as a fire-support specialist in the 1st Battalion, 37th Field Artillery Regiment, according to a release from Joint Base Lewis-McChord. "He would have had to fire rounds down range," base spokesman Joseph Piek said. "That's a long way to allegedly making bombs." But postings that the Southern Poverty Law Center said Harpham authored alluded to his Army service. "This could be a long story but to make it short I went in the army in 96' and learned that n----- were an entirely different critter than I had thought they were," said a 2007 post by "Joe Snuffy," posted on the Vanguard site. "I realized I was at war and didn't even know it." | The Southern Poverty Law Center monitors hate groups .
A Center official says Kevin Harpham had been on the center's "radar" for years .
Harpham frequently posted his beliefs on white supremacist websites, the center says .
Harpham is charged in an attempted bombing in Spokane on Martin Luther King Jr. Day . |
184fc796b9b4ea99ead4d08ab4167b89be9b280e | By . Daily Mail Reporter . PUBLISHED: . 14:38 EST, 2 November 2012 . | . UPDATED: . 14:50 EST, 2 November 2012 . Accused: Everett Donelson wants his daughter's alleged killer, Chester Leroy Todd (pictured), to walk free to deprive him of free medical care for his Parkinson's . The father of a woman who was raped and beaten to death 16 years ago says he does not want his daughter's alleged killer to be sent to jail - but would prefer to see him free on the streets to suffer with his crippling Parkinson's disease alone . Chester Leroy Todd, 66, from Denver, has been a fugitive since 1996 when a first-degree murder warrant was issued for him in the death of mother-of-three Sheri Majors, Denver Police spokesman Sonny Jackson said. Everett Donelson says he would prefer to see authorities drop charges against the 66-year-old and let him go: 'They should just release him on the streets, in his own little walker,' he said. 'That would be a bigger punishment than being in jail where he can get free medical treatment.' Todd is suffering from end-stage Parkinson's disease and Mr Donelson believes he only confessed to Sheri's murder to witnesses so he could make use of the free medical care he would receive behind bars. The 27-year-old woman's beaten and strangled body was found adjacent to railroad tracks in downtown Denver on March 17, 1996, a day after witnesses at a pool hall saw her accept a ride from Todd. His abandoned tractor-trailer rig was discovered at a Sioux City, Iowa, truck stop days later. Evidence recovered from the truck linked Todd to Majors' murder, police said. In 2006, the FBI's Violent Criminal Apprehension Program issued a bulletin saying the agency was compiling a list of suspects in a series of rapes and murders of prostitutes who frequented truck stops in Texas, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Mississippi, Indiana and Pennsylvania. Todd was the only one named as a suspect in the crimes. His attorney pleaded not guilty to two counts of murder on Todd's behalf so he would not have to appear in court. Fugitive: Sheri Majors' (left) raped and beaten body was discovered in March 1996. Shortly afterwards Todd (right) disappeared and had been on the run until February 2011 . Last time he appeared he complained that sitting in his wheelchair made him 'uncomfortable'. 'Uncomfortable is hearing how he killed Sheri while she was begging for mercy,' her cousin Rhonda Gans, 40, told the Denver Post. After being hospitalized in Las Vegas in February 2011, Todd confessed the murder to several witnesses. Todd, who was homeless, had been living in Las Vegas and working at a produce warehouse under the alias James Diamond.In 2006, the FBI named Todd as a suspect in a series of killings and rapes of prostitutes at truck stops across the country. A jury found him guilty of murder in 1967 in Illinois for the shotgun slaying of a man. He was released from prison in 1982. | Chester Leroy Todd, 66, has been a fugitive since he allegedly raped and beat to death Sheri Majors, 27, in 1996 .
Todd, who suffers from end-stage Parkinson's, sent attorney to enter 'not guilty' plea so he did not have to appear in court . |
184ffd19ddbc103f5a9a454770c9ffce4bd86219 | By . Daily Mail Reporter . PUBLISHED: . 19:03 EST, 13 December 2012 . | . UPDATED: . 02:49 EST, 14 December 2012 . It's something we do every day but it seems we don’t get any better at it. It takes us more than half an hour to feel awake in the morning, according to a survey. Fewer than one in five Britons (17 per cent) consider themselves to be morning people. Daydream nation: A study found that it takes 36 minutes for Brits to feel awake . The study found that after being disturbed by the alarm clock, we typically snooze for 14 minutes and don’t feel awake for 36 minutes. Two out of three said they are less likely to snooze when woken by an alarm with ‘natural’ sounds. Some 73 per cent of those questioned by Radox thought the sound of a bird tweeting or a cock crowing made them wake up in a more positive mood. And, on average, we lose at least an hour’s sleep per night in December due to worries over Christmas. Two thirds (66 per cent) of Brits feel . unmotivated in the morning and 60 per cent admitted to sleeping in more . during the dark winter months. Just under a quarter (23 per cent) admitted to suffering from ‘seasonal sleeping slips’ as they recorded . more late attendance during December. A further 15 per cent said they were . prone to sick days during the final month of the year . Dev Banerjee of The Sleep Clinic said: ‘The first sound we hear in the morning has such an effect on our mood for the rest of the day. 'That’s why we often feel down when woken up to ringing phones, pinging emails or the same monotonous alarm clock' The top ‘wake up happy’ sounds were: 1, birds tweeting. 2, cockerel crowing. 3, waves crashing. 4, wind chimes. 5, piano playing. 6, orchestral symphony. 7, church bells . | People typically snooze for 14 minute, according to research .
Two thirds of Brits feel unmotivated in the morning .
Just under a quarter admitted to 'seasonal sleeping slips' |
185082d236230e941b4740feb6d330a6936c69f9 | By . Emily Allen . UPDATED: . 15:15 EST, 18 January 2012 . An amateur horsewoman has been found crushed to death at stables after her favourite horse is thought to have slipped and fallen on top of her. The body of 35-year-old Sarah Neal was discovered at the isolated yard on Tuesday evening. It is believed she suffered a fatal heart attack when the horse landed on top of her. Tragedy: Sarah Neal, 35, was crushed to death when she fell from her horse near Aldermaston, Berkshire. It is not clear if this was the horse involved in the incident . It was not known how long Ms Neal had lain dying at the stables in Mortimer West End, near Aldermaston, Berkshire, before she was discovered in the dark just before 8.30pm. Paramedics rushed to the stables, just a short distance from the Red Lion public house, following a 999 call from the police. A spokesman for the South Central Ambulance Service said that paramedics carried out resuscitation attempts on the woman but were unable to revive her. Her body was taken to the mortuary at the Royal Berkshire Hospital in Reading, where a pathologist was expected to carry out a post mortem examination. Today, Ms Neal's parents Jennifer and Christopher, were said to be 'in bits and too devastated' to talk about their daughter after hearing news of her death. Her brother James answered the door at his parents' modern three-bedroomed semi-detached on a quiet estate in West Berkshire. Paramedics rushed to the stables, just a short distance from the Red Lion public house, following a 999 call from the police and discovered Sarah's body . 'Mum's in pieces at the moment,' he said 'It all happened so suddenly. We are still trying to come to terms with it all.' Ms Neal's father, Christopher, had been telephoning relatives and loved ones letting them know the tragic news. Ms Neal was a bridesmaid to James' new wife Patricia at his wedding in 2010. Friends said that the single woman had been riding horses since she was a child and took part in equestrian events at the weekends. At 4pm yesterday just hours before the tragedy, Sarah posted on her Facebook status update 'Bored!' She had posted lots of photographs of her horses Rosie and Tim on it. As the news of her death filtered through to her friends devastated friends left memorial messages to her. Schoolfriend Jenny Abery posted: 'RIP Sarah xxxxxx this must be such a shock for your family, my thoughts go out to them. I found a picture of you and I as kids the other day riding our ponies in Bradfield together, happy memories xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Totally shocked :(' Friend Michelle Ivermee said: 'RIP Sarah I am going to miss you ar the yard never forgotten, love Michelle xxxx' George Hastie posted on her Facebook page: 'Sarah, such a tragic sad loss, you will be missed at the yard-Such a lovely bubbly person, Rest in Peace xxx' Steve Price said: 'Dear Sarah you are already sadly missed, dappy, funny, witty, bloody hard worker, never complaining, never had a compliant, loved and miss by all who touched you. RIP'. Michaela Gorman said: 'Gone but never forgotten! U were took away 2 soon always in my thoughts! RIP' June Cross wrote 'An awful tragedy, such a lovely person and so young RIP Sarah, my thoughts are with your family.' She had worked at Westcoast IT company in Theale, Berkshire for 13 years until 2008. | Sarah Neal believed to have suffered fatal heart attack . |
1851eb85f70e2ba90e4d74d14e00e77e2377470c | By . Hugo Gye . PUBLISHED: . 10:59 EST, 26 July 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 15:10 EST, 26 July 2013 . Archaeologists looking for Roman remains have stumbled across an even more historic find - a wooden railway which was instrumental in the development of the Industrial Revolution. An excavation on the banks of the Tyne unearthed a stretch of waggonway which is more than 200 years old, making it the earliest surviving example of the standard-gauge railway. The discovery was originally part of a network which linked the ports of the North East with collieries in Tyneside and Northumberland in the late 18th century. Discovery: A wooden railway which carried waggons from collieries to the River Tyne has been unearthed . Archaeology: The excavation was expected to find Roman remains but instead stumbled upon the railway . The railway was found by archaeologists digging on the site of the Neptune shipyard, which is currently being redeveloped. Because the site is near the Roman fort of Segedunum, in Wallsend, lead excavators Richard Carlton and Alan Williams were expecting to find remains from the Roman period. Instead, they stumbled across the 25-metre stretch of wooden rails, an early contributor to the mining industry which transformed the North East. The waggonway is made up of a heavy duty 'main way' with two sets of rails laid on top of each other to preserve their longevity, with a loop from the main line descending into a dip. That depression would have been filled with water where coal wagons' wooden rails were rested to stop them drying out and cracking. In the middle of the loop is a stone elevation where the horse pulling the waggon would have stood. Pioneering: The waggonways helped the North East develop and were the precursor to Britain's train network . Breakthrough: Standard-gauge railways ended up being used for steam trains around the world . A waggonway from the former mining town of Tanfield in County Durham . 'The wooden waggonway uncovered by the excavation is the direct ancestor of the modern standard-gauge railway,' Mr Carlton said. With horses and carts eventually replaced by steam trains, railways quickly became the fastest form of transportation the world had ever seen and facilitated the creation of the modern world. In Newcastle and the surrounding areas, the railways allowed coal to be transported around Britain, leading to the rapid growth of the region. Mr Carlton added: 'The coal industry was so vitally important for the North East, and there are so few signs of it left now.' The archaeologists' find is remarkably well-preserved - Mr Williams said: 'It looks as if it has just been covered up and left yesterday.' The discovery has revealed features which were previously known only from drawings and the notebooks of engineers such as John Buddle, who lived near the dig site. Work: The dig on the former site of the Neptune shipyard comes as it is redeveloped for new construction . Preserved: The wooden rails have not rotted because they have been kept from biodegrading under the ground . 'We have drawings describing what has been found by the dig but this is the real thing,' said local historian Les Turnbull. 'It is tremendous to be able to see these features rather than just looking at them in historic drawings and notebooks. 'Because the line is standard railway gauge, it is tremendously important as the earliest example in the world and this is of international significance. The waggonway complex is at the forefront of late 18th-century engineering.' Mr Turnbull, who has written a book on waggonways, claimed that the discovery was more important than any Roman find could be. 'One of the gifts of the North East to world history is the development of the railways,' he said. 'Coal and the railways are Tyneside's heritage and this waggonway was part of that, because without the waggonways the coalfields would not have developed.' In the late 18th century, hundreds of waggons ran from collieries to wharves on the Tyne, where coal would be loaded onto brigs for transport to London and abroad. The excavated remains were part of the Willington waggonway, which took in collieries at Willington Quay and Bigges Main on the edge of Wallsend. In 1801 the Killingworth waggonway, for which George Stephenson's first locomotives were built, joined the Willington line. Stephenson and his son Robert went on to build locomotives at their works in South Street in Newcastle to the Willington gauge, which was 4ft 8½in wide - this became the standard width for railways throughout Britain and much of the world. A waggonway was a timber track used for transporting coal in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. They were an ingenious solution to a problem facing coal barons in Northumberland and Durham - namely, how to efficiently get coal from pit-head to port. The alternative, slower, option was via pack-horse or ox cart. A waggonway was a timber track used for transporting coal in the late 18th and early 19th centuries . Where possible, the waggonway would slope gently downhill so that the waggons could roll under their own weight. The driver sitting on the back would control the brake while the horse trotted behind on a tether. After the contents were emptied, the horse would pull the empty cart back up the slope. The rails on the Newcastle waggonway were made of wood, four or five inches thick and five or six inches broad. Although the use of wood as a travelling surface was not new - Neolithic man had used it for carrying trackways across bogs - it was the use of the flanged wheel, which made all the difference, allowing the wagon to move snugly on the track. By 1810, the wooden waggonways began to be phased out, replaced by iron. Over the years, the wooden networks fell into disrepair. In 2000, North Tyneside Council successfully bid for £2million worth of funding to transform more than 30 miles of routes as part of the Government's Liveability Fund. The former haulage routes were made into a welcoming and accessible community leisure, travel and learning resource. | Archaeologists expected to find Roman remains under former shipyard .
Instead they unearthed wooden waggonway running from collieries to Tyne .
Tailways provided prototype for train network in Industrial Revolution . |
18523fe8fbfc9d7547b0a13e6d5ca37ed5bf5cfc | Islamabad, Pakistan (CNN) -- The grisly search for remains at the scene of a commercial plane crash in Pakistan continued Saturday, with officials doubting anyone on board survived. The plane, carrying 127 people, crashed Friday in Islamabad just before it was to land at a nearby airport, according to Pakistan's Civil Aviation Authority, which cited poor weather as a possible factor. At least 120 bodies have been recovered from the scene, Interior Minister A Rehman Malik said. No survivors have been found. "In the morning we will start to search by helicopters," Malik said overnight, adding that officials could not bring in helicopters on Friday due to bad weather. The Bhoja Air Boeing 737-200 was en route from Karachi to Islamabad, where the weather was cloudy, officials said. Malik said family members in Karachi are being flown in to help identify the victims. Relatives and fingerprints have already helped identify the remains of 73 people taken to the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences, Dr. Wasim Khawaja said. Identifying all the bodies -- many of which lie in pieces -- will be challenging, Malik said. He said he hoped DNA technology will help in the process. From what he's seen, "I don't see any survivor here -- all 127 people seem to be dead," the interior minister said. The crash occurred near the Chaklala airbase, a military site used by the country's air force, which is adjacent to the Benazir Bhutto International Airport in Islamabad. Debris and body parts were scattered across the crash site as workers sifted through the wreckage in the heavily populated residential area. Four villages were affected by the crash, and debris from the plane has been recovered within a kilometer of the site, Malik told reporters. More than a 150 bags filled with body parts have been transported to hospitals across the region, according to Farkhand Iqbal, a municipal official in Islamabad. World's deadliest plane crashes . Malik said he is ready to launch a security probe through the Federal Investigation Agency in case the Civil Aviation Authority's investigation shows evidence of any security breaches. He also said Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari has ordered a "high-powered investigation." Head of Bhoja Air, Farooq Omar Bhoja, has been put on an exit control list, meaning he can leave the country without government clearance, he said. The flight data recorder, which is considered a key component in determining what may have caused the tragedy, was recovered, officials said Friday. The Bhoja airliner had been flying from the southern seaport city of Karachi and crashed just before touching down in the capital after its 3½-hour flight. Weather reports indicated that conditions in the area included thunderstorms and limited visibility. Authorities are examining what may have caused the crash and the potential for additional casualties at the site of the wreckage. Investigators are "going to be looking at technology," aviation security consultant Greg Feith said. "What kind of radio equipment, what kind of ground proximity warning system the aircraft was equipped with, weather radar, things like that ... since the weather may be a factor in this accident." Pakistani Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani on Friday expressed "deep shock and grief over the tragedy," ordering his country's Civil Aviation Authority "to gear up all its resources for rescue operation," state media reported. A separate inquiry into the incident has been launched by Pakistan's Safety Investigation Board, and two crisis operation rooms have been set up at airports in both Islamabad and Karachi to provide information to the affected families. A Boeing spokeswoman said the American manufacturer "stands ready to provide technical assistance to the Civil Aviation Authority of Pakistan." The airliner was originally sold in 1985, Julie O'Donnell said. Comair, a South African airline, said in a statement Saturday that it operated the plane under the British Airways brand from 1996 until late 2011. "The aircraft was retired due to it being too uneconomical for Comair to operate because of its small seat capacity and high fuel consumption," said Comair spokeswoman Nicola Nel. "It was sold to Jet Aviation in Dubai who leased it on to Bhoja Air at the end of 2011. The aircraft was sold in a serviceable condition." Responding to allegations that the aircraft was not in good condition to fly, Defense Secretary Nargis Sethi told a local television station that the government has initiated "an immediate investigation." "Whether it was 10, 8 years old, or not airworthy, is something that we can't confirm yet," Sethi said. But Bhoja Air station manager Zahid Bangish told a Pakistani television station later Friday that the "aircraft was new, not the old one and unairworthy." The crash is reminiscent of one in 2010, when 152 people were killed as a Pakistani passenger plane crashed on the outskirts of Islamabad. That plane was also was coming from Karachi when it crashed into a hillside while trying to land, officials said at the time. Four years earlier, another airliner crashed in central Pakistan, leaving 45 dead. The first known commercial passenger airplane crash occurred in Pakistan in 1953 when a Canadian Pacific DH-106 Comet crashed shortly after takeoff from Karachi. That crash killed 11 people on board. Journalist Wajahat S. Khan and CNN's Aaron Cooper, Kathryn Tancos, Mari Ramos, Pierre Meilhan and Christine Theodorou contributed to this report. | NEW: Comair said it operated the plane under the British Airways brand from 1996 until late 2011 .
Head of Bhoja Air can't leave Pakistan without government approval .
At least 73 of the bodies have been identified, a hospital representative says .
The cause of the crash is under investigation, but poor weather may have been a factor . |
185364fddc0c646e67cf3f7050b71aab97c5a393 | By . Associated Press . PUBLISHED: . 04:58 EST, 18 April 2012 . | . UPDATED: . 07:05 EST, 18 April 2012 . Jamie Moyer is headed to the Hall of Fame. Well, maybe his uniform anyway. Or perhaps even his glove. Cooperstown has asked for some sort of memorabilia from Moyer to commemorate his record-setting night as the 49-year-old left-hander became the oldest pitcher to ever win a major league contest. And whatever the Hall of Fame decides it wants, Moyer said he will certainly deliver after throwing seven efficient innings to help the Colorado Rockies beat the San Diego Padres 5-3 on Tuesday. Star performer: Colorado Rockies starting pitcher Jamie Moyer showed no signs of slowing down as he throws against the San Diego Padres in their Major League Baseball game in Denver . ‘To have your name mentioned with great players of the past or Hall of Fame players, it's pretty special,’ Moyer said. For Moyer (1-2), making history was nice. But stopping the Rockies' two-game skid was just as rewarding. Moyer was effective all evening as he picked up his 268th career win, tying him with Hall of Famer Jim Palmer for 34th on the career list. He relied on a cutter the Padres couldn't get good wood on and a 78-mph fastball that danced all over the place. Moyer gave up just six hits and two runs – both unearned – as he kept the Padres hitters off balance and guessing. ‘Today, for me, just like it's been my previous two starts – going out and trying to give my best effort,’ Moyer said. That's a tried and true formula for success, one that's worked well for Moyer over a career that has stretched nearly a quarter century and included 689 games. Moyer earned that elusive win for the ages in his third start of the season. He is 49 years, 150 days old. Third time lucky: Moyer, 49,became the oldest winning pitcher in Major League Baseball at his third attempt . That's important to note since before Moyer's effort the oldest pitcher to win a game in the majors was Jack Quinn of the Brooklyn Dodgers on Sept. 13, 1932, when he was 49 years, 70 days old. Moyer doesn't know all that much about Quinn. He wishes he did, though. ‘As players, we should know more about the game, the history of the game,’ Moyer said. ‘You need to respect the game and the people that came before you.’ He's definitely a part of baseball's lore now. But this milestone win was far from easy. Rafael Betancourt struggled in the ninth as he surrendered a solo homer to Nick Hundley and put two more runners on before striking out Yonder Alonso to close out the game. About the only flaw to the night were two more errors by smooth-fielding shortstop Troy Tulowitzki, giving him six already this season. The Gold Glove winner had six all of last year. Power: Despite the fearsome force and strain pitcher Jamie Moyer has placed his body under during near 25 year career, he's still able to deliver a devastatingly quick ball . His fielding error in the seventh proved quite costly and nearly spoiled Moyer's place in the record books. With two on and one out, Tulowitzki had a routine double play ball go right through his legs, leading to a run. Jason Bartlett brought in another with a sacrifice fly to right to cut the lead to 3-2. Moyer ended the threat by getting pinch hitter Jeremy Hermida to ground out to second on a 76-mph cutter. That was vintage Moyer. With streaks of gray in his hair, Moyer looks like a player who will turn 50 in November. But once he steps on the mound that youthful exuberance returns. He's transformed into a kid again, sprinting out to the mound after each inning. On this night, he looked more like a spry rookie than a veteran nearing retirement – or at least his AARP card. ‘It's a great night for the Rockies, as far as winning a baseball game. But it's an historic night for one tremendous human being,’ Rockies manager Jim Tracy said. ‘It couldn't happen to a better guy. A more professional person I don't know I've been around.’ Eyes on the prize: Starting pitcher Jamie Moyer ranks along side Hall of Famer Jim Palmer for 34th on the career list after notching up his 268th career win . The aged wonder used his wealth of experience to his advantage against the young Padres, six of whom weren't even born when Moyer made his major league debut in 1986. That included Anthony Bass (0-2), a pitcher half Moyer's age who went five innings and gave up three runs. Mark Kotsay's first plate appearance of the season was a single in the opening inning. Kotsay was activated off the disabled list on Monday after missing the first 10 games with a strained right calf muscle. That his first hit should be against Moyer hardly comes as a surprise since the 36-year-old Kotsay has a .583 lifetime average against Moyer. They even exchanged friendly grins after each of Kotsay's two singles. Record breaker: Moyer became the oldest pitcher to win a major league game at 49 years, 150 days, in his team's win over the Padres . ‘He wears me out. He knows it. I know it,’ Moyer said. ‘We joke in the offseason.’ Kotsay also has tremendous amount of respect for Moyer. ‘It says something about how much he loves to compete and his willingness to work, and at 49, to go out and throw the ball and have success,’ said Kotsay, who faced the veteran for the first time since June 13, 2006, when Kotsay was with the Oakland A's and Moyer a member of the Seattle Mariners. Padres manager Bud Black certainly appreciates Moyer's longevity, marveling from the dugout at the lefty who went to spring training without a guaranteed roster spot and performed his way onto the team. He missed all of 2011 as he recovered from a surgically repaired ligament in his elbow. ‘It's a great story,’ Black said. ‘It's wonderful that he's continued to get the results needed to stay in the major leagues. This is a performance-driven game and the last 15 years of his career have been outstanding.’ | Colorado Rockies left-hander Moyer picks up 268th career win .
Career stretches for 689 games over nearly a quarter century .
Breaks record set in 1932 . |
185597145f56c2cddb547c93c989014f67e4af05 | By . Mark Duell . A ten-year-old girl was almost buried alive in sand after her family dug a 4ft hole and put her inside it. Only the top of the girl’s head was visible on a beach in Norfolk - and National Coastwatch volunteers who feared the sides of the hole could collapse told her relatives to pull her out immediately. They spoke with the girl's father and told him to fill in the hole on Caister beach as soon as possible. Rescue required: Only the top of the girl's head was visible on Caister beach in Norfolk on Saturday . Location: A fire beacon on Caister beach in Norfolk, looking across to Scroby Sands Wind Farm (file picture) Michael Cooke, station manager at the . Caister branch of volunteer group the National Coastwatch Institution, . said of the incident: ‘The family had been digging a deep hole on . Caister beach. ‘Our . watchkeepers on duty, Alan Perry and Malcolm Magee, were quick to spot . when the young girl went into the hole and all that was visible was her . head. ‘Should the . hole have collapsed then she could have been buried alive. But thanks to . the watchkeepers quick thinking and kind words all ended safely.’ And watchkeeper Mr Perry told the Eastern Daily Press of the incident last Saturday: ‘People, especially those on holiday, don’t always see the dangers in front of them. Previous incident: On the same beach three years ago in August 2011, Paige Anderson (pictured), 15, of Gravesend, Kent, was airlifted to hospital after a 5ft hole she had been digging collapsed without warning . Flashback: Police at the scene in Caister where a huge hole dug in the sand collapsed onto Paige in 2011 . ‘We’d been keeping an eye on them, but it was when the girl got in and you couldn’t see her that we knew we had to step in. It got to the point where you couldn’t see her when she stood up. 'Sand that far down is very compacted and, if she had been digging a tunnel which a lot of kids do, she would have been buried alive' Alan Perry, National Coastwatch Institution watchkeeper . ‘If it had collapsed then she would have been in a lot of trouble. Sand that far down is very compacted and, if she had been digging a tunnel which a lot of kids do, she would have been buried alive.’ On the same beach three years ago in August 2011, Paige Anderson, 15, of Gravesend, Kent, was airlifted to hospital after a 5ft hole she had been digging collapsed without warning. She miraculously survived - despite turning blue and stopping breathing - after being trapped for a quarter of an hour as paramedics, police, lifeboatmen and coastguards frantically dug her out. Paige was playing with her sisters Jade, 19, and Taylor, nine, on the beach when disaster struck. She was about to climb out of the hole they had been digging when the sides suddenly caved in. | Only the top of the girl's head was visible on Caister beach in Norfolk .
Coastguards feared hole could collapse and told relatives to pull her out .
Volunteers spoke with girl's father and told him to fill in hole on Saturday .
Girl, 15, almost died on same beach in 2011 when sand hole collapsed . |
1855ae0ac0de4df9651aa0953d7e48d749664475 | By . Simon Jones . Manchester City are monitoring Isco’s situation at Real Madrid after the European champions completed the signing of James Rodriguez from Monaco. The move could leave Isco surplus to requirements at the Bernabeu just a year after he chose Madrid over City. Manuel Pellegrini, his former Malaga boss, remains keen on the 22-year-old midfielder although a deal this summer could be difficult with City restricted by a UEFA-imposed transfer cap and foreign quota limitations. VIDEO Scroll down for to watch Real Madrid target Rodriguez dancing in a nightclub . Wanted man: Manchester City could bid for Real Madrid midfielder Isco this summer . Back in action: Isco (left) is back training with Real but he could find his opportunities limited next season . New boy: Colombia World Cup star James Rodriguez completed a £60million move to the Bernabeu . VIDEO Real closing in on Rodriguez . Meanwhile, the Premier League . champions are unlikely to sign a replacement for Alvaro Negredo after . learning that the Spain striker may only be out for two months with a . broken bone in his right foot. Negredo . suffered the injury in a friendly against Hearts last week and will . miss the club’s pre-season tour of the United States. City kick off their first game against Sporting Kansas City in the early hours of Thursday morning. Out of action: Alvaro Negredo has been ruled out for two months with a foot injury . | Isco could struggle for playing time at Real Madrid with the club set to sign Rodriguez from Monaco .
The Colombian completed a £60m move on Tuesday .
Spaniard played under Manuel Pellegrini at Malaga .
City unlikely to sign replacement for Alvaro Negredo .
The forward has been ruled out for two months with a foot injury . |
185655f2470e675392a523ddd34525d14b5d0341 | (CNN) -- On a stormy January night in 1992, out in the Pacific Ocean, 29,000 plastic yellow ducks, blue turtles and green frogs fell from a cargo ship and were lost at sea. For the past 21 years, these durable plastic bath toys have been floating around the world, passing the site where the Titanic sank, landing in Japan, Alaska and Hawaii and even spending years frozen in an Arctic ice pack. Originally sealed in a 40-foot steel shipping container, rough seas and huge waves knocked the bath toys overboard, along with several other containers that sank straight to the ocean floor. See also: Is this the age of the super-ports? Some estimates suggest that up to 10,000 containers fall into the ocean every year. The World Shipping Council, whose members represent 90% of the world's container ship capacity, say that figure is grossly exaggerated and estimate that on average no more than 350 containers are lost annually. Due to severe weather and high seas, accidents or incorrect stowage, there are now shipping containers littering the seabed all around the world. Many float on the surface for months, some rupture and release their goods, but most eventually sink to the bottom -- creating deep-sea stepping stones between ports across the globe. Oceanographer and self-confessed beachcomber Curt Ebbesmeyer says, "Usually container ships lose containers when the ship starts rolling side-to-side at more than a 55-degree-angle. You have to imagine a couple of dozen containers falling overboard together. When they start banging together, it's a very, very violent episode." Approximately 90% of worldwide cargo travels by sea -- an overwhelming percentage. While often overlooked, shipping containers have transformed global trade, easily moving between truck, train and ship. See also: Introducing the world's biggest ship . Drewry Shipping Consultants, who track container inventories at a microscopic level of detail, say 183 million TEUs (20-foot equivalent units) are moved globally by sea every year and at any one time, approximately 6.7 million containers are in transit. According to Peter Glover, Master Mariner and Senior Associate at international law firm Norton Rose Fulbright, "There is no international convention which places an obligation on shipping companies to report losses of containers at sea." However, a report will likely be required if the loss of the container is considered to be a marine accident, presents a danger to navigation, or if discharge of the contents of the container is such that it breaches the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships. In June of this year, a five-year-old container ship, the MOL Comfort broke its back in heavy weather and split apart off the coast of Yemen. There were no casualties but all 7,000 containers, reportedly carrying consumer electronics and clothes, were lost after the ship caught fire and subsequently sank -- a catastrophic event that cost insurers between $300-400 million in claims. Over the years, a great wealth of unusual items has washed up on beaches around the world. In 2006, beachcombers scavenging the Outer Banks of North Carolina were greeted by thousands of sealed bags of Doritos tortilla chips that floated onto the beach, dry and still in an edible condition. During a storm in 1990, a large wave washed 21 shipping containers into the North Pacific Ocean. 60,000 Nike shoes -- en route from Korea to the US -- splashed into the waves. Over the next year, hundreds of shoes -- from hiking boots to children's shoes -- were discovered on the beaches of the Queen Charlotte Islands, western Vancouver Island, Washington and Oregon. See also: Navigating the world's busiest shipping lane . But it is the plastic animals that have proved most valuable for scientific research of great ocean currents -- the so-called engine of the planet's climate. For the last 21 years, Ebbesmeyer has been tracking the ducks, frogs and turtles from Sitka, where they first landed, all the way to Scotland and Maine. Having patiently recorded the date and location of each sighting, he has been able to learn an enormous amount about the ocean's conveyor belt. While Ebbesmeyer says only 3% of findings are reported, the last sighting he is aware of was a frog in August of this year. Today, he believes there are only a few hundred left... still at the mercy of the winds and surface currents. Once the tale of the tub toys is over, Ebbesmeyer says he still has plenty of other container spills to help him track the currents -- 34,000 hockey gloves and 5 million Lego pieces were dropped in the ocean 16 years ago, for example. "It's a strange thing to be living on a planet and not know what's in 70% of it," Ebbesmeyer says. "You literally never know what's going to wash up onto shore." Eoghan Macguire contributed to this article . | A container of plastic ducks, frogs and beavers broke free from a cargo ship and fell into the North Pacific in 1992 .
The durable bath toys have been floating around ever since providing insights into the flow of ocean currents .
Some estimates suggest as many as 10,000 containers fall into the ocean every year . |
18565de60a3da497f26c7998339cfa29817ae305 | By . Ruth Styles . The Queen is famous for her love of horses and so are Zara Phillips and Princess Anne. But it seems they aren't the only royals with a passion for all things equine. Sophie Wessex, a keen rider in her own right, was among the racing aficionados to turn out for the first race of the day at Newmarket - and even had a runner. Unfortunately for the royal, her horse, Zilber, failed to make the grade and could only manage a third place finish in the Alex Scott Maiden Stakes, well behind the winner, Provident Spirit. Enjoying the day: A casually dressed Sophie Wessex chats to jockey Adam Kirby ahead of the first race . Staying ahead in the style stakes: The Countess of Wessex teamed her tweed suit with chic patent boots . Despite the disappointing result, the Countess appeared on good form as she enjoyed the sunshine and a chat with co-owner, the Countess of Derby, and Zilber's jockey Adam Kirby. The day out at the races is a break from what has been a very busy schedule for the Earl and Countess of Wessex, with more engagements to follow next week. Next week will see the royal couple tour Gloucestershire, with visits to the Clearwell Caves and Three Choirs Vineyard in Newent pencilled in. The following day, the couple are scheduled to visit a number of historic churches in Oxfordshire, before the Countess continues on alone to a local packaging factory. Briefing: The Countess of Wessex and the Countess of Derby talk tactics with jockey, Adam Kirby . Runner up: Zilber, pictured right, took third place behind the eventual winner Provident Spirit, centre . All smiles: A well wrapped up Sophie Wessex appeared to be enjoying her day out in the sunshine . Passion for horses: Although not as committed as the Queen, Sophie Wessex is also a horsewoman . For now, and with the Easter break to look forward to, the Countess appeared relaxed and happy as she watched the races in the bright Suffolk sunshine. And although she didn't quite manage to take home the trophy, she did at least fare better than the Queen, who last week saw her filly Enliven trot into a lowly seventh place in the Coln Valley Stud Bridget Maiden Fillies Stakes at Newbury. The monarch couldn't conceal a grimace as she watched her horse, who had been introduced to President Higgins of Ireland the day before, slope across the finish line. The Queen's career as a racehorse owner spans more than 60 years and began with the handful she inherited on the death of her father George VI. Like her father and grandfather before her, the Queen's horses race in purple and scarlet silks enlivened with gold braiding. During her long association with racing, the Queen has triumphed in more than 1600 races and has won every one of the British Classics, with the exception of the Epsom Derby. Last year, Estimate, a filly owned by the Queen, romped home to take the prestigious Gold Cup at Royal Ascot - much to the delight of the monarch. While Sophie Wessex regularly appears in the carriage alongside the Queen at Royal Ascot, she, unlike her mother-in-law, is yet to win a race there. Thrilled: Frankie Dettori jumps for joy after riding Sandiva to victory in the Lanwades Stud Nell Gwyn Stakes . Close call: Frankie Dettori's Sandiva (left) narrowly squeaks past Silvestre de Sousa on Majeyda . | The Countess of Wessex co-owns a bay thoroughbred colt named Zilber .
Zilber finished the Alex Scott Maiden Stakes at Newmarket in third place .
Countess and Zilber's co-owner, the Countess of Derby, both watched race .
Despite the result, both appeared to enjoy the day and glorious sunshine . |
1856d8111f9ab418d040e4c4e048785bc69231d7 | A mother-of-six with a Paddington Bear collection worth £10,000 has gone into overdrive since the release of the recent Hollywood film about the lovable animal. Emma Bending's house is filled to the brim with teddies, books and prints that are all fuelled by her love for the small Peruvian bear character. The 44-year-old from Bugbrooke, Northampton, was so desperate to see the new movie that she booked herself into the first showing at her local cinema when she couldn't get tickets for the premiere on eBay. Emma Bending, 44, fell in love with Paddington Bear as a child and now has a collection worth £10,000 . The super-fan's extensive collection has taken 12 years to build and includes 400 items of memorabilia . Emma, who works as a school attendance officer, said: 'Paddington is so naughty and mischievous but also so polite and British at the same time. 'He's the perfect character and I'd like to think I'm one of his biggest fans.' Emma's obsession with the bear started aged four after her grandparents gave her one of the first books. She collected teddies, books and even had a Paddington-themed bedroom. The mother-of-six's home in Bugbrooke, Northampton, plays host to more than 30 stuffed bears . Fans from all over the world contact Emma for information and advice on building their own collections . Unlike most children whose early toys are given away or lost, it wasn't until her early teens that Emma's Paddington Bear was carefully stowed away in her parents' loft. When she was watching a repeat of the Paddington TV series with her children in 2002, she remembered her childhood toys and dug them out. Now she and her six children are some of Paddington's biggest fans. Emma has spent the last 12 years building up a bumper collection and their home in Bugbrooke, Northampton, plays host to more than 30 stuffed bears. Book shelves stocked with five first editions worth up to £3,000 cover her walls and her favourite piece is a simple sketch of the beloved children's character by the original illustrator Peggy Fortnum. Altogether, she has got more than 400 items of memorabilia, including a life-size stand-up bear that was originally part of a Harrods shop display and cost £400. When watching the Paddington TV series with her children in 2002, Emma dug out her childhood toys . Emma spends much of her spare time repairing old Paddington Bear toys that have seen the wear of time and has darned fur, sewed up holes in coats and glued boots to bring bears back to life. Author Michael Bond has signed books and luggage labels for her and Emma is hoping friends and family will club together to buy her one of the Paddington sculptures currently dotted all over London. Friends and colleagues have also caught the bug and Emma regularly sources themed toys and books for friends as gifts. Her knowledge is now so vast that fans from all over the world contact her for information and advice on building their own collections. Friends and colleagues have also caught the bug and Emma finds themed toys and books as gifts for them . Emma spends much of her spare time repairing old Paddington Bear toys that have suffered from wear and tear. She has darned fur, sewed up holes in coats and glued boots to bring the cuddly toys back to life . Emma's fireman husband Michael, 45, thinks the whole thing is fantastic but did force Emma to sell some of her giant shop display when they began to take over their house. She said: 'The new film is fantastic - it has something for everyone, which is what makes Paddington so great. 'I was just four when I first fell in love with Paddington, with his little blue hat, red coat and suitcase. 'My grandparents gave me a book called Great Big Paddington Bear for my fourth birthday. 'I loved reading about the mayhem Paddington caused for the Brown family when he arrived in the UK from Peru.' Emma owns five first editions worth up to £3,000 and an original sketch by illustrator Peggy Fortnum . Husband Michael asked Emma to sell some pieces when the collection started taking over the house . 'When I was six I begged my mum and dad for a real Paddington Bear and on Christmas day he was there under the tree. 'Over the following years, my bedroom turned into a Paddington shrine. 'My Dad put up Paddington wallpaper, curtains, and a lampshade. I even had Paddington bedspreads. 'It was only when I fell in love with George Michael that my love for Paddington waned and I put away the toys. 'Then once my husband Michael and I had six little ones, our house was full to the brim with toys. 'One day a repeat of the Paddington programme came on television and I said "I've got one of those?" 'I then dug through the boxes in the loft until I had found my original bear. 'As soon as I showed him to the kids they all wanted one and that's how my passion for Paddington came back to life. 'Now I don't know how I ever put him in the loft and he's as big a part of my life as he ever was.' | Emma Bending's Northampton house is filled with Paddington memorabilia .
The 44-year-old's 400-item collection is worth more than £10,000 .
She fell in love with the character as a young child and now owns 30 bears . |
1856e4a22885baaa8ec8dc83f2bb2559212750f7 | By . Amanda Williams . PUBLISHED: . 03:47 EST, 3 July 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 06:13 EST, 3 July 2013 . An anonymous pair of artists have been working under the cover of darkness to brighten up the streets of London with gigantic works of street art. The duo - who like street artist Banksy shun the limelight - create their huge murals on the walls of buildings around London for the public to enjoy, using only a ladder, spray paint and the light of the moon. The finished pieces include a giant blue pigeon in London Fields, a large fox in Haringey and a super-size squirrel complete with a nut in Tottenham. Pigeon street: This mural in Ada Street, London, is one of a number by artists who have detailed British animals . An anonymous pair of artists have been working under the cover of darkness to brighten up the streets of London with incredible works of art - including this giant blue pigeon in London Fields . Just like Banksy, the duo known as Boe and Irony remain anonymous, creating their artworks using spraypaint on the sides of buildings for the public to enjoy. This snarling fox appeared in Haringey . The duo, known only as Boe and Irony, have said they prefer to remain anonymous, shunning the notion of 'celebrity'. They reportedly met when they both left a party early to go painting, and have worked together ever since. In a recent interview with the Guardian . they said that painting for the street is not like painting for a . gallery where people 'come to hear what you say.' They said street work was inflicted on an audience 'whether they want to see it or not'. They added: 'So . you start off with something people can generally accept, like a fluffy . kitten, that’s your foot in the door, then you can start actually . trying to say something with the piece.' A squirrel chases a giant nut down the side of a wall in Tottenham. The duo, known only as Boe and Irony, have said they prefer to remain anonymous, shunning the notion of 'celebrity' This enormous raven has also been etched on to the wall of an east London building. The pair create their huge murals using only a ladder, spray paint and the light of the moon . They have refused to say where they will 'strike yet' adding that that would ruin the surprise. In May a giant Banksy, with an estimated value of £1million, was removed from the side of a crumbling Grade II listed building. The giant rat, which was created by Britain's most famous street artist, had been eroding for years, with large parts having peeled off with the plaster or vanished on rotted wood. A special restoration team was drafted in to remove the painting from the old Whitehorse pub in Liverpool's China town as part of plans to re-open the building. Bristol-born Banksy daubed the huge rat wielding a machine gun on the Georgian building in Berry Street as part of Liverpool's Biennial art programme in 2004Banksy has since conquered the art world, selling his unique pieces for millions, and counts Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie amongst his fans. Boe and Irony said the artist was partly responsible for the increased popularity in street art. They added: 'Banksy’s financial success has made people feel more comfortable about street art. People are cool with anything once it’s been assigned a cash value.' | Duo known as Boe and Irony take to streets at night armed with spray paint .
Their colourful works include a giant pigeon, squirrel, and snarling fox . |
1857dc6545e62b5cab23258f85c14f555b296afb | (CNN) -- At least four people, including three soldiers, were killed on Tuesday in a blast that struck a military truck as it traveled along a road in Turkey's southeastern Tunceli province, according to local officials and state media. Turkish state TV channel TRT reported the deaths and several injuries on its website, and blamed the attack on terrorists. One of those killed was a passerby. It was unclear if the attack caused more casualties. Many ambulances were sent to the scene in central Tunceli, the semiofficial Anatolia news agency reported. An official with the Tunceli governor's office, who was not identified because he was not authorized to speak to the media, told CNN that the office was not yet able to confirm the number of dead or injured. There was no immediate claim of responsibility. However, suspicion within Turkey is likely to fall on Kurdish militants. Tunceli province is a predominantly Kurdish region where frequent clashes have occurred between the Turkish military and fighters from the militant Kurdistan Workers Party, or PKK. The International Crisis Group said in a report last week that Turkey's long-simmering war with the Kurdish insurgency had escalated, raising casualties to a level not seen in more than a decade. More than 700 people have been killed in the past 14 months, according to the conflict resolution organization that has extensively researched Turkey's war with the PKK. Turkey, the United States, and the European Union have formally labeled the PKK a terrorist organization. The Kurds, Turkey's largest ethnic minority, make up roughly 20 percent of the population. CNN's Yesim Comert contributed to this report. | At least three soldiers and a passerby were killed when blast hits military truck, state media reported .
The vehicle was traveling along a road in southeastern Tunceli province .
Tunceli governor's office said it could not yet confirm the number of casualties .
Tunceli province is a predominantly Kurdish area . |
18580107d467965f067d75d26a6dd3ddac4417b8 | By . Louise Boyle . PUBLISHED: . 10:40 EST, 27 November 2012 . | . UPDATED: . 13:27 EST, 27 November 2012 . The Mauritius ambassador to the U.S. has been fined in federal court after paying his Filipina housekeeper just $1,000 a month to work six days a week. His Excellency Somduth Soborun was fined $5,000 on Monday in a Newark court. The ambassador took a plea deal and also agreed to a $24,153 restitution payment to the woman. The 61-year-old ambassador brought the woman to his $1.2million home in Englewood, New Jersey from the Philippines after arranging a visa. She cleaned, did laundry and took care of the dog for 12 hours a day for the equivalent of $3.57 - far below minimum wage of $7.25. Prestigious role: Somduth Soborun, pictured speaking on behalf of Mauritius at the UN, has been fined in a Newark court for paying his Filipino housekeeper the equivalent of $3.57 an hour . Soborun, who earns up to $200,000, organized a visa for the woman, who has only been identified by the initials CV. She was employed from December 2008 until August 2009. Police and FBI were informed of CV's treatment leading to an investigation into her pay and working conditions. U.S. Attorney Paul J. Fishman told the New York Post: 'Although Soborun signed a contract that provided for an hourly wage as well as for overtime pay for any hours exceeding 40 per week, Soborun only paid C.V. $1,000 per month, regardless of how many hours she worked each month.' He will be allowed to keep his job as ambassador for Mauritius, a small island nation in the Indian Ocean. Plea deal: Mr Soborun leaves court with his lawyer on Monday after being forced to pay $24,000 restitution to his housekeeper, allowing him to keep his job . In his role as ambassador, Mr Soborun is responsible for his Mauritius' interests in the U.S. along with protecting and offering advice to Mauritians abroad. Calls to the Embassy of Mauritius in Washington D.C. and the ambassador's lawyer Nicholas Doria were not returned to MailOnline. Regardless of visa status, foreign workers have the right to be paid $7.25 an hour in the U.S. Overtime - which constitutes anything more than 40 hours a week - should be one and a half time's minimum wage. Somduth Soborun became Ambassador of Mauritius to the United States on January 28, 2011. Before taking up his ambassadorial role, he worked at the U.N for three years in Cairo. High-flying: The ambassador pictured with his daughter Keshini (left) and another guest at a party at the French Embassy in D.C. earlier this year . | His Excellency Somduth Soborun paid the woman an average hourly rate of $3.57 at his $1.2million home in Englewood, New Jersey .
Ambassador forced to make $24,000 restitution to housekeeper but will keep his job . |
185875c677e557b0c99784cb5c8888830c986d47 | Just ten helpings of tomatoes a week could help men reduce the risk of prostate cancer by almost a fifth, according to a study. Researchers think that protection against the illness comes from a key chemical inside the fruit known as lycopene. Tomato-based pasta sauce, tomato juice and even baked beans and the tomato puree topping on pizza were all found to have a beneficial effect. Tomatoes are rich in the compound lycopene, which has previously been linked to good prostate health . And men who doubled their intake of fruit and vegetables to the recommended five portions a day reduced their risk by nearly a quarter, say scientists. In the first study of its kind, researchers from the Universities of Bristol, Cambridge and Oxford examined the diets and lifestyles of nearly 14,000 men aged 50 to 69. They found that those who ate at least ten portions of tomatoes a week were 18 per cent less likely to develop prostate cancer compared to those who had none, or very few. One portion counted as 150g of tomatoes, half a tin of baked beans, a portion of pizza with tomato puree, tomato-based pasta sauce or a glass of tomato juice. However, the researchers urged men not to overindulge in baked beans, pizza and pasta sauce as they can contain high levels of salt. Prostate cancer is the most common form of the illness in men, with 41,700 new cases and 10,700 deaths in the UK every year. Experts suspect it may be linked to the Western diet because it is far less common in countries of the developing world. Research leader Vanessa Er, of the University of Bristol, said: ‘Our findings suggest that tomatoes may be important in prostate cancer prevention. ‘We also found men who ate more fruits and vegetables had a reduced risk of prostate cancer. The risk reduction figure for men who ate five or more portions of fruit or vegetables, compared to those who ate less than two and a half portions, was 24 per cent.’ She urged men to rely on whole foods rather than supplements and stick to a diet that includes a variety of fruits and vegetables, as well as staying healthy and active and maintaining ‘an ideal weight’. Portions of tomatoes can also include tomato juice and baked beans, say the researchers . However, experts said there was not enough evidence for conclusive proof that tomatoes protected against prostate cancer. Dr Iain Frame, of Prostate Cancer UK said: ‘Studies like these are notoriously difficult to interpret and should be done so with extreme caution. ‘It is difficult to separate the effects of one type of food from another, and we still don’t have nearly enough evidence to make concrete recommendations on which specific foods men should eat to reduce their risk of prostate cancer. The study says men should aim for: . * 10 or more portions of tomatoes a week . * Between 750mg and 1,200mg of calcium a day . * Between 105mcg to 200mcg of selenium daily. ‘What we do know is that men shouldn’t rely too heavily on one type of food, such as tomatoes. ‘A healthy, balanced diet with plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables together with regular exercise is by far the best option.’ Commenting on the study, Dr Iain Frame, Director of Research at Prostate Cancer UK said: 'Studies like these are notoriously difficult to interpret and should be done so with extreme caution. 'It is difficult to separate the effects of one type of food from another, and we still don’t have nearly enough evidence to make concrete recommendations on which specific foods men should eat to reduce their risk of prostate cancer. 'What we do know is that men shouldn’t rely too heavily on one type of food, such as tomatoes. A healthy, balanced diet with plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables, together with regular exercise is by far the best option. 'Increasing awareness of the key known risk factors for prostate cancer - age, black ethnicity and family history of the disease - is also crucial if we are to reduce the number of men who lose their lives to the disease every year. 'Any man who is worried about his risk of prostate cancer should discuss his concerns with a GP.” I . | British researchers drew conclusions after analysing diets of 1,800 men .
Eating five portions of fruit and veg a day also decreased risk by 24% .
Tomatoes are rich in lycopene, previously linked to good prostate health .
Researchers: Daily servings of selenium and calcium also reduce cancer risk . |
1858f7fc5c82d4e9a20b08ab2ec66b8d7e983630 | (CNN) -- A Saudi group advocating for democratic reform in Saudi Arabia has announced the cancellation of a planned public sit-in after having been denied a permit for the event by the kingdom's Ministry of Interior. In an e-mailed statement, the Saudi Civil and Political Rights Association (ACPRA) said that the organizers of the sit-in were summoned on Tuesday to the Interior Ministry. They "were informed that the sit-in request was refused without providing further legal justification preventing peaceful assemblies and protests." CNN could not reach Saudi Arabia's Interior Ministry for comment. Saudi Arabia is an absolute monarchy where protests and gatherings are prohibited. In a statement dated November 13, ACPRA called on "all Saudis to participate in a public sit-in to demand political reform" on Thursday in the country's capital city of Riyadh. The purpose of the sit-in was to demand a list of 20 rights, among them "ending princes' privileges," "eradicating bribery and nepotism," "fairness and impartiality of the judiciary," "preventing arbitrary detention, torture, and harassment in prisons," and "transparency, accountability, and control over the national income and how it be spent." In a separate letter addressed to the kingdom's interior minister, Prince Naif bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, the group asked the minister to "provide us the opportunity to peacefully express our demand for political reform, on the basis of the requirements of the allegiance: the stewardship of the nation over the ruler. Because it is the only way to ensure the means to, and the guarantees of, justice and democracy." The letter detailed how, if permission were granted to stage the sit-in, the attendees would "express their feelings peacefully in a very civilized and polite manner." Mohammed Al-Qahtani, president of the Saudi Civil and Political Rights Association, told CNN this was the third time his group had applied for and been denied a permit by the kingdom's Interior Ministry to hold a peaceful assembly within the kingdom. He believes this is in direct violation of Saudi Arabia's membership on the United Nations' Human Rights Council. "They talk the talk but they don't walk the walk as far as allowing people to express themselves peacefully," said Al-Qahtani when describing the kingdom's stance towards groups asking for political reform. Al-Qahtani said he's not surprised permission for the sit-in was denied and that he and members of his group had been expecting this outcome. Al-Qahtani said that even though ACPRA was denied a permit for the planned sit-in, he does see positive signs in all this. "Given the fact that we have been reiterating the same demands before and that we're still free to meet and discuss all this, it's a good indication of how times have changed for the better," said Al-Qahtani. He attributed a lot of the newfound tolerance in Saudi Arabia to its ruler, King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, who is seen by many as a reformer and who has been promoting national and societal dialogue within the kingdom since ascending the throne in 2005. "If you think about the atmosphere in the country 10 years ago," explained Al-Qahtani, "nobody could have put these demands on the table then -- so now, it seems Saudi Arabia has opened up a bit." | The Saudi Civil and Political Rights Association wanted to stage a public sit-in .
It's the third time the group applied for and was denied a permit for peaceful assembly .
There are positive signs, though, because the group can still "meet and discuss" |
18593958724a790d6c39e9ea3993cd1d3c6b5d92 | Where to twirl in the shadow of palm trees, city skyscrapers, or dramatic stone cliffs. Boston: Boston Common Frog Pond The nation's oldest public park transforms its reflecting pool into an outdoor rink each winter. Chefs from the local restaurants Cheers and Hampshire House oversee the kid-friendly menu at the snack bar. Nov. 15 to Mar. 17; $4, free for kids under 14, $8 skate rental. Chicago: McCormick Tribune Ice Rink at Millennium Park The Windy City's newest downtown park is a feat of landscaping that encompasses a Frank Gehry-designed concert space, an interactive fountain, a garden, a restaurant--even room for art exhibitions, picnics, and, yes, outdoor skating. Nov. 14 to Mar. 16; free, $9 skate rental. Houston: Polar Ice Galleria Beneath a glass atrium inside Houston's sprawling, high-end mall, this bi-level rink provides a well-deserved break from that other holiday sport--shopping. Year-round; $8, $7 for children under 13, $3 skate rental. Los Angeles: Downtown on Ice At the Pershing Square rink, surrounded by palm trees, skaters can join periodic hockey clinics run by the L.A. Kings or glide along to live swing, jazz, or country music during free concerts held Tuesdays and Thursdays at noon, Fridays at 8 p.m., Saturdays at 1 p.m., and Sundays at 2 p.m. Nov. 15 to Jan. 21; $6, $2 skate rental. Minneapolis: Depot Skating Rink Housed in a former train shed at the historic Depot, the rink has an iron-truss canopy ceiling and giant glass walls looking out at downtown Minneapolis. Thursday to Sunday, Nov. 21 to Mar. 16; $8, $6 for children under 18, $6 skate rental. New York City: The Pond at Bryant Park There's no shortage of Manhattan rinks, but the pond ringed by trees and gleaming skyscrapers gets kudos for its free admission and park perks: an old-fashioned carousel, a flower kiosk, and a holiday market. The rink shuts down early to make way for the white tents of Fashion Week, held each February. Oct. 26 to mid-Jan.; free, $10 skate rental. Philadelphia: Blue Cross River Rink On the banks of the Delaware River, the rink hosts a free event each month: the crowd-pleaser Skate with Santa (Dec. 16), a New Year's Eve Party on Ice (Dec. 31), a Healthy Kids Fest (Jan. 12), and a Sweet Treats weekend (Feb. 2-3). Nov. 23 to Mar. 2; $6, $3 skate rental, $1 discount coupons available online. Sun Valley: The Sun Valley Ice Rink Cool mountain nights and a sun shade keep this outdoor rink open even in the dog days of summer. A part of the ritzy Sun Valley Lodge, the rink mounts annual ice shows with Olympic medalist headliners and sells gear and frilly skating costumes. Year-round; $10, $8.50 children under 13, $4 skate rental. Washington, D.C.: Sculpture Garden Ice-Skating Rink The rink is strung with festive lights and set amid the National Gallery of Art's outdoor sculpture collection, graced by the works of Joan Miró, Sol LeWitt, and Ellsworth Kelly. Nov. 17 to mid-Mar.; $7; $6 for children under 13, seniors, and students with ID; $3 skate rental. Yosemite National Park: Curry Village Ice Rink Half Dome and Glacier Point make a spectacular backdrop for skating, one of Yosemite's many winter activities (snowshoeing, skiing, snowboarding, tubing) for hearty souls. Refuel with hot apple cider and s'mores by the outdoor fire pit. Nov. 16 to mid-Mar.; $8, $6 for children under 12, $3 skate rental. E-mail to a friend . Get the best travel deals and tips emailed to you and enter to win a free trip to Finland - CLICK HERE! Copyright © 2007 Newsweek Budget Travel, Inc., all rights reserved. Note: This story was accurate when it was published. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip. | Rinks around the U.S. offer a variety of amenities .
Some of the best Indoor rinks are in Houston and Minneapolis .
Yosemite National Park provides great views while skating . |
185abd99c7d88b6e29190c71c70f1857c576b4ea | (CNN Student News) -- October 7, 2010 . Download PDF maps related to today's show: . • Afghanistan • Pakistan • Arizona . Transcript . THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED. CARL AZUZ, CNN STUDENT NEWS ANCHOR: Hope you know your branches of government, 'cause they're all showing up in today's show. It's Thursday; I'm Carl Azuz; this is CNN Student News, bringing today's headlines right to your classroom. First Up: War in Afghanistan . AZUZ: First up, leaders in Afghanistan and Pakistan are trying to stop something that started nine years ago today: the war in Afghanistan. These leaders are getting together for meetings this week to work on ways to end the fighting. One group that'll have to be involved in any kind of peace deal: the Taliban. That is the militant group that used to control Afghanistan when the war started back in 2001. They're not in power anymore; they were kicked out by the U.S.-led coalition. But they are the ones who are fighting against U.S., Afghan and coalition forces. Ivan Watson explains some of the challenges in getting the sides to agree. IVAN WATSON, CNN CORRESPONDENT: You've got to bridge a huge gap to get two warring parties to sit down at the negotiating table. And what you've got right now is the Taliban insisting it will not talk peace until what it calls "foreign occupying forces," some 150,000 U.S. and NATO troops, leave the country. The U.S., for its part, it says that a negotiated peace would require the Taliban to cut ties with al Qaeda, to follow the Afghan constitution, and to put down weapons. So, there's a lot of space between these two enemies right now. The Afghan government seems to be trying to fit somewhere in between right now. Medal of Honor . AZUZ: A U.S. soldier who gave his life while fighting in Afghanistan is being awarded the Medal of Honor; that is the military's highest honor. In 2008, during a battle with the Taliban, Staff Sergeant Robert Miller, a Green Beret, purposely drew the enemy's fire so that his team could get to safety. The Army says Sergeant Miller's actions helped save his fellow Green Berets and 15 Afghan soldiers. President Obama presented the award to Sergeant Miller's family yesterday. His parents said that they feel a sense of pride, knowing that their 24-year-old son gave his life so that others could live. Twisters in Arizona . AZUZ: What you are looking at right here is the damage left behind when tornadoes hit parts of Arizona on Wednesday. At least two twisters struck near Flagstaff. Authorities say the storms derailed a train. They also damaged more than 100 houses and injured at least seven people. Officials said none of those injuries were thought to be serious. The train that was derailed, it had actually stopped on the tracks because of the tornado warning. Is This Legit? TOMEKA JONES, CNN STUDENT NEWS: Is this legit? The legislative branch of the U.S. government is responsible for interpreting the country's laws. Not legit! Interpreting the country's laws is the responsibility of the judicial branch. Extent of Free Speech . AZUZ: The top part of that branch, the U.S. Supreme Court, is dealing with a case that involves the freedom of speech and the right to privacy. It all has to do with a small church that protested at the funeral of a U.S. soldier who died in Iraq. The church says it's protesting against soldiers who, in its view, fight for a country that tolerates homosexuality. Church members argue that the freedom of speech gives them the right to express their beliefs by protesting at certain events, including funerals. The father of the soldier whose funeral was protested says his son was not gay. He argues that the protest was an invasion of privacy. The Supreme Court isn't expected to rule on the case for several months. CALM Act . AZUZ: Swinging back over to the legislative branch of government. It's responsible for making laws, as you know, you've learned in government class. Congress is working on a law right now that could bring some CALM to TV. All right, you know how when you're watching a show and a commercial comes on. Well, not when you're watching CNN Student News. But, okay, the commercial comes on, and it's way louder than the show? That could stop. Last week, the Senate unanimously passed the CALM, or Commercial Advertisement Loudness Mitigation Act. Basically, it says a commercial can't be louder than the show. If the House approves the bill later this year and President Obama signs it, it'll be the new law. Sound Check . DR. PHIL MCGRAW, HOST, "DR. PHIL": When you get into the internet, the problem with that is the bully doesn't have to look the victim in the eye. You know, they don't have to deal with them one on one. They don't see the repercussions of what they're doing. I call them keyboard bullies, you know. They can just do this stuff with great anonymity. 85% of the time, research tells us, there's no consequence to what they do whatsoever. Bully Free Pledge . AZUZ: We've been talking about different kinds of bullying all week long. Today, we want to talk about solutions, ways to try and stop bullying. Carol Costello visited a school in Oklahoma where students are promising to stand up against bullies. She talked to two students -- one who's been bullied, one who bullied other people -- about why they think this is such an important issue. (BEGIN VIDEO) WESTERN HEIGHTS HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS: I am somebody. I can make a difference. CAROL COSTELLO, CNN CORRESPONDENT: At Oklahoma City's Western Heights High School, students are pledging to protect the bullied. It's especially important to Susan Le. She knows how bullying feels. Is it worse with words, do you think? SUSAN LE, OKLAHOMA HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT: I think it is, because when I was little, like, people always said I was, like, really ugly. And it, I never knew it affected me so much. And, like, people would ask if I was a boy or a girl, and I was hurt. I never wanted that to happen and, like, it lowered my self esteem really bad. And I never wanted to go to school. COSTELLO: So, I see it hurts you. I see it hurts you so much. But you know you're beautiful, right? Yes. It's the kind of pain that affects so many children. One in three kids are bullied or bully every year. UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Kids being bullied don't always tell you about it. COSTELLO: Marissa Velasco, who is also participating in Western Heights' anti-bullying campaign, knows exactly what Simmons is talking about. In junior high school, she was a bully. Why? MARISSA VELASCO, OKLAHOMA HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT: I don't really know if there was a reason. It was just an easy target, I guess. COSTELLO: Is it because other kids were making fun of those kids too? VELASCO: Yes, there was a lot of others also bullying. COSTELLO: So, sort of like a mob mentality. VELASCO: Yes. COSTELLO: When you were calling people names, did it make you feel better? VELASCO: It's not that it made me feel better. It's that I knew they felt worse. COSTELLO: Susan Le, Marissa Velasco certainly know the consequences. They're hoping to make this school year bully free. (END VIDEO) Blog Report . AZUZ: All right, there are a few places where you're keeping this conversation going. From our blog, it doesn't look like many of you think bullying's gonna go away. Listen to Teddy: He thinks bullying is a part of life, and says "we all just have to live with it." And Francis: "It takes a strong person to stop bullying when they see it. We need more strong people." Something new we're doing this year: the CNN Teachers' Lounge. This is also on our front page, right under our blog. Here's what some of your teachers are saying about bullying. Chrisbloom says his middle school has tried several anti-bullying programs, "but each year, students still list bullying as the number one problem." He says it's frustrating that this persists. RMS Groves tells us "the biggest issue among students is the fear of telling adults, either for fear of personal harm or getting a reputation as a tattle tale." And Teacher 12345 suggests trying to catch bullying before it starts. "If you see mild conflict with two students, stop that before it turns into bullying." Shoutout . STAN CASE, CNN STUDENT NEWS: Today's Shoutout goes out to Mr. Zielke's social studies classes at Pacelli High School in Austin, Minnesota! What is featured on the U.S. presidential seal? Is it: A) The White House, B) The president's picture, C) A bald eagle or D) An American flag? You've got three seconds -- GO! A bald eagle is front and center on the presidential seal. That's your answer and that's your Shoutout! Podium Malfunction . AZUZ: All right, so this is a little different than what we normally do, because President Obama usually doesn't show up in our Before We Go segment. You're about to see why he is today. Watch this. U.S. PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA: We cannot sustain... [THUD] Oops. Was that my, uh...? Oh, goodness. That's all right. All of you know who I am. AZUZ: Yes, the president suffered a podium malfunction when the presidential seal just slipped right off the front of the podium. He recovered, though. Goodbye . AZUZ: And just seeing that certainly gets our seal of approval. For CNN Student News, you all know who I am. Back tomorrow, when our Friday show will be awesome. We're looking forward to seeing you then. Bye now. | Putting together a peace deal in Afghanistan means overcoming big obstacles .
The U.S. Supreme Court considers a balance between privacy and free speech .
A victim and a former perpetrator share some of their experiences about bullying .
Use the Daily Discussion to help students understand today's featured news stories . |
185b3ffa40f0021a77da66d23c9029d3ec69a3ff | We've all had those stubborn blemishes - the angry red mark on your face that refuses to disappear, no matter how many ointments and cleaners you apply. Well, now help may be at hand thanks to the technology experts at Sony. The company has launched a new product called BeautyExplorer, which analyses all of the components in your skin, including pores, moisture, melanin, grease and pigmentation. The new BeautyExplorer by Sony that is designed to analyse the quality of your skin . The small skin view camera takes close-up pictures of the skin's surface as well as skin analysing sensors that use multiple wavelength light source controls, and skin-analyzing algorithms to work out the condition of the skin. As well as examining the surface of the skin, the sensors are also able to reach the layers just underneath, which would usually be invisible to the naked eye. The idea is that a person can then work out what toiletries will be most useful to deal with a certain problem area. A spokesperson for the company explains: 'It can tell you all you need to know about any unwanted blemishes, pores, brightness or colouring that has had the misfortune of gracing your face.' The new technology will make it easier for men and women to determine the reasons behind blemishes and spots (picture posed by model|) They continued: 'Furthermore, pigmentation on and beneath the surface of the skin can be viewed by conducting pixel-by-pixel analysis of melanin in the skin, thus enabling information to be obtained about non-visible skin, including concealed markings and blemishes. 'Alas, we can’t develop an app that will remove them just yet (we’re not that good), but surely half of the battle is knowing that they’re there.' The program will also store the data on a cloud, so the user can get a detailed graph of how their skin condition has changed over time by using different products. | Sony has launched new BeautyExplorer that maps condition of your skin .
Handheld device uses sensors to analyse different blemishes and spots .
It then publishes graphs based on levels of moisture and pigmentation . |
185b965f7a680ff59f9438550187498a23f43ed2 | You're probably feeling pretty smug as you suck down on your cucumber and amaranth smoothie while reading this, mid-way through your carb-free January juice fast. But be warned: one in six New Year dieters will actually gain weight this month. And if it's not a basic lack of human willpower that trips you up and elbows you face-first into the biscuit tin, it'll either be the fact that January is too boring to focus on a diet, or the reality that you're hungry and constantly thinking about food. You're probably feeling pretty smug as you suck down on your cucumber and amaranth smoothie while reading this, mid-way through your carb-free January juice fast, but one in six New Year dieters will actually gain weight . Many people looking to . cut back on food intake and lose their Christmas bulge find . themselves struggling to such an extent that 17 per cent of dieters actually gain weight in January. Some 31 per cent of people polled as part of a survey by Voucher Cloud admitted dieting in January, while 28 per cent say they cut down on food and 41 per cent change nothing about their eating habits. Of the 1,915 British men and women surveyed, 62 per cent said they had previously dieted in January, with 54 per cent saying their New Year weight-loss plan had been a success. But 29 per cent said they remained the same weight, and 17 per cent - one in six - actually gained weight in the first month of the year. Respondents . who had gained weight were asked why they felt this happened, to which . just over a quarter, 27 per cent, said that trying to avoid food . actually made them feel hungrier as they 'thought about it all the . time'. January is considered too boring a month in which to diet, which leads to people failing . Some 25 per cent found themselves 'comfort eating to avoid the January . blues', while 22 per cent said that January was 'too boring' so they . 'lacked the motivation' to stick to a diet plan. The biggest response, . however, was simply down to a 'lack of willpower', with 48 per cent . admitting to having just given up. Those . who lost weight were asked to state in pounds the amount of weight that . they'd lost following their January diet, which revealed the average . figure to be 6.1lb across all dieters. Those who said they had . gained weight during this period in the past were also asked how much . they had put on, which revealed the average to be 2.4lb. When . successful January dieters were asked if they believed they had . achieved their target weight loss in the past, only 32 per cent of . dieters said yes. But 44 per cent said that they would have preferred to have lost more, while 24 per cent said that they were far off what they would like to have lost. Some 25 per cent found themselves 'comfort eating to avoid the January blues', while 22 per cent said that January was 'too boring' so they 'lacked the motivation' to stick to a diet plan . The . reasons behind wanting to lose weight were also looked at in the study, . which revealed the main reason to simply be to look good, with 56 per . cent of respondents selecting that as their biggest motivator. Around 33 per . cent said it was to improve general health, while 11 per cent said . it was down to 'pressure from their partner'. The . financial side of dieting was also explored by the study, as all . respondents who had attempted a January diet in the past were asked if they had ever paid money to sign up to specific diets. To this, 43 per . cent of dieters said they had, but only 48 per cent of these believed their money had been well-spent. When successful January dieters were asked if they believed they had achieved their target weight loss in the past, only 32 per cent of dieters said yes . Matthew Wood of Voucher Cloud said: 'January is by far the most common time of year for people to look at cutting down and getting in shape. When the bells are ringing out for New Year's Day it's easy to think that it will be a breeze to lose the spare tyre gained over Christmas. However, this often isn't the case! 'Many of us have a clear social calendar during this period, which might make it appear easier to cut down on unnecessary calories. 'Yet one of the biggest causes of over eating is simple boredom and it seems that there's plenty of that in January. It's far too easy to help yourself to junk food out of the cupboard when having a quiet Saturday night in! 'Dieting can also be beneficial for your finances, however, as cutting back on luxuries and alcohol can often help you save the pennies. Your wallet may just thank you for sticking to that diet.' | 31% of people diet in January, 28% cut down and 41% do nothing .
Average successful weight loss in January was 6.1lb .
Those who gain weight in January gain average of 2.4lb .
1,915 UK men and women surveyed by Voucher Cloud . |
185c4b0215b169deafe9952dbd2e2cf9ee07315d | A vast collection of over 1,000 letters, postcards and manuscripts written by some of history's most iconic women from the 14th century onwards are going under the hammer. The auction, Women: Letters and Signed Manuscripts, will see letters collated by manuscript expert Thierry Bodin up for auction in Paris where they are expected to fetch thousands. One of the most interesting lots is a letter from Henry VIII’s first wife Catherine of Aragon begging the Pope to block their divorce. The historical artefact is expected to fetch up to £35,000 at auction. Scroll down for video . Historical artefact: A letter from Henry VIII's first wife Catherine of Aragon, left, begging the Pope to block their divorce is expected to fetch up to £35,000 at auction . In the note dated October 3, 1529, the Spanish-born Queen asks a cardinal from her home country to seek the pontiff’s help in halting the king’s bid to annul their marriage because she had failed to produce a son. Within the letter, she writes: 'I am completely innocent. I can assure you with certainty that here [in England] there is no decision that can be made that will not bring a great evil in the future.' Pope Clement VII’s eventual refusal to grant the divorce led to a schism with the Roman Catholic Church, with Henry appointing himself head of the Church of England. The Ader Nordmann auction house in Paris expects the letter to fetch between £25,000 and £35,000, making it one of the most lucrative items. The letter is among more than 1,500 from royalty and celebrities to go under the hammer in Paris next week. Vintage: The auction also includes a letter written by Brigitte Bardot in 1967, within which she asks a record company not to release her steamy duet Je t'aime moi non plus with Serge Gainsbourg . Explanation: It was re-recorded after Bardot's husband Gunter Sachs objected. Jane Birkin, who later became Gainsbourg's wife, then featured on the song . In one written by Brigitte Bardot in 1967, she asks a record company not to release her steamy duet ‘Je t’aime moi non plus’ with Serge Gainsbourg after husband Gunter Sachs objected. It was re-recorded with Jane Birkin who later became Gainsbourg's wife. The lot is expected to fetch around £2,300. The auction, which also includes missives from Coco Chanel and author Victor Hugo's mistress Juliette Drouet, will take place in Paris on November 18 and 19. Speaking to The Guardian about the auction, which has been dubbed the first of its kind, Bodin said: 'It’s really the first time so important a collection in terms of both quantity and content and time period covered, has been seen. 'It covers women from all domains, historical figures, writers, actors, painters, scientists.' Friendly chatter: The Paris auction will also include a letter exchanged between Katharine Hepburn, left, and Coco Chanel. The postcard was sent to the fashion designer after Hepburn played her in a Broadway show . Legendary women: Amongst the 1,500 documents is manuscripts from Henry VIII's sister Mary Tudor, pictured, and Mary Queen of Scots . Amongst these women is a letter exchanged between Katharine Hepburn and Coco Chanel. Penned in French, the postcard was sent to the fashion designer after Hepburn played her in a Broadway show. There's also lots of manuscripts from royals, such as Henry VIII’s sister Mary Tudor, Mary Queen of Scots, and a note from Queen Elizabeth II to her hatmaker and stylist. Queen Elizabeth writes: 'I am really delighted with your present. And I can truthfully say it is just what I need, for my one white bag is grey now, and my maid was in despair!'. A letter from Catherine II of Russia in 1792 to her former lover Stanislas Auguste Poniatowski, says: 'You read my letters with very little attention. I've told you and repeated that I risk being assaulted from all sides if you put a foot back in Russia.' Style notes: A letter from Queen Elizabeth in 1950 to her hatmaker and stylist says: 'I am really delighted with your present. And I can truthfully say it is just what I need, for my one white bag is grey now, and my maid was in despair!' Another highlight of the collection includes a note from Princess Grace of Monaco, estimated to fetch around £460, apologising to a teacher for her daughter Stephanie not doing her homework. She writes: 'Please excuse Stephanie for not having done her French lesson. She left her book at school, Wednesday. Grace de Monaco.' Sylvie Robaglia, spokeswoman for the auctioneers, Ader-Nordmann, also told the paper: 'The letters reveal how strong these women are. 'The letter from Catherine of Aragon is the centrepiece of the collection. In it we see her defending the throne for her children; she is showing herself to be a mother before all else, before being the Queen.' Edith Piaf wrote to husband Jacques Pills in 1956 (while she was in rehab for alcohol and morphine addiction): “Lovely man, have confidence in me as you have always had and you will see it’s the good side in me that will win, by the end of the detoxification! It’s not even two months … you will see that things can start again! I am always your good little wife.' Virginia Woolf penned this to André Maurois in 1929: 'I have been unwell otherwise I would have already thanked you for the very kind preface you wrote for the French translation of Mrs Dalloway. It’s a great privilege for me to come across so much intelligence and sympathy.' Catherine of Aragon wrote to Francisco de Quiñones, the cardinal of Santa Cruz: 'Without cause, except, as I sincerely believe, at the instigation of an enemy completely without scruples [Thomas Cromwell] who has abused the king, my lord; the case, if examined without passion, will clearly show, I hope, that truth and justice are on my side' Juliette Drouet to Victor Hugo: 'When I left you my angel, you seemed sad and unhappy - My Victor, will I be attached to your life like a venomous scorpion that withers and exhausts it?' | Women: Letters and Signed Manuscripts, will see letters auctioned .
Paris auction collated by manuscript expert Thierry Bodin .
Note from Catherine of Aragon is dated October 3, 1529 .
In it she asks a cardinal from her home country to seek the pontiff's help .
King was trying to annul marriage because she had failed to produce a son .
Letters between Katharine Hepburn and Coco Chanel feature .
Elizabeth II's notes to stylist also up for auction . |
185d68c35c3f50a58aa35e483ffd5e688c2bba29 | By . Meghan Keneally . PUBLISHED: . 17:49 EST, 10 February 2014 . | . UPDATED: . 17:49 EST, 10 February 2014 . Seth Meyers has announced that he is stacking his new Late Night team with familiar faces including his fellow Saturday Night Live alum Fred Armisen. Armisen, known best for his acting chops on Portlandia and impersonations of President Obama and Joy Behar, actually started his career as a musician and plays the drums and guitar. The surprising pick was announced on Twitter by Meyers Monday and later confirmed by NBC. Working together: Fred Armisen and Seth Meyers were colleagues on SNL for 11 years and now will continue working together on Late Night when Seth Meyers takes over the reins on February 24 . Surprise: Meyers was the one to make the announcement about his musical staff on Monday afternoon . 'Fred will curate and lead the band, and continue to run it even when he's off shooting Portlandia,' Meyers wrote to his more than 2.2 million followers. The tweet was completed with the hashtag #8GBand, showing that the name of the group is inspired by the studio name where the show will be filmed. Armisen is the second-longest SNL cast member, losing the title to his new boss, Meyers, who was on the variety program for 13 years while Armisen was a cast member for 11 years. The news comes as NBC's late night line up goes through some serious changes as Jimmy Fallon is due to start hosting The Tonight Show next Monday. With Fallon moving to the earlier time slot, Meyers was chosen to take over the Late Night slot. Fallon is bringing his much-loved band, The Roots, with him to the Tonight Show which gives Meyers the chance to stock his own crew. Switching it up: Armisen is known best for his acting but he actually started his career as a musician and will not be stopping his work on Portlandia once he takes on the house band role . Passing the... pickle? Jimmy Fallon is leaving his post at Late Night and taking over The Tonight Show and Meyers was selected as his replacement (seen here with the 'Late Night pickle' during a January 28 show) The Roots and their leader Questlove are widely considered to be among the best in house bands in late night history considering they have won three Grammy Awards and a host of other honors in their multi-decade history. Arimsen and Questlove had a good-natured drum off when he appeared as a guest on Fallon's show in January 2013, proving that the comedic actor could hold his own. The selection of Armisen suggests that he will serve as a comedic foil for Meyers, as the two men are good friends and will likely play off each other once the show begins airing on February 24. | Former SNL star Fred Armisen is joining his friend Seth Meyers as the band leader for the new Late Night show .
Armisen is best known as an actor but started his career as a musician .
Will continue to shoot his show Portlandia . |
185d7e570603970d31da2257fb61cc00b0e20f67 | By . Daily Mail Reporter and Associated Press . PUBLISHED: . 08:37 EST, 9 October 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 09:34 EST, 9 October 2013 . Three people convicted of murder in fatal crashes urged New York's highest court to throw out their convictions on Tuesday, arguing they were too intoxicated to know the threat they posed to others. The murder convictions of Martin Heidgen, Taliyah Taylor and Franklin McPherson all hinge on the prosecution's contention they acted with 'depraved indifference to human life' in the deadly incidents. All three crashes share a number of common threads: driving too fast in the wrong lane while under the influence. Jailed: Martin Heidgen in court in 2006 reacts after the jury found him guilty of two counts of murder in a DUI crash. Lawyers for Heidgen and two other drivers are trying to overturn the convictions, claiming their clients were 'too intoxicated' to know what they were doing . Defense attorneys argued prosecutors failed to prove their clients acted with depraved indifference and, in fact, their clients were too impaired to know what they were doing. Heidgen's attorney, Jillian Harrington, said her client had gotten lost when he drove his pickup the wrong way on Long Island's Meadowbrook State Parkway in 2005. He hit a limousine, killing the driver, Stanley Rabinowitz, and 7-year-old passenger Katie Flynn and injuring five others. 'We have no proof he realized he was going in the wrong direction,' Harrington told the Court of Appeals. Fatal: Taliyah Taylor was naked when she sped 80 mph down Staten Island's Forest Avenue in 2006 without headlights, ran a red light and killed pedestrian Larry Simon . Heidgen had a blood alcohol content of 0.28 percent, police said. Now 32, he's serving 19 years to life in prison. 'This is a question of fact for the jury,' Nassau County Assistant District Attorney Maureen McCormick countered. McCormick urged the court to uphold the juries' conclusions in the cases of Heidgen and McPherson, who was involved in a 2007 crash on Long Island's Southern State Parkway. McPherson hit another vehicle, killing driver Leslie Burgess. His BAC was 0.19 percent. Now 26, he's serving 25 years to life in prison. 'I'm saying they wanted to go where they wanted to go, and other people be damned,' McCormick said. Since there's always substantial traffic in Nassau County, there's 'no possibility' the drivers didn't know the threat, she said. Evidence: A Lincoln stretch limousine, left, and a Chevy Silverado pickup truck are put on display outside the Nassau County Courthouse where Martin Heidgen was convicted for murder in the drunken driving accident that killed two people . McPherson's attorney, Jonathan Edelstein, said evidence showed his client didn't attempt to brake before the crash, so unless prosecutors were to argue he was suicidal - which they didn't - 'that would have to mean he was oblivious.' 'Nobody who's not oblivious will plow head-on into another vehicle at 60 miles per hour,' Edelstein said. Taylor was naked when she sped 80 mph down Staten Island's Forest Avenue in 2006 without headlights, ran a red light and killed pedestrian Larry Simon. She had taken Ecstasy, smoked marijuana and drank beer. Defense attorney Erica Horwitz said her client made a number of irrational statements after the crash. 'She was driving naked because God wanted her to drive naked,' Horwitz said. Staten Island Assistant District Attorney Anne Grady argued that Taylor had made conscious choices despite her impairment, and showed no remorse later when the intoxication wore off. Cuffed: All three crashes share a number of common threads: driving too fast in the wrong lane while under the influence. The drivers were arrested and convicted for murder on DUI charges (as seen in this file photo) Now 31, Taylor was sentenced to 22 years to life. All three drivers were also convicted of lesser charges ranging from reckless endangerment to vehicular manslaughter that were not contested in the appeals. A mid-level court upheld all three murder convictions. The Court of Appeals rulings are expected next month. | Martin Heidgen, Taliyah Taylor and Franklin McPherson all killed people while driving too fast in the wrong lane and under the influence .
Their lawyers are now trying to overturn their murder convictions, arguing that they were too drunk to know what they were doing .
Convictions hinge on the contention they acted with 'depraved indifference to human life' |
185e5b1390eafa3dfb3c1e2052c4aed03f0491b8 | By . Daily Mail Reporter . PUBLISHED: . 04:59 EST, 3 May 2012 . | . UPDATED: . 09:23 EST, 3 May 2012 . A new mother loves to cuddle her newborn baby but she can’t pick her up - because she collapsed with a devastating stroke during pregnancy. Claire Gibbs battled through despite being given just a one-in-ten chance of survival. However she was left paralysed down her left side and struggles to take even a few steps. Baby Kara was born a healthy 7lb 11oz with no complications, but Claire, a former nursery nurse, can’t change her nappy, bounce her up and down on her knee or take her for a walk in her pram. Claire and Steven Gibbs with daughter Kara: Claire can't change nappies or bounce her baby, but she can cuddle her . She was 19 weeks through the pregnancy with her first child when she suffered a massive stroke, aged 31. Claire, who lives with husband Steven, 27, in Pitsea, Essex, said: 'It’s a miracle Kara is here. She’s wonderful but I want to be able to hold her in both my arms and to change her nappy.' Eight months and two major operations later Claire, has learned to care for Kara, now four months old, using just one hand. Although her speech is no longer slurred, Claire, now 32, struggles to walk and needs a stick to move even a few feet. Despite ongoing physiotherapy Claire has had to accept the fact her life will never be the same. Claire fell ill unexpectedly when she 19 weeks pregnant on August 31 last year. Having just earned a promotion at the nursery where she worked as a nursery nurse, Claire was at home chatting to husband Steven when she developed a sudden headache . She went into her bedroom where she collapses. Her mother rushed into the room after hearing a 'thump' to find her lying on the floor. Claire was rushed to Basildon Hospital where they realised she had a stoke. Claire spent five weeks recovering in Queen¿s Hospital in Romford, Essex . The seizure had been caused by arteriovenous malformations (commonly known as AVMs) - in other words a massive brain aneurysm which burst and caused massive bleeding. Claire, who had to undergo two complex brain operations to save her life and went on to spend five weeks in Queen’s Hospital in Romford, Essex, said: 'I don’t remember much at all. I remember the headache and being so scared when the paramedics arrived in my bedroom because I couldn’t move. 'I knew something serious was wrong. 'They asked me to hold up my arm as a test I think to see if I’d had a stroke . 'I remember trying to cheat and tried push it up with my other hand because I thought If I could do it they’d say I was ok and everything would be normal.' When Kara was ready to be born on New Year’s Day, Claire underwent a caesarian as doctors feared a natural childbirth could bring on a another stroke. Claire added: 'When I had the stroke the doctors told my family I had a 90 per cent chance of dying. 'For ages afterwards I didn’t want anyone even mentioning that fact as it was too scary for me to take it in. 'Now I don’t mind so much as it makes me realise I was strong and that I did get through it. 'They have told me I may never get the feeling back in my left side but I don’t want to give up. 'On the plus side they don’t feel I’m at risk of having further strokes.' Claire was diagnosed with epilepsy when she was 19, but says she not thinks it was due to the aneurysm. Mr Gibbs, who has given up his job running his own eBay company to care full time for Claire and Kara added: 'We have been through a lot but we are lucky. Claire is alive and Kara is perfect.' Claire added: 'My situation is quite unusual and I was lucky. I now want to make sure more people know that anyone can have a stroke, it is not just something that happens to old people. A stroke changes your life. Even simple, but important things, like picking up my baby or opening a bottle can’t be done with one hand. 'I’m so grateful to the Stroke Association for the support, advice and information they gave me and my partner to adjust to life after my stroke. Michelle my co-ordinator has been just wonderful.' Anil Ranchod from the Stroke Association said: 'Our Life After Stroke campaign is about ensuring stroke survivors like Claire receive the support they need when they return home. 'Too many stroke survivors have told us they ‘feel of abandoned’ and ‘have to fight for ongoing support’. We want to make sure every stroke survivor can make their best possible recovery.' The Stroke Association has provided Mrs Gibbs with support throughout her ordeal. For further information about the organisation visit http://www.stroke.org.uk/ . | Claire had a stroke caused by a brain aneurysm when she was 19 weeks pregnant .
She is paralysed down her left side but had beaten the odds to survive . |
185f284974aca9d7300f57e17b70710c8c2310c8 | By . Kieran Corcoran . PUBLISHED: . 06:14 EST, 5 December 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 07:07 EST, 5 December 2013 . Asda will offer offer its staff 'Nativity leave' this Christmas, giving parents extra time off to see their children perform in the school play. The scheme will give workers the option to take unpaid leave outside of their normal allowances so that they don't miss out on vital family moments this festive season. They will be allowed either to take the time off and forgo their pay, or swap shifts with other staff to make sure they have the crucial dates off. Little angels: Parents will be able to take unpaid leave to see their children perform at school . The move was introduced following a survey of 5,500 mothers who shop at the supermarket found the school Nativity play is one of the events they feel they cannot afford to miss. Hayley Tatum, Asda's executive people director, said: 'There's no doubt working mums have a lot on their plate at this time of year and we don't want our colleagues to miss out on the things that are really important to them this Christmas. 'Technology might help to take the pressure off busy working parents on a daily basis, but we know that it's just not the same watching your child's milestone moments back on a smartphone. '"Nativity Leave" gives parents the opportunity to take time off for the school Christmas play or simply for some much needed family time outside of normal holidays.' However, while the scheme was designed with parents desperate to see their child's star turn in mind, any staff members can take advantage of the scheme. They will also be allowed the time off for Christmas shopping or seeing family, as they do not have to provide a specific reason for the time off. From mums: Asda made the decision after feedback from its 5,500-strong 'Mumdex' panel . An Asda spokesman added that the store expects lots of its staff who are grandparents to capitalise on the offer to see their young family members as much as possible. The latest report from the Asda 'Mumdex' panel also revealed that mums across the country will do their best to enforce a traditional Christmas experience this year. More than a third of mums said they plan to ban gadgets such as smartphones and tablet computers from . The latest "Mumdex" research also revealed that traditional values are more important to mums this Christmas Day than technology with 35 per cent planning to totally ban technology from the Christmas dinner table this year. The average family plans to spend an hour and 20 minutes playing board games on Christmas Day, compared with 25 minutes on social media. | Workers will be able to take unpaid leave to see their children perform .
The chain acted after mums highlighted the importance of Nativity plays .
Other workers will be allowed to take leave around Christmas as well . |
185f6491f1853b583d9aafc75a70164493f29430 | By . Hayley Peterson . PUBLISHED: . 00:15 EST, 17 April 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 06:48 EST, 17 April 2013 . Fox has pulled an episode of the adult cartoon 'Family Guy' that depicts mass deaths at the Boston Marathon. The episode, which first aired on March 17, was removed from Fox.com and Hulu.com and the network has no plans air it again, Fox spokeswoman Gaude Paez said Tuesday. The episode features the show's main character, Peter Griffin, unwittingly befriending a terrorist who is planning to blow up a bridge and then accidentally detonating two bombs using a cell phone the friend gave him. The sounds of screams follow the detonations. Pulled: Fox will not re-air an episode of the adult cartoon 'Family Guy' that depicts mass deaths at the Boston Marathon . In a separate and unrelated scene, the episode depicts Griffin reminiscing about how he won a former Boston Marathon by mowing over runners in his car. 'I'll tell ya, Bob, I just got in my car and drove it,' Griffin says. 'And when there was a guy in my way, I killed him.' As he talks, he is illustrated driving his car across the finish line with a trail of bloody carnage behind him. Internet users mashed the clips together and suggested that the 'Family Guy' episode had either predicted or influenced the tragic explosions at the marathon on Monday that killed three people and injured 183. The show's creator, Seth MacFarlane, said it is 'abhorrent' to suggest that the show predicted or influenced the twin bombings at the Boston Marathon on Monday . The show's creator, Seth MacFarlane, called the edited clips 'abhorrent.' 'The edited Family Guy clip currently circulating is abhorrent,' MacFarlane tweeted on Tuesday. 'The event was a crime and a tragedy, and my thoughts are with the victims.' | The episode first aired on March 17 and featured Peter Griffin, the show's main character, reminiscing about winning the Boston Marathon by mowing down runners in a car .
The episode also features Griffin unknowingly assisting terrorists who were plotting to blow up a bridge .
YouTube users have mashed together the unrelated clips to suggest that the show predicted the tragic bombings at the marathon Monday .
'Family Guy' creator Seth MacFarlane calls the edited clips 'abhorrent' |
185fa1ba9614424bb68b4388ae29c75eda503ad1 | Tony Matthews, 66, died after he was admitted to hospital and put in a store room because they ran out of beds . A hospital left a terminally-ill grandfather to die in a windowless store room a grieving widow has claimed. Tony Matthews, 66, spent the last hours of his life in a cramped room with 'glaring fluorescent light' as he suffered with mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer. The grandfather-of-three was admitted to Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital after falling ill at home but when he arrived he was told they did not have enough beds. Staff converted a store cupboard into a makeshift bedroom so he could be given privacy and pain relief in his final hours. He was accompanied by his wife Beryl, 66, and passed away three days after being admitted to hospital. Mrs Matthews said: 'I was told they hadn't got enough beds and so they had to convert store cupboards to make another bedroom. 'There was no window and a horrible fluorescent light which you couldn't dim and so it was only on bright or you sat in the darkness with just the light from the corridor. 'I just think he deserved better. He had this awful disease and he and I were very, very badly let down by the hospital.' She added that the lack of facilities meant she had returned home for a shower and was not at his side when he died. 'I feel as though I let him down as I'd promised I would be with him and I wasn't able to be there. 'They denied me the chance of being there at the end.' Mrs Matthews said she and her cousin were given permission to stay in the store room with him after he was admitted to hospital on November 4. To try and make him more comfortable they asked hospital staff for an extra pillow only to be told there were none available. They were also told they were not allowed a mattress and would have to sleep in their chairs if they wanted to stay in the room. Mrs Matthews stayed at the hospital for two nights but returned to her home in Attleborough in Norfolk, on November 6 for a shower. Beryl Matthews (right) pictured with her sister-in-law Anne Eden (left) had gone home for a shower after she claims there was a lack of facilities and missed her husband passing away by ten minutes . The side room on a ward where Tony Matthews, 66, died, which the hospital described as a refurbished treatment room and that he was put in it to give him privacy in his final hours . Later that evening she was contacted by the ward to tell her Mr Matthews' condition had deteriorated and she returned to the hospital to find he had died ten minutes earlier. Mesothelioma is a cancer of membrane cells which line major organs. It occurs most often in tissue around the lungs. Symptoms of the disease include acute chest pains, such as Mrs Allen suffered, a persistent cough and difficulty breathing, high temperatures and weight loss. More than 2,500 people are diagnosed with mesothelioma every year, with five times more men than women falling victim. According to the NHS, the disease is 'almost always' caused by asbestos, and takes 20 to 60 years to develop after the initial exposure. The cancer can be difficult to diagnose accurately, as affected cells do not look distinctive. Chemotherapy is the main treatment. Some surgical procedures are being investigated, but remain unproven. Because mesothelioma is so difficult to diagnose, it is often terminal by the time doctors notice. Patients rarely survive more than three years after diagnosis. The average is 12 months. Some 2,300 per year die of the disease, though experts expect this to increase as more workers exposed to asbestos in past decades are affected. By 2050, it is thought the cancer will have taken 90,000 lives. She added that the staff at the hospital had done what they could but questioned whether they were being given the right resources to do their job. 'They did a really good job of making sure he got pain relief towards the end,' she said. 'The staff were brilliant and they did whatever they could but they were limited.' Director of Nursing Emma McKay said: 'Mrs Matthews has raised concerns about the side room used on the ward. 'This room was chosen to provide greater privacy for the patient and family than would be afforded on the ward bays. 'We will be looking at the lighting in the room to see if changes can be made or a lamp can be installed to enable the lighting to be adjusted. 'A reclining chair was made available to allow Mrs Matthews to rest and while she spent time with her husband. 'We will take on board all the issues that have been raised and will be making changes where possible to improve the care we provide.' Mr Matthews' death comes a month after another patient at the hospital spent nine hours recovering from a serious infection in one of their store rooms. Ian Semmons, 65, claims he was disturbed through the night by apologetic nurses needing medical supplies. The hospital's chief executive since 2008, Anna Dugdale, admitted she would not allow her mother to be treated at the £229m hospital. Ms Dugdale said that drastic bed shortages at the 13-year-old hospital had forced them to use makeshift wards in a desperate bid to cope with a flood of admissions. Tony Matthew's death comes a month after another patient, Ian Semmons, spent nine hours recovering in one of the side rooms at Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital . | Tony Matthews, 66, spent last hours in cramped room with no windows .
Grandfather-of-three suffered with mesothelioma - a rare form of cancer .
He was taken to Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital after falling ill .
On arrival he was told they didn't have enough beds and put in store room .
He died three days later when his wife popped home for a quick shower .
'I feel as though I let him down as I promised I'd be with him,' she said .
She said that staff were 'brilliant' but their resources were limited .
Director of Nursing Emma McKay said issues have been taken on board . |
186054e2f53735f5f32df67540e9a9e17e26c1a3 | A 60-year-old Illinois man is claiming a 33-year-old nurse forced him to have sex with her while he lay in his hospital bed awaiting a heart transplant - and he's suing the hospital for more than $200,000. In a Cook County Circuit Court complaint, John Cantone said that at 9 p.m. on Oct. 12, 2012, Rachel Shaper entered his Advocate Christ Medical Center room and 'initiated unsolicited sexual relations, including intercourse,' with Cantone while he lay in 'compromised health.' Cantone was in the care of the registered nurse in the cardiac intensive care unit of the hospital, located in West Chicago, awaiting a heart transplant at the time of the alleged abuse, according to The Smoking Gun. Scroll down for video . John Cantone, 60, (right) accused Rachel Shaper, 33, (left) of forcing sex on him while he lay in compromised health at the Advocate Christ Medical Center in West Chicago. Cantone said that Shaper had a 'propensity to initiate unauthorized physical contact' with patients in her care . Cantone was reportedly medicated with 'various drugs and was under electronic monitoring' at the time. The complaint states that as a result of Shaper's battery, Cantone 'suffered injury and damages of a personal and pecuniary nature.' Cantone claimed in the complaint that ACMD officials knew that Shaper had a tendency to engage in unauthorized activities with patients in her care but failed to supervise or terminate her employment. Cantone's wife, Laura, is co-plaintiff in the lawsuit. Laura said, in the complaint, that Shaper's conduct caused 'damage to the marital relationship including damage to the society, companionship, and sexual relationship with her husband.' The Smoking Gun reports that Shaper was formally reprimanded in January for, what is described in the complaint as, failing to report her termination from the ACMD. Shaper later admitted to failing to disclose details of her termination. Cantone's wife claims that Shaper's conduct has damaged their sexual relationship . According to the complaint, Shaper's lawyer said during mitigation that Shaper has been licensed since 2009 without prior discipline, she cooperated with the state's Department of Financial and Professional Regulation Division of Professional Regulation and voluntarily completed a boundary course, and no patients were harmed as a result of her actions. Department officials reprimanded Shaper's registered nurse license, according to the complaint, however, her license is currently active and will remain valid until May 2016, according to The Smoking Gun. Advocate Christ Medical Center: Shaper was reprimanded in January for failing to report her termination from the medical center, Shaper later admitted to failing to disclose details of her termination . | John Cantone says that Rachel Shaper had sexual intercourse with him while he lay in 'compromised health' in her care .
Cantone claims that Advocate Christ Medical Center officials were aware of Shaper's inappropriate tendencies .
Cantone's wife says that Shaper's conduct has hurt their sex life . |
186143e6f4386ebe89933bb929e843e635786403 | By . Mail On Sunday Reporter . No leads: Madeleine McCann . A self-styled security consultant accused of swindling the Madeleine McCann fund out of £300,000 is to be extradited to the United States this week to face fraud charges. Kevin Halligen, 53, lost his final appeal before the High Court in London on Friday and will be flown to Washington on Thursday to face allegations of cheating former business partners out of £1.2 million. In 2008, Halligen’s company Oakley International signed a contract to help find Maddie, who went missing in Portugal a year earlier. He said he would use his MI6 and CIA contacts and high-tech surveillance equipment in the hunt but over six months he came up with no new leads. He was arrested in Oxford in November 2009 after fleeing Washington DC when the US government began seeking an indictment against him for ‘wire fraud and money laundering’. US Courts have also ordered Halligen to pay about £4 million to other former business partners who claim he fleeced them. Halligen had been fighting extradition since his arrest. Accused: Kevin Halligen, left, is accused of swindling £300,000 from a fund set up to help find missing Madeleine McCann, right . Sorry we are not currently accepting comments on this article. | Kevin Halligen will be flown to Washington on Thursday after losing his High Court appeal .
In 2008, Halligen's company signed a contract to help find Maddie, who went missing a year earlier . |
1861ef4ac0f7ca8c64968ac9459d383451984cda | Washington (CNN) -- The Federal Emergency Management Agency has not attempted to recoup some $643 million in payments that were improperly given to 160,000 individuals for housing and other aid following Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, an independent government investigator says. In a letter to FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate, Inspector General Richard Skinner wrote that a federal court in 2008 ordered FEMA to change its process for recovering the money. But Monday, three years after that court ruling, "These payments remain uncollected because your office has not given final approval of a new recoupment process," Skinner wrote. Following the back-to-back storms in 2005, FEMA disbursed more than $7 billion in assistance to survivors. At the time, the government placed a premium on distributing the money quickly because of the dire needs of residents of the Gulf Coast. The money was intended for rental assistance, home repairs, housing replacement, moving costs, medical costs and other individual assistance. But in the storm's wake, FEMA estimated that approximately $643 million of the payments were improper due to human error and fraud. Early efforts to recover the money were themselves flawed, and in June of 2007, a federal judge ordered FEMA to discontinue its debt collection until changes were made to the process. FEMA immediately complied, Skinner wrote, and in 2008 the agency announced that it was stopping its recoupment of improper disaster payments until it could establish new procedures. FEMA also announced it would review each case of suspected fraud to confirm the validity of the debt. But, Skinner wrote, FEMA's new recovery process has been awaiting approval by the administrator since late 2008. While FEMA has established a strategy, identified the necessary staff and initiated a review of the 160,000 cases, "your office has not instructed the responsible parties to restart the recoupment process," Skinner wrote to Fugate. "Further delay only makes aging debts more difficult to collect," Skinner wrote. In a statement to CNN, FEMA spokeswoman Rachel Racusen said FEMA is "committed to being responsible stewards of taxpayer dollars." "Not only do we agree with the Inspector General's recommendation to recoup disaster assistance payments that were improperly disbursed... but we are and have been actively working with state and local leadership and other stakeholders to finalize plans to recoup misspent funds, while continuing to support Gulf Coast communities as they recover," she said. "Under our current leadership, we have worked diligently to put protections in place that will safeguard against fraud and abuse, significantly reduce the percentage of improper payments, and develop a fair, open and transparent process for recovering these payments," Racusen said. Racusen said she did not have a date for when Fugate would authorize collection of debts, but said, "We are well underway in taking the steps we need to begin this new process." In Skinner's letter to Fugate, Skinner wrote Fugate should "promptly take action" to recover the money. Noting that President Barack Obama signed a presidential memorandum in March of 2010 asking departments to identify and reclaim misspent funds, Skinner said Fugate should "promptly authorize the collection of this debt," he wrote. | FEMA disbursed more than $7 billion in aid after hurricanes Katrina and Rita hit in 2005 .
Later, FEMA estimated that about $643 million were improper payments .
FEMA cited human error and fraud as the causes of improper payments .
An inspector says FEMA "has not given final approval" on a process to recoup the money . |
186210bbc060c272ff9a2412ec2e711a3e4a5e6e | By . Daily Mail Reporter . PUBLISHED: . 03:25 EST, 16 May 2012 . | . UPDATED: . 05:14 EST, 16 May 2012 . They do say it's lonely at the top, so France's new president Francois Hollande must have been grateful for a helping hand from German chancellor Angela Merkel yesterday. Mr Hollande was the guest of honour at a red-carpet ceremony in Berlin, but the French newcomer looked decidedly out of his element - understandably nervous as the world watched the first meeting between Europe's new power duo. It was an ominous first day for Mr Hollande, having been soaked through by a torrential downpour during a parade in France, and then arriving late for his meeting with Mrs Merkel after his plane was struck by lightning and had to be diverted. Scroll down for video . This way Francois: While French president Francois Hollande looks decidedly awkward - his arms rigidly by his side like a naughty schoolboy - German chancellor Angela Merkel shows him the way . No no, this way: Mr Hollande seems to be off in all directions outside the Federal Chancellory in Berlin, but Mrs Merkel patiently points him in the right direction or offers a helpful tap on the arm . On the ground, he stood on the wrong side of the red carpet and fidgeted constantly - with Mrs Merkel giving him a helpful push in the right direction. Later, as Mrs Merkel spoke of her determination to keep up the Franco-German cooperation that flourished under Mr Hollande's conservative predecessor Nicolas Sarkozy, Mr Hollande fumbled in his pocket for pen and paper to take notes. When it came to his turn at the microphone, Mr Hollande repeatedly used hands and arms to stress how reasonable his arguments were. Shoulder charge: When hand signals would not do the trick, Mrs Merkel resorted to a good old-fashioned barge to get Mr Hollande moving in the right direction . We made it: By the time the two leaders had finally found their way to waiting reporters, it looked like Mr Hollande had relaxed a little bit - to the relief of Mrs Merkel . Off to a bad start: Mr Hollande's excessive hand gestures and talk of amending Mrs Merkel's European policies did not endear himself to the German chancellor . While the two leaders talk about wanting to continue the status quo between their two countries, a body language expert might have had more to say on Mr Hollande's intentiions. At one point, Mr Hollande explained why he wanted to tamper with Mrs Merkel's fiscal pact, agreed by 25 European states, to make it more growth-oriented. Mrs Merkel simply shrugged and smiled at reporters. The German leader and Mr Sarkozy were so different in character that aides thought they would never get along. Raining on his parade: In weather that could have been orchestrated by his opponent Nicolas Sarkozy, the heavens opened on Mr Hollande's motorcade through Paris . Still chucking it down: Mr Hollande endured more outdoor ceremonies in the rain yesterday as he placed flowers at the monument to the Unknown soldier at the Arc de Triomphe . This never happened to the other guy: Mr Hollande looks like he might be regretting his decision to run as French leader after his inauguration . Mrs Merkel, a physicist from the former East Germany who guards an intensely private home life, seemed polar opposite to Mr Sarkozy - dubbed 'President Bling-Bling' because of his flashy tastes and marriage to self-promoting singer/model/actress Carla Bruni. But the two conservatives saw eye-to-eye on the euro crisis to such an extent that media commentators lumped them together as a single entity - 'Merkozy'. However, it might take some time before the world starts hearing of 'Merkollande'. Mr Hollande's first day in office was not so much a baptism of fire as it was a baptism of water - and lightning. The man dubbed ‘Mr Normal’ by the French endured a first 24 hours in charge that were anything but normal. The day started well enough, with the new leader exchanging pleasantries with outgoing president Mr Sarkozy at the Elysee Palace - and being sworn in as the seventh president of the Fifth Republic. But it all went downhill from there. Poking through the sunroof of a small £25,000 hybrid Citroen DS5, and surrounded by guardsmen on horse-back, he was driven up the Champs Elysees waving to well-wishers. But - in weather that could have only been choreographed by Mr Sarkozy himself - the heavens opened and rained heavily on Mr Hollande’s parade. By the time he arrived at the Arc de Triomphe, he was a mess; his black suit and white shirt clinging to his body, and water dripping uncharismatically from from his spectacles. If he thought things would improve when he boarded his plane to meet Mrs Merkel, he was wrong. His Falcon 7X was hit by lightning and he was forced to return to Paris, to board a second aircraft. Air France One: To add to Mr Hollande's woes his plane was hit by lightning as he flew to Germany for a meeting with Angela Merkel . | World watches as Europe's new power duo get to know each other .
Body language shows French and German leaders have a long way to go match the 'eye-to-eye' relationship of Mrs Merkel and Nicolas Sarkozy .
Hollande's first day includes being drenched and 'struck by lightning' |
18623fe32e3eae3c1d0261689aef4bed6359b01e | An 11-year-old girl ran away from a man in a white commercial van who attempted to abduct her from a Melbourne street. The man pulled up in the van, which had no windows, alongside the girl as she was walking along Francis St in Yarraville, an inner west Melbourne suburb, at about 3.25pm on Monday last week. Police have obtained security camera footage of a suspect van in the area soon after the September 8 incident which was being driven erratically. Detective Senior Constable Brendan O'Mahoney said the driver repeatedly asked the girl to get in the van when she became scared and ran home to alert her parents. A digital image of the man (left), and the scar on his right arm (right) who attempted to abduct a girl in Yarraville on September 8 . 'He's pulled up, stopped and opened the passenger door,' Detective Senior Constable Brendan O'Mahoney said. 'He asked a couple of times ... words to the effect of 'Get in the car, jump in, I'll give you a lift home'. 'When she ran he did a U-turn and, as she's looked over her shoulder, he was coming up behind her.' The girl ran into a side street and the man drove off. Police want to speak to anyone with in-car security cameras who may have filmed the van which had no side windows. 'We'd also like to speak to anyone who was in the area and may have been cut off by a van ... or who remembers anyone driving erratically,' Det Sen Const O'Mahoney said. The driver is described as being of Indian appearance and aged about 30, with a distinctive scar on his inner right forearm. He was wearing an orange turban and driving a white commercial van with no side windows. Investigators have released a digital image of the man they would like to speak to who has the scarring they believe is on his arm. The man pulled up in the windowless van alongside the girl as she was walking along Francis St in Yarraville, (pictured) at about 3.25pm . | An 11 year old was approached by a man in a white van last Monday .
The man repeatedly asked the girl to get inside but she refused .
Incident occurred in a street in Yarraville, an inner west Melbourne suburb .
Driver has been described as of Indian appearance and about 30-years-old .
Also with a slim build and a distinctive scarring on his inner right forearm .
He was wearing an orange turban, black t-shirt and blue jeans . |
18627e51f56cbf8732f33347ff43de9a668d455a | By . Jonathan O'Callaghan . The instant messaging war is well and truly upon us. Following major announcements from Facebook, Vine, Bebo and others, Snapchat has revealed its own ‘chat’ feature. Users within the popular image-sharing app can now message friends and make live video calls. Scroll down for video . Snapchat has unveiled its new messaging service that allows you to talk to other users. You can also now share live video with them (pictured) to make quick and instant calls . The update for the app is being released today on iOS and Android. The new feature, dubbed Chat, continues Snapchat’s theme of being quick, easy and simple. With just a swipe you’ll be able to privately message your friends. To use Chat, you simply load up the app as usual. When in your Snapchat inbox, you then swipe right on a friend’s name to send then a written message. The messages work like a regular Snap, and will be deleted after both of you have seen it and quit your respective chat screens. There is a button that lets you save important information, though, or of course you can always take a screenshot. If you and your friend happen to be chatting at the same time the app will alert you by saying they are ‘Here’ on the screen. Then, pressing and holding the screen will let you chat face to face instantly. Holding the top of the screen will show your friend the view out of the camera on the back of your phone. Touching the bottom of the screen will switch to the front camera, so you can show them a quick video selfie if you want. The latest update follows the previous change, which added Stories to Snapchat. This enabled users to have an image on their profile available for viewing for 24 hours. The chat feature, though, seems to be a clear rebuttal to moves from Snapchat’s rivals. Facebook, Vine, Bebo and possible even Twitter have all made moves in the instant messaging field in the past few months. Snapchat's move seems to be an attempt to ensure they hang onto their chunk of the lucrative photo and text communication market. At the end of 2013 it was estimated that Snapchat had over 26 million users in the US alone, with many others around the world. And in a survey of American college students in February, 77% said they used Snapchat on a daily basis. But the company still apparently holds only 5% of the 'selfie' market, with this move perhaps an attempt to keep them in the game. To use Snapchat's new Chat feature (pictured) you simply need to swipe right on one of your friend's names in the app's inbox. Messages are deleted when you both quit the chat window . You can activate the front (left) and rear (right) cameras on your device by dragging your finger to the bottom and top of your phone respectively . Back . in February Facebook bought hugely popular messaging app WhatsApp for . $19 billion (£11.4 billion), after failing in a previous $3 billion to . buy Snapchat. At the start of April, Vine revealed its ‘Vine Messages’ service that enabled users to send messages to each other. This . directly followed once-popular social network Bebo’s attempts to get . back into the game with Blab, their own video messaging service. Facebook, . meanwhile, is busy trying to increase the profile of its Messenger app, . with rumours that it will shift WhatsApp users onto its native . messaging client. They recently announced a selfie feature for Messenger that makes it easier to send people pictures of yourself. And . even Twitter is getting in on the game – it’s rumoured they are . considering letting users have secret conversations on the site. | Snapchat has announced its own messaging service in its popular app .
The update called 'Chat' is being released today for iOS and Android .
Within the app you can now swipe right on friends to send them text .
The messages are deleted after both of you leave the chat window .
You can also stream live video to your friends using either camera .
The update is in direct response to messaging apps announced by rivals . |
1863e0d5b6c3b67525ee299cb5610d3b1c5a1dbc | (CNN) -- When Depeche Mode chose Soulsavers, the English electronica production team of Rich Machin and Ian Glover, to open for them on their 2009 European tour, they didn't know it would be just the beginning of their musical collaboration. But, as mutual fans, with front man Dave Gahan enjoying Soulsavers' work with singer Mark Lanegan and Machin's love of the seminal albums "Violator" and "Songs of Faith and Devotion," it was only a matter of time. Following in their tradition of joining forces with high-profile guest vocalists, Soulsavers turned their attention to Gahan for their latest album, "The Light the Dead Can See." CNN recently spoke to Gahan about what inspired the soaring new songs, what fans can expect from the new Depeche Mode LP being recorded now and how "Ziggy Stardust" changed his life. CNN: How did working on this album compare to recording a Depeche Mode or solo record for you? It seems like a big enough task to have one great idea, never mind be able to parcel them out to different projects like you do. Dave Gahan: It's interesting that you said that about the one good idea. With "Presence of God," for instance, it's one phrase or one sentence and the way I sing that. The notes that I choose to sing will sometimes do it. If I get that one line, I'm like, yes! That leads me somewhere else. That's when things start getting really exciting. The stuff with Rich was a different process for me. I never sat down and said, OK, I'm writing songs now for this or for that. I wasn't choosing this subject or that subject. It seemed to work with the music and I didn't want to edit that. I didn't want to bend it into a different direction. It was really a pure process, and I think you hear that. "I Can't Stay" was one of the first things I worked on. When I sent it back to Rich, he was blown away by what I'd done over the guitar chords he'd given to me and it started the process between us. These songs really kind of wrote themselves. I can't describe it in any better way. I just had to get out of the way, really. CNN: Speaking of blessed, you explore spirituality on this album, especially on "Presence of God," and have said that may make people uncomfortable. Sure, it's more direct than what Depeche Mode usually does, but was it really such a major departure? Gahan: Not at all. I think that's because Martin [Gore] and I shake from the same hip as well. In the past, especially in the "Violator" and "Songs of Faith and Devotion" period, I felt like Martin was writing songs about me or for me. He wasn't really; I was younger then. But we had those same doubts, and quite often seemed to experience the same weird, dark sense of humor. "Presence of God" is really that understanding that sometimes when you step out of your own shoes and just open your ears and listen to what's going on around you, you get answers to the questions you were asking. The title "The Light the Dead See" works so well because sometimes when you're still and not trying to steer things in a certain way is really when the magic can happen. It's when I'm trying to figure that out for myself that I get into all kinds of trouble. CNN: It's a delicate balance to explore these subjects in your lyrics and not alienate the audience by coming across as tortured or preachy. How did you manage to pull it off? Gahan: I'm glad you heard that. There was no torture at all. It really came easy, this stuff. For me, that doubt and that faith are so close. It's impossible to deny that happening around you when you really kind of let go of trying to control things. But it's not hokey in any way. I'm not trying to tell you what to do. It's purely my experience of feeling like I really belong, and then moments of really what the f--k am I doing? We all have that. I tried to keep that as open as possible without directing. I don't want to direct you. I want you to listen and conjure up your own thoughts. CNN: The album is beautiful -- both melancholy and uplifting at the same time. How did you go about hitting those emotional nerves? Gahan: I think some of that stuff comes from the way I used my voice. I go to a very visual place when I'm singing. It's very cinematic and I get this feeling of space. I love when music does that. I listened to David Bowie a lot when I was a teenager. The place that he seemed to be singing from is the place that I wanted to go to. I didn't know if that place really existed, but I believed it did. I tried to capture that same magic again on this record. It's a place you go to when you listen, where you just feel a sense of belonging. Or, not feeling a sense of belonging and that being OK. CNN: Is there any one Bowie line, image or album that was able to transport you more than others? Gahan: There's many records that have been pivotal for me. If I were to name one, it would be "Ziggy Stardust." It changed my life. The same thing happened when punk rock came along and I heard the Clash for the first time. I was 16 or 17 years old. It made me feel like I belonged to something. Music has always done that and continues to do that for me. Lately, a record that I bought that I'm really listening to a lot is the new Spiritualized album, "Sweet Heart Sweet Light." There's a sense of humor to me in the combination of his words and his musical styles. It just spoke to me and brought a smile to my face. Some may listen to that record and not get the same feeling, but it's really uplifting and a beautiful record. CNN: You are currently recording your 13th Depeche Mode album. Can you give us a hint about what we can expect? Gahan: Martin's been particularly prolific, and myself as well. I was doing the Soulsavers thing and writing demos for Depeche Mode with a friend. Martin got on a writing streak. He's got some really great songs. We usually start a record with six or seven songs; we currently have about 20. In the studio, we're trying to not over-fuss things. We're trying to not over-produce the sound. If something's working, we're just recording it. We're trying to get the element of performance into the record more. We've already been talking to Anton Corbijn about some ideas we have about where we want to take the record visually and he usually has a pretty great angle. The songs have a bluesy influence. Obviously, it's not a blues record, but there's definitely some of those influences there. And it has a kind of soulful feel as well. It's still early so it's difficult to tell at this stage. We've been making records for a long time together, but there's always an element of surprise when it comes to the way a Depeche Mode record is really going to sound -- even for ourselves. | Dave Gahan is the front man for Depeche Mode .
He is working with the production team Soulsavers .
Gahan also is recording his 13th Depeche Mode album . |
1863f6276b8e5c5c6f8798241a8a578ec83dc814 | (CNN) -- What is it about Americans and guns? How much time do you have? "I can tell you that I don't think there's any other developed country in the world that has remotely the problem we have," New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg said after the shooting rampage in Colorado. There are an estimated 270 million guns in the hands of civilians in the United States, making Americans the most heavily armed people in the world per capita. Yemen, a tribal nation with no history of strong central government or the rule of law, comes in a distant second. From Washington to the well-stocked shelves of Walmart stores nationwide, guns are regarded in the United States as a commonplace if controversial consumer item for millions of law-abiding hunters, collectors and citizens concerned about their safety. They are also in the hands of thousands of killers too; a Washington-based anti-gun lobby says those guns shoot more than 100,000 people a year. In 2010, there were more than 30,000 deaths caused by firearms when the number of homicides, suicides and accidental deaths are tallied. America's collective memory -- of the Wild West in the 1800s, the assassinations of John F. Kennedy and Martin Luther King half a century ago and the front-page news from last week -- is marked time and time again by guns. "It's undeniable," writes Clayton Cramer, author of "Armed America: the Remarkable Story of How and Why Guns Became as American as Apple Pie." "Guns are at the center of much of America's history, its legends, and its horrors." There were guns in America long before the America we know today was even born. Early settlers in several states were required by law to own and maintain weapons as a matter of collective defense. By the time the United States was established, its citizens had taken up arms not only against their Native American neighbors but the army of their own king. Their new constitution reflected that in its Bill of Rights, declaring that "A well regulated militia being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed." For more than two centuries, that remained an important but largely overlooked guarantee, subjected to a modest series of controls. But in 2008 and 2010, landmark Supreme Court rulings gave that constitutional right sweeping new power, dramatically diminishing the authority of state and local governments to limit gun ownership. Gun-friendly lawmakers have been active, too. Roughly half of the 50 U.S. states have adopted laws allowing gun owners to carry their guns openly in most public places. About as many states have "stand your ground" laws that allow people to kill if they come under threat, even, in some cases, if they can escape the threat without violence. The laws are being driven by politics, and the politics are being driven by groups such as the National Rifle Association. Once a relatively modest organization of gun enthusiasts and hunters, it has become one of the most powerful political groups in the country. The Washington Post estimates that the NRA succeeded in helping elect four out of every five candidates it endorsed in the most recent congressional election. In addition to that extraordinary impact in Congress, it has been working to overturn gun-control laws in the courts. The NRA and other gun-rights groups have allied themselves with the Republican Party and, especially, a sector of the American public suspicious of government intrusions into private life and often flatly hostile to Washington. Read Dana Bash: For Democrats, gun politics are bad politics . "When they tell you that a government ban on certain firearms will somehow make you safer, don't you believe it, not for a second, because it's a lie just like the lies they've told you before," NRA CEO Wayne LaPierre told a recent gathering of his members. "Their laws don't work." Poll results suggest most Americans wouldn't agree. CNN and Gallup surveys going back years suggest that Americans are split between those who approve of current gun-control laws and respondents who would like to see them made more restrictive. Americans who'd like no controls at all are a small minority. But even after the rampage in Colorado, American attitudes and laws aren't likely to change much. Last year's nearly fatal shooting of congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords didn't move her state or federal colleagues to adopt any new gun control measures. Both President Barack Obama and Republican challenger Mitt Romney issued statements in the hours after the Colorado shootings, and Sunday, Obama flew to the state to visit with shooting victims and their families. But neither proposed any changes to American attitudes toward guns. "You know, soothing words are nice, but maybe it's time that the two people who want to be president of the United States stand up and tell us what they are going to do about it, because this is obviously a problem across the country," said New York's Bloomberg, who is both a declared "independent" politically and a vocal proponent of gun control. America is not unique. Norwegians are marking the first anniversary of a shooting massacre that took the lives of 69 people at a summer camp outside of Oslo. Eight more people were that day killed by a bomb in the Norwegian capital itself. The confessed killer is awaiting the verdict of his trial. But America seems to be the place the whole world thinks of when apparently ordinary people use guns for grotesque acts of violence. America stands alone in its historic and cultural attachment to guns. America stands armed. Do you own a gun? Tell us why. Opinion: Mass murder and powerful firearms . Opinion: Gun control or carry permits won't stop mass murder . Opinion: Fear drives opposition to gun control . | After Colorado shootings, neither Obama nor Romney talked about gun laws .
Mann: Even after the rampage, American attitudes and laws aren't likely to change much .
Americans are most heavily armed people per capita, with Yemen a distant second .
Mann: World thinks of U.S. when apparently ordinary people use guns for grotesque violence . |
186409dd9d57e47209d19fe5d66069f9ffc2360a | No longer, it seems, is just one honeymoon location enough. ‘Dual’ honeymoons – when you travel to more than on location during your post nuptial break – are fast becoming the latest and most desirable way to show your wife you care. The latest celebrity couple to split their honeymoon along geographical lines is Rebecca Adlington and fellow swimmer Harry Needs. Twos company: Rebecca and Harry Needs stand outside the Universal Studios sign in Orlando, Florida . After tying the knot in August at The Ashes near Leek in Staffordshire, the couple started their romantic getaway in Rome in Italy before flying to Orlando, Florida. In a series of photographs published on Instagram and Twitter the couple documented what fun they had during the trip. When in Rome Olympic swimmer’s husband tweeted a series of three pictures of the couple enjoying an evening out with the caption 'Roma #honeymoon' Soaking up some sun in Italy the newly weds pose in front of the sea for a snap for Instagram . When in Rome! The couple pull faces while enjoying an evening out during the first leg of their honeymoon . Rebecca put a shot of her and Harry with the sea behind them up on Instagram with the caption ‘Our Italian adventure #honeymoon’. Obviously keen to take in the sights, there is a picture of them in front of the Altare della Patria - also known as the Monumento Nazionale a Vittorio Emanuele II - in the busy Piazza Venezia. They also visited the Vatican, the Pantheon and walked around the city’s famous Roman ruins. Part two: Rebecca flew to Disney World Florida in Orlando to enjoy the second week of her honeymoon . Never scared of making a splash, Rebecca laughed and smiled her way down the resort's log flume ride . Next stop – via a Virgin Atlantic flight – was Disney World Resort in Florida, Orlando, where they were joined by fellow swimmer Michael Gunning. Rebecca tweeted, 'Hello Orlando!! So excited to be spending the week here! Great flight with now off to hotel-theme park tomorrow!!' on their arrival. The trio rode on the famous long flume-style ride called Splash Mountain and visited Disney's Animal Kingdom. On one picture she put on Instagram of the ride Rebecca commented, ‘Sums up our trip…. @harryneeds loving life - @michaelgunning1 scared and me laughing/smiling the whole way through!!! #splashmountain #disney’. It's behind you! Mr and Mrs Needs walked around sights including Altare della Patria during their Rome trip . The 25-year-old ex-Olympic champion then posted a picture of her and Harry standing in front of the famous Cinderella Castle with the caption ‘where dreams come true’. She also found a pair of bridal style Minnie Mouse ears with a veil and posed for a shot in one of the gift shops. 'Couldn't help myself today,' she wrote. 'Was a Disney bride!' Lastly, Harry and Rebecca visited Universal Studios, another theme park in Orlando which has – as well as all sorts of rides and attractions – a ‘romantic’ restaurant and pool. The ex Olympic gold medallist looked relaxed while standing in front of ancient Roman ruins in Rome . The time of their life? The couple packed in many different sightseeing locations as well as two continents . The couple could well have visited The Wizarding World of Harry Potter while here. Keen to keep her followers abreast of their movements Rebecca put up a picture of the couple standing happily outside of the Universal sign. She wrote underneath, ‘Such an amazing day at Universal!!!!!!’ 'Couldn't help myself today.... Was a Disney bride!' Rebecca wrote after trying on bunny ears in Disney World . To fuel duel honeymoon bookings, new websites are popping up every day that are designed to help tailor your honeymoon to more than one location. Honeymoondreams advertises a 'multi-centre' honeymoon intended to be 'an ideal compromise between you and your partner. You may love relaxing on a beach, while your other half likes to discover the local culture.' The 25 year old wore a bright two piece bikini while relaxing by a pool during her honeymoon in Italy . Likewise Blacktomato has options ready in case 'one draw dropping luxury destination just isn't enough'. From the slough of Instagram pictures published by both Rebecca and Harry during their time away, it looks to have worked for them. | Harry Needs and Olympic gold medallist visit Rome and Orlando in Florida .
Couple posted pictures outside famous landmarks on Instagram and Twitter .
Took in the sights of Vatican City, Pantheon and Altare della Patria .
Flew with Virgin Atlanic to Orlando in Florida and visited Disney World .
Rode on the log flume-style ride called Splash Mountain . |
18657c33f1a7cfb6fea2b31b2f31bb93046cb224 | Teachers have banned parents from attending a school sports day in case it leads to a 'Hillsborough-style crush' on the playing field, it has been claimed. The bizarre ruling was enforced at Glapton Academy primary school in Clifton, Nottinghamshire, this week. Headteacher Ruth Ellis wrote to parents telling them they were not invited to next month’s event, which includes the traditional egg and spoon race, because of 'rising pupil numbers'. Furious: Lisa Darby (right) and other mothers are unhappy they have been banned from Glapton's sports day . The school claimed an increase in the number of parents wanting to cheer on their children could cause a crush on the playing fields. Some parents even say they were told the school implemented the ban in order to 'avoid another Hillsborough'. The newsletter to parents sent on Monday stated: 'Thursday 3rd July is planned for sports day. 'Unfortunately, due to rising pupil numbers, we will not be able to invite parents to sports day this year.' Yesterday, furious parents blasted the decision branding it 'health and safety gone mad'. Crowd control: The bizarre ruling was enforced at Glapton Academy primary school in Clifton, Nottinghamshire . David Elliott, 35, whose six-year-old son attends the school, said: 'This is bonkers. Simple as that. 'We got a letter from school saying parents would not be invited to this year’s sports day. 'I rang the school up and spoke to someone who said it was because of health and safety. 'I asked what that meant and the woman said it was because there were more pupils at the school and therefore more potential parents coming on sports day. 'When I asked what the school was afraid might happen she said there was a potential for a crush. I said "what like Hillsborough?" sort of as a joke, and she said "yes".' 'I was gobsmacked. I’ve never heard anything do ridiculous in my life.' The school claims an increase in the number of parents could cause a crush on the playing fields (pictured) Other parents threatened to boycott the sports day on July 3 in protest at the ban. Vicky Samson, 32, whose two children Elliott, 11, and Daisy-May, five, go to the school, said: 'I’m not happy about this at all. 'If we can’t watch, then my children will not be taking part in the sports day. 'My son is in Year 6, so it will be his last sports day - I really want to see him compete. 'The sports day is held on a massive field as well and it’s never full. 'They manage to cram all the parents into a school hall, but apparently we won’t be able to watch on the huge field.' Lisa Darby, 32, whose six-year-old daughter Libby is in Year 1, added: 'I was absolutely fuming when I read the letter. 'Sports day should be a family event and parents should be able to share their child’s excitement at taking part in all the races. The primary school became an academy in January 2013 and was rated 'good' by Ofsted in its last inspection . 'It’s also a big part of growing up - I remember having my parents there at every sports day when I was a child. 'They even used to take part in things like the egg-and-spoon race.' Ms Darby said she was allowed to attend every sports day when her older daughter Chloe, 13, was a pupil at the school. She added: 'It just seems really unfair on Libby now, that she can’t have her mum and dad there like Chloe did. 'I just can’t understand the decision. It seems a big enough sports field to me and I don’t think there are more pupils there than last year.' 'When you’re a working parent, it’s hard to get involved in school life, so you have to take every opportunity you can' Manda Wilkinson, 26, mother . Manda Wilkinson, 26, said her son Logan, eight, was upset to learn his parents wouldn’t be able to cheer him on. She said: 'I find it disgusting that the school aren’t giving us the choice over whether we want to come or not. 'When you’re a working parent, it’s hard to get involved in school life, so you have to take every opportunity you can. 'Are they going to stop us watching the Christmas plays next?' The primary school, which only became an academy in January 2013, was rated 'good' by Ofsted in their last inspection in June last year. Inspectors reported that the school - which caters for boys and girls aged between 3-11 - had 318 pupils on the roll, an increase from 284 who attended in 2010. The teachers’ union NASUWT also hit out at Glapton Academy, blaming their new status for the decision. Neil Lawrence, secretary of the union in Nottingham, said: 'The decision to ban parents from sports day is another example of the loss of control the community feels when a local school becomes an academy and withdraws from local authority control. 'Decisions are made arbitrarily and without consultation.' 'Safeguarding our children is our main priority' Nick Ydlibi, chair of governors . Roger Steel, Conservative Nottingham City Councillor for the Clifton North ward, added: 'It’s traditional that parents attend sports days and I can’t see any logic behind restricting them. 'There’s a benefit to both the children and the parents, who are proud to see their youngsters getting fit through sport.' The Association for Physical Education has also criticised the school’s decision. Spokesman Eileen Marchant said: 'Schools always have reasons for making decisions but it’s a shame this school hasn’t made public its reasons. 'Parents always enjoy going to school sports days and it’s important to have them there to encourage the children. 'So much investment has been put into primary schools through the Government’s PE and school sport premium. 'One of the things schools are expected to do with this is increase competitive opportunities for children. Sports day would be an ideal opportunity to showcase how they are achieving this.' However, Nick Ydlibi, chairman of governors, said: 'No parent has contacted the school to comment on the matter of us being 'unable to invite' parents to our sports day this year. 'Safeguarding our children is our main priority. We feel that due to the rise in pupil numbers along with the close proximity of current major road and tram works a lot of strangers are in and around our school locality. 'Because of this it would be extremely difficult for us to guarantee the safety of our children at an outdoor event with open gates; this is why this year, this very difficult decision has had to be made. 'Our school offers parents lots of opportunities to come to special indoor events, such as Glapton’s Got Talent, our Art Gallery, and Show Time events which are happening in June and July.' The Hillsborough disaster happened on April 15, 1989, at the Hillsborough Stadium in Sheffield during a match between Liverpool and Nottingham Forest. A human crush resulted in the deaths of 96 people and injuries to 766 others. The incident has since been blamed primarily on the police for letting too many people enter the stadium and remains the worst stadium-related disaster in British history and one of the world's worst football disasters . | Ruling enforced at Glapton Academy primary school in Nottinghamshire .
Headteacher Ruth Ellis wrote to parents banning them from the event .
Furious parents branded decision as 'health and safety gone mad' |
1867106f2966daf61461125a6a44a15f31e18797 | Mistreated: Filipino care home worker Jonathan Aquino, picured arriving at Blackfriars Crown Court, was jailed for 18 months . A nurse secretly filmed attacking an elderly Alzheimer’s sufferer in her care home bed was jailed yesterday. Jonathan . Aquino, 30, was caught when Jane Worroll suspected her mother Maria, . 80, was being mistreated and hid a camera in her bedroom. In . the harrowing images, Aquino is seen to suddenly strike the retired . school canteen manager in the face before slapping her arms repeatedly. The Filipino, who has an 18 month-old daughter, then finishes the attack by hitting Mrs Worroll in her abdomen four times. Sentencing Aquino to 18 months in jail, Judge Henry Blacksell QC told the nurse he was guilty of a ‘dreadful breach of trust’. ‘It . is distressing for anybody to have to watch what’s contained on the . footage,’ he said at Blackfriars Crown Court, central London. ‘This poor woman had been transferred to this institution in the hope that she should receive proper care and attention. ‘Quite . rightly, society in general is extremely concerned about the treatment . of the elderly and vulnerable in institutions such as this. 'They should . be able to expect better, and I am afraid those who are caught misusing . their responsibility should be held to account.’ The assaults took place at the Ash Court care home in Kentish Town, North London on June 21 last year. Mrs Worroll, who was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2008, had been living at the home since July 2010. She . has since been moved to another care home. After being told of the . film’s existence, Aquino, who has no previous convictions, burst into . tears and apologised. He was later sacked. Blackfriars Crown Court heard that the footage of Aquino hitting Ms Worroll was 'distressing' for anyone who had to watch it . Brinder Soora, prosecuting, said it was clearly evident that the home’s own rules were frequently breached by its care staff. Caught: Mr Aquino was caught when Maria Worroll's daugher Jane . (pictured) suspected she was being neglected and installed a secret . camera in her room . ‘Two care workers must be present when . a resident is put to bed, and bathing and cleaning should be carried . out by a female care worker,’ she said. ‘Again, . that was not adhered to. This is not a complaint lodged at Mr Aquino’s . feet – it was a problem that was clearly evident at the care home . itself.’ Despite this, it emerged that the care home had been given an . excellent rating by regulators in 2009. Speaking . outside court, Jane Worroll said: ‘Nobody as vulnerable as my mother . should ever have to suffer or endure the unprovoked attack and . mistreatment she has experienced at the hands of her supposed carers. ‘Had . it not been for my actions, this abuse may never have been exposed, as I . do not believe the existing safeguarding measures provide adequate . protection. ‘The emotional . impact this experience has had on me has been completely devastating. If . this happened to my mother and was only discovered because of a hidden . camera, what else is happening to other elderly people in care? ‘I . believe the current care system for these people needs a complete . review; we need robust strategies put in place to put an end to this . suffering.’ A spokesman for Ash Court said staff had been shocked by the case, adding: ‘We are pleased justice has been done.’ Aquino, of Tottenham, North London, admitted common assault and ill treatment of a vulnerable person. | Jonathan Aquino hit frail Maria Worroll in the face and abdomen .
He was caught when pensioner's daughter hid a camera in her bedroom . |
18677a3f6da0e49ffef4fc53520806af9faa7bde | CLICK HERE to read which players could challenge Rooney's record of becoming the youngest to reach 100 caps for England . Wayne Rooney will tell the younger members of the England squad they must not be intimidated by the hostile atmosphere at Celtic Park on Tuesday. Rooney marked his entry into the 100 club with a crucial penalty on Saturday as England came from behind to record a 3-1 win over Slovenia. Focus now turns to Tuesday's international against Scotland in Glasgow. Although a friendly by name, there will be no sense of bonhomie between the two sides or the rival fans inside the famous 60,000-seater stadium. Wayne Rooney has urged youngsters to play their 'normal game' when England face Scotland . Rooney scores England's opening goal in their 3-1 victory over Slovenia at Wembley on Saturday . Rooney knows all about the white-hot atmosphere of Celtic Park. He played there twice with Manchester United and he has also watched from the stands after being given tickets by his old team-mates Alan Stubbs and Roy Keane. Given the intense rivalry between the two nations, Rooney expects the decibel levels to be even higher on Tuesday night and he therefore feels his inexperienced team-mates may need some calm words of reassurance before kick-off. 'You don't realise until you actually play there what the atmosphere is like,' the England captain said. 'The atmosphere was great when I was in the crowd, unbelievable, but you don't realise until you're on that pitch what it's like so maybe a few of them, you might need to speak to them and say: 'Listen, this is going to be hostile. Make sure you blank it out, relax, and play your normal game. Don't get involved in it.'' Rooney is presented with a 'golden cap' by Bobby Charlton (L) after reaching 100 appearances for England . England are virtually assured of reaching the Euro 2016 finals after going six points clear in their group . The atmosphere will be the polar opposite to the one inside Wembley on Saturday. Once Rooney had gained his commemorative golden cap from Sir Bobby Charlton and his two children had left the field, the 82,305 fans inside Wembley quickly fell silent. It was easy to see why. England's first-half performance was terrible - among the worst in a long while. The only time they looked like scoring was when Samir Handanovic had to stick his right leg out to deflect Jasmin Kurtic's woeful back-pass wide. Rooney has experienced the hostile atmosphere at Celtic Park as a Manchester United player . Rooney's landmark century managed to overshadow Danny Welbeck's brace that secured victory . The night before, Scotland maintained the pressure on their group rivals Poland and Germany with a hard-fought 1-0 win over the Republic of Ireland. And Rooney thinks the Scots will pose a tough test for England next week. 'Scotland are doing well at the minute,' he said. 'They seem to have found a bit of form under Gordon Strachan, so we know it'll be a tough game.' England versus Scotland is the oldest fixture in international football and until 25 years ago there was an annual meeting between the two nations. Last August's action-packed friendly at Wembley, which England won 3-2, led to calls for the return of the fixture on a yearly basis and Rooney seems to be in favour of that too. 'That would be nice,' he said. 'It's obviously not down to me, but it would be good.' Shaun Maloney celebrates after scoring the winner for Scotland against Ireland in their Euro 2016 qualifier . Rickie Lambert scores during England's 3-2 victory over Scotland in last year's international friendly . Slovenia quickly crumbled on Saturday after Rooney won and converted his 59th minute penalty. Danny Welbeck scored his 12th and 13th England goals to stretch England's lead at the top of Group E to six points. Roy Hodgson's only disappointment was that his team had conceded their first qualification goal thanks to Jordan Henderson's 57th minute own goal. 'When we went a goal down it was important we came straight back and we did that,' the England manager said. 'In the end it was a very good victory. We have beaten Switzerland away and Slovenia at home and we are in a good position. Jordan Henderson's own goal to give Slovenia the lead was Roy Hodgson's only complaint . Joe Hart has been released by England and will be replaced by either Fraser Forster or Ben Foster . 'Our goal before this game was to go into the New Year with 12 points, unbeaten. 'The only disappointment is that we now can no longer boast about having a clean sheet but I suppose we still can boast that no opponent has scored against us because we put the ball in our own goal for them.' Hodgson confirmed after the match that Joe Hart had been released from the squad. With the Manchester City goalkeeper rested, either former Celtic man Fraser Forster or West Brom's Ben Foster will be given a chance to impress in goal against Scotland. | England travel to Scotland for an international friendly on Tuesday .
Captain Wayne Rooney has warned youngsters not to be intimidated by the hostile atmosphere at Celtic Park .
Shaun Maloney scored the winner as Scotland defeated Ireland 1-0 .
Rooney scored on his 100th appearance as England defeated Slovenia 3-1 . |
18680f7c878bbbf9d29548e86bce68a1e95bcf90 | Dejan Lovren, the Croatian player at the centre of the penalty storm that overshadowed the opening game here in Sao Paulo, has declared that ‘they might as well give Brazil the World Cup’ now. Stunned by Yuichi Nishimura’s decision to award a penalty against him for what the Japanese referee thought was a foul on Fred, Southampton defender Lovren echoed his coach, Niko Kovac, in tearing into the official. Asked if he felt the referee had favoured the hosts, Lovren - who is a reported target for Liverpool this summer - said: ‘Maybe yes, maybe no. Fuming: Dejan Lovren (left) has blasted Brazil should be given the World Cup following their opening win . Controversial: Lovren (centre) gave away a penalty for a foul on Fred (bottom) during their Group A match . Poor display: Lovren (left) has criticised referee Yuichi Nishimura (top) for his refereeing display . ‘But if it is like this, then we can give the World Cup directly to Brazil. ‘It is not just difficult for me to take, but for everyone who watched this game. I think it was two billion people. I think it is a shame. A big shame for this mistake. I cannot agree with this.’ He continued: ‘Of course I am angry. I want to cry now but what can you do? If you saw the game you saw everything so I don't need to explain. ‘I was asking the referee how can you do this to us? And then it was a shame. He didn't know what to say. The problem is that the referee doesn't speak English. ‘It is a shame that he cannot explain to me or to anyone else in English. How can any referee be in the World Cup for that?’ Lovren was supported by his central defensive partner, Vedran Corluka. ‘I think it is embarrassing,’ he said. ‘I think if this continues then no one should play against Brazil. We should just give them the World Cup and everyone can go home.’ Unhappy: Vedran Corluka (right) felt Nishimura gave every 50/50 decision in Brazil's favour on Thursday . He too was asked if he thought the referee favoured the hosts. ‘Everyone saw that, not just Croatian players,’ said Corluka. ‘Every 50/50 decision went to Brazilian players and I think Neymar elbowed Luca (Modric). After that he gives the penalty. We scored a goal, he disallowed a goal. It was quite embarrassing. Because it was the opening of the World Cup and you expect something more. ‘He was keen to give the penalty, it happens, it is over now. After that he wanted to give something to us, it was quite funny. I don't think he should be allowed to referee another game. ‘The players are disappointed. But the coach said we need to think about the second game. I congratulate Brazil but they didn't deserve to win today. Language: Lovren (centre) and Corluka have both questioned Nishimura's inability to speak English . ‘I don't blame them but I have never seen a referee in a World Cup that doesn't speak English. It is quite, I don't know how to say it, amazing. He was trying to speak to the players in Japanese. It is ridiculous. ‘He was speaking Japanese but no one could understand him because we don't have Japanese players.’ | Dejan Lovren has blasted referee Yuichi Nishimura for his refereeing display .
Nishimura awarded Brazil a penalty for Lovren's foul on Fred in Croatia's Group A match against the hosts .
Lovren questioned Nishimura's appointment due to his lack of English .
Vedran Corluka echoed Lovren's sentiments sarcastically stating Brazil should be given the World Cup if referees continue 'embarrassing' decisions .
Croatia lost 3-1 to Brazil in the World Cup opening game on Thursday .
Neymar double and Oscar strike cancel out Marcelo's own goal . |
18686c211cc5f466c48fb8dfaf5eaa00cf3ef0ee | By . Naomi Greenaway . Who doesn't want a washboard stomach, toned abs and buns of steal? Well, according to a controversial new theory from an Irish weight-loss expert, perhaps not as many of us as you'd think. Sociologist Dr Bernadette Rock believes that desperate dieters often want to retain their flab -- even if they don't realise it. Dublin based Dr Rock outlines her surprising theory on a Huffington Post blog, where she says that, despite common wisdom, there are many benefits to being overweight. She goes on to suggest that when dieters struggle to stick to regimes, . they're often subconsciously sabotaging their own attempts . because they want to retain their excess pounds. Dr Bernadette Rock believes that acknowledging the reasons dieters might like being overweight will help them achieve their goal . 'There are advantages to remaining overweight. If you are not aware of these benefits . and why you're holding on to your extra weight, then no amount of . dieting will keep those pounds at bay for good,' writes the sociologist, who runs HeyDay World, a non-dieting weight loss programme in Dublin. Talking to the MailOnline about her controversial theory, Dr Rock explained, 'It surprises many people that being overweight can serve a function. 'While a part of you feels bad about being overweight and despises having extra weight, there may be another part of you that is holding onto it,' she says. Dr Bernadette Rock, whose surprising theory on weight loss challenges the usual dieting theories . So what are these hidden benefits of carrying some extra inches? Dr Rock outlines four classic examples from clients: . 1. "My reason for not doing things in life has been my weight. When I lose it, I won't have an excuse to put off life, such as applying for another job, or even getting on a flight" 2. "Having extra weight means I can blend into the background, without being the focus of attention, and I don't feel that I'm 'on show'" 3. "Weight makes me feel protected from other people. I think I might feel vulnerable if I lost it." Dr Rock also refers to her personal weight loss experience. 'I recall feeling anxious or nervous about the increased personal power that I felt as the weight gradually fell off me,' she admits. But says, 'I’ve had some angry responses to my blog from people who believe I am blaming them for their weight. This is partly because there is such a culture of blaming overweight people. 'Instead this blog seeks to encourage people to step back with awareness and bring more understanding and non-judgement to their weight and eating habits.' What Dr Rock hopes is that readers will use this theory to help them on their weight loss journey. 'If you have recently . lost weight and fear that you will gradually regain the pounds, then it . is crucial that you look at the reasons why you might be holding onto . extra pounds,' she says. 'During all of my 16 years dedicated to chronic dieting and feeling out of control around food, one of my enduring beliefs was that being slim meant I would be lighter, happier and confident. 'After a few weeks of being 'good' and in control (as opposed to tucking into toast with melted butter, biscuits and any food not nailed down) the result, when I stepped on the bathroom scales, was that my weight had dropped,' she says. Don't blame the biscuits! A new theory suggests failing dieters WANT to be overweight . But she admits, 'Weeks of being good were suddenly unraveled in a moment of stress or anxiety. And isn't it amazing how much food you can eat in five minutes?' The Irish expert then explains, 'I was desperately seeking slimness but never thought to ask myself "Why have I put myself in the position of being overweight again?", "Is a part of me holding onto my weight?" 'Although a part of you does not want that extra weight and desperately wants to shed it, is there another part of you holding onto that weight? 'You might never have considered these questions: Why have you chosen to be overweight? What's in it for you by being overweight?' It's not surprising that when Dr Rock asks her clients if there are reasons they want to remain overweight, they usually respond with expression of incredulity and disbelief. But she believes there are advantages to remaining overweight, which dieters have to confront before successfully shedding pounds. 'A new slim body means a smaller version of yourself. You no longer have the fat to protect you,' she says. 'You may feel more fragile and vulnerable. Having extra weight has protected you. Without it you may feel exposed. That's one reason why many people who lose weight regain it.' Dr Rock concludes, 'If you are not aware of the benefits of your weight and your concerns about letting it go, you will struggle to reach and maintain a healthy weight.' Dr. Bernadette Rock is director of www.heydayworld.com, which offers groups and online weight-loss programmes . | Despite society's view of being fat, Dr Bernadette Rock says there are benefits to being overweight .
Believes dieters often fail because they don't acknowledge these benefits .
Admitting why you WANT to be fat might help lose weight . |
186898d170315a0c6aa9c642c2fbaddcbb54995d | Ercis, Turkey (CNN) -- The death toll from the massive earthquake that shook eastern Turkey over the weekend rose to 570 on Friday, up from 535 the day before, but crews have pulled 187 people alive from the rubble, Turkish officials said. In addition, about 2,555 people were injured by the 7.2-magnitude earthquake that struck Sunday, according to the Turkish Disaster and Emergency Relief Agency. Rescue workers extracted 13-year-old Serhat Tokay from the rubble of an apartment building early Friday, 108 hours after the earthquake struck Ercis, the semi-official Anatolian news agency reported. The child was being treated in a field hospital. Eight hours earlier, crews had rescued 18-year-old Imdat Padak from the wreckage of another building in Ercis, the agency reported. After teams from Azerbaijan retrieved him, Padak was taken to a hospital for initial treatment, and then was airlifted by helicopter to the city of Van. Padak appeared not to have any significant trauma, but was suffering dehydration. He is reported to be a student from the village of Kiziloren and was taking courses while preparing for university entrance exams. Earlier in the week, crews pulled a 2-week-old baby, Azra Karaduman, alive from the debris. There were reports Thursday of a moderate earthquake in the country's south. A 5.2 earthquake hit about 200 kilometers (125 miles) south of the center of Sunday's quake, near the border with Iraq, the U.S. Geological Survey reported. Tokay was the latest of several people found alive in the rubble days after Sunday's quake. On Wednesday, rescuers pulled two people from collapsed buildings. Britain has pledged emergency tents for more than 5,500 people whose homes were destroyed, Home Secretary Theresa May said during a visit to Turkey Thursday. CNN's Diana Magnay, Yesim Comert, Sarah Jones and Michael Martinez contributed to this story . | NEW: The death toll rises to 570, officials say, with about 2,555 people injured .
The latest person to be pulled out alive was 13-year-old Serhat Tokay .
Britain pledges emergency tents for more than 5,500 people . |
1869182b022f61bef0f9387d35197fedf7f505db | NAIROBI, Kenya (CNN) -- A plane crashed Tuesday in western Kenya, killing all four people on board, including a Cabinet minister and an assistant minister, President Mwai Kibaki said. The two senior government figures were members of Raila Odinga's party. "The wreckage has been found and there are no survivors," Kibaki said, according to the government Web site. Kenyan Roads Minister Kipkalya Kones and Assistant Minister of Home Affairs Lorna Laboso had been on board the Cessna 210, which was headed to Kericho, in the Rift Valley. The plane crashed in a remote area called Kajong'a, in western Kenya, Kibaki said. The president identified the two others killed as Kenneth Kiprono Bett, who worked for Kones, and the pilot. "Our country has lost leaders of immense potential at their prime age and with a promising future," Kibaki said. "Let us all remain united at this moment of sorrow as a nation." Salim Lone, a government spokesman, told CNN earlier that the plane crashed about an hour after it took off from Nairobi's Wilson Airport around 2:18 p.m. local time (7:18 a.m. ET). "This is terrible, and utterly unimaginable news for us in Kenya, where there has been so much suffering recently," Lone said. He did not know what caused the crash, but said, "There is absolutely no hint of foul play. It looks like a terrible tragedy." Both Kones and Laboso belonged to the Orange Democratic Movement party (ODM), which joined Kibaki's Party of National Unity (PNU) in a coalition government earlier this year under an United Nations-brokered agreement that brought an end to the violence that ripped the nation after Kibaki's disputed re-election in late December. More than 1,000 people were killed and 350,000 were displaced in the violence, according to the Kenyan Red Cross. Under the agreement, Kibaki retained the presidency while ODM leader Raila Odinga became prime minister. A new cabinet took office in April, with equal representation from both ODM and PNU. The officials' deaths came a day before parliamentary by-elections in five districts in Kenya. | Roads minister, assistant home affairs minister die in plane crash .
Six-seater Cessna crashed in western Kenya; minister's aide and pilot also died .
NEW: President Mwai Kibaki: Our country has lost leaders of immense potential .
Plane was flying from Nairobi to Kericho, in the Rift Valley . |
186927c6c9547eceff7400fac99733b422ab327d | By . Helen Pow . PUBLISHED: . 18:32 EST, 15 January 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 18:33 EST, 15 January 2013 . A married couple were shocked after a thief who stole their wedding rings 15 years ago returned them, along with a heartfelt apology. The four gold rings disappeared from the Riphagen family's home when their 16-year-old daughter, Margot, threw a house party in 1998. But they have now been reunited with the sentimental belongings after the 'dumb kid' who stole them found the jewelry while cleaning and decided to 'right a wrong.' The mystery thief tracked down the couple through their daughter, who is now 31 and lives in Portland, Oregon, and posted the rings back complete with the touching letter. Reunited: The Riphagens have been reunited with the rings, pictured left, that were stolen when their daughter, Margot, right, threw a house party in 1998 . A photograph of the hand-written note made its way to Reddit and has now gone viral. 'Mr and Mrs Riphagen, I am writing you to apologize for being in possession of something I am sure you truly value and miss,' the person wrote before explaining that he or she 'regretfully, stupidly' took the rings from the family's home many years ago. 'I recently found these rings while cleaning and I wanted to make sure to return them as I'm sure they were missed dearly,' the thief went on. The robber explains that they looked through old yearbooks then researched online where they found the workplace of Mrs Riphagen, where they sent the rings and the letter. 'I hope you are the right Riphagen family,' the thief wrote. The rings that were stolen included the mother's wedding ring and a ring Mr Riphagen gave his wife when their first child was born. The thief also made off with one set of . grandparents' wedding bands that had been intended for the children, . according to Reddit user WhoBeKnow, who reportedly went to school with . the couple's daughters. Touching: The mystery thief tracked down the couple through their daughter, who is now 31, and posted back the rings complete with the touching letter, pictured . The person went on the write: 'Again, I am truly sorry for any pain, heartache that my actions may have caused your family. I hope that you can find it in your hearts to forgive me. As an adult I realize how sentimental items like this can be. 'Sincerely regretful. A dumb kid who wants to right a wrong.' WhoBeKnow wrote under the picture of the letter that the family was thrilled to have the rings back, even after such a long time. 'The family doesn't really care who sent it, certainly doesn't want to seek out who did it, and is just grateful to have these things back,' WhoBeKnow posted. 'They're a lovely family and I'm so happy to see these sentimental things returned to them.' Margot Riphagen told the Huffington Post she was 'shocked' when the treasured possessions turned up. 'I happened to be home visiting my parents. I was nosing around in their stuff on the counter while I was drinking my morning coffee and stumbled upon it,' she told the website. 'My mother said "You had better sit down." And I opened it and was shocked, especially because I didn't know the rings earmarked for me and my sister even existed.' | Four gold rings disappeared from the Riphagen family's home in 1998 when their 16-year-old daughter Margot threw a party .
The couple have been reunited with the sentimental belongings after they arrived in the mail with an anonymous apology letter .
The thief said he or she was a 'dumb kid who wants to right a wrong' |
18694f81da48a64e073e4f46b038cdee2b099521 | The Rangers Supporters Trust believe their legal action stopped Mike Ashley being given security over Ibrox this week – but they still harbour fears for the future. The fan-ownership group went to court on Monday seeking an interim interdict to prevent the Ibrox board from including the stadium in a deal with Ashley’s Sports Direct firm. Talks with club laywers then produced an agreement that ensures security over Ibrox cannot be granted until February 17. The Rangers Supporters Trust believe they stopped Mike Ashley being given security over Ibrox . Rangers have been troubled by off-field financial difficulties that have led to the club's plight . Advance notices of security submitted to the Registry of Scotland on behalf of Sports Direct a fortnight ago had suggested such a move was in the pipeline and prompted protests from supporters. But the terms of the £10 million loan – comprised of two £5 million tranches - announced on Tuesday instead included security over Murray Park, Edmiston House, Albion car park and club trademarks. The RST believe they only have a partial victory as they remain concerned about the gap between their agreement expiring and the forthcoming EGM, at which Dave King will seek to oust the current board. A date for that meeting is yet to be announced and could, under normal protocol, be at the end of next month. ‘Following detailed legal advice, the Rangers Supporters Trust (RST), with the financial backing of the Rangers Fans Fighting Fund (RFFF), submitted a petition to the Court of Session in Edinburgh on Monday 26th January, seeking an interim interdict to stop the Rangers board from granting security over Ibrox in favour of Sports Direct,’ said an RST statement. ‘Discussions between our lawyers and the board’s lawyers continued over the past three days. The conclusion of these discussions was the that board has agreed not to grant security over Ibrox for a period up until the 17th February covered by the advance notice they submitted. The Rangers Supporters Trust are still concerned about the future of the football club . ‘We are disappointed that we were not able to secure the extension of this commitment until the date of the upcoming EGM, as this now leaves a short period of time in which the board could grant security over Ibrox before they are hopefully removed. ‘This is particularly concerning given the announcement yesterday that a further period of due diligence is required for the second £5m tranche of debt that the board has decided to saddle the club with. ‘We believe our actions had a material impact in stopping the board from granting security over Ibrox. The revised deal with Sports Direct was agreed late on Monday night according to Paul Shackleton, the club’s AIM nomad. 'This was immediately following the petition submitted to the court, the announcement of which delayed what would have been a necessary interdict hearing in the Court of Session on Tuesday. ‘We do not believe that the filing of a notice of intention to grant security over Ibrox was an error and we believe that a fixed security over Ibrox would most likely have been granted to Sports Direct had it not been challenged. We would like to register our disappointment that it was necessary to take legal action to hold this board to their public promises to shareholders and fans. ‘Whilst we are pleased that the immediate danger posed to Ibrox has been averted, we share the anger of other fans at the latest act of corporate piracy perpetrated by the current Rangers directors. Dave King will seek to oust the current board at the next AGM . 'By accepting this deal with Sports Direct, they have plunged our club into an unnecessary level of debt and, by pawning off further revenue streams including shirt sponsorship, have limited our ability to repay that debt. ‘They have done this in their own interests and those of Mike Ashley. David Somers, Derek Llambias, James Easdale and Barry Leach have, in our opinion, neglected their duties to the PLC they are meant to represent.’ | Rangers Supporters Trust believe they stopped Mike Ashley getting security over Ibrox .
But they are still concerned about the future of their club .
Security over Ibrox could be granted after February 17 . |
1869949a38a49b48f2b6367af291ddf89332bcab | Hong Kong (CNN) -- Yahoo and China's Alibaba Group have agreed to a $7.1 billion deal in which the Hangzhou-based internet behemoth buys back half of Yahoo's 40% stake in the company. The agreement will give a much-welcomed cash injection to Yahoo, which has lost 65% of its value since its 2006 peak and is smarting from the resume-padding scandal of ex-CEO Scott Thompson, the third chief executive to lead the beleaguered web portal in three years. Yahoo's 40% stake in Alibaba, purchased in 2005 for $1 billion, is widely considered the company's greatest asset. But the relationship has been a fractious one, punctuated with public disagreements over company direction, as well as Yahoo siding with Google in its 2010 fight with Chinese regulators. Alibaba CEO Jack Ma publicly said in September he might be interested in buying Yahoo. "This transaction opens a new chapter in our relationship with Yahoo," Ma said in a news release Monday. Alibaba is a leading e-commerce provider in China, the world's largest internet market. "Today's agreement provides clarity for our shareholders on a substantial component of Yahoo!'s value and reaffirms the significance of our relationship with Alibaba," said Ross Levinsohn, interim CEO of Yahoo, in a release on the deal. Under the terms of the deal, Yahoo will get $6.3 billion in cash and up to $800 million in newly issued Alibaba preferred stock. "We look forward to delivering the proceeds of the near-term transaction to our shareholders, and to the further enhancement of value and the additional monetization in the future that this agreement enables," said Timothy R. Morse, chief financial officer of Yahoo. | Yahoo and China's Alibaba Group have agreed to a $7.1 billion share buyback deal .
The China internet behemoth will buy back half of Yahoo's 40% stake in the company .
Comes after the departure of Yahoo CEO Scott Thompson in a resume padding scandal .
The relationship between Alibaba and Yahoo has often been fractious . |
1869a2a864ccb8bde3e6a0fdd56b768dda55aacf | Bannu, Pakistan (CNN) -- The road to Bannu city in the northwest of Pakistan is a journey through the elements. Harsh wind and rain make way for bursts of sunshine in June, a month of typically oppressive heat when illnesses such as diarrhea and typhoid are common, alongside the ever-looming specter of polio. It is in this stifling heat that hundreds of thousands of men, women and children are fleeing their homes in North Waziristan, which borders Afghanistan, to Bannu and other neighboring regions. The mass exodus began after the Pakistani army launched a full scale offensive against militants on June 15 called Zarb e Azb, or "The Strike of The Prophet's Sword." While the Pakistan army has been releasing a daily stream of information regarding the operation, it has come under severe criticism for failing to notify the residents of North Waziristan of an impending operation. A curfew in North Waziristan crippled the movement of individuals in the region. Military sources told CNN on condition of anonymity that the curfew had been imposed to prevent militants from fleeing, however what resulted was utter chaos for local residents. "We waited for the signal to leave while taking shelter under trees," Javed Wazir, a local from the North Waziristan town of MirAli tells CNN in anguish. "The bazaar was under fire from mortar shells and our women and children were crying in despair." Exodus from Pakistan's troubled north presents risks, opportunities . Mass exodus . On June 18, three days after the operation officially started in North Waziristan, the army finally lifted the curfew allowing movement out of the area. What started as a mass exodus of the region's population has fast accelerated into a humanitarian crisis. According to Arshad Khan, the director of the FATA Disaster Management Authority, the number of people who have fled the military operation has now reached almost half a million, with 455,000 people scattered across various parts of Northern Pakistan. In a sports complex in the heart of Bannu city, a dust storm is creating havoc at the city's largest food distribution point for those seeking shelter. Until Tuesday it was the only food distribution point for the thousands of needy people in Bannu and its surrounding regions, and was the scene of protests airing the frustration they have experienced over the past two weeks. Wednesday saw hundreds of men, young and old, queue up outside on the streets, shielding their eyes from the grit, waiting to receive their ration of fortified wheat, iodized salt, pulses and cooking oil. A significant army presence is overseeing the distribution that has been organized by the World Food Program. Sacks of wheat are heaped in mounds in the center of the stadium and a strong hot wind is blowing cardboard cartons into the air. An old woman in a tattered burqa, clutching a wisp of paper bearing her registration number, waits for her turn to collect food. "Three of my grandchildren died after a bomb fell on our house in the Haider khel village of North Waziristan" she says. "They were five, six and seven years old," she whispers. "That's when we fled." Request for more supplies . The number of families arriving has exceeded the number estimated by the WFP. According to Lola Castro, the WFP's director in Pakistan, a contingency plan had been updated to deal with a military operation in North Waziristan. However, she says Pakistani authorities only officially approached the WFP for help on June 20, five days after the strikes began. WFP had expected the families to be an average size of six but, according to Castro, families fleeing out of North Waziristan are made up of 14 people. This has lead to rations being distributed on a biweekly basis instead of the usual monthly schedule. "We are requesting donors to provide more supplies but the situation is currently under control," Castro tells CNN. Malik Akbar Khan, a tribal leader and an IDP, has been volunteering at the food distribution point ever since he arrived in Bannu last week. As IDPs wheelbarrow their supplies out of the complex, he sighs and says that it is the ordinary people of North Waziristan who have had to bear the biggest brunt of the tussle between the army and the Pakistani Taliban. As the sun sets on another day of dust and desperation, he quotes the oft-repeated phrase addressing the conflict in Pakistan's northern regions. "The army are the angels and the Taliban call themselves the companions of the holy prophet," he says. "Perhaps we're the only infidels in this chaos, who suffer the most in this living hell while the other two claim that they're bound for paradise." 'That place is like fire' There is one refuge for the hordes of people who have spilt out of North Waziristan. The army, along with funding from FDMA and the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), has set up a camp in Baka Khel, Bannu district. In the searing June heat, it sits a mere 15 kilometers (9.3 miles) from the Saigai check post, the final exit for villagers leaving North Waziristan and entering Bannu district. According to military sources, the camp became operational on June 16, a day after the military operation began. It has, however, come under severe criticism by the very people it was built to help. Many are instead choosing to stay with relatives or rent homes in cities such as Bannu, Peshawar and Dera Ismail Khan. "When the curfew was eased we reached Bannu after a two-day journey on foot, yet we would never stay at that camp. That place is like fire, it's like fire, I would never take my family to that land of flaming heat," Loi Khan from the village of Boya in North Waziristan tells CNN as he stands in line to get food in Bannu. But a visit to the camp paints a different picture. Temperatures may be rising to as high as 47 degrees centigrade but efforts are underway to create what military guides to the camp call "a model village." There is electricity, plumbing, fancy fans that spray mist and visiting doctors. Polio workers administer vaccines to every man, woman and child entering the camp to prevent any outbreak. Yet the place is a ghost town. According to military sources only 28 families have chosen to live at the camp, a fraction of those who have left North Waziristan. It remains empty for the time being but with the month of Ramadan fast approaching and the operation not looking to end anytime soon, military officials overseeing the camp expect it to be operational and fully populated for at least two months. 450,000 displaced as Pakistan attacks militants . Saleem Mehsud contributed to this report. | Hundreds queue in stifling heat for food after fleeing North Waziristan .
Families fled after Pakistani military launched offensive against militants .
Government has been criticized for imposing curfew, not warning locals to leave .
Strong army presence overseeing crowded World Food Program distribution points . |
186ae05f4f8b56addb82c22f0144e00ec5088a64 | Lengthy tenure: Sir Bruce Forsyth has hosted Strictly Come Dancing for 10 years since its inception . The show is a Saturday night must-see for millions of children. But as far as Sir Bruce Forsyth is concerned, they should remain watching Britain’s Got Talent rather than taking part in it. The 85-year-old TV veteran attacked Simon Cowell for allowing youngsters to take part in his ITV show claiming it is an ‘ordeal’ for many of them and results in many of them crying. ‘I don’t think that’s entertainment,’ he said. ‘I don’t think they should put children on that are too young.’ Sir Bruce, who plans to return as presenter of Strictly Come Dancing – the BBC’s rival to another Cowell show, The X Factor – in the autumn, added: ‘If you’re going to do that, have a separate show. Have a children’s show, British Children Have Talent.’ Yesterday Safer Media, a charity that campaigns for family-friendly media, backed Sir Bruce and called for a ban on children under 16 taking part in TV talent shows. The criticisms emerged as Saturday night’s instalment of the show saw several acts made up of children – some as young as five. Many were in tears at the end as the pressure of being judged became too much. One young girl in dance troupe Pre-Skool, comprising 13 five to eight-year-olds, started to cry as she waited for the judges to decide whether they would go through to the next round. Youth Creation, 33 children aged between seven and 14 from Essex also took part, with many of them becoming emotional at the end. Irish teenagers Jack Duff, 13, and Cormac Connell, 14, gave an impressive rendition of Of Monsters and Men’s hit Little Talks but also appeared on the verge of breaking down as they waited for the panel’s verdict. Even Cowell acknowledged their . performance was good but not great because nerves had got the better of . them on the show, which topped Saturday night’s ratings, attracting more . than ten million viewers –three million more than BBC rival The . Voice. Scroll down for video . Distressing: Natalie Okri cries during the semi-final of Britain's Got Talent in 2009 after Simon Cowell chooses dance troupe Diversity over her . Not child's play: Singer Hollie Steel breaks down crying half way through her song during Britain's Got Talent in 2009 . Miranda Suit from Safer Media said: . ‘Shows like this are emotionally intense and you are best to have a . minimum age and one that is suitable would probably be 16. We tend to . put entertainment on a pedestal in this culture. ‘People are so careful about using . animals in entertainment and we want to be even more careful about what . we expose children to.’ Scenes of children breaking down in . tears have become all too common on BGT, with Sir Bruce recalling how . one girl of 11 was left in tears. A spokesman for the show said: 'The . welfare of all contestants is our number one priority and we have . stringent procedures in place relating to children who appear in our . programmes. 'Children are accompanied by a member . of their family or a guardian at all times and a psychologist is on . hand at all auditions. 'We also employ registered chaperones at our judges’ audition days and live shows to monitor the children’s welfare. 'As there are a limited number of performances Britain’s Got Talent does not have an age limit.' All too much: A young contestant in tears on Saturday night's show . Feeling the pressure: Dance troupe Pre-Skool looked nervous . Hundreds of viewers complained in . 2009 when two child singers, Hollie Steel and Natalie Okri, cried due to . the pressure of performing live. And last year Britain’s Got Talent . had to defend its lack of an age limit when nine-year-old Malaki Paul . broke down in tears after struggling to finish his song because of . nerves. Last month child welfare campaigners . questioned whether five-year-old Jordan Nash should have been put . through to the next round. While the youngster, from London, received . positive comments from the judges, there were concerns that he is too . young to cope with fame, should he progress to the final stages of the . competition. Jordan, dressed in a black baseball . cap and a T-shirt with his name on it, performed an impressive dance . routine and was given a ‘Yes’ by all four judges. Questionable taste: Simon Cowell (right) kissing Amanda Holden during this weekend's show . But viewers called the decision ‘inappropriate’ and called on ITV to bring in new rules to ‘stop this happening’. Saturday’s BGT also provoked outrage over sexual references on the pre-watershed show. Kelly Fox, a 71-year-old grandmother, . performed a song called Kiss My A** containing the lyrics: ‘‘I came . home a little early, I couldn’t believe my eyes, you were lying there . butt naked with a woman between your thighs.’ TV watchdog Mediawatch-UK attacked . Ofcom and ITV for screening the performance following criticism of a . lap dancer earlier in the series. Mediawatch-UK director Viviene . Pattison has asked the Government’s child protection tsar Claire Perry . to investigate sexualised content on shows aired before the 9pm . watershed. She said: ‘The ratings are falling . and ITV is just pulling out the stops. First we had the lap dancer Keri . Graham and now this granny. ‘It is inappropriate. BGT is going all out to shock and Ofcom is simply under-regulating the show' | Sir Bruce said Simon Cowell should launch a 'British Children Have Talent'
On young, crying performers: 'I don't think that's entertainment.' |
186aeb35d85e35d153205cd8e6d9d3f73b1e869d | By . James Rush . PUBLISHED: . 09:44 EST, 13 September 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 11:13 EST, 13 September 2013 . A Coyote Ugly-style bar is facing closure after drawing dozens of complaints from neighbours woken up by customers 'whooping' at staff until 3am. The Players Coyotes bar in Tunbridge Wells, Kent, is being investigated for excessive noise after nearby residents complained of loud music being played until the early hours of the morning. The sports bar employs scantily-clad barmaids to dance on the bar and squirt water at customers every 15 minutes, in scenes similar to the 2000 film Coyote Ugly. 'Coyote Ugly': The Players Coyotes bar in Tunbridge Wells, Ket, is being investigated for excessive noise following complaints from neighbours . Film: The sports bar in Tunbridge Wells employs barmaids to dance on the bar in scenes similar to the 2000 film Coyote Ugly (pictured) The barmaids also jump on to the bar to dance every time a goal is scored when a football match is shown at the bar. Environmental protection officers from Tunbridge Wells Borough Council have visited the bar, which is open until 3am on Friday and Saturdays, and this week called for its licence to be reviewed because of ‘noise nuisance’ Residents have complained to the council saying that loud amplified music can be heard until 3am at the weekend and 2am on some nights during the week. They have also complained they can hear punters ‘whooping’ as the barmaids dance on the bar. Joel Hewett, 22, said he ended up giving up his flat near the club as the noise was ‘unbearable’. He said: 'It was a nightmare. Thursday, Friday and Saturday involved ear plugs during sleep regardless of what time, so I’ve moved out of my flat and got another one further away.' Review: Environmental protection officers from Tunbridge Wells Borough Council have visited the bar and this week called for its licence to be reviewed . Justin Plenderleith, 36, said: 'The place is ridiculous - all night long you hear pumping music and men whooping and shouting at the girls. 'It’s got to a stage where people around here just can’t get a good night’s sleep.' The Mayor of Tunbridge Wells last year, John Smith, said at the time that he was opposed to the bar opening, adding: 'Risque night-time ventures aren’t part of our vision and plan for the town.' Inspiration: The venue, inspired by the film Coyote Ugly (pictured), could now have its licence suspended or revoked . Council chiefs say the licence could be suspended or revoked if the venue is found to be in breach of its licensing conditions. A spokesman for the council said this week: 'There is an application for review of the licence for Players Coyotes sports bar in Church Road on the grounds of the licensing objective Prevention of Public Nuisance because of the level of noise from the rear gardens.' The owner of the bar James Pemble was unavailable for comment. | Bar, in Tunbridge Wells, Kent, is being investigated for excessive noise .
The Players Coyotes employs barmaids to dance on the bar .
Neighbours have complained of hearing loud music until the early hours . |
186b19ab6c77918a857daf3d82fffb75743bf29c | (CNN) -- Two-time world champion Fernando Alonso secured an emotional victory for Ferrari at their home Italian Grand Prix at Monza on Sunday. The 29-year-old started from pole position and delighted the "Tifosi" -- the name given to Ferrari's legion of passionate fans -- with a superb drive to finish ahead of world champion Jenson Button, with Felipe Massa third in the second Ferrari. Button claimed the better start and led for the first 36 laps, but Alonso took the lead following a pit stop and held on for Ferrari's first "home" win in four years. "That was one of the great wins of my career, so emotional and so special for me and for this team. For me it is there with my Spanish Grand Prix of 2006," Alonso told reporters. "Now we must go back to work -- we need to find consistency in the last five races of the season," he added. Alonso's third success of the season, and 24th of his career, saw him close the gap at the top of the world driver standings. The Spaniard is now on 166 points, 21 points behind new leader Mark Webber -- who overtook McLaren's Lewis Hamilton at the top of the standings despite finishing down in sixth place. Hamilton crashed out on the first lap, meaning he now trails the Australian Red Bull driver with just five races still to go. Sebastian Vettel finished fourth despite early engine problems and a remarkable final lap 3.3-second pit-stop. Nico Rosberg finished fifth for Mercedes, ahead of Webber. Nico Hulkenberg of Williams, Renault driver Robert Kubica, seven-times world champion Michael Schumacher and the second Williams of Rubens Barrichello completed the top 10. | Two-time world champion Fernando Alonso secures an emotional victory for Ferrari .
The Spaniard delights the Monza crowd by taking checkered flag in Italian GP .
World champion Jenson Button was second with Felipe Massa third in second Ferrari .
Mark Webber finishes sixth but takes over championship lead after Lewis Hamilton crashes . |
186be06ab2e847d3a1c58c7537c70587833fd393 | Not since Elton John rocked up has Shrewsbury Town’s Greenhous Meadow stadium been braced for such packed stands. The visit of Chelsea has seen an extra 486 temporary seats installed, thanks to financial assistance from sponsors Capital One, to push the expected attendance over the five-figure mark, double the usual. There were 16,000 scattering on to the pitch when Sir Elton played in 2011. It is an exciting evening ahead for the people of this Shropshire town but not many believe their League Two team will still be standing after Jose Mourinho’s Premier League leaders are done. Shrewsbury duo Andy Mangan and Mickey Demetriou pose with the Capital One Cup at Greenhous Meadow . The League Two side have been able to install 486 temporary seats for home fans ahead of hosting Chelsea . The numbers tell much of the story. Shrewsbury’s annual wage bill is understood to be £1.4million, more than 125 times smaller than their visitors’, which stands at £176m. Eden Hazard’s new £200,000-a-week contract would see him earn as much in seven days as manager Micky Mellon’s entire squad in two months. But after claiming the scalps of Blackpool, Leicester, and Norwich already in this competition, Shrewsbury want more. ‘We aren’t here to clap people on to the pitch,’ says Mellon, holding court in a neat suite of the ground opened in July 2007. ‘We’re going to try and knock them out. We know the task is massive but we want to reach the quarter-finals.’ Mellon, the 42-year-old hailing from Paisley, was part of the Blackpool side which stunned Chelsea in September 1996, winning 3-1 in the League Cup at Stamford Bridge but going out on aggregate. ‘In every game of football, you always have a chance,’ he adds. ‘Of course, it’s ridiculous how much bigger their chance is. But while we’re still in the game, we’ll keep believing. There are certain areas of the pitch that have to be absolutely on the money.’ Shrewsbury boss Micky Mellon holds the Capital One Cup before taking on Premier League leaders Chelsea . Andy Mangan and Mickey Demetriou sit in a temporary stand that will accommodate home fans on Tuesday . How many of Mourinho’s stars will turn out remains to be seen, especially given it will be only 48 hours since the match at Old Trafford, but seasoned internationals should still flood their line-up. The Shrewsbury players they face will have cost next to nothing. Striker James Collins, signed for a nominal fee from Hibernian this summer, is the only one not brought in on a free. Liam Lawrence, recently recovered from injury, is the most recognisable name. The 32-year-old former Stoke and Sunderland midfielder joined because Mellon likes to play his football on the floor and the facilities are above the norm for League Two. Chelsea should be pleased at the standards that await on and off the pitch. The manager has knitted together a squad with 16 new faces by insisting on breakfasts together in pre-season and ensuring every player speaks their mind. ‘We need leaders in our team,’ he says. The Capital One Cup trophy was at the stadium on Monday and caught the eye of local schoolchildren at the training ground earlier in the afternoon. ‘They all came sprinting over, touching it, kissing it,’ adds Mellon, hoping this can provide a catalyst. ‘The spotlight being on us will be great to keep moving us forward.’ Shrewsbury manager Micky Mellon shows off the Capital One Cup trophy to school children on Monday . Didier Drogba celebrates his goal at Old Trafford on Sunday with Chelsea team-mates Gary Cahill and Willian . Shrewsbury's Ashley Vincent and Scott Vernon served drinks and signed autographs for those queuing for tickets to the Chelsea match . If Chelsea are ahead, is there a chance Mourinho offers an early handshake? ‘I’d be disappointed if he never shook my hand,’ says Mellon. ‘I’d see that as a bigger sign of disrespect. It may upset Roy Keane but it doesn’t bother me. If we’re winning maybe I’ll give him a big cuddle.’ Asked to suggest his own title given he will face The Special One, Mellon quips: ‘The Special Brew.’ That is in reference to a new ale made by a local brewery specially for the match: Wood’s Blue & Amber. Mellon warmly greets fan Lloyd Burton, an 11-year-old cancer sufferer who is in a wheelchair after arduous treatment on his brain tumour. Lloyd has worked on a paint-by-numbers portrait of Mourinho and will meet the Chelsea manager before the match so he can sign the picture. Decked out in Shrewsbury kit and bobble hat, Lloyd will be cheering on his team, alongside 10,000 others eager for an upset. | Shrewsbury host Chelsea in the Capital One Cup on Tuesday .
Cup sponsors fund expansion of Greenhous Meadow with 486 extra seats .
Demand for the visit of the Premier League leaders will see a record crowd . |
186be38c3883740f0d5f6d17c305ec27b3af9aca | Intelligence agencies are closing the net on the masked ISIS executioner known as Jihadi John, Philip Hammond has revealed. The Foreign Secretary, who just ten days ago admitted special forces didn't know where the Islamic terror group was holding its British hostages, said the investigation into tracking down the killer with the British accent was 'narrowing down the field'. Speaking to American television network CNN at the United Nations summit in New York, Mr Hammond said: 'We are getting warm, we are working on all the leads. 'There's a big investigation and we are getting warm. We're narrowing down the field, but I don't want to say any more at this stage.' Scroll down for video . The Foreign Secretary left, says they're 'narrowing down the field' in the hunt for masked ISIS killer Jihadi John . The Foreign Secretary also condemned the continuing hostage situation involving British aid worker Alan Henning, 47, after ISIS, also known as ISIL, sent an audio recording to his wife, Barbara, in which he pleads for his life. Mr Hammond told Wolf Blitzer, host of the Situation Room show: 'What we do know is Alan Henning was out there simply to help. 'He was a humanitarian worker who went with an aid convoy organised by British Muslim groups to provide support to refugees in Syria. 'He was doing good and I think it speaks volumes about ISIL that this is the way they are treating somebody who went out there to help their people and support their communities in their time of need.' The audio recording came after the United States and Arab allies began bombing parts of Syria where ISIS have gained a foothold, reportedly including the city of Raqqa where it is thought the former Salford taxi driver is being held. Mr Henning, who appeared at the end of a video of the murder of British aid worker David Haines, was kidnapped last December in Syria by ISIS militants and Mrs Henning has again pleaded for them to release him. In a statement issued by the Foreign Office, Mrs Henning said: 'We are at a loss [to understand] why those leading Islamic State cannot open their hearts and minds to the facts surrounding Alan's imprisonment and why they continue to threaten his life... 'He went to Syria to help his Muslim friends deliver much needed aid.' The Foreign Secretary condemned the Islamic terror group for holding British aid worker, Alan Henning, 47 . The militant extremist group has previously released footage showing the killings of American journalists James Foley and Steven Sotloff as well as Mr Haines. The man known as Jihadi John is believed to appear in all three videos and seems to speak with a British accent. A separate video released this week showed British photojournalist John Cantlie sitting at a desk reading from a prepared script and explaining that he would speak about ISIS in future videos. There was no threat to kill Mr Cantlie made on camera. When asked by Mr Blitzer about the UK policy of not paying ransoms to terrorists, Mr Hammond said 'absolutely right', and added he did not believe the Turkish government had paid for the release last weekend of 49 hostages held by ISIS. Ten days ago Mr Hammond was criticised for admitting that special forces did not know where ISIS was holding its British hostages. ISIS is still holding British journalist John Cantlie, 43, who appears in a new video warning against US strikes . Explaining why no SAS operation had been mounted to release hostages including Mr Henning and Mr Cantlie, the Foreign Secretary said: 'If we knew where they were, it would be a different story, but we don't.' His remarks were criticised by the former head of the Army, Richard Dannatt, who said he was 'surprised' Mr Hammond had spoken so freely. Lord Dannatt said: 'At the public level, not to have commented in that way would have kept uncertainty in the minds of terrorists. They would have remained concerned... 'Not to have revealed our hand as openly might have been a different course of action to take. He was trying to be open and helpful, but it might have been better to say that to the family privately. He would appear to have shown our hand.' | Philip Hammond was speaking to CNN at United Nations summit in New York .
He said the hunt for ISIS executioner with a London accent was moving on .
Told Situation Room host Wolf Blitzer: 'We are narrowing down the field'
Ten days ago, Mr Hammond admitted he didn't know where hostages were .
Condemned terrorists for still holding Salford taxi driver Alan Henning, 47 .
Said: 'He was a humanitarian worker who went with aid convoy to do good'
Words came as Mr Henning's wife was sent recording of him begging for life .
File sent to Barbara Henning in apparent retaliation for US attacks on ISIS . |
186d40b4789be43cf1945e186f8016d77129cebe | Germany refused to share the debt burden of stressed eurozone peers on Tuesday, ignoring two of the most influential international economic bodies which offered support for proposals championed by Paris, Rome and Brussels ahead of a summit. Angela Merkel, Germany's chancellor, has argued that any co-mingling of eurozone debt would remove incentives for southern economies to adopt structural reforms. The calls from the International Monetary Fund and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development came on the eve of Wednesday's EU summit. François Hollande, France's new president, has strongly backed common eurozone bonds -- which would ease funding constraints for the eurozone's stressed periphery but potentially raise German borrowing costs by diluting its creditworthiness across the currency union. German officials made clear the idea was a non-starter in Berlin. "There is no way of introducing them under the current [EU] treaties. Indeed, there is an explicit ban on them," one senior German official said, adding Berlin would not drop its opposition in the foreseeable future. "That's a firm conviction which will not change in June." Increased jitters over how Europe's banking system would be affected by an exit of Greece from the eurozone have lent urgency to the latest discussions over measures to tackle the sovereign debt crisis. OECD: Euro crisis could derail recovery . Mr Hollande has vowed to raise eurozone bonds at the informal summit. He won backing from the OECD, which in its twice-yearly economic outlook specifically called for such bonds, saying they were needed to break a vicious circle "involving high and rising sovereign indebtedness, weak banking systems, excessive fiscal consolidation and lower growth." "We need to get on the path towards the issuance of euro bonds sooner rather than later," Pier Carlo Padoan, the OECD chief economist, told the Financial Times. Christine Lagarde, the IMF chief, also called for more burden-sharing. Though she stopped short of explicitly backing euro bonds, she said "more needs to be done, particularly by way of fiscal liability sharing" -- a thinly veiled reference to such debt instruments. Diplomats said the summit, which just last week looked like it would be a highly scripted affair on European growth, had become increasingly unpredictable, with leaders struggling with how to respond to the havoc wreaked by political instability in Greece. Officials emphasised that no formal decisions would be taken. The euro bonds debate could produce fireworks between Mr Hollande and Ms Merkel -- a possibility that has captivated officials involved, given the comparatively harmonious Franco-German relationship in the latter years of Nicolas Sarkozy's tenure. But most diplomats believe Ms Merkel would succeed in blocking any proposal, producing more smoke than fire. "They say that when Germany and France don't co-operate, we have a problem," one senior diplomat from a smaller EU country said. "And when they do, we have a problem, too." Of more urgent concern are ongoing discussions over eurozone banks, with officials saying the fear of a Greek eurozone exit has forced leaders to contemplate massive rescues, particularly in Spain. Rising estimates of bad loans have forced Madrid to part-nationalise one bank and face the increasing likelihood it will need to inject more government money into others. Senior EU officials question whether Madrid, which has faced rising bond market borrowing costs, has the financial wherewithal on its own, spurring a furious series of negotiations over whether the eurozone needs to move quickly towards a common bailout and deposit guarantee scheme. Although officials said such reforms have pushed themselves onto tonight's agenda, it remains unlikely any can be agreed quickly, making the European Central Bank the last line of defence if Greece forces more immediate action. | Germany refused to share the debt burden of stressed eurozone peers .
Ignores pleas by the OECD and the International Monetary Fund for eurozone bonds . |
186f3cc9f441a5f6828cc237269b2b8c2ba2b5cd | Andy Murray seemed in a relaxed mood on Sunday afternoon as he was put through his paces by new coach Amelie Mauresmo. The pair were all smiles during the training session as the Wimbledon reigning champion prepares for his match against Kevin Anderson on Monday. . Mauresmo certainly seemed to be working Murray hard as the Scot was drenched in sweat, but she still found time for a joke while out on the court. VIDEO Scroll down for Murray and Mauresmo play mixed doubles before Anderson match . Happy: Andy Murray (left) shares a moment with his coach Amelie Mauresmo as he trains at Wimbledon . Working hard: The Wimbledon champion was soaked in sweat during the training session . Murray, who also enjoyed a mixed doubles practice match with Mauresmo, will have to be at his best on Monday when he takes on the 20th-seeded South African Anderson in the last 16. At 6ft 8in, it is no surprise that Anderson's serve offers a big threat on grass in particular. But the 28-year-old is no mug from the back of the court and is enjoying the best season of his career. He and Murray have played twice before, with the Scot winning easily at the Australian Open in 2010 and Anderson doing the same a year later in Canada. Murray certainly has the edge on experience given Anderson has never been beyond the fourth round at any slam. All smiles: Mauresmo seemed in a relaxed mood as she was hit by a fit of giggles out on court . Preparation: Murray (left) faces Kevin Anderson in the 16 of Wimbledon on Monday . Speaking ahead of the match, Murray said: 'It will be a tough match.' 'He's a big guy with a big game. He's played some very good tennis this year. 'It's probably been his best year on the tour so far in terms of consistency. I'll need to play a tough match to beat him.' Looking good: The 27-year-old has strolled through the first week on Wimbledon . Obstacle: 6ft 8in Anderson stands in the way of Murray and a quarter-final against Grigor Dimitrov . | Andy Murray looks to be in a relaxed mood as he trains with Amelie Mauresmo .
Mauresmo burst into laughter as pair share a joke out on the court .
Wimbledon champion faces Kevin Anderson in last 16 on Monday . |
186f924a472dc6782a2ee9a9b9ce10a1f97fcaf2 | By . Bianca London . His fans read like a roll call of Hollywood royalty so Giorgio Armani was bound to pull something magical out of the bag at his SS14 couture show. The Armani Privé couture collection, as part of the Paris installment of his One Night Only celebrations, showcased his exquisite craftsmanship in a range of dazzling blue and purple evening dresses that certainly wouldn't look out of place on the red carpet. 'This is a woman who moves around the world and picks ideas from the beautiful things she sees, what moves her emotionally: the colour of a skirt, jewellery that can be ethnic or not,' said Armani of the collection called Nomade. Man of the night: Italian fashion designer Giorgio Armani celebrations at the end of the Giorgio Armani Prive Haute Couture Spring-Summer 2014 collection show, which saw an array of dazzling gowns sashay down the catwalk . All that glitters: Armani's collection was described as 'not typically Indian or African or European' and consisted of voluminous skirts and gowns with crystal embellishment; perfect for the red carpet . The famed designer, who counts Cate Blanchett as his muse, described the collection as a 'mélange of things - not typically Indian or African or European. She moves with an Armani spirit in her head.' As well as A-list worthy gowns, Armani introduced some androgyny in the form of perfectly tailored jackets over voluminous trousers. Other statement pieces included a mesh shawl worn over a sheer blouse and billowing skirts in mesmerizing shades of midnight blue and deep purple. The front row was occupied by Kristin Scott Thomas and songstress Paloma Faith, who both exuded glamour as they posed for photographs with the designer backstage. The Twittersphere seemed to approve of Armani's offering. Vogue wrote: 'If you're taking on the world's limelight, you can't go wrong in an Armani.' Another user added: 'This is what professional glamour looks like, courtesy of @Armani Privé.' Exotic: Called Nomade, Armani's couture collection of dazzling eveningwear encompassed strains of the exotica he loves . If I were a boy: Armani also introduced some androgyny with perfectly tailored jackets over voluminous trousers, which received rave reviews . Frow: (L-R) Zhang Ziyi, Kristin Scott Thomas and Chiara Mastroianni sit on the front row of the Giorgio Armani Prive show and, right, Kristin Scott Thomas poses backstage with the man of the night . Glamorous: Paloma Faith, known for her kooky style, opted for a more glamorous and sophisticated look at the show in the French capital . | The Armani Privé spring 2014 couture collection was part of Paris installment of his One Night Only celebrations .
Range of dazzling evening gowns in midnight blue .
Watched by Kristin Scott Thomas and Paloma Faith . |
18718c760605d449b61ce719aa91043a8c7233c9 | (CNN) -- As millions of students across the world go back to school this month, 178 students from 49 countries will turn on their computers and step onto the virtual campus of the world's first global, tuition-free online university. Lessons in learning: University of the People is hoping to use the power of social networks to expand education. Called University of the People, the non-profit, California-based endeavor comes from Israeli entrepreneur Shai Reshef who says he founded the school to provide higher education to those who might otherwise never have access to it. "Our mission is to change people's lives," said Reshef, who also is the chairman of Cramster.com, an online study community for college students. Starting in 1989, Reshef served as the head of Kidum Group, an educational services company based in Israel, which he sold to Kaplan, one of the world's largest test preparation companies, in 2005. He also chaired an online university affiliated with the University of Liverpool. "We want to be an option for people who don't have any other option," he said. There has been no shortage of interest. Since the school started enrolling students in April, nearly 2,000 people from 142 countries have applied. Reshef says the online institution will need 15,000 students over the next four years in order to be sustainable and will need $6 million to fund the venture, of which $1 million he will provide. To attend, students must have a high school diploma, speak English and pay admission fees ranging from $15 to $50, with those from poorer countries paying less and those from richer countries paying more. Students will also have to pay to take exams. In all, it will cost around $4,000 for students to complete their studies and gain a qualification. The school initially will offer bachelor's degrees in business administration and computer science. Curriculum consists of around 40 courses, which will take between four and six years to complete. This year's freshman class includes pupils ages 16 to 61. Indonesia has the highest number of students enrolled, followed by the United States, Brazil and Nigeria. Now that University of the People has proven it can recruit students, the next challenge it faces is whether it can keep them enrolled. "That is a concern," said Reshef. "One of the main issues with online universities is retention." While e-learning has been booming in recent years -- in 2007, nearly 4 million students in the U.S. took at least one course online, according to the Sloan Consortium, a nonprofit dedicated to integrating online learning into higher education -- a challenge educators often face is how to keep students engaged in virtual classrooms. Make it social . To try to solve this problem, the University of the People is turning to an activity that already keeps millions of people occupied on the Internet everyday: social networking. The University of the People's staff of volunteer and retired professors will post readings and lectures in an online repository for students to retrieve and study. Materials come for free from other universities via platforms such as the Open Courseware Consortium, which provides open access to the syllabi, lecture notes, exams and reading lists from 1,800 classes offered at MIT. The university will also use course material from Yale University, said Reshef. "Basically what we do is we take everything that is out there and bring it together," he said. After the students complete their homework, it is mandatory for them to link up with classmates online to discuss the week's curriculum. Unless a student needs special help, teachers will supervise discussions rather than lead them, said Reshef. "We believe the social networking we build around our programs will serve as a cement to keep students with each other and stay in our program," said Reshef. "We are fitting the current culture into the academic culture." However, online education experts are raising questions, particularly surrounding whether University of the People can become accredited. To achieve accreditation, a college must prove it can meet a number of quality assurances set forth by an accrediting body, including breadth and depth of coursework and student test results. Reshef said the university would apply for accreditation with an agency in the U.S. but declined to disclose further plans. "We are not making any promises," he told CNN. John Bourne, executive director of the Sloan Consortium, believes the University of the People may face problems. "Can you accredit something where students are learning themselves from materials? Maybe," he told CNN. "Testing outcomes capability -- what students can do or how well students test -- may be a way the University of the People can succeed in its model. "If that works, then that would be evidence accreditation might be warranted. I still think it will be hard." New ways to learn . However, there is evidence that could work in favor of the University of the People's cause. A recent study conducted by the U.S. Department of Education found that "on average, students in online learning conditions performed better than those receiving face-to-face instruction." "The current methodology is based on the lecture, and that is a thousand-year-old model that is completely inappropriate with the new generation," Don Tapscott, author of "Grown Up Digital: How the Net Generation is Changing Your World", told CNN. "If it is shown that there are better models of learning than the current model, then the credentialing function of the old model will be weakened," said Tapscott. "The Internet is a new mode of production. It was inevitable that peers would come together and create an online university." Other organizations are also experimenting with Web 2.0 platforms, like social networking sites and blogs, to tap into the ways in which younger generations are wired to the web. In January, Nature Education, launched Scitable, a social network platform around an online encyclopedia of freely-published scientific articles. Like Facebook, Scitable users create personal profiles. Unlike Facebook, members share information about genetic research instead of exchanging vacation pictures. Nature Education started the venture in an attempt to reignite student interest in science, said Vikram Savkar, publishing director of Nature Education, who noted that 40 percent of students in the U.S. who start college studying science end up switching majors by the time they graduate. "One of the things we recognized is the materials being provided are not adequate for younger generations who are growing up in a world where information is dynamic, shareable and bite-sized," said Savkar. "We are creating a global classroom for science and allowing people to freely collaborate. We want to put high quality teaching and learning materials into the hands of anybody and everybody who wants to become a scientist," he added. "Sharing data and sharing ideas and coming up with joint conclusions is at the heart of how science works. It is about leveraging each other's knowledge and abilities." | University of the People launches to provide tuition-free online degrees .
New venture uses social networks as key to learning .
Difficulties of accreditation face University of the People .
E-learning has been booming and peer-to-peer study formats growing . |
1873f849d346b0395306deae2b1bd13b869d27aa | Dallas (CNN)It has been almost one year since Corey Knowlton bid $350,000 for a hunting permit issued by the government of Namibia to hunt an endangered black rhinoceros. He hasn't gone on the hunt and it's still not entirely clear if he will ever shoot the animal. The controversial auction, held inside the Dallas Convention Center on a chilly Saturday evening in January, sparked a contentious debate over the best way to protect the species that has been brought to the edge of extinction because of humans' appetite for its horn, which is used for daggers, ornaments and, in Asia, traditional medicine. The auction became so heated that both Knowlton and the auction organizers feared for their safety after receiving strings of death threats that were investigated by the FBI. The Dallas Safari Club sponsored the auction, and billed it as a fundraising effort to help save the endangered species in Africa. Biggame.org and Knowlton said the auction was done in the name of conservation, to save the threatened black rhinoceros. All proceeds were to be donated to the Namibian government and earmarked for conservation and anti-poaching efforts, according to club officials and the Namibian Ministry of Environment and Tourism. Animal welfare groups strongly oppose the auction's conservation approach, and call the "kill it to save it" rationale misguided and outrageous. In spring, Knowlton applied for a permit from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service that would enable him to import the "trophy" parts of the animal's body at the completion of the hunt in Namibia. The hunt would be organized and overseen by the Namibian authorities. "In my opinion, I thought it would have happened by now," Knowlton told CNN in an exclusive interview, when asked if he was surprised that the permit process has taken so long. Knowlton said he is waiting to see what will happen with the permit request before he makes his decision whether to move forward with the hunt. "Namibia wants us to come and participate in the hunt desperately," Knowlton said. "The entire point of the auction in the United States was to be able to import the carcass, the remains of the black rhino into the United States. That's why they had the auction here, in the hopes that it would bring more money to conservation than the previous permits they have sold in Namibia." In addition to importing the rhino "trophy," Knowlton also plans to distribute the rhino meat to Namibian villages after the hunt. The Endangered Species Act requires the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to determine that the import will enhance the species' survival and not be "detrimental" to the survival of the species. The act also requires that any federally authorized activity may not jeopardize the continued survival of the species in any way. "The service looks closely at the individual circumstances of each import application, including the biology of the species, its current status in and beyond the country where the hunt will take place, and the threats it may be facing, as well as the overall management program for the species in that country, where the funds for the hunt will go and how they will be used," said Gavin Shire, chief of public affairs for the U.S. Fish And Wildlife Service. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service said it received over 15,000 public comments opposing the permit in the 30-day allocated comment period on its federal register, which closed on December 8. Many of the comments were "identical or near identical form letters arguing to 'save the last of the black rhinos ... from American trophy hunter's greed and vanity.' " Shire said all the comments will be "examined for substantive information," and was unable to provide a time frame for when the service will make a decision on the permit. Helping or hurting the species? Animal conservationists estimate there are 5,000 black rhinos in the world, about 2,020 of which are in the southern Africa nation. They are considered a "critically endangered species" by wildlife organizations around the world. 5 white rhinos left in the world . Dr. Michael Knight, chairman of the International Union for Conservation of Nature African and Asian Rhino Specialist Groups, said the Namibian black rhino populations have been performing very well, growing at a very healthy 7% per year, thanks to conservation efforts. "In population terms it's of minor significance, as we are talking about one old bull that would have contributed genetically to the rhino population already. In monetary terms, it's important as it generates funds that go directly into the Wildlife Products Fund that feeds 100% back into rhino conservation," Knight said. Knowlton stressed that the rhinos picked for hunting have no benefit to the population at large, and are in fact "a detriment to the population." "The animals chosen are earmarked ... at the end of their life. They are not going to help the enhancement of the black rhino species in any way. This way there is a chance that the death of that animal helps the entire species." Knowlton said by raising money from hunters like himself, the Namibian government can use the money for much needed "anti-poaching" resources and "habitat enhancement." But sacrificing one animal for the greater good of the endangered species is a move that critics and animal conservation groups call "perverse" and a "sad joke." "They need to be protected, not sold to the highest bidder," said Jeffrey Flocken of the International Fund for Animal Welfare. "It's a farce to say that this is being done for conservation," Flocken said. "It's saying the rarity of this animal is worth more dead than alive." Several groups such as Flocken's argue it would be better to use these rhinos to promote wildlife viewing and ecotourism by charging people for the experience of seeing one of these ancient beasts up close in the wild. "It also sends a dangerous message that these iconic and disappearing animals are worth more as dead trophies to be mounted and hung on a wall in a Texas mansion than living in the wild in Africa," Flocken said. Namibia was the first African country to incorporate protection of the environment into its constitution, and said its conservation program has contributed to it having the largest free-roaming population of black rhinos in the world . The Dallas Safari Club obtained the hunting permit from the Namibian government, which would oversee every aspect of Knowlton's expedition. It's the first time a black rhino hunting permit has been auctioned outside the country. In recent years, the Namibian Ministry of Environment and Tourism, which oversees the protection of the black rhinos, has allowed three permits a year. In a 2013 letter to the Dallas Safari Club, the Namibian government said, "To hunt a black rhino is not taken lightly by Namibia. ... Only old geriatric bulls, which are marginalized in the population and do not contribute to reproduction, are trophy hunted." 'It really is a dilemma' The biggest threat to these massive beasts is poachers across the African continent. Rhino horns are lucrative on the black market. In Asia, where there are claims it can treat everything from headaches and food poisoning to rheumatism and cancer, horns can fetch up to $60,000 per kilogram, putting the value somewhere between gold and pure cocaine. In the 1980s, the black rhino population had dwindled to just a few dozen. Conservation efforts have slowly helped increase herd numbers, but poachers are still a threat. Marcia Fargnoli, chief executive officer of the Save the Rhino Trust in Namibia, which works with the government to fight poachers, said the group has tried to persuade the Namibian government to stop issuing hunting permits. But a poor African country like Namibia, where the World Bank estimates the gross per capita income to be less than $6,000, struggles to fund conservation efforts, Fargnoli said. It's difficult for the government to ignore the chance to raise so much money so quickly. "I really believe every rhino counts," said Fargnoli. "It really is a dilemma. ... But I really struggle to say I'm saving rhinos and then say that one can be hunted." Knowlton hosts the hunting show "Uncharted" on The Outdoor Channel and he also organizes high-end hunting adventures around the world. He described himself as a "passionate conservationist," and stressed that animal lovers should research the facts before having "emotional" reactions. There is no doubt in his mind that what he is doing is extremely important in helping the black rhino species in the long run. "The Namibian government is looking at it in a sustainable way. And I believe hunters at large are looking at it as a way to maintain a population in a sustainable way." | After nearly a year, hunter who bid $350K to bag a rhino hasn't hunted .
Namibian government says it's fine for him to kill an old, unneeded bull .
But U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service hasn't approved his plan to bring trophy parts home . |
1874d6129e38ca4d7e75e4ec6a71d8620677338c | A rugby coach and father-of-three has died after apparently suffering an allergic reaction shortly after being stung by wasps. William Lay, 43, had been getting tools out of his garage when he was stung by the insects. The popular man from Oxford was rushed to hospital where doctors battled to save his life, but his reaction to the sting was so severe that he fell into a coma and died four days later. Coma: Father-of-three William lay died four days after being rushed to hospital with wasp stings . In a statement, Oxford Rugby Club, wrote: 'Will was stung by wasps while getting tools out of his garage and suffered a major allergic reaction. 'He will be remembered for his enthusiasm and calm demeanor - two traits ideally suited for coaching children. 'The club wishes to pass on their deepest sympathy to his immediate family, especially his three children, Matt, Ollie and Tilly, two of whom played for Oxford. 'This has come as a huge shock, not just to the age group that Will coached, but to the club as a whole. He was a very popular and hardworking club member. 'Not only did he give up a considerable amount of his time in his role as a coach, but he was also fully involved in any social or fundraising events held by the club. 'He will be sorely missed and our thoughts are with his family at this sad time.' South Central Ambulance Service spokesman Michelle Archer confirmed that ambulances were called just before 8.15am on July 30 to the house in Netherton, near Fyfield, Oxfordshire, following reports of a man in a 'life-threatening condition'. Emergency: Mr Lay was rushed to the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford, but doctors were unable to save the father-of-three . The air ambulance, a road ambulance and a rapid response car were sent to the scene. Paramedics treated Mr Lay at the scene and he was then taken to the John Radcliffe Hospital in the road ambulance with a doctor from the air ambulance helping paramedics. Fyfield Parish Council chairman John Watts said he believed Mr Lay had an epipen with him at the time of the sting. This allows those with a history of anaphylaxis - a severe type of allergic reaction caused by things such as wasp stings and nuts - to inject adrenaline into themselves. Mr Watts added: 'I know he was stunned and then went into shock. They tried to revive him, but it didn’t work.' Mark Ainsworth-Smith, a consultant practitioner with South Central Ambulance Service, said that an epipen will buy an extra five minutes. He added: 'It’s life-threatening unless treatment is given fairly quickly, which is why patients are given epipens to buy them time. 'Usually a reaction to a sting will start within minutes, and can be fatal after five minutes.' Mr Lay’s funeral will be held at St Nicholas Church, Fyfield, on Monday. Deadly: People can suffer an allergic reaction to wasp stings which can prove fatal if they do not receive medical treatment quickly enough . | Village mourns the sudden death of a father-of-three after sting .
William Lay suffered an allergic reaction after being attacked in his garage .
He was rushed to hospital, but fell into a coma and died four days later . |
1875ce79eddb50d2b33d7cbe29e7d9f8c633a756 | IAEA say Fukushima blast not to blame . No increase reported in U.K despite changes in Europe . Very low levels of radioactive iodine-131 have been detected throughout Europe, but the particles are not believed to pose a public health risk, the U.N.nuclear agency said on Friday. NASA have released images of 2,400 stars, known as the Tarantula Nebula, that are producing intense radiation and powerful winds, believed to be the cause for the detection in the atmosphere . Closer look: Known as the Tarantula Nebula, these stars have produced intense radiation say NASA . Outbreak: Unusual levels of iodine-131 have been detected in the Czech Republic and northern Germany . The International Atomic Energy Agency . (IAEA), the Vienna-based U.N. watchdog, said it did not believe the . radioactive particles were from Japan's stricken Fukushima nuclear power . plant after its emergency in March. Professor Malcolm Sperrin, director of medical physics at Britain's Royal Berkshire Hospital, said any link with Fukushima was extremely unlikely. 'It is far more likely that the iodine may be as a result of excretion by patients undergoing medical treatment. 'Whilst such patients are carefully controlled, some release of iodine into the environment may be inevitable but would certainly be well below any limits where health detriment would even begin to be an issue for concern," he said. Blameless: The Fukushima explosion is not believed to be the root cause for the increase in iodine-131 levels . The Czech Republic's nuclear security watchdog said it had tipped off the IAEA after detecting the radiation it thought was coming from abroad but not from a nuclear power plant. It suggested it may come from production of radiopharmaceuticals. Germany's Environment Ministry said slightly higher levels of radioactive iodine had been measured in the north of the country, ruling out that it came from a nuclear power plant. Hungary, Slovakia, Austria and Sweden also reported traces at very low levels that did not pose a health risk. Experts said the origin of the radiation . - which has been spreading for about two weeks - remained a mystery but . could come from many possible sources ranging from medical laboratories . or hospitals to nuclear submarines. Iodine-131, linked to cancer if found in high doses, can contaminate products such as milk and vegetables. Paddy Regan, a professor of nuclear physics at Britain's University of Surrey, said the suggestion that it may have leaked from a radiopharmaceuticals maker 'sounds very sensible and totally reasonable.' He said since iodine was used in the treatment of thyroid conditions it was also likely that hospitals in many European countries would have it in their stores. 'It would be very unlikely for it to have come from Fukushima since the accident was so many months ago and iodine-131 has a brief half-life,' he said. Iodine-131 is a short-lived radioisotope that has a radioactive decay half-life of about eight days, the IAEA said. Massimo Sepielli, head of the nuclear fission unit of Italy's national alternative energy body ENEA said any number of sources could be to blame for the readings. 'It could be coming from the transporting of (nuclear) material, it could come from a hospital ... it could even come from a nuclear submarine, even if it's a more complicated possibility ... but you can't rule that out.' Officials in Spain, Russia, Ukraine, Finland, France, Britain, Switzerland, Poland and Norway said they had not detected any abnormal radiation levels. Romania's watchdog said there had been no incident at the country's sole nuclear plant. Austria's Environment Ministry said small levels were measured in the east and north of the Alpine country, saying the estimated dose level for the population was one 40,000th of the dose of radiation received in a transatlantic flight. In the world's worst nuclear accident since Chernobyl in 1986, an earthquake followed by a massive tsunami overwhelmed the Fukushima plant in Japan, causing a reactor meltdown and leakage of radiation, including of iodine. In the days and weeks after the accident, tiny amounts of iodine-131 believed to have come from Fukushima were detected as far away as Iceland and other parts of Europe, as well as in the United States. | IAEA say Fukushima blast not to blame .
No increase reported in U.K despite changes in Europe . |
18765c38b384af86d92afb8af2522a8a391dd0d1 | By . John Drayton . Floyd Mayweather Jr. can now organize and market fights in Nevada all on his own. The Nevada Athletic Commission voted on Wednesday to grant the undefeated welterweight champion a promoter's licence. The 37-year-old Mayweather has previously worked with fight promoters Top Rank and Golden Boy Promotions in his televised matchups in Las Vegas. Money maker: Floyd Mayweather Jnr has been granted a promoter's license in Las Vegas . Rematch: Floyd Mayweather Jnr takes on Marcos Maidana for a second time in September . VIDEO Mayweather challenges Maidana to put his money where his mouth is . Boxing promoters are responsible for everything from insuring fighters against injury to paying for drug tests and hiring a ring announcer. Mayweather Promotions CEO Leonard Ellerbe said the company knows what it takes to be successful and will continue to grow the sport of boxing, according to the Las Vegas Review-Journal. Mayweather is a licensed promoter in Washington and New York. Ellerbe said the boxer plans to seek licenses in other states. Will they, won't they? The super bout between Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao could take place next year . Meanwhile, Mayweather Jnr and Manny 'Pacman' Pacquiao could finally take to the ring in May 2015. A . source close to Mayweather's father has said the undefeated American . boxer is willing to face his Filipino counterpart for the substantial . money their fight will generate, according to the Boxing Insider website. 'September . 13, back to business, Marcos Maidana-Floyd Mayweather, part II. And . then in May, I'm fighting in May and I'll have a big surprise for you . all,' Mayweather has said previously. | Floyd Mayweather Jnr has been granted a promoter's license in Nevada .
Welterweight champion previously worked with Top Rank and Golden Boy .
US boxer faces a rematch against Marcos Maidana in September .
The 37-year-old could finally meet Manny Pacquiao in May 2015 . |
18765fda59852b1c13eb226a2da9ab0979739f44 | (CNN) -- Twitter users can now let any person, company or, presumably, drunken green monster send them private messages on the site. The feature appears to be rolling out gradually. Some users had the ability as of Tuesday, while others didn't. And it's not automatic: Users will have to opt in to it to enable the new feature. Until now, people could send private messages on Twitter to people who follow them but not to others. The move comes as Twitter, which is wildly popular (it crossed the 200 million-user mark in March) but not yet profitable, prepares to offer its stock publicly. As word of the new feature rolled out, that had many users speculating, not always positively, about how companies could use the feature to spread the word about their products. "Should be renamed 'Check this box if you would like 99% more spam!' " wrote a commenter on a story from tech site The Verge. In addition to allowing brands to send personal messages, or receive them, the new feature could be used by media sites to send news alerts. Twitter has experimented with a service that would send links to news articles to users privately. Early observations Tuesday of the change, which Twitter has not acknowledged publicly, were focusing on the potential upsides and downsides. "Enabling this option could potentially mean open season on your Twitter inbox," wrote Darrell Etherington for TechCrunch, "and that's probably why it's off by default -- but if dealing with a potential influx of spam is worth opening up a new channel of communication for you, then this is a welcome change indeed." | Twitter is making direct messages open to people you don't follow .
Users will have to opt in to the feature .
Some see broader communication, while others see spam . |
187665cef54e1081983b213dd3edf00f290d91a7 | I usually catch myself before I utter the p-word to one of my daughters, but every once in a while it comes flying out of my mouth and I cringe. "You look perfect," I might say when one of them gets dressed up for a holiday. After I say it, I immediately wish I had my own personal eraser button because I've been plagued by an intense perfectionism for pretty much my entire life -- and the last thing I want to do is pass along that horrible trait to my children. It began with the quest to be the perfect daughter, then student, then news correspondent, then career woman, then wife and now mother. I consider myself improving based upon the fact that I didn't get up at 4:30 a.m. to write the perfect piece. I figured sleep is just as important. Opinion: Why is having 'having it all' just a women's issue? I know I am not alone. In her new book, "Wonder Women: Sex, Power and the Quest for Perfection," Debora Spar, who is president of Barnard College, talks about that relentless need that many of us modern women feel to be perfect in every aspect of our lives. For some reason, nearly 50 years after Betty Friedan's "The Feminine Mystique" and the women's movement, we morphed feminism into perfectionism, says Spar. "I'm not entirely sure why but I think one of the things that happened without anyone meaning for it to happen is that as we generationally all got excited with these tremendous opportunities that were being created for women, we kind of built a myth and an illusion around it," said Spar, a mother of three, during a recent interview in which she got very personal. She revealed she had a breast reduction at age 21 because she felt her body would keep her from being taken seriously as a professional. (You can see the full interview here.) The myth about balancing motherhood and a successful career . The media definitely played a role in our perfectionism, Spar said, pointing to commercials like one for Revlon's Charlie perfume in the '70s, which I still remember so vividly. It featured the model Shelley Hack, playing a sleek and sexy businesswoman with a baby who dazzles her husband and every other man who passes her by. That's how life was supposed to be for the modern working woman, right? And it was supposed to be easy, too? "I think that's really the kicker," said Spar. "We not only thought that we would have all of these things at once but that somehow we would glide into this life without really having to work very hard, without struggling, without failing, without getting depressed, and the result of that sadly is that when our lives of course become harder and become messier we somehow feel like we failed." Sheryl Sandberg at BlogHer: Not everyone woman has to be a CEO . While we've been at this perfectionism thing for several decades now, and habits are oh-so-tough to break, Spar offers some great tips on how we can slowly try to change, and also, perhaps most importantly, shares tips on how we can prevent our daughters from following in our not-so-perfect footsteps. 1.Fess Up -- Women who look like they have it all should start admitting the truth, says Spar. "And admit that even if I look like I'm keeping all the balls in the air, they're dropping all over the place," she said. It may seem like a small thing but the power of women talking candidly about the decisions they make and being more honest about the tradeoffs that "everybody's life entails" can hopefully take some of the pressure off women and girls, she added. 2.Say No -- N-O. I am spelling the word because it is just so darn hard for me to say, and that's part of my problem, and the problem of so many other modern women. Spar says we should write down everything we are doing in our lives, cut out three or four responsibilities we can get rid of and then "say no consciously" to additional tasks. "I think where I get into trouble and I see lots of people getting into trouble is when you say maybe. 'I'll try to be there. I'll try to do it.' Just say, 'I don't do that. I don't travel on weekends. I don't go to conferences. I don't do bake sales,' whatever it is and just consciously say, 'I'm not going to do that.'" (My mother-in-law uses a fabulous expression: "Gee, that doesn't work for me." It works every time I have the courage to say it!) 3.Get rid of the guilt -- How many times do you say yes to a work event or a social outing because you feel like you should be there and not because you really want to attend? Spar says her son came up with a list for her. "Every time I was considering whether or not to go to an event, he would say, 'Is it good for your job? Do you have to go? And will it be fun? And if the answer to all those three questions is no, don't go.' And it's amazing how many things fall off your calendar if you run through that little list." 4.'Satisfice' -- It's a term that comes out of economics and is often used by negotiators. It means not going for your first best option, said Spar, but it doesn't mean settling for less. It just means having a "whole array of options" to consider. "Because all too often I think we think in black and white terms. If I'm not secretary of state, I've failed. If I'm not running the corporation, I've failed. Well, what's the next step down, what's the third step down? And I think it's a useful concept to realize that just because you didn't get exactly what you wanted doesn't mean you didn't get something that's really good," she said. (Incidentally, Spar says her dream "was" to be secretary of state. I noted, "There's still time!") 5.It's about men, too -- We can't do this all by ourselves, says Spar. Our husbands, brothers and male colleagues need to be part of it, too. "Men obviously have to pick up some of the housework, some of the child care and women have to let men do that," she added. "I won't let my husband make the school lunches because he's not going to do it quite as beautifully as I will. He's not going to ask all of the right questions at the parent-teacher conference, so I always have to go, too. We have to move away from that and I think there are a lot of men who really want to be more involved in their kids' life and in their home life but sometimes the women are shutting them out because the men will do things differently." Follow Kelly Wallace on Twitter and like CNN Living on Facebook. | Modern women morphed feminism into perfectionism, according to new book .
The book's author, Debora Spar, is president of Barnard College and a mom of three .
Spar says women should "fess up" and admit they can't do it all perfectly .
She also says we need to bring men into the conversation . |
1876b4d9cf234c366597742d22bd0a4f211cb216 | (CNN) -- The would-be assassin of Saudi Arabia's Prince Mohammed bin Nayef hid his bomb in his underwear, apparently believing that cultural taboos would prevent a search in that part of his body, according to a Saudi government official close to the investigation. Saudi Arabia's Prince Mohammed bin Nayef, head of counterterrorism, was slightly injured in August. The prince was slightly injured when the bomb exploded in the August attack. Several news reports this week have said the assailant hid the bomb inside his rectum, but according to the Saudi official, the government assessment discounted those reports, based on various factors. Among them: When the bomb went off there was a flash of light, suggesting that the bomb was not hidden inside the assassin's body. Also, doctors consulted by the government judged that the toxicity of the plastic explosives would make them hard to hold for many hours inside the rectum, and the environment in this area of the body would make detonation "difficult," according to the Saudi official close to the investigation. The Saudis said they think the bomb weighed 100 grams and was made with a plastic explosive, to avoid detection by metal detectors through which the would-be assassin had to pass before he was allowed to meet with the prince. The official said the explosive was PETN, which was used by the so-called shoe bomber Richard Reid, who attempted to blow up an American Airlines flight between Paris, France, and Miami, Florida, in December 2001. The Saudis are exploring the possibility that the prince's assailant exploded the device using a detonator that used a chemical fuse, which would not be detected by a metal detector. The would-be assassin -- a Saudi member of al Qaeda who had fled to Yemen, identified as Abdullah Hassan al Asiri -- posed as a member of the terror group willing to surrender personally to Prince Nayef. Prince Nayef is responsible for overseeing the kingdom's terrorist rehabilitation program, and some two dozen important members of al Qaeda previously have surrendered to him in person, according to the Saudi government official. During the month of Ramadan, traditionally a time of repentance in the Muslim world, al Asiri gained an audience with the prince at his private residence in Jeddah, presenting himself as someone who could also persuade other militants to surrender. Under the cover of pretending that he was reaching out to other militants to surrender, al Asiri briefly called other members of al Qaeda to tell them that he was standing by Prince Nayef. After finishing the call, the bomb blew up, killing al Asiri but only slightly injuring the prince, who was a few feet away from his would-be assassin. The Saudi government official characterized the prince's narrow escape as a "miracle." | Source: Man hid bomb in underwear, believing he wouldn't be searched there .
Saudis dismiss reports bomber hid explosive in rectum .
Saudis believe bomber used plastic explosive to pass through metal detectors . |
1876e587359be6fdbb83ea0d54f776f109f5e65f | Moeen Ali had to wait a long time before his sceptical captain gave him a proper bowl on Sunday. But in wrestling back a Test that had been slipping from England’s grasp, he soon showed he might become more than just a bit-part spinner. Alastair Cook has made it clear with his sparing use of Moeen in this two-Test Investec series that he remains far from convinced the Worcestershire all-rounder is the man capable of stepping into Graeme Swann’s massive shoes. It seemed almost in desperation that the England captain finally threw him the ball with just over an hour of the third day to go. He had given Moeen just one over before then in Sri Lanka’s second innings on this dry Headingley pitch. A Test that England had dominated for most of the first two days was slowly being turned on its head by the Sri Lankan giants Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene, and Cook’s need of a breakthrough was becoming acute. VIDEO Ali pleased with late breakthrough against Sri Lanka . Breakthroughs: Moeen Ali claimed two wickets in two balls when Sri Lanka were cruising at Headingley . Big wicket: Matt Prior celebrates as Sri Lanka's Kumar Sangakkara was given out LBW off Moeen's bowling . Key wickets: Moeen looks determined after taking the wicket of Sangakkara for 55 runs . Short stuff: Diminutive but hugely experienced, Mahela Jayawardene withstood some aggressive bowling . Hal a job: Jayawardene acknowledges his 50 milestone but will be key to Sri Lanka setting a big total . Enter the man the New Road marketing . men call the ‘beard that’s feared’. Sangakkara, who had just become only . the fourth man to record seven consecutive Test scores of 50 or more, . was in the mood to turn what might be his last Test innings in England . into something considerably more substantial. Yet . Moeen, who had dismissed Sangakkara for his first Test wicket at . Lord’s, quickly made him his second victim when one of the greatest of . all batsmen played him the old-fashioned way with his pad rather than . bat, and was lbw. Cook could . easily have then taken Moeen off to attack Lahiru Thirimanne with . either of the men who have tormented him in this series — Jimmy Anderson . and Liam Plunkett — but he kept his spinner on and was immediately . rewarded. Thirimanne was . dismissed for two and two at Lord’s and was out first ball in the first . innings here. Perhaps ominously, with Rangana Herath due to bowl last, . Moeen got appreciable turn and Thirimanne was bowled by a beauty to . complete his pair. It was . two wickets in three balls for Moeen, and how England needed that double . strike. When they had battled their way to 311 for three on Saturday . thanks to Sam Robson’s maiden hundred in reply to Sri Lanka’s 257, there . seemed only one possible winner of this decisive Test. VIDEO Sangakkara is the world's best batsmen - Atapattu . Another milestone: Sangakkara earlier reached a record-equalling seventh consecutive half-century . Danger man: The veteran left-hander added 55 runs to his 79 in the first innings . Yet . the dismissal of Ian Bell, frustratingly strangled down the leg-side, . was the catalyst for a transformation that saw Sri Lanka take England’s . last seven wickets for 54 runs and then fight their way to 214 for four . by Sunday’s close. Thanks . to Moeen, England remain favourites but if Sri Lanka can extend a lead . that currently stands at 106 beyond 200, then a team without a Test win . since their third in the Ashes last summer at Durham will be decidedly . twitchy. This was . undoubtedly Sri Lanka’s day from the moment their impressive captain . Angelo Mathews showed his seamers how to do it by putting the ball in . the right place at barely 75 miles per hour and letting the conditions . do the rest. Mathews, little . more than an occasional bowler, had struck twice on Saturday and took . two of the last four England wickets to fall, with the notoriously . fickle Headingley pitch suddenly resembling a minefield. Stranded: Prior managed just 27 not out before he ran out of partners as England lost four wickets for 45 runs . House knocked over: Liam Plunkett walks off after his middle stump was displaced by Angelo Mathews . Opening up the shoulders: With wickets falling around him Matt Prior hit Shaminda Eranda for six . When . England’s last two men in Plunkett and Anderson fell to near-unplayable . balls, Cook (below) would have been confident that a lead of 108 would . prove decisive. But his seamers got it all wrong and Sri Lanka displayed . considerable spirit. England . clearly expected uneven bounce but little came when they kept on . bowling a fraction too short. They did not help themselves with yet . another fielding lapse, Chris Jordan dropping Dimuth Karunaratne when he . was on four. A wicket then . would have exposed Sangakkara to the new ball and things could have . been very different. But Anderson and Stuart Broad, worryingly with five . Tests to come against India in just six weeks, struggled to make an . impression and looked out on their feet by the close. It . was left to Plunkett, seizing his second chance in Test cricket, to . take the first two wickets but with Sangakkara and Jayawardene both . reaching their half-centuries Cook was running out of ideas before he . turned to his spinner. Floored: Chris Jordan drops a catch off the edge of Sri Lanka's Dimuth Karunaratne at second slip . Out of character: The athletic fast bowler put down a straightforward catch off James Anderson's bowling . No idea: Anderson cops a brilliant bouncer from Eranga which he can only glove to the bowler . ‘It . was nice to contribute and get us back in the game,’ said Moeen, who . even bowled his doosra in the seventh of his nine overs. ‘They were . playing very well at the time and I just tried to bowl as straight as I . can to Sanga because if you get it slightly wrong he can take you . apart.’ England still have . much to do and Jayawardene, almost certainly playing in his last Test in . England, is still there after surviving a reviewed lbw call from . Plunkett on 45 that just about went in his favour. Together . with Mathews he could yet push Sri Lanka’s lead beyond the 225 which . they think, with Herath in their ranks and the pitch expected to offer . more turn on the last two days, will win them their first Test series in . England. It is up to . England, who squandered seven chances in Sri Lanka’s first innings . before throwing away their position of dominance with the bat, to make . sure they make no further mistakes. | England were all out for 365 on morning of day three at Headingley .
The hosts lost four wickets for 45 runs and left Matt Prior stranded on 27no .
Sri Lanka lead by 106 runs and are 213-4 in their second innings .
Moeen claimed wickets of Sangakkara and Lahiru Thirimanne in three balls .
Sangakkara scored a record-equalling seventh half-century in a row .
Sri Lanka were bowled out for 257 in their first innings .
Mahela Jayawardene is 55 not out at stumps on day three . |
18771989f9eb80310173483a9192d5f50598c6a1 | By . Suzannah Hills . PUBLISHED: . 06:37 EST, 27 March 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 07:12 EST, 27 March 2013 . A daring photographer managed to hold his ground to take these spectacular pictures of an elephant - despite it charging straight towards him. Incredibly, Ben Cranke sat unfazed in his camp chair as the five-tonne male dashed out of the savannah and stampeded into the water. The pair came within just 30 feet of each other during a tense stand-off at the Savuti Game Reserve, Chobe National Park, Botswana. Stand back! Photographer Ben Cranke incurred the displeasure of this elephant at Savuti Game Reserve in Botswana which decided to charge at the 48-year-old to show him who's boss . Too close for comfort: The five-tonne fully-grown male raises its ears into a V position to show it threatening the photographer while splashing water at him . But the 48-year-old from Chingford, Essex, held his nerve as the elephant rushed at him, knowing from experience that the first is usually a mock attack. The fully-grown animal - which towered . 12 ft high - charged at Mr Cranke three times before concluding he posed . no threat and calmly walked away. He said: 'It was a blistering hot day and I was sheltering from the heat in the deep shade of a Camelthorn tree, right next to the Savuti channel. 'This elephant walked out of surrounding savannah, down to water's edge on the opposite bank to drink. 'I sat quietly in my camp chair, not moving a muscle, enjoying the experience of being 20 or so metres (65ft) from such a majestic animal. Making a splash: The elephants marks its territory and gives photographer Ben Cranke a hosing down in a tense stand-off at the reserve in the Chobe National Park . 'I had been upwind from him, so remained undetected - but as the breeze shifted, he caught my scent. 'He immediately turned to face me and seeing I was close, he charged without warning straight into the channel in an attempt to scare me off. 'I had suspected he may do this so had quietly adjusted my camera settings to freeze the action of his charge. 'Having spent a lot of time around elephants on foot before, I also thought his charge would be a mock charge, so when he did charge I did not move apart from raising my camera to shoot a burst of frames. 'I must admit to having a few moments of thinking "Have I got it right?", "Is this going to be a mockie?" If I had this wrong I had no chance of escape.' But after a few tense moments as the fully-grown male elephant charged towards him, it slowed down - eventually stopping just a few metres from where Mr Cranke was sat. Lucky escape: Fortunately for Mr Cranke, the charge was just a 'mock attack' and the elephant left him alone when it realised he wasn't a threat . He added: 'Fortunately, he proved me right by stopping short after a few metres of charging into the water. 'He backed off a short distance for a half a minute or so before he charged again, thrashing the water with his trunk and spraying water in my direction. 'I changed my camera from landscape to portrait framing and shot another series of frames, still remaining seating in my camp chair. 'He backed off again, watched for a short while and then charged for the third time - again splashing and spraying water at me. 'This time, he came within 10 metres (30ft) of where I sat quietly, apart from raising my camera. 'After this third charge I suspect the bull realised I was not a threat because he backed off to the opposite edge of the channel. 'He watched me curiously from the bank and splashed himself with some water to cool off. 'He also had a long drink before moving off and disappearing back into the bush from where he had come. 'It was only at this point that I returned to my camp site - in search of a cold beer and with a big smile on my face. What a privileged experience that had been.' Quite an ordeal: The pair got within 30ft of each other during the confrontation. After the elephant decided to leave him alone, Mr Cranke returned to his camp site to have a beer and recover from his experience . | Ben Cranke was taking wildlife pictures at Savuti Game Reserve, Botswana .
But a 12ft fully-grown male elephant took exception to being photographed .
Five-tonne animal performed three charges straight towards 48-year-old .
Luckily, they were just 'mock attacks' and Mr Cranke got these great images . |
187754203c34129655bd29e70cf75f2aa6fa475a | Baghdad (CNN) -- A series of car and roadside bombs targeting buses and bus stations rocked predominately Shiite areas of Iraq on Thursday, killing at least 19 people and wounding more than 100, police said. Two separate incidents happened at bus stations in Karbala province, south of Baghdad. In the first bombing, a car exploded at a bus depot near the Awan Shiite shrine, killing a bystander and wounding 17. Later Thursday, a pair of bombs erupted in a busy bus station in northern Karbala, killing at least five and wounding 15 others. Read more: Dozens killed in attacks in Iraq . In Salaheddin province, north of Baghdad, a car bomb and three roadside bombs exploded near buses carrying Shiite pilgrims in al-Dujail. The blasts killed at least eight and wounded 81. And in Babil province, south of the Iraqi capital, another bus station bombing killed five and wounded 10. Overall, violence has dropped significantly in the country since the peak of sectarian violence between 2005 and 2007, but flare-ups have become commonplace again recently. Read more: Suicide bomber kills Iraqi lawmaker, police say . Last month, at least 208 Iraqi soldiers, police officers, and -- mostly -- civilians were killed in attacks, according to figures compiled by Iraq's Interior, Defense and Health ministries. The uptick in violence has coincided with three weeks of demonstrations in Sunni provinces, including Anbar and Mosul, with protesters demanding that the Shiite-led government stop what they call second-class treatment of Iraq's Sunni community. Sunnis largely boycotted Iraq's 2005 elections, leading to the emergence of a Shiite-led government. The move left the once-ruling minority disaffected, which contributed to years of bloody insurgency and sectarian warfare. These protests were triggered last month when Iraqi security forces arrested bodyguards of Finance Minister Rafie al-Essawi, a Sunni. Al-Essawi on Monday escaped a roadside bomb attack on his convoy near Baghdad. CNN's Mohammed Tawfeeq reported from Iraq and Mark Morgenstein contributed from Atlanta. | At least 19 people killed and more than 100 injured in bombings in Iraq, police say .
The targets were mainly buses and bus stations in predominately Shiite areas .
Violence has increased across Iraq recently .
Sunnis have protested against Shiite-led government, calling for an end to discrimination . |
1877afffe50684358f8d26a7715e408d70507dec | Cristiano Ronaldo is an unrepeatable one-off, Jose Mourinho has told French Television channel TF1. The Portuguese forward - who has assured supporters the ice-pack on his knee after Portugal’s defeat by France at the weekend was purely precautionary - has been hailed by the former Real Madrid coach he fell out with two seasons ago. Mourinho said: ‘Cristiano is a goals machine. He is an incredible player. He is like (Zinedine) Zidane, there will never be another Ronaldo.’ VIDEO Scroll down to watch Ronaldo: Ballon d'Or is important but I don't lose sleep over it . Cristiano Ronaldo is an unrepeatable one-off, Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has told French television . Mourinho described Ronaldo as a goal machine and compared the frontman with Real legend Zinedine Zidane . Former Real Madrid manager Mourinho fell out with his compatriot during his time at the Bernabeu . Ronaldo has assured fans the ice pack on his knee after Portugal's defeat by France was purely precautionary . The record-breaking forward left Real Madrid fans with their hearts in their mouths on Saturday when he immediately applied ice to his troublesome left knee but the measure is now standard practice for Ronaldo designed to prevent any inflammation that might aggravate an on-going but controllable tendinitis problem. Ronaldo spoke before the friendly that Portugal lost to France and repeated his desire to keep winning Ballon d’Or awards. He told Correio da Manha: ‘I am not going to pretend otherwise I would love to win my third Golden Ball. It doesn’t depend on me so I am just going to keep doing the best I can and let’s see what happens in January. ‘I have had a great start to the season and my scoring record is better than ever. I hope it’s going to be a year of great success on a team and individual level.’ Ronaldo, pictured against France on Sunday, has targeted a year of great success for himself and his team . Meanwhile, Real Madrid midfielder Toni Kroos insisted there is no better player in world football than Ronaldo. The Real frontman has scored an impressive 17 goals in just 11 matches and Germany international Kroos, speaking to Die Welt, said: 'At the moment, there is no better player than Cristiano. He was one of those who looked out for me at first, he's a really nice guy.' Having arrived from German champions Bayern Munich for a fee believed to be in the region of £24m, Kroos knows all about playing for one of Europe's top teams and insists the spirit in the Real Madrid camp is 'amazing'. Real Madrid's summer signing Toni Kroos believes there is currently no better player than Ronaldo . 'I know what it means to play in a team with great individual quality,' said Kroos. 'We all respect each other, the spirit is amazing. 'I was lucky to come from a club with great standards. In Munich, it's more than stepping out on to the field to win - you start the season to win titles. So I didn't have to adapt a lot. 'I enjoy playing in Madrid. Although people may not believe me, it's a family club. I feel that people trust me.' | Cristiano Ronaldo is a goal machine, according to Jose Mourinho .
The former Real Madrid manager compared Ronaldo with Zinedine Zidane .
Ronaldo and Mourinho fell out during their time together at the Bernabeu .
Ronaldo's team-mate Toni Kroos insists there is no better player . |
1877c871c7c01ba85ef6497f7bc69d30ade4ecd2 | It's not uncommon to see a dog on the back of a flat-bed truck, perhaps at a stretch, even the odd pig - but a horse? Police in the northern New Zealand town of Kaitaia are stunned by what they have seen - going as far as posting the comment 'speechless' on social media. And animal welfare groups have also expressed their anger, amid claims it was no leisurely drive around the block. The ute is believed to have topped 100 kilometres an hour on a state highway. No, this is not a horse float. Police in the northern New Zealand town of Kaitaia are stunned by what they have seen - going as far as posting the comment 'speechless' on social media after photos showed an untethered horse riding on the back of a table-top truck . Authorities are hoping their decision to post the image on Facebook, which shows the horse standing in the back, apparently without any sort of restraint, will lead to the identity of the owner. It has also sparked much debate about road transport rules in parts of New Zealand. Houhora constable Tracee Knowler told the Northern Advocate the horse had been spotted travelling around Northland on the back of the ute quite a few times recently, and in one case a motorist had reported it topping speeds of 100kph on a local highway. Houhora Police confirming this in the statement: 'This vehicle had been seen at open road speed on State Highway One.' NZ Police say other motorists have reported seeing the table-top travel at speeds of 100kph on a highway with the untethered horse in the back . Some social media comments have taken a light-hearted look at the matter, referring to 'the tail-gate being open' or 'how much horse-power does that make it?' But most have taken a more serious tone, including local police. TVNZ quoted Houhora Police as providing this statement: 'Looking at the horse it seems relaxed - I don't think anyone would deny that'. 'However, transporting a horse in that manner on that truck with no sides to speak of, on open and at the moment extremely busy roads is just crazy and dangerous to everybody using the road including the horse. 'There is nothing to stop that horse or part of it going over the side of the truck. 'So you can say it's quiet, trained etc. - but what if the driver has to slam on the brakes or gets hit by another vehicle? 'Or as someone has said it gets spooked by something like a fire truck and siren? I too have seen other horses transported on the backs of trucks - but never have I seen one on a truck without high sides.' | Unrestrained horse rides on back of ute around New Zealand streets .
NZ Police seeking public's help to track down the owner of the table-top .
Other motorists reported that the table-top vehicle has been seen travelling at speeds of 100 kilometres per hour on the highway . |
1877d077dfef57ee2a2e9f11ee4dd8a56e7b9bda | A photograph widely circulating on social media last night purported to show a Russian separatist fighter stealing a ring from a victim of the MH17 crash. In the picture, which has not been independently verified, three rebels wearing military uniforms appear to be rifling through the wreckage. A blonde-haired fighter, wearing a black beret, is bent over what looks like wreckage and apparently holding what seems to be a gold ring. Scroll down for videos . Evidence of looting? The image appears to show a rebel fighter handling a gold ring amid the wreckage . Hunt for clues? A rebel fighter is filmed rifling through the bag of one of the 298 MH17 crash victims . The suggestion is that it could have been found amid a victim’s belongings or even taken from a body. The image, which appears to have been first tweeted in Russian by the user ‘stabilizec’, was shared thousands of times on Twitter. There was a furious backlash online with many users voicing their distaste at the picture despite any confirmation of what it showed. Sean Callaghan from Cheshire called it ‘an appalling act of inhumanity’. Others, however, said rebels may have been looking for an inscription to identify a body. The image came as a video given to the BBC showed other pro-Russia fighters emptying out the luggage of victims of the tragedy. Militiamen . tramped over the remains of the aircraft searching for its ‘black box’ flight recorders and other clues minutes after it was shot down. The . footage, which the rebels gave to the BBC, provides fresh evidence that . they took away material that could have proved crucial for crash . investigators. Grim cargo: Ukrainian rescue workers remove bagged bodies of the 298 MH17 victims from the village of Grabovo in eastern Ukraine where the plane came down. The area is controlled by pro-Russian separatists . Horror: European monitors inspect the morgue train before it pulled out of Torez station heading west . Safety: Emergency workers put on protective gear to handle the victims, many of whom were badly burned . It was not immediately known what the Malaysian team would do with the black boxes, but there was speculation they would pass the boxes on to experts with experience of reading the data . A Malaysian investigator, left, takes a black box as it is handed over by a Donetsk People's Republic official in the city of Donetsk . The militia leader who shot the film, named only as ‘Zhuk’, tried to justify his men’s actions. ‘We looked at their belongings because we were searching for documents. Then we put them in a truck and took them away for sorting,’ he told the BBC. The controversy comes after leaders blasted pro-Russian rebels working on the site for 'manhandling' the bodies. Dutch Foreign Minister Frans Timmermans told Ukraine's President Petro Poroshenko that his country was 'angry' and 'furious' by reports of bodies being dragged around the site in Grabovo, Donetsk. 'We are already shocked by the news we got today of bodies being dragged around, of the site not being treated properly,' he said. Ukrainian officials accused pro-Russian separatists of taking bodies from the scene of the crash before emergency services personnel began officially collecting them on Saturday. Clean-up: Luggage belonging to the victims has finally been collated and loaded into trains to go to Holland . After a storm of criticism over bodies being left in the summer heat for four days, the train has finally departed . However, today Ukrainian officials announced all possible remains had been recovered. Of the 298 victims, 282 have been moved into a refrigerated train which has finally left Torez, heading west. Fragments from a further 16 bodies have also been recovered but are badly burned, officials explained. The remains will be handed to the Netherlands, which, at 192, had the greatest number of fatalities. Meanwhile the black boxes from the Malaysia Airlines plane will be handed to Malaysian authorities. | Images circulating on Twitter of three rebels handling victims' luggage .
One fighter appears holding gold ring possibly taken from a body .
Thousands blasted 'inhumane' looting and 'manhandling' of bodies .
Some suggest the separatists could have been trying to identify dead . |
187807956a28f047deb4790239d52dfb97174cf8 | Residents have discovered anti-Semitic flyers in their letterboxes which urge 'white Australia' to 'wake up'. The flyers distributed in the Sydney beach-side suburb of Bondi - known for its high number of Jewish residents - make reference to white power group Stormfront. The letters claim 'the Jews' encourage 'race mixing' and that they 'own' Hollywood and the majority of Western media. CEO of the NSW Jewish Board of Deputies Vic Alhadeff told Daily Mail Australia he completely condemned the posters, which were signed off by a Sydney chapter of Stormfront, Squadron 88. 'The flyers are an appalling compilation of racist stereotypes, which is all too predicable from neo-Nazi organisations. It's no coincidence that 88 represents HH, which stands for Heil Hitler.' Scroll down for video . This flier was distributed around Bondi in Sydney, which has a high population of Jewish people . 'It's most concerning that such blatant hatred is alive and well in our country and its deeply disturbing that group which holds such views should feel that the climate in conducive for them to come out of the woodwork,' Mr Alhadeff said. CEO of the NSW Jewish Board of Deputies Vic Alhadeff said such anti-Semitic incidents were on the rise . The flyers also claimed 'Jews have been kicked out of countries 109 times throughout history... Could it be that having them in a European country is harmful to the host?'. When asked if he had seen similar cases in the past, Mr Alhadeff said he had and although these groups were known for their position on such issues incidents were on the rise. 'There has however been a very concerning rise in anti-Semitic sentiments these past months. 'This has been evident in a large number of incidents ranging from swastikas on the streets of Sydney to the verbal assault of children on a school bus most recently', he said. Mr Alhadeff was referring to an incident that took place in Randwick at the start of this month where a group of teenagers boarded a bus full of Jewish school children and terrorised them. 'Such conduct violates the values of our country and what we stand for as a multicultural society which overwhelmingly respects diversity,' Mr Alhadeff continued. One Bondi resident who received the letter sent it to American Jewish newspaper Algemeiner and told them he was 'disgusted' by the discovery. 'It is part of an increase in anti-Semitism that such low people as the ones who issued these flyers feel comfortable coming out of the woodwork', Abraham Blasenstein said. 'It is not a pleasant thought that there are some people that would like to do the worst to you for no reason other than their cruel character. It was the smallest touch of what it must have felt like for Jews in Europe before WWII. 'There, there was no hope and no support, at least now in Australia it is reasonable to believe that most decent people will find this type of leaflet appalling,' Mr Blasenstein continued. Australian Race Discrimination Commissioner Dr Tim Soutphommasane tweeted that he was 'very disturbed' by the flyers . Australia Race Discrimination Commissioner Dr Tim Soutphommasane told Daily Mail Australia via a statement that extremely racist messages such as the flyer have no place in Australia and the Jewish community has his full support. 'We should be very concerned to see such anti-Semitic material being circulated in Sydney. It is a worrying sign that extremists are being emboldened to spread their messages of racial hatred. Stormfront is a website associated with neo-Nazi organisations and with the advocacy of racist doctrines. 'Ideas about racial hatred or purity simply have no place in Australian society. Those responsible for this material should be condemned.' The letter was signed off by Squadron 88 which is a Sydney offshoot of neo-Nazi group Stormfront, whose logo is pictured here . 'Members of the Australian Jewish community have communicated to me their concern about rising anti-Semitism. The Jewish community has my full support in combating prejudice and discrimination. There needs to be an unambiguous message from all levels of society about racism. 'Where there isn't, extremists can start to believe that they may have licence to express their racial hatred. We can’t be complacent. When it is given the opportunity, racial vilification can escalate to racial violence,' the statement finished. Also accusing Jewish people of pumping 'anti European values' and 'drug abuse', the flyer invited people 'with an open mind' to join them. On Squadron 88's Facebook page just over a week ago there was a call out for members who could help hand out leaflets around their suburb so long as the distributed a 'minimum of 500'. Federal MP for Wentworth, Malcolm Turnbull said on his website that those responsible for the leaflets were guilty of 'un-Australian behaviour'. 'These leaflets seek to undermine the security and the harmony of Australia and hence of all Australians,' he said. | Anti-Semitic flyers have been delivered to Bondi and Double Bay .
The leaflets read 'wake up white Australia' and accuse 'the Jews' of encouraging 'race mixing'
Head of the NSW Jewish Board of Deputies called them 'appalling'
Earlier this month Jewish children were terrorised on their school bus . |
18780e1909cf6122a2ab98e0df27beb5bd1f2e64 | By . Tara Brady . PUBLISHED: . 07:16 EST, 23 December 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 09:44 EST, 23 December 2013 . Whistleblower Edward Snowden has said he will help Germany investigate NSA spying if Berlin grants him political asylum. Revelations about the National Security Agency's spy programs were first published in June, based on some of the thousands of documents Snowden handed over to the Brazil-based American journalist Glenn Greenwald and his reporting partner Laura Poitras, a U.S. filmmaker. Snowden, who is living in Russia on a temporary one-year visa, has previously requested political asylum in Brazil and several other nations. Whistleblower Edward Snowden has said he will help Germany investigate NSA spying if Berlin grants him political asylum . But in a letter to the publication German Stern he wrote: 'I have a great respect for Germany.' He believes the U.S. will 'implement sanctions against Germany in response to criticism of illegal surveillance' because it will cause 'greater harm to the U.S. rather than Germany.' Snowden sent a similar open letter to Brazil last week but according to newspaper reports the government said it would not be granting him asylum. Snowden commended the Brazilian government for its strong stand against spying and wrote that he would aid them in investigating claims that Brazil is one of the victims of NSA - if they give him asylum. Glenn Greenwald, the American journalist who first published the documents leaked by former NSA contractor Edward Snowden . Russian President Vladimir Putin (left) said operationally they are not working with Snowden while Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff (right) cancelled a state visit to America . However, several Brazilian politicians, mainly opponents of Rousseff's leftist government, said granting Snowden asylum would be counter-productive and would lead to further deterioration of ties with the United States, the country's largest trading partner after China. The documents revealed that Brazil is the top NSA target in Latin America, spying that has included the monitoring of Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff's cellphone and hacking into the internal network of state-run oil company Petrobras. The revelations enraged Rousseff, who in October cancelled an official visit to Washington that was to include a state dinner. More than 50 German public figures asked Berlin to grant Snowden asylum in November but the German government refused this request. According to RT, Russian President Vladimir Putin said: 'Operationally, we are not working with him and never have done, and are not asking him any questions about how his agency worked on Russia. 'I won't hide it, this person is not without interest for me. I think that thanks to Snowden, a lot changed in the minds of millions of people, including in the minds of major political leaders.' | Revelations about the NSA's spy programs were first published in June .
Snowden is living in Russia on a temporary one-year visa .
He has previously requested political asylum in Brazil and other nations . |
18786a71ad5ff96d6773bd41f734c79b3a136078 | (CNN) -- "I got the sailors to lash me to the mast to observe it. I was lashed for four hours and I did not expect to escape, but I felt bound to record it if I did." Joseph Mallord William Turner had a truly obsessional attention to art, so following in his footsteps is no easy task. British artist Andy Parker admits he will draw the line at being tied to a mast for hours on end, but nonetheless he plans to retrace the movements at sea of arguably the greatest maritime artist of all time. Parker may be relieved to know that the quote attributed to Turner by John Ruskin after his 1842 painting "Snow Storm -- Steam-Boat off a Harbor's Mouth making Signals in Shallow Water, and going for the Lead" -- is now thought to have been apocryphal. After all, Ruskin described Turner as "at once the painter and poet of the day," using poetic license in the 24,000 works of art he created, of which more than 60% were water-themed. "His style of painting, I believe, was not necessarily what's in front of you but what you want to see," explains Parker. "These fabulous sunsets of his were not necessarily what he saw, he could just come up with a good idea. "That's what makes him such a great artist, while I'm just a painter. So I'm not trying to emulate his style but the position where he was." Following in Turner's footsteps has been done before -- UK-born American artist Edward Moran's infatuation was such that he traveled from the United States to study his work and retrace some of the spots where he painted. Parker, however, is the first to do so for more than 150 years. The link between Parker and Turner is more than just an admiration of his work -- both were born in London's Covent Garden and were shopkeepers' sons. "Turner's father was a barber and I'm sure the Parkers and Turners probably knew each other," says Parker, whose family ran a saddlery business. Parker's "big undertaking" is to visit 12 to 15 locations from Deal in Kent to Poole in Dorset, along Britain's southern coast. The amount of materials and canvases he would have to carry means he may not be able to do the whole trip at once. And while Turner set off to sea to sketch, Parker will travel the 1,000 or so miles to the various ports and harbors. But like Turner, he too plans to take to the waters and is looking for yachting enthusiasts across the country to help him in his quest. "Chartering boats is so expensive so I've contacted some yachting magazines to see if I can get any helpers," he says. "I don't want to go out for eight hours on some fishing jolly -- no-one wants an artist spoiling the view. I'm just looking for a couple of hours where I can work quickly -- Turner's journeys were usually brief -- and throw down some ideas." Parker, 56, spent the majority of his life working in the music industry before coming to painting as a profession. While Parker is "not really a sailor," Turner had sea legs. "Turner was a great traveler," says Christine Riding, head of art at London's Royal Museums Greenwich. "He liked to travel alone or with intimate friends, who paint the picture of a mariner. "They paint a nice picture of him not being bothered by the stormy weather while everyone was being sick he carried on sketching. "He was a workaholic that certainly enjoyed the dynamics of the sea, and he had a very good grasp of maritime terminology. The sea was constantly imbibed in his DNA as an artist." The Greenwich National Maritime Museum recently hosted an exhibition called "Turner and the Sea," the first to solely focus on his apparent obsession. "Whether the story of him being tied to the mast or not is true, it doesn't really matter, it's just a very romantic idea," explains Riding. "If you take that painting, the title itself is very important. The boat's name is Aerial and there is no evidence of a ship by that name then. "Turner was known to be a very poetic artist so you think of Ariel in the Tempest, or else Ariel the ship on which Percy Bysshe Shelley died." At the time, the British Empire ruled the waves with the world's biggest navy. "That was basically part of the national identity," Riding explains. "He's an artist responding to his history. Landscape artists by their very nature tend to have a maritime period but it was such a key time. "He was born in 1775 when Captain Cook had just come back from his second voyage of discovery and the nation was a global sea power. It was almost part of his DNA from the outset." Riding says Parker's expedition has echoes of Moran's journey, which came shortly after Turner's death in 1851 at the age of 76. "He traveled the south coast to emulate his artistic idol, and you can see a heavy Turner influence in his work," Riding says. Moran's subsequent work, paintings such as "The Shipwreck," were very Turner-esque in their use of bold colors and glowing, turbulent skies, as boats were tossed in different directions amid stormy seas. More than a century and a half after Moran's voyage, Parker is following suit. See: The best sailing images of 2013 . | JMW Turner was notorious for his maritime paintings in 19th Century Britain .
Now British artist Andy Parker is to emulate his artistic journeys on the high seas .
The pair are connected by their upbringing as sons of shopkeepers in Covent Garden .
Art expert describes Turner's fascination with the sea, which accounted for 60% of his work more than a century and a half after Turner's death. |
18787930b8e562841c0a9a013b3dec21cf9ce932 | Vanessa-Mae was banned from international skiing for four years yesterday after taking part in fixed races to help her qualify for the Winter Olympics. The 36-year-old British violinist competed for Thailand, the country of her father’s birth, at the Games in Sochi last February. She skied under the name Vanessa Vanakorn and said it had been an ‘amazing’ experience despite coming last out of 67 competitors. Scroll down for video . Banned: Violinist Vanessa-Mae, pictured on Monday ahead of a concert in Prague, took part in fixed races in Slovenia in order to qualify for the Sochi Winter Olympic, organised at the request of her manager . But yesterday the Swiss-based International Ski Federation (FIS) said it had found ‘violations’ in her results from a hastily staged event in Slovenia held days before the deadline for Olympic qualification. It said that without the cheating she would not have achieved the points needed to be eligible to ski in the Games. Officials are said to have invented times for skiers who did not race and faked times for skiers who did not finish. They also broke rules by not changing the course design between the first and second runs, and allowing skiers to continue in poor weather which required abandonment. Five officials involved in the event at Krvavec in Slovenia have been banned by FIS. It is unclear if Thai Olympic officials were involved or if they will face IOC sanctions. The FIS said: ‘The competitions were organised at the request of the management of Vanessa Vanakorn, through the Thai Olympic Committee.’ FIS president Gian Franco Kasper said: ‘Those who have been sanctioned have been sanctioned for good reason.’ Cheater, cheater: Vanessa-Mae, who competed for Thailand as Vanessa Vanakorn, finished last of 67 racers in the two-run giant slalom in Sochi, almost a minute slower than the winner . Fake it til you make it: The International Ski Federation ruled that Vanessa-Mae would not have been able to qualify for the Olympic Games without the cheating . The International Olympic Committee declined to comment on details of the case until possible appeals are completed. Last night Vanessa-Mae was unavailable for comment. But if she does harbour dreams of another Olympic appearance, she may be disappointed. It is thought the ban would prevent her from competing at the next Winter Olympics in South Korea in 2018. The classical music star was born in Singapore to Thai and Chinese parents and moved to England at the age of four. Shortly after finishing the Games in February, she said: ‘With my limited experience – I only started training six months ago – I’m just glad I made it down.’ | Vanessa-Mae skied in fixed races to qualify for the Sochi Olympics .
The 36-year-old has been banned from competing for four years .
Fixed races in Slovenia were organised at request of her manager .
Ski Federation ruled she would not have qualified without cheating .
Violinist competed for Thailand in the 2014 Winter Games and came last . |
187895d68be1da61dec94f66b5582a5e70574d2c | What colour is snow? At first, it seems like an easy answer. Anyone who has seen snow will know it is white, the reason being because it reflects almost all visible light incident upon it. But if you’ve ever dug a deep hole in snow and looked down, you will have noticed that sometimes it can actually appear blue - and sometimes even red, in other circumstances - but why? Dreaming of a white Christmas? Don't dig too deep into snow, or you might start to notice a bluish tint. This is due to more and more of the ice crystals in the snow reflecting blue light, and absorbing other types, although of course in this image the effect is amplified by the shadows as well . As mentioned, snow appears white because it reflects most visible light that strikes it. Anything that does this means you see the whole spectrum of visible light, which looks white. Snowflakes are understood to be unique - at a molecular level at least. But scientists have revealed that each and every one of them can in fact be sorted into 35 general shapes, which in turn tell experts how they formed. The shapes, which include column crystals, irregular snow particles and plane crystals - which make ‘traditional’ hexagonal snowflakes - vary according to temperature and humidity. Bournemouth-based chemistry teacher Andy Brunning, created an infographic based on recent research to show the different shapes, which he published on his blog, Compound Interest. It shows 39 types of ‘solid precipitation’ or snow, including the 35 types of snowflakes and their names, which can be further divided into 121 subtypes. Simpler snowflake shapes such as germ of ice crystals, are more common at low humidities, while more complex flakes, such as plane crystals are formed in areas of high humidity. Other objects appear different colours because they absorb certain wavelengths of visible light but reflect others - a green apple, for instance, reflects only mostly the green wavelength. But, as reported by JSTOR, when snow is deep enough it can actually appear blue. The reason for this is due to ice crystals in the snow, according to the National Snow and Ice Data Centre (NSIDC) ‘As light waves travel into the snow or ice, the ice grains scatter a large amount of light,’ the NSIDC explains. While most of the light is reflected, there is a very small tendency towards more red light being absorbed than blue. When you see just the surface of a pack of snow, the scattering of the blue light is almost completely impossible to notice. But if you look into a significant amount of snow, about 3.3ft (one metre) or so, more photons emerge towards the blue end of the spectrum than the red end. ‘For instance, if you were to poke a hole in the snow and look down into the hole, you may see a bluish colour,’ said the NSIDC. While most of the light that is incident upon snow and ice is reflected, there is a very small tendency towards more red light being absorbed than blue, giving a slight bluish tint in deep snow and ice, such as this image from South Georgia Island in Antarctica . ‘As light waves travel into the snow or ice, the ice grains scatter a large amount of light,’ the National Snow and Ice Data Centre (NSIDC) explains. Shown is a slight bluish tint in a melting glacier in East Greeland . When snow appears red, though, it is for an entirely different reason. This effect is due to cold-loving, fresh-water algae known as Chlamydomonas nivalis that contain a bright red pigment. Also known as ‘watermelon snow’, it is ‘most common during the summertime in high alpine areas as well as along coastal polar regions’. Interestingly, C. nivalis cells actually appear green under a microscope. The reason they appear pink in snow to our eyes is due to a biochemical called beta-carotene. It protects the algae’s chlorophyll from the sun’s rays, but in the process gives them a red or pinkish hue, rather than green. Be careful not to eat watermelon snow, though - it can act as a laxative. When snow appears red, though, it is for an entirely different reason. This effect is due to cold-loving, fresh-water algae known as Chlamydomonas nivalis (shown) that contain a bright red pigment . Also known as ‘watermelon snow’ , red snow is most common during the summertime in high alpine areas as well as along coastal polar regions. Shown is red snow in the Dolomites, Italy . Red snow can also be caused by iron-rich seawater, such as Blood Falls in Antarctica’s Taylor Glacier, shown, where the water leaks from an ancient reservoir under the glacier. The iron oxidises when it comes into contact with the atmosphere, turning red . Last year, meanwhile, a Washington photographer spent two month living in a remote base in Antarctica to reveal how the area can be surprisingly colourful. Gaston Lacombe captured incredible images showing the bright pinks, greens and reds of the area - caused by everything from penguin poo to massive blooms of algae. Mr Lacombe told MailOnline he was invited to the remote base by the Government of Argentina as its artist in residence. The Canadian photographer now based in Washington, D.C. spent two months at Esperanza Base, a permanent research station on Antarctica’s Trinity Peninsula. Gaston Lacombe spent two months at Esperanza Base, a permanent research station on Antarctica’s Trinity Peninsula, to capture amazing images of coloured snow last year. Here, the red snow effect is caused by the algae Chlamydomonas nivalis . The red colour doesnt always come from algae, however. Adelie penguins transiting to and from the sea shore colour the surface of the snow with whatever substance they drag with their feet. The pink colour here is from penguin poo, since they eat mostly krill, a small type of shrimp . | Snow might normally appear white - but it can also appear red and blue .
In the Alps in Europe, snow can appear red due to a type of algae .
Chlamydomonas nivalis has a pigment that makes it appear red .
But a blue colour can also be caused by light scattering in ice crystals .
In deep snow, more and more light is scattered .
This can give snow a bluish tint, rather the regular white that is seen . |
187913f971eef6dd359493e4600df355cf46a393 | By . Ray Massey . PUBLISHED: . 08:24 EST, 29 May 2012 . | . UPDATED: . 08:43 EST, 29 May 2012 . Millions of pounds in penalty fines will be levied on failing Network Rail as an 'incentive' to make trains run on time, the Government’s official rail watchdog announced today. The aim is to improve punctuality for the nation’s beleaguered rail users faced with late and cancelled trains and soaring fares. In future, Network Rail will be hit with a £15million fine for every percentage point it falls below its agreed punctuality target for long-distance services. Painful reading: The Government's rail watchdog will be hitting Network Rail with fines for 'unacceptably' late or cancelled trains in a bid to improve punctuality . From next year, 92 per cent of trains must run on time. Currently the figure is 89.2 per cent, equivalent to more than one in 10 trains running behind schedule. If Network Rail fails to improve on that figure, it faces a £42million fine. Last year, the journeys of 13.7million passengers travelling on long-distance trains were affected by late or cancelled services – a scandal the Office of Rail Regulation (ORR) found 'unacceptable'. Network Rail’s punctuality performance failures mean it is currently on track to breach the terms of its licence to operate, according to the watchdog. Frustrating: Disgruntled passengers wait for their delayed train to arrive at Clapham Junction. Network Rail could be fined up to £42million if it does not ensure 92 per cent of services run on time . The rail watchdog announced its punitive action today because of increasing dissatisfaction with poor time-keeping on the nations railways. Network Rail may even face a separate one-off fine for poor performance this year. A spokesman for the ORR said: ‘We have told Network Rail to deliver better levels of punctuality for passengers on long-distance train services or face a substantial penalty. 'The aim is to give Network Rail an incentive to improve. We don’t want to fine them. We want the trains to run on time. They are responsible for that performance.' The regulator has instructed Network Rail to deliver plans, agreed with train operators, for better levels of punctuality on long-distance services in 2012-13. It must also speed-up further improvements towards meeting its committed punctuality target of 92 per cent in 2013-14. Pledge: Network Rail boss David Higgins (pictured) said he is 'determined to all we can' to improve reliability . The ORR said: 'If the company fails to deliver the 2013-14 target it will face a substantial financial penalty. 'The size of any financial penalty will reflect the extent of Network Rail’s failure to meet the commitment, increasing by £1.5 million per 0.1 percentage point it drops below the 92% punctuality target.' However, the regulator said passengers are experiencing good levels of punctuality 'by historical standards'. But it stressed: ‘Network Rail committed to achieving more, and taxpayers and customers have paid the company to deliver. 'Our investigation showed that the company struggled to cope with the challenges of reaching its long distance punctuality target.' An increase in cable theft has caused many cancellations, but the watchdog stressed that many of the problems - including timetable planning and predicting and spotting equipment failures - are 'of the company’s own making'. ORR chief executive Richard Price, said: 'Levels of punctuality on long distance rail services across Britain are good by historical standards, but passengers should be experiencing even better levels of train performance, benefitting from the punctuality commitments which they and taxpayers have funded Network Rail to deliver.' Network Rail’s funding for the next five year period (2014-2019) will be in part dependent on any ‘failure to deliver’ on performance now. The watchdog said: 'We concluded that Network Rail is likely to be in breach of its licence with regards to performance in the long-distance sector in 2013-14.' 'Unacceptable': Last year, the journeys of 13.7million passengers travelling on long-distance trains were affected by late or cancelled services . It has proposed, subject to statutory consultation, to make an enforcement order requiring Network Rail to meet its performance target of 92 per cent, adding: 'Furthermore, we will be carefully monitoring progress of the agreed plans for 2012-13 and will take further action if they are not being delivered.' In January 2012, the regulator issued an enforcement order requiring Network Rail to develop new, robust plans to help recover long distance performance. The measure for punctuality for long distance trains allows them to arrive at their final destination within ten minutes of the advertised time. Network Rail committed to, and was funded to achieve, 92 per cent of trains arriving within that wnidow in 2012-13. Network Rail’s current long-distance punctuality is 89.2per cent – which would leave it with £42million fine. It has plans in place to take it to 90.4per cent, which is still below its target and would incur a £24 million fine. Backing: Rail Performance Minister Norman Baker has commended the watchdog's robust approach . Network Rail chief executive Sir David Higgins said: ‘We welcome the ORR's recognition that we, and the train operating companies, have already done much to improve long-distance punctuality in this control period - which is currently running at a record level of 89.2 per cent for the past year - and we accept the challenge to deliver an even better service. 'We are determined to do all we can to achieve that through balancing the continued growth in demand with passengers' desire for improved reliability in terms of punctuality.' ORR chief executive Mr Price said in future train companies will also be required to publish exact 'right time' figures showing ‘to the minute’ on every journey how late trains really are – not just broad averages or whether trains arrive within the generous ten minute punctuality window they currently enjoy. Anthony Smith, chief executive of rail customer watchdog Passenger Focus, said: 'We know from our research that getting trains on time is both the key driver of passenger satisfaction and a key priority for improvement. 'Performance has not been good enough and it is good to see action being taken so that passengers can get back to depending on the railway to deliver them on time.' Rail Performance Minister Norman Baker said: 'I hope the ORR's robust approach will encourage NR in driving up performance and improving reliability for passengers.' Michael Roberts, Chief Executive of the Association of Train Operating Companies (ATOC) representing the train firms who use the tracks run by Network rail said: 'The regulator is right to take a firm line with Network Rail. The big problem for long distance rail passengers is lack of consistency in train service punctuality and Network Rail needs to do a better job of managing the track and signals to resolve this.' | Rail operator must get 92% of services running on time next year to avoid penalties .
Currently only 89.2% are punctual - equivalent to one in ten late or cancelled services .
Network Rail to get £15million fine for every percentage point it falls below punctuality target . |
187a959bcde409febf9c9fe758cccaad5c1baead | By . Bianca London for MailOnline . Men's Health magazine dubbed him the fittest man alive and to prove it, Cristiano Ronaldo has stripped off and showcased his honed physique in all its glory for the glossy fitness magazine. The 29-year-old can be seen showing off his ball skills in the September issue of the magazine and stars in a series of computer generated images. The Real Madrid forward reveals the secrets behind his athletic physique in the new issue - as well as opening up about his relationship with Victoria's Secret model Irina Shayk. Scroll down for video . The boy's got skills: Cristiano Ronaldo stars on the glossy pages of Men's Health's September issue, where he can be seen showing off his ball skills . The magazine recently hailed him the fastest footballer in the world and with the help of Zoe Wimshurst, PhD, director of performance vision, they also calculated that he’s able to process the game faster in his head than any of his compatriots. The fitness fanatic runs around six miles a game and his top speed is 21mph. Promotion: The 29-year-old shows off his toned abs and his own branded boxers in a series of computer generated images . Talent: The magazine recently hailed him the fastest footballer and calculated that he's able to process the game faster in his head than any on his compatriots . So what's his secret? Well, he works out religiously for five days a week, honing his footie skills football for around four hours per day, runs for 25-30 minutes and does sprinting drills. This isn't the first time we've seen his abs this week. Ronaldo stripped down to his boxers to accept former Manchester United team-mate Darren Fletcher's Ice Bucket Challenge nomination - and then called on musicians Jennifer Lopez, Beyonce and Lil Wayne to join in. The Real Madrid player was soaked by his compatriot Fabio Coentrao while sat on a chair wearing just a pair of purple boxer shorts at the club's training ground at Valdebebas. Sporting prowess: The Real Madrid forward reveals the secrets behind his athletic physique in the new issue - as well as opening up about his relationship with Victoria's Secret model Irina Shayk . Lucky man! Portuguese Cristiano is dating Victoria's Secret model Irina Shayk . Read all about it: The footballer features in the September issue, which is on sale now . | Ronaldo, 29, shows off honed physique in September issue .
Opens up about how to get his body .
Magazine declared him fastest player in the world . |
187b1f1f310c64962202ee7a6ffb40ec22e26e88 | (CNN) -- Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck and the Seven Dwarves are not the U.S.-friendly images usually associated with Iran. But in a small corner of Tehran, a surprising display of unofficial Disney diplomacy seems to fly in the face of official anti-American rhetoric. Visitors to Eram Park, in the west of the capital, are greeted with numerous images of Disney characters, as well as other familiar American cartoon characters such as Shrek. Elsewhere, outside of the city, is another unexpected sight: A club dedicated to the U.S.-invented Segway people transporters. For roller coaster obsessive and self-styled "Theme Park Guy" Stefan Zwanzger, who toured Tehran's funfairs last month, the presence of these American icons offered more thrills than the rides on offer. "You see badly-copied Mickeys and Donald Ducks all over the world, for example in copycat theme parks in rural China, but I didn't expect to see Shrek and Segways in Iran," Zwanzger told CNN. A German citizen now living in Stockholm, Sweden, Zwanzger, 32, could be forgiven for having preconceptions when visiting Iran. Nuclear ambitions, major protests after President Mahmoud Ahmedinejad's disputed 2009 election victory and frequent reports of repression have all done little for the country's global reputation. But, says Zwanzger -- whose four-year quest to visit all the world's major theme parks has so far taken him to 150 on five continents -- the Iran he encountered seemed a world away from the grim headlines. He says the Iranians he encountered were "open-minded, unprejudiced, hospitable, warm and cultured," sharing views that appeared to contrast with those expressed by the country's leaders. "What surprised me is that I didn't even get the slightest cultural shock. The Iranians I met made me feel like I was in Europe," he said. His views reflect a 2008 WorldPublicOpinion.org survey that claims ordinary Iranian people are largely open to contacts with Westerners. Nevertheless, countries such as Britain and the U.S., which has no diplomatic relations with Tehran, caution against travel there. International sanctions in place against Iran also mean western companies cannot operate easily in the country. Whereas on the streets of Tehran, U.S. icons such as the Statue of Liberty are used to create striking anti-American graffiti, Zwanzger witnessed Mickey Mouse and his pals being pressed into far less sinister tasks. At Eram Park, Mickey simply welcomes people to the funfair, while the Dwarves urge people to enjoy themselves. Shrek offers tickets to ride and Donald Duck helpfully points to the exit. As with his other experiences of places including North Korea, Zwanzger says Iran's theme parks offer a glimpse of the country's citizens as they relax and forget their day-to-day concerns, even if the rides struggle to merit the low admission fees. "I highly recommend Iran as a place to visit. It's a beautiful country with fantastic people. The local amusement parks provide great opportunity to mingle with locals." Sadly, with their rusting roller coasters and "drainingly dull" side shows, not even the presence of Mickey, Shrek and the Dwarves could save Iran's theme parks from rating badly on Zwanzger's score card. He says one ride, in which visitors are squeezed into a car shaped like a soda can before being hurtled around a cramped roller coaster circuit, could be world-beatingly bad. "The yellow soda can-shaped roller coaster in Eram Park -- I'm still trying to find out who the manufacturer was, even my specialist friends don't know -- was maybe the worst I have ever experienced. "I was scared. The loop is the tightest I have ever seen and the vehicle's headrests are too low to keep your head stable. You can hear the riders' joyful screams rise when the coaster plunges into the loop and vanish within a second once they enter the murderous brain-turner itself. "It was genuinely unpleasant and leaves you with some neck pain to remember." | Disney characters make unexpected appearances all over Tehran's amusement parks .
Theme park expert Stefan Zwanzger says Iran is home to one of the world's worst roller coasters .
Zwanzger has visited 150 theme parks on five continents . |
187b5e97bb638a103b7a85629560876da49a77f4 | WASHINGTON (CNN) -- The United States will allow Americans to send mobile phones to relatives in Cuba under a change in policy that President Bush announced Wednesday. President Bush announces the U.S. policy allowing cell phones to Cuba at the White House on Wednesday. Bush said he is making the change since President Raúl Castro "is allowing Cubans to own mobile phones for the first time." "If he is serious about his so-called reforms, he will allow these phones to reach the Cuban people," Bush said. Bush urged the Cuban government to loosen restrictions further, saying if Cubans can be allowed to own mobile phones, "they should be trusted to speak freely in public." They should be allowed to watch uncensored movies and have free access to the Internet, he said. And he called for the government to implement major free-market reforms. Relations between the United States and Cuba remain tense nearly 50 years after Fidel Castro overthrew the pro-American government in Havana. The United States has maintained an embargo against Cuba for decades. Cuban officials on Monday accused the top U.S. diplomat in Havana of delivering money from private anti-Castro groups in Florida to dissidents in Cuba. U.S. State Department spokesman Sean McCormack said that "the U.S. government has programs to provide humanitarian assistance to people that are essentially forgotten by the Cuban government and that we ... do not stand in the way of private groups doing that as well." As to how that is done, he said, "I'm not aware of the mechanics; I don't steep myself in these things." Fidel Castro, beset with health problems, handed day-to-day governing power over to Raúl, his younger brother, earlier this year. After being elected president in February, Raúl Castro announced that Cubans who can afford them could buy cell phones and DVD players and stay in hotels previously reserved for foreign tourists -- overturning bans from the Fidel era. The goods and services remain out of reach for most people on the island, where $120 cell phones plus $10.80 calling cards cost about six times the average monthly salary. Bush said Wednesday it is "the height of hypocrisy to claim credit to allow Cubans to purchase appliances that virtually none of them can afford." Though the price may put mobile phones out of the reach of most Cubans, they are affordable for many of those who have access to U.S. dollars -- typically either sent from relatives abroad or earned internally by tourist workers. Bush on Wednesday marked what the White House called a Day of Solidarity with the Cuban People, which the president said he hopes will be an annual event. | President Bush: Cubans also "should be trusted to speak freely in public"
Bush calls for Cuba to implement major free-market reforms .
U.S. has maintained an embargo against Cuba for decades .
New leader Raúl Castro allowing Cubans to buy cell phones, DVD players . |
187ba33cceb8caebc9d0934f52df631e6b85f28d | Bread has almost become synonymous with the word bloating and 20 per cent of Britons think they'd be better off without it. But they may nearly all be wrong - and staying away from bread could do more harm than good, a panel of experts has warned. They argue that research has shown bread produces less bloating than pasta, and what makes us fat is not the sandwich, but the filling. Unfairly maligned: Experts say bread doesn't cause bloating - but the fatty fillings many of us adore may cause weight gain . Moreover, while bread is often singled . out as a bloating culprit, the evidence continues to show that this is . more perception than reality. The list of celebrities who refuse to touch gluten is long. Gwyneth won't let it pass her lips and Madonna swears avoiding gluten is what keeps her young. Although 98 per cent of Britons say they . eat bread, many blame it for bloating and weight gain, and think they . would be better off going gluten-free. And while 20 per cent think it’s important to eat gluten and wheat-free, just 0.5 per cent of the population has gluten intolerance. This means many could be losing out on vital nutrition such as fibre, iron and calcium by avoiding bread. Banned by the A-list: Many celebrities, such as Madonna and Gwyneth Paltrow, claim they maintain their trim figures by avoiding gluten-containing products, such as bread . In fact, gluten free products can . actually be higher in additives, saturated fat and sugar, Ayela Spiro . from the British Nutrition Foundation, told a London conference of . dieticians and nutritionists discussing bloating this month at King's College London. She also cited a new (as yet . unpublished) study from the University of Bristol, which showed bread . produced less physically measurable abdominal bloating than a pasta . meal, despite diners saying they expected the bread would bloat . them more. Sue Baic, of the British Dietetic Association, added it is a common misconception that bread is fattening - 'it's what goes on the bread that is most harmful to our waistlines,' she argued. Hidden enemy: Fatty sandwich fillings such as egg mayo are more likely to cause weight gain than the bread that surrounds them, experts say . Two . average slices of bread provide around 190 calories and 2g of fat, but spreading margarine or butter on them almost doubles the calories . (334 calories) and adds 16g fat. Furthermore, the . nation’s favourite sandwich filling – egg mayonnaise – provides just under . 600 calories and a huge 34g of fat, which is almost half the recommended . daily intake for a woman. Ms Baic added that many people assume white bread is bad for us, but this is not the case, saying: 'The half and half types such as Hovis Best of Both, that look . and taste like white but combine white and wholemeal flours can contain . 75 per cent of the fibre content of wholemeal.' 'As well as being a good source of calcium, iron and fibre, two slices . of bread contain 20-30 per cent of our recommended nutrient intake of . vitamin B1 [and other vital nutrients]. 'At just 5-10p per two slice serving it’s a very . inexpensive way to get some good nutrition in your diet.' Lesser thief: Bread was found to be less bloating than a bowl of pasta . So if it’s not bread that causes bloating, what does? Gastroenterologist, psychotherapist and medical adviser to the IBS Network, Dr Nick Read said that 'bloaters' may just be more sensitive to the feeling of abdominal gas, but not actually produce more of it. 'Possible risk factors for bloating include obesity, anxiety or depression, being inactive, constipated or premenstrual, and, in those with irritable bowel syndrome, eating too many fermentable carbohydrate sources in general, not just wheat,' he added. For example, some people with IBS may react with bloating on consumption of wheat but this is possibly more likely due to the presence of fructans found in many foods including onions, artichokes, asparagus and leeks rather than gluten, the panel concluded. | Britons falsely blame bread for bloating and weight gain .
One fifth of Britons believe they would benefit from avoiding bread .
While 5% claim to be gluten intolerant, true number is 0.5% .
Bread contributes almost a fifth of the nation’s intake of calcium and magnesium, 15% of our daily iron intake and 20% of our fibre . |
187bff5afc2ddeb9c4f97e307b134251c72e28f6 | The wife of a convenience store owner was worried about her husband's unusual disappearance from their home in south-west Sydney at 4am - the morning his shop was destroyed in a fatal explosion. A close friend revealed Naima Adeel was concerned when she discovered her husband Adeel Khan wasn't at their Greenacre home and tried to reach him on his phone a number of times, the Sydney Morning Herald reports. This comes as Mr Khan, 44, denied responsibility for the tragedy, which killed three people last week. The shop owner, who is still in hospital, has become a focus of police inquiries after he was rescued from the fire. Scroll down for video . Adeel Khan (left) with his wife Naima (right) who live in south-west Sydney, Greenacre . Naima Adeel (right) tried to call her husband (left) when she discovered he was absent from home at 4am . The explosion at Rozelle which killed three people including a one-year-old boy . John O'Brien has broken his silence on the heartbreaking loss of his wife Bianka and their baby boy Jude in a fire on Thursday . Police continue to investigate the possibility of a triple murder charge against those responsible for the blast, which claimed the lives of 31-year-old Bianka O'Brien, her newborn son Jude and 27-year-old Chris Noble. Syed Zafar Hussain - a Pakistani community figure - said Ms Adeel revealed that she was concerned that her husband was not at home early Thursday morning and repeatedly tried to call him. Mr Hussain believed she then went to the store later that morning was 'very upset' after seeing the damage. 'She has said she is very upset this has happened and that they came to this country for a good future,' Mr Hussain said. Shop owner Adeel Khan denies responsibility for the triple tragedy during a hospital visit this week from the Pakistani counsel . 'She said she has sympathy for the people that died and for everyone who lost their properties.' Mr Khan was visited this week by the Pakistane Consul after he was moved from the intensive care unit of RPA hospital to a regular ward. Mr Khan says the blast was started by a gas cylinder. The Daily Telegraph reports than Mr Khan told the consul member: 'I didn't do anything. I don't know what happened, I am very upset.' 'I have sympathy with the people who lost their lives.' Ms Adeel, who has been questioned by police over the fatal fire at Rozelle, has also dismissed allegations her husband was involved and labelled them as 'rumours.' 'I know there are a lot of rumours flying around,' Ms Adeel told Daily Telegraph. 'I feel for everybody, not just my husband. We need sympathy at this stage.' Ms Adeel was visited by detectives at her home on Monday night where she is believed to have spoken at length about husband Adeel Khan, who is recovering from head and leg injuries sustained in the explosion at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital. Senior police earlier revealed the blast was being treated as a suspected arson attack after traces of petrol were uncovered at the Darling Street store in Rozelle after it exploded and burnt to the ground last Thursday. A devastated John O'Brien (pictured with his son) paid tribute to his young family . Investigators have ruled out the involvement of a silver car seen racing from the scene by a witness, just moments after the fire erupted. Video footage from petrol stations near an explosion site in Sydney is being carefully examined by detectives as they try to find out what sparked the fatal inferno. Following reports of an accelerant being found at the explosion scene, investigators have collected hours worth of CCTV footage from petrol stations on nearby Victoria Road. The stations handed over up to four days worth of footage leading up to the fatal explosion on September 4.There have also been reports a jerry can was found at the site but police have refused to confirm this. Demolition works started on a building - including two shops and three units - next to the charred and twisted remains of the convenience store on Thursday. The building will be "deconstructed" slowly to preserve the crime scene next door. Some residents who escaped from the building with only the clothes on their back are hopeful they might be able to claim some prized possessions once the structure is deemed safe. Some have even drawn maps for police of where their most sought after items are in the unstable unit block. Friends and family have paid tribute to Chris Noble, 27, who also lost is life in the explosion in Sydney's inner west suburb of Rozelle . The family of Chris Noble (from left sister Kate, mother Liz and father Ross) gave a press conference at NSW Police Executive Offices in Sydney on Friday after he was killed in a Rozelle convenience store fire . Mrs O'Brien's husband John is said to have left his home less than an hour before flames engulfed his home located above a shop on Darling Street. He released a statement on Sunday that paid tribute to his late wife who he said was much more than the love of his life, and his baby boy Jude, who Mr O'Brien described as the perfect child. 'On Thursday morning I lost my beloved wife, Bianka, and our baby Jude,' the statement began. 'Bianka was an inspiration to all who knew her – she was loyal, caring and absolutely loved life. People gravitated towards her because of her beautiful and warm personality. 'Bianka and I were together for eight years, married for two, and to say she was the love of my life is an understatement', Mr O'Brien wrote. 'She was an exceptional person, a wonderful wife and an even better mother. This week Bianka was due to finish up her part-time work so she could move into the next phase of her life and fulfil her dream of caring for our boy full time. 'That brings me to my son, Jude, who I love with all my heart. By far the proudest moment of my life was becoming a father. He was a perfect baby and never stopped smiling', the statement continued. 'Jude had just started to walk and was only just discovering the world around him. Everything was exciting to him and he was just a joy to be around. 'He made everyone smile,' Mr O'Brien continued. The message ended with a heartfelt sentiment for the family of Chris Noble, a neighbour also killed in the blaze. 'Finally, I would like to extend my sympathy to the family of Chris Noble and everyone else who has been affected by this.' On Sunday, a resident who survived the convenience store blaze that claimed the lives of three of his neighbours has spoken about how their deaths have weighed heavily on him. Anthony Carroll, 49, said he has spent much time since the tragedy wondering if Bianka and Jude O'Brien could have been saved from the devastating fire if he had known they were in the building. 'Had the fire crews known about the access, could they have got to Bianka and the baby?' he told Sydney Morning Herald. 'That's something I don't know. It has sat heavily with me.' On Thursday morning I lost my beloved wife, Bianka, and our baby Jude. Bianka was an inspiration to all who knew her – she was loyal, caring and absolutely loved life. People gravitated towards her because of her beautiful and warm personality. Bianka and I were together for eight years, married for two, and to say she was the love of my life is an understatement. I can’t believe how quickly those eight years have flown by but they have definitely been the best years of my life. I know I was truly loved by her and the feeling was entirely mutual. She was an exceptional person, a wonderful wife and an even better mother. This week Bianka was due to finish up her part-time work so she could move into the next phase of her life and fulfil her dream of caring for our boy full time. Being a mother made her happy and she was a natural at it. That brings me to my son, Jude, who I love with all my heart. By far the proudest moment of my life was becoming a father. He was a perfect baby and never stopped smiling. Jude had just started to walk and was only just discovering the world around him. Everything was exciting to him and he was just a joy to be around. He made everyone smile. On behalf of Bianka’s father, Bill, and myself I would like to thank the community for the many well-wishes, flowers and phone calls we have received. The events of the past few days have been devastating, but we have been overwhelmed by the response and support from the community. I would also like to thank the police and other emergency services who have been by our side and continue to support us. Finally, I would like to extend my sympathy to the family of Chris Noble and everyone else who has been affected by this. We now ask that the media and public continue to respect our privacy during this time. The convenience store went up in flames about 4am on Thursday morning and an explosion was heard by residents who lived about 1km away from the scene . Rescue crews have spent days looking through the rubble for Ms O'Brien, Jude and Mr Noble . Shaken by the horrific loss of a community member, player and friend, Pythons coach Graham Rice, paid tribute to Noble at his commemoration service on Saturday evening, by dedicating a special jersey in memory of the talented sportsman, ABC reported. 'He just loved his mates in Canowindra and he just wanted to come back and play with them,' Mr Rice said. On Friday, the mother of Mr Noble tearfully remembered her son as a 'beautiful', athletic and sociable young man who loved watches. Mum Liz, dad Ross and sister Kate fronted the media to pay tribute to their son and brother Chris Noble from Canowindra. Mr Noble's sister Kate wiped away tears as mum Liz told reporters: 'We lost our beautiful boy yesterday... He should have been safe in bed'. | Naima Adeel, wife of Rozelle convenience store owner, tried to call her husband when she discovered he was absent from home .
Shop owner Adeel Khan denies responsibility for the triple tragedy .
He has been moved from intensive care to a regular hospital ward .
Police continue to investigate possibility of a triple murder charge against those responsible .
Police found traces of accelerant at the convenience store that exploded into flames last Thursday .
Bianka O'Brien and one-year-old son Jude were killed in the blaze .
The body of Chris Noble, 27, was also found at the Rozelle site . |
187c95207fdf5da5b3c105e5547ef83860085091 | Scientists have created a machine with the potential to read our dreams while we sleep. Researchers in the US say it is so powerful that it can extract images from people’s brains and display them on a screen. The data from the brain scanner has already been used to detect and reconstruct images of faces that people are thinking of. Researchers believe the same technology could be used in the future to enable them to reconstruct images from people’s memories, imagination and dreams. Scientists say they have created a machine with the potential to read dreams during sleep (library image) It could also possibly be used to collect images of criminals from the minds of witnesses. Alan Cowen, a neuroscientist at the University of California, Berkeley, said: ‘Our methods yield strikingly accurate neural reconstructions of faces. ‘This represents a novel and promising approach for investigating face perception, but also suggests avenues for reconstructing ‘offline’ visual experiences — including dreams, memories and imagination.’ Six volunteers were shown 300 faces while they laid inside an MRI scanner. Scientists were then able to analyse how their brains responded to dozens of different facial features including blond hair and blue eyes to dark skin and beards. When they had compiled a database of responses, they showed the volunteers a new set of faces and measured their reaction to each image. By comparing the second responses to the database, they were able to reconstruct the image they were looking at. The research is based on a theory that all human processes have a ‘neural correlate’ and that thoughts and feelings are merely a complex pattern of chemical reactions. Some neuroscientists believe there is the potential to read such patterns if they can only build sensitive enough instruments. Six volunteers were shown 300 faces while they laid inside an MRI scanner. They then compiled a database of responses used to create the machine . Mr Cowen and his fellow researchers, Brice Kuhl of New York University and Professor Marvin Chun of Yale, believe that extracting facial images is the first step towards eventually producing advanced mind-reading technology. Mr Kuhl said: ‘I study memory, and it’s hard not to be excited by the prospect of being able to reconstruct the images that we bring to mind when we remember something. ‘We are certainly heading in the direction of reconstructing dreams too. Something that looks like a high-definition movie of your dreams is not going to happen in the immediate future, but we have already seen improvements in the sensitivity of these methods.’ Mr Cowen assured the public that the technology did not enable them to forcibly extract information from subjects, however. He told Fox News: ‘This sort of technology can only read active parts of the brain. So you couldn’t read passive memories – you would have to get the person to imagine the memory to read it. ‘It’s a matter of time, and eventually – maybe 200 years from now – we’ll have some way of reading inactive parts . of the brain. ‘But that’s a much harder problem, as it involves measuring very fine details of brain structure that we don’t even really understand.’ | Scientists have created a machine which can read dreams while we sleep .
US researchers say it is so powerful it can extract images from the brain .
Believe it could be used in future to reconstruct people's memories .
Could collect images of criminals from the minds of witnesses, they say . |
187dc7d20f87f1b0c57d87ea3e1eb5c858b9b2e2 | A worried father who clocked nearly 80mph in a 30mph zone to save his daughter's life has been spared a lengthy driving ban. Ricky Bunting, 23, frantically drove home after his girlfriend called to tell him his two-month-old daughter Ava had turned blue and stopped breathing. He arrived back at the house to find Ava 'lifeless' and rushed her to the the hospital in his van, Rotherham Magistrates Court heard. She was diagnosed with severe bronchitis and made a full recovery after treatment, although she has been in and out of hospital since with breathing problems. Worried: 23-year-old Ricky Bunting (right) raced home after hearing his two-year-old daughter Ava (pictured) has stopped breathing . Ricky, from Wath-upon-Dearne, South Yorkshire, pleaded guilty to the speeding offence in May last year. The tyre fitter admitted to driving his company's Skoda Fabia van at 79mph on High Street, near Bellows Road, Rawmarsh at 7.52 am. The speed camera snapped him on his journey back to the house he shares with girlfriend Kealey Tinker, and again en route to the hospital. Magistrates were told the speed would usually warrant an automatic and lengthy disqualification - because it was well over sentencing guidelines for speeding offences. Phil Jones, mitigating, said Ava's condition was not a medical emergency as defined in law and therefore not a special reason for discretion over a banning order. Mr Jones asked magistrates to ban him immediately for two weeks to coincide with Mr Bunting's holiday from work, which would mean he kept his job. Scared parents: Speed cameras snapped Ricky Bunting (left) on his way home from work after his girlfriend Kealey (right) said his daughter had 'turned blue' But he added: 'It explains why he was driving so quick, but doesn't excuse it. 'Yes, he was driving extremely quickly, yes it is unacceptable and should be punished and if you were to impose such a disqualification he could remain in employment.' Magistrates told Bunting it was a 'very dangerous' speed. He was fined £400 with £85 costs and was banned from driving for two weeks. Afterwards he said Kealey and Ava, now 10-months-old, had been in and out of hospital with breathing problems. He added: 'Everyone's doing fine now and it's a relief not to be banned for longer and risk losing my job.' | Ricky Bunting rushed home after hearing his daughter 'stopped breathing'
He arrived home to find two-month-old Ava 'lifeless' and drove to hospital .
She was diagnosed with severe bronchitis but recovered after treatment .
Offence would usually warrant an automatic and lengthy disqualification .
Bunting, 23, received two week ban coinciding with his holiday from work . |
Subsets and Splits
No community queries yet
The top public SQL queries from the community will appear here once available.