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Apple's Italian job for finding top talent - BBC News
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2017-05-17
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https://www.facebook.com/bbcnews
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Apple is expanding its European academy to find the next generation of coding and app creators.
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Business
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Computer giant Apple is expanding its supply line of talented young people with digital skills, by doubling the intake of its European academy.
Last year, the technology company opened an academy in Naples, in Italy, where students spend a year training to be developers, coders, app creators and start-up entrepreneurs.
Places are awarded through open competition - with tests being held next month in Munich, Paris, London, Madrid, Rome and Naples - with no tuition fees, open to applicants from anywhere in the world and with courses taught in English.
There will be 400 students recruited for the autumn, expected to be in the 18 to 30 age range, for courses run in partnership with a Naples university, the University of Federico II.
The decision for a computer company to move so directly into education is about self-interest as much as philanthropy.
There has been a long-running digital skills gap - and Apple are taking steps to grow their own talent.
Computer apps, in the space of less than decade, have become a major source of revenue and jobs.
Apple says there are now two million apps available on its online store - and that in Europe alone, the app economy sustains 1.2 million jobs.
Apple's academy will double its intake to 400 students in the autumn
But there have been repeated warnings of a mismatch between the digital skills needed for such new jobs and the qualifications of those looking for work.
It means that unskilled workers are without employment and employers are left without the skilled workers that they need.
In the UK, the British Chambers of Commerce recently complained that three out of four businesses were suffering from a "shortage of digital skills".
The global "ransomware" computer hack last week once again raised concerns about the acute shortage of cyber-security skills in many countries.
There have been plenty of warnings about this - and IBM's general manager for security, Marc van Zadelhoff, has called for a different approach to recruitment.
IBM has an international network of university partnerships for cyber-security projects.
But writing in the Harvard Business Review, Mr Van Zadelhoff said filling the skills gap would also mean re-training people without any experience in tech-related areas.
Students will spend a year in Naples, learning digital skills for the app economy
"Why are we limiting security positions to people with four-year degrees in computer science, when we desperately need varied skills across so many different industries?
"Businesses should open themselves up to applicants whose non-traditional backgrounds mean they could bring new ideas to the position and the challenge of improving cyber-security," wrote Mr Van Zadelhoff.
There is also a bigger political dimension to the skills needed for a modern economy - highlighted by the annual Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development's Skills Outlook, published this month.
The economic think tank's report for 2017 focuses on the polarising impact of globalisation - which has increasingly become a target for protesters on the right and left.
More stories from the BBC's Global education series looking at education from an international perspective, and how to get in touch.
You can join the debate at the BBC's Family & Education News Facebook page.
The OECD analysis argues that whether a country is a winner or loser from globalisation will depend on the level of skills in the workforce.
If countries have well-qualified, skilled populations, they will be the beneficiaries of globalisation, taking advantage of better jobs, improved productivity, widening markets and digital industries.
It identifies South Korea and Poland as examples of countries moving up this value chain - and Estonia, Japan and New Zealand as countries successfully taking advantage of expanding technology sectors.
Among major economies, Germany is seen as being more successful in developing skills than the United States.
But the big concern is that across OECD countries there are 200 million people with poor skills in basic literacy and numeracy, deeply vulnerable to the forces of globalisation.
The global cyber-attack highlighted the need for cyber-security skills
These are people who have the reading skills of 10-year-olds - whose job chances are acutely at risk from outsourcing overseas or being replaced by technology.
The OECD report identifies Greece as a country that has failed to respond to this challenge.
But it also warns that the UK, Australia, Ireland and the United States "need to watch out" because the skills in the workforce are no longer "well aligned" with the needs of new technology-driven industries.
While projects such as Apple's academy are picking the fruit from the top of the tree, the OECD is warning about the dangers of ignoring the reality of life in the low-hanging branches.
Andreas Schleicher, the OECD's education director, says there is an urgent social and political need to equip people with training, if globalisation is going to avoid social division.
"Don't expect workers to accept losing their jobs through outsourcing or automation, if they don't feel prepared to get or create new ones," says Mr Schleicher.
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http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-39934696
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Maria Sharapova: French Open decides against giving former champion a wildcard - BBC Sport
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2017-05-17
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Former champion Maria Sharapova will not play at the French Open as tournament officials decide against giving her a wildcard.
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Last updated on .From the section Tennis
Maria Sharapova will miss the French Open after tournament officials decided not to give the two-time champion a wildcard.
The Russian, 30, was ranked too low to gain direct entry as she continues her return from a 15-month drugs ban.
"There can be a wildcard for the return from injuries - there cannot be a wildcard for the return from doping," French Tennis Federation (FFT) chief Bernard Giudicelli Ferrandini said.
The French Open begins on 28 May.
Sharapova had been hoping to receive a wildcard either into the main draw or the qualifying tournament.
"I'm very sorry for Maria, very sorry for her fans," added Giudicelli Ferrandini.
"They might be very disappointed, she might be very disappointed, but it's my responsibility, my mission, to protect the high standards of the game played without any doubt on the result."
Shortly after learning of her Roland Garros snub, Sharapova withdrew injured from her second-round Italian Open match against Mirjana Lucic-Baroni.
Sharapova returned to action without a ranking last month and has since risen to 211 in the world after receiving wildcards in Stuttgart, Madrid and Rome.
That will be enough to at least earn a qualifying spot at Wimbledon next month.
Sharapova needed to reach the semi-finals of the Italian Open to qualify for Wimbledon's main draw but retired in the second round on Tuesday when leading Lucic-Baroni 4-6 6-3 2-1.
"I apologise for having to withdraw from my match with a left thigh injury," she said. "I will be getting all the necessary examinations to make sure it is not serious."
Sharapova will now have to wait until 20 June to discover whether she is among the wildcards at the All England Club.
The former world number one has not played a Grand Slam since she tested positive for heart disease drug meldonium at the 2016 Australian Open.
That brought an initial two-year ban, later reduced to 15 months after the Court of Arbitration for Sport found she was not an "intentional doper".
The ongoing fight against doping is more important than the line-up for the French Open - that was the message from the French Federation's president.
It is a brave and principled decision, which will upset some fans and broadcasters. Ratings may suffer, but Roland Garros will ultimately be stronger for it.
How could the public take the sport's anti-doping message seriously if one of the Grand Slams had invited a player who was not ranked high enough because of time served for a doping offence?
Sharapova has, in contrast, earned her place in qualifying for Wimbledon, even though injury has now deprived her of the chance to play herself into the main draw.
And assuming she is fit, she is likely to want to play at least two warm-up events. The Lawn Tennis Association has already offered her a wildcard into the WTA event in Birmingham. If Sharapova also wants to play the week before, she has Nottingham and the Dutch town of Rosmalen to choose between.
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http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/tennis/39932614
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Watford manager Walter Mazzarri to leave after final match of season - BBC Sport
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2017-05-17
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Walter Mazzarri is to leave Watford after Sunday's final game of the season at home to Manchester City.
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Last updated on .From the section Football
Manager Walter Mazzarri is to leave Watford after Sunday's final game of the season at home to Manchester City.
The 55-year-old Italian was in charge of the Hornets, who are 16th in the Premier League, for less than a year.
Watford's next manager will be their ninth in five years and the eighth since the Italian Pozzo family took over the club in 2012.
Chairman Scott Duxbury announced the latest exit after the board "discussed goals and aspirations" with Mazzarri.
"It was decided he will be stepping down from his position as the club's head coach," said Duxbury.
Monday's 4-3 defeat at champions Chelsea was their fifth loss in a row, although the Hornets avoided relegation and are six points above the drop zone with a game to play.
The club announced in May 2016 that former Inter Milan boss Mazzarri would become head coach on a three-year deal from 1 July after the departure of Quique Sanchez Flores.
Flores left despite taking the club to the FA Cup semi-finals and comfortably retaining their Premier League status, while Slavisa Jokanovic exited a year earlier after leading Watford into the top flight.
Mazzarri, who guided Napoli to the 2012 Coppa Italia title and runners-up spot in the 2013 Serie A, won 11 of his 37 Premier League matches at Watford.
The Italian, who conducted his press conferences through an interpreter, was hampered by injuries to key players but certain sections of the supporters did not warm to him.
Popular club captain Troy Deeney had been relegated to the bench in recent weeks, and there were reports of player unrest.
Former Leicester manager Claudio Ranieri and Hull City's Marco Silva are the early bookmakers' favourites to replace Mazzarri.
There have been problems rumbling at Watford all season with Mazzarri in charge and it was just a question of when it would come to a head.
These have included training issues (players undercooked pre-season, overcooked towards the end of the season) causing unrest in the squad and possibly the reason for long-term injuries to five or six current key players.
His relationship with skipper Troy Deeney has appeared strained for most of the season with the influential captain dropped three times in the past two months.
There seems to have been unhappiness within the squad with the tactics, formations and philosophy of the 'old school' boss. It certainly appeared Mazzarri had 'lost' the dressing room weeks ago.
His lack of English has irritated the club, fans, media and players with instructions on the training ground and in games via interpreters.
When the bad run came, Mazzarri had little or no support anywhere around the club. The inevitable has occurred.
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http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/39949621
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Manchester City, Liverpool and Arsenal face play-off prospect for Champions League - BBC Sport
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2017-05-17
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Manchester City, Liverpool and Arsenal face the prospect of a play-off to determine qualification for next season's Champions League.
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Last updated on .From the section Football
Manchester City, Liverpool and Arsenal all face a possible play-off to determine qualification for next season's Champions League.
The three clubs, occupying third to fifth place in the Premier League, are separated by three points going into Sunday's final round of games.
But their goal difference, and goals scored, are similar enough to raise the prospect of two teams finishing joint third or fourth with identical records - necessitating a one-off play-off match.
However, bookmakers are clearly not convinced. Of three possible scenarios where a play-off would be required, the one with shortest odds is around 595-1.
The top three teams qualify directly for the Champions League group stage, with the fourth-placed side entering at the preceding play-off round, while the fifth-placed side will enter the Europa League.
• None Select your Premier League team of the season
• None Quiz: How well do you remember this season?
How do they stand at the moment?
Premier League rules state: "If at the end of the season either the league champions or the clubs to be relegated or the question of qualification for other competitions cannot be determined because two or more clubs are equal on points, goal difference and goals scored, the clubs concerned shall play off one or more deciding league matches on neutral grounds, the format, venue and timing of which shall be determined by the board."
Last season, there was a chance that Liverpool and West Ham could have finished with identical records with a Europa League place at stake.
So, how could it all happen?
This would require a high-scoring draw for City at Watford, while Liverpool give relegated Middlesbrough a thumping at Anfield.
For instance, a 3-3 draw for City and a 3-0 win for Liverpool would produce this scenario, with the teams tied for third place (and that Champions League group stage place):
The sides would also be locked together with identical records if City drew 4-4 and Liverpool won 4-1, and so on.
However, Arsenal cannot affect this scenario - even by winning, they could finish no higher than fifth.
By contrast, a heavy defeat for City raises the spectre of finishing level on points with Arsenal.
If City were to lose 4-0 at Vicarage Road, and Arsenal to sneak home 1-0 against Everton, the sides would finish like this:
The same permutation would be reached if City lost 5-1 and Arsenal won 2-1 - you get the picture.
What makes this scenario even more complicated is that it could produce a third/fourth place play-off if Liverpool fail to beat Middlesbrough - or a fourth/fifth place play-off if the Reds win at Anfield.
The final scenario would leave Liverpool and Arsenal fighting for fourth place on the most perilous of knife-edges since they battled for the title on the final day of the 1988-89 season.
If Arsenal draw 1-1 with Everton and Liverpool lose 2-0 to Middlesbrough, this is how they would finish tied for fourth:
Other combinations of results which would leave the sides level would be a 2-2 Arsenal draw coupled with a 3-1 Liverpool defeat, or a 3-3 Arsenal draw if goal-shy Boro win 4-2 at Anfield, and so on.
The good news for Manchester City fans is that under this third scenario, they would finish third, whatever their result at Watford, and clinch that cherished Champions League group stage place.
• None Predict the final day's results with our Premier League Predictor
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http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/39944529
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The transgender tailor who died in Saudi custody - BBC News
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2017-05-17
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https://www.facebook.com/bbcnews
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Who was Mohammad Amin, or Meeno, the transgender Pakistani who died under arrest in Saudi Arabia?
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Asia
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Mohammad Amin, or Meeno, died after being arrested at a party in Saudi Arabia
Mohammad Amin was a family man, with a wife, four sons and five daughters.
But on 26 February, a contingent of Saudi police who broke up a party of transgender Pakistanis in Riyadh found him in women's clothes, wearing jewellery and make-up, and being addressed by others as Meeno Baji - the last name a customary title for an elder sister.
Cross-dressing is not tolerated in Saudi Arabia, so Mohammad and 34 others were rounded up and thrown in Azizia prison.
Mohammad died that night. Pakistani activists say he was beaten by policemen with clubs and hosepipes, causing his chronic heart condition to deteriorate.
The Saudi authorities were quick to deny the allegations of mistreatment, saying he had a heart attack in custody. Pakistani officials followed suit by accusing him of indulging in "illegal and immoral activities".
But Meeno's family, friends and some transgender rights activists paint a different picture of the person, and the events of that last night in Riyadh.
Meeno was born Mohammad Amin in Barikot town in Swat in 1957 to a family of tenant farmers. He had three brothers and four sisters.
At some point during his adolescent years he became a ladies' tailor with a shop in Barikot.
Mohammad Amin worked as a tailor for many years
But unlike most transgender women from Pakistan's rural hinterland who seek anonymity by leaving home, Mohammad stuck with his family.
He married a woman from his tribe in the mid-1980s and a decade later he left for Saudi Arabia on a work visa as a ladies' tailor - a job he held for most of the rest of his life.
We can only guess at his real sexual identity. Social taboos prevent his family and childhood friends from speaking openly.
We know, however, that apart from tailoring, Meeno's favourite pastime was to hang out with the area's trans women who lived together and earned a living by dancing at wedding parties or occasional prostitution.
These activities led to discussions at home.
"He was not a 'moorata' [local slang for trans woman], but he did keep their company which created occasional tensions in the family," says his eldest son, Sar Zameen, who is married with children and also works in Saudi Arabia, as a driver.
"His parents and siblings reprimanded him; we, his children, boycotted him for a while; my mother would argue with him often.
"We would tell him that you are giving everyone a bad name; say your prayers. But he would say he couldn't give up his friends. He was not an angry man, but such talk at home often landed him in a bad mood."
Sar Zameen speaks fondly of his father but says parts of his life remain a mystery
Despite this, Sar Zameen remembers his father as a kind and loving person. He put Sar Zameen in an expensive school before he travelled to Saudi Arabia, at a time when he did not have much income.
He also kept the house well supplied, and was often around to offer financial support when relatives or neighbours stumbled on bad luck.
The family's only complaint, says Sar Zameen, was that "he never told us how much money he had, though many of his friends knew".
One of those friends, a local transgender woman called Spogmai (not her real name), shines some light on this.
"Meeno spent a lot of money on looking fresh and attractive," she said.
"She got an expensive facelift done at a clinic in Rawalpindi, and also took a dozen skin-whitening injections. Besides, she had several laser hair removal jobs done on her face and body. She was a beauty."
Farzana Jan, a trans woman who works with a Peshawar-based transgender rights group, Blue Veins, met Meeno in the late 1990s during the latter's first trip home from Saudi Arabia.
Farzana Jan was a dancer then, years before she became a rights activist.
"Meeno came to see me with three other friends. They were in men's clothes but their clean faces, manicured hands and made-up eyebrows gave them away. They were all from rural Swat, mostly tailors.
"They had brought me some gifts. Meeno introduced herself and said Ibrahim Ustad [a locally well-known trans woman who kept an open house for the transgender community in Swat's main city, Mingora] was her guru [guardian, in the transgender community].
"They had heard that there was a new dancer on the Peshawar circuit, and so they had come to see me. They wanted me to dance for them. When they were leaving, Meeno promised that when she came the next time, she would bring me some fine maxi dresses."
Meeno brought Farzana Jan many precious gifts on her subsequent visits, she says.
Farzana Jan, a transgender rights activist, first met Meeno in the late 1990s
Those who knew Meeno more intimately say she had another, more secret life which others could guess at but never found out about for sure.
Spogmai said that Meeno had a 30-year love affair with a man from her native town, until that man died in 2008.
"Gul Bacha [not his real name] was a 'real' man, with a family of his own, but they were both in love with each other," she says.
They went to Saudi Arabia together, and lived together in Riyadh. When Gul died of heart failure in 2008, Meeno accompanied his body to Barikot and then did not return to Saudi Arabia for several years.
A year after Gul's death, Meeno, then 54, was diagnosed with a heart condition, unusual in a family known for longevity.
Spogmai believes Meeno took Gul's loss to heart and that, even though it was not apparent, Meeno's double life was taking its toll on her health.
During those years, Meeno would spend a lot of time with her transgender friends.
"We had a niche for ourselves in a photographer's shop in Barikot bazaar. Or sometimes I would call her over to our place in Mingora," she said.
"All friends would sit together and chat or have singing sessions. Her health had taken away her voice. She could no longer sing as well as she used to, but she would try."
Meeno tried to keep herself busy tailoring clothes at home. Two of her sons were in Saudi Arabia, which meant family money was still coming in.
But then she couldn't take life at home any more - she felt she would be more at peace with herself if she went abroad, says Spogmai. She departed in 2013.
Spogmai says that in Riyadh Meeno tried some relationships, but none succeeded. When she came back to Pakistan on her last trip in the autumn of 2015, she told her friends jokingly: "Your mother remarried, but the guy was not man enough, so we divorced."
She told them there was someone else she had her eye on, though. "She told us, 'your mother will soon marry again'. 'In which lane this time,' we would quip back, suggesting she had a potential lover in every street of the town."
In February 2016, Meeno headed back to Riyadh for what turned out to be the last time.
Farzana Jan, who is popular with the transgender community because of her social work, was kept in the loop by a transgender group who were planning a birthday party for one of the "sisters" at a guesthouse in Riyadh on 26 February 2017.
On 24 February, she received a call. "The birthday girl and another one were planning to adopt Meeno as their mother at the party and there was confusion over rituals. They wanted my advice," she says.
"They were not planning any music or dance, but some of them did wear women's clothing and jewellery and make-up."
Farzana Jan was alerted by text message to the arrests in Riyadh
But then came terrible news. At about 0300 on 27 February, Farzana Jan was awoken by a WhatsApp message from an unidentified caller. It contained a number of pictures of people, some in dresses, their eyes blanked with a pink marker.
"I was puzzled. I replied, asking who this was, and who were the people in those pictures. I then received a voice message stating who the people were and what had happened. I looked at the pictures again, and the faces started to become alive and familiar…"
A Riyadh-based newspaper carried a report of the arrests, but it was Farzana Jan who came out with the claim that the police had tortured everyone at the party and that at least two of them, including Meeno, had been bundled into hessian sacks and beaten with clubs.
According to initial reports provided to Farzana Jan by her contacts in Riyadh, both had died, though no evidence of a second body ever emerged.
Only Meeno's body was shipped back to Pakistan, in the second week of March.
Some transgender rights activists who have been calling for Islamabad to lodge a protest with Riyadh advised Meeno's family to allow a post-mortem of the body in Pakistan but the family refused, thereby foregoing crucial medical evidence.
One of those activists, Qamar Naseem of Blue Veins, received the body at Islamabad airport and says he had a chance to open the casket and look at Meeno's face.
"Her teeth were broken and a part of the torn upper gum was hanging loose in her mouth. I took some pictures of the face."
But in the absence of a post-mortem report, that has not impressed the authorities.
Meanwhile, the Pakistani Senate has responded to pressure from activists to form a committee to liaise with the Saudi authorities and establish how Meeno died.
But few expect a positive outcome - the two states have a "special relationship" that harbours no embarrassing spats over citizen's rights.
The facts of Meeno's death may never fully be known.
But what is clear is she spent her life torn between the necessity of being Mohammad Amin, the husband and father, and an enduring urge to be her other self.
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http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-39881527
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How many people does it take to write a hit song? - BBC News
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2017-05-17
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https://www.facebook.com/bbcnews
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Four and a half, according to a new analysis of the top 40. But is that a good thing?
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Entertainment & Arts
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Canadian star Drake listed seven co-writers on his hit single One Dance
For decades, songwriting duos dominated popular music: Lennon and McCartney; Jagger and Richards; Benny and Bjorn.
A new study by Music Week magazine shows it now takes an average of 4.53 writers to create a hit single.
The publication analysed the 100 biggest singles of 2016, and found that only four were credited to a single artist - Mike Posner's I Took A Pill In Ibiza, Calvin Harris's My Way; and two separate hits by rock band Twenty One Pilots.
Ten years ago, the average number of writers on a hit single was 3.52, and 14 of the year's top 100 songs were credited to one person, including Amy Winehouse's Rehab and Arctic Monkeys' When The Sun Goes Down.
This video can not be played To play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser. Amy Winehouse performs Rehab on Later... with Jools Holland in 2006
The best-selling song of 2016, Drake's One Dance, needed eight writers - but even that pales into insignificance compared to Mark Ronson's Uptown Funk, which took 13 people to create, leading Paul Gambaccini to brand it "the most written song in history".
Even solo singer-songwriters like Adele, Taylor Swift and Ed Sheeran, whose identities are deeply ingrained into their music, lean on co-writers; while rock band U2 have been working with hitmakers like Ryan Tedder, Paul Epworth and will.i.am on their new record, Songs of Experience.
So why is this happening? Are songwriters increasingly lazy or lacking in talent? Or are they second-guessing themselves in the search for a hit?
Just a few of the writers credited on Uptown Funk
According to Mike Smith, managing director of music publishers Warner/Chappell UK, it is simply that the business of making music has changed.
"Think back 20 years and an artist would take at least two or three albums to really hone their craft as a songwriter," he told Music Week.
"There is a need to fast-forward that process [which means record labels will] bring in professional songwriters, put them in with artists and try to bring them through a lot faster."
Swedish star Tove Lo, who wrote tracks for Girls Aloud and Icona Pop before launching her own career, says "writing camps" helped her find her voice as a songwriter.
"Before I signed to Warner Chappell as a songwriter, I wrote by myself and I produced myself," she told the BBC. "But I learned a lot from working with producers who had more of an idea.
"I was always so focused on melody and lyrics. And most of the songs I've written by myself - like Habits - are three chords the whole way through.
"But the build-ups and dynamics, I didn't really know how to get there production wise. The Struts, who produced [my first] EP, they're really good at the dynamics. When I started working with them, I learned how to get that feeling."
This video can not be played To play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser. MNEK explains how he made his new single At Night (I Think About You)
Writing camps are where the music industry puts the infinite monkey theorem to the test, detaining dozens of producers, musicians and "top-liners" (melody writers) and forcing them to create an endless array of songs, usually for a specific artist.
"They love to give you a bit of a brief, like, 'This song should be uptempo, sassy, girl-meets-guy,'" says British singer Dyo, a veteran of camps for X Factor contestants, who is up for an Ivor Novello award this week for her hit single Sexual.
"But I just ignore briefs. Briefs are corny. Everyone wants to write good songs. I'm all for writing good songs."
Pop singer RAYE, whose writing credits include Charli XCX and Jax Jones, adds: "Some writing camps are very weird and factory-like.
"I remember the Rihanna writing camp - they booked out a massive studio, and they'd have a writer in each room, trying to churn out as many songs as they could.
"They're quite weird. There's a lot of pressure - but you do get songs."
Synth-pop band Chvrches avoided the temptation to work with co-writers
All this unfettered creativity sounds idyllic, but there is a downside. If you have 13 writers on a song, each of them gets a slice of the royalties when it's purchased or played. And the money doesn't get shared equally, which means lesser-known writers who contribute a line or a lick to a hit song may only get 1% of the profits.
And then there's the issue of homogenisation. If the world's biggest artists all employ the same writers, could your dad actually be right when he claims "all music sounds the same these days"?
"People don't make albums any more," synth player Iain Cook told BBC News in 2015. "They make 11, 12 songs, and they put them out as an album but they feel like a greatest hits, or a playlist.
"And maybe out of those 10 or 11 songs, those co-writes that you do, there's a global number one. But it's not yours."
Singer Lauren Mayberry added: "When I listen to our record, I listen to it and think, 'that has a strong identity.'
"That's something you can't say when it's a record full of co-writes. I think that would just dilute the identity of it."
Beyonce manages to create a sense of ownership, even when she collaborates with dozens of writers
Crucially, an artist needs to stamp their identity on those writing sessions - a skill Beyonce perfected on her last two albums, which are intimate and autobiographical despite the huge volume of contributors.
British songwriter MNEK, who is one of 13 people credited on Beyonce's hit single Hold Up, says the song is essentially a Frankenstein's Monster, stitched together from dozens of demos.
"She played me the chorus," he told the BBC last year. "Then I came back here [to my studio] and recorded all the ideas I had for the song.
"Beyonce snipped out the pieces she really liked and the end result was this really great, complete song."
Follow us on Facebook, on Twitter @BBCNewsEnts, or on Instagram at bbcnewsents. If you have a story suggestion email entertainment.news@bbc.co.uk.
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http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-39934986
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The Swiss, the Germans, and the mysterious case of Daniel M - BBC News
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2017-05-17
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https://www.facebook.com/bbcnews
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How a case of alleged espionage highlights the often fractious relationship between the countries.
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Europe
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Relations between Switzerland and Germany have been damaged by the Daniel M row
The story could be straight out of a Graham Greene novel, or a James Bond film.
The case of Daniel M, a Swiss man arrested by the Germans on charges of spying, has focused attention in Switzerland on the activities of the Swiss intelligence services, the banks and the often awkward relationship between Switzerland and Germany.
Daniel M, now detained in Mannheim in south-west Germany, was once a police officer in Zurich, then a security specialist for Swiss banking giant UBS and finally, it is alleged, a spy for the Swiss Federal Intelligence Service (FIS).
During the years of Daniel M's multifaceted career, Germany watched with growing irritation as its citizens squirreled their savings away in Swiss banks, in effect - thanks to Switzerland's famed banking secrecy laws - hiding their money from the German tax authorities.
At the same time, the Swiss government, faced with globalisation, and Switzerland's need to have good trading relations with the European Union, began to realise that banking secrecy was no longer the economic advantage it may once have been.
Methodically but very, very slowly, the Swiss government began to dismantle banking secrecy. New laws on money laundering - among the world's strictest - were approved and tax disclosure agreements were discussed with European neighbours.
All the while the Swiss banks delayed and objected and Germany ratcheted up the pressure.
In 2009, Peer Steinbrück, the then German finance minister, warned that if the Swiss did not behave, Germany might have to "send in the cavalry".
Nothing could have been calculated to more infuriate the neutral Swiss, who insisted they would not be cowed by threats from what the Swiss sometimes call "the big canton to the north".
Germany's ambassador to Berne was swiftly summoned for a dressing-down.
But the process of killing off banking secrecy continued, helped by massive losses for big banks UBS and Credit Suisse in the 2008-2009 sub-prime mortgage crisis.
There were also suggestions that those same banks were still aiding and abetting tax evasion, advising clients to invest in artwork or precious stones to disguise cash and even suggesting they hide diamonds in tubes of toothpaste.
Daniel M had previously worked as a security specialist for Swiss banking giant UBS
Meanwhile, Germany, impatient for its lost tax revenue, began to buy client information which had been stolen from Swiss banks.
The state of North Rhine-Westphalia alone has spent millions of euros on at least 11 CDs containing information on German citizens with Swiss bank accounts.
Again, this infuriated the Swiss. Government ministers painstakingly shepherding banking reform through parliament were angry that Germany - instead of waiting for the promised agreement on sharing banking information - had, in effect, walked in and helped itself.
For some, it looked as if Mr Steinbrück's cavalry had actually charged.
At some point, Switzerland's intelligence chiefs seem to have concluded that the Germans had gone far enough and decided to investigate the theft of data from Swiss banks.
Who had stolen it, who was selling it and who was buying it on behalf of Germany?
The intelligence service turned to Daniel M, now no longer working for UBS, because - and here is the bizarre twist - he was suspected of dealing with the Germans in stolen banking data.
Long before his arrest in Frankfurt, Daniel M had already been arrested in Zurich as part of an investigation into the theft of bank data.
What happened during that arrest? Was Daniel M "turned" by the Swiss authorities?
Swiss defence minister Guy Parmelin said there had been no contact between Daniel M and the intelligence service "since 2014"
The details are murky, but the Germans allege that, between at least 2012 and 2015, Daniel M - armed with 90,000 euros (£76,000) in cash and a prepaid mobile phone - was spying in Germany, hoping to bribe German officials for information, and even trying to plant a mole in North Rhine-Westphalia's finance ministry.
Ironically, it appears the Swiss attorney general's office - which had not closed its case on Daniel M - actually gave Germany the information which led to his arrest in Frankfurt on 28 April.
Meanwhile, FIS, the agency which is supposed to know everything, knew nothing until the arrest became public.
Now it was Germany's turn to be outraged, and Switzerland's ambassador to Berlin's turn to face criticism.
Swiss government ministers were once again squirming with frustration and embarrassment. While FIS chief Markus Seiler refused to confirm or deny Daniel M was an agent, Switzerland's defence minister Guy Parmelin told Swiss media there had been no contact between Daniel M and the intelligence service "since 2014".
Now the case will end up in the courts. Daniel M has hired a high-profile Zurich lawyer, who has demanded that FIS contribute to his client's legal costs.
FIS has not responded, leaving the lawyer to threaten that if Daniel M is "hung out to dry" by his former bosses in the intelligence service, he may use his court appearance to sing like a canary.
Much more intrigue and drama is predicted, and relations between Germany and Switzerland, always a trifle sensitive, are on tenterhooks.
The Blick newspaper rejected claims that the affair is "old news", insisting "No way, minister!"
But meanwhile the everyday business between the two neighbours continues.
Switzerland and Germany actually signed that tax disclosure agreement back in 2015: there is no longer any point in stealing banking data, or spying on those who might buy it.
The Swiss foreign minister Didier Burkhalter has suggested the spy scandal is an "old story" that should be forgotten. "No way, minister!" responded mass circulation Blick newspaper in a furious editorial.
Some ask whether their intelligence services were just bumblingly incompetent, or whether they could have been serving the interests of the banks even as elected officials strove to regulate them.
Others, remembering that the Tunisian extremist responsible for Berlin's Christmas market attack in which 12 people died, had both a gun bought in Switzerland and a Swiss mobile, are asking why FIS does not concentrate on the more important matter of combating terrorism.
The whole affair is now likely to be the subject of a parliamentary inquiry.
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http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-39883978
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Ian Brady letters: Inside the mind of the Moors Murderer - BBC News
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2017-05-17
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https://www.facebook.com/bbcnews
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What was Ian Brady really like? Journalist Peter Gould gained a unique insight into the Moors Murder's mind through an extraordinary exchange of letters that lasted almost 30 years.
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UK
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My correspondence with Ian Brady began with a simple question: are you going to apply for parole?
Given that he and Myra Hindley had committed the most shocking crimes of modern times, it was hard to imagine either of them would ever be released.
The public would surely never accept that they were reformed characters who had paid their debt to society.
Yet by 1985, the Moors Murderers had been behind bars for almost 20 years. Time was passing, and perhaps memories would start to fade.
So the question of parole was not an idle enquiry. The families of the children they killed were becoming anxious about the possibility that one day they might be free to walk the streets again.
Myra Hindley had already begun a long and ultimately futile attempt to win her freedom. She tried in vain to persuade a disbelieving world that she had been coerced into the crimes by Brady.
The sullen face of the peroxide blonde, captured in the famous police photograph, continued to stare out from the pages of the tabloid newspapers as each twist of the story was reported.
"She is a good woman," Lord Longford told me more than once, as he tried to advance her case for release. A more unpopular cause to champion, it would be hard to imagine.
She was without doubt the most hated woman in Britain. Hindley died in prison in 2002, still dreaming of freedom. But back in 1985, little had been heard from Brady, and we could only guess at his intentions. Intrigued, I wrote to him and asked him if he was planning to apply for parole.
I did not expect a reply, so the arrival of a letter from Gartree Prison, from prisoner number 605217, came as a shock. As I held it in my hands, unopened, all my memories of the Moors Murders came flooding back.
Merely to mention Brady's name was enough to make anyone alive in the 1960s shudder with horror. He and Hindley abducted and killed their young victims and buried four of them on the bleak moors, high above Manchester.
I began my career as a journalist in the North West around that time, and needed no reminding of the story.
The sight of police officers digging, searching for bodies, became an indelible memory for my generation. Along with the smiling faces of the children, captured in family snapshots, and the black and white police photographs of their killers - these images were burned into our minds.
Few crimes have caused such revulsion, or cast such a long shadow. To many people, Ian Brady was the epitome of evil, a sadist who killed without conscience. If anything, his accomplice Myra Hindley was judged even more harshly, simply because she was a woman.
So with all this in my mind, I felt uneasy as I opened the letter. It was short and came straight to the point:
"My position on parole has not altered. I take no part in the annual circus and never shall. It has always been my intention to choose the time and manner of my own death in prison. All I have sought in my twenty years in prison is an active, positive life - unsuccessfully."
Brady later told me he had been given a form to apply for parole, but had refused to sign it. When members of the parole review committee asked to see him, he said he would not talk to them. Brady thought the process was "a political farce", but it showed that parole was indeed a possibility.
My story appeared on the BBC, and was followed up by the newspapers. And that was the end of it... or so I thought. Little did I know that Brady's brief note was to be the start of a correspondence that was to last more than 30 years.
Every few weeks, a new letter would arrive. As the pile grew, they started to give me an insight into the mind of the writer. But ultimately they prompted more questions than answers. From beginning to end, Ian Brady told me only what he wanted me to know.
I have often been asked how I could write to such a man. I had vivid memories of the crimes and I suppose I was curious to know more about Brady and what had driven him to kill.
As a journalist, I was able to approach the correspondence with a degree of detachment, but at the same time, I could not forget who he was, or what he had done.
I was clear in my own mind that he and Hindley should never be released. After Brady's initial letter, I assumed the correspondence would quickly come to an end.
But he continued to write to me from his prison cell, letters that were sometimes written in a shaky hand. He seemed under stress, mentally and physically. Despite being a man who was 6ft (1.83m) tall, his weight had fallen to around 8st (50kg).
That year, doctors concluded Brady was mentally ill and he was transferred from Gartree Prison - "the garbage can" as he described it - to Ashworth high security hospital on Merseyside, where he remained until his death.
He was soon receiving drugs as part of his treatment, and his letters became more lucid and more legible.
Ian Brady was jailed for three murders in 1966
They ran to many pages, initially on prison notepaper, then sheets of lined A4, the kind with very narrow spacing. They were always written with a ballpoint pen in a very neat hand, words precisely on the lines, with good grammar and correct spelling.
He did at least have the benefit of going through the Scottish education system at a time when mastering the three Rs mattered.
As I discovered, he was an avid letter-writer, with a wide circle of correspondents, although he wrote to few journalists on a regular basis.
I think it helped that I worked for the BBC, rather than one of the tabloid newspapers that wrote endless accounts of his life behind bars. Brady catalogued their inventive efforts:
"The national media allege I organised a Christmas party for the ward. I organised no such party. I ate nothing whatsoever on Christmas Day. There was a ward barbecue this afternoon, hordes of strangers waiting to gawp at the performing monkey, but I didn't take the stage. Several national newspapers allege I invited the Yorkshire Ripper, who is even not in this hospital but Broadmoor. A newspaper falsely states that I go on trips outside. I am in my cell night and day and go nowhere at all."
Yet for all his hatred of the media, it was clear that he was very aware of his status as a high-profile prisoner, and I think he enjoyed the notoriety, and being the centre of attention.
So while he railed against the stories about him that appeared on a regular basis in the tabloids, it became part of his wider battle against all those with power over his life.
In writing his letters, he certainly knew that what he said was liable to be reported, and he chose his words carefully, with an eye to publication. His relentless character assassination of Myra Hindley undoubtedly caused her great damage as she campaigned for parole.
What else did he write about? In large part his letters were a litany of complaints about his treatment at Ashworth - Trashworth in Brady's lexicon. It would not be fair on the staff to repeat his splenetic observations and unsubstantiated allegations, which covered page after page of A4.
Writing about life behind bars, he displayed a deep anger, but also an acerbic humour. It was as if he had a special dictionary in his head, reserved for pouring scorn on all those in authority whom he hated.
Peter Gould with some of Brady's letters
I soon got the impression that battling against the authorities - whoever they happened to be - was an important part of his mechanism for coping with his loss of freedom and life within a highly-regulated institution.
But the letters were more than just the paranoid rantings of a madman. I quickly discovered that he did not fit the popular stereotype of the sub-human monster, an image that most of us recognise instantly from crime thrillers on TV, and find strangely reassuring.
We do not expect serial killers to live anything approaching normal lives when they are not committing their crimes. They are certainly not supposed to display intelligence or humour.
So it was more than a little unsettling to discover that Brady was articulate and surprisingly well read, with a preference for classic literature rather than popular fiction.
The Russian writer Dostoevsky, with his explorations of human psychology, was a particular favourite.
Brady's letters were sprinkled with literary references that would send me searching through my bookshelves. His knowledge was nothing if not a testament to the education provided by prison libraries.
He made sharp observations about politics and current affairs, revealing a close interest in the world outside, a world he knew he would never see again.
He had nothing but contempt for the establishment in general, and politicians in particular:
"The Gulf - the Bore War. Thirty countries, including the most powerful in the world, against a third world Arab state, and they call it a victory. Politically, the UK is now to America what Italy was to the Germans; a servile lackey willing to bomb any country the Americans choose. The election... a non-event only of synthetic interest to the media in generating an appearance of democracy and choice, between two Tory parties."
He claimed not to be interested in reading newspapers, but little that was written about him escaped his notice. He also listened to radio news bulletins, and watched television. Several times he told me he had seen me reporting for TV news. Once, I was even talking about him.
Fortunately, perhaps, he did not have access to the internet, as he would undoubtedly have seen it as a platform. A lot of the time, he just stayed in his room, read books, and continued his writing. Somewhere, waiting to surface, there is a memoir of his life.
He once wrote a book, published in the US, intended to take the reader inside the mind of a serial killer. But significantly, it did not include any discussion of his own crimes. And in his letters to me, he was always reluctant to delve too deeply into the past, unless it was to confirm Hindley's active involvement in the murders.
It was as if he was hiding behind a mask that prevented you getting into his head. But there were times when the mask slipped, and you saw hints of an inner turmoil.
The Moors Murders victims were left to right, Keith Bennett, Lesley Ann Downey, Edward Evans, John Kilbride and Pauline Reade
In 1986, following my correspondence with Brady, the mothers of two of his victims wrote to him. His reaction on receiving their letters was revealing:
"Although I've been given them, I've not been able to bring myself to read them yet. I'm afraid to read them, understand? I have to keep the mental blocks tightly shut and keep control."
The mother of Lesley Ann Downey wanted to visit him in prison. Her request was refused by the authorities, so Brady suggested I pass on a personal message.
I was uncomfortably aware that I was becoming a go-between, a part of the story I was reporting:
"You can inform her of what I've told you. Remorse in this and other matters is axiomatic and painfully deep but I despise useless empty words and prefer positive action to balance part of the past."
To my knowledge, it was the only time he ever publicly expressed any regret for what he had done.
Perhaps, as he suggests, it was just too difficult for him to confront the reality of his crimes. But he seemed to resent being put in a position where he was expected to express remorse. He was not going to jump through any hoops for the press.
The "positive action" he refers to was his work in transcribing books into Braille for a school for the blind, something he did for many years.
A small act of contrition, perhaps, but one you may not have read about in the papers.
Brady and Hindley belatedly confessed to killing two additional children who disappeared in the 60s, and whose bodies had never been found.
In 1987, the two killers were taken back to the moors, separately, to help the police to try to find their bodies. Brady found himself back in the media spotlight.
"We stepped onto the moor at dawn. Helicopters and private planes kept circling us and the police seemed determined they would not get any photos. Police kept surrounding me when a low-flying helicopter came at us. Of all hated papers, the Sun got a full-length one, sharp and clear! The moors had changed a lot in my eyes over the 20-odd years that had passed. Many of the changes were real, some imaginary. It was weird seeing the place again, all that space and vastness."
Eventually, the police managed to find the remains of Pauline Reade but, despite many hours of searching, the body of Keith Bennett is still lost on the moors.
Was Brady genuine in his desire to help Winnie Johnson find her son? In his letters to me at the time, he seemed anxious for another chance to go back to Saddleworth and complete the search.
After a second visit to the moors, in the depths of winter, he insisted that he could have found the boy's grave, given more time:
"The convoy reached the moor around 9am. It was five degrees below zero and covered in frost and ice. The police let me lead the way and go to any spots I wished. After an hour, I discovered the junction of streams I had been searching for. I felt relief and exhilaration, and we all stopped for another hot drink and a smoke. As daylight began to fade, I felt a deep instinct that I was close to something important, some aspect I had overlooked. The search area has now been greatly reduced to an area between a sheep pen and a junction of two streams. I felt a great relief and vindication that I had rectified the crucial mistake. I kept underlining that I know beyond doubt that I've found the area. I'd like to see 40 or 50 police searching the area I've pinpointed. Within 48 hours, the instinctive feeling experienced on the moor in fading light became concrete. I was lying on top of the bed in the dark. An image came into my mind. All along I had been searching purely for a triangular site. But now I was seeing something I had forgotten. I saw Myra walking out of the triangle, but when she reached the apex, she did not climb over it but turned to the right into a curved horn of earth which led upwards. I now have the full image of the site vividly in my head. I do not enjoy struggling through sub-zero wasteland, nor being made a spectacle for the media. The police owe me one last visit there. I owe it to the family involved; it is a debt. I have nothing to gain except inner peace, for the media will crucify me whether I succeed or fail."
Keith Bennett's mother, Winnie Johnson, travelled to the moors many times before her death in 2012, enjoying the peace and solitude.
I went with her on one occasion. Looking out across the bleak moorland, she told me that to be there made her feel close to her lost son.
It was heartbreaking to watch as she waited, year after year, hoping he would be found.
But in the end, the details provided by Brady had not been sufficiently precise to locate the burial place.
Did he really know? Winnie Johnson was convinced that he did. Hindley was clearly hoping the search would advance her campaign for parole, by demonstrating her contrition. Her lawyers would later go to the High Court to challenge the power of the home secretary to keep her locked up indefinitely.
She did all she could to distance herself from the killings, claiming that she had been forced by Brady into becoming his accomplice.
Few people were convinced. The truth is, she had ample opportunity to go to the police and inform on Brady back in the 60s but failed to do so.
The case against her was always damning. She drove the car that she and Brady used to abduct children from the streets, and the vehicle was used to transport them to the moors for burial.
Even back in the 60s, children were warned by their parents not to go off with strangers. But the presence of Hindley in the car with Brady when they stopped to offer the youngsters a lift must have seemed reassuring. A nice young couple, smiling and joking. Nothing to worry about.
Myra Hindley on the Moors in a photograph taken by Ian Brady
Criminologists have always been fascinated by the dynamics of the relationship between Brady and Hindley. If they had not met would the crimes have happened, committed by Brady alone?
Some have suggested their relationship was a classic folie a deux, a shared psychosis in which a delusional belief is transferred from one person to another.
What is clear is that there was some terrible chemistry, involving sex and sadism, that made it work.
At their trial in 1966, Brady had seemed to be trying to protect Hindley from the full weight of the law. For several years, they wrote to each other from their prison cells. But the more Hindley tried to minimise her role in the killings in an effort to win her freedom, the more resentful he became.
He challenged her claim that she had only taken part in the murders because she was afraid of him. His analysis of their partnership was devastating:
"Myra Hindley and I once loved each other. We were a unified force, not two conflicting entities. The relationship was not based on the delusional concept of folie a deux but on a conscious/subconscious emotional and psychological affinity. She regarded periodic homicides as rituals of reciprocal innervation, marriage ceremonies theoretically binding us ever closer. We experimented with the concept of total possibility. Instead of the requisite Lady Macbeth, I got Messalina. Apart, our futures would have taken radically divergent courses."
For those unfamiliar with ancient history, Messalina became the most powerful woman in the Roman Empire, notorious for her promiscuity, who plotted against her husband, the emperor Claudius.
By casting Hindley in this role, Brady gives a clue to the bitterness he came to feel towards his former lover. He regarded himself and Hindley as equal partners in the murders, but she betrayed him and the secret life they had shared.
He ridiculed her claims that she was an unwilling accomplice:
"Hindley has crafted a Victorian melodrama in which she portrays herself as being forced to murder serially. We both habitually carried revolvers and went for target practice on the moors. If I were mistreating her, she could have shot me dead at any time. For 30 years she said she was acting out of love for me; now she maintains she killed because she hated me - a completely irrational hypothesis. In character, she is essentially a chameleon, adopting whatever camouflage will suit and voicing whatever she believes the individual wishes to hear. She can kill, both in cold blood or in a rage."
Despite my contact with Brady, the families of the murdered children always received me with courtesy and kindness.
Encouraged by my correspondence, some had begun writing to Brady themselves. They saw him as a means of keeping Hindley behind bars.
Like so many others, they could not understand how a woman could have helped to abduct and murder children. And in fact, female serial killers are extremely rare.
So the families of the children, and the man who killed them, came to form a strange alliance. The families also wanted Brady's help in finding the bodies of the children still missing.
I urged him to help the police locate the graves, to allow the families the comfort of a proper burial. The police knew Brady was writing to me but did nothing to hinder the correspondence, perhaps hoping that the letters would reveal useful information.
The detective in charge of the case told me: "He trusts you." Brady himself said he appreciated reporting that was "balanced and unsensational", although I must admit it was sometimes difficult to remain dispassionate.
At around the time he was being taken back to the moors by the police, Brady told me that he was responsible for another five murders, or "happenings" as he called them.
This was tantamount to a confession to a series of hitherto unknown crimes, so I passed the information to the police. With only sketchy details to go on, they were unable to confirm his claims. Did they really happen? Or were they just part of his fantasy world? It was yet another part of the story where the truth would never be known.
The trips back to the moors were the only break from the monotony of Brady's daily life in Ashworth Hospital. But there was always something for him to complain about. In 1999, when he was moved to a new ward, he went on hunger strike.
"I've sat in my room, going nowhere, never having exercised in the open air for 25 years, using every available "normal channel" to right matters here these past 15 years, and throughout my 35 years of captivity. I've been taking only sugarless, milk-less tea or coffee, no food. I have no TV or radio and don't read newspapers, though I've been told of some reports. I simply sit writing or reading books most of the time."
When he continued to refuse food, the doctors fed him against his wishes, through a nasal tube. So he went to court, hoping to establish a legal right to end his life.
In 2000, a hearing was held in Liverpool, behind closed doors. The tight security meant that the waiting media did not even get a glimpse of him as he enjoyed his day in court. But he got his story out.
Brady was taken to Liverpool Crown Court for his 2000 right-to-die hearing
Knowing the hearing would be held in private, he had sent me a 5,000-word document, setting out his case.
Once again, Brady was the centre of attention, taking on the system. But his arguments failed to convince the judge, and the hospital was told it could continue to feed him, to keep him alive.
Then in 2013, Brady finally got the public platform he craved. The media were able to observe him via a television relay as he gave evidence to a mental health tribunal at Ashworth.
The picture that emerged was of a man who was paranoid and narcissistic. He wanted to be sent back to prison, where he might have been able to complete his hunger strike without medical intervention.
Brady seemed to relish the occasion. He was back in the spotlight, back in the headlines. But once again the decision went against him. The panel ruled that he was mentally ill, and would have to remain in a secure hospital where his condition could be treated.
Court sketch of Brady appearing at a mental health tribunal in 2013
During the hearing, Brady refused to answer a direct question about whether he would in fact kill himself if was sent back to prison.
In his letters to me, however, he said his life had become meaningless and all he wanted was the opportunity to bring it to an end:
"I have had enough. My objective is to die and release myself from this once and for all. I am not interested in being kept alive artificially by force feeding. My death strike is rational and pragmatic. I am eager to leave this cesspit in a coffin."
Brady considered himself to possess superior intelligence. He found it difficult being surrounded by other patients who were all mentally ill, rather than being able to mix with the diverse characters he had encountered in the penal system:
"In prison I had intelligent company - train robbers, IRA and Arab terrorists, financiers, counterfeiters, gun-runners, drug lords, East End gangsters, ex-government ministers. I played John Stonehouse in the chess final at Wormwood Scrubs. Having spent the past years in the company of criminals and madmen, I have a very unusual circle of friends out there in the free world."
Did Brady ever look back over his life and contemplate how things might have been different?
A few years ago, he let me see a letter he had written to his mother. To my surprise, it was a wistful memoir of the happy times they had spent together in his youth.
It described in lyrical terms holidays spent in the Scottish Highlands, the sentiments quite at odds with his reputation as a tough kid from the Gorbals:
"When I close my eyes, I re-live childhood holidays in fascinating detail, many forgotten memories surfacing. Remember the low ceilings and oil lamps in the whitewashed Dunning cottage and the late-night cups of Oxo? The honking geese in the courtyard of the farm we stayed at in Tobermory? The red deer standing in the deep green gloom of the deciduous forest; the wildcat I surprised in the high heather hills behind the farm; the wooden bridge in the meadow beside the farm? Naturally I also bring to mind all the other holidays. The many tours up to Scotland by car, the vast spaces and bracing air of the Highlands... enough."
Enough, says Brady. After giving us a tantalising glimpse of happy days during his childhood, he firmly closes the door to the past. He ends the letter with a request to his mother to send me a copy.
She was then aged about 90 and living in relative anonymity in Longsight, near the centre of Manchester. Surprisingly, perhaps, she never moved away from the city where her son committed his dreadful crimes.
This unexpected glimpse into their life together was startling. Stories about Brady's childhood had painted a picture of a troubled boy who had grown up in a single-parent home, never knowing his real father.
As Brady acknowledged himself, the reality of his childhood years seemed to contradict a widely-held view about the roots of violent crime, especially sexual crime:
"It is fashionable nowadays to blame one's faults on abuse as a child. I had a happy childhood."
Why had Brady wanted me to see the letter to his mother? Was he trying to show he was a man with human emotions like everyone else? It inevitably prompts the question of how someone capable of such feelings could become a cold-blooded predator who enticed children away from their homes and families, and then killed them with his bare hands.
The happy childhood did not last. As a delinquent youth, Brady got into scrapes with the law, before finding a job as an office clerk. It appeared to offer reasonable prospects, and perhaps the hope of a decent life. But fate took a hand.
Working in the same office was a young typist called Myra Hindley. We will never know if things might have been different had they not met, but together they were deadly.
Perhaps it was memories of his childhood holidays that drew him to the bleak moorland above Manchester. Just as the Scottish Highlands may have been a welcome relief from the tenements of Glasgow, so the empty landscape of Saddleworth may have offered an escape from the terraced houses and factories of industrial Manchester.
Judging by the snapshots Brady took of himself and Hindley on the moors, it was somewhere that he felt happy.
But it was also a place made special by the terrible secrets it held, secrets that bound the two of them together.
Seeing them posing for the camera, they look like any other young couple who are in love. Until you realise that they include a shot of Hindley standing on the grave of one of their victims.
This was the woman who would later claim that she was Brady's unwilling accomplice. The photographs, and a horrific tape recording of their victim Lesley Ann Downey, tell a different story.
Given his love of open spaces, how much of a punishment was it for Brady to be confined within the walls of a prison or a high security hospital for so many years?
At Ashworth, he refused his right to take exercise in the open air for many years. Another contradiction.
Our lengthy correspondence has finally been ended by his death. It is easy to dismiss Brady as an evil monster, who does not deserve an ounce of pity.
I have met the families of the children he killed, and seen how he shattered so many lives. They spent years living with the consequences of his crimes. As the mother of Lesley Ann Downey once told me, the families are the ones serving a life sentence.
For nearly 50 years, Brady tormented them. His own life was effectively over when he was convicted at the age of just 28.
It was only the abolition of the death penalty just before his trial that saved him from the hangman's noose. He survived, but it turned out to be a living death.
I am left with a box full of letters, but I am still little the wiser about what drove him to kill.
Ian Brady has finally gone to his grave, having found the death he craved for so long. Many of his secrets have gone with him. He remains the personification of dark forces that we struggle to understand.
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http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-39925965
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Nicky Hayden: Ex-MotoGP champion in hospital after cycling accident in Italy - BBC Sport
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2017-05-17
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Former MotoGP champion Nicky Hayden is injured as a result of an accident while cycling in Italy.
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Nicky Hayden: Ex-MotoGP champion in hospital after cycling accident in Italy Last updated on .From the section Motorsport
Former MotoGP champion Nicky Hayden has been injured after he was hit by a car while cycling in Italy. The 35-year-old, who has been racing for Red Bull Honda's World Superbike team this year, is being treated at a hospital in Cesena. The American competed in the latest round of the World Superbike championship in Italy last Sunday. He won his only MotoGP championship in 2006, preventing Valentino Rossi from winning a sixth successive title.
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http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/motorsport/39954489
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General election 2017: The mystery of the three million 'extra' voters - BBC News
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2017-05-17
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https://www.facebook.com/bbcnews
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Who were the millions of extra people that voted on Brexit - and what happens if they reappear?
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Election 2017
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We know that almost three million extra people turned out to vote in the EU referendum. Saying who they are - and what happens if they reappear - is where it gets difficult.
One of the most striking features of the June 2016 referendum on EU membership - apart from the decision to leave itself - was the substantial increase in turnout.
Broadly speaking, 2.9 million more people voted in the referendum, compared with the May 2015 general election.
Turnout in England in the referendum was the largest since the 1992 general election; and in Wales since the 1997 general election.
Yet we know absolutely nothing about who these millions are.
Their gender, age and socio-economic background are all a complete mystery.
So too is how they voted.
There was a clutch of on-the-day polls among people who had turned-out.
But none of these questionnaires was designed to record the unexpected arrival of a great host of additional voters.
What we do know, however, is where they appeared on referendum day.
Across England, an additional 2.89 million voters crowded into polling stations - a seven point increase on the 2015 general election.
In Wales the increase was six points; and in Northern Ireland it was just under five points.
Only Scotland registered a small decrease, of just under four points.
Among the nine English regions, the greatest increases in turnout mostly occurred in those that delivered the biggest majorities for Leave: Eastern, East Midlands, North East and West Midlands.
The exception was the South East region, where the second largest increase - of 8.1% - sat alongside the smallest pro-Leave majority - of 3.6% - across the whole UK.
We will never know whether that result reflected extra voters for Remain who narrowed the Leave majority, or extra Leave voters who thwarted a potentially narrow Remain victory there.
Northern Ireland and London - which voted Remain alongside Scotland - saw comparatively small increases in voter turnout.
However, the fact that extra voters were most apparent in Leave areas cannot be taken as proof that they were in favour of quitting the EU.
Similarly, as tantalising a prospect as it may be, it is not possible to say that they would be more likely to vote for one party over another at an election.
The real mystery is whether those additional voters in 2016 will come out again to vote in the 2017 general election - and what difference they could make.
It is not known whether or not the extra voters helped the Leave campaign
There is no guarantee that they will, given their opting out of the previous general election.
Are they people who are totally dissatisfied with the political system and became serial non-voters but were unable to resist the chance to give the establishment a thoroughly good kicking at the referendum?
If so, there seems little chance that they will appear again on 8 June 2017.
On the other hand, some may be tempted to vote for the party they consider most likely to put the brakes on Brexit; others to support the party they think truly believes in the UK outside Europe.
If only we knew a bit more about them.
Are you one of the three million who voted in the EU referendum but didn't vote in the general election in 2015? Get in touch to tell us how you made your decision and whether you plan to vote in the election of 8 June.
You can also contact us in the following ways:
This analysis piece was commissioned by the BBC from an expert working for an outside organisation.
David Cowling is visiting senior research fellow in the Policy Institute at King's College London. He is also the former editor of the BBC Political Research Unit.
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http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/election-2017-39922798
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Iran's Instagram election sees rivals battle on social media - BBC News
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2017-05-18
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https://www.facebook.com/bbcnews
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In a first for Iran, the main battles in the country's elections are being fought on social media.
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Middle East
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The Iranian authorities have relaxed rules on internet use during the election campaign
This is an Iranian election like no other, where the main battles are being fought on social media.
For the first time candidates, as well as voters, have discovered the power of messaging apps as a way of bypassing state media and reaching out directly to each other.
Rather than relying on state television channels to broadcast their campaign rallies, the two front-runners - President Hassan Rouhani and his hard line rival Ebrahim Raisi - have been live-streaming them on Instagram.
At the touch of a button, anyone with a mobile device has been able to tune in, watch and show their support by adding to the blizzard of likes, hearts and smiley faces streaming across the screen.
They have also provided constant updates on Telegram, a hugely popular secure messaging app which now has more than 20 million users in Iran.
On Sunday, the reformist former President, Mohammad Khatami, posted a video message on Telegram urging voters to support Mr Rouhani, who is seeking a second term.
Mr Khatami is banned from appearing on state media and the main TV channels do not even show his photograph or mention his name. But his video went viral, reaching millions of Iranians connected via a vast network of Telegram channels.
In parallel to the presidential poll, local elections are also taking place across the country on Friday.
In the capital, Tehran, voters used Twitter and Telegram to challenge the official list of reformist candidates.
They began circulating an alternative list of progressive candidates they said had been forced off the reformist ticket.
The list caused such a huge stir on social media and prompted some very serious conversations in the reformist camp.
President Rouhani is live-streaming his campaign speeches
Unusually in a country where access to many websites and social media platforms is blocked, Telegram and Instagram are freely accessible in Iran.
When Telegram first appeared in Iran it was seen as a chat application with limited functionalities.
The establishment saw it as a relatively safe platform, and it was only when its Russian developers introduced new channel features, and Farsi-speakers began using it in a very different way, that its potential to mobilise millions of people became apparent.
Iranians have now created thousands of Telegram channels, and use "supergroups" not only to promote their agenda but also to do business and make money.
Ebrahim Raisi's supporters are also taking to social media
Telegram is suddenly being taken very seriously by the establishment and in the run up to the election the administrators of some popular channels have been detained.
Twitter is officially blocked in Iran but people use proxies to tweet.
President Rouhani and many of his cabinet members have been active on Twitter for the past four years; Mr Raisi hurriedly set up an account just before launching his campaign.
Usually, Twitter conversations that create a buzz then travel to Telegram channels where they can potentially reach a much wider audience. One such conversation discussed demands for gender equality and equal rights for women.
Mr Rouhani's campaign team has paid close attention to these conversations and identified keywords to include in his speeches about women, youth and internet freedom.
Mr Raisi, a hardliner, is backed by Iran's clerical and security establishment
In Iran, where free public debate is restricted and access to the media is controlled very closely, election campaigns are a rare opportunity for people from many different walks of life to make their grievances heard.
When Mr Rouhani's speeches have been streamed live on Instagram, for example, members of the LGBT community have taken the opportunity to post questions asking him directly about his views on gay marriage.
It would be unthinkable to ask such questions face-to-face in a public forum.
The president did not respond to the questions about gay marriage, but he has discussed other taboo issues during the campaign.
Mr Rouhani has not responded to questions about his views on gay marriage
Many people were surprised when the president attacked Mr Raisi over the former judge's role in the mass executions of thousands of dissidents in prison at the end of the 1980s.
It is a dark chapter in recent Iranian history, and one that is usually never mentioned. However, Mr Rouhani's comments prompted a sudden outpouring of heartfelt debate on social media.
The president also used social media to raise another unmentionable subject - corruption in the Revolutionary Guards. His veiled comments on the issue sparked off a debate online that soon moved offline into the world of everyday conversation.
For both voters and candidates, social media has also provided a way to bypass state censorship.
Mr Rouhani may be the president, but that did not stop state television from cutting parts of his campaign video before it was aired.
When the censors chopped out clips showing his supporters chanting the names of detained opposition leaders, Mr Rouhani's team released them on social media, allowing them to be watched by millions.
Ebrahim Raisi tweeted: “We intend to open to the youth the gates of senior posts in government.” In response, a woman wrote: “For God's sake, make sure you don't open the gates to 28-year-old prosecutors (like yourself) who would kill other 30 year olds.”
Mr Raisi now has an active fan base on Twitter. His hard line supporters steer conversations against Mr Rouhani and get involved in debates in support of their candidate.
But the president's fans have been fighting back, and Mr Raisi's Twitter account has been trolled by people opposed to his candidacy.
Throughout his campaign, Mr Rouhani has presented himself as an advocate for social media, reminding supporters that he has fought hard to ensure Telegram and Instagram remain unfiltered.
However, the role social media has played in mobilising people during this campaign has not gone unnoticed.
Instagram live-streams and Telegram supergroups are clearly a powerful weapon.
Whether access will still be available to Iranians after this election could depend very much on the outcome.
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http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-39947080
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Nicky Hayden: Ex-MotoGP champion remains 'extremely critical' after accident - BBC Sport
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2017-05-18
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Former MotoGP champion Nicky Hayden remains in an "extremely critical" condition after suffering "serious cerebral damage" in a cycling accident.
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Last updated on .From the section Motorsport
Former MotoGP champion Nicky Hayden remains in an "extremely critical" condition after suffering "serious cerebral damage" in a crash while cycling on Wednesday.
The American, 35, collided with a car on the Rimini coastline in Italy.
He is in the intensive care unit of Cesena's Maurizio Bufalini Hospital and has his family by his side.
"His condition is still extremely critical," a statement released by the hospital on Friday said.
Hayden, who has been racing for Red Bull Honda's World Superbike team, won the MotoGP championship in 2006.
He had raced in the World Superbike Championship in Italy last Sunday.
On Thursday, the hospital confirmed Hayden had "suffered a serious polytrauma with subsequent serious cerebral damage".
Polytrauma is a medical term to describe the condition of a person who has multiple traumatic injuries.
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http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/motorsport/39959770
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Fernando Alonso: McLaren driver fourth fastest in Indy 500 practice - BBC Sport
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2017-05-18
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Fernando Alonso is fourth fastest in practice for the Indianapolis 500 as strong winds limit the number of laps done by drivers.
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Fernando Alonso was fourth fastest in practice for the Indianapolis 500 as strong winds limited the number of laps done by drivers.
Alonso's best lap of 219.533mph was well down on the fastest of 222.894mph set by Ed Carpenter, but only 14 drivers of the 33-car field posted representative times.
"It was tricky, definitely," the two-time Formula 1 champion said.
"The conditions didn't help, but for me any condition is still a good lesson."
Strong winds can be a major hazard on an exposed superspeedway track, where average lap speeds are so high, as they significantly affect the car's stability in corners.
Alonso said: "Everything went according to plan. The team used those runs also to test something in the background on engine tuning, so it was a productive day."
The 35-year-old Spaniard is competing at Indy - and on an 'oval' track for the first time in his career - at the expense of the Monaco Grand Prix, as he bids to secure the next leg of the so-called 'triple crown'.
Only Graham Hill has so far managed to win Monaco, Indy and the Le Mans 24 Hours sportscar race.
'I'm new, so they all need the autograph'
His presence in the race is a major draw, in both the US and around the world, and Alonso joked that the attention on him was a bonus for the other drivers, with fans allowed close to the pits at Indianapolis.
"There is a lot of support here from the fans," he said. "They get very close to us here in the pit lane, in the garage.
"It seems that everywhere I go they follow me. I think some of the other drivers are taking advantage of that. They wait until I go, then they go without trouble.
"It's the way it is. I'm new here so they all need the autograph for the first time. I hope tomorrow they don't need it for the second time."
Alonso has to use the five days of practice this week to get into the best possible shape for qualifying on Saturday and Sunday at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, which comprises just four left-hand turns but is an extreme challenge for drivers.
Alonso, who is driving a car branded for his McLaren F1 team, powered by Honda, which provides his engine in F1 and run by the Andretti Autosport team, said: "From the outside, compared to F1 circuits, this looks - it is - more simple. Only four corners.
"But the spread in terms of timed lap from first to last is just small details on the set-up of the car. Maybe you change a spring and you pick up 3-4mph and that makes three or four places.
"From the outside it seems too simple but what we are testing is just the fine-tuning on the set-up to gain milliseconds here and there."
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http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/formula1/39959761
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Diving bans: Football Association approves retrospective action - BBC Sport
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2017-05-18
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Players who dive in English football will face bans from next season under new Football Association regulations.
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Last updated on .From the section Football
Players who dive in English football will face bans from next season under new Football Association regulations.
Under the new rules, passed by the governing body at its annual general meeting on Thursday, a panel will review footage each Monday looking for cases of simulation.
Any player unanimously found guilty of diving would be given a suspension.
The FA also announced it has passed reforms it proposed in March, following criticism over the way it is run.
How will the new bans work?
The FA defines the new offence for which players will be punished as "successful deception of a match official".
Only incidents that result in a player winning a penalty or lead to an opponent being sent off - through either a direct red card or two yellow cards - will be punished.
The FA says it will act "where there is clear and overwhelming evidence to suggest a match official has been deceived by an act of simulation, and as a direct result, the offending player's team has been awarded a penalty and/or an opposing player has been dismissed".
Its panel will consist of one former match official, one ex-manager and one ex-player.
The announcement follows what the FA said was "a period of consultation with stakeholders over the past few months".
The rule change also required approval from the Premier League, the EFL and the Professional Footballers' Association.
Speaking in December, Burnley manager Sean Dyche said he thought diving would be eradicated from football "in six months" if retrospective bans were introduced.
Such bans have been utilised in Scottish football since 2011.
What happens in Scotland?
The Scottish Football Association compliance officer - Tony McGlennan - reviews incidents in matches and determines whether or not notices of complaint should be raised.
If a player is deemed to have dived during a game and the match officials did not recognise that at the time, the player will be issued with a disciplinary notice.
The player can then either acknowledge guilt and accept the punishment offered by the compliance officer, or appeal.
If it is the latter, a hearing is convened with an independent three-man panel - including people from legal and football backgrounds - who consider the case made by the compliance officer and the player before making a ruling.
In December, five former FA bosses asked the government to intervene and change an organisation they described as being held back by "elderly white men".
Sports Minister Tracey Crouch had said the FA could lose £30m-£40m of public funding if it did not modernise.
In March, the FA announced proposed reforms to:
• None Establish three positions on the FA board reserved for female members by 2018;
• None Reduce the size of the board to 10 members;
• None Add 11 new members to the FA Council so it "better reflects the inclusive and diverse nature of English football";
• None Limit board membership to three periods of three years;
These were passed after a vote by shareholders at Thursday's annual general meeting, having already been approved by the FA Council in April.
"I'm absolutely delighted the FA has understood the importance of good governance and implemented these reforms," Crouch said.
The proposals were criticised for not going far enough when first announced in March.
Lord Herman Ouseley, the chairman of anti-racism group Kick It Out, said he had "no confidence in the FA's proposals" and described the reforms as a "sham".
He added certain minority groups would continue to be under-represented, and that "by prioritising women on boards, all other protected groups are being left behind".
Analysis - reform will come as relief
Given the FA's traditional resistance to change, this will come as a huge relief to many in the game, and be seen as a major victory for chairman Greg Clarke, who has succeeded where others before him had failed. It means the FA avoids the funding cut it had been threatened with by the government.
Some critics believe the game's deficiencies are cultural - rather than structural - and these changes on their own will do little to address under-representation of minorities, inequality of wealth and power, standards of grassroots facilities and youth coaching, and a failing England team.
But the hope will be that decision-making is improved, and that administrators - knowing they now only have a certain amount of time in post - are more likely to make a difference, and act in the interests of the whole of football.
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http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/39962886
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Screaming into the void - business finds no-one is listening - BBC News
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2017-05-18
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https://www.facebook.com/bbcnews
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Business leaders say none of the major parties need or want their blessing in the run-up to the election.
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Business
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With an election three weeks away, it would be normal to start seeing letters in national newspapers from the chief executives of the UK's biggest companies setting out their priorities for the next government.
A helpful reminder from the commercial powers that be that it is businesses, not government, that create prosperity, and their needs should be high on any political party's agenda.
Why has business lost its voice? Business leaders I have spoken to in the last few weeks have told me that they have been left in no doubt that none of the major parties need or want their blessing.
Both the Tories and the Labour party of Blair and Mandelson either enthusiastically courted or felt "intensely relaxed" around the country's wealthiest people.
Not any more. The Conservatives attempt to recast themselves as the party of the worker, rather than of the boss, with promises to intervene in markets and crack down on boardroom excess.
That has seen the door to the Number 10 kitchen supper clang shut. Yes, there have been dinners for business chiefs and spouses, but attendees tell me that if talk turns to policy, the talk dries up.
Last night at a black-tie do in Park Lane, business moved to plan B: offer to help with the crushing weight of technical Brexit negotiations facing a potentially overwhelmed civil service.
Paul Dreschler, the president of the CBI, offered a government that hadn't done trade deals for 40 years help in getting it right.
"Business can help navigating the labyrinthine problems of Brexit. We are offering to create a business Brexit task force in the next 50 days," he said.
The problem is this assistance looks like it comes from Jeeves rather than the local mechanic. A thousand-strong contingent wining and dining while economic figures show average workers getting poorer every day as their wage rises are gobbled up by rising prices is not "on message" for any of the parties.
Business chiefs are hopeful that once the election is over their offers will be welcome. As one chairman told me - hopefully everyone will "chill out" and be prepared to listen.
Over years of trying to get business leaders to tell me what they really think about politics on air, I've learnt that through elections and referenda most prefer to argue their case behind closed doors - as long as they were on the same side of the door.
Right now it seems - to not just many but most in this business gathering - that no-one is listening.
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http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-39955241
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Sam Allardyce: Crystal Palace manager says diving ban 'utter rubbish' - BBC Sport
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2017-05-18
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Crystal Palace boss Sam Allardyce says the Football Association's decision to introduce retrospective bans to players who dive is "utter rubbish".
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Crystal Palace manager Sam Allardyce says the Football Association's decision to introduce retrospective bans for players who dive from next season is "utter rubbish".
READ MORE: FA approves bans for diving next season
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http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/39963445
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Monaco: Ligue 1 winners gatecrash news conference - BBC Sport
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2017-05-18
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French club AS Monaco celebrate winning Ligue 1 for the first time in 17 years by gatecrashing the post-match press conference.
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French club AS Monaco celebrate winning Ligue 1 for the first time in 17 years by gatecrashing the post-match press conference.
WATCH MORE: Is this the best dressing room celebration ever?
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http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/39964715
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Rachel Nickell stabbing: 'The day I saw my mum get killed' - BBC News
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2017-05-18
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https://www.facebook.com/bbcnews
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The son of Rachel Nickell revisits the site of her killing, 25 years on.
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UK
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Alex Hanscombe was two years old and with his mother when she was attacked and killed
In July 1992 a young mother, Rachel Nickell, was stabbed repeatedly and killed on Wimbledon Common in London. She was with her son, Alex, who was just two years old. He was the only witness.
Now aged 27, Alex Hanscombe has spoken to BBC Woman's Hour about that time and how he has moved on.
"More than anything, I remember just after the attack reaching out to my mother and asking her to get up. I realised in a split second that she was gone and wasn't coming back."
Alex's memories about the attack are vivid. He recalls the assailant washing his hands in a nearby stream. He also remembers seeing a cash receipt which had fallen from his mother's pocket - he rested it on her forehead.
This video can not be played To play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser. Alex explains how he came to terms with seeing his mother being murdered.
It took many years for the killer to be caught.
A man called Colin Stagg was wrongly accused of her killing and a judge criticised the police investigation which deployed a "honey trap".
In 2008 a man called Robert Napper pleaded guilty to manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility. Napper, who had schizophrenia, had already been convicted of a 1993 double killing. He is at Broadmoor high security hospital.
There was intense media interest in the case, so Alex's father, Andre, took him to rural France to start a new life.
After a while the press found out where they lived, so they moved once more - this time to Spain.
Alex with his mother, who had been a model
People knowing where they lived presented a risk to Alex's life. He was the only person to have witnessed his mother's killing and for as long as the killer was at large, he was in danger.
He insists that he was never scared, although he acknowledges that "my life could have ended that very morning".
He says certain situations used to trigger very strong reactions in him as a child, especially if he saw someone who looked like his mother's killer.
Alex has always strived not to be defined by what happened.
"There were all sorts of claims that were made about me, such as I'd never talk again, I'd end up living under a bridge or even repeat the same cycle of violence. But it's about creating your path and living your own way," he said.
It is 25 years this year since Rachel Nickell was killed on Wimbledon Common
He has recently returned to the spot on Wimbledon Common where his mother was killed.
"I had this strong urge to go back there and something magical happened.
"I knelt down and said a prayer. I said thank you for all my blessings and for making the pieces of the puzzle come together in the right way. And at that very moment I heard someone call, "Molly, Molly".
"I thought I was dreaming but it was a man calling out to his dog, Molly."
Alex's father Andre, left, moved the family to France, then Spain, to avoid intense media interest
Molly was the pet dog with Rachel and Alex when she was attacked 25 years ago.
"The coincidence and this happening: it's all there for a reason," he says.
Alex lives in Barcelona with his father. He studies hypnotherapy, handwriting analysis and yoga.
He has written a book, about his mother and his life, called Letting Go: A true story of murder, loss and survival.
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http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-39951648
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Will a laptop ban make flying more dangerous? - BBC News
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2017-05-18
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https://www.facebook.com/bbcnews
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Experts warn the risk of fire will increase if there is a laptop ban on flights between Europe and the US.
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Business
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Experts are lining up to say that a laptop ban could make flying more dangerous
Airports, airlines and the government are bracing themselves for a ban on laptops, tablets, cameras and e-readers going as hand luggage on flights between Europe and America.
No-one is absolutely certain it will happen, but most people I've spoken to assume it's coming.
In reality, the Americans will just tell everyone what they want and when they want it. I'm told that European governments don't get much say in the matter or much notice of any changes - in fact they're watching the media and Twitter just in case it's sprung on them.
Any ban would hit Heathrow the hardest. Three-quarters of UK flights to the US go from Heathrow. That's 761 planes a week, by far the most from any European airport.
This video can not be played To play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser.
However, there is widespread concern that by tackling one threat, terrorism, the Americans could be fuelling another, even more serious problem. Fire.
If lithium-ion batteries are damaged or short-circuited they make a hell of a bang.
It could even be enough to bring down a plane.
Captain John Cox is as knowledgeable as anyone you will meet when it comes to plane fires. The former pilot and member of the Royal Aeronautical Society has studied them for more than a decade and now travels the world advising operators, manufacturers and regulators.
"Bunching lots of electronic devices together into the same secure box in the hold is the worst possible thing you could do," he told me. "Devices collected together will dramatically increase the ferocity of any fire."
Aircraft holds do have fire extinguishers and limited oxygen, but that doesn't help when it comes to lithium battery fires.
"The cargo hold extinguisher will put out the open flame but it will reignite. Lithium battery fires produce their own oxygen as a by-product of thermal runaway, and that keeps the fire going," says Mr Cox.
Thermal runaway is the process whereby the fire spreads from one battery cell to the next. Once it gets going it's impossible to stop.
And the more cells you have bunched together, the bigger the fire.
Catching the fire early and stopping thermal runaway is critical. The best device for doing that remains an old fashioned, well-trained human being.
Airline staff practise what to do: you put the battery into water if you can. Or wet towels. No-one can do that if it's in the hold.
Kuwaiti activist Thamer Bourashed stows his laptop in hold baggage before boarding
Steve Landells is the safety expert at the British Airline Pilots Association,
"Given the risk of fire from these devices when they are damaged or they short circuit, an incident in the cabin would be spotted earlier and this would enable the crew to react quickly before any fire becomes uncontainable," he says.
"If these devices are kept in the hold, the risk is that if a fire occurs the results can be catastrophic; indeed, there have been two crashes where lithium batteries have been cited in the accident reports."
Mr Cox says that balancing the different risks is complex and needs a thorough assessment from a range of experts. But along with many others in the industry, he's not confident that will happen.
The feeling is that the people at the US Department for Homeland Security will take their decision in isolation from the safety people at the US Federation Aviation Administration.
That's what happened when the current laptop ban on some flights from the Middle East was brought in.
Passengers will no doubt support a ban if they are convinced it'll keep them safer.
But the experts are lining up to say that a laptop ban could make flying more dangerous.
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http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-39946462
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Gothenburg v AIK: 'Match-fixing attempt' leads to Swedish fixture postponement - BBC Sport
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2017-05-18
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A Swedish top-flight fixture between Gothenburg and AIK is called off after an alleged match-fixing attempt.
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Last updated on .From the section European Football
A Swedish top-flight fixture between Gothenburg and AIK has been postponed after an alleged match-fixing attempt.
The Swedish Football Association claims an AIK player was "offered a considerable sum" if he contributed to losing Thursday's Allsvenskan game.
General secretary Hakan Sjostrand described it as a "very serious attack against Swedish football", adding: "We will never let this happen."
Police in Sweden have started an investigation into the allegation.
"It is ultimately not about a single match, therefore it is important we act forcefully," added Sjostrand.
"The starting point for all of our games is that they are safe and settled on sporting grounds. Based on the information we have, we cannot guarantee that."
The two sides have played eight games in the Allsvenskan this season, with AIK sixth in the 16-team table, five places above Gothenburg.
"This has been the first instance of alleged match-fixing in the top league level that we have heard about - it has happened quite a bit in lower league football and in basketball. In 2016, the Superettan [second tier] had 43 instances of players participating in match-fixing, but for it to rise to this level is really quite surprising.
"The secretary general of the Swedish Football Federation say they have worked hard to educate players about what to do if they find themselves in this situation, and that's one of the reasons this was nipped in the bud."
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http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/39959232
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Southampton 0-0 Manchester United - BBC Sport
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2017-05-18
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Southampton and Manchester United play out a goalless draw with visiting goalkeeper Sergio Romero saving a Manolo Gabbiadini penalty.
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Last updated on .From the section Football
Sergio Romero made a series of fine saves as Southampton and Manchester United played out a goalless draw at St Mary's.
Saints should have gone ahead within five minutes when Eric Bailly was adjudged to have handled in the area, but United goalkeeper Romero saved Manolo Gabbiadini's penalty.
Bailly's sharp shot was stopped by Fraser Forster, as the United defender created his side's best chance of the first half.
Southampton forced Romero to make multiple blocks after the break while Anthony Martial hit the post from 25 yards for the visitors.
With Jose Mourinho's side guaranteed a sixth-place finish before kick-off and one eye firmly on next Wednesday's Europa League final, it always looked like being a sedate affair on the south coast and that is how it turned out.
Southampton fans have only seen 37 goals at St Mary's this season - only Old Trafford, with 36, has seen fewer Premier League goals in 2016-17.
Their terrible run in front of goal at St Mary's continued - they have now gone 365 minutes without scoring at home - and suffered yet another miss from the penalty spot.
Romero pulled off a superb low save to stop Gabbiadini's strike, as Southampton missed their third penalty in the past five games.
With speculation surrounding his future, Puel's nerves would have been eased by a victory to tighten their grip on eighth spot.
His side host Stoke on the final day of the season on Sunday but could still finish as low as 11th. They are one point ahead of West Brom in ninth and Bournemouth in 10th. Leicester, who are three points behind in 11th, have a game in hand against Tottenham on Thursday.
But with a League Cup final appearance under his belt, the 55-year-old Puel could have done enough to earn another season at St Mary's.
Under Sir Alex Ferguson, Manchester United did not finish outside of the top three in the Premier League era, but since his departure in 2013 United have not finished inside the top three.
It will also be the first time that current boss Mourinho has finished lower than third in his managerial career.
Mourinho made clear in recent weeks that his focus is firmly on winning the Europa League and securing Champions League qualification next season.
Following consecutive league defeats by Arsenal and Tottenham, he made four changes against Saints and had youngsters Demetri Mitchell and Scott McTominay on the substitutes' bench.
His side were once again lacklustre against Southampton and they would have slipped to a third consecutive league defeat had it not been for Argentine goalkeeper Romero.
One downside for Mourinho was that the sight of midfielder Marouane Fellaini limping off after 75 minutes.
De Gea will play for Man Utd again - Mourinho
While Romero will play in goal in the Europa League final, Mourinho also confirmed that third-choice goalkeeper Joel Pereira will make his Premier League debut against Crystal Palace on Sunday.
Injured David de Gea did not travel with the squad to Southampton, but when asked about the Spaniard's future, Mourinho said the 26-year-old will play for the club again.
"He'll play the first match against LA Galaxy in pre-season in Los Angeles," he said.
"I hope to play Sergio in the final and hopefully we don't have problems with the keepers. David is top of the world and obviously we want to keep the top in the world."
What they said
Southampton manager Claude Puel said: "We can feel shame after this game because we had many opportunities in the second half.
"We had two different halves - the first one was without intensity and it was very difficult after the penalty because that would have given us the confidence.
"The second half was interesting as there was quality and many chances without a good reward.
"But this point is important for us in the table."
When asked about his future, Puel said: "I think it's important to stay focused on the last game and to finish strong. After the last game it is normal to have a discussion about the season."
One shot on target for Man Utd - stats you need to know
• None Manchester United have drawn 15 league games this season - their most ever in a Premier League season and most in a league campaign since 1991-92 (also 15).
• None Southampton had six shots on target - only Tottenham (seven on Sunday) have had more in a match against Manchester United this season in all competitions.
• None However, that included a missed penalty which means Saints have now missed their last three Premier League spot kicks, after Dusan Tadic v Hull and Shane Long v Middlesbrough.
• None Sergio Romero became the eighth different United keeper to save a Premier League penalty, and first since David de Gea against Everton in October 2014.
• None Southampton have now gone four top-flight home games without a goal for the first time in their history.
• None Even if United win their remaining game, this will be their lowest tally of wins in a single Premier League season (currently 17). They last had fewer in 1990-91 (16 wins).
Southampton host Stoke City on the final day of the season on Sunday while Manchester United host Crystal Palace at Old Trafford (both 15:00 BST).
Jose Mourinho's side then travel to Stockholm for the Europa League final against Ajax on Wednesday, 24 May (19:45 BST).
• None Eric Bailly (Manchester United) wins a free kick on the right wing.
• None Offside, Manchester United. Ander Herrera tries a through ball, but Marcus Rashford is caught offside.
• None Delay over. They are ready to continue.
• None Delay in match Eric Bailly (Manchester United) because of an injury.
• None Attempt missed. Sofiane Boufal (Southampton) left footed shot from outside the box is high and wide to the left. Assisted by Dusan Tadic.
• None Attempt missed. Jay Rodriguez (Southampton) right footed shot from the centre of the box is close, but misses to the left. Assisted by Oriol Romeu.
• None Chris Smalling (Manchester United) wins a free kick on the right wing.
• None Substitution, Manchester United. Ander Herrera replaces Marouane Fellaini because of an injury. Navigate to the next page Navigate to the last page
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http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/39170670
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Mauricio Pochettino: Tottenham will not compete with richer clubs over huge wages - BBC Sport
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2017-05-18
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Tottenham will take risks on younger players rather than compete with clubs offering huge wages to transfer targets, says boss Mauricio Pochettino.
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Last updated on .From the section Football
Tottenham will not try to compete with clubs offering huge wages to transfer targets, says boss Mauricio Pochettino.
Spurs will finish second in the Premier League to qualify for the Champions League group stages for a second year in a row, but Pochettino says that is not enough to attract certain players.
"If some club is paying double the salary, then how can you convince them?" said the Argentine.
"It's all about if you pay or not when we talk about top players."
The 45-year-old added: "You need younger players, like [England midfielder] Dele Alli, who preferred to come here than another club.
"We took a big risk on Dele and now he is a massive player, one of the most important in England. But who took the risk? Us."
Spurs travel to last season's champions Leicester City on Thursday for their penultimate game of the season.
• None Jenas analysis: 'I'd back Spurs for next season's title - if they were staying at White Hart Lane'
After their final match at Hull on Sunday, Pochettino's squad will fly to Hong Kong for a five-day post-season tour.
Tottenham will also go on a 10-day pre-season tour to the United States at the end of July, which includes friendlies against Paris St-Germain, Roma and Manchester City.
Earlier, Pochettino said he was committed to staying at the club and denied reports of a buy-out clause in his contract.
In May 2016 he signed a contract extension committing him to the north London club until 2021.
"There is no reason to leave," he said. "I will be here for pre-season. There is no buy-out clause in my contract. I will stay here next season."
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http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/39956996
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Partick Thistle 0-5 Celtic - BBC Sport
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2017-05-18
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Champions Celtic are one game away from an unbeaten Premiership season after a dominant victory over Partick Thistle.
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Last updated on .From the section Football
Champions Celtic are one game away from an unbeaten Premiership season after a dominant victory over Partick Thistle.
Leigh Griffiths scored a penalty after Patrick Roberts had been fouled by Callum Booth.
Griffiths turned provider for Tom Rogic's close-range finish and Roberts netted a stunning third before the break.
Callum McGregor scored with a shot off the underside of the bar and Roberts then curled in his second.
Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers continued to rotate his squad but no strength was lost as the likes of captain Scott Brown and defender Erik Sviatchenko came in to give others a rest.
From the moment referee Andrew Dallas blew his whistle it was Celtic at their scintillating best.
The swagger witnessed for most of this season was in evidence from a side that had at least four players who would not be considered first-choice picks.
The wide men in particular gave the Partick full-backs a torrid evening with Roberts looking completely unplayable at times. The man on loan from Manchester City floated and jinked past defenders all night.
McGregor and Brown provided the drive from the middle of the park - keeping the tempo high and their team-mates hungry. It was quite simply a side with complete belief in their abilities and evidence for anyone who needed it about just how far Celtic are ahead of the rest.
The opener came from the spot - Griffiths with his 17th of the season after Roberts was brought down by Booth.
The second was a rare scrappy effort from Rogic that bounced off both posts before nestling in the net.
Roberts' brilliance was rewarded when he curled in the third before the break. It followed fine build-up play on the edge of the box.
McGregor grabbed his fourth in five games as the clock ticked down in the second half. His effort smashed the crossbar and went over the line. The ball bounced out but the assistant referee called it in.
Roberts cloned his first and made it five with just minutes left. It was a fitting end to his and Celtic's night.
Like so many before them this season, the home side were simply outclassed. They had a couple of chances in the second half but in truth Celtic were toying with them for long spells. In terms of the season, their work was already done and it looked that way.
It's 46 games unbeaten in all competitions, 104 league goals and a current total of 103 points.
The records just keep tumbling under Rodgers. The big one will be confirmed on Sunday if they can avoid defeat at home to Hearts at Celtic Park and become 'the invincibles'.
A draw or a win will give them their biggest points tally in a 38-game league season, with the Scottish Cup final against Aberdeen and the chance to complete a domestic treble following on 27 May.
• None Attempt blocked. Patrick Roberts (Celtic) right footed shot from the centre of the box is blocked.
• None Attempt saved. Tomas Rogic (Celtic) right footed shot from the centre of the box is saved in the centre of the goal.
• None Attempt saved. Adebayo Azeez (Partick Thistle) right footed shot from a difficult angle on the left is saved in the bottom left corner.
• None Goal! Partick Thistle 0, Celtic 5. Patrick Roberts (Celtic) left footed shot from outside the box to the top left corner.
• None Attempt saved. Tomas Rogic (Celtic) header from the centre of the box is saved in the bottom right corner.
• None Goal! Partick Thistle 0, Celtic 4. Callum McGregor (Celtic) right footed shot from outside the box to the bottom right corner.
• None Attempt missed. Nir Bitton (Celtic) right footed shot from outside the box is just a bit too high.
• None Attempt missed. Scott Sinclair (Celtic) left footed shot from the left side of the box is close, but misses to the left.
• None Attempt saved. Tomas Rogic (Celtic) right footed shot from outside the box is saved in the centre of the goal.
• None Attempt saved. Scott Sinclair (Celtic) right footed shot from the centre of the box is saved in the top centre of the goal. Navigate to the next page Navigate to the last page
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http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/39879798
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Women's Super League One: Chelsea 2-2 Arsenal highlights - BBC Sport
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2017-05-18
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Jordan Nobbs equalises deep into injury time for Arsenal as they draw 2-2 away against Chelsea in the Women's Super League One Spring Series.
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Jordan Nobbs equalises deep into injury time for Arsenal as they draw 2-2 away against Chelsea in the Women's Super League One Spring Series.
Available to UK users only.
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http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/39956418
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The man who helped prevent a nuclear crisis - BBC News
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2017-05-18
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https://www.facebook.com/bbcnews
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In 1988 a military scientist from Taiwan sent his wife to Tokyo Disneyland and then defected to the US.
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Asia
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Mr Chang arrived in the US in January 1988 after a lifetime in Taiwan, to inform on his government's nuclear ambitions
In 1988 Taiwan was racing to build its first nuclear bomb, but one military scientist put a stop to that when he defected to the United States and exposed those plans. This is the story of a man who insists he had to betray his country in order to save it.
To this day, critics consider Chang Hsien-yi a traitor - but he has no regrets.
"If I can ever do it all over again, I will do it," says the calmly defiant 73-year-old, speaking from his home in the US state of Idaho.
The former military colonel has been living there since 1988 when he fled to the US, a close ally of the island, and this is his first substantial interview about that time.
It might seem a perplexing turn of events given the close relationship the US has with Taiwan, but Washington had found out that Taiwan's government had secretly ordered scientists to develop nuclear weapons.
Taiwan's enemy, the Communist government of China, had been building up its nuclear arsenal since the 1960s, and the Taiwanese were terrified this would be unleashed on the island.
Taiwan separated from China after the Chinese Civil War in 1949. To this day China considers Taiwan a breakaway province and has vowed to reunify with the island, by force if necessary.
The leadership of the island was also in an uncertain phase - its president, Chiang Ching-kuo, was dying, and the US thought that General Hau Pei-tsun, whom they saw as a hawkish figure, would become his successor.
Mr Chang, seen here with one of his children in Taiwan before his defection, enjoyed a comfortable life at that time
They were worried about a nuclearisation of the Taiwan Strait and bent on stopping Taiwan's nuclear ambition in its tracks and preventing a regional arms race.
So they secretly enlisted Mr Chang to halt Taiwan's programme.
When Mr Chang was recruited by the CIA in the early 1980s, he was the deputy director at Taiwan's Institute of Nuclear Energy Research, which was responsible for the nuclear weapons programme.
As one of Taiwan's key nuclear scientists, he enjoyed a life of privilege and a lucrative salary.
But he says he began questioning whether the island should have nuclear weapons after the catastrophic Chernobyl accident in 1986 in the former Soviet Union.
He was convinced by the Americans' argument that stopping the programme would be "good for peace, and was for the benefit of mainland China and Taiwan".
Factory 221 witnessed the research and test of China's first nuclear bomb
"This fit into my mindset very much," says Mr Chang. "But the most important reason why I agreed is that they went to great efforts to assure me they would ensure my safety."
The next task was getting him and his family out.
At that time, military officials could not leave Taiwan without permission.
So, Mr Chang first ensured his wife and three young children's safety by sending them to Japan for a holiday.
His wife, Betty, says she had no clue about her husband's double life. They had only talked about the possibility of him accepting a job in the US.
The Changs were put in a safe house shortly after their arrival in the US
"He told me this was a trial to test how easy I could get out from Taiwan and to see how much luggage I could pack," she says.
Mrs Chang left on 8 January 1988 with their children, excited to visit Tokyo Disneyland.
The very next day, Mr Chang took a flight to the US using a fake passport provided by the CIA. All he had with him was some cash and a few personal possessions.
Contrary to previous reports, he says he did not take a single document with him when he left Taiwan.
"The American government had all the evidence, they just needed someone - me - to corroborate it."
Meanwhile in Tokyo, Betty Chang was approached by a woman who handed her a letter from Mr Chang. That was the moment she discovered her husband was a CIA spy and had defected.
"It said 'You will never go back to Taiwan and from Japan you will go to USA'... that was a surprise for me.
"I just cried when I knew I could no longer go back to Taiwan," says Mrs Chang.
The family was bundled into a plane headed for Seattle, where they were met by Mr Chang at the airport.
The Changs were later put in a safe house in Virginia, due to fears he would be assassinated by Taiwanese agents or patriotic extremists.
Within a month, the US succeeded in pressuring Taiwan to end the programme, using the intelligence it had collected and Mr Chang's testimony.
Taiwan was believed to be just one or two years from completing a nuclear bomb.
Mr Chang has remained silent for decades. But with his recent retirement he now wants to set the record straight with a memoir, titled Nuclear! Spy? CIA: Record of an Interview with Chang Hsien-yi.
The book, written with academic Chen Yi-shen and published in December, has reignited a debate about whether Mr Chang did the right thing for Taiwan.
Mr Chang recently wrote a book about his side of the story
Some praise him for preventing a potential nuclear war. Others see his actions as denying Taiwan the weapons it needed for self-defence and survival.
Even those in Taiwan's ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), which officially opposes the development of nuclear energy and weapons, take a dim view of Mr Chang's actions.
"Regardless of what your political views are, when you betray your country, it's not acceptable... it cannot be forgiven," said the DPP's Wang Ting-yu, chairman of the parliament's foreign affairs and defence committee.
But Mr Chang insists he feared then that ambitious Taiwanese politicians would use nuclear weapons to try to take back mainland China.
He claims Madame Chiang Kai Shek, the stepmother of dying President Chiang Ching-kuo, and a group of generals loyal to her had even gone so far as to set up a separate chain of command to expedite the development of nuclear weapons.
Taiwan's programme was developed in response to China's stockpile of missiles, several of which are now on display at Beijing's Military Museum
"They said they wouldn't use it, but nobody believed it," says Mr Chang, adding that the US certainly did not.
Nowadays, there may still be politicians who could be tempted to use such weapons, this time to pursue Taiwan's formal independence from China at whatever cost, he says.
But the DPP's Mr Wang dismisses this notion. "We absolutely don't consider this, we don't even think about it," he said.
Taiwan has nuclear power plants, which some have protested against
Over the years some Taiwanese presidents have hinted at a desire to reactivate the island's nuclear weapons programme, but these suggestions have been quickly quashed by Washington's objections.
Still, the island is widely considered to have the ability to make nuclear weapons quickly if needed. China has in recent years threatened to attack if Taiwan ever deployed nuclear weapons.
Following his defection, Taiwan's military listed Mr Chang as a fugitive. But even after his arrest warrant expired in 2000, he has not returned to Taiwan and does not plan to.
He does not want to deal with criticism he is sure he would face, and the negative impact that would have on his family there.
The Chang family is pictured here in this 1995 photo, a few years after their defection to the US
In 1990, they were permanently resettled in Idaho, where Mr Chang worked as a consulting engineer and scientist at the US government's Idaho National Laboratories until he retired in 2013.
He says his only regret is that he was not able to see his parents before they passed away.
"You don't have to be in Taiwan to love Taiwan; I love Taiwan," says Mr Chang.
"I am Taiwanese, I am Chinese. I don't want to see Chinese people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait killing each other."
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http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-39252502
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How a University of Washington researcher discovered an "information war" - BBC News
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2017-05-18
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https://www.facebook.com/bbcnews
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University of Washington researcher Kate Starbird says online conspiracies are highly politicised.
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US & Canada
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Comet Ping Pong restaurant has been the target of fake news and malicious gossip on the internet.
University of Washington researcher Kate Starbird's research into online rumours lead her to an information war being waged through a web of highly politicised conspiracy theories.
In 2013, in the time between when two homemade bombs detonated near the Boston marathon finish line and when police cornered and caught bomber Dzhokhar Tsarnaev, a conspiracy theory began to spread online.
Internet sleuths, analysing pictures released by the FBI, said they saw evidence of a false flag attack - proof that the bombing had been staged or carried out by the US government.
University of Washington professor Kate Starbird and some of her research team noticed these accusations on Twitter, since they were studying how rumours spread on social media during events like mass shootings and terror attacks.
While other online rumours would gain traction and die away as facts became clear, the Boston false flag speculation did not abate, even after Tsarnaev and his brother Tamerlan were identified as the bombers.
At the time, Starbird and her team saw the conspiracy theory as something of a curiosity.
"We didn't want to go there," she says. "It just seemed messy."
But after taking a closer look at those rumours, she now says her research suggests there is an "emerging alternative media ecosystem" that is growing in reach, and that may have underlying political agendas.
Researcher Kate Starbird first began exploring social media rumours during the 2013 Boston Bombing
Starting in January 2016, she and her team began mapping sites generating conspiracy theories.
They tracked Twitter reaction to shootings along with references to terms like "false flag" and "hoax" and the websites that used them.
Starbird has dubbed what they discovered the "the information wars".
The work is nominated for best paper at an international web and social media conference in Montreal this week.
Highly politicised alternative narratives to events were being spread by a mishmash of websites: anti-mainstream media sites, anti-corporatist "alt-Right" and "alt-Left" sites, conspiracy-focused White Nationalist and anti-Semitic sites, Muslim Defense sites and Russian propaganda.
"There are different actors," she says. "Some are (acting) for financial motives, some are for political motives. Some people are true believers."
Calling her finding an "information war" is not a nod towards talk show host Alex Jones' alternative news website Infowars, which focuses on Alt-Right and conspiracy theory themes. His site rose to mainstream prominence during the 2016 American election.
But she has written tongue-in-cheek that "this work suggests that Alex Jones is indeed a prophet".
Looking back on their older research, they found hints of similar conspiracy activity around the 2010 BP Deepwater Horizon oil spill, which devastated the Gulf Coast of the US.
In 2016, the university researchers found sites that helped propagate these conspiracy theory tweets were often so-called "alternative media" domains like VeteransToday.com and BeforeItsNews.com.
The researchers also found sites like TheRealStrategy.com, which appeared to be generating automated conspiracy theory tweets with "bots" in order to propagate politicised content.
Many of the tweets had a political element. For example, a mass shooting might be blamed as a "false flag" by the US government, with speculation that the attack was planned to to gain support for gun control.
Tweets also included hashtags linked to online political conversations like #obama, #nra, or #teaparty.
While belief in certain conspiracy theories can be sometimes linked political beliefs, Starbird's research suggested that political content on sites pushing the alternative narratives was less about left-wing versus right-wing - no political leaning was immune - but instead had a broad anti-globalist bent.
There was also plenty of anti-vaccine, anti-GMO, and anti-climate science content, as well conspiracies about the world's wealthy and powerful citizens.
Starbird's research points to an intentional use of disinformation to muddle thinking and "undermine trust in information just generally".
She says big questions remain, like who might be behind any possible intentional disinformation campaigns and to what extent these messages are coordinated.
But she says she is concerned that as these fringe theories gain traction in the public sphere "it is not healthy for society
"When there's no shared reality, there's no set of facts, society at large can become easily manipulated," she says.
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http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-39930236
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Premier League Darts: Michael Van Gerwen beats Peter Wright to win third title - BBC Sport
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2017-05-18
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World number one Michael van Gerwen beats Scotland's Peter Wright to win his third Premier League Darts title.
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Last updated on .From the section Darts
Michael van Gerwen came from 7-2 down in a dramatic final to beat Peter Wright at London's O2 Arena and win his third Premier League title.
The Dutchman took home the £250,000 top prize by beating Wright 11-10 after the Scot missed six match darts.
Van Gerwen beat Gary Anderson 10-7 in the first semi-final while Wright survived a late Phil Taylor comeback to win 10-9 and go through.
It is the second time in as many years that Van Gerwen has won the title.
• None How Van Gerwen beat Wright to win the Premier League
The victory means he has won all but one of the four televised Professional Darts Corporation majors of 2017, after he missed the UK Open through injury.
After Wright took a five-leg lead, Van Gerwen, 28, came back to level at 8-8 before the Scot rallied and came within one leg of victory at 10-9.
But he missed half a dozen darts for the title on double eight as Van Gerwen sealed victory with a nerveless 12-dart visit against a deflated Wright.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Van Gerwen said: "I think it was a great final. I had a great comeback, but then he missed six darts for the match. I don't know how he did, but who cares, a win is a win.
"This was a really crazy game, we know sooner or later Peter will win a really big title, he didn't do himself any favours today. I kept myself cool and relaxed."
Wright, 47, who won the UK Open in March after Van Gerwen pulled out of the tournament with a back problem, said: "I've got to learn, go back to the practice board and get him next time.
"What I've learnt over the years playing Michael, I used to rush it, but I've learnt play your own rhythm.
"I can't believe I missed that many darts at a double, but fair play to the champion."
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http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/darts/39970407
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Maria Sharapova signs two-year Birmingham deal - BBC Sport
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2017-05-18
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Maria Sharapova signs a deal with the Lawn Tennis Association to play at Birmingham's Aegon Classic for the next two years.
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Former world number one Maria Sharapova has signed a deal with the Lawn Tennis Association to play at Birmingham's Aegon Classic for the next two years.
The five-time Grand Slam winner, 30, has been given a wildcard for the event in June having fallen down the world rankings after a 15-month drugs ban.
The LTA will not pay the Russian an appearance fee.
"This wasn't a decision we took lightly and not everyone will agree with it," said LTA chief Michael Downey.
Some may question the moral compass of this decision. We do not
Sharapova was banned after testing positive for heart disease drug meldonium at the 2016 Australian Open, though the Court of Arbitration for Sport found she was not an "intentional doper".
Men's world number one Andy Murray and several female players have said those returning from drugs bans should not be given wildcard entries to tournaments.
In a letter to LTA staff and other senior figures in British tennis, Downey was more explicit in his reasoning as to why Sharapova was given a wildcard.
"Some may question the moral compass of this decision. We do not," he added.
"She made a mistake that we do not condone. She has paid the price through her 15-month ban and now can return to action.
"We did not take this decision lightly, but - like all other WTA events before ours - have granted her a wildcard so our Birmingham event can benefit British fans who can take in her matches on home soil."
Sharapova, who won the title in Birmingham in 2004 and 2005, said: "I am really excited to be coming back to Birmingham this year to play on the grass as part of my build-up to Wimbledon and I thank the LTA for this opportunity."
British number one Johanna Konta, world number one Angelique Kerber, Garbine Muguruza, Agnieszka Radwanska and Simona Halep will also be competing in Birmingham.
'A Briton might miss out because of Sharapova wildcard' - analysis
From a commercial point of view, this is good business. Sharapova has also signed up for next year without the LTA having to pay appearance fees - which are regularly offered to attract the big names to non-mandatory events.
Sharapova's signature is seen as a major coup within the LTA. Some staff are unhappy with the decision, but there has also been plenty of back slapping in celebration.
It is a hard-nosed business decision to try and boost ticket sales at an event which suffers through competition with the ATP event at the Queen's Club in the same week.
Downey says he "does not question the moral compass of the decision", but the LTA is the sport's governing body in the UK. Contrast this call with the one made on Tuesday by the French federation, which decided it would be inappropriate to invite Sharapova to Roland Garros as it would undermine their anti-doping message.
And by offering a wildcard to Sharapova, someone else - quite possibly a British player - will be denied an opportunity.
Naomi Broady may have been that beneficiary. She would be the first to admit she is not as big a draw as Sharapova, but has been in the top 100 for much of the past 12 months.
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http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/tennis/39967123
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Leicester City 1-6 Tottenham Hotspur - BBC Sport
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2017-05-18
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Harry Kane scores four times as a dominant Tottenham hammer Leicester City to secure their 25th league win of the season.
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Last updated on .From the section Football
Harry Kane scored four times as Tottenham produced another superb performance to sweep aside Leicester City.
Though Chelsea ended their Premier League title hopes last week, there was no let-up from Mauricio Pochettino's side, who won for the 25th time in the league this season.
Kane helped himself to two predatory goals from close range before rattling in twice from 20 yards in the last few minutes to move to 26 league goals for the campaign - two clear of Everton's Romelu Lukaku.
Son Heung-min also scored fine goals either side of half-time, volleying in Dele Alli's masterful pass, and bending in from 25 yards after a swift counter-attack.
• None Reaction: Kane 'one of the world's best strikers'
Leicester, who are yet to make a decision on manager Craig Shakespeare's future, played their part in an entertaining game.
Ben Chilwell momentarily sparked hopes of a fightback by making it 2-1, but the Foxes ultimately had no answer to this in-form Tottenham side, who recorded their biggest away win in the Premier League.
This, the 13th Premier League matchday in 18 May days, was effectively another dead rubber. But, while the league has failed to deliver the close title race the television schedulers were hoping for, no blame can be attached to Tottenham.
Spurs have won 12 of their past 13 league games and have been kept at bay only by the remarkable resilience of Chelsea, who ensured it has been a case of 'nearly' for Pochettino and his players for the second season in a row.
Third last season despite being Leicester's closest challengers in the second half of the campaign - or, as the home fans enjoyed chanting in the opening stages, "third in a two-horse race" - Spurs have gone one better this time. Much better, in fact.
This dominant win took them past Leicester's title-winning haul of 81 points, and they have enough on the board to have won the Premier League on eight previous occasions - with a game still to come.
Son's superb strikes mean that - for the first time in the club's history - they have three players who have scored 20 goals in a season, and took them beyond 75 league goals for the first time since 1984-85.
Add in the division's meanest defence - Hugo Lloris' mistake for Chilwell's goal notwithstanding - and it is no surprise Pochettino has committed his future to the club.
Do Spurs have enough?
As White Hart Lane is dismantled and rebuilt, Spurs' summer seems likely to be flavoured by reports and fears of the team going the same way.
Right-back Kyle Walker - again left out, albeit this time with an ankle problem - has long been linked with a move, and Pochettino admitted this week the club may struggle to compete with clubs offering huge salaries this summer.
That may have sounded alarm bells for supporters, but the good news for them is it would surely take record numbers to prise away either of the side's crown jewels.
Kane and Alli have scored 43 Premier League goals between them this season and were outstanding again, along with Son, in a dynamic attacking display.
Those three players alone had 19 efforts on goal, while Alli's chipped assist for Son's first goal was further evidence of his growing influence and inventiveness.
Kane, who tapped in Son's cross to open the scoring, added a close-range header then twice thrashed past Kasper Schmeichel from the edge of the area, could become the first man since Robin van Persie to win the golden boot in successive seasons.
There is no doubt Spurs have the quality to be champions. If they can repeat their home form while on 'holiday' at Wembley, perhaps the wait for a league title will end after 57 years.
Shakespeare said this week he expects to find out if he will remain in charge of the Foxes "within days".
He has certainly made a strong case to be retained, but his side's second-half capitulation must be a disappointment, particularly as a comeback briefly looked possible when Chilwell scored his first career goal, prodding in after Jamie Vardy had gone around an out-of-position Lloris.
A second big decision of the season now looms for the Leicester hierarchy, who were widely criticised for sacking Claudio Ranieri in February, just months after he delivered the title.
They must surely consider themselves vindicated, despite such a heavy defeat. The Foxes were one point above the relegation zone when Shakespeare took over with 13 matches left but survived easily thanks to seven wins in Shakespeare's 12 league games.
In fact, had the season begun when he took over, Leicester would once again be dreaming of Europe.
Kane up there with the greats
• None Kane is the fifth player in Premier League history to score 25+ goals in successive seasons (Robbie Fowler, Thierry Henry, Alan Shearer and Robin van Persie are the others).
• None Kane has now scored more club goals against Leicester than any other side (10).
• None Kane is the fifth different player to score three or more hat-tricks in a Premier League season.
• None Tottenham now have three players with 20 or more goals in all competitions this season (Kane, Alli & Son); more than any other club in the Premier League or Football League.
• None This is the joint-heaviest defeat in Premier League history for a reigning champion (also Manchester United's 6-1 loss to Manchester City in October 2011).
• None Leicester have now lost 18 league games this season, the most by a reigning top-flight champion since Ipswich Town in 1962-1963 (19)
• None Leicester had let in two goals in their previous five home games under Shakespeare.
Shakespeare has one final home game to impress as Leicester host Bournemouth, while Tottenham wrap up their campaign at relegated Hull. All Premier League games on Sunday, 21 May kick off at 15:00 BST.
• None Goal! Leicester City 1, Tottenham Hotspur 6. Harry Kane (Tottenham Hotspur) right footed shot from the centre of the box to the bottom left corner. Assisted by Ben Davies.
• None Attempt saved. Dele Alli (Tottenham Hotspur) right footed shot from the left side of the box is saved in the bottom right corner. Assisted by Vincent Janssen.
• None Goal! Leicester City 1, Tottenham Hotspur 5. Harry Kane (Tottenham Hotspur) right footed shot from outside the box to the centre of the goal. Assisted by Filip Lesniak.
• None Attempt missed. Christian Fuchs (Leicester City) left footed shot from a difficult angle and long range on the left is close, but misses the top left corner.
• None Attempt missed. Dele Alli (Tottenham Hotspur) right footed shot from outside the box is too high. Assisted by Moussa Sissoko.
• None Offside, Tottenham Hotspur. Dele Alli tries a through ball, but Vincent Janssen is caught offside.
• None Attempt missed. Vincent Janssen (Tottenham Hotspur) right footed shot from outside the box is just a bit too high. Assisted by Victor Wanyama.
• None Attempt missed. Harry Kane (Tottenham Hotspur) right footed shot from outside the box is close, but misses to the right. Assisted by Vincent Janssen.
• None Attempt missed. Eric Dier (Tottenham Hotspur) right footed shot from outside the box is just a bit too high from a direct free kick.
• None Danny Simpson (Leicester City) is shown the yellow card for a bad foul. Navigate to the next page Navigate to the last page
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http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/39879805
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Nottingham Forest takeover: Evangelos Marinakis buys club with EFL approval - BBC Sport
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2017-05-18
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Nottingham Forest are bought by Greek shipping magnate Evangelos Marinakis with his takeover passed by the EFL.
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Last updated on .From the section Football
Nottingham Forest have been bought by Greek shipping magnate Evangelos Marinakis after his takeover was passed by the English Football League (EFL).
The businessman and Olympiakos owner is facing accusations of match-fixing in Greece but has passed the EFL's owners' and directors' test.
Marinakis' buyout brings to an end Fawaz Al Hasawi's five-year reign in charge of the Championship club.
A previous takeover by a United States consortium fell through in January.
In an exclusive interview with BBC Sport, Marinakis said that allegations he is involved in a "criminal organisation" were invented by "jealous" opponents to "destroy" his success with the Greek champions.
He was previously accused of being involved in the bombing of a referee's bakery but faced no action.
Marinakis, who is heading a consortium with Greek businessman Socrates Kominakis, denies all the claims and has not faced any charges. He is waiting to find out whether a remaining case against him will proceed, but says: "I have nothing to be afraid of and to worry about as I have done nothing wrong."
The EFL has approved the deal after reviewing the business plan and applying the owners' and directors' test. It saw no reason to disqualify the prospective owners under the test. The EFL also asked Uefa for its views on Marinakis' ownership of Olympiakos and received a positive response.
Two-time European Cup winners Forest only escaped relegation to England's third tier on goal difference with a win on the final day of the season.
Marinakis has also "guaranteed" manager Mark Warburton, who was appointed in March, will be with the club "for a number of years".
In an interview with BBC correspondent Richard Conway, Marinakis spelt out his vision for Nottingham Forest. He says he will:
• None Return "stability" to a club with "huge potential" which "belongs to the elite of the Premier League"
• None Not make rash pledges, saying: "I never give promises - I deliver"
• None Back Mark Warburton and says he will work within EFL financial rules to support him in the transfer market
Under Marinakis' ownership since 2010, Olympiakos have won seven domestic championships in a row. They are among the top-25 ranked teams in Europe.
He told BBC Sport that claims of criminality against him are as a result of this record.
"All these years, a lot has been said but nothing came out in reality. All of it has been dismissed and we have been clear from all of this," he said.
"Now there is a last case remaining - there are about 80 persons involved. I can tell you again that I have nothing to do with it because I know very well what I have done and how I have achieved victories.
"Of course I cannot stop our opponents talking or bad-mouthing."
He added the EFL and other football authorities, such as European governing body Uefa, have cleared him after "two months" of "numerous questions".
Marinakis attended high school in Watford from the age of 15 and went on to university in the UK.
He told the BBC he chose to invest in Forest based on "what I remember from the past and the potential the club has".
He added: "I think that it doesn't take long to decide, even if you have a choice, which team to go for. When you see all this tradition and all these achievements, of course this club has the potential to grow and achieve victories that the whole region deserves."
"I'm not going to promise you things or I'm not a rich guy who came from abroad to spend my money and gain glory by acquiring a team in the UK.
"I had glories from my times with Olympiakos who have won everything, who have broken every record both within our country and in Europe, in the Champions League for our level.
"We know a lot of players, managers, clubs, officials in various parts of the world in international football, agents - all this can help us to put all our connections together and try to do our very best for Nottingham."
Forest, league champions in 1977-78 and European Cup winners in the following two seasons, last played in the Premier League in 1998-99. They have since spent 14 seasons in the second tier and three seasons in League One, from 2005-06 to 2007-08.
Despite narrowly escaping a return to the third tier this season, Marinakis believes Forest should be in the Premier League.
"We have a long-term plan and within this long-term plan we want to bring Nottingham to where it belongs. And of course Nottingham belongs in the Premier League. And Nottingham belongs to the elite of the Premier League," he says.
"Furthermore the supporters of Nottingham have been tired all these years, they didn't have such good times. But they remained loyal and for us that's very important.
"The potential is huge. The potential of this team is that when it will be very well organised, when it will achieve victories again, when it will have a better position in the Championship, when it will have a better position and we can look seriously at the Premier League, then we will be there to stay."
What does the manager think?
Warburton has previously described the new ownership as "proven football people", referencing Marinakis' achievements at Olympiakos.
"They have done a magnificent job at getting into the Champions League year in, year out and have really developed an outstanding club," he added.
What is the owners' and directors' test?
Also referred to as the 'fit and proper persons test', it is designed to prevent someone being involved in running a football club if they have any of the disqualifying conditions listed here.
That includes criminal matters such as dishonest acts and unspent convictions and company disqualification matters such as bankruptcy.
What do the fans think?
Natalie Jackson, BBC East Midlands Today sports editor, on the feeling among some Forest supporters.
Supporters seem to be optimistic about the new ownership because five years under Fawaz promised so much but delivered so little. His well-meaning love of the club and his vast wealth was never in doubt but there were eight different managers and a fragile infrastructure behind the scenes, with people in key positions coming and going at regular intervals.
Increasing anger led to fans' protests, while Forest finished lower in the league year on year - culminating in this season's final-day escape from relegation.
Bridges need to be built and reputations restored. Mark Warburton's arrival shows signs of a more sensible, long-term approach on the football side.
There is a sense of relief among fans, but also caution because tremendous wealth does not automatically mean a well-run, stable and successful club. Marinakis is aggressively ambitious but has taken on a club in need of major rebuilding.
• None The purchase is a consortium led by Marinakis and Socrates Kominakis , a Greek businessman and investor, for 100% of Hasawi's shares. The sum is undisclosed.
• None The owners have formed a new company NF Football Investments Ltd, registered in the UK.
• None Nicholas Randall QC, a leading sports lawyer, has been appointed as chairman.
• None Ioannis Vrentzos - CEO of Olympiakos - will move to become Forest CEO.
• None Frank McParland has had his contract extended as director of football.
Sat in his modern London office, adorned with a mix of modern art and oil paintings of the port of Piraeus in Greece, Evangelos Marinakis spoke confidently of his long-term plan for Nottingham Forest.
His key phrase is "hard work". He repeatedly said those words during our interview, and prides himself on building teams both within his shipping empire and at the football clubs he owns. His immediate focus appears to be order, appointing professionals and creating a stable base from which the club can rebuild.
But Marinakis does come with baggage. He has faced - and has been cleared - of very serious charges in Greece. He insists his remaining legal difficulties in Greece don't worry him and that he's done nothing wrong.
Significantly, the deal is also being fronted by fellow businessman Socrates Kominakis. His presence will ensure that should anything happen in the future concerning Marinakis' ability to own the club (a prospect he says is not based in reality), there will be continuity in the boardroom.
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http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/39962342
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Italian Open: Johanna Konta beaten by Venus Williams as Novak Djokovic through - BBC Sport
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2017-05-18
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Johanna Konta loses to Venus Williams to miss out on a quarter-final place at the Italian Open as Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal reach last eight.
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Last updated on .From the section Tennis
British number one Johanna Konta lost to Venus Williams in the last 16 of the Italian Open in Rome.
The 26-year-old world number six recovered from a set down to level but American Williams, 36, dominated the final set to win 6-1 3-6 6-1.
Seven-time champion Rafael Nadal reached the last eight of the men's event by beating Jack Sock 6-4 6-3.
Serbia's Novak Djokovic is also through after defeating Spain's Roberto Bautista-Agut 6-4 6-4.
However, world number three Stan Wawrinka suffered a 7-6 (7-1) 6-4 loss to big-serving American John Isner.
Fifth seed Konta had won her past three encounters with Williams, but the veteran controlled proceedings from the baseline, taking the first set in just over half an hour.
Konta rallied and won three straight games to claim the second set but Williams responded with another double break in the third to secure victory.
Williams, who has won seven Grand Slam singles titles, will take on Spain's Garbine Muguruza in the quarter-finals, after the 2016 French Open champion saw off Germany's Julia Gorges 7-5 6-4.
Elsewhere, Estonian qualifier Anett Kontaveit backed up her shock win over world number one Angelique Kerber on Wednesday by beating 16th seed Croatian Mirjana Lucic-Baroni 6-1 6-1.
Kontaveit will face sixth seed Simona Halep in the quarter-finals, after the Romanian beat Russia's Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova 6-1 4-6 6-0.
Unseeded Daria Gavrilova stunned Svetlana Kuznetsova of Russia 2-6 7-5 6-4 to reach the last eight, where she will play Kiki Bertens - a 7-6 (7-3) 6-1 winner over Russia's Ekaterina Makarova.
Ukraine's Elina Svitolina beat Germany's Mona Barthel 3-6 6-0 6-0 to set up a tie with second seed Karolina Pliskova, after the Czech came through 6-1 7-5 against Switzerland's Timea Bacsinszky.
Djokovic and Nadal through as Wawrinka stunned
Nadal, 30, converted all three of his break points to end Sock's challenge in one hour and 20 minutes and set up a meeting with Austria's Dominic Thiem - a rematch of the Madrid Open final that the Spaniard won to enter the world's top four.
World number two Djokovic, 29, broke clay-court specialist Bautista Agut in the seventh game to take the first set before also breaking the Spaniard early in the second set.
Bautista Agut broke back and won three straight games, with Djokovic involved in an angry exchange with the umpire after being given a time violation.
However, the French Open champion rallied to reclaim the break and close out the match to set up a quarter-final against Argentina's Juan Martin del Potro, who saw off Japan's Kei Nishikori 7-6 (7-4) 6-3.
Switzerland's Wawrinka had no answer to the impressive serving of Isner, losing a first-set tie break 7-1 before falling to a straight-set defeat.
Unseeded Isner sent down 19 aces and landed 84% of his first serves as he set up a last-eight tie against Croatia's Marin Cilic, who beat Belgium's David Goffin 6-3 6-4.
Earlier, Germany's Alexander Zverev secured a 6-1 6-1 victory over Italy's Fabio Fognini, who beat world number one Andy Murray in round two.
Zverev will face fifth seed Milos Raonic in the last eight, after the Canadian beat Czech Tomas Berdych 6-3 6-2.
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http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/tennis/39964812
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Sheffield Wednesday 1-1 Huddersfield Town (agg: 1-1, 3-4 pens) - BBC Sport
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2017-05-18
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Huddersfield Town beat Sheffield Wednesday 4-3 in a penalty shootout to reach the Championship play-off final.
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Last updated on .From the section Football
Huddersfield Town beat Sheffield Wednesday on penalties to reach the Championship play-off final.
Terriers keeper Danny Ward saved from Sam Hutchinson and Fernando Forestieri in the shootout to give Town a 4-3 win.
Steven Fletcher put the Owls ahead when he headed home Barry Bannan's cross but the visitors levelled when Collin Quaner's cross was turned in by Nahki Wells via a deflection from Tom Lees.
Town will now face Reading at Wembley for a place in the Premier League.
It had always looked possible that the tie would go the distance after Sunday's opening leg between the two sides had ended scoreless, with the Owls failing to manage a single shot on target.
Despite losing Ross Wallace to injury early on, the hosts made a bright start to the second leg and sub Adam Reach forced a sharp save from Terriers keeper Danny Ward at his near post.
However, Town had the best chance in the first half but Izzy Brown's shot hit the outside of the post after Wells had found the Chelsea loanee with a low cross.
Wednesday opened the scoring when Bannan, who was given a far more free role compared to the first game, sent a perfectly-measured cross to the back post where Fletcher rose above Christopher Schindler to head in.
After initially being rocked, Town responded well and got a deserved equaliser when Collin Quaner got on the end of a neat ball from Brown and squared a low ball across the face of goal, which Lees inadvertently diverted in to level the tie with 15 minutes to go.
Both teams had chances to win it in extra time but Wales international Ward saved well from Jordan Rhodes and Wells fired into the side netting after a mishit-shot broke to him.
Town eventually prevailed when Liverpool loanee Ward dived to his right to keep Forestieri's effort out and set up an appearance against the Royals at Wembley on Monday, 29 May.
'Everyone knows Germans are able to win penalties'
Huddersfield Town finished last season with a 5-1 home defeat by Brentford to finish 19th in the second tier.
Boss Wagner, who had joined in November 2015, subsequently carried out a major overhaul of the squad in the summer to bring in players who could execute the pressing game he wanted the side to play.
Loanees Aaron Mooy, Ward and Brown, along with Germany-born imports Chris Lowe, Michael Hefele and Elias Kachunga, have all been integral to the Terriers' success.
Wagner, who joked prior to the game that "everyone knows Germans are able to win penalties", has maintained all campaign that his team were underdogs for promotion - but they are now just 90 minutes from reaching the Premier League for the first time in their history.
He said after the game: "Everyone knows most pundits said we would be in relegation trouble or we'd get relegated and now we're one step away from the Premier League. We are the small dog, the terrier, but we have belief.
"Now we are in the final the fairytale goes on and we want to write the last chapter at Wembley."
What next for 'heartbroken' Wednesday?
This was the second successive season that Sheffield Wednesday had reached the Championship play-offs under Portuguese head coach Carlos Carvalhal, following defeat by Hull City in last season's final.
Despite leading Wednesday to a fourth-place finish this campaign, questions have been raised about his position amid speculation linking former Newcastle and Crystal Palace boss Alan Pardew with the club.
Carvalhal said that now was "not the time" to discuss his future after what he called a "heartbreaking" defeat.
When he took over in 2015, Thai owner Dejphon Chansiri said he wanted promotion back to the Premier League within two years and he may now look to make a change in the summer.
• None Penalty saved! Fernando Forestieri (Sheffield Wednesday) fails to capitalise on this great opportunity, right footed shot saved in the centre of the goal.
• None Penalty saved! Jack Payne (Huddersfield Town) fails to capitalise on this great opportunity, left footed shot saved in the bottom right corner.
• None Goal! Sheffield Wednesday 1(3), Huddersfield Town 1(4). Jack Hunt (Sheffield Wednesday) converts the penalty with a right footed shot to the bottom right corner.
• None Goal! Sheffield Wednesday 1(2), Huddersfield Town 1(4). Aaron Mooy (Huddersfield Town) converts the penalty with a right footed shot to the top left corner.
• None Goal! Sheffield Wednesday 1(2), Huddersfield Town 1(3). Kieran Lee (Sheffield Wednesday) converts the penalty with a right footed shot to the bottom left corner.
• None Goal! Sheffield Wednesday 1(1), Huddersfield Town 1(3). Nahki Wells (Huddersfield Town) converts the penalty with a right footed shot to the bottom left corner.
• None Goal! Sheffield Wednesday 1(1), Huddersfield Town 1(2). Barry Bannan (Sheffield Wednesday) converts the penalty with a left footed shot to the bottom right corner.
• None Goal! Sheffield Wednesday 1, Huddersfield Town 1(2). Michael Hefele (Huddersfield Town) converts the penalty with a right footed shot to the bottom right corner.
• None Penalty saved! Sam Hutchinson (Sheffield Wednesday) fails to capitalise on this great opportunity, right footed shot saved in the bottom right corner.
• None Goal! Sheffield Wednesday 1, Huddersfield Town 1(1). Chris Löwe (Huddersfield Town) converts the penalty with a left footed shot to the bottom right corner.
• None Attempt blocked. Nahki Wells (Huddersfield Town) right footed shot from outside the box is blocked.
• None Attempt missed. Jordan Rhodes (Sheffield Wednesday) header from the centre of the box misses to the right. Assisted by Barry Bannan with a cross following a set piece situation. Navigate to the next page Navigate to the last page
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http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/39866499
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Chris Cornell - so much more than a grunge star - BBC News
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2017-05-18
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https://www.facebook.com/bbcnews
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How Soundgarden's not-so-secret weapon became one of grunge's leading lights.
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Entertainment & Arts
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Chris Cornell was one of the defining voices of grunge music - his bluesy, multi-octave voice becoming Soundgarden's not-so-secret weapon.
Born in Seattle, Washington, in 1964, he developed an interest in music while at school - especially with The Beatles - which led to him learning the piano.
But he spent most of his teenage years a loner, afflicted by agoraphobia and anxiety, until rock music helped him overcome his uneasiness around others.
After dropping out of school, he bought a drum kit and played in various local bands, which brought him into contact bassist Hiro Yamamoto and guitarist Kim Thayil, with whom he formed Soundgarden in 1984.
The band was named after an art installation in Seattle's Sand Point.
Cornell initially played the drums while singing, but was able to concentrate on vocals after a drummer was recruited in 1985.
In Soundgarden, he slowed the frenetic flammery of '80s metal to a sombre crawl, earning the band comparisons to Black Sabbath and Led Zeppelin.
Although they started out on Seattle's Sub Pop label (their debut EP, Screaming Life was the label's second release), they were the first grunge band to sign to a major label.
The song's surreal and nightmarish video became an MTV favourite and won Best Metal/Hard Rock Video at the 1994 MTV Video Music Awards.
It remains their most enduring hit. Spotify lists more than 50 cover versions, with everyone from Anastacia to Paul Anka drawn to its pretty melody and dreamlike lyrics.
Even Cornell wasn't sure what it was about. "I was just sucked in by the music and I was painting a picture with the lyrics," he once said. "There was no real idea to get across."
While the song defined the band, there was no pinning Cornell down.
He wrote for other acts, including Alice Cooper, and formed Audioslave with the remnants of experimental rock act Rage Against The Machine.
With them, he played Cuba's first ever outdoor concert by an American rock band; while in later years he worked with hip-hop producer Timbaland and released a solo acoustic album, Songbook, which put his remarkable vocals front and centre.
Soundgarden disbanded in 1997 and reunited in 2010. Cornell went into rehab in 2003 after struggles with addiction to drugs and alcohol.
His Casino Royale Bond theme in 2006, You Know My Name, may not be a classic of the genre - but in framing Daniel Craig as a new, leaner, tougher 007, it was an uncompromising success.
He wrote the end title song Live to Rise for Marvel's The Avengers and his song Misery Chain, a duet with Joy Williams, appeared on the soundtrack of the Oscar-winning film 12 Years A Slave.
Cornell's song The Keeper from Machine Gun Preacher was nominated for a Golden Globe in 2012.
Like all great musicians, he was curious and fearless. His greatest regret of the grunge scene was that Seattle's experimental bands, the ones playing free jazz and Gothic rock, got left behind because they didn't fit the music industry's narrative.
"It's like somebody came into your city with bulldozers and water compressors and mined your own perfect mountain and excavated it and threw out what they didn't want and left the rest to rot," he told Rolling Stone in 1994. "It's that bad."
His untimely death means that, after Kurt Cobain, Layne Staley and Scott Weiland, yet another of grunge's leading lights has been extinguished.
To those who knew him, the loss will be even greater.
Cornell is survived by his wife Vicky, whom he married in 2004, and their two children. He also had a daughter with first wife and former manager Susan Silver.
Follow us on Facebook, on Twitter @BBCNewsEnts, or on Instagram at bbcnewsents. If you have a story suggestion email entertainment.news@bbc.co.uk.
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http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-39959921
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'I'd back Spurs for the title - if they were staying at White Hart Lane' - Jermaine Jenas - BBC Sport
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2017-05-18
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Tottenham will continue their progress if they can adjust to playing at Wembley next season, says MOTD pundit Jermaine Jenas.
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The only thing that worries me about next season for Tottenham is that they will be playing their home games at Wembley.
If Spurs were staying at White Hart Lane then I would be thinking they can go on and win the Premier League, but Wembley is a genuine issue for them.
Premier League rules do not allow them to change the pitch size to make it the same as at the Lane, where they have been in such brilliant form this season on a pitch that is 440 square metres smaller than the one they will play on at Wembley.
When I played at Wembley for England, I always noticed the difference with a bigger pitch - the game is slower and you get more time on the ball, and it also seemed to take longer for play to shift from one end to the other.
So you cannot easily play the game that Spurs like to play that makes them the team that they are at White Hart Lane - that likes to get in teams' faces, press them and win the ball back high up the pitch.
Spurs struggled when they played at Wembley in Europe this season, only winning one out of four matches, and hopefully there are ideas in place to improve things there off the pitch because it is going to be difficult for the supporters too.
There are fans who have had the same seats at White Hart Lane for years and are used to seeing the same faces around them every week, but they will have to create an atmosphere in totally different surroundings at Wembley.
I am confident that will be easy to do when they move into their new stadium in 2018 because they can start building the memories that will make it feel like home, but being at Wembley for a year will be a lot harder to deal with.
Why Spurs have to pay their players what they deserve
The other big question mark is whether Tottenham can keep this team together.
There are certain sides across Europe at the moment that look susceptible if clubs try to sign their players, and Spurs are one of them.
Along with Borussia Dortmund and Monaco, they have got plenty of players in their squad that the big boys will be looking to cherry pick from.
Spurs chairman Daniel Levy is no pushover and there is no way he will let anyone leave cheaply, but my concern is not that there is going to be a fire sale.
I am more worried about the mentality of the players being affected if they are not being paid what they deserve, and deciding they want to move on.
We are not talking about kids anymore. Yes, some of them are still young but they are European stars now.
Tottenham are now a Champions League team, two years on the spin. This season was probably the hardest year ever to finish in the top four and they did it comfortably.
For the club to keep on progressing, they need to keep their players happy. When I spoke on Radio 5 live recently about them deserving 100% more than they are getting paid right now, that is not because they are greedy, it is down to their self-worth.
If I am Kyle Walker and I am on £40,000 or £50,000 a week and Liverpool defender Nathaniel Clyne is sitting across from me in the England changing room on, say, £100,000 a week then I am asking myself is that how my club values me?
When I go through the Tottenham team, some of them are already good enough to play for Barcelona or Real Madrid, so you have to start treating them like players of that calibre, or you will lose them.
When people talk about Spurs players they don't seem to see them in the same light but you will see what they are worth in the summer when bids start coming in for them.
If any of them do leave, I doubt it will be for less than £40m but they are not getting paid like £40m players at the moment, so there is something wrong.
The top end of the team is where Spurs can improve
After finishing third in the Premier League in 2015-16 and runners-up this season, the next challenge for Spurs now is to win the title, as well as making an impact in the Champions League.
To do that, they have to do more than keep their current squad together - they need to invest in it, and strengthen. I think they know that is probably what has cost them this season.
When I look at Tottenham's back five and the two midfielders who sit in front of the defence as part of their strongest line-up, then I don't see it getting much better than that.
Marcelo and Sergio Ramos are absolutely brilliant for Real Madrid, but they are individuals.
Juventus probably have the best defensive unit in Europe but, other than that, I don't see anything better than what Spurs have got.
The attacking part of their team is the area where Tottenham can improve, and I would bring in two more forwards to play behind Harry Kane.
The likes of Everton's Ross Barkley and Leicester's Riyad Mahrez have been mentioned, but I like Monaco's Thomas Lemar who is a very good player and definitely fits the mould.
Spurs need quality and quantity in those positions so they can rotate if they have to without it affecting the team because I don't think Moussa Sissoko and Georges-Kevin N'Koudou, who both arrived last summer, have been the answer at all.
They also need a striker that is going to push Kane harder than Vincent Janssen has done this season.
Harry is the star, so they don't need another big name. What they need is someone to back him up.
There has been talk of them being in for Joshua King, who has had a brilliant season for Bournemouth, and I think he would be perfect. He would definitely add a lot more than Janssen, who has sometimes not even played when Kane is injured.
King has got a lot of developing to do but that would not be a problem because I think Mauricio Pochettino likes players that he can work on.
Pochettino is still building at Spurs
When I speak to the Spurs players, you can tell they genuinely love playing for Pochettino, and they are looking forward to the next couple of years - probably more than I expected them to.
He makes them feel as though they are improving by playing under him, which might give them a chance of keeping some of them even if the club's wage structure doesn't change.
Pochettino said after Sunday's win over United that he was proud of what his side have achieved this season and he is right to feel that way because they have been phenomenal. They are probably a year ahead of where he thought they would be.
It is going to get harder for them because Pep Guardiola and Jose Mourinho will both be stronger in their second seasons at Manchester City and United, but Pochettino is still building and he is getting better and better too.
The way he talks, he is looking forward to moving into the new stadium which is a positive sign and, in his mind, everything is going in the right direction in terms of the club and the players in his squad.
I think the minute that starts to shift is when you start to worry about whether Pochettino will stay at the club but right now he seems very happy.
His Spurs side have challenged for the title in back-to-back seasons but they need to win something to be remembered as a great team. It is a shame they haven't so far, but I believe they will.
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http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/39952203
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British and Irish Lions 2017: Gavin Hastings recalls 1993 New Zealand tour - BBC Sport
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2017-05-18
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Lions must be ready for "hardest weeks of rugby they will ever have faced" warns Gavin Hastings, captain on the 1993 New Zealand tour.
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If he could, he'd wind the clock back to his youth and do it all again in New Zealand, the highs and lows of a Lions tour, the intensity, the brutality, the ecstasy and the agony.
When Gavin Hastings says that the 2017 Lions are about to experience the "hardest weeks of rugby they will ever have faced in their lives, but at the same time, the most incredible weeks", he speaks from experience, some of it bitter, some of it glorious, all of it unforgettable.
"These guys have the opportunity to make history," he says. "Let's get it straight, this is not a question of life or death, they're not going away with Bear Grylls on an island to fend for themselves. They're going to be worshipped when they arrive, probably not by New Zealand fans, but by the 25,000 Lions fans that are going to be there.
"If you asked every person who ever played for the Lions in the past would they like to be young again and be on that plane, then most of us would say, 'Yeah, we'll do it'. Captaining the side in 1993 was the greatest honour I could have achieved."
That was quite a tour, the last of the amateur era - 13 matches, a dramatic and controversial Test series, a calamitous midweek side and so many memories that are still vivid in Hastings' mind's eye.
The first of them was the strange way he was offered the captaincy.
'A very good time in my life'
Ian McGeechan was the Lions coach in 1993 and Geoff Cooke, of England, was the manager. There were three men touted for the leadership of the team - Will Carling, who had captained the English to two Grand Slams, Ieuan Evans, the brilliant Welsh wing, and Hastings, who had just assumed the captaincy of Scotland that season.
• None Hogg and Seymour only Scots in squad
• None Laidlaw to fight for starting place after Lions call
"I was sitting at home one Sunday evening when Geech rang and said that he'd been asked to call me to find out what I would say if I was offered the captaincy. I said, 'Geech, you know the answer to that question, I don't know why you're phoning to ask me'. And I kinda put the phone down.
"Then he phoned me again a couple of hours later and he asked me the very same question and I said, 'Geech, I've given you the answer'. He phoned me back half an hour later and said, 'Congratulations, you're the captain of the Lions'.
"I don't know if he, and Geoff, were just doing their homework and wanting to find out if I was nervous in any way, but I wasn't. It was a very good time in my life."
The Lions won their first four matches in New Zealand, beating North Auckland 30-17, North Harbour 29-13, coming from 20-0 behind to beat the Maori 24-20 before taking care of Canterbury 28-10.
Everything was going well, almost too well. When the Lions arrived in Dunedin to play Otago, the first crisis of the summer was about to hit them.
In scoring five tries and 37 points, Otago gave the tourists a record kicking. Jamie Joseph and a young Josh Kronfeld ran amok. Stuart Forster, their brilliant scrum-half, lorded it over the game and then trash-talked in the aftermath. "We stuffed it right up them," said Forster. As much as Hastings would liked to have protested, he couldn't.
Twenty-four years later, he says his boys were "mullered" that day.
The pain of the loss was added to by the injury sustained by his brother, Scott. He fractured his cheekbone and was invalided out of the tour.
"We had a night out after the Otago game," says Hastings. "I wasn't feeling too good, but I got up early the next morning and went to see our doctor, James Robson, to ask how Scott was doing and he said he wasn't doing great.
"He said, 'I'm going in to see him (in hospital) if you'd like to come'. I said 'OK' and when I saw his face I was just about ill all over the floor of the room he was in and it was as much to do with the way he looked as the amount of drink I'd had the night before. He was like the elephant man."
A week later, the Lions played the first Test at Lancaster Park, Christchurch. In the opening minutes, New Zealand were awarded a try even though Frank Bunce, their centre, never grounded the ball. Brian Kinsey, the referee from Australia, said the try was good.
"Kinsey - is that who he was? I've tried to erase his name," says Hastings.
Still, with only seconds left to play the Lions were 18-17 ahead. It was at that point that Kinsey made another intervention. He gave the All Blacks a penalty at the breakdown, an opportunity that Grant Fox took with a long-range kick. All these years later, it's still hard to see what Kinsey saw that day.
"I've never really watched it again, but my abiding memory is the look on (Lions scrum-half) Dewi Morris' face when the penalty was awarded," Hastings recalls. "It was a look of utter disbelief. We should have won that game."
A split soon developed in the squad between the Test players and the dirt-trackers, some of whom were out of their depth and then started to go off the rails. There were losses to Auckland and Hawke's Bay.
After the Lions levelled the series with an outstanding 20-7 victory in Wellington, the midweek boys folded against Waikato in the penultimate game of the tour. Peter Winterbottom, the Test flanker, said he was disgusted watching it. He felt they weren't trying.
A lot of fingers were pointed at the Scottish forwards. Peter Wright, Kenny Milne, Paul Burnell, Andy Reed and Damian Cronin made up the Lions front five against a rampant Waikato who had, at hooker, a 29-year-old by the name of Warren Gatland.
'You had to have the right mentality'
"It's true that the midweek team wasn't strong enough and that one or two of the players went off piste," says Hastings. "Well, maybe three or four. Perhaps half a dozen. Who knows. The game was still amateur. That's just the way it was.
"In New Zealand, you had to have the right mentality. I had it and lots of others had it, but not everybody had it.
"Speak to a guy like Damian Cronin and he probably has a touch of regret that he didn't perform to the best of his ability and maybe took it as a bit of a jolly.
"It's a tough place to go. You're in Rugby Park in Invercargill and the Southland boys are kicking lumps out of you, but you've got to face up to it. There's no hiding place. There never has been and never will be. I remember a game against North Harbour and those guys are tough hombres and they're after you and you have to meet them face to face.
"We were 10-0 ahead in the third Test , but we didn't see the ball after that. We lost 30-13. Ah, it was a series we should have won. We were very unlucky in the first Test. There's a lot of regret there.
"The margins between victory and defeat are so small. Those incidents in the first Test - people don't remember them. They remember 1997 and 2013. They don't remember 1993."
Some people do. The Kiwis, for a start. The Lions may have lost but they haven't been forgotten. Hastings made many friendships on that tour, some with All Blacks that are strong to this day.
He remembers Gatland in that Waikato match. The Lions coach scored a try in the rout, getting on the end of a pass on the left wing and strolling over unopposed like he was playing in a practice match, which was largely what it had become.
"Warren was a guy who looked 20 years older than anyone else," says Hastings. "He sat on the bench for New Zealand for years as understudy to Sean Fitzpatrick, but he never got an All Black cap.
"If there's one New Zealander who can harness the frustration of missing out an All Black Test jersey, one New Zealander who will really, really want the Lions to win, it will be Warren Gatland. I said that to him and he had a smile on his face.
"He's got a strong squad and the biggest competition for Test spots than on any previous Lions tour. We came close in 1993 but we couldn't do it. It's been 46 years since the Lions won a series in New Zealand. I hope the time has come."
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http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/39942800
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May - more room to borrow and raise taxes - BBC News
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2017-05-18
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Fears about the incomes squeeze have made this election less about the public finances, and more about the “just about managing”.
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Business
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In my interview with Philip Hammond last month, the Chancellor pleaded that he did not want to have his hands "constrained".
It was a clear signal he wanted to drop the "triple tax lock" put in place by David Cameron before the 2015 election not to raise income tax, national insurance contributions or VAT.
In two out of three, Number 10 appears to have heeded his request.
There is a pledge in the manifesto not to increase VAT.
But the promise not to raise income tax or national insurance has been replaced by a rather vaguer "firm intention to reduce taxes on Britain's businesses and working families".
Many predict that Mr Hammond will resurrect the plan to increase national insurance contributions for the self-employed if the Tories win on June 8 and he remains as Chancellor.
Today's manifesto is all about increasing "wriggle room" for any new Conservative government.
Just as the manifesto opens the door to tax rises, it also allows for more borrowing.
It pledges to "balance the books" (meaning the government earns in taxes what it spends on services) and eliminate the deficit by the "middle of the next decade".
That's about three years further into the future than suggested in the Autumn Statement, when Mr Hammond said "the public finances should be returned to balance as early as possible in the next Parliament".
Many economists took that to mean around 2022, given that at that stage we were expecting an election in 2020.
"By pushing out the time by which the government expects to balance the books, it is implicitly telling us that there is likely to be an easing off in austerity," said Alan Clarke of Scotia Bank.
"The government is still trying to reduce borrowing, but is doing so slightly more gradually than previously projected."
Of course, revising deficit targets has become something of a tradition for the Conservatives - who insist they are still firm backers of "sound money".
The first target, set in 2010, was to eliminate the deficit by 2015.
As the old New Yorker cartoon says of the harassed executive desperately searching for a free lunch appointment.
"Never? Is never good for you?"
In her hunt for fiscal flexibility (there are still fears the economy could take a rapid turn for the worse) Mrs May has also reduced the pensions triple lock to a double lock - abandoning the promise that pensions would rise by at least 2.5% every year.
The double lock says that pensions will now rise by either inflation or earnings growth - whichever is higher.
That could mean pension increases of less than 2.5%, if inflation and earnings growth fall.
Mrs May, with Mr Hammond supporting her from the side lines, has produced a manifesto that gives her good deal of economic room for manoeuvre.
And that is for a reason.
Before 2010 and 2015, the Tories believed their "sell" to the voter was that they could be "trusted" with the public finances and that people wanted a rapid reduction in government borrowing.
In an era of falling real incomes and struggling productivity growth (the actual way to create economic wealth), the focus has moved to more active support for the economy.
Even if that means taxing and borrowing more.
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http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-39965464
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Gaza residents left in the dark amid Palestinian power struggle - BBC News
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2017-05-18
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Gaza residents face blackouts of up to 20 hours a day because of a battle between the PA and Hamas.
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Middle East
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There is already no electricity in the Gaza Strip for up to 20 hours per day
By night, much of the Gaza Strip is plunged into darkness with streets lit only by the headlights of passing cars.
Inside their apartment, south of Gaza City, the children of the Abu Shaban family are studying for their end-of-year exams by candlelight.
"We have no electricity when we teach our children," says Suniya, their mother. "This problem will affect their grades a lot."
"The children are worried about the candles," she adds. "We know they're dangerous but we can't afford batteries for lights or back-up power."
"The refrigerator and most of our electrical appliances have burnt out because the power comes and goes so much. We're constantly chasing after electricity."
The UN has purchased emergency fuel to maintain essential services at Gaza's hospitals
Gaza has long struggled with an energy shortage, but recently the situation has got much worse. Mains electricity is switched off for 16 to 20 hours a day.
Behind the crisis is an escalating political power struggle between the Islamist group, Hamas, and the Palestinian Authority (PA), dominated by the rival Fatah movement.
Hamas seized control of Gaza almost a decade ago - a year after it won legislative elections - ousting forces loyal to President Mahmoud Abbas.
So far, all attempts at reconciliation have failed.
Gaza's sole power plant was forced to shut down completely on 17 April
Now, Mr Abbas's West Bank-based government appears to be piling on financial pressure as it tries to reassert its authority over the Strip.
It has cut the salaries of more than 60,000 civil servants in the impoverished territory by a third, a step it blames on decreasing foreign aid.
Gaza's only power plant, which runs on diesel, was shut down last month after the PA scrapped a tax exemption, more than doubling the price of the fuel.
The plant had been producing about 60MW of power a day, about 30% of the energy normally available.
Now, the PA says it will no longer honour any invoices for an additional 125MW of electricity supplied by Israel.
The UN has warned that basic services are grinding to a halt in Gaza
Its latest moves come amid fresh efforts by the United States to revive the moribund Middle East peace process. President Donald Trump is expected to visit Israel and the West Bank next week.
The US, European Union and Israel, among others, consider Hamas a terrorist group. Israel and Egypt tightened a blockade of Gaza after the Hamas takeover in 2007.
"The Americans and mainly the Israelis have been accusing President Abbas of being weak, [saying] he has no control over the Gaza Strip and is therefore no partner for peace," says Mkhaimar Abusada, a political science professor at al-Azhar University - Gaza.
"He wants to restore his power over Gaza, to be taken more seriously."
Hamas called the PA's decision to halt payments "a grave escalation and an act of madness"
The lack of energy is forcing hospitals here to cancel non-emergency surgeries.
The United Nations has donated some fuel for generators.
It is also helping desalination plants to continue running, but at just 15% of their capacity. The reductions mean water supplies are reduced.
Wastewater in Gaza is not being treated properly and pumped out to sea. That means some raw sewage is being discharged just off the coast.
Wastewater treatment has largely halted, resulting in the discharge of sewage into the sea
"The UN can only alleviate some of the humanitarian suffering of those who are most vulnerable," says the UN Special Co-ordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, Nikolay Mladenov. "We cannot foot the bill for the electricity in Gaza."
Mr Mladenov warns the "very grave" situation could become "catastrophic" if power from Israel is stopped.
A spokesperson for Cogat, Israel's military co-ordinator for civilian activities in the Palestinian Territories, says: "In the absence of the PA, payments for electricity in Gaza can be made through the international community or private entities."
This video can not be played To play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser. When the lights go out, people turn to this Palestinian engineer for creative ways to get by
The Strip gets some power from Egypt but supplies are often disrupted because of unrest in the Sinai peninsula.
Previously, Qatar and Turkey, both major donors to Gaza, have given diesel.
Mr Mladenov says he is working hard to pass on the message to "all sides" that a political settlement is needed.
"The only reasonable political solution is in fact, to work on returning Gaza to the legitimate Palestinian Authority, the government," he adds.
President Abbas wants Hamas to dissolve a committee it recently set up to manage affairs in Gaza.
He is pushing for the PA to take control of border crossings and government offices and help set up a unity administration that can prepare for new elections.
Meanwhile, Hamas rejects Mr Abbas's efforts to take greater control of Gaza.
Damaging rivalry between the main Palestinian factions looks set to remain a potential stumbling block for peace efforts.
Many of Gaza's almost two million residents are hoping for a short-term solution.
They point out that the holy month of Ramadan is approaching, when observant Muslims fast from dawn until sunset. Seasonal temperatures are also rising.
But for now they are being left in the dark over what happens next.
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http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-39939611
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Luton Town 3-3 Blackpool (agg: 5-6) - BBC Sport
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2017-05-18
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Stuart Moore's injury-time own goal sends Blackpool into the League Two play-off final with an aggregate win over Luton Town.
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Last updated on .From the section Football
Blackpool reached the League Two play-off final as an injury-time own goal ended Luton's promotion hopes at the end of a remarkable, see-sawing tie.
The Hatters, trailing 3-2 from the first leg, fell further behind when Nathan Delfouneso opened the scoring.
Kelvin Mellor's own goal, Scott Cuthbert's header and Danny Hylton's penalty then hauled Luton in front.
But Armand Gnanduillet made it 5-5 on aggregate, before Stuart Moore's own goal sent Blackpool to Wembley.
Goalkeeper Moore's misfortunate capped an incredible night of League Two play-off action, as Exeter City beat Carlisle United in the other semi-final - also 6-5 on aggregate and also courtesy of a 95th-minute winner.
The Grecians had looked to be coasting towards the final on Sunday, 28 May before Carlisle scored two late goals to level the tie.
But Jack Stacey's spectacular long-range strike in stoppage time means Blackpool will face Exeter in the Wembley showpiece.
• None RELIVE: How Blackpool and Exeter reached the League Two play-off final
Having only confirmed their place in the play-offs on the final day of the regular season, the Tangerines' passage to the final appeared a straightforward one when Delfouneso put them 4-2 ahead on aggregate.
But Luton, roared on by a partisan home crowd, battled back and deservedly levelled the tie by half-time of the second leg through a Mellor own goal and Cuthbert's well-placed header.
They completed the turnaround early in the second half in controversial circumstances - striker Hylton appeared to dive to win the penalty with which he made it 5-4 on aggregate, a chipped Panenka effort that went in off the bar.
Blackpool were not to be outdone, however, and the impressive Gnanduillet headed in to level matters and send the last-four match towards extra time.
But, as at St James Park, there was more drama to come when Jordan Cook tried to clear Mellor's header off the line, but instead hit the back of Moore and the ball crept into the net to send Blackpool into the final.
"I'm a bit shaken. We showed we are a good side but also that we are a naive side at times. We dominated and were excellent the way we played.
"I'm really proud of my team. We were in total control of the game and two little incidents cost us the game. Up until 75 minutes we were in total control."
"We gifted them two goals. But the courage these boys had to come back was brilliant.
"We knew if we could get to 3-2 they'd be nervy - as all teams are - but it was amazing the bravery they had to play still.
"It's what you play football for, and you have to realise what these supporters have been through the last few years.
"We were 14th on 14 February and have gone on the run, we've come here to the favourites in the play-offs and won."
• None Attempt blocked. Kelvin Mellor (Blackpool) header from the centre of the box is blocked. Assisted by Ian Black with a cross.
• None Attempt blocked. Neil Danns (Blackpool) right footed shot from the right side of the box is blocked. Assisted by Kelvin Mellor.
• None Attempt saved. Armand Gnanduillet (Blackpool) left footed shot from outside the box is saved in the centre of the goal. Assisted by Brad Potts.
• None Attempt missed. Ian Black (Blackpool) right footed shot from the left side of the box misses to the left. Assisted by Bright Samuel following a corner.
• None Attempt missed. Bright Samuel (Blackpool) left footed shot from the left side of the box is too high. Assisted by Armand Gnanduillet.
• None Attempt saved. Brad Potts (Blackpool) left footed shot from outside the box is saved in the bottom right corner. Assisted by Bright Samuel.
• None Attempt missed. Mark Cullen (Blackpool) header from the centre of the box is high and wide to the left. Assisted by Bright Samuel with a cross.
• None Delay over. They are ready to continue.
• None Delay in match Mark Cullen (Blackpool) because of an injury.
• None Attempt missed. Olly Lee (Luton Town) header from the centre of the box is too high. Assisted by Dan Potts with a cross.
• None Offside, Blackpool. Ian Black tries a through ball, but Mark Cullen is caught offside.
• None Olly Lee (Luton Town) is shown the yellow card for a bad foul. Navigate to the next page Navigate to the last page
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http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/39879758
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Apple's Italian job for finding top talent - BBC News
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2017-05-18
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Apple is expanding its European academy to find the next generation of coding and app creators.
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Business
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Computer giant Apple is expanding its supply line of talented young people with digital skills, by doubling the intake of its European academy.
Last year, the technology company opened an academy in Naples, in Italy, where students spend a year training to be developers, coders, app creators and start-up entrepreneurs.
Places are awarded through open competition - with tests being held next month in Munich, Paris, London, Madrid, Rome and Naples - with no tuition fees, open to applicants from anywhere in the world and with courses taught in English.
There will be 400 students recruited for the autumn, expected to be in the 18 to 30 age range, for courses run in partnership with a Naples university, the University of Federico II.
The decision for a computer company to move so directly into education is about self-interest as much as philanthropy.
There has been a long-running digital skills gap - and Apple are taking steps to grow their own talent.
Computer apps, in the space of less than decade, have become a major source of revenue and jobs.
Apple says there are now two million apps available on its online store - and that in Europe alone, the app economy sustains 1.2 million jobs.
Apple's academy will double its intake to 400 students in the autumn
But there have been repeated warnings of a mismatch between the digital skills needed for such new jobs and the qualifications of those looking for work.
It means that unskilled workers are without employment and employers are left without the skilled workers that they need.
In the UK, the British Chambers of Commerce recently complained that three out of four businesses were suffering from a "shortage of digital skills".
The global "ransomware" computer hack last week once again raised concerns about the acute shortage of cyber-security skills in many countries.
There have been plenty of warnings about this - and IBM's general manager for security, Marc van Zadelhoff, has called for a different approach to recruitment.
IBM has an international network of university partnerships for cyber-security projects.
But writing in the Harvard Business Review, Mr Van Zadelhoff said filling the skills gap would also mean re-training people without any experience in tech-related areas.
Students will spend a year in Naples, learning digital skills for the app economy
"Why are we limiting security positions to people with four-year degrees in computer science, when we desperately need varied skills across so many different industries?
"Businesses should open themselves up to applicants whose non-traditional backgrounds mean they could bring new ideas to the position and the challenge of improving cyber-security," wrote Mr Van Zadelhoff.
There is also a bigger political dimension to the skills needed for a modern economy - highlighted by the annual Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development's Skills Outlook, published this month.
The economic think tank's report for 2017 focuses on the polarising impact of globalisation - which has increasingly become a target for protesters on the right and left.
More stories from the BBC's Global education series looking at education from an international perspective, and how to get in touch.
You can join the debate at the BBC's Family & Education News Facebook page.
The OECD analysis argues that whether a country is a winner or loser from globalisation will depend on the level of skills in the workforce.
If countries have well-qualified, skilled populations, they will be the beneficiaries of globalisation, taking advantage of better jobs, improved productivity, widening markets and digital industries.
It identifies South Korea and Poland as examples of countries moving up this value chain - and Estonia, Japan and New Zealand as countries successfully taking advantage of expanding technology sectors.
Among major economies, Germany is seen as being more successful in developing skills than the United States.
But the big concern is that across OECD countries there are 200 million people with poor skills in basic literacy and numeracy, deeply vulnerable to the forces of globalisation.
The global cyber-attack highlighted the need for cyber-security skills
These are people who have the reading skills of 10-year-olds - whose job chances are acutely at risk from outsourcing overseas or being replaced by technology.
The OECD report identifies Greece as a country that has failed to respond to this challenge.
But it also warns that the UK, Australia, Ireland and the United States "need to watch out" because the skills in the workforce are no longer "well aligned" with the needs of new technology-driven industries.
While projects such as Apple's academy are picking the fruit from the top of the tree, the OECD is warning about the dangers of ignoring the reality of life in the low-hanging branches.
Andreas Schleicher, the OECD's education director, says there is an urgent social and political need to equip people with training, if globalisation is going to avoid social division.
"Don't expect workers to accept losing their jobs through outsourcing or automation, if they don't feel prepared to get or create new ones," says Mr Schleicher.
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http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-39934696
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Why are millions of Indian women dropping out of work? - BBC News
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2017-05-18
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Rising prosperity and access to education could be causing fewer women to be in work, report says.
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India
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More women are finding work in cities
Why are millions of women dropping out of work in India?
The numbers are stark - for the first time in India's recent history, not only was there a decline in the female labour participation rate, but also a shrinking of the total number of women in the workforce.
Using data gleaned from successive rounds of National Sample Survey Organisation and census data, a team of researchers from World Bank have attempted to find out why this is happening.
"These are significant matters of concern. As India poises itself to increase economic growth and foster development, it is necessary to ensure that its labour force becomes fully inclusive of women," says the study, authored by Luis A Andres, Basab Dasgupta, George Joseph, Vinoj Abraham and Maria Correia.
So what accounts for the unprecedented and puzzling drop in women's participation in the workforce - at a time when India's economy has grown at a steady pace?
Women need better and more suitable job opportunities outside farming, the authors say
Predictable social norms are attributed to women quitting work in India: marriage, motherhood, vexed gender relations and biases, and patriarchy.
But they may not be the only reasons. Marriage, for example, does affect the rate of participation of women in the workforce. But in villages, the workforce participation rate of married women has been found to be higher than that of unmarried women - whereas in the cities, the situation is reversed.
Significantly, rising aspirations and relative prosperity may be actually responsible for putting a large cohort of women out of work in India.
Remember, the largest drop has been in the villages.
After calculating the labour force participation rates and educational participation rates (young women in schools) the researchers believe that one plausible explanation for the drop in the participation rate among rural girls and women aged 15-24 is the recent expansion of secondary education and rapidly changing social norms leading to "more working age young females opting to continue their education rather than join the labour force early".
The study says there has been a "larger response to income changes among the poor, rather than the wealthy, by sending children to school".
Also, casual workers - mainly women - drop out of the workforce when wages increased for regular earners - mainly men - leading to the stabilisation of family incomes.
"Improved stability in family income can be understood as a disincentive for female household members to join the labour force," says the study.
Many women work outside the home, and on their farms
"This largely resonates with the existing literature, which suggests that with rising household income levels, women in rural India withdraw from paid labour and engage in status production at home."
But dropping or opting out of the workforce to go to school and get an education may not ensure that these women will eventually go to work.
After studying the relationship with the female labour participation rate and levels of educational achievements, the researchers found that having a high school-level education was "not found to be an incentive for women" to work.
The lowest rate of participation is among those who had secured school and high school education in the cities and villages. And the rate is actually highest among illiterates and college graduates.
But there has been a general drop in the rate in recent years, indicating that irrespective of educational attainments, "the incentive for women to participate in the workforce has declined over this period".
To be sure, India has a poor record of female participation in the workforce: the International Labour Organisation ranked it 121 out of 131 countries in 2013, one of the lowest in the world.
Also, India is not an outlier when it comes to women dropping out of the workforce.
Between 2004 and 2012, the female labour force participation rate in China dropped from 68% to 64%, but the participation rate remains very high compared with India. In neighbouring Sri Lanka, for example, the participation rate has dropped, but only by 2%.
"India stands out because of a such a sharp decline within such a short period. In levels, it is very low in international rankings now," the researchers told me.
India needs to offer more opportunities to women, the researchers say
Clearly women need better and more suitable job opportunities, outside agriculture. Rural labour markets need to offer jobs that are acceptable and attractive to women and their families.
The World Bank study suggests that gains will not be realised unless social norms around women's - and men's - work also change:
"Strategies to communicate the importance of women's work should take into account the roles of women, husbands and in-laws."
Also, as another study says, the "ongoing decrease in the availability of farm-based work, has led to women focusing on economic activities within their households". Should home-based workers then be counted as members of the labour force?
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http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-india-39945473
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Would you carry something abroad for a stranger? - BBC News
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2017-05-18
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https://www.facebook.com/bbcnews
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The firms helping travellers to transport goods around the world for complete strangers, and how they overcome security concerns.
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Business
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Travellers can make some money by becoming informal couriers
The next time you take an international flight, how about transporting something in your suitcase for a complete stranger?
If your answer to that question is a resounding "no way", and the very thought conjures up terrifying images of unwitting drug mules and long prison sentences, you might need to think again.
"I always take things back from my travels for family and friends," says 45-year-old French airline worker Olivier Kaba. "Now not only am I able to bring things for others, but I get rewarded financially for doing it.
"In the past two years I have made about 1,000 euros ($1,100; £860)."
Olivier is a regular user of Worldcraze, one of three similar firms that have launched in recent years to help connect people who would like to buy something from a different country, with travellers who have spare space in their suitcase and want to make a bit of money by being informal couriers.
There are some products that ex-pats just cannot live without
The idea is that the buyer can quickly get his or her hands on a product that may not be available to buy or import where he or she lives (country A), or that the item may simply be a lot cheaper abroad (country B).
So with transactions made via the three companies' websites and apps, travellers who are due to fly from country B to country A can purchase and transport the products for the buyers. They can then arrange to meet to hand them over.
Over the past 24 months Olivier says he has transported everything from three months' supply of French salami to the US, bags of Japanese sweets called "Tokyo banana", and 20kg of fabric samples for a woman starting her own business.
"I discover new products I have never heard of," he says.
Worldcraze was launched in 2012 by French entrepreneurs Frederic Simons and Guillaume Cayard.
On a trip to New York Frederic noticed a large price difference between Levi's jeans in France and the US, and the idea was born.
Today Worldcraze says it has 10,000 users, with Apple products being the most frequently delivered items.
From each transaction Worldcraze takes €2.50 from the buyer, and 10% of the traveller's payment, which is up to 10% of the cost of the product being transported.
Founded in 2016 by developers Joel Gordon and Andrew Crosio, they say that one Ouibring delivery is now made every day on average.
Goods delivered so far include artisan coffee from Japan to Hungary, a baby carrier from Thailand to the US, a candle carried from India, and a room spray from Singapore to the Czech Republic.
"For shoppers this is a way of getting previously unavailable products, full stop," says Joel.
"For bringers [the travellers who deliver the items] it's about making some money, and meeting interesting people who appreciate the effort, and can share tips for exploring the place you're visiting, or the next step on your journey."
To remove the risk of illegal or counterfeit products being transported both Ouibring and Worldcraze only allow users to buy and collect new products from legitimate shops.
Worldcraze's chief marketing officer Constance Claviez Homberg says: "Our users can't buy illegal products because they are buying products directly in shops.
"That way it is just impossible to carry illegal stuff, or counterfeit products. [And] travellers have to upload the product's bill on our platform to prove that the product is congruent."
The company also advises users to check on whether the item in question is legal in the destination country, and has staff that check out requests made on its website and app every day.
Ouibring's Joel Gordon says that it also has a "moderation system" which "flags requests that may be inappropriate, and we remove requests if required".
He says that the company also advises users that if they are unsure about anything they should get in touch via its secure contact form "and we'll get back to you asap".
"We are happy to provide advice for travellers for specific questions," says Joel. "At the end of the day, it is the individual traveller's responsibility to ensure they comply with the relevant laws of the country they are travelling to."
Mumbai-based Beck Friends, another firm that enables travellers to transport goods for other people, doesn't limit people to purchasing new items.
Instead a traveller recently transported a much-loved teddy bear from Chicago to Mumbai after its owner, a four-year-old girl called Heer, left it behind.
To remove any security concerns, the buyer and carrier have to be first connected on social media, such as on Facebook, LinkedIn or Google+. Users must also upload two valid forms of identification, such as a passport and driving licence.
Beck co-founder Deep Malhotra says: "Security is the prime concern, and we are building a robust platform to address this."
Where things get more complicated is the issue of export and import tariffs, which vary greatly from country to country. All three companies say they advise users on this, and it is the buyer who ultimately has to pay any charges.
If any traveller is unsure of something, or gets into any difficulties, all three companies say they have support staff available around the clock to help, be it via telephone, live web chat or email.
Ouibring's Joel Gordon says that he doesn't think security or customs worries will hold back the growth of his company.
"Our vision is to become another part of daily international life, like Airbnb, with people all around the world helping to make transport, logistics and travel work together better."
The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites.
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http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-39851770
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I've agreed Mayweather deal - McGregor - BBC Three
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2017-05-18
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Check out this content on BBC Three.
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UFC lightweight champion Conor McGregor claims he has signed his half of a deal to fight former five-weight boxing world champion Floyd Mayweather.
There have been rumours of a proposed bout between the Irishman and Mayweather since late 2016 following McGregor's win over Eddie Alvarez to become a two-weight UFC world champion.
"The first and most important part of this historic contract has now officially been signed off," McGregor, 28, told themaclife.com. "Congratulations to all parties involved."
He said the emphasis was now on 40-year-old American Mayweather and his adviser Al Haymon.
Mayweather refused to comment on a potential bout with McGregor at a press conference in London to promote his fighter Gervonta Davis' defence of his IBF super-featherweight title against Britain's Liam Walsh on Saturday.
"That's total disrespect to both of these fighters, it's their press conference, let's talk about them. Both of these fighters deserve respect," said Mayweather.
UFC president Dana White confirmed McGregor had agreed terms and any meeting with Mayweather would be "straight up boxing" rather than any mix with MMA.
"I'm starting to work on the Mayweather side now," said White.
"If we can come to a deal with Haymon and Mayweather, the fight's going to happen."
Many from within boxing have questioned whether McGregor could compete with Mayweather, who retired unbeaten in September 2015 after 49 professional contests.
However, many of McGregor's social media posts in recent months have shown him boxing and White stressed his fighter wants two bouts in 2017, one in the UFC and the other a meeting with Mayweather.
On Wednesday, Mayweather did not reference any communication between each side of the negotiation but said McGregor was the only opponent worth coming out of retirement for.
"There's only one fight that makes business sense," Mayweather said. "I came out of retirement because I'm a businessman and I want to give the world what they want to see.
"McGregor's a fighter, I'm a fighter. This is what the fight fans and MMA fans want to see."
Any bout is expected to generate huge revenues. Mayweather's 2015 meeting with Manny Pacquiao of the Philippines sold over four million times on pay-per-view, while McGregor's past three fights have passed the one million buys mark.
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http://www.bbc.co.uk/bbcthree/item/4bf3d321-375e-4725-8eb4-9788a1282197
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Nicky Hayden: Ex-MotoGP champion in hospital after cycling accident in Italy - BBC Sport
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2017-05-18
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Former MotoGP champion Nicky Hayden is injured as a result of an accident while cycling in Italy.
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Nicky Hayden: Ex-MotoGP champion in hospital after cycling accident in Italy Last updated on .From the section Motorsport
Former MotoGP champion Nicky Hayden has been injured after he was hit by a car while cycling in Italy. The 35-year-old, who has been racing for Red Bull Honda's World Superbike team this year, is being treated at a hospital in Cesena. The American competed in the latest round of the World Superbike championship in Italy last Sunday. He won his only MotoGP championship in 2006, preventing Valentino Rossi from winning a sixth successive title.
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http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/motorsport/39954489
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Maria Sharapova opts against Wimbledon wildcard request to enter qualifying - BBC Sport
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2017-05-19
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Maria Sharapova opts to enter Wimbledon qualifying rather than request a wildcard entry into the main draw as she continues her comeback from a drugs ban.
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Last updated on .From the section Tennis
Maria Sharapova will enter Wimbledon qualifying rather than request a main-draw wildcard as she continues her comeback from a 15-month drug ban.
The 30-year-old Russian was denied a wildcard for the French Open, with tournament officials saying her doping suspension counted against her.
Sharapova will have to win through three qualifying rounds to earn a spot in Wimbledon's 128-strong main draw.
Qualifying in Roehampton will be ticketed for the first time this year.
"Because of my improved ranking after the first three tournaments of my return, I will also be playing the qualifying of Wimbledon in Roehampton, and will not be requesting a wildcard into the main draw," said Sharapova in a statement on her website.
Sharapova is ranked 211th in the world - below the status needed for direct entry into the main draw - but her recent form is good enough to earn a place in qualifying.
Had she reached the Italian Open semi-finals last week, Sharapova would have climbed high enough to make the main draw automatically, but she retired in her second-round match.
Had she applied for a wildcard it would have been reviewed by a Wimbledon committee, with a decision to be announced on 20 June.
Wildcards are "usually offered on the basis of past performance at Wimbledon or to increase British interest".
The Women's Tennis Association criticised the basis for the French Open's decision, saying there are "no grounds to penalise any player beyond the sanctions set forth in the final decisions resolving these matters".
Sharapova herself tweeted in apparent response to Roland Garros' decision.
"If this is what it takes to rise up again, then I am in it all the way, everyday," she wrote.
"No words, games, or actions will ever stop me reaching my own dreams."
However, former Wimbledon champion Pat Cash was one of several prominent figures urging the All England Club not offer the 2004 champion a route straight back into the main draw.
Tickets to Wimbledon qualifying will be £5 each, with all funds going to the Wimbledon Foundation.
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http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/tennis/39978771
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Nicky Hayden: Ex-MotoGP champion remains 'extremely critical' after accident - BBC Sport
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2017-05-19
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Former MotoGP champion Nicky Hayden remains in an "extremely critical" condition after suffering "serious cerebral damage" in a cycling accident.
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Last updated on .From the section Motorsport
Former MotoGP champion Nicky Hayden remains in an "extremely critical" condition after suffering "serious cerebral damage" in a crash while cycling on Wednesday.
The American, 35, collided with a car on the Rimini coastline in Italy.
He is in the intensive care unit of Cesena's Maurizio Bufalini Hospital and has his family by his side.
"His condition is still extremely critical," a statement released by the hospital on Friday said.
Hayden, who has been racing for Red Bull Honda's World Superbike team, won the MotoGP championship in 2006.
He had raced in the World Superbike Championship in Italy last Sunday.
On Thursday, the hospital confirmed Hayden had "suffered a serious polytrauma with subsequent serious cerebral damage".
Polytrauma is a medical term to describe the condition of a person who has multiple traumatic injuries.
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http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/motorsport/39959770
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Reality Check: How many pensioners are living in poverty? - BBC News
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2017-05-19
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https://www.facebook.com/bbcnews
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Labour's John McDonnell criticises Conservative plans to means-test the Winter Fuel Payment.
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Election 2017
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The claim: 1.7 million pensioners are living in poverty and a million in fuel poverty.
Reality Check verdict: The figure for pensioners who are defined as living in poverty in the UK is a bit higher than that at 1.9 million. There isn't a specific figure for the number of pensioners in fuel poverty in the UK but a million is not an unreasonable estimate based on the figures that we do have.
Shadow chancellor John McDonnell spoke to BBC Radio 4's Today Programme on Friday about the Conservative manifesto pledge to means-test winter fuel payments.
The Conservatives have not given any details of how they would apply a means test or how much they would hope to save.
The winter fuel payment is between £100 and £300 (depending on your circumstances) paid to anyone receiving a state pension or people of pension age receiving certain other social security benefits.
In winter 2015-16 it was paid to 12.2 million people, 42,000 of whom lived elsewhere in Europe.
Mr McDonnell pointed out that since we don't know where the means test will fall, a number of less well-off pensioners could still lose the benefit.
He suggested it might just be people entitled to pension credit who would get the fuel allowance, although government sources have told the BBC that would not be the mechanism, and that there would be a consultation process to decide how it would be tested.
Pensioners with an income below £159.35 a week may claim pension credit - it's £243.45 for couples.
According to the latest figures from November there were 1.9 million people claiming pension credit, or 2.2 million if you include their partners, although there has been research suggesting that about one-third of people entitled to it are not claiming.
Mr McDonnell told the BBC that there were 1.7 million pensioners living in poverty and a million living in fuel poverty.
People count as living in relative poverty if they are in households with an income below 60% of the median household income. The median income is the one for which half of households have higher incomes and half have lower.
The government's preferred measure of pensioner poverty is after housing costs have been taken into account. Nearly three-quarters of pensioners live in homes that are owned outright (compared with roughly one in five of the working-age population) and so are less likely to have high housing costs.
On that measure, 16% of UK pensioners are in poverty, which is 1.9 million people.
There are also measures of absolute poverty, which may measure whether people are able to afford a basic lifestyle - about 8% of pensioners fall below the threshold for material deprivation.
To measure fuel poverty, the government looks at two things - how much you have to pay for fuel, and what your income is. You'll be considered to be in fuel poverty if your required fuel costs are above average and, were you to spend that amount, your remaining income would leave you below the official poverty line as explained above.
The latest government figures we have on fuel poverty relate to 2014 and suggest 2.38 million households in total in England were in fuel poverty.
There isn't a specific figure for the number of UK pensioners in fuel poverty, but according to Table 14 there were 621,000 households just in England in 2014 in which the oldest member was over 60. Age UK says this equates to more than 1 million individuals, although some of them will not yet be entitled to their state pension.
The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites.
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http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/election-2017-39975357
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Why has Colombia seen a rise in activist murders? - BBC News
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2017-05-19
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https://www.facebook.com/bbcnews
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The increase bucks a general drop in the murder rate and could be a side effect from the peace deal.
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Latin America & Caribbean
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Protesters in Medellin hold inflatables to represent social leaders killed so far in 2017
In 2016, Colombia's homicide rate dropped to its lowest in four decades, at some 12,000 cases. And yet the number of social leaders and human rights defenders killed has been on the rise.
By early May, the office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights confirmed 14 murders of human rights defenders since the beginning of 2017.
They said they had another 10 cases pending verification.
Francisco Gómez, a social leader in Arauca province, in the east of the country, only narrowly escaped becoming part of these statistics.
He had to spend a month in an intensive care unit after two men entered his house in the early hours in February, sneaking into the room where he was sleeping, and stabbing him in the stomach, chest and legs.
A member of a local human rights organisation, Mr Gomez survived thanks to the quick help offered by Juan Torres, a member of the left-wing Marcha Patriótica party with whom he shared the house.
"Hadn't I been at home he would have bled to death," Mr Torres told the BBC.
As it was, Mr Gómez had a heart attack just before entering the operating room, but luckily it did not prove fatal.
And if he is to be considered one of the lucky ones, it paints a serious picture.
At a protest in May, men put up a map of Colombia marked with the places where social leaders have been killed since the peace deal was signed
Exact figures for the number of deaths are hard to come by. Non-governmental organisation Somos Defensores (We Are Defenders) says 80 social leaders and human rights activists were killed last year.
The UN has a figure of 64, while the state ombudsman puts it even higher, at more than 100.
Part of the discrepancy comes from differences in defining human rights leaders. Yet they all agree on one thing: the numbers have increased since 2015.
Todd Howland, a representative of the UN's Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights in Colombia, told the BBC that this could be linked to the after-effects of the country's peace agreement between the government and Farc guerrillas.
Although it was signed at the end of 2016, the wheels were already in motion in the previous year, with the militants gradually leaving the areas they had historically controlled, and thus creating a power vacuum.
"You can explain almost the whole increase, and more, based on what is happening with the Farc's demobilisation," said Mr Howland.
Some of the people murdered are thought to have had specific links to the Farc; others may have posed a threat to illegal groups, usually criminal gangs trying to establish themselves in the areas.
"I do not think there's a group of people who sit down to say, 'Let's kill these people because we do not like peace'," said Paula Gaviria, a human rights adviser to the Colombian presidency.
Paula Gaviria says there are people eager to suggests there were no benefits from the peace deal
"But obviously," she said, "killing social leaders is generating a sense in communities and public opinion that there is no positive impact of peace."
Ms Gaviria admitted that perpetrators still did not feel killing a social leader was high risk. For that to change, she said, investigations and convictions were crucial.
Mr Howland added: "The Colombian state has a responsibility to protect the rights of all their citizens, and the specific responsibility of protecting human rights defenders."
William Castillo Chima, a 43-year-old member of Marcha Patriótica and leader of a local human rights organisation in the gold mining area El Bagre, in the central Antioquia province, is one of the unlucky ones.
In March last year, he was having an early-evening soft drink in a local bar, when some men entered and shot him dead.
He was a very active social leader, according to his friend Camilo Villamil, who worked with the same workers' rights group.
"He was always reporting on armed groups, paramilitary groups, state forces and corruption," he told the BBC.
Mr Villamil said his friend was killed by a criminal gang and that other leaders - including himself - remained at risk.
Everyone the BBC spoke to agrees that the homicides of social leaders and human rights defenders will continue in Colombia.
The UN's Todd Howland said they would only stop "when there's economic, social and political inclusion in the areas [where the murders take place]".
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http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-39717336
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Trump Saudi visit aims to build new relationship - BBC News
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2017-05-19
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https://www.facebook.com/bbcnews
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Riyadh may seem an odd choice for Donald Trump's first trip abroad, but he wants a new relationship.
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Middle East
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US President Donald Trump is embarking on his first overseas trip since taking office, visiting Saudi Arabia, Israel and the Vatican - the homes of Islam, Judaism and Christianity.
Saudi Arabia is, on the face of it, a surprising choice of destination for Mr Trump's first overseas trip since taking office.
The birthplace of Islam, and home to the holy pilgrimage sites of Mecca and Medina, is hosting a man recently accused of Islamophobia for his failed attempts to ban visitors from six Muslim-majority countries.
In February 2016, during his presidential election campaign, he suggested that Saudi officials had been complicit in the 9/11 attacks. "Who blew up the World Trade Center?" he said. "It wasn't the Iraqis, it was Saudi - take a look at Saudi Arabia, open the documents."
So what has changed since then? A lot, is the answer.
As president, Mr Trump has decided that one way of distancing himself from the foreign policies of his predecessor Barack Obama is to vilify Iran and cosy up to the Saudis.
Soon after taking office in January he sent his new CIA Director, Mike Pompeo, to Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, where he received red-carpet welcomes.
Saudi officials are rolling out the red carpet for Donald Trump
Then came the key turning point in forging a new relationship between Washington and Riyadh - March's visit to the White House by the young Saudi Deputy Crown Prince and Defence Minister, Prince Mohammed Bin Salman.
The two men hit it off together immediately.
They are both currently taking their respective countries down new and risky paths - Mr Trump with his recent missile strike on Syria and his facing down the North Koreans, and the prince with his leadership of the Saudi-led war against Yemen's Houthi rebel movement.
Their primary area of shared interest was their common view that Shia power Iran represented a threat to the Middle East.
This video can not be played To play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser. Trump's first trip: What's on the agenda in Saudi Arabia?
For the Saudis, Iran's Sunni regional rivals, this was music to their ears. They lost confidence in Mr Obama, some years ago, suspecting him of "going soft" on Iran in the rush to secure a nuclear deal before the end of his presidency.
Prince Mohammed emerged from that White House meeting pronouncing that he was "very optimistic" about President Trump, who he said would "bring America back to the right track".
So what exactly are the main issues under discussion when the vast US presidential machine rolls into Riyadh?
Countering the terrorist threat, specifically from so-called Islamic State (IS, or "Daesh" as Arabs call this transnational jihadist organisation), will loom large in discussions.
The US Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), along with other Western intelligence agencies and special forces, has been helping the Saudi authorities cope with terrorism since the al-Qaeda insurgency of 2003 and before that even as far back as the 1979 siege of Mecca.
IS, a Sunni extremist group that considers Shia apostates, has bombed Shia mosques in both Saudi Arabia and Kuwait. But it has also attacked Sunni mosques where security personnel worship, and it continues to plot attacks inside Saudi Arabia on both Westerners and Saudi officials.
In the 2000s, the Saudi authorities defeated the al-Qaeda insurgency through a combination of police and military action, and a public awareness campaign that turned Saudi society against the jihadists.
But today, with conflicts raging in Iraq, Syria, Libya and Yemen, the problem has returned with sizeable numbers of young Saudis feeling drawn to the extreme "takfiri" ideology of IS.
IS suicide bombers have targeted Shia mosques in Saudi Arabia
Thousands have gone to Syria to fight for either IS or other jihadist groups, and many analysts accuse Saudi Arabia of being part of the problem, not doing enough to clamp down on public statements by clerics who are hostile and intolerant of other religions while exporting a narrow-minded ideology abroad.
As a presidential candidate, Mr Trump promised he had a secret plan to defeat IS.
In reality, US military strategy in the Syria-Iraq arena has not fundamentally altered course during his first four months in office, although some Obama-era checks and balances on certain operations have been lifted.
In Riyadh, there will be broad agreement about the threat posed by the jihadists of IS, but this is unlikely to translate into any new large-scale deployment of either country's forces to Syria or Iraq.
This video can not be played To play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser.
Saudi Arabia's rulers see Iran and the militias it supports as the greatest threat to the region - an allegation that is denied, not surprisingly, by Tehran.
Their Sunni-ruled neighbours, Bahrain and the UAE, also see Iran as a major threat. So too do certain key members of President Trump's administration, most notably National Security Adviser Gen H R McMaster and Defence Secretary James Mattis.
The Iranian-backed Lebanese Shia group Hezbollah is fighting Saudi-supported rebels in Syria
Both men served in the military and remember the frequent clashes between the US Navy and the Iranian Revolutionary Guards Corps in the Gulf. They also recall the bombing of the US Marine barracks in Beirut in 1983 that killed more than 200 US personnel and was blamed on Hezbollah.
Mr Trump has also been vociferous in his criticism of Iran and the 2015 nuclear deal, calling it "the worst deal ever", something which has played into the hands of Iran's hardliners, who also oppose the deal.
Saudi Arabia, a Sunni-majority nation, has been locked in an on-off regional power struggle with Shia-majority Iran ever since the Islamic Revolution there in 1979.
The execution of Shia cleric Nimr al-Nimr by the Saudi authorities caused outrage in Iran
Notable flashpoints have been stampedes at the annual Hajj pilgrimage, in which hundreds of Iranian pilgrims have been killed, and the 2016 execution by the Saudis of a Shia cleric, which sparked the ransacking of the Saudi embassy in Tehran and the breaking off of diplomatic relations.
Prince Mohammad declared this month that there was no point in even talking to the Iranian regime at present.
Current Gulf Arab distrust of Iran stems from several areas: Tehran's support for the regime of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad; the expansion of Hezbollah's operations outside Lebanon; the arming and training of Shia militias in Iraq; the powerful influence Tehran now exerts over the Iraqi government in Baghdad; Iranian support for Yemen's Houthi rebels; and its alleged covert encouragement of Shia insurgents in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia's restive Eastern Province.
Iran, for its part, retorts that Saudi Arabia is the root of the terrorist problem with its acquiescence towards religious intolerance and its global proselytising based on the narrow ideology of Salafism.
Prince Mohammed Bin Salman accused Iran of trying "to control the Islamic world"
The Iranians point, with some justification, at the common ideology shared by IS and hardline Saudi clerics, as well as the practice of beheading prisoners. (Iran also executes a large number of prisoners annually but usually by hanging or firing squad).
Iran has pointed out that the Saudis and Qataris have spent vast sums over the last six years in funding Sunni militias in Syria in a vain attempt to defeat Mr Assad's forces.
In practical terms, the joint US-Saudi position on Iran is likely to translate into increased sales of sophisticated US weaponry; a near absence of criticism of Saudi Arabia's human rights record; and a reversal of Mr Obama's suspension of a contract to supply Riyadh with precision-guided munitions for air strikes that was halted last year because of mounting civilian casualties in Yemen.
When President Trump's plane lifts off from Riyadh at the end of the Saudi leg of this trip, he will be hoping to have in his pocket some promises of major Saudi investment in the US - up to $40bn (£31bn), according to some reports.
Find out which foreign leaders President Trump has met or called since taking office, as well as the countries he has mentioned in his tweets.
His key interlocutor here will once again be Prince Mohammed Bin Salman, who in addition to being defence minister is overseeing Saudi Arabia's economic development.
The prince, or "MBS" as he is often called, has huge plans to transform not just Saudi Arabia's oil-dependent economy, including the partial privatisation of the state oil giant Saudi Aramco, but also its cultural landscape.
State oil giant Saudi Aramco plans to list about 5% of its shares
At the risk of angering his country's conservative clerics and their supporters, the prince wants to introduce public entertainment, making Saudi Arabia "a happier place".
This will go down well with much of the country's bored and underemployed youth, and there are ample opportunities here for the US entertainment industry. But there are also dangers.
King Faisal, who ruled from 1964 to 1975, angered religious conservatives by introducing television and education for women. He was assassinated.
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http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-39960473
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Pro12: Leinster 15-27 Scarlets - BBC Sport
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2017-05-19
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Scarlets beat Leinster 27-15 in the Pro12 semi-final in Dublin despite having winger Steffan Evans sent off before half-time.
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Last updated on .From the section Rugby Union
Scarlets produced a superb performance to beat Leinster in the Pro12 semi-final despite having winger Steffan Evans sent off before half-time.
Evans was red-carded for a tip tackle on Garry Ringrose in the 38th minute when Scarlets were leading 21-10.
Evans, back-row Aaron Shingler and scrum-half Gareth Davies scored fine tries for the visitors.
Centre Ringrose and number eight Jack Conan touched down for Leinster who miss out on the 27 May final in Dublin.
Munster host Ospreys in the other semi-final at 18:15 BST on Saturday.
The against-the-odds triumph by Scarlets at the RDS was the first time an away team had won in the Pro12 semi-finals.
Ospreys were the last Welsh club to win the competition in 2012.
The dismissal of Evans could result in the 22-year-old missing out on his first Wales cap as a suspension could rule him out of his country's June Tests against Tonga and Samoa.
Ringrose landed on his head and neck after having his legs lifted by Evans. The red card was shown following several video re-runs of the incident.
Evans watched from the sidelines as Scarlets brilliantly withheld Leinster's response after the interval.
Scarlets had started superbly, scoring first when Evans broke through on the right in the ninth minute.
Isa Nacewa's penalty got Leinster off the mark and then Ringrose burst in for a 24th-minute converted try which put the Irish side 10-7 up.
However, Leinster looked rattled when Scarlets touched down in the 26th and 30th minutes through Shingler and Davies.
Scarlets led 21-10 at the interval, but faced the prospect of playing the entire second half a man down.
They actually outscored their opponents in the second half as lacklustre Leinster could only manage a try by number eight Conan in the 64th minute.
Nacewa somehow missed the straightforward conversion, leaving the hosts 21-15 in arrears.
Scarlets sealed victory with two penalties by Liam Williams after the winger successfully took over from regular kicker Rhys Patchell who had been replaced.
Replacements: Kirchner for G Ringrose (74), Strauss for Tracy (71), Bent for Furlong (61), Toner for Triggs (51), Leavy for Ruddock (46), Gibson-Park for L McGrath (22), Healy for J McGrath (9)
Replacements: Parkes for Patchell (61), J Evans for G Davies (51), W Jones for R Evans (56), E Phillips for Elias (71), Kruger for Lee (65), Bulbring for Rawlins (65), van der Merwe for J Davies (80), Boyde for Barclay (63).
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http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/39914448
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Partick 0-5 Celtic: Brendan Rodgers targets 'remarkable' unbeaten record - BBC Sport
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2017-05-19
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Brendan Rodgers primes his title-winning Celtic side to complete an unbeaten Premiership campaign on Sunday after they rout Partick Thistle.
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Brendan Rodgers says it would be a "remarkable achievement" for Celtic to complete an unbeaten league season.
Rodgers' men thrashed Partick Thistle 5-0 on Thursday and must avoid defeat by Hearts on Sunday to finish their title-winning campaign without defeat.
"We matched 33 wins, which is the most wins in the history at Celtic," Rodgers told BBC Scotland.
"We go one behind in the record for goals. Now we're on to 104. So, we've got everything to play for."
Celtic are looking to become the first team to go a 38-game Scottish Premiership campaign unbeaten.
They have gone unbeaten in a season once before, in 1897-98, winning 15 of the 18 games played. Glasgow rivals Rangers followed suit a year later, winning all 18.
Celtic, who are 45 games unbeaten in all competitions domestically this season, are on 103 points and will break the points record for a 38-game league season if they draw with or beat Hearts.
The Glasgow side will win the domestic treble if they beat Aberdeen in the Scottish Cup final on 27 May.
Leigh Griffiths, who would later appear to question being substituted, scored Celtic's opener at Firhill from the penalty spot after Patrick Roberts was fouled by Callum Booth.
Tom Rogic netted Celtic's second from a low Griffiths cross, and Roberts swept in their third before the break.
Strikes from outside the box by Callum McGregor and Roberts followed in the second half.
"It was a joy to watch the team," said Rodgers. "Five special goals and, fundamentally, the players worked very, very hard. It was an outstanding team performance.
"If you go 38 games of a season [unbeaten] with all the games we've had, the level of games, perform like we have done then it's a truly remarkable achievement relative to the time that we're playing in."
Asked if there was any chance of keeping Roberts, who is due to return to parent club Manchester City this summer, Rodgers replied: "I don't know. You have to respect he is a Manchester City player.
"The only thing I would ever say is if there ever is a possibility that he's going to leave Manchester City then of course Celtic would be certainly there to want to bring him here.
"I still think he's got a lot of development left in him. At 19 years of age, he still needs a lot of education, a lot of training. He's getting a wonderful education here with the club, the size of the club.
"He's a wonderful talent. He's very much a part of the team structure and that's great to see.
"When he has the ball, especially in the final third, he truly is a little magician. He was one of a number of outstanding team performers.
"He took his goals absolutely brilliantly. He's always a threat in the penalty box - gets the penalty and scores two other wonderful goals."
Partick Thistle boss Alan Archibald accepted his side had been outclassed and said of the gap between Celtic and the other top-flight clubs: "It's huge and you need to get everything right to get anything off them. The worry is the gulf could get bigger.
"They were miles ahead of us tonight and they have been all season and miles ahead of most of the league.
"We stood off them and I think Celtic could smell that fear in some of our individual battles and if you do that against a good side, they'll certainly hurt you and we gave them a gift with the opening goal, which didn't help."
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http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/39966693
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The princess, the palace and the shrinking royal line - BBC News
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2017-05-19
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https://www.facebook.com/bbcnews
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Why an engagement is reigniting debate about women and the Japanese monarchy.
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Asia
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Princess Mako is getting married, but the law says she must lose her royal title
When the Japanese emperor's granddaughter marries law firm employee Kei Komuro next year, her life will undergo a dramatic change.
Princess Mako, 25, will lose her title and leave the cloistered imperial household to live with her husband in the outside world.
She will receive a one-off payment, after which the couple will be expected to provide for themselves. She will vote and pay tax, shop and do her own chores. If the couple have children, they will not be royal.
But her departure means one fewer to carry out official duties. It is also reigniting debate about the shrinking monarchy, the role women play in it and future succession.
Emperor Akihito, 83, has already indicated that he wants to step down. As the female royals get married, the monarchy is expected to contract further.
There is only one boy among the younger royals, 10-year-old Prince Hisahito. If nothing changes, the future of the imperial institution will rest solely with him.
"If you think about it there is a possibility that all but Prince Hisahito will leave the royal household in 10 to 15 years time," said Isao Tokoro, professor emeritus at Kyoto Sangyo University.
"I think it [the engagement] gave us an opportunity to think about the problem. The system should be reformed urgently so we don't lose more members from the Imperial family."
Under Japan's Imperial Household Law of 1947, princesses who marry commoners are removed from the royal family.
That same law slashed the number of Japanese royals, removing 11 out of 12 branches of the imperial family as a cost-cutting measure. That means there are no royal males for current princesses to marry.
Emperor Hirohito's daughters lost their titles under the legislation, as did the current crown prince's sister, Sayako, when she married urban planner Yoshiki Kuroda in 2005.
Her transition from closeted princess to commoner attracted considerable attention. Reports described how she learned to drive and practised shopping independently ahead of her wedding.
The couple used her lump-sum payment (reportedly $1.3m; £1m) to buy a house and she is now a high priestess of the Ise Grand Shrine.
So far Princess Mako's engagement has not been officially announced. But the young woman seems well-equipped for her new status, with two spells of independent living under her belt.
While studying at Tokyo's International Christian University, she spent nine months as an exchange student at Edinburgh University in 2012-13.
A year later, she lived in halls of residence at Leicester University as she completed her Master's in Art Museum and Gallery Studies. She is currently a researcher at a museum in Tokyo and is studying for her doctorate.
"Princess Mako has been the embodiment of an Imperial family member who is close to the public," the Yomiuri newspaper said in an editorial. "Being an amiable person, she will surely build a cheerful home."
But she will be missed. According to the Asahi newspaper, Princess Mako is currently patron of two organisations, has travelled overseas as a representative of the royal family and has attended important imperial functions.
Her official duties must now be shared among a dwindling pool of royals.
At the moment there are 19 members of the royal family. Seven are unmarried women who must leave when they wed. Eleven (four couples and three widows) are over 50. That leaves Prince Hisahito.
He is the youngest of four males in line to the throne. Three of them - Crown Prince Naruhito, his brother Prince Akishino (Fumihito) and Prince Hitachi (Masahito), the current emperor's younger brother, are highly unlikely to have more children.
That could potentially leave Prince Hisahito (and whatever family he might go on to have) with sole responsibility for performing official duties and continuing the imperial line.
Prince Hisahito, pictured with his parents on his first day at school in April 2013, is the youngest heir to the throne
At the moment, a law allowing Emperor Akihito to abdicate is being prepared. In its editorial, the Yomiuri newspaper said the "creation of female imperial branches should be incorporated" into the law and discussed as a "realistic measure for maintaining the number of Imperial family members".
But that is unlikely to go down well with Japanese conservatives.
"This is all rooted in the concept of the unbroken male blood line - the notion that what makes Japan special is that it has an imperial line that has been passed down through a male lineage, if you believe the mythical version, ever since the Emperor Jimmu in 660 BC," says Professor Ken Ruoff, director of the Centre for Japanese Studies at Portland State University and an expert on the Japanese monarchy.
"This is what the nationalists seize upon and they actually will say things like if the male bloodline is broken, then Japan ceases to exist," he says. "Female blood doesn't count."
Japan has had female rulers in the past, though not for about 250 years. In general they were seen as place-holders until the throne reverted to a male member of the family (though there was one case of an empress passing the throne to her daughter to act as regent for a male heir).
Before the 1947 legal change, the royal family was much bigger, meaning that if one branch could not produce a male heir there were options elsewhere, but that is no longer the case.
In the period before Prince Hisahito was born, when there was no younger-generation heir, there was considerable debate about changing the law to allow women on the throne.
The prime minister of the day, Junichiro Koizumi, said he backed the move. But after Prince Hisahito's birth, discussions stalled.
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Japan's current leader, Shinzo Abe, is a more right-wing figure whose speaks often of national pride, tradition and patriotism.
"Prime Minister Abe has spent a lot of time talking about his desire to make Japan a society that shines for women but he's got this far-right faction that absolutely opposes changing the law to allow a woman to sit on the throne," says Prof Ruoff.
One other idea is restoring royal status to branches that lost it in 1947, providing more male heirs.
Mr Abe, the Yomiuri said, backed this in the past. "It is hard to say the idea has won broad support," the paper pointed out.
But there is public support for allowing women to inherit the throne. According to a Kyodo News survey in early May, 86% supported allowing a woman emperor and 59% supported allowing an emperor from the female blood-line.
This potentially leaves the government out of step with popular sentiment.
Whatever happens, the future looks bright for Princess Mako. Of more concern, perhaps, is whether a 10-year-old boy has broad enough shoulders to carry the Japanese monarchy onwards.
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http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-39961749
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Why are millions of Indian women dropping out of work? - BBC News
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2017-05-19
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https://www.facebook.com/bbcnews
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Rising prosperity and access to education could be causing fewer women to be in work, report says.
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India
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More women are finding work in cities
Why are millions of women dropping out of work in India?
The numbers are stark - for the first time in India's recent history, not only was there a decline in the female labour participation rate, but also a shrinking of the total number of women in the workforce.
Using data gleaned from successive rounds of National Sample Survey Organisation and census data, a team of researchers from World Bank have attempted to find out why this is happening.
"These are significant matters of concern. As India poises itself to increase economic growth and foster development, it is necessary to ensure that its labour force becomes fully inclusive of women," says the study, authored by Luis A Andres, Basab Dasgupta, George Joseph, Vinoj Abraham and Maria Correia.
So what accounts for the unprecedented and puzzling drop in women's participation in the workforce - at a time when India's economy has grown at a steady pace?
Women need better and more suitable job opportunities outside farming, the authors say
Predictable social norms are attributed to women quitting work in India: marriage, motherhood, vexed gender relations and biases, and patriarchy.
But they may not be the only reasons. Marriage, for example, does affect the rate of participation of women in the workforce. But in villages, the workforce participation rate of married women has been found to be higher than that of unmarried women - whereas in the cities, the situation is reversed.
Significantly, rising aspirations and relative prosperity may be actually responsible for putting a large cohort of women out of work in India.
Remember, the largest drop has been in the villages.
After calculating the labour force participation rates and educational participation rates (young women in schools) the researchers believe that one plausible explanation for the drop in the participation rate among rural girls and women aged 15-24 is the recent expansion of secondary education and rapidly changing social norms leading to "more working age young females opting to continue their education rather than join the labour force early".
The study says there has been a "larger response to income changes among the poor, rather than the wealthy, by sending children to school".
Also, casual workers - mainly women - drop out of the workforce when wages increased for regular earners - mainly men - leading to the stabilisation of family incomes.
"Improved stability in family income can be understood as a disincentive for female household members to join the labour force," says the study.
Many women work outside the home, and on their farms
"This largely resonates with the existing literature, which suggests that with rising household income levels, women in rural India withdraw from paid labour and engage in status production at home."
But dropping or opting out of the workforce to go to school and get an education may not ensure that these women will eventually go to work.
After studying the relationship with the female labour participation rate and levels of educational achievements, the researchers found that having a high school-level education was "not found to be an incentive for women" to work.
The lowest rate of participation is among those who had secured school and high school education in the cities and villages. And the rate is actually highest among illiterates and college graduates.
But there has been a general drop in the rate in recent years, indicating that irrespective of educational attainments, "the incentive for women to participate in the workforce has declined over this period".
To be sure, India has a poor record of female participation in the workforce: the International Labour Organisation ranked it 121 out of 131 countries in 2013, one of the lowest in the world.
Also, India is not an outlier when it comes to women dropping out of the workforce.
Between 2004 and 2012, the female labour force participation rate in China dropped from 68% to 64%, but the participation rate remains very high compared with India. In neighbouring Sri Lanka, for example, the participation rate has dropped, but only by 2%.
"India stands out because of a such a sharp decline within such a short period. In levels, it is very low in international rankings now," the researchers told me.
India needs to offer more opportunities to women, the researchers say
Clearly women need better and more suitable job opportunities, outside agriculture. Rural labour markets need to offer jobs that are acceptable and attractive to women and their families.
The World Bank study suggests that gains will not be realised unless social norms around women's - and men's - work also change:
"Strategies to communicate the importance of women's work should take into account the roles of women, husbands and in-laws."
Also, as another study says, the "ongoing decrease in the availability of farm-based work, has led to women focusing on economic activities within their households". Should home-based workers then be counted as members of the labour force?
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http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-india-39945473
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Advice for Trump on his first trip overseas - BBC News
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2017-05-19
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https://www.facebook.com/bbcnews
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Trump's first foreign trip comes after 120 days hunkered down at home - but is he up to the challenge?
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US & Canada
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Trump is set for his first foreign trip, after a honeymoon period hunkered down at home
Before Donald Trump became president he would often spend days holed up in Trump Tower in New York, shuttling in a private elevator between his penthouse apartment and office.
And it's been a similar story since he moved into the White House, where he divides his time between the East and West Wings, leaving only to spend weekends at Trump-branded resorts.
As a candidate he foreshadowed a homebody presidency - touting himself as the "America First" leader who would shun foreign travel to fix the "carnage" in the US.
But now he's on his way to Saudi Arabia, to Israel, to Rome, to Brussels and Sicily, with a hugely ambitious agenda. The two things are not at odds, HR McMaster, the president's National Security Adviser, told me.
"President Trump understands that America First does not mean American alone," he said.
"To the contrary, prioritising American interests means strengthening alliances and partnerships that help us extend our influence and improve the security of the American people."
Youth hold their prayer shawls as they stand in front of the Western Wall, Judaism's holiest prayers site in Jerusalem's Old City
Mr Trump will visit the centres of the Muslim, Jewish and Christian faiths on this trip - a first for any president.
So how can he avoid the pitfalls that have befallen his interactions at home?
General Wesley Clark, the former Supreme Allied Commander of Nato, had a few tips for a president who struggles to grasp foreign policy and stay on-message.
Find out which foreign leaders President Trump has met or called since taking office, as well as the countries he has mentioned in his tweets.
"Say the right things, don't say the wrong things, and maintain composure," he says.
"Some unexpected things are likely to happen, keep discipline, have the right frame of reference when you talk and say as little as possible when you don't know things."
Among the foreign-policy goals Mr Trump has set himself, the most ambitious is bringing peace to the Middle East - a geo-political conundrum that has stymied far more experienced presidents than this one.
But he seems to be confident. "It's something that I think is frankly maybe not as difficult as people have thought over the years," he said during a recent meeting with Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas.
I asked Mr Trump's British-educated counter-terrorism adviser Sebastian Gorka whether the celebrity real-estate mogul-turned-president had the right qualifications for such a task.
"We have in the commander-in-chief, in the president, truly the master of the deal," he said.
"This is a man who spent 50 years negotiating - if there's anyone who can bring stability and peace it is Donald Trump."
More on the Trump presidency
So on the one hand you have a deal over the price of a piece of real estate in New York. On the other, intractable disputes that go back thousands of years over the right of return of refugees, final status for Jerusalem, whether to negotiate with Hamas, and on.
"I don't think it's not just a question of doing real estate deals," said Mr Gorka. "This is a man who didn't just do deals, he was monumentally successful in the hardest market in the world - Manhattan real estate. And at the end of the day, deals are about human beings."
In reality, Mr Trump might find the Middle East a harder market than New York. But even if he falls short of fixing the Middle East, the president's first foreign trip could serve as a welcome distraction from his woes at home.
There will likely be a warm reception waiting for him in Israel and Saudi Arabia, where he has two key things going for him: he isn't Barack Obama, who was widely disliked there by the end of his presidency, and he has taken a hard line on Iran.
Families of Palestinians imprisoned in Israeli jails demonstrate in Jerusalem as hundreds of the detainees entered the second month of a hunger strike.
The trip might also allow Mr Trump to divert the narrative from the Russia scandal, said Ron Christie, a Republican strategist who served in the Bush White House.
"The minute that he leaves the United States on that plane the entire focus would be what's going on abroad - what the president says and how he acts, as opposed to some of the domestic issues that are dogging him here at home.
"This is a good opportunity for him to turn the page and get a fresh start."
And if anyone needs a fresh start it's Donald Trump. The way the first 120 days of his presidency have gone, he might just find the warm air of Saudi Arabia and Israel a refreshing break from the fetid swamp of Washington DC.
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http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-39943951
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Diving bans: Will retrospective action work? - BBC Sport
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2017-05-19
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The Football Association approves retrospective action to punish players who dive from next season - but will it work?
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The Football Association is calling it "successful deception of a match official".
Back in December, Burnley boss Sean Dyche said he thought retrospective bans would eradicate diving within six months. The players would stop doing it, if it meant risking suspension for the next two games.
From next season, under new rules announced on Thursday, a panel will review footage each Monday looking for cases - but only players who won a penalty or got a player sent off will be punished.
How it works in Scotland
The Scottish Football Association has had the power to retrospectively punish divers since the 2011-12 season.
Over time its rules have evolved. Now it looks not only at incidents involving penalties and red cards but anything that gives a team a "substantial advantage" - such as a free-kick scored from outside the box.
Vincent Lunny was the SFA's first compliance officer - a key role in deciding which cases warrant action.
He told BBC Radio 5 live "it would be naive to think it had an absolute effect of wiping it out".
"There are still many cases every year, and there are still many yellow cards for diving," he added.
Since the start of the 2014-15 season, players in Scotland have also been able to appeal against yellow cards given for simulation.
The first appeal, however, was only lodged the following season and in total there have been eight.
• None Six were upheld and the caution rescinded
• None Two were dismissed by the tribunal
How much of this sounds familiar?
"Silly to leave a foot in." "Naive defending." "Entitled to go down there." "The ref can't give it if you don't go down."
Motherwell's ex-Celtic and Middlesbrough striker Scott McDonald was shown a yellow card for simulation on Saturday.
He discussed the incident on BBC Scotland's Sportsound programme on Monday. One potential difficulty in enforcing the new FA rules is that - as he says - decisions are not always cut and dried.
The following is the exchange between McDonald (SM) and journalist Graham Spiers (GS).
SM: "It's not diving when there is contact, I wasn't diving."
GS: "Scott, if I get your argument right, and I've heard it from various footballers, the point you're making is if there is contact, you're entitled to take advantage of it and go down. is that correct?"
GS: "Right, some people call that a dive. You don't need to go down…"
SM: "Let's get it right though, I'm not dragging my leg out or trying to make contact. Contact has to be made on my movement."
GS: "You don't need to go down though do you? But you take advantage of it and you do go down, so let's be clear about that as well. It's diving."
SM: "How is it diving if there is contact?"
GS: "Because you say you take advantage of it. You could stay on your feet."
SM: "So you slide in on me and you don't get the ball. I take it past you but you make contact. You want me to stay on my feet at that point. If I can?"
GS: "If it's very obvious you're diving…"
SM: (interrupts): "It's a split-second, it's not even really a decision. There will be occasions where you know you are not going to get the ball on the other side. If there is fair contact made then you're well within your rights in the law of the game to take the contact."
GS: "The nub of it is this strange phrase: 'I felt I was entitled to go down.' I find it's glaringly obvious. Why deny it?"
SM: "But let's stop denying it - you're calling me a cheat, Graham, that's the difference."
SM: "If you're saying I dive, that's calling me a cheat, Graham. Basically that's what that is - if I'm diving, that's what you're saying. People that dive are cheats. Are they not?"
'A cancer we cannot allow to grow'
The introduction of retrospective bans for diving has received the backing of former Premier League referee Howard Webb.
The 45-year-old, who is overseeing the introduction of video refereeing in Major League Soccer, where retrospective suspensions for simulation already occur, told BBC Radio 5 live's Friday Football Social: "It is a positive move."
He continued: "We need to shift the balance. The risk/reward for players to dive is not in the right place.
"If a player is thinking 'I need to do something to try and get a point or win a game and if I hit the deck here I can get away with it and get a penalty and if I get caught I get a yellow card' that is not much of a deterrent. This new measure will be hopefully.
"It is happening here in the MLS. On a Monday morning, the disciplinary committee meet and look at all the controversial plays from the weekend and if they involve simulation then, providing the five-man panel are unanimous then that player, if he has won a penalty for his team and got a material benefit then that player will then get suspended. It works.
"Players come here knowing that if they dive and got away with it on the day they will pay the price later down the road.
"I think it was Sean Dyche who said if we introduce this it will get rid of diving in six months and lets hope he is right because it is a cancer that we cannot allow to grow."
The view from the Premier League
Reaction from Premier League managers has so far been mixed.
Crystal Palace boss Sam Allardyce says the plans are "utter rubbish" and called for video technology and sin-bins instead, while West Brom manager Tony Pulis embraced the idea.
"Every manager and club will say it's happened to them, but it's something we want to take out of the game," Pulis said.
"I'm pleased it's the way forward. I don't think there's any place for it in the game. I would most probably fine the players as well and give the money to charity."
Swansea manager Paul Clement echoed Allardyce's comments in saying punishment for diving should come during the game rather than retrospectively.
"It's not the answer. Video technology and looking at instant replays of major incidents are the steps that need to be taken," Clement said.
"The problem is if you're on the end of a potential dive that could cost you points, retrospective action is not going to help you and your team.
"What it can do is potentially help another team as that player could be banned for future fixtures, so I don't see retrospective bans as the answer.
"Any punishment has to be done there and then."
'It won't stop it, but it will have an effect'
When the ban came in there were the same objections in Scotland as we are hearing now south of the border.
The ban doesn't make a complete difference because some players will still do it but it does now have a stigma attached to it. It hasn't eliminated diving, it never will, but it has reduced it.
Alex Schalk got a penalty for Ross County against Celtic last month, there was no contact in the box. It was amazing to all of us that the referee did not see it but his anger was such that he thought there might have been.
The television replays proved instantly that the player had dived, the penalty was given and they scored it. Schalk got a two-game ban and in the end the goal did not make a difference to Celtic's unbeaten record. But it might have done.
Then there was Kudus Oyenuga of Morton, who was sent off for a foul on Hibernian's Jordon Forster, and on the way to the tunnel he had a square-up with Darren McGregor.
The two were face-to-face, Oyenuga went down like he was shot and McGregor was sent off too. Nothing happened to Oyenuga - although McGregor's red was subsequently reduced to a yellow.
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http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/39969813
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More Pritt Stick than Pippa: Why millennials want a DIY wedding - BBC News
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2017-05-19
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https://www.facebook.com/bbcnews
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Pippa Middleton's big day might have cost £250,000, but spending on the dress, the ring and the event is falling among most young brides.
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Business
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Pippa Middleton's engagement ring cost a reported £250,000, and the glass wedding marquee an estimated £65,000-£100,000
When Pippa Middleton marries James Matthews on Saturday every feature of the day will be realised in exquisite detail, with no expense spared. But is Pippa out of step with the times?
While a glass marquee might be nice for some, her fellow millennial brides are turning their backs on horse-drawn carriages in favour of homemade decorations and a few drinks at the local pub.
Costing somewhere between a new car and a house deposit, the average wedding day in 2016 spiralled to an average of £27,000 outside London and £38,000 inside the capital, according to wedding planning site Bridebook.
But some couples are only spending a fraction of that amount, and say their day is just as special.
Katherine Varley, 33, married husband Josh, 31, in a dress she bought for £40 from Brixton market.
The couple met at the primary school where they worked. With Josh on a working holiday visa from Australia, to avoid being apart they were married six months later on a budget of £5,000.
After their private ceremony at Wandsworth Town Hall in south-west London, they threw a party at the Dukes Head Pub in nearby Putney, with 70 guests.
To keep costs low, the couple enlisted friends and family to help with their big day. A family friend baked their wedding cake while Katherine's cousin did their photography. Another friend bought the flowers in bulk from New Covent Garden Market, while the couple made their own invitations and thank you cards.
"I have witnessed close friends planning large weddings with much greater budgets and it has shocked me by how carried away it can get financially. They have all been stunning and truly wonderful days but when you compare those budgets to potentially being deposits towards buying a home, it seems unnecessary," says Katherine.
Katherine changed outfit for the big party that she and Josh threw after their wedding ceremony
The average cost of a wedding dress has fallen 25% year-on-year, according to online fashion retailer Lyst, from £1,329 to a still-not-insignificant £832.
Engagement rings - which according to convention should cost between one and three months' salary - have seen spending fall to £1,080, an average of 19% less than a decade ago, according to insurer Protect Your Bubble.
Pippa's sister Kate may have driven the trend for coloured stones rather than a traditional diamond, thanks to her famous sapphire engagement ring.
Meanwhile, 2017 has become the year of the High Street wedding dress. Whistles, Asos, Topshop and Dorothy Perkins have all launched bridal ranges this year, joining the likes of Phase Eight and Monsoon.
Karen Whybrow, owner of vintage and bohemian bridal boutique Rock the Frock, thinks couples are dispensing with tradition to throw a wedding that reflects their personalities - and doesn't cost them their house deposit.
"In the six years I have been in the industry things have changed massively. Brides have become much more individual in their tastes - they don't want the traditional anymore. It's been led by the desire to have something a bit more personal, now that DIY weddings have become a lot more popular."
James Veitch gets creative making decorative jars for his wedding
She also notes that brides no longer expect their parents to foot the bill.
"A lot more brides now tend to pay for their dresses themselves. Their mum or dad might pay when they were in their early 20s, but now our brides are usually in their late 20s to early 30s and they have their own careers."
Imogen Veitch, 27, spent just £200 on her wedding outfit, buying a wedding dress from China on eBay. She and husband James also went down the DIY route to keep their wedding within a strict £6,000 budget.
The pair made all of the wedding decorations themselves and created their own floral centrepieces. They married at Sandy Balls holiday park in Hampshire at a cost of £4,000.
Imogen and James on their wedding day
"We knew we had limited savings and didn't want it all to go on one day," says Imogen. "We aren't extravagant people, so if we had an extravagant wedding it would have felt forced and uncomfortable. Both of us have said we honestly wouldn't change a single thing about our wedding day. It was the best day our lives.
"As it is socially accepted that weddings are expensive I think lots of couples just bite the bullet and go all out, some even taking out loans. And if you are spending £20,000 or more on a wedding I can see how people get so stressed out. You need everything to go perfectly or it seems a waste of money. But I can say we were honestly stress-free for the entire planning process and on the day."
While these couples say they would not have changed a thing, for those with more cash to play with a wedding is their chance to realise some more extravagant ideas.
Daisy Peirce, 28, effectively had two weddings when she married husband Dan, one in the day at Childerley Hall in Cambridgeshire with 60 guests, and then an evening reception at her parents' home with a further 80. She estimates the combined cost was around £50,000.
"We didn't have any budget. We were fortunate that our parents were paying for the wedding so if we wanted to do something, we could," Daisy says.
Having a big girly wedding wasn't on the agenda. Instead, food was a big focal point of the day for the couple, who both work in catering. Their evening reception included a street food market, with six different trucks offering everything from fish and chips to ice cream and crepes.
"The ceremony was a bit of a blur but I wouldn't change anything," says Daisy. "There were things we definitely wanted to include and we didn't have to sacrifice anything so it definitely took the pressure off."
As part of the "experience generation", even the wealthiest young brides and grooms don't want their day to be all about spectacle, says Sarah Haywood. As one of the world's most influential wedding planners, her international clientele include aristocrats and "people of note" for whom she has booked headline acts such as Mariah Carey and Jennifer Lopez.
"The millennial generation are certainly far more concerned with the guest experience than they are with showing off, which is a wonderful change to how it was 10 years ago. They are very concerned about the food and drink and the flow of the event, which is as important to them as what it all looks like."
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http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-39966035
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Premier League Darts: Michael Van Gerwen beats Peter Wright to win third title - BBC Sport
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2017-05-19
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World number one Michael van Gerwen beats Scotland's Peter Wright to win his third Premier League Darts title.
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Last updated on .From the section Darts
Michael van Gerwen came from 7-2 down in a dramatic final to beat Peter Wright at London's O2 Arena and win his third Premier League title.
The Dutchman took home the £250,000 top prize by beating Wright 11-10 after the Scot missed six match darts.
Van Gerwen beat Gary Anderson 10-7 in the first semi-final while Wright survived a late Phil Taylor comeback to win 10-9 and go through.
It is the second time in as many years that Van Gerwen has won the title.
• None How Van Gerwen beat Wright to win the Premier League
The victory means he has won all but one of the four televised Professional Darts Corporation majors of 2017, after he missed the UK Open through injury.
After Wright took a five-leg lead, Van Gerwen, 28, came back to level at 8-8 before the Scot rallied and came within one leg of victory at 10-9.
But he missed half a dozen darts for the title on double eight as Van Gerwen sealed victory with a nerveless 12-dart visit against a deflated Wright.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Van Gerwen said: "I think it was a great final. I had a great comeback, but then he missed six darts for the match. I don't know how he did, but who cares, a win is a win.
"This was a really crazy game, we know sooner or later Peter will win a really big title, he didn't do himself any favours today. I kept myself cool and relaxed."
Wright, 47, who won the UK Open in March after Van Gerwen pulled out of the tournament with a back problem, said: "I've got to learn, go back to the practice board and get him next time.
"What I've learnt over the years playing Michael, I used to rush it, but I've learnt play your own rhythm.
"I can't believe I missed that many darts at a double, but fair play to the champion."
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http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/darts/39970407
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Arsenal: Stan Kroenke 'committed long term' despite Alisher Usmanov bid - BBC Sport
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2017-05-19
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Arsenal majority shareholder Stan Kroenke is committed to Arsenal in the long term, sources tell the BBC.
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Last updated on .From the section Football
Arsenal majority shareholder Stan Kroenke is committed to the club in the long term, sources have told the BBC.
Kroenke has shown no interest in a £1bn bid by Uzbek-born Russian Alisher Usmanov to take full control of the Gunners.
It is understood the American's ambition is to win the Premier League and make Arsenal a force in Europe.
Gunners legend Ian Wright says the club needs the spending power of a billionaire such as Usmanov, adding that "something has to change".
"He has put in the bid and it is great news," former striker Wright told BBC Radio 5 live.
"Something has to change, whether it is the manager Arsene Wenger or whether it is the board upstairs."
Arsenal need other teams to slip up in Sunday's final round of matches to avoid missing out on Champions League qualification for the first time in 21 years.
Wenger, who has been manager since 1996, has been the target of protests from some of the club's fans.
The 67-year-old Frenchman's future at the club will be decided at a board meeting after Arsenal meet Chelsea in the FA Cup final on 27 May.
"It is not looking good for Arsenal at the moment," Wright told 5 live's Friday Football Social.
"They may be out of the Champions League - something they are not used to - and they have to beat one of the best Chelsea sides I have seen for a long time in the FA Cup final to try and get something from the season.
"Where are they going to sign players from? Who is going to want to come to Arsenal instead of anywhere else in London? At the moment, they are not an attractive proposition.
"We are already missing out on the managers we are supposedly interested in and we are going to start missing out on the kind of players that are going to be available and want to play in the Premier League.
"Top players may want to leave. Too much is up in the air.
"Something has got to happen for Arsenal to go to that next level. This bid will galvanise the fans."
Metal magnate Usmanov owns 30% of Arsenal's shares but is not part of the board or decision-making at the club.
Usmanov said in April that Kroenke must "bear huge responsibility" for the club's failures on the pitch.
The Gunners' London rivals Chelsea won the Premier League this season - the fifth time they have done so under the ownership of billionaire Roman Abramovich, who has spent heavily since taking control in 2003.
"Abramovich is a winner," added Wright, who scored 185 goals in 288 appearances for Arsenal.
"Stan Kroenke sees it as another asset. If you look at all his other franchises, they are doing the same. They are mediocre, with poor attendances and aren't achieving anything as a team. That is where Arsenal are at the moment.
"We need an owner like Abramovich, who wants to win. I would swap Arsenal's last 10 years for what Chelsea have done."
Alisher Usmanov has wanted control of Arsenal for some time.
A long-standing critic of the current board, he has attempted to curry favour with fans by calling for greater investment by Stan Kroenke. He believes the team should be performing at a much higher level.
Now, with questions swirling over Arsene Wenger's future and with a lack of Champions League football next season looking inevitable, he has made his move.
However, he has been rebuffed.
The big question is whether this was a final throw of the dice by Usmanov? And, with seemingly no prospect of Kroenke selling, will he turn his purchasing power towards another Premier League club?
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http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/39981954
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Treating children with electroconvulsive therapy - BBC News
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2017-05-19
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https://www.facebook.com/bbcnews
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ECT has recently been used in some countries as a treatment for children who severely self injure.
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Magazine
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Electroconvulsive therapy - in which a small electric current is passed through the brain causing a seizure - is now used much less often than it was in the middle of the last century. But controversially it is now being used in the US and some other countries as a treatment for children who exhibit severe, self-injuring behaviour.
Seventeen-year-old Jonah Lutz is severely autistic. He's also prone to outbursts of violent behaviour, in which he sometimes hits himself repeatedly.
His mother, Amy, is convinced that if it wasn't for electroconvulsive therapy - ECT - he would now have to be permanently institutionalised for his own safety, and the safety of those around him.
The use of ECT featured famously in the 1975 Hollywood movie, One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, starring Jack Nicholson. Set in a mental institution, the Oscar-winning film cemented most people's view of ECT as barbaric.
But Amy describes the modern version of the therapy as little short of miraculous.
"ECT has been transformative for Jonah's life and for our life," she says. "We went for a period of time - for years and years - where Jonah was raging, often multiple times a day, ferociously. The only reason he's able to be at home with us, is because of ECT."
It's estimated that one in 10 severely autistic children like Jonah violently attack themselves, often causing serious injuries ranging from broken noses to detached retinas. No-one really knows why. Some theories link self-injuring behaviour to anxiety caused by an overload of sensory signals, others to frustration as the autistic child struggles to communicate.
Amy and husband Andy tried countless traditional treatments using medication or behavioural therapy before finally turning to ECT - a treatment that first began to be used on children like Jonah a decade ago, in parts of the US. Each session alleviates his symptoms for up to 10 days at a time - but it's not a cure.
Jonah's doctor, Charles Kellner, ECT director at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York, is so convinced it's effective and safe that he allows Amy to witness the procedure and the BBC to film it.
Prof Kellner says the best way to overcome the negative image of ECT portrayed in popular culture is "to show people what modern ECT is really like, and show them the results with patients like Jonah".
Jonah is one of a few hundred children in the US to receive the controversial treatment. He has had about 260 ECT sessions since the age of 11.
"There's a lot of interesting new neural imaging research showing that ECT actually reverses some of the brain problems in the major psychiatric illnesses," Kellner explains, as he makes final checks on the wiring around Jonah's temples.
"We don't know exactly why it works in people with autism and superimposed mood disorders, but we think it probably reregulates the circuits in the brain that are deregulated because of autism."
The modern treatment is carried out under general anaesthetic, with muscle relaxants to prevent violent convulsions. At the flick of a switch, Kellner administers just under an amp of electric current in a series of very short pulses.
Jonah's body begins to shake as the current induces a seizure - ECT specialists think this may "reset" the malfunctioning brain. The convulsions last for about 30 seconds.
Amy is unperturbed by what she sees.
"If a doctor says they need to cut open your child's chest to conduct life-saving surgery, you would allow it. That is more barbaric yet we accept it," she says.
Within an hour Jonah is fully alert. He and his mother head out of the hospital and on to the New York street to find an ice cream parlour.
Because the long-term effects of ECT on children exhibiting self-injuring behaviour are unknown, in some countries - and in a handful of US states - the treatment is not allowed. The UK's National Institute for Health and Care Excellence doesn't recommend ECT for use on under 18s.
But ECT is a well-established treatment in adults for severe, often life-threatening depression. Its use is controversial, though, with memory loss the main acknowledged side-effect. What's disputed is the scale of the memory loss. Studies carried out by ECT doctors suggest lapses are mostly short-term and that memory function soon returns to normal. But opponents of ECT cite surveys claiming to show that more than half of patients suffer serious long-term memory loss.
"It's a traumatic brain injury," says Dr Peter Breggin, a psychiatrist who has long fought the psychiatric establishment, and campaigns for a total ban on ECT. "The electricity not only travels through the frontal lobes - that's the seat of intelligence, and thoughtfulness and creativity and judgment - it also goes through the temporal lobes - the seat of memory. You are damaging the very expression of the personality, the character, the individuality, and even, if you believe in it, the expression of the soul."
For former US Army intelligence officer Chad Calvaresi and his wife Kaci, the potential benefits of ECT far outweigh the risks for their 11-year-old, violently autistic daughter, Sofija.
"When she was aggressing towards me, my instinct as a mom was to grab her and hold her and hug her and wait," Kaci explains. "But she got so big and strong that I couldn't do that."
Sofija spent much of her early life suffering neglect and abuse in a Serbian orphanage, before Chad and Kaci adopted her in 2009. They were determined to give her a better life in America, but in 2016 they suffered the heartbreak of institutionalising her again - this time for her own safety.
"She beat herself so bad her nose was busted and bleeding, her lips were busted open and bleeding," Chad explains. "She gave herself a black eye. I was scared of my own daughter."
For six months Sofija received medication and therapy as an in-patient at the renowned Kennedy Krieger Institute in Baltimore, but there was little improvement. During her frequent violent episodes it often took three highly trained care staff - all wearing protective clothing and shielding Sofija with padded mats - to prevent her injuring herself or others.
After exhausting all other options, Sofija's doctors finally agreed to Chad and Kaci's request to give her ECT. Just a month later her behaviour had improved enough for her to return home.
We caught up with the family after six months and more than 30 treatments, and the transformation was remarkable. Sofija was swimming in the family pool and playing with her siblings, and while her violent episodes hadn't disappeared completely, her parents felt they were less intense and more manageable. Sofija was also receiving home schooling in maths and English. "She's sharp as a tack," says Kaci. "The only memory loss that Sofija has had from ECT is she forgets the procedure has actually happened."
ECT for severely self-injuring autistic children like Sofija is still in very limited use, and without a long-term scientific study it remains highly controversial. But even though Sofija is likely to need ECT every week for the foreseeable future, her parents have no regrets - they have their daughter back home.
"It's overwhelming if I think about it," says Kaci, "but what future did she have without it? My hope is she doesn't need it for the rest of her life but at this point I see it like a diabetic needing insulin. It keeps her alive. Literally it keeps her alive and it makes it possible for us to be able to have her in our home living life with our family and enjoying Sofija."
The Royal College of Psychiatrists says ECT is a "safe and effective treatment for severe depression" in adults but acknowledges on its website that some dispute this:
Many doctors and nurses will say that they have seen ECT relieve very severe depressive illnesses when other treatments have failed. Bearing in mind that 15% of people with severe depression will kill themselves, they feel that ECT has saved patients' lives, and therefore the overall benefits are greater than the risks. Some people who have had ECT will agree, and may even ask for it if they find themselves becoming depressed again.
Some see ECT as a treatment that belongs to the past. They say that the side-effects are severe and that psychiatrists have, either accidentally or deliberately, ignored how severe they can be. They say that ECT permanently damages both the brain and the mind, and if it does work at all, does so in a way that is ultimately harmful for the patient. Some would want to see it banned.
You can watch the Our World documentary "My Child, ECT and Me" at 21:30 on Sunday on the BBC News Channel, on BBC World at these times and on the BBC iPlayer.
Join the conversation - find us on Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat and Twitter.
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http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-39961472
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Chris Cornell - so much more than a grunge star - BBC News
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2017-05-19
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How Soundgarden's not-so-secret weapon became one of grunge's leading lights.
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Entertainment & Arts
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Chris Cornell was one of the defining voices of grunge music - his bluesy, multi-octave voice becoming Soundgarden's not-so-secret weapon.
Born in Seattle, Washington, in 1964, he developed an interest in music while at school - especially with The Beatles - which led to him learning the piano.
But he spent most of his teenage years a loner, afflicted by agoraphobia and anxiety, until rock music helped him overcome his uneasiness around others.
After dropping out of school, he bought a drum kit and played in various local bands, which brought him into contact bassist Hiro Yamamoto and guitarist Kim Thayil, with whom he formed Soundgarden in 1984.
The band was named after an art installation in Seattle's Sand Point.
Cornell initially played the drums while singing, but was able to concentrate on vocals after a drummer was recruited in 1985.
In Soundgarden, he slowed the frenetic flammery of '80s metal to a sombre crawl, earning the band comparisons to Black Sabbath and Led Zeppelin.
Although they started out on Seattle's Sub Pop label (their debut EP, Screaming Life was the label's second release), they were the first grunge band to sign to a major label.
The song's surreal and nightmarish video became an MTV favourite and won Best Metal/Hard Rock Video at the 1994 MTV Video Music Awards.
It remains their most enduring hit. Spotify lists more than 50 cover versions, with everyone from Anastacia to Paul Anka drawn to its pretty melody and dreamlike lyrics.
Even Cornell wasn't sure what it was about. "I was just sucked in by the music and I was painting a picture with the lyrics," he once said. "There was no real idea to get across."
While the song defined the band, there was no pinning Cornell down.
He wrote for other acts, including Alice Cooper, and formed Audioslave with the remnants of experimental rock act Rage Against The Machine.
With them, he played Cuba's first ever outdoor concert by an American rock band; while in later years he worked with hip-hop producer Timbaland and released a solo acoustic album, Songbook, which put his remarkable vocals front and centre.
Soundgarden disbanded in 1997 and reunited in 2010. Cornell went into rehab in 2003 after struggles with addiction to drugs and alcohol.
His Casino Royale Bond theme in 2006, You Know My Name, may not be a classic of the genre - but in framing Daniel Craig as a new, leaner, tougher 007, it was an uncompromising success.
He wrote the end title song Live to Rise for Marvel's The Avengers and his song Misery Chain, a duet with Joy Williams, appeared on the soundtrack of the Oscar-winning film 12 Years A Slave.
Cornell's song The Keeper from Machine Gun Preacher was nominated for a Golden Globe in 2012.
Like all great musicians, he was curious and fearless. His greatest regret of the grunge scene was that Seattle's experimental bands, the ones playing free jazz and Gothic rock, got left behind because they didn't fit the music industry's narrative.
"It's like somebody came into your city with bulldozers and water compressors and mined your own perfect mountain and excavated it and threw out what they didn't want and left the rest to rot," he told Rolling Stone in 1994. "It's that bad."
His untimely death means that, after Kurt Cobain, Layne Staley and Scott Weiland, yet another of grunge's leading lights has been extinguished.
To those who knew him, the loss will be even greater.
Cornell is survived by his wife Vicky, whom he married in 2004, and their two children. He also had a daughter with first wife and former manager Susan Silver.
Follow us on Facebook, on Twitter @BBCNewsEnts, or on Instagram at bbcnewsents. If you have a story suggestion email entertainment.news@bbc.co.uk.
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http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-39959921
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What happened to the 276 kidnapped Chibok girls? - BBC News
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2017-05-19
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https://www.facebook.com/bbcnews
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In April 2014 Islamist militants kidnapped 276 girls from their school in Chibok in north-eastern Nigeria.
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Africa
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In April 2014 Islamist militants kidnapped 276 girls from their school in Chibok in north-eastern Nigeria.
This month dozens were released. But when will the rest be free?
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http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-39965685
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Harry Kane: Tottenham striker one of world's best - Mauricio Pochettino - BBC Sport
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2017-05-19
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Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino says Harry Kane is "one of the best strikers in the world" and Tottenham can keep their best players.
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Last updated on .From the section Football
Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino says Harry Kane is "one of the best strikers in the world", and insists the club can keep their best players this summer.
Kane, 23, scored four in Thursday's 6-1 win at Leicester to move to the top the golden boot standings, ahead of Romelu Lukaku and Alexis Sanchez.
"The players we want to keep will be here next season. If any players leave, it's Tottenham's decision."
Kane, the Premier League's top scorer last season with 25, moved to 26 for this campaign with two late goals in the victory at the King Power Stadium.
Kane, midfielder Dele Alli and defender Kyle Walker continue to be linked with transfers, but Pochettino says the club are in control of the England internationals' futures.
"I think we are so, so, so calm about our big players and they are so happy here," said the Argentine.
"We are building a very exciting project. The players must feel they are part of us and want to share in our success.
"Harry Kane means a lot for the team. I tell you always that he's one of the best strikers in the world. His performances show that we are right."
Kane has missed eight league games with injury this season but looks set to finish as top scorer, unless Everton striker Lukaku or Arsenal forward Sanchez have a remarkable final day of the season.
The latter two players will be on opposing sides at Emirates Stadium on Sunday, while Kane and Spurs go to Hull. All 10 Premier League matches on Sunday kick off at 15:00 BST.
Kane averages a goal every 94 minutes in the league this season, and unsurprisingly described the campaign as his best yet.
"It probably could have been more," he said.
"It is the first time in my professional career that I've scored four, there has been a bit of build-up in the race for the golden boot and I wanted at least one or two to put the pressure on - but to get four is amazing.
"This is my best season. I missed 11 weeks and worked hard during my injury to ensure I came back in better shape than I started."
Kane's top-flight goals this term have earned Spurs 13 points, which is second only behind Chelsea striker Diego Costa's 20 goals, earning the Blues 15 points.
Harry Kane always hits the target, he is always looking to work goalkeepers.
He has 51 goals in two seasons and that is great numbers. Those who work with him and know him will say he deserves it.
He works incredibly hard at his game. He is determined. He has taken a few knocks along the way but he is showing everything he has got right now.
He is a combination of [former England strike partners] Teddy Sheringham and Alan Shearer.
• None Kane is the fifth player in Premier League history to score 25 or more goals in successive seasons - Robbie Fowler, Thierry Henry, Alan Shearer and Robin van Persie are the others.
• None Kane has now scored 10 goals against Leicester, more than against any other side.
• None Kane is the fifth player to score three or more hat-tricks in a Premier League season.
• None In Kane, Alli and Son Heung-min, Tottenham now have three players with 20 or more goals in all competitions this season - more than any other club in the Premier League or the EFL.
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http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/39970575
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May - more room to borrow and raise taxes - BBC News
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2017-05-19
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https://www.facebook.com/bbcnews
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Fears about the incomes squeeze have made this election less about the public finances, and more about the “just about managing”.
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Business
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In my interview with Philip Hammond last month, the Chancellor pleaded that he did not want to have his hands "constrained".
It was a clear signal he wanted to drop the "triple tax lock" put in place by David Cameron before the 2015 election not to raise income tax, national insurance contributions or VAT.
In two out of three, Number 10 appears to have heeded his request.
There is a pledge in the manifesto not to increase VAT.
But the promise not to raise income tax or national insurance has been replaced by a rather vaguer "firm intention to reduce taxes on Britain's businesses and working families".
Many predict that Mr Hammond will resurrect the plan to increase national insurance contributions for the self-employed if the Tories win on June 8 and he remains as Chancellor.
Today's manifesto is all about increasing "wriggle room" for any new Conservative government.
Just as the manifesto opens the door to tax rises, it also allows for more borrowing.
It pledges to "balance the books" (meaning the government earns in taxes what it spends on services) and eliminate the deficit by the "middle of the next decade".
That's about three years further into the future than suggested in the Autumn Statement, when Mr Hammond said "the public finances should be returned to balance as early as possible in the next Parliament".
Many economists took that to mean around 2022, given that at that stage we were expecting an election in 2020.
"By pushing out the time by which the government expects to balance the books, it is implicitly telling us that there is likely to be an easing off in austerity," said Alan Clarke of Scotia Bank.
"The government is still trying to reduce borrowing, but is doing so slightly more gradually than previously projected."
Of course, revising deficit targets has become something of a tradition for the Conservatives - who insist they are still firm backers of "sound money".
The first target, set in 2010, was to eliminate the deficit by 2015.
As the old New Yorker cartoon says of the harassed executive desperately searching for a free lunch appointment.
"Never? Is never good for you?"
In her hunt for fiscal flexibility (there are still fears the economy could take a rapid turn for the worse) Mrs May has also reduced the pensions triple lock to a double lock - abandoning the promise that pensions would rise by at least 2.5% every year.
The double lock says that pensions will now rise by either inflation or earnings growth - whichever is higher.
That could mean pension increases of less than 2.5%, if inflation and earnings growth fall.
Mrs May, with Mr Hammond supporting her from the side lines, has produced a manifesto that gives her good deal of economic room for manoeuvre.
And that is for a reason.
Before 2010 and 2015, the Tories believed their "sell" to the voter was that they could be "trusted" with the public finances and that people wanted a rapid reduction in government borrowing.
In an era of falling real incomes and struggling productivity growth (the actual way to create economic wealth), the focus has moved to more active support for the economy.
Even if that means taxing and borrowing more.
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http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-39965464
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WannaCry: What can you do to protect your business? - BBC News
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2017-05-19
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https://www.facebook.com/bbcnews
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How can businesses protect themselves against future cyber-attacks?
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Business
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Ransomware cyber-attacks have risen 50% globally over the last 12 months
The WannaCry cyber-attack infected more than 200,000 computers in 150 countries, affecting government, healthcare and private company systems. But how easily could it have been avoided and how can firms protect themselves against future attacks?
On the face of it, the accepted narrative seems simple. Microsoft issued a patch, or update, for the vulnerability in its older Windows operating systems in March.
If all IT departments everywhere had implemented this patch immediately, the WannaCry ransomware worm wouldn't have been able to run riot across the globe.
Although the hackers are thought to have extorted just £60,000 worth of bitcoins, the disruption was significant, with some patients having operations and appointments cancelled and some corporate data being lost for ever.
David Venable, vice-president of cyber-security at Masergy Communications, an IT services firm, is a former intelligence officer with the US National Security Agency.
He says: "There are a lot of practical challenges in deploying patch updates; from having unsupported operating systems [OSs] that don't have patches available, through to the practicalities of rolling out sweeping changes across massive networks, potentially globally.
"But these aren't new challenges - anyone running these networks should have had this solved long before now.
"This isn't rocket science; it's an oil change."
This video can not be played To play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser. WannaCry fix is about leadership not money says Europol director
And Rob Wainwright, director of Europol, believes that the recent failings in cyber defences were more to do with lack of leadership in large organisations than lack of IT investment.
"It's frustrating frankly, because in the health sector there have been multiple ransomware attacks, in the United States, in Europe, for the last two years, long before WannaCry came along, and so the lessons should have been heeded by now," he told the BBC.
According to the Verizon Data Breach Investigations Report 2017, ransomware accounts for 72% of malware incidents in the healthcare industry.
Overall, there has been a 50% rise in ransomware incidents reported in the last 12 months.
But how easy is it really to keep large, complex computer networks up-to-date and protected?
Nik Whitfield from security firm Panaseer says that for many large businesses, patching their systems isn't a question of turning on "auto-updates" then sitting back and relaxing.
This is because some software applications specific to their business might rely on certain versions of operating systems (OS). Updating the OS could affect how those programs function.
The WannaCry ransomware affected 150 countries around the world
It's a point echoed by Adam Meyers, vice-president of cyber-security company CrowdStrike: "It is important to recognise that patch roll-outs are complex. High-profile patch fiascos have made IT departments wary of automatic patch installations."
Some companies have suffered embarrassing shutdowns of their networks after patch roll-outs, for example.
Health service providers in the UK and abroad were particularly affected because they were often reliant on old versions of Windows, and also because important medical equipment supplied by third parties - MRI scanners, blood analysis systems and so on - can't be easily upgraded or patched.
"Primarily this is because the patch may affect the equipment," says Simon Edwards, European cyber security architect at Trend Micro, "but other times the vendor simply refuses to do it."
Older companies that have acquired or merged with other firms over the years, will have built up a ragtag patchwork of legacy systems - sometimes hundreds of programs - all requiring maintenance.
"It always comes down to prioritisation," says Mr Whitfield. "There's always too much work to do, so they're constantly looking at how best to spend that next security dollar.
A cancer hospital in Jakarta, Indonesia, was hit by the WannaCry malware
"Patching a business is like trying to mend a moving vehicle that is made from a hundred different vehicles bolted together."
This is why it can sometimes take months before known security vulnerabilities get patched.
And the brutal truth is that there are plenty of companies and organisations that simply don't have enough IT staff or take cyber risk seriously enough, argues Mike DeCesare, chief executive of network security firm, ForeScout.
As well as keeping antivirus, firewall, application and OS software up-to-date, backing up key data regularly to offline hard drives should be a top priority, most cyber experts agree.
This is because data breaches and cyber-attacks are inevitable these days.
The bad news is that the average cost of a data breach globally stands at $4m (£3.1m), according to SailPoint, an identity management firm.
Cyber Adapt Boss Kirsten Bay says firms should protect critical data first
One common problem is that companies often don't know what data they have, where it is, or what data is the most important, says Kirsten Bay, chief executive of network monitoring firm, Cyber Adapt.
"Concentrate on protecting the most critical data," she says.
Cyber-security used to be about building an impregnable wall around your company. But now that hackers seem to be finding weak points in these perimeter defences with increasing ease - largely due to the proliferation of wireless devices accessing the network at home and in the office - focus has moved towards defending critical parts within the network.
"Once inside an organisation a hacker or malware will get around pretty quickly," explains David Venable, "but if you take the 'zero trust model' approach and treat every network as hostile, a lot of this could have been prevented."
In practice, this means constantly monitoring your network for unusual behaviour and only giving access to certain data and applications to those who absolutely need it.
French vehicle maker Renault also fell victim to the global attack
Everyone else is treated as potentially hostile, even if they work for you.
"By identifying a suspicious process or behaviour and applying machine learning to let all other computers know about it, organisations can be on the front foot," argues CrowdStrike's Mr Meyers.
Trend Micro's Simon Edwards warns companies against thinking there's a simple one-size-fits-all solution to these cyber-security challenges.
"Companies should never rely on one technology or process to stop malware," he says. "They need to use multiple methods which inter-operate with one another to detect and stop attacks."
There is evidence that firms have been rushing out to buy security products in the aftermath of the WannaCry attack.
Erich Litch, chief revenue officer for software marketplace 2Checkout says: "In the US, the number of security software purchases is up 43% as organisations look to avoid the large-scale attacks seen in the UK."
About 40 hospitals in the UK's National Health Service were affected by the attack
In the UK, sales have risen 25%, he says. "[But] panic buying security software is not the answer. Make cyber-security an active part of your strategy, not a reaction to a disaster."
This takes board-level commitment to cyber-security, most experts agree.
The worry for businesses everywhere is that the cyber threat is only going to increase as the world becomes more connected and the internet of things (IoT) accelerates.
"In many cases IoT devices are either impossible to patch or at best very challenging to patch," warns Paul Lipman, chief executive of BullGuard.
"We're seeing billions of new devices entering businesses and homes, with little-to-no security built in, and challenging to update.
"This is a hacker's dream and a recipe for a cyber-security disaster."
At least the WannaCry attack has woken everyone up to the fact that the cyber-threat is real, growing and impossible to ignore any longer.
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http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-39947944
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Jordan Pickford: Sunderland will demand £30m for keeper - David Moyes - BBC Sport
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2017-05-19
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Sunderland will only consider offers of about £30m for goalkeeper Jordan Pickford, says boss David Moyes.
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Last updated on .From the section Football
Sunderland will only consider offers of about £30m for goalkeeper Jordan Pickford, says boss David Moyes.
Pickford, 23, has impressed this season, despite the Black Cats' relegation from the Premier League, and won a first England call-up in October.
Everton are rumoured to be interested in Pickford and are prepared to offer £15m for the England Under-21 international.
"It would need to be a really, really big offer," said Moyes.
"I have said all through the season that sometimes on your journey, you may have to sell to improve.
"But I have heard some really derisory sort of figures getting mentioned, and it wouldn't be any of those figures, I can tell you that."
When asked if Pickford's asking price would be in the region of £30m, Moyes replied: "Yes."
A £30m transfer would make Pickford the second most expensive goalkeeper of all time, after Gianluigi Buffon's £33m move from Parma to Juventus in 2001.
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http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/39980308
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Alisher Usmanov: Arsenal shareholder makes £1bn takeover bid to Stan Kroenke - BBC Sport
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2017-05-19
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Billionaire Alisher Usmanov makes a £1bn bid to wrest control of Arsenal from majority shareholder Stan Kroenke, who has rejected it.
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Last updated on .From the section Football
Uzbek-born Russian billionaire Alisher Usmanov has made a £1bn bid to wrest control of Arsenal from majority shareholder Stan Kroenke.
But with Kroenke showing no interest, the bid has in effect been rejected, though Usmanov is yet to receive written confirmation.
The Financial Times reported Usmanov made the offer last month, and that Kroenke has yet to formally respond.
He is, though, not part of the board or decision-making at the club.
• None Read more: Arsenal need Usmanov, says legend Wright
• None From the archive: Who is Alisher Usmanov?
Usmanov said in April that Kroenke must "bear huge responsibility" for the club's failures on the pitch.
Arsenal need other teams to slip up in Sunday's final round of matches to avoid missing out on Champions League qualification for the first time in 21 years.
Arsene Wenger, who has been manager since 1996, has been the target of protests from some of the club's fans.
The Frenchman's future at the club will be decided at a board meeting after Arsenal meet Chelsea in 27 May's FA Cup final.
Alisher Usmanov has wanted control of Arsenal for some time.
A long-standing critic of the current board, he has attempted to curry favour with fans by calling for greater investment by Stan Kroenke. He believes the team should be performing at a much higher level.
Now, with questions swirling over Arsene Wenger's future and with a lack of Champions League football next season looking inevitable, he has made his move.
However, he has been rebuffed.
The big question is whether this was a final throw of the dice by Usmanov? And, with seemingly no prospect of Kroenke selling, will he turn his purchasing power towards another Premier League club?
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http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/39981841
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Leicester City 1-6 Tottenham Hotspur - BBC Sport
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2017-05-19
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Harry Kane scores four times as a dominant Tottenham hammer Leicester City to secure their 25th league win of the season.
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Last updated on .From the section Football
Harry Kane scored four times as Tottenham produced another superb performance to sweep aside Leicester City.
Though Chelsea ended their Premier League title hopes last week, there was no let-up from Mauricio Pochettino's side, who won for the 25th time in the league this season.
Kane helped himself to two predatory goals from close range before rattling in twice from 20 yards in the last few minutes to move to 26 league goals for the campaign - two clear of Everton's Romelu Lukaku.
Son Heung-min also scored fine goals either side of half-time, volleying in Dele Alli's masterful pass, and bending in from 25 yards after a swift counter-attack.
• None Reaction: Kane 'one of the world's best strikers'
Leicester, who are yet to make a decision on manager Craig Shakespeare's future, played their part in an entertaining game.
Ben Chilwell momentarily sparked hopes of a fightback by making it 2-1, but the Foxes ultimately had no answer to this in-form Tottenham side, who recorded their biggest away win in the Premier League.
This, the 13th Premier League matchday in 18 May days, was effectively another dead rubber. But, while the league has failed to deliver the close title race the television schedulers were hoping for, no blame can be attached to Tottenham.
Spurs have won 12 of their past 13 league games and have been kept at bay only by the remarkable resilience of Chelsea, who ensured it has been a case of 'nearly' for Pochettino and his players for the second season in a row.
Third last season despite being Leicester's closest challengers in the second half of the campaign - or, as the home fans enjoyed chanting in the opening stages, "third in a two-horse race" - Spurs have gone one better this time. Much better, in fact.
This dominant win took them past Leicester's title-winning haul of 81 points, and they have enough on the board to have won the Premier League on eight previous occasions - with a game still to come.
Son's superb strikes mean that - for the first time in the club's history - they have three players who have scored 20 goals in a season, and took them beyond 75 league goals for the first time since 1984-85.
Add in the division's meanest defence - Hugo Lloris' mistake for Chilwell's goal notwithstanding - and it is no surprise Pochettino has committed his future to the club.
Do Spurs have enough?
As White Hart Lane is dismantled and rebuilt, Spurs' summer seems likely to be flavoured by reports and fears of the team going the same way.
Right-back Kyle Walker - again left out, albeit this time with an ankle problem - has long been linked with a move, and Pochettino admitted this week the club may struggle to compete with clubs offering huge salaries this summer.
That may have sounded alarm bells for supporters, but the good news for them is it would surely take record numbers to prise away either of the side's crown jewels.
Kane and Alli have scored 43 Premier League goals between them this season and were outstanding again, along with Son, in a dynamic attacking display.
Those three players alone had 19 efforts on goal, while Alli's chipped assist for Son's first goal was further evidence of his growing influence and inventiveness.
Kane, who tapped in Son's cross to open the scoring, added a close-range header then twice thrashed past Kasper Schmeichel from the edge of the area, could become the first man since Robin van Persie to win the golden boot in successive seasons.
There is no doubt Spurs have the quality to be champions. If they can repeat their home form while on 'holiday' at Wembley, perhaps the wait for a league title will end after 57 years.
Shakespeare said this week he expects to find out if he will remain in charge of the Foxes "within days".
He has certainly made a strong case to be retained, but his side's second-half capitulation must be a disappointment, particularly as a comeback briefly looked possible when Chilwell scored his first career goal, prodding in after Jamie Vardy had gone around an out-of-position Lloris.
A second big decision of the season now looms for the Leicester hierarchy, who were widely criticised for sacking Claudio Ranieri in February, just months after he delivered the title.
They must surely consider themselves vindicated, despite such a heavy defeat. The Foxes were one point above the relegation zone when Shakespeare took over with 13 matches left but survived easily thanks to seven wins in Shakespeare's 12 league games.
In fact, had the season begun when he took over, Leicester would once again be dreaming of Europe.
Kane up there with the greats
• None Kane is the fifth player in Premier League history to score 25+ goals in successive seasons (Robbie Fowler, Thierry Henry, Alan Shearer and Robin van Persie are the others).
• None Kane has now scored more club goals against Leicester than any other side (10).
• None Kane is the fifth different player to score three or more hat-tricks in a Premier League season.
• None Tottenham now have three players with 20 or more goals in all competitions this season (Kane, Alli & Son); more than any other club in the Premier League or Football League.
• None This is the joint-heaviest defeat in Premier League history for a reigning champion (also Manchester United's 6-1 loss to Manchester City in October 2011).
• None Leicester have now lost 18 league games this season, the most by a reigning top-flight champion since Ipswich Town in 1962-1963 (19)
• None Leicester had let in two goals in their previous five home games under Shakespeare.
Shakespeare has one final home game to impress as Leicester host Bournemouth, while Tottenham wrap up their campaign at relegated Hull. All Premier League games on Sunday, 21 May kick off at 15:00 BST.
• None Goal! Leicester City 1, Tottenham Hotspur 6. Harry Kane (Tottenham Hotspur) right footed shot from the centre of the box to the bottom left corner. Assisted by Ben Davies.
• None Attempt saved. Dele Alli (Tottenham Hotspur) right footed shot from the left side of the box is saved in the bottom right corner. Assisted by Vincent Janssen.
• None Goal! Leicester City 1, Tottenham Hotspur 5. Harry Kane (Tottenham Hotspur) right footed shot from outside the box to the centre of the goal. Assisted by Filip Lesniak.
• None Attempt missed. Christian Fuchs (Leicester City) left footed shot from a difficult angle and long range on the left is close, but misses the top left corner.
• None Attempt missed. Dele Alli (Tottenham Hotspur) right footed shot from outside the box is too high. Assisted by Moussa Sissoko.
• None Offside, Tottenham Hotspur. Dele Alli tries a through ball, but Vincent Janssen is caught offside.
• None Attempt missed. Vincent Janssen (Tottenham Hotspur) right footed shot from outside the box is just a bit too high. Assisted by Victor Wanyama.
• None Attempt missed. Harry Kane (Tottenham Hotspur) right footed shot from outside the box is close, but misses to the right. Assisted by Vincent Janssen.
• None Attempt missed. Eric Dier (Tottenham Hotspur) right footed shot from outside the box is just a bit too high from a direct free kick.
• None Danny Simpson (Leicester City) is shown the yellow card for a bad foul. Navigate to the next page Navigate to the last page
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http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/39879805
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Partick Thistle 0-5 Celtic - BBC Sport
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2017-05-19
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Champions Celtic are one game away from an unbeaten Premiership season after a dominant victory over Partick Thistle.
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Last updated on .From the section Football
Champions Celtic are one game away from an unbeaten Premiership season after a dominant victory over Partick Thistle.
Leigh Griffiths scored a penalty after Patrick Roberts had been fouled by Callum Booth.
Griffiths turned provider for Tom Rogic's close-range finish and Roberts netted a stunning third before the break.
Callum McGregor scored with a shot off the underside of the bar and Roberts then curled in his second.
Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers continued to rotate his squad but no strength was lost as the likes of captain Scott Brown and defender Erik Sviatchenko came in to give others a rest.
From the moment referee Andrew Dallas blew his whistle it was Celtic at their scintillating best.
The swagger witnessed for most of this season was in evidence from a side that had at least four players who would not be considered first-choice picks.
The wide men in particular gave the Partick full-backs a torrid evening with Roberts looking completely unplayable at times. The man on loan from Manchester City floated and jinked past defenders all night.
McGregor and Brown provided the drive from the middle of the park - keeping the tempo high and their team-mates hungry. It was quite simply a side with complete belief in their abilities and evidence for anyone who needed it about just how far Celtic are ahead of the rest.
The opener came from the spot - Griffiths with his 17th of the season after Roberts was brought down by Booth.
The second was a rare scrappy effort from Rogic that bounced off both posts before nestling in the net.
Roberts' brilliance was rewarded when he curled in the third before the break. It followed fine build-up play on the edge of the box.
McGregor grabbed his fourth in five games as the clock ticked down in the second half. His effort smashed the crossbar and went over the line. The ball bounced out but the assistant referee called it in.
Roberts cloned his first and made it five with just minutes left. It was a fitting end to his and Celtic's night.
Like so many before them this season, the home side were simply outclassed. They had a couple of chances in the second half but in truth Celtic were toying with them for long spells. In terms of the season, their work was already done and it looked that way.
It's 46 games unbeaten in all competitions, 104 league goals and a current total of 103 points.
The records just keep tumbling under Rodgers. The big one will be confirmed on Sunday if they can avoid defeat at home to Hearts at Celtic Park and become 'the invincibles'.
A draw or a win will give them their biggest points tally in a 38-game league season, with the Scottish Cup final against Aberdeen and the chance to complete a domestic treble following on 27 May.
• None Attempt blocked. Patrick Roberts (Celtic) right footed shot from the centre of the box is blocked.
• None Attempt saved. Tomas Rogic (Celtic) right footed shot from the centre of the box is saved in the centre of the goal.
• None Attempt saved. Adebayo Azeez (Partick Thistle) right footed shot from a difficult angle on the left is saved in the bottom left corner.
• None Goal! Partick Thistle 0, Celtic 5. Patrick Roberts (Celtic) left footed shot from outside the box to the top left corner.
• None Attempt saved. Tomas Rogic (Celtic) header from the centre of the box is saved in the bottom right corner.
• None Goal! Partick Thistle 0, Celtic 4. Callum McGregor (Celtic) right footed shot from outside the box to the bottom right corner.
• None Attempt missed. Nir Bitton (Celtic) right footed shot from outside the box is just a bit too high.
• None Attempt missed. Scott Sinclair (Celtic) left footed shot from the left side of the box is close, but misses to the left.
• None Attempt saved. Tomas Rogic (Celtic) right footed shot from outside the box is saved in the centre of the goal.
• None Attempt saved. Scott Sinclair (Celtic) right footed shot from the centre of the box is saved in the top centre of the goal. Navigate to the next page Navigate to the last page
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http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/39879798
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Arsene Wenger: Arsenal manager's future decided after FA Cup final - BBC Sport
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2017-05-19
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Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger says his future at the club will be decided after the FA Cup final on 27 May.
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Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger says his future at the club will be decided at a board meeting after the FA Cup final on 27 May.
The 67-year-old Frenchman has been with the Gunners since 1996 and his contract comes to an end this summer.
Wenger has faced numerous protests by Arsenal's own supporters this season, calling for him to quit as boss.
"There are many aspects to be discussed at a board meeting. One is what happens with the manager," he said.
• None A play-off to get into Europe?
"Of course I will be there. At the moment we should focus on the short term and what is going on on Sunday and in the cup final."
The north London side face Premier League champions Chelsea at Wembley Stadium, the Gunners' only hope of claiming a trophy this campaign.
But the season has been blighted by continuous questions surrounding his future at the club and banners from fans demanding he end his long association with the club. In their previous away game at Stoke, a plane was flown over the stadium which read "Wenger - out means out".
With one game remaining in the league, they face a battle to qualify for the Champions League as they are currently in fifth position, a point adrift of Liverpool in fourth and three behind third-placed Manchester City, albeit with an inferior goal difference of five.
Arsenal host Everton in their final game on Sunday (15:00 GMT), while Liverpool welcome relegated Middlesbrough to Anfield and Manchester City travel to Watford.
Wenger added: "We have to do our job, we are professionals and want to win. We are on a good run and all we can do is win our game on Sunday. After that what happens to me is less important.
"I am here to serve the club and the best way to do that is by winning the next game."
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http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/39972064
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The man who helped prevent a nuclear crisis - BBC News
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2017-05-19
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https://www.facebook.com/bbcnews
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In 1988 a military scientist from Taiwan sent his wife to Tokyo Disneyland and then defected to the US.
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Asia
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Mr Chang arrived in the US in January 1988 after a lifetime in Taiwan, to inform on his government's nuclear ambitions
In 1988 Taiwan was racing to build its first nuclear bomb, but one military scientist put a stop to that when he defected to the United States and exposed those plans. This is the story of a man who insists he had to betray his country in order to save it.
To this day, critics consider Chang Hsien-yi a traitor - but he has no regrets.
"If I can ever do it all over again, I will do it," says the calmly defiant 73-year-old, speaking from his home in the US state of Idaho.
The former military colonel has been living there since 1988 when he fled to the US, a close ally of the island, and this is his first substantial interview about that time.
It might seem a perplexing turn of events given the close relationship the US has with Taiwan, but Washington had found out that Taiwan's government had secretly ordered scientists to develop nuclear weapons.
Taiwan's enemy, the Communist government of China, had been building up its nuclear arsenal since the 1960s, and the Taiwanese were terrified this would be unleashed on the island.
Taiwan separated from China after the Chinese Civil War in 1949. To this day China considers Taiwan a breakaway province and has vowed to reunify with the island, by force if necessary.
The leadership of the island was also in an uncertain phase - its president, Chiang Ching-kuo, was dying, and the US thought that General Hau Pei-tsun, whom they saw as a hawkish figure, would become his successor.
Mr Chang, seen here with one of his children in Taiwan before his defection, enjoyed a comfortable life at that time
They were worried about a nuclearisation of the Taiwan Strait and bent on stopping Taiwan's nuclear ambition in its tracks and preventing a regional arms race.
So they secretly enlisted Mr Chang to halt Taiwan's programme.
When Mr Chang was recruited by the CIA in the early 1980s, he was the deputy director at Taiwan's Institute of Nuclear Energy Research, which was responsible for the nuclear weapons programme.
As one of Taiwan's key nuclear scientists, he enjoyed a life of privilege and a lucrative salary.
But he says he began questioning whether the island should have nuclear weapons after the catastrophic Chernobyl accident in 1986 in the former Soviet Union.
He was convinced by the Americans' argument that stopping the programme would be "good for peace, and was for the benefit of mainland China and Taiwan".
Factory 221 witnessed the research and test of China's first nuclear bomb
"This fit into my mindset very much," says Mr Chang. "But the most important reason why I agreed is that they went to great efforts to assure me they would ensure my safety."
The next task was getting him and his family out.
At that time, military officials could not leave Taiwan without permission.
So, Mr Chang first ensured his wife and three young children's safety by sending them to Japan for a holiday.
His wife, Betty, says she had no clue about her husband's double life. They had only talked about the possibility of him accepting a job in the US.
The Changs were put in a safe house shortly after their arrival in the US
"He told me this was a trial to test how easy I could get out from Taiwan and to see how much luggage I could pack," she says.
Mrs Chang left on 8 January 1988 with their children, excited to visit Tokyo Disneyland.
The very next day, Mr Chang took a flight to the US using a fake passport provided by the CIA. All he had with him was some cash and a few personal possessions.
Contrary to previous reports, he says he did not take a single document with him when he left Taiwan.
"The American government had all the evidence, they just needed someone - me - to corroborate it."
Meanwhile in Tokyo, Betty Chang was approached by a woman who handed her a letter from Mr Chang. That was the moment she discovered her husband was a CIA spy and had defected.
"It said 'You will never go back to Taiwan and from Japan you will go to USA'... that was a surprise for me.
"I just cried when I knew I could no longer go back to Taiwan," says Mrs Chang.
The family was bundled into a plane headed for Seattle, where they were met by Mr Chang at the airport.
The Changs were later put in a safe house in Virginia, due to fears he would be assassinated by Taiwanese agents or patriotic extremists.
Within a month, the US succeeded in pressuring Taiwan to end the programme, using the intelligence it had collected and Mr Chang's testimony.
Taiwan was believed to be just one or two years from completing a nuclear bomb.
Mr Chang has remained silent for decades. But with his recent retirement he now wants to set the record straight with a memoir, titled Nuclear! Spy? CIA: Record of an Interview with Chang Hsien-yi.
The book, written with academic Chen Yi-shen and published in December, has reignited a debate about whether Mr Chang did the right thing for Taiwan.
Mr Chang recently wrote a book about his side of the story
Some praise him for preventing a potential nuclear war. Others see his actions as denying Taiwan the weapons it needed for self-defence and survival.
Even those in Taiwan's ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), which officially opposes the development of nuclear energy and weapons, take a dim view of Mr Chang's actions.
"Regardless of what your political views are, when you betray your country, it's not acceptable... it cannot be forgiven," said the DPP's Wang Ting-yu, chairman of the parliament's foreign affairs and defence committee.
But Mr Chang insists he feared then that ambitious Taiwanese politicians would use nuclear weapons to try to take back mainland China.
He claims Madame Chiang Kai Shek, the stepmother of dying President Chiang Ching-kuo, and a group of generals loyal to her had even gone so far as to set up a separate chain of command to expedite the development of nuclear weapons.
Taiwan's programme was developed in response to China's stockpile of missiles, several of which are now on display at Beijing's Military Museum
"They said they wouldn't use it, but nobody believed it," says Mr Chang, adding that the US certainly did not.
Nowadays, there may still be politicians who could be tempted to use such weapons, this time to pursue Taiwan's formal independence from China at whatever cost, he says.
But the DPP's Mr Wang dismisses this notion. "We absolutely don't consider this, we don't even think about it," he said.
Taiwan has nuclear power plants, which some have protested against
Over the years some Taiwanese presidents have hinted at a desire to reactivate the island's nuclear weapons programme, but these suggestions have been quickly quashed by Washington's objections.
Still, the island is widely considered to have the ability to make nuclear weapons quickly if needed. China has in recent years threatened to attack if Taiwan ever deployed nuclear weapons.
Following his defection, Taiwan's military listed Mr Chang as a fugitive. But even after his arrest warrant expired in 2000, he has not returned to Taiwan and does not plan to.
He does not want to deal with criticism he is sure he would face, and the negative impact that would have on his family there.
The Chang family is pictured here in this 1995 photo, a few years after their defection to the US
In 1990, they were permanently resettled in Idaho, where Mr Chang worked as a consulting engineer and scientist at the US government's Idaho National Laboratories until he retired in 2013.
He says his only regret is that he was not able to see his parents before they passed away.
"You don't have to be in Taiwan to love Taiwan; I love Taiwan," says Mr Chang.
"I am Taiwanese, I am Chinese. I don't want to see Chinese people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait killing each other."
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http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-39252502
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Jose Mourinho: Man Utd boss says youngsters 'not ready' for first team - BBC Sport
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2017-05-19
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Man Utd boss Jose Mourinho includes eight players who could make their debuts against Crystal Palace - but says they are "not ready".
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Last updated on .From the section Football
Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho says some of the club's young players "are not ready" for first-team action.
Mourinho has named eight players who could make their debuts in his squad for Sunday's last Premier League game of the season against Crystal Palace.
"To play so many kids at the same time, honestly, I don't think is good. You want them to be surrounded by players who support them," said the Portuguese.
United are guaranteed sixth place, while Palace are safe from relegation.
Sam Allardyce's side are 13th going into the match at Old Trafford (15:00 BST kick-off), but a victory and other results going their way could see them finish as high as 11th.
Mourinho's side face Ajax in the Europa League final in Stockholm on Wednesday knowing victory will earn them a place in the group stages of next season's Champions League.
Who are the youngsters?
In addition, striker Marcus Rashford, who has 11 goals this season, defender Timothy Fosu-Mensah, who has played 10 times this season, and Axel Tuanzebe, who has played four times, should be in the United squad on Sunday. All three are 19.
United have already won the EFL Cup this season, and Mourinho's team selection has Wednesday's Europa League final in mind.
Mourinho said Paul Pogba - the world's most expensive player - will play on Sunday having missed the past two games after the death of his father, while fellow midfielder Marouane Fellaini will have a scan on a hamstring injury.
Meanwhile, captain Wayne Rooney - who has been linked with a summer transfer - may have missed the chance of an Old Trafford farewell, as Mourinho said the England international would "probably not" be involved.
"It's a great experience for the kids but they are not ready. Maybe one at a time but not all together," added the former Chelsea manager.
"I spoke with [Under-23 coach] Nicky Butt and his opinion is important. When they played at Old Trafford, I have been there. They trained with me many times. I know the kids.
"We bring the ones who are more adapted to our team at the moment. Our biggest problem is the number of matches. It is unbelievable."
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http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/39977570
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Luton Town 3-3 Blackpool (agg: 5-6) - BBC Sport
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2017-05-19
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Stuart Moore's injury-time own goal sends Blackpool into the League Two play-off final with an aggregate win over Luton Town.
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Last updated on .From the section Football
Blackpool reached the League Two play-off final as an injury-time own goal ended Luton's promotion hopes at the end of a remarkable, see-sawing tie.
The Hatters, trailing 3-2 from the first leg, fell further behind when Nathan Delfouneso opened the scoring.
Kelvin Mellor's own goal, Scott Cuthbert's header and Danny Hylton's penalty then hauled Luton in front.
But Armand Gnanduillet made it 5-5 on aggregate, before Stuart Moore's own goal sent Blackpool to Wembley.
Goalkeeper Moore's misfortunate capped an incredible night of League Two play-off action, as Exeter City beat Carlisle United in the other semi-final - also 6-5 on aggregate and also courtesy of a 95th-minute winner.
The Grecians had looked to be coasting towards the final on Sunday, 28 May before Carlisle scored two late goals to level the tie.
But Jack Stacey's spectacular long-range strike in stoppage time means Blackpool will face Exeter in the Wembley showpiece.
• None RELIVE: How Blackpool and Exeter reached the League Two play-off final
Having only confirmed their place in the play-offs on the final day of the regular season, the Tangerines' passage to the final appeared a straightforward one when Delfouneso put them 4-2 ahead on aggregate.
But Luton, roared on by a partisan home crowd, battled back and deservedly levelled the tie by half-time of the second leg through a Mellor own goal and Cuthbert's well-placed header.
They completed the turnaround early in the second half in controversial circumstances - striker Hylton appeared to dive to win the penalty with which he made it 5-4 on aggregate, a chipped Panenka effort that went in off the bar.
Blackpool were not to be outdone, however, and the impressive Gnanduillet headed in to level matters and send the last-four match towards extra time.
But, as at St James Park, there was more drama to come when Jordan Cook tried to clear Mellor's header off the line, but instead hit the back of Moore and the ball crept into the net to send Blackpool into the final.
"I'm a bit shaken. We showed we are a good side but also that we are a naive side at times. We dominated and were excellent the way we played.
"I'm really proud of my team. We were in total control of the game and two little incidents cost us the game. Up until 75 minutes we were in total control."
"We gifted them two goals. But the courage these boys had to come back was brilliant.
"We knew if we could get to 3-2 they'd be nervy - as all teams are - but it was amazing the bravery they had to play still.
"It's what you play football for, and you have to realise what these supporters have been through the last few years.
"We were 14th on 14 February and have gone on the run, we've come here to the favourites in the play-offs and won."
• None Attempt blocked. Kelvin Mellor (Blackpool) header from the centre of the box is blocked. Assisted by Ian Black with a cross.
• None Attempt blocked. Neil Danns (Blackpool) right footed shot from the right side of the box is blocked. Assisted by Kelvin Mellor.
• None Attempt saved. Armand Gnanduillet (Blackpool) left footed shot from outside the box is saved in the centre of the goal. Assisted by Brad Potts.
• None Attempt missed. Ian Black (Blackpool) right footed shot from the left side of the box misses to the left. Assisted by Bright Samuel following a corner.
• None Attempt missed. Bright Samuel (Blackpool) left footed shot from the left side of the box is too high. Assisted by Armand Gnanduillet.
• None Attempt saved. Brad Potts (Blackpool) left footed shot from outside the box is saved in the bottom right corner. Assisted by Bright Samuel.
• None Attempt missed. Mark Cullen (Blackpool) header from the centre of the box is high and wide to the left. Assisted by Bright Samuel with a cross.
• None Delay over. They are ready to continue.
• None Delay in match Mark Cullen (Blackpool) because of an injury.
• None Attempt missed. Olly Lee (Luton Town) header from the centre of the box is too high. Assisted by Dan Potts with a cross.
• None Offside, Blackpool. Ian Black tries a through ball, but Mark Cullen is caught offside.
• None Olly Lee (Luton Town) is shown the yellow card for a bad foul. Navigate to the next page Navigate to the last page
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http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/39879758
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Giro d'Italia: Geraint Thomas pulls out of race after crash on Sunday - BBC Sport
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2017-05-19
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British rider Geraint Thomas. who had been chasing overall victory, pulls out of the Giro d'Italia after crashing on Sunday's stage.
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Last updated on .From the section Cycling
Team Sky's British rider Geraint Thomas has pulled out of the Giro d'Italia as a result of the crash he suffered on Sunday's stage.
Thomas crashed in a pile-up involving a police motorbike, having started the ninth stage in second place overall.
He had a scan on a shoulder injury on Monday's rest day and went on to finish second in Tuesday's time trial.
But he said continuing further "would be a case of trying to survive each day rather than racing".
"Obviously it's never nice to leave a race early, especially when it's your main goal of the season, but I have to look at the bigger picture," he added.
"I'd love to continue, but I've been suffering since my crash on Sunday. I've had an issue with my shoulder which is manageable, but my knee has also been getting worse each day."
Thomas, given licence to compete for overall victory for the first time at one of cycling's three grand tours, finished more than five minutes behind stage winner and race favourite Nairo Quintana on Sunday's summit finish.
He had started the day level on time with the Colombian, and 10 seconds behind then-race leader Bob Jungels.
But he was taken out 15km from Sunday's finish when Dutchman Wilco Kelderman was unable to avoid a police motorbike that had stopped at the side of the road, hitting the officer with his shoulder.
That caused Kelderman to swerve to his right into the Sky riders, who were in a line in the peloton, and resulted in several of the British-based team being brought down.
Thomas finished the day more than five minutes behind Quintana but made up more than two minutes during Tuesday's individual race against the clock.
However, he lost more than one minute during Wednesday and Thursday's stages.
He was six minutes and 46 seconds behind race leader Tom Dumoulin, and more than four minutes adrift of second-placed Quintana, when he pulled out before Friday's stage 13. The 21-stage race finishes on Sunday, 28 May in Milan.
Competing at the 2013 Tour de France, Thomas suffered a broken pelvis in a crash on the opening stage.
But he continued to ride for the duration of the three-week, 21-stage race, as team-mate Chris Froome claimed the first of his three victories.
Crashing out of a race is nothing new for Geraint Thomas but his withdrawal from the Giro d'Italia is a devastating blow.
The Welshman was leading Team Sky at a Grand Tour for the first time in his career, an opportunity for which he had worked long and hard to earn.
All appeared to be going according to plan in the early stages, with Thomas second in the general classification and his usual nonchalant self despite the increased scrutiny on him in Italy.
Then disaster struck on Sunday, with the crash that effectively ended the 30-year-old's hopes of victory, through no fault of his own.
First there was anger, then a determination to recover, but the overriding emotion for Thomas was one of frustration.
We will never know how he might have fared had he kept in touch with the likes of pre-race favourite Nairo Quintana; how he might have competed for a podium finish - or better - in the final week.
The question of 'what if' will play on his mind but, as Thomas says, he will be back and ready to support Chris Froome at the Tour de France in July.
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http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cycling/39972898
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Emre Can: Was Liverpool midfielder's goal the best this season? - BBC Sport
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2017-05-02
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Emre Can's spectacular overhead kick could prove pivotal in Liverpool's push for a Champions League place, but was it the best of the season?
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Last updated on .From the section Football
It was only his seventh Premier League goal since arriving from Germany three years ago, but Emre Can's sensational overhead kick was enough for Liverpool to beat Watford on Monday night.
The Germany midfielder ran onto a lofted pass from Lucas and, with his back to goal, hooked a volley into the top corner.
With Jurgen Klopp's side sitting in third, it could prove to be a valuable goal as they push for Champions League football - but was it the goal of the season?
"Actually, I would love to see it again - everybody is speaking about it.
"I only saw it once but it looked already pretty nice. I turned a little early and didn't see it hit the back of the net.
"He is a good boy, a good player and he deserves it," added the German manager.
Liverpool have not been strangers to special goals this season - with midfielders Jordan Henderson, Sadio Mane and Georginio Wijnaldum all winning Match of the Day's Goal of the Month competition.
With 11 goals in 100 career league starts, Can is not the most frequent goalscorer, and the player admitted himself that his strike at Vicarage Road was his best to date.
"I have never scored a goal like that - maybe when I was younger. That is the best goal I've ever scored," Can said.
"I saw the space and I ran behind and my first thought was that I wanted to head it, then I didn't think too much."
Team-mate Adam Lallana, who made his return from injury as an early substitute, said that Liverpool players will be allowing Can to try more acrobatic efforts in training.
"He does like to try speculative efforts, and we will not have a pop now after he produced that," said the England midfielder.
"It was a 'worldy' goal, worthy of winning any game.
"Credit to him, he was brave enough to try it and it flew into the top corner."
The goal of the season will be chosen at the end of the campaign.
Tottenham's Dele Alli won the award last season for his strike at Crystal Palace, and the last Liverpool man to win the honour was none other than Steven Gerrard for his brilliant winner in the 2006 FA Cup final.
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http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/39775392
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World Championship: Black-ball mystery frustrates Mark Selby - BBC Sport
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2017-05-02
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Did Mark Selby hit the black ball? Watch the controversial moment from the World Championship final and judge for yourself.
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Did Mark Selby hit the black ball? Watch the controversial moment from the World Championship final and judge for yourself.
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http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/snooker/39773954
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Who is Great Britain's greatest heavyweight? Joshua? Fury? Lewis? You decide - BBC Sport
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2017-05-02
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Great Britain has had a handful of elite heavyweight fighters, but who was the greatest? BBC Sport wants your vote.
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A good heavyweight needs power, grace, stamina and plenty of heart.
They face off in boxing's glamour division, but only a few are ever good enough to make their mark.
Great Britain waited nearly 96 years between Bob Fitzsimmons' world heavyweight title win and Lennox Lewis claiming a version of the title in 1992.
Anthony Joshua is the latest to make a telling dent among the sport's biggest men. But who is Britain's greatest heavyweight?
In a BBC Sport poll, 70% of voters chose Lennox Lewis as Britain's greatest heavyweight.
Born in Cornwall but largely raised in New Zealand, Fitzsimmons was the first fighter to win titles in three divisions - becoming world champion at middleweight, light-heavyweight and heavyweight.
A blacksmith by trade, he became known as a brutal puncher. In winning the middleweight title in 1891, he reportedly knocked down opponent Jack Dempsey (not the later heavyweight champion of the same name) 13 times.
Cooper's trademark left hook - christened 'Enry's 'Ammer' - famously dropped Muhammad Ali (then known as Cassius Clay) at Wembley Stadium in 1963. The London fighter did not have enough time to close the job in the fourth round and Ali's canny trainer, Angelo Dundee, delayed the start of the fifth, claiming his man's gloves were damaged. A British, Commonwealth and European champion, Cooper was the first person to win BBC Sports Personality of the Year twice.
Hungary-born but a naturalised resident of the UK and, later, Australia, Bugner fought for more than 31 years. He lost to Muhammad Ali on points twice, and also took Joe Frazier to the cards. A world title eluded him, although he held European and British belts.
He lost world title bouts to Tim Witherspoon, Mike Tyson and Lennox Lewis before capturing the WBC belt in the penultimate fight of his career - out-pointing Oliver McCall at Wembley in 1995. Much loved by the British public, Bruno was a destructive force, landing 38 wins by knockout.
The last man to be undisputed heavyweight champion of the world, courtesy of his 1999 victory over Evander Holyfield. His list of conquests includes the likes of Mike Tyson and Vitali Klitschko, brother of Wladimir. Lewis avenged his two defeats by securing knockout wins over Oliver McCall and Hasim Rahman.
A unified champion at cruiserweight, Haye became the first man since Evander Holyfield to also win a world title at heavyweight. He took the WBA belt from Nikolai Valuev in 2009 in a fight in which he weighed in almost seven stones lighter than his opponent. He is now three fights into a return to the sport, losing his most recent bout to Tony Bellew.
Fury produced an excellent performance to end Wladimir Klitschko's 11-year unbeaten run and claim the WBA, IBF and WBO titles in November 2015. Fury has since battled personal problems and does not have an active licence to compete at the moment, although has vowed to return. His ascent to world level took in British, Commonwealth and European titles.
Like Lewis, Olympic gold preceded his professional career but it took Joshua just 34 rounds to land the IBF world title. His rapid rise through the professional ranks made him just the second fighter - after Frazier - to hold a world heavyweight title while still reigning as Olympic champion.
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http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/boxing/39602619
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Russia puts the Queen centre stage in Moscow's The Audience - BBC News
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2017-05-02
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https://www.facebook.com/bbcnews
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Russian actors relish playing the Queen and British prime ministers in Moscow, Sarah Rainsford reports.
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Europe
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This video can not be played To play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser. The Queen is centre stage in Russian production of The Audience
The final chairs scrape into place, mobile phones click off and the curtain in a Moscow theatre slides open on Buckingham Palace.
Peter Morgan's The Audience is a very British drama, which imagines the private weekly encounters between Queen Elizabeth II and a whole series of prime ministers.
But it is being staged in Russia as relations with the UK have seriously soured.
That has turned the performance into an act of cultural diplomacy.
Inna Churikova - a star of the Russian stage - plays the Queen
As a woman in a neat red skirt-suit emerges onto the set, the audience breaks into applause.
Inna Churikova, a legend of Soviet cinema and stage, has been transformed into the Queen for this lavish production.
"It started with me looking for a beautiful role for my mother," explains Ivan Panfilov, who is the show's producer as well as Ms Churikova's son.
He even bought the "Queen" some pet corgis for the role, just like the original.
But Mr Panfilov also had another agenda.
"We wanted to pay tribute and respect to the Queen and to Britain. Because no matter what happens in policy, people still find a place for each other in their hearts," he says.
There has been plenty of real-life drama in British-Russian relations lately. Moscow's envoy to the UN Security Council, Vladimir Safronkov, flung diplomacy out of the window to harangue his British counterpart in snarling, crude Russian.
Days before, UK Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson had called off talks in Moscow and proposed fresh sanctions for Russia's policy on Syria.
The play was staged at the Theatre of Nations in central Moscow
But backstage at Moscow's Theatre of Nations it's a different story.
"I'm fascinated by this woman and how she got the world to bend the way she wanted," enthuses Galina Tyunina. The actor, sporting tweed and clutching a small leather handbag, is playing a Russian Margaret Thatcher.
A man marching up and down in the corridor, arms swinging, says he's practising his "David Cameron walk".
The real-life Mr Cameron was keen on doing business with Russia when he first became PM. Then came Russia's annexation of Crimea, conflict in eastern Ukraine and sanctions.
Gorevoy's Churchill: Many Russians still admire the British wartime leader
"The tension between Russia and the United Kingdom, personally I don't like it at all," declares a remarkably life-like "Winston Churchill", complete with bow-tie, cane and jowls.
"We need to put us together. To know each other better. Definitely," actor Mikhail Gorevoy adds in English.
The "Queen" herself is openly enamoured of her character and admits to nerves despite her vast experience.
"This role is very worrying. It's a great responsibility. Because [I'm playing] the wonderful, living soul that is the British Queen," Inna Churikova explains. "I feel in love with this wonderful woman," the leading lady adds.
Not all the very British political jokes in this play make sense here, but the audience is curious and forgiving.
"It's fascinating to look at this culture. We have great respect for characters like Churchill and esteem for his statesmanship," Dmitry comments, during the first interval.
"It's far from our life and political system," Gala admits. "But England is a kind of example, for imitation."
The play's producers are hoping their Russian-British fusion can help build bridges. At the very least it is an oasis of friendship in an increasingly hostile climate.
The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites.
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http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-39738954
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European Athletics proposes rewriting athletics world records after doping scandal - BBC Sport
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2017-05-02
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Most of athletics world records could be rewritten under a "revolutionary" new proposal from European Athletics.
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All athletics world records set before 2005 could be rewritten under a "revolutionary" new proposal from European Athletics.
The credibility of records was examined following the sport's doping scandal.
Britain's Paula Radcliffe, who faces losing her 2003 marathon world record, called the proposals "cowardly".
"I am hurt and do feel this damages my reputation and dignity," she said, adding that the governing bodies had "again failed clean athletes".
Svein Arne Hansen, the European Athletics president, said world records "are meaningless if people don't really believe them".
However, Radcliffe said the changes were "heavy handed" and "confusing to the public".
European Athletics set up a taskforce to look into the credibility of world records in January. Its ruling council has now ratified the proposals put forward by the taskforce, and it wants the sport's world governing body, the IAAF, to adopt the changes it sets out.
How will world records be recognised?
If the proposals are accepted by the IAAF, a world record would only be recognised if it meets all three of the following criteria:
• None It was achieved at a competition on a list of approved international events where the highest standards of officiating and technical equipment can be guaranteed;
• None The athlete had been subject to an agreed number of doping control tests in the months leading up to it;
• None The doping control sample taken after the record was stored and available for re-testing for 10 years.
The IAAF has stored blood and urine samples only since 2005 and current records that do not meet the new criteria would remain on an "all-time list", but not be officially recognised as records.
This would include Jonathan Edwards' triple jump record of 18.29m - set in 1995 - and Colin Jackson's 1994 indoor 60m hurdles world record of 7.30secs, as well as Radcliffe's marathon mark of two hours 15 minutes and 25 seconds, set in 2003 using two male pacemakers.
Mary Keitany of Kenya broke Radcliffe's women's-only world record to win the 2017 London Marathon in two hours 17 minutes one second, the second-fastest time in history.
The council also recommended that a performance should be wiped from record books if the athlete had committed a "doping or integrity violation, even if it does not directly impact the record performance".
Why are the changes needed?
The proposals are a response to last year's McLaren report, which uncovered widespread doping in sport - and athletics in particular. Russian athletes are currently banned from international competition unless they can satisfy strict criteria to show they are clean.
More than 100 Olympic athletes who competed at the 2008 and 2012 Games have been sanctioned for doping after the International Olympic Committee embarked on a programme of retesting old samples.
"There are records in which people in the sport, the media and the public do not have complete confidence," added taskforce chair Pierce O'Callaghan.
What has the reaction been so far?
IAAF president Lord Coe said the changes were "a step in the right direction".
"There will be athletes, current record holders, who will feel that the history we are recalibrating will take something away from them, but if organised and structured properly we have a good chance of winning back credibility in this area," he said.
European Athletics president Hansen said he would encourage the IAAF to adopt the proposal at its August council meeting.
"What we are proposing is revolutionary and not just because most world and European records will have to be replaced," Hansen added.
"We want to raise the standards for recognition to a point where everyone can be confident that everything is fair and above board."
Radcliffe has previously criticised plans to wipe records from the books and last month told BBC Sport she favoured making doping a criminal offence instead to deter cheats.
She issued a statement on Monday criticising the new proposals and athletics governing bodies.
"I worked extremely hard for my PBs and they will always be valid to me. I know they were set through hard work and best effort and abiding by all the rules and am proud of them," Radcliffe wrote.
"Governing bodies have a duty to protect every clean athlete, here they again fail those athletes. We had to compete against cheats, they couldn't provide us a level playing field, we lost out on medals, moments and earnings due to cheats, saw our sport dragged through the mud due to cheats and now, thanks to those who cheat we potentially lose our World and Area records.
"Although we are moving forward I don't believe we are yet at the point where we have a testing procedure capable of catching every cheat out there, so why reset at this point? Do we really believe a record set in 2015 is totally clean and one in 1995 not?
"I am hurt and do feel this damages my reputation and dignity. It is a heavy handed way to wipe out some really suspicious records in a cowardly way by simply sweeping all aside instead of having the guts to take the legal plunge and wipe any record that would be found in a court of law to have been illegally assisted.
"It is confusing to the public at a time when athletics already struggles to market itself. How do they explain how stadium, club and national records are better than the Area or World marks or will they force all those to be to wiped out too?"
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http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/athletics/39774233
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What is going on at Fox News, and could it affect Sky bid? - BBC News
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2017-05-02
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https://www.facebook.com/bbcnews
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The future of the US media network is up for grabs, and British regulators are watching.
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Entertainment & Arts
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Sexual harassment scandals have rocked Fox News - and led to some top-level departures
The ancient adage was never wrong, and thanks to Fox News we can now offer an update: to lose one may be considered a misfortune; to lose two is a sign something's up; but to lose three is a sign that something is rotten in America's most watched news network.
The sacking of ratings juggernaut Bill O'Reilly last month was the most significant departure in the modern history of American cable news. Except that is, for the departure of his boss Roger Ailes last year.
These two monumental media events - the first, a dismissal of the biggest talent on America's most influential news service; the second, a dismissal of the most influential man in American news media (after his boss, Rupert Murdoch) - have now been followed by another remarkable departure: that of Bill Shine, who ran Fox News with Ailes for two decades, and was appointed co-president to sort the mess out.
Three huge departures within nine months. There is now chatter that Sean Hannity, the senior anchor who tweeted last week that Fox News would be finished without Shine, could be the next to go.
What is going on? And could this affect UK communications regulator Ofcom's forthcoming judgement on whether to reject the Murdoch family's bid for the 61% of broadcaster Sky they don't own?
That is certainly the hope of the cross-party group of MPs who have been lobbying Ofcom, and who would rather not see the Murdochs consolidate their power here in the UK. Interestingly, former business secretary Sir Vince Cable said on BBC Radio 4's World at One that Ofcom told him they were in listening mode. And there is certainly a lot of noise emanating from Fox News HQ in Manhattan right now.
There is a palpable fear in New York that the sexual harassment scandal which has toppled Roger Ailes and Bill O'Reilly could be an American version of the phone hacking scandal that dogged Rupert Murdoch's British newspapers. The echoes are eerie.
Roger Ailes - Is he just one rogue individual?
First, there is the instinctive blame on one rogue individual. Fox insiders have generally blamed the dominant, strongman personality of Roger Ailes for what went wrong, saying that with his departure the culture would improve. This sounds familiar to those who remember the initial claim that phone hacking was conducted by "one rogue reporter".
Second, there are the wider questions about a corporate culture. I don't mean by this whether or not Fox News leans to the right. I mean whether or not it is well run. Shine, who we're told resigned over the weekend, wasn't accused of sexual or racial harassment himself; but he was accused by multiple individuals of knowing plenty about the behaviour of his boss, and failing to act appropriately.
Third, and related, there are the legal investigations now under way: not one, but two. The bigger one is a federal probe looking at whether or not Fox withheld settlement payments over sexual harassment from investors.
And fourth, and worst of all for the Murdochs, there is the time. The phone hacking scandal derailed their last attempt to acquire the part of Sky which they don't already own. Now, with Ofcom's assessment of their latest takeover bid in the long grass until after the UK general election on 8 June, this huge scandal threatens to generate all the wrong headlines. The timing couldn't be worse.
For all that, it is important to note that Fox's ratings haven't suffered, and the advertising boycott that followed the revelations around O'Reilly - who strenuously denies he's done anything wrong, and is now forging a fresh career as a podcaster - hasn't yet dented Fox revenues in a really significant way.
The Murdochs' last takeover bid for Sky was derailed by the phone hacking scandal
Moreover, Fox has moved swiftly and decisively in removing toxic individuals, in a way that shows they are extremely alert to potential reputational and commercial damage. It really was unimaginable this time last year that Fox News could exist without Ailes, let alone O'Reilly and even Megyn Kelly, who is probably America's most sought after female anchor, and left the network a few months ago.
The dominant narrative in American media is that these moves show Rupert's sons, James and Lachlan, imposing their worldview on their father's media giant by decisively rejecting the orthodoxies of his reign.
In conversations with seasoned observers of Planet Murdoch, individuals at 21st Century Fox, and opponents of that company's bid for the 61% of Sky it doesn't already own, that narrative finds plenty of support.
That both Ailes and O'Reilly have gone does give credence to the idea that Fox News is being reconfigured by its parent company, 21st Century Fox, where Executive Chairman Lachlan, and CEO James - who are of equal status - want change. Since they acquired this joint status in June 2015, these two have made a concerted effort to modernise their father's firm.
They have held regular town hall meetings with staff, extended parental leave, and made a habit of sending memos to staff - whether groups or individuals - saying well done: a pillar of right-on modern management.
More importantly, they have appointed several women to key roles, from Stacey Snider (in charge of 20th Century Fox film studio) to Courteney Monroe (CEO of National Geographic, a particular passion for James). The entertainment division of 21st Century Fox has several women in key executive roles, from Elizabeth Gabler and Nancy Utley to Emma Watts and Vanessa Morrison.
Rupert Murdoch still rules the roost - but his sons have moved to modernise the family business
Fox insiders are frustrated that the strides made in equality in the entertainment division garner much less publicity than the misdeeds of senior men in the (much smaller and less profitable) news division.
With commercial titans like Chase Carey, Peter Chernin, and now Ailes out of the picture, and James and Lachlan in the ascendant, there is a sense of a new broom at the company.
But Rupert still rules the roost. I would urge caution on those who argue that his grip is weakening. Not only was he, as you'd expect, ultimately responsible for the decisions to remove Ailes, Shine and O'Reilly; not only did he install himself as the temporary but very hands-on chairman of Fox News after Ailes left; but the idea that there was a battle of wills between father and sons, who outnumbered and outfoxed their father, is fanciful.
It is worth bearing in mind how much Rupert would have hated the New York Times felling of O'Reilly. It was their brilliant investigation that revealed the payments made to complainants against O'Reilly, causing a boycott by dozens of advertisers. Murdoch senior coveted the Grey Lady for many years, and paid a huge price for the Wall Street Journal partly because he was so determined to get one over it. The New York Times is the very embodiment of the liberal coastal elite O'Reilly, Shine and Ailes have spent decades bashing. The irony is not lost on either party.
What next for Fox News? Hannity's future remains unclear. Former UK Independence Party leader Nigel Farage, who works for Fox News, told me a fortnight ago that Tucker Carlson, the anchor who has replaced O'Reilly in the key 8pm slot, has long been thought of as his likely successor. In his first few days, Carlson has rated well.
But the bigger drama is yet to come: the federal probes into whether payments were withheld from investors could intensify just as Ofcom consider whether to approve the Murdochs' bid for Sky. The last bid was of course derailed by the phone hacking scandal; and while Ofcom won't comment on what is a quasi-judicial process, their deliberations aren't taking place in a vacuum.
In ancient times, before Donald Trump was elected and when some people naively believed Hillary Clinton would be US president, the mood music coming out of New York suggested that the sons would build Fox News around Megyn Kelly, taking it in a more centrist and female-friendly direction. Now she's gone, and Rupert Murdoch is trying to rid his network of the cancer threatening to spread through it.
Suddenly, the future of Fox News is up for grabs - and British regulators are watching.
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http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-39781954
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Anthony Joshua: World heavyweight champion can replicate 'Tiger Woods effect' - BBC Sport
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2017-05-02
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World heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua can do for boxing what Tiger Woods has done for golf, says promoter Barry Hearn.
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Last updated on .From the section Boxing
World heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua can do for boxing what Tiger Woods has done for golf in the past 20 years, says promoter Barry Hearn.
Briton Joshua, 27, unified the heavyweight division by stopping Wladimir Klitschko in the 11th round of their fight at Wembley on Saturday.
"All sports need flag-bearers," said Hearn, whose son Eddie promotes Joshua for their Matchroom Sport agency.
"Joshua is the finest role model I have seen in sport."
Saturday's thrilling victory - in front of a post-war British record 90,000 fans - means former Olympic champion Joshua is unbeaten in 19 fights as a professional and is now the WBA and IBF world champion.
Woods, 41, won the Masters as a 21-year-old and has since added a further 13 major titles.
The American is credited with changing the face of golf.
"The Joshua effect is very similar to the Tiger Woods effect, where people who are not so interested suddenly become interested, where young people become aspirational to follow in someone's footsteps," said Hearn.
• None Read: What next for champion Joshua?
Meanwhile, Tyson Fury has claimed he could beat Joshua with "one arm tied behind my back".
Joshua called out his compatriot, who beat Klitschko on points in November 2015, after his victory on Saturday.
"Styles do make fights but I am sure I can beat AJ with one arm tied behind my back," Fury said in a Sky Sports interview.
'I don't even need a warm-up if he wants this."
Fury, 28, is unbeaten as a professional, with 18 knockouts in 25 fights, but surrendered his world heavyweight titles in an effort to focus on his mental health problems and is currently without a boxing licence and out of condition.
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http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/boxing/39774164
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Andy Murray: Maria Sharapova likely to get Wimbledon wildcard - BBC Sport
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2017-05-02
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Andy Murray expects Maria Sharapova to receive a wildcard for Wimbledon qualifying if she misses out through her ranking.
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Last updated on .From the section Tennis
World number one Andy Murray expects Maria Sharapova to receive a wildcard for Wimbledon qualifying if she does not make it through her ranking.
The Russian, 30, returned to action in Stuttgart last month after a 15-month doping ban.
She needs an invitation to compete at this month's French Open and, with her ranking of 262, at Wimbledon in July.
"I think there's a good chance Wimbledon would give her one to get into qualifiers," Murray said.
"I'm not sure what they will do but I'm sure they are hoping they don't have to make the decision," the 29-year-old Briton told national newspapers.
"There's a good chance that she can get in by right, which I'm sure is what she's hoping for and that's what Wimbledon would be hoping for."
The All England Club has said "no decisions on any players will be taken" until the scheduled wildcard meeting on 20 June.
Wimbledon's qualifying tournament, which takes place from 26-29 June at the the Bank of England Sports Grounds in Roehampton, will be ticketed and carry video coverage of one court for the first time.
There is something to be said for working your way back up the rankings
Sharapova needs to be closer to the top 200 for direct entry into Wimbledon qualifying and can improve her ranking at upcoming events in Madrid and Rome, which have also taken the decision to award her wildcards.
The five-time Grand Slam champion was suspended in 2016 after testing positive for heart disease drug meldonium, and reached the semi-finals on her return to action in Stuttgart.
She needed to reach the final in Germany to make the world's top 200 and be eligible for French Open qualifying, but defeat by Kristina Mladenovic in the last four pegged her ranking at 262.
The French tennis federation is set to announce its decision regarding a wildcard for Sharapova on 16 May.
Grand Slams face a "different decision" from smaller tournaments over this issue, according to Murray.
"Loads and loads of press went to Stuttgart to cover the event - whereas the Slams don't need that coverage," the Scot said.
"It probably doesn't change their event much either way, so they have a different decision to make."
Murray said the French Open and Wimbledon can do "whatever they want" regarding wildcards but added "there is something to be said for working your way back up" the rankings.
"[Sharapova's] playing at a level where she's capable of winning a tournament like Stuttgart already - it would be a three-, four-week period before she'd be competing at the biggest events again," he said.
"To reach the semis in the first tournament back shows that very soon she's going to be back up at the top of the game. It will be a matter of months."
Murray added, however, that he "wouldn't imagine" Sharapova's form would have any bearing on a Grand Slam tournament's decision to issue a wildcard.
The decision to assist Sharapova's return to the WTA Tour has been criticised by rival players, with 2014 Wimbledon finalist Eugenie Bouchard branding the former world number one "a cheat" who should not have been allowed to play again.
• None 'When you cheat you forgo the privilege to take part in your sport'
'My elbow is always sore'
Having missed Great Britain's Davis Cup quarter-final defeat by France with an elbow injury before returning in Monte Carlo, Murray continued his comeback at the Barcelona Open where he was beaten by Dominic Thiem in the semi-finals.
He will next compete on clay at the Madrid Open, starting on Monday, followed by the Italian Open on 15 May.
"My elbow is always sore, so that's nothing to do with the injury - for the last three or four years, it's always been a bit stiff," said Murray, speaking at The Queen's Club, where he will defend his Aegon Championship title next month.
"It was great in Barcelona for the amount of tennis I played - I pushed it, playing three hours and then having to come back the next day and play again, and the elbow felt really good.
"I just need to start serving better which hopefully will happen over the next few weeks."
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http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/tennis/39785177
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The British pub chain that has banned swearing - BBC Three
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2017-05-02
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Catriona White
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Check out this content on BBC Three.
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Better watch your F-bombs over a cheeky pint, because Samuel Smiths brewery is reportedly refusing service to any cussing customers.
The independent brewery, which owns 200 pubs across the UK, has issued guidelines to staff to implement the company’s new ‘zero tolerance’ policy on profanity.
And they’re taking it pretty seriously, giving any mouthy punters a ban from the premises.
The Gazette spoke to one Samuel Smith’s pub manager in Teesside, who confirmed, “It’s the owner of the brewery’s decision, it’s all started from the brewery - all we can do is try our best.”
When asked if any customers had actually been barred yet, he responded, “We’ve been told to refuse service to people using bad language, so basically, yes.”
Samuel Smiths pubs have become known for their traditional, "uncompromisingly Victorian" aesthetic and their lack of music or TVs.
Looks like this post is no longer available from its original source. It might've been taken down or had its privacy settings changed.
We wish to inform all of our customers that we have introduced a zero tolerance policy against swearing in all of our pubs.
The exact amount or calibre of swearing that will earn you the boot has not been confirmed, but if you want to sip your G and T in peace, best keep the conversation PG.
It’s not the first time a watering hole has made a statement like this.
Various bars and pubs kicked off last Christmas and banned groups wearing Christmas jumpers, accusing them of being more rowdy.
Wetherspoons faced serious backlash when they tried to ban 'sportswear' at a branch in Chatham last summer, claiming they were trying to attract a more upmarket kind of clientele. The residents of Chatham were not impressed.
The pub chain even weighed in on politics in the run up to the referendum, when founder Tim Martin printed 200,000 beer mats calling for the UK to leave the EU.
This article was first published in April 2017
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http://www.bbc.co.uk/bbcthree/item/041d5177-b5cb-49c4-bb27-dcb652806c0d?intc_type=promo&intc_location=news&intc_campaign=pubswearing&intc_linkname=bbcthree_fac_article1
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Paula Radcliffe criticises European Athletics' plans to wipe world and European records - BBC Sport
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2017-05-02
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Paula Radcliffe criticises proposals by European Athletics to rewrite world and European records from before 2005.
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Paula Radcliffe criticised proposals by European Athletics to rewrite world and European records pre-2005 in a move intended to rebuild public confidence in the sport.
She said: "Yet again [this] sees clean athletes suffering for the actions of cheats.
"It's very hard to be told that 'we don't value your records, we don't believe and respect it, and we can't trust the records from that time were set under the correct criteria."
Plans by the governing body would wipe records set before 2005 because blood and urine samples have not been stored to be retested.
Radcliffe holds a world record set at the 2003 London Marathon with a time of two hours 15 minutes 25 seconds.
This clip is originally from 5 live Breakfast on Tuesday, 5 March.
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http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/athletics/39784011
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Champions Trophy: Eoin Morgan calls England team 'most talented group I've played with' - BBC Sport
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2017-05-02
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England one-day captain Eoin Morgan says the current team is "the most talented group of players I've ever played with".
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Last updated on .From the section Cricket
Coverage : Live on BBC Radio 5 live sports extra and the BBC Sport website
England one-day captain Eoin Morgan says the current side is the most talented group of players he has ever played with.
Morgan's team play their first ODI of the summer on Friday against Ireland at Bristol as they begin preparations for the Champions Trophy.
The 50-over tournament begins at The Oval on 1 June and consists of the eight best-ranked ODI teams.
"The talent and ability in the side is second to none," Morgan told BBC Sport.
"I firmly believe this is the most talented group of players I've ever played with. I've been fortunate to play with some fantastic cricketers over the years."
England have never won a 50-over international competition and have won only one global trophy - the World Twenty20 in 2010 - but have twice reached the final of the Champions Trophy, in 2004 and 2013.
England and Wales will host the Champions Trophy, which runs from 1-18 June, and Morgan believes his team are playing a brand of cricket capable of winning a world tournament.
"It is important to recognise the Champions Trophy is the halfway stage towards the 2019 World Cup and that's the real trophy we want to be lifting," he said.
"That is the ultimate goal. This tournament is very relevant for us at the moment given the progression that we've made.
"It is a very ruthless tournament - you have to win every game. Going in with that expectation and hype is very good for us as a group.''
Durham all-rounder Ben Stokes is one of eight England players to compete in this year's Indian Premier League.
He is the most expensive foreign player in IPL history and made a thrilling 63-ball century - his first in Twenty20 cricket - for Pune on Monday.
His international captain Morgan believes there is no-one more dangerous in world cricket right now than Stokes, who will miss the two ODIs against Ireland to remain in India.
"He goes out playing in the same team as the Australian captain Steve Smith and an Indian legend in MS Dhoni and outperforming those guys gives him an abundance of confidence," Morgan said.
"It is not only his own confidence, it will rub off on the team as well."
England's women will also be fighting for a limited-overs trophy this summer when the women's World Cup begins on 24 June on home soil.
The side, led by Heather Knight, have been preparing in the UAE in temperatures exceeding 40C at times.
The training camp was noticeable for the inclusion of Sarah Taylor. Widely considered the most talented player in women's cricket, she has been tackling anxiety-related issues which have had a profound effect on her health.
England remain cautiously optimistic that she will be part of the World Cup.
"Sarah did a lot more than was expected - she did very well out there. With Sarah it is one step at a time at the moment," captain Knight told BBC Sport.
"The World Cup is still eight weeks away. But it is great to see her out in an England shirt again, training around the group.
"She's still the world-class player she was - she'd still walk into any top four in any team in the world. It is great to see her and I love watching her bat. But the most important thing is that she's well, and it puts cricket into perspective, to see her tackling her issues, and hopefully she can come out the other side.''
Uniquely, Tuesday's launch of the new England kits featured all England's captains, including representatives from every disability team.
All believe major strides have been made with the backing of the England and Wales Cricket Board but that there is still far greater scope for development and profile.
Ian Nairn, the captain of England's physical disability team, would like to see cricket achieve the same level of recognition as Paralympic sports.
''We're hitting sixes out of the ground as Eoin Morgan is, as Ben Stokes is. There is no reason why we shouldn't entertain to exactly the same standard," Nairn told BBC Sport. "It is 20-over cricket; it is fast and it is furious.
''We've got a long way to go get to the level of the Paralympics, but it is a global game. In the subcontinent there is a lot of disability and a lot of disabled people playing cricket.
"There's no reason why we can't go there and make it a commercial game. Maybe the 'Disability IPL' is the way forward - that's a dream that we all have.''
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http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cricket/39788306
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Darren Campbell: Rewriting athletics world records would be for 'greater good' - BBC Sport
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2017-05-02
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Olympic gold medallist Darren Campbell says a proposal to rewrite the majority of athletics' world records would be for "the greater good".
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Last updated on .From the section Athletics
Olympic gold medallist Darren Campbell says a proposal to rewrite the majority of athletics' world records before 2005 would be "for the greater good".
The move, designed to restore trust following doping scandals, has been criticised by British athletes.
However, Campbell supports the aim of the plan - even though he could lose his 4x100m European record from 1999.
"I will sacrifice whatever it takes to save the sport and give its credibility back," he told BBC Radio 5 live.
Campbell lost his 4x100m relay gold medal from the 2002 European Championships after team-mate Dwain Chambers admitted to taking a banned steroid at the time.
"I've thought about it, put myself in their shoes of losing a record and yes, I've lost medals and you kind of go, 'OK it's for the greater good'. You have to accept it and move on," he said.
• None Listen to more from Campbell on BBC Radio 5 live
• None The winners and losers if records are wiped
"If it's going to save the sport that I love and has given me so many wonderful things, then that's what needs to happen.
"The punishment has to fit the crime. The level of pain these people put us through - we have to do something.
"Records are there to be broken and some of those records can't be broken unless you're taking drugs."
Paula Radcliffe, who faces losing her 2003 marathon world record, said clean athletes were "suffering for the actions of cheats" under the proposals.
She was supported by Colin Jackson - the 60m indoor hurdles record holder - who told BBC Sport that clean athletes "are still in the majority and should not be getting caught up in this".
Campbell, who won Olympic 200m silver in 2000 and 4x100m gold four years later, feels tough decisions have to be made but said the governing bodies must now flesh out the proposal.
"We need to know how it is going to save the sport. We don't want to end up right back here in 20 years," he said.
"It is radical, it is a recommendation, but tell me how it's going to save the sport? That is the important thing."
The proposal, put forward by European Athletics, would see existing records reassessed against strict criteria in an attempt to make a clean break with the sport's doping scandals.
European Athletics has asked world governing body the IAAF to back its proposals when its council meets in August.
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http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/athletics/39787566
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Real Madrid 3-0 Atletico Madrid - BBC Sport
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2017-05-02
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Cristiano Ronaldo scores another Champions League hat-trick as Real Madrid thrash Atletico Madrid in the semi-final first leg.
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Last updated on .From the section European Football
Cristiano Ronaldo scored another Champions League hat-trick as Real Madrid thrashed Atletico Madrid in the semi-final first leg to close in on a third final in four years.
Real were utterly dominant throughout against their city rivals at the Bernabeu and led after 10 minutes when Ronaldo headed home Casemiro's cross.
It looked as if the hosts might fail to fully capitalise on their superiority - until Ronaldo let the ball bounce and smashed an unstoppable shot from 16 yards past Atletico keeper Jan Oblak, who had made several saves to keep his side in the tie.
And the Portugal forward ensured all the headlines would be his with a second consecutive Champions League hat-trick, having scored five goals in the quarter-final against Bayern Munich. It was his easiest goal of the night, as he controlled Lucas Vazquez's cross in plenty of space before firing home.
Atletico only had one shot on target and will need to pull off one of the Champions League's all-time special performances to stop double-chasing Real from ending their European dreams for the fourth straight season.
• None Relive all the action from the Bernabeu
• None Football Daily podcast: 'Ronaldo's the greatest player on the planet'
Ronaldo does it again
Ronaldo, the top scorer in the history of the Champions League with 103 goals, loves the big occasion. And occasions do not come much bigger.
He has now scored one more goal - 52 - in the knockout stages than he has in the group stages. He has now scored eight goals in his past three games in the competition, and is up to 13 Champions League semi-final goals.
At the age of 32, Ronaldo has reinvented himself as a striker, rather than the marauding wide player we watched cutting in and shooting for most of his career.
He was not heavily involved for large periods of the game, with only 50 touches of the ball compared with 123 for midfielder Toni Kroos. And he only had five shots - scoring with all of his efforts on target, his only three touches in the Atletico box.
Ronaldo was in an offside position when Sergio Ramos' cross came in for the first goal, but the ball never reached him, instead coming out to Casemiro, who crossed for the Portuguese to head home.
His second came when Karim Benzema held off Diego Godin, and Filipe Luis' follow-up clearance bounced up to Ronaldo, who lashed home.
And he surely wrapped the tie up when he added a third in the 86th minute.
No team has retained the Champions League since its rebranding in 1992, but Real - who were in the swashbuckling form we have seen for most of the season - are in a great position to do so.
Manager Zinedine Zidane, who led his side to last season's trophy with victory over Atletico in the final in his first six months in charge, is chasing a double - and their hopes of a first La Liga title since 2012 are in their hands.
Real - who have now scored in 59 consecutive games - had 17 shots against Atletico on Tuesday, with Benzema going close on several occasions, most notably with a bicycle kick that went just wide from Ronaldo's cross.
Raphael Varane almost scored with a header but was denied by a brilliant Oblak stop, while fellow defender Dani Carvajal, who went off injured at half-time, also forced a save from the Atletico keeper.
Such is the strength of Zidane's squad that Wales forward Gareth Bale, out with a calf injury, was not missed at all - with replacement Isco impressing.
And now, on the back of their first clean sheet in this year's tournament, they will surely fancy their chances against Juventus or Monaco in the Cardiff final on Saturday, 3 June.
Atletico have spent most of their history in the shadows of Real so it is of extreme irritation to them that one of their best periods has seen them regularly thwarted by their rivals.
This is the fourth year in a row the teams have met in the latter stages of the Champions League - with Real winning the 2014 and 2016 finals, and the 2015 quarter-final.
Atletico looked a shadow of the team Diego Simeone has turned into one of the most feared in the world. They only had 38% of the ball on Tuesday and, in the first half, misplaced 21.5% of their passes.
Atletico only managed four efforts on goal, with Diego Godin's easily saved header the only one on target.
Simeone, who led Atletico to the 2013 Spanish league title, now faces arguably the toughest test of his managerial career next week in the final European match at the Vicente Calderon before their move to a new stadium.
'We need to forget about this game'
"We need to forget about this game.
"It seems impossible, but it is football and football has these unexpected things that make it marvellous.
"Until the last drip of hope is gone, we will give it everything we have."
"Cristiano is a goalscorer. He is unique. All the players were brilliant.
"I am happy with what I am doing here and with the players, we played a great game. We can hurt any side with our weapons."
The stats you need to know - Ronaldo levels Messi hat-trick record
• None Ronaldo has equalled Barcelona forward Lionel Messi's total of seven Champions League hat-tricks.
• None His treble saw him become the first player to reach 50 goals in the knockout stages of the competition (52).
• None Ronaldo now has 13 semi-final goals in the Champions League (10 for Real Madrid, three for Manchester United) - the most by any player.
• None The Portugal international has also scored more Champions League goals (103) than opponents Atletico Madrid (100).
• None None of the previous five teams to lose a Champions League semi-final first leg by three or more goals have reached the final.
• None Atletico suffered their joint-worst Champions League defeat under Diego Simeone, having also lost by a three-goal margin (4-1) against Real Madrid in the 2014 final.
• None Real kept their first clean sheet in the competition since last year's semi-final against Manchester City (in both legs), ending a run of 11 successive games without one.
Real Madrid go to relegated Granada, managed by Tony Adams, on Saturday (19:45 BST kick-off) as they continue to chase the Spanish title. Atletico, who are in third place, host Eibar on the same day (15:15 BST).
• None Attempt blocked. Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid) left footed shot from outside the box is blocked. Assisted by Marco Asensio with a cross.
• None Attempt saved. Diego Godín (Atlético de Madrid) header from outside the box is saved in the centre of the goal. Assisted by Gabi.
• None Attempt missed. Luka Modric (Real Madrid) right footed shot from the right side of the box misses to the right. Assisted by Marcelo.
• None Goal! Real Madrid 3, Atlético de Madrid 0. Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid) right footed shot from the centre of the box to the centre of the goal. Assisted by Lucas Vázquez following a fast break.
• None Stefan Savic (Atlético de Madrid) is shown the yellow card for a bad foul.
• None Attempt missed. Lucas Vázquez (Real Madrid) left footed shot from the centre of the box misses to the right. Assisted by Marco Asensio. Navigate to the next page Navigate to the last page
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http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/39743922
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Celtic dominate PFA Scotland awards with Moussa Dembele shortlisted for two - BBC Sport
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2017-05-02
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Striker Moussa Dembele is up for the PFA Scotland player and young player awards as Celtic dominate both shortlists.
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Last updated on .From the section Football
Celtic striker Moussa Dembele has been shortlisted for player and young player of the year in the PFA Scotland awards.
The 20-year-old Frenchman is joined in the senior list by team-mates Stuart Armstrong and Scott Sinclair, plus Aberdeen wide man Jonny Hayes.
His opponents for the young player award are team-mates Patrick Roberts and Kieran Tierney, the holder, along with Hibernian striker Jason Cummings.
The winners will be announced on Sunday 7 May at the PFA's annual dinner.
Celtic players have won the last three top-flight player of the year awards and have only failed to win it twice in the past 13 seasons.
Motherwell striker Michael Higdon topped the list in 2013, Rangers midfielder Steven Davis took the award in 2010, while Rangers defender Fernando Ricksen shared it with Celtic's John Hartson in 2005.
Players make the shortlist after voting among players in the Scottish Professional Football League.
Striker Leigh Griffiths was their top choice last season, with midfielder Stefan Johansen the year before and Kris Commons in 2014.
If Hayes were to win, he would become the first Dons player to take the award since Scotland midfielder Jim Bett in 1990.
The shortlists for the Championship, League One and League Two player of the year awards were announced last week.
Cummings, whose goals have helped Hibs win promotion, was shortlisted for Championship player of the year as well as the overall young player award.
Left-back Tierney could become the first to win the young player award twice since Aberdeen midfielder Eoin Jess in 1993 - and the first to win it two years running since Hearts defender Craig Levein in 1986.
Stuart Armstrong, 25, midfielder (Celtic): the former Dundee United midfielder has blossomed in his second full season at Celtic Park and has contributed 14 goals in his 44 appearances, earning himself his first Scotland cap.
Moussa Dembele, 20, striker (Celtic): the France Under-21 international has proved a bargain signing for around £500,000 from Fulham last summer and scored 32 goals in 49 appearances before his season was cut short this month because of a hamstring injury.
Jonny Hayes, 29, winger (Aberdeen): in his fifth season at Pittodrie, the versatile wide man has played at full-back and on the wing, scoring eight times in 40 appearances and re-established himself in the Republic of Ireland squad in helping the Dons into second place in the Premiership and make two cup finals.
Scott Sinclair, 28, winger (Celtic): his career having stalled at Aston Villa, the former Swansea City and Manchester City winger has been a revelation under Brendan Rodgers and scored 25 goals in 45 games for the league and League Cup winners.
Jason Cummings, 21, striker (Hibernian): the product of Hibs' youth system and Scotland Under-21 international has found the net 23 times in 38 appearances as the Edinburgh side won the Championship title and promotion, as well as reaching the Scottish Cup semi-finals.
Moussa Dembele, 20, striker (Celtic): the Frenchman won his early-season joust with Leigh Griffiths to become first-choice striker under Brendan Rodgers and it led to speculation about a multi-million pound January move to Chelsea.
Patrick Roberts, 20, winger (Celtic): continuing his 18-month loan from Manchester City, the England Under-20 international has had to share a place in the starting line-up with Scotland winger James Forrest but has looked a constant threat, scoring seven goals in 42 games.
Kieran Tierney, 19, left-back (Celtic): despite having an injury disrupted season, the flying wide man has had another fine season that has led to reports of interest from top English clubs and should lead to a fourth Scotland cap against England in June.
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http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/39766444
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'I went to the web to find a new kidney' - BBC News
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2017-05-02
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https://www.facebook.com/bbcnews
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Rather than languishing on a waiting list for an organ transplant, some people are seeking help on the internet.
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Health
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Eleven-year-old Matthew Pietrzyk can now swim, run, have a bath and eat chocolate, all impossible before his kidney transplant.
But he might still be on the waiting list, enduring 12 hours of dialysis each day, if his mother, Nicola, had not run a Facebook campaign to find him a living donor.
Matthew is one of a number of UK patients who have bypassed the traditional NHS system of organ allocation, instead harnessing the power of the internet to find their own.
Transplant doctors fear this development could result in an unsavoury competition to attract donors online, in what some have called an "organ beauty pageant".
And they worry that it rips up the traditional health service ethos of equal access to treatment for all.
Consultant nephrologist Dr Adnan Sharif, from Birmingham's Queen Elizabeth Hospital, says: "Somebody who is well-to-do, a professional, will be very good at promoting themselves," whereas poorer patients, perhaps from minority ethnic communities, will not have the same opportunities.
"I'm not going to lie, I think on Matthew's side was the fact he was a child," she says.
"In all walks of life, we use things to our advantage.
"If it meant that he didn't have to spend his life on dialysis, then I'd take it - I don't care."
There are 28,000 people on dialysis in the UK.
Some 5,000 patients are on the national waiting list for an organ transplant from a dead donor.
There is a permanent shortage of such kidneys.
But there is another option; they may get a kidney from a living donor, because most of us can live healthily with just one.
Alison Thornhill donated her kidney to an anonymous recipient
Living donors now make up a third of all kidney transplants in the UK.
Some are donated anonymously through a very successful NHS scheme.
But social media campaigns such as Matthew's can bring dozens of would-be donors to be tissue-tested for just one patient, squeezing resources.
Sue Moore, the lead NHS living donor coordinator in Birmingham, says: "You'd get people call out of the blue, and it was quite overwhelming really."
However, since Matthew's appeal was launched in 2013, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, the biggest renal centre in Europe, has adjusted to handling such pressures.
Matthew's mother argues publicity for his campaign increased awareness of kidney donation.
And some of the people initially tested for Matthew went on to give a kidney to someone else.
One was Alison Thornhill, who was touched by his Facebook appeal.
"If one of my grandchildren was in that situation, I would want somebody to step forward and be tested to see if they were a match for him," she says.
Alison wasn't a match for Matthew, but since she "was prepared to give a kidney to a little boy who I didn't know, it made sense just to go on and give it to somebody else who I didn't know who needed it".
Eighteen months ago, she went into hospital and became an anonymous donor.
Unexpectedly, she later got letters from the recipient, and from his mother, who wrote: "I don't know anything about you apart from the fact that you are a very kind and compassionate person.
"I will be eternally grateful to you.
Gemma Coles wants to chose who to donate her kidney to
But some would-be donors want to choose precisely who receives their kidney.
Searching online, Gemma Coles identified a series of patients she wanted to donate to, though for various reasons it has not yet happened.
Asked why she wants to choose the recipient, she replies she has only one kidney to give.
"You have to be judgemental," she says.
"There's thousands of people, literally, needing a kidney, and more and more now their stories are available on social media, and it can feel you're being very critical of people's lives, trying to decide who to give and who not to."
If the transplant community was disturbed by Facebook kidney appeals, it was shocked by websites offering to match donors and patients, who can browse through profiles and photos.
Matchingdonors.com was set up in the US by businessman Paul Dooley as a non-profit venture.
It charges $595 (£464) for US patients seeking a donor.
In 2012, he brought the website to the UK, but this time, without charging any fees.
According to the regulator, the Human Tissue Authority, transplant centres must refuse operations involving a website that does charge fees.
Since Matchingdonors.com is free to use in the UK, there is no regulatory barrier to stop it brokering a transplant.
But chief executive Mr Dooley says not one such transplant has taken place in five years in the UK.
There are 73 UK patients waiting - some have found matches with potential donors, but none has had permission from their hospital to go ahead.
Prof Vassilios Papalois says doctors must be allowed to make ethical decisions
In 2015, he stopped stopped signing up British patients, because "there's no use them going to a gas station if there's no gas".
It seems the transplant community simply decided organ-matching websites were beyond the pale. But is this fair?
Prof Vassilios Papalois, who formerly chaired the British Transplantation Society's ethics committee, says the views of transplant teams must be respected.
"They have the autonomy to say that for us it's ethically objectionable," he says.
Asked if he is trying to provide the catwalk for an organ beauty pageant, Mr Dooley replies: "Every single person on our website who's an organ donor wants to choose.
"They want to say, 'I want to give to an old grandfather, 'I want to give to a single father,' and if that's what they consider a beauty contest, that's not a beauty contest, it's the choice of who you want to donate to."
The Organ Beauty Pageant is broadcast on BBC Radio 4 on Tuesday, 2 May, at 20:00 BST, and repeated on Sunday, 7 May, at 17:00 BST.
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http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-39705234
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Fidget spinners: the new craze in school playgrounds - BBC News
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2017-05-02
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https://www.facebook.com/bbcnews
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Forget bottle-flipping and ditch your loom bands, there's a new craze sweeping school playgrounds.
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Scotland
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Forget bottle-flipping and ditch your loom bands, there's a new craze sweeping school playgrounds.
Fidget spinners were originally developed as a way for children with ADHD or autism to relieve stress.
But in the last few weeks, these palm-sized toys have become the latest "must-have" for almost every school child in the country.
On video-sharing websites like YouTube, vloggers have amassed millions of views from performing tricks with their fidget spinners.
And teachers have reported a huge increase in the number being brought to schools by pupils.
There are reports that some schools have banned the toys, but primary school teacher Danielle Timmons told BBC Radio Scotland that they can have benefits.
"Fidget toys have always been something that we've had in schools," she told The Kaye Adams Programme.
"They've only ever really been used by children with additional support needs. In fact, specialists coming into the school recommend them for children and we'll buy them in for the children that are identified.
"For a long time they've always existed but they've never been as popular as they seem to be now.
"It's become a playground toy as well as something that is used by children to stop them from fidgeting."
Remember loom bands? These bright rubber bracelets adorned millions of wrists in 2014
There are many different types of fidget spinners but the most popular is a small, three-pronged device.
When it is placed between the thumb and a finger, the user can give it a quick flick to trigger a spin.
Like all the best playground toys, they can be bought for a couple of pounds in a local corner shop - though some are retailing at a much higher price online.
But now some parents have raised concerns that they may be a distraction in the classroom.
Mother-of-three Doreen Boyle said the toys were "infuriating".
"My youngest, who is 13, appeared with this fidget on Thursday, and it has not left his side.
"I've had a house full of little boys all weekend and they've all got them, and nobody can talk to you, nobody can have any eye contact with you because they're all playing with this thing.
"And I can't believe that they're not going to affect performance in class."
Teacher Ms Timmons said that they can aid learning among some children.
However in her class there are strict rules that, if they are being used, they must be kept below the desk and out of the sight of teachers and fellow pupils.
"If a child is going to fidget, they're going to fidget, there's nothing you can do to stop them," she said.
"But these fidget toys are one way of allowing them to fidget without the disruption of the tapping pencils fidgeting, or the tapping feet.
"It's a much less disruptive way to channel their energies into something else while the teaching is going on. "
The fidget spinners were originally developed to help children with ADHD and autism
There are a range of so-called "fidget toys", including this cube device
Dr Amanda Gummer, a child psychologist, said the craze was helping to de-stigmatise a toy that was previously only used by children with additional needs.
The fidget toy phenomenon is one that is sweeping the world, not just the UK, according to Richard Gottlieb, founder of US-based consultancy Global Toy Experts.
"It's spreading globally...and rapidly," he said.
They are not just confined to the playground however. Adults are also increasingly turning to fidget toys. So what is their appeal?
"I think its the need to fidget manually," said Mr Gottlieb.
"That's why some people smoke, others squeeze a rubber ball and even Captain Queeg in the movie the Caine Mutiny manipulated two steel balls in his hand whenever he got worked up.
"I think people in general are pretty stressed out right now by Brexit, the various elections, Donald Trump, Syria, North Korea....you name it.
"So, it is a good time to be selling something that allows an individual to fidget off some stress - particularly at a time when smoking is looked down on."
He believes the playground craze has been fuelled by a generation of stressed-out children.
"Typically there are people who are influencers, and they can be anything from the coolest kid on the playground to the coolest person in the office, that by simply using a product cause others to do so as well," he said.
"In this case, however, it took off like crazy and I think it is, again, because adults are anxious but, at least in the US, kids are anxious as well.
"There is just way too much much pressure from parents, too much school work and too much time engaged in adult supervised activities."
The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites.
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http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-39778578
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Huddersfield Town: EFL writes to Championship side about team selection - BBC Sport
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2017-05-02
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The English Football League writes to Huddersfield Town about their team selection for Saturday's defeat by Birmingham City.
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Last updated on .From the section Football
The EFL has written to Huddersfield to "request their observations regarding team selection" for Saturday's 2-0 defeat by Birmingham City.
The Terriers made 10 changes for the trip to St Andrew's having sealed a Championship play-off place, but the EFL said the result would stand.
Rovers, who occupy the final relegation place, are two points behind Harry Redknapp's Blues with one game to play.
The EFL said in a statement: "We have today written to Huddersfield Town to request their observations in relation to team selection during their recent Championship match with Birmingham City and, as per our regulations, the EFL executive will refer the matter to the board if it is deemed appropriate to do so.
"It should be noted, however, that the result of Saturday's game will stand in all circumstances and any potential action would be taken against Huddersfield Town directly."
Blackpool and Wolves were fined for fielding much-changed teams in Premier League matches in 2010 and 2009 respectively.
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http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/39786607
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BBC Women's Footballer of the Year 2017: Ada Hegerberg profile - BBC Sport
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2017-05-02
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BBC Sport profiles Olympique Lyonnais and Norway striker Ada Hegerberg, a nominee for the BBC Women's Footballer of the Year 2017 award.
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We are profiling each of the five nominees for the BBC Women's Footballer of the Year 2017 award. Voting has now closed but you can see all the contenders' profiles and read full terms here. The winner will be revealed on Tuesday, 30 May, during Sport Today on BBC World Service from 18:30 GMT (19:30 BST).
Only one player scored more goals than Cristiano Ronaldo in Uefa competitions last year - BBC Women's Footballer of the Year 2017 nominee Ada Hegerberg.
The Olympique Lyonnais striker netted 18 compared to Real Madrid forward Ronaldo's 17 in 2016, and played a significant role in her French club's treble-winning season.
The Norway international scored the opening goal in the Champions League final against German side Wolfsburg and achieved her dream of lifting the trophy when they won 4-3 on penalties, adding the European crown to their Couple de France and Division One titles.
"It doesn't come after one summer of hard work or one year - I think it's been something I've been working on since I was a little kid, but now I see the results," said the 21-year-old, who scored 13 goals in the Champions League and 33 goals in the league last season.
"It's hard to do another season like that. I need to improve and that's what I'm working on, I have the hunger to keep scoring goals."
She was voted Uefa Best Women's Player in Europe for 2016 and became the first female winner in 20 years of Norway's Golden Ball award for the country's best footballer.
Football is something that has always been in the family for Hegerberg.
"I remember growing up and those Champions League nights, making tacos and sitting down with the whole crew [family] - I got a lot of good memories," she said.
"I liked [former Arsenal striker] Thierry Henry a lot, I used to watch Arsenal. I found him such a fantastic player - he could finish from every angle when he had the ball at his feet, he was a complete player."
Since making her top-flight Norwegian debut for Kolbotn at the age of 15, Hegerberg has been making an impression.
She finished top scorer in 2011, leading to a move to Norwegian club Stabaek along with her sister Andrine, 23.
They won the Norwegian Cup 4-0 against Roa with Ada scoring a hat-trick in the final and she finished the league's top scorer on 25 goals.
That success earned the two Hegerbergs a move to Germany's Turbine Potsdam.
Ada says having her sister, who now plays for Birmingham City, alongside her through her career and at international level has been a huge support.
"We've always been tough with each other, direct and honest - that's the kind of relationship we have and it's made us really close," she said.
"She was the one dragging me out to play when I was younger and if it wasn't for her I wouldn't have the competition feeling between us and she has always been a role model."
The move to Turbine Potsdam proved to be an instant success for Ada, who scored on her Frauen Bundesliga debut against Freiburg and she helped guide the club to a second-place finish in 2012-13.
She caught the eye of arguably the biggest club in Europe, signing for Olympique Lyonnais in 2014.
Two Division One titles, a Champions League and two Coupe de France trophies followed. With an array of awards already, will the BBC trophy be added next to her cabinet?
Why vote for me?
"It's a huge honour to be nominated. I'm a winner of the Treble, didn't compete in the Olympics though [as Norway didn't qualify]. It's up to the people to decide. I've got my focus on becoming a better player now, but the Champions League victory speaks for itself."
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http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/39633078
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Zlatan Ibrahimovic: Man Utd striker will play again after 'successful' knee surgery - BBC Sport
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2017-05-02
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Man Utd striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic says he feels "fixed and stronger" after a successful knee operation in the United States.
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Last updated on .From the section Football
Manchester United striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic says he feels "fixed and stronger" following a successful knee operation in the United States.
Ibrahimovic, 35, suffered cruciate knee-ligament damage in a Europa League win over Anderlecht on 20 April.
The former Sweden forward thanked fans for their support after the surgery.
His agent Mino Raiola said United's top scorer would make a "full recovery", adding that the injury was not career-threatening.
Ibrahimovic, who scored 28 goals this season, will now begin rehabilitation in Pittsburgh.
He joined the Premier League side on a one-year deal from French champions Paris St-Germain last summer, but has yet to agree a contract extension at Old Trafford.
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http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/39776748
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Mark Selby beats John Higgins to retain his World Championship title - BBC Sport
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2017-05-02
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Mark Selby retains his World Championship title with a stunning comeback to defeat John Higgins 18-15 in the final at the Crucible.
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Last updated on .From the section Snooker
Mark Selby defended his World Championship title with a stunning comeback to beat John Higgins 18-15 and secure his third crown in four years.
Selby, 33, had trailed 10-4 but claimed nine out of 10 frames to lead 13-11.
Higgins had a mini revival helped by a contentious refereeing decision, but Selby kept his composure to win.
The world number one is only the fourth player after Steve Davis, Stephen Hendry and Ronnie O'Sullivan to claim back-to-back titles in the modern era.
The Englishman picks up a record £375,000 in prize money, retains the top ranking spot for the 116th consecutive week and gains revenge for the defeat by Higgins in the 2007 final.
No player had come back to win from a greater deficit than six frames in a World Championship final since Dennis Taylor trailed Steve Davis by 8-0 and 9-1 in their 1985 classic.
"I can't believe it, I am still pinching myself now," said Selby. "From 10-4 to get to 10-7 yesterday, I was over the moon as I had nothing left. He outplayed me yesterday. Today I came back fresh and was a lot better.
"When I was 10-4 down I was missing everything and had nothing left. I said 'pull something together'. If you lose, you want to at least go down fighting.
"To have three world titles is unbelievable and to be one of only four players to defend it is something I could only dream of."
• None How Selby turned the match around
Selby was 47-0 up in the 31st frame, and leading 16-14 on frames, when he potted a red before attempting to roll up to the black ball. It was unclear whether the balls touched and referee Jan Verhaas called a foul.
Selby questioned the decision and score marker Brendan Moore checked the incident on a TV.
The decision was reversed but Moore looked at it from another angle and said he was not sure.
Verhaas then said, "If you are not sure, I will stick to the original decision" and the foul stood.
Higgins took the frame and went just one behind at 16-15, but Selby took the last two he required.
Leicester player Selby was out of sorts during Sunday's play at the Crucible, missing straightforward opportunities in the reds to hand his opponent the initiative.
But the 33-year-old, who was named 'The Torturer' by Ronnie O'Sullivan for his gritty victory in 2014 from 10-5 behind, showed similar uncompromising characteristics with a ruthless display.
The third session was the turning point, a slow, turgid affair when he won six out of the seven frames to hold the advantage by two frames.
In the final session, the pre-match favourite made breaks of 71, 70 and a 131 clearance following the contentious call in the 31st frame.
Selby also matches the record of five ranking titles in a season, previously achieved by Hendry in 1990/91 and Ding Junhui in 2013/14, and now has 12 in total.
A dreadful collapse for Higgins means he missed out on moving into second place on his own in the list of most ranking titles won and remains one behind O'Sullivan's five world victories.
Having come through a comfortable semi-final against Barry Hawkins, he was initially at ease against Selby, stroking in a 141 break which equalled O'Sullivan's effort in 2012 as the best break recorded in a World Championship final.
I'm proud of myself but he was too good on the day
But the 41-year-old lost his way on the final day, and late breaks of 88 and 111 were not enough, as he was left frustrated by his rival's dogged performance.
The four-time champion has now lost two finals, but his run moves him up to second in the world rankings behind his opponent.
"Mark is granite, just granite," said Higgins. "In the second session I had my chances, I missed a pink into the middle and I could have gone 9-3 ahead.
"That was a big, big frame. Mark cleared up under extreme pressure. He is a fantastic champion.
"It has been an unbelievable tournament, I gave everything. I came up short to a great champion. I'm proud of myself but he was too good on the day."
When we look at the quality of players that are potential winners here, to think there is a dominant character forcing his way through is amazing.
Selby is an exceptional player and exceptional match player. It is going to take some young player coming through who takes every part of his game and becomes stronger to knock him off his perch.
We're close to the ceiling of performance now.
Sign up to My Sport to follow snooker news and reports on the BBC app.
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http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/snooker/39773552
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Tony Blair's legacy 20 years on - BBC News
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2017-05-02
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https://www.facebook.com/bbcnews
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Tony Blair came to power 20 years ago - how did he change the UK and what is his lasting legacy?
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UK Politics
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This video can not be played To play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser. Watch: How the BBC covered this day 20 years ago
On Monday, it was 20 years to the day that Tony Blair won a landslide general election victory for Labour - how did he change the country and what is left of his legacy?
"A new dawn has broken, has it not?"
With these words, spoken to a cheering crowd of supporters as the sun rose over London's South Bank, Tony Blair ushered in the first Labour government in 18 years.
It was a typically snappy Blair phrase, yet also slightly hesitant, as if he could not quite believe what he had just done.
Blair was, by all accounts, a nervy companion on election night, refusing to believe he was on course to a stunning victory even as it was becoming obvious to all around him.
He did not share the euphoric mood of supporters. "I was scared," he later wrote in his memoirs.
It was a Labour landslide of historic proportions, handing Blair a Commons majority of 179, although the collapse in the Tory vote made it appear more dramatic. John Major's Conservatives had won more votes in 1992 - 14,093,007 - than Blair's 1997 total of 13,518,167.
But none of that mattered to the ecstatic crowd at the Royal Festival Hall, as Blair sketched out, in vague but confident terms, his vision of a modern, united country fit for a new millennium. A country for the "many not the few".
It is striking now to hear how much of his eight-minute speech was directed at the party's old guard.
"We have been elected as New Labour and we will govern as New Labour," he told his audience, as a warning shot across the bows of those who had opposed his "modernisation" of the party every step of the way.
Blair came to power at a time of almost giddy optimism, in contrast with what was to come. The end of the Cold War and booming economies in the West, driven by advances in technology, created a brief window where peace, stability and rising living standards looked like they might become the norm.
Britain was in the middle of a pop culture revival, built around swaggering self-confidence and semi-ironic celebrations of Britishness. The Union Jack was back - on Noel Gallagher's guitar and Geri Halliwell's mini dress at that year's Brit awards.
The Cross of St George had also been rehabilitated, as a new breed of middle class football fan cheered England to the semi-finals of the Euro 96 tournament.
Blair rode the "Cool Britannia" wave for all it was worth. At 43, the former lead singer of Ugly Rumours - his student band - badly wanted to be seen as the first rock and roll prime minister.
And for the briefest of moments, it seemed to work, as he played host to the stars of Britain's "creative industries" at a Downing Street reception weeks after taking office.
The voting public might have bought into New Labour's blend of Thatcherite free market economics and social justice, but it never had very deep roots in the Labour Party itself.
It was the product of a tight-knit group headed by Blair, Gordon Brown, Peter Mandelson and media chief Alastair Campbell.
Blair's first cabinet was a mix of old and new Labour figures (although the hard left was banished to the wilderness).
"Traditional values in a modern setting", as John Prescott, a man who straddled the new/old divide with more agility than he was often given credit for, would say with a knowing smirk.
They were a diverse bunch - with more women than had ever sat in a British cabinet before and the first openly gay cabinet minister, Chris Smith.
There were some big hitters, such as Robin Cook at the Foreign Office and Jack Straw at the Home Office, even though very few - including Blair himself - had ever sat behind a ministerial desk before.
And it quickly became clear that only Blair and Chancellor Gordon Brown really mattered when it came to the big decisions. But rather like Oasis's Gallagher brothers, their successes were quickly followed by growing stories about their rivalry.
But despite their increasingly fractious relationship - the TBGBs as they became known - there was no official split as they dominated Britain's political landscape for the next decade.
Ministers seemed to come and go with dizzying speed, as the cabinet reshuffle became Blair's signature move, but the Blair/Brown axis somehow stayed in place.
Twenty years on and only three MPs - Harriet Harman, Margaret Beckett and Nick Brown - from that first Cabinet line-up are still in the Commons.
Mo Mowlam, Donald Dewar and Robin Cook are no longer with us. Most of the rest, including the now Lord Prescott, Alistair Darling and David Blunkett, have taken up seats in the House of Lords.
Did they achieve what they set out to do?
The Blair government came to power on the back of relatively modest proposals on a pledge card brandished relentlessly through the 1997 election campaign. They were cutting class sizes, "fast track" punishment for young offenders, cutting NHS waiting lists, getting 250,000 under-25-year-olds "off benefit and into work" and "no rise in income tax rates".
But the new government did not lack ambition.
Labour's 1997 manifesto also included a minimum wage and plans for devolved government in Scotland and Wales.
And on the day after their election victory, Gordon Brown surprised everyone by handing control of interest rates to the Bank of England - a move that would have far-reaching consequences for the economy.
Blair was also determined, like many a prime minister before and since, to fix some of the country's longstanding social problems.
One of his top priorities was reform of the UK's social security system to make work pay. He appointed Labour MP Frank Field to "think the unthinkable" on welfare and promptly sacked him when he did just that (although it was Field's falling out with his boss Harriet Harman that probably sealed his fate).
Twenty years on and welfare reform remains a work in progress.
The gap between rich and poor remained more or less the same during the Blair years, according to analysis by the Resolution Foundation, although there was a big increase in pay at the top end of the income scale.
Education was Blair's other top priority. He oversaw a big expansion in higher and further education, and poured money into early years learning, as well as pioneering academy schools.
His first term was characterised by caution on tax and public spending, thanks to Labour's commitment to stick to tight Conservative spending limits for the first two years.
That changed after the party's second landslide election victory in 2001, when billions began to pour into the health service and education, on the back of a booming economy. Outcomes improved as a result.
But perhaps the biggest change that happened to Britain during his time in power was never explicitly spelled out in a Labour manifesto.
The UK, Sweden and the Republic of Ireland were the only EU nations not to temporarily restrict the rights of people from eight new member countries, including Poland and the Czech Republic, to live and work in their countries.
Blair's 2004 decision to open the door to East European migration was entirely in keeping with his values as an ardent pro-European, who had championed the eastward expansion of the EU and who believed globalisation and flexible labour markets were the answer to industrial decline.
The plentiful supply of cheap labour arguably helped the UK economy to expand without facing the issue of spiralling wages - and this in turn held inflation and interest rates down, contributing to a decade-long boom in property prices, adding to the feelgood factor among middle income home owners, even if fewer people could afford to get on the property ladder in the first place.
But it also sowed the seeds of discontent in Labour's heartlands, as growing numbers felt left behind and marginalised by the pace of change in their communities, and a growing anti-EU feeling began to take hold.
In 2003, Blair had drawn on every last ounce of his persuasive skill to make the case for joining the US-led invasion to MPs and the wider public.
He had become convinced of the value of military action in pursuit of humanitarian aims and the need to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the US, in the wake of 11 September, 2001.
But the subsequent failure to find weapons of mass destruction appeared to confirm many people's worst suspicions about him - that he relied too much on spin and was not to be trusted.
It did not prevent him from winning a third term, in 2005, but he was forced to hand over to Gordon Brown earlier than he had wanted, in 2007. Like Mrs Thatcher in 1990, he had won three elections but ended up being forced out by his own side.
The years that followed were not kind, as the incoming Brown administration, and the Ed Miliband Labour team that followed seemed to do their best to talk down the Blair years - and then there was the Chilcot inquiry into the Iraq war, as well as the ongoing consequences of the invasion, for the region and global security as a whole.
Blair's supporters point to his domestic achievements - the minimum wage and all the new schools, hospitals and Sure Start children's centres that were built during his time in power - and they insist that his reputation will one day recover.
But with Britain on its way out of the European Union, and the Labour Party back in the hands of the left, it seems like much of what Blair stood for has been swept away.
His centrist brand of politics, characterised as the Third Way, a philosophy shared by his friend and political soulmate Bill Clinton, has fallen out of fashion in many Western countries and even Blair's style of politics, with its rigid emphasis on "message discipline", looks antiquated in the more freewheeling age of social media.
And despite winning three general elections, with big majorities, making him Labour's most electorally successful leader, his name has become a dirty word among many current active party members, guaranteed to generate boos and cat calls when it comes up at meetings.
It is very far from the future he must have imagined for himself on that cloudless spring morning in May 1997.
Yet Blair's supporters claim that his vision of a self-consciously modern, multicultural, socially liberal country, has endured - and that David Cameron's six years in government were shaped by it.
It is there in the Conservatives' commitments on foreign aid and promotion of gay rights, they say, as well as Britain's continued commitment to a health service free at the point of delivery, funded by taxation.
And, at 63, the man himself is still in the game.
He has ditched his business interests - that had generated so much negative publicity for him - to work full time on promoting moderate, centrist policy solutions, fighting battles that 20 years ago he must have hoped would have been won by now.
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http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-39717751
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World champion Mark Selby delighted to match Davis, Hendry and O'Sullivan - BBC Sport
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2017-05-02
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Mark Selby cannot believe he has joined snooker's greats by claiming back-to-back World Championship titles.
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World number one Mark Selby says he cannot believe he has joined snooker's greats by claiming back-to-back World Championship titles at the Crucible.
Selby, 33, became only the fourth player after Steve Davis, Stephen Hendry and Ronnie O'Sullivan to retain their crown in the modern era.
"I'm speechless to be in that group, wow," he told BBC Sport after fighting back to beat John Higgins 18-15.
"I still cannot believe I have won it for a third time."
Selby's triumph was his fifth ranking title victory of the season and extended his stay at the top of the world rankings to a 116th consecutive week.
The resolve comes from within. You either have it in you or you don't
"I was over the moon to be coming here as defending champion. I just wanted to put up a good fight," he added.
"I feel I have another world title in me. At my age, I have a good five to seven years still to play at the top and it comes down to the hunger, which I still have."
Asked how it felt to be at the top of the rankings, Selby replied: "It is great. You look at those still playing the game like Higgins and O'Sullivan, Judd Trump and Ding Junhui, and to be above all of them is an amazing feeling."
He was below his best on Sunday and another world title looked in jeopardy at 10-4 down, but a run of nine out of 10 frames turned the match around on Monday.
The comeback specialist was 10-5 down against O'Sullivan in 2014, before eventually triumphing 18-14.
"In the semi-final against Ding and the final I had to dig deep to get through," he said.
"The resolve comes from within. You either have it in you or you don't. Some people let their head go down and give in when someone gets on top of them but I know I won't play well every match."
Higgins, 41, made a 141 break in the final but wilted under pressure from his opponent and was unable to add to his four crowns.
He said: "Without a shadow of a doubt, Mark will add to his tally. He could be the challenger to Stephen Hendry's seven, I really believe that. He is just granite. He is really tough to play against.
"Mark is right up there. I never played Davis in his peak but he was meant to be difficult to play against, Hendry was a different kind of player, as was Ronnie but Mark is the toughest player I have ever played.
"He will dominate for the foreseeable future. Ronnie and myself are in the 40s, we are still good players but age is catching up.
"Neil Robertson, Trump and Ding need to challenge him and watching that tonight will make them desperate to get back on the practice table."
Selby lags four behind all-time leader Hendry in world title victories and laughed off suggestions he could reach that number.
But six-time winner Davis feels Selby is the "dominant character" while 1991 champion John Parrott says he is "the whole package".
Davis said on BBC TV: "When we look at the quality of players that are potential winners, to think there is a dominant character forcing his way through is amazing.
"Selby is an exceptional player and exceptional match player. It is going to take some young player coming through who takes every part of his game and becomes stronger to knock him off his perch."
Parrott added: "Every facet of his game is there, his safety play is excellent, he knows when to scrap, if he wants to fight or break the balls open he can do that and his temperament is outstanding. That is his trump card above anything else.
"He is the ultimate machine when it comes to match play. The nature of this tournament - the long matches - suits his game, he gets better and stronger as it goes on."
Selby also matches the record of five ranking titles in a season, previously achieved by Hendry in 1990/91 and Ding Junhui in 2013/14, and now has 12 in total.
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http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/snooker/39775702
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Watford 0-1 Liverpool - BBC Sport
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2017-05-02
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Emre Can scores one of the goals of the season as Liverpool beat Watford to capitalise on favourable results in the race for the Champions League.
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Last updated on .From the section Football
Emre Can scored one of the goals of the season as Liverpool beat a poor Watford to capitalise on favourable results in the race for the Champions League.
The Reds midfielder met Lucas Leiva's delivery with a wonderful bicycle kick which flew into the top corner.
Watford rarely threatened, but almost snatched a point when Sebastian Prodl smashed against the bar in injury time.
Liverpool moved four points clear of Manchester United in fifth, while Watford remain 13th.
Jurgen Klopp's side know they will secure a top-four Premier League finish - and a return to the Champions League for the first time in three seasons - by winning their final three games.
The Merseyside club will host Southampton and relegation-threatened Middlesbrough at Anfield, either side of a trip to West Ham.
• None Football Daily podcast - Can keeps Reds on course for top four
Liverpool knew they would have slipped out of the top four before kick-off at Vicarage Road had their nearest challengers all won over the weekend.
But the Reds watched as Manchester City, Manchester United, Arsenal and Everton failed to crank up the pressure as they each dropped points.
It meant Liverpool's slender advantage remained intact - which even Klopp admitted he was surprised about before kick-off.
The German manager also stressed their rivals slipping up meant nothing if his side did not win their own games.
That they did, despite lacking fluency in a scrappy performance.
For much of a drab first half, during which forward Philippe Coutinho went off injured and was replaced by the returning Adam Lallana, the Reds rarely looked like threatening an organised Watford side.
Lallana, who had missed the previous five matches with a thigh injury, did clatter the crossbar with a wonderful volley after Hornets keeper Heurelho Gomes' poor punch.
However, that was soon surpassed by fellow midfielder Can.
"It was a massive win," said England international Lallana. "We have three games left now and it is in our hands. We must stay focused."
'You bet he Can!'
Reds midfielder Can illuminated what had been an insipid opening 45 minutes with a moment of inspiration shortly before the break.
The Germany international, 23, carefully eyeballed Lucas' pinpoint diagonal pass into the Watford area, showing extraordinary athleticism to meet the delivery with a perfectly executed bicycle kick which left Gomes stranded.
Can immediately raced towards the away dugout where he was mobbed by ecstatic team-mates and manager Klopp.
"That is the best goal I've ever scored," he said.
"I saw the space and I ran behind and my first thought was I wanted to head it, then I didn't think too much."
Team-mate Lallana added: "It was a worldy goal and worthy of winning any game."
Hornets lack sting as they aim to better last season
Watford midfielder Tom Cleverley warned Liverpool before kick-off that his side would still have "a big say" in the battle at the top of the table, with Walter Mazzarri's team rounding off their season with games against Manchester City, Chelsea and Everton.
Their priority is eclipsing the 13th-place finish and total of 45 points they secured in their top-flight return last year.
And Hornets skipper Troy Deeney said he "expected a reaction" after a tame defeat at Hull in their previous game. However, that failed to materialise.
Watford, for all their defensive resilience and organisation, offered little attacking spark as Liverpool controlled possession and territory before half-time.
The home side improved after the break as Etienne Capoue and Daryl Janmaat finally forced Reds keeper Mignolet into serious saves, before their best chance arrived in the final few seconds.
Liverpool, as they have done often this season, failed to deal with a set-piece into their box as Prodl met a flick-on with a fierce strike that cannoned back off the bar.
Despite their limp performance and daunting run-in, Watford are unlikely to be dragged into the relegation battle.
Mazzarri's side remain on 40 points - usually considered the benchmark for survival - eight above third-bottom Swansea who only have three games left.
Man of the match - Emre Can (Liverpool)
Watford go to defending champions Leicester City on Saturday (15:00 BST) as their tough run-in continues, while Liverpool host ninth-placed Southampton on Sunday (13:30).
• None Emre Can has scored five Premier League goals this season, more than twice as many as in his previous two campaigns combined.
• None Lucas Leiva has three assists in his past five Premier League appearances, as many as in his previous 163 top-flight games.
• None Liverpool have won three consecutive Premier League away games under Jurgen Klopp for only the second time.
• None Liverpool skipper James Milner made his 450th Premier League appearance in this game, the 22nd player to reach this mark.
• None Klopp named the same Liverpool starting XI for the third consecutive Premier League game, something he had only done once before, in December.
• None Liverpool have scored 16 goals in the 15 minutes before half-time in league games this season, more than any other side, while Watford have shipped the most in this period (17).
• None Watford conceded for the first time in four Premier League home games.
• None Watford's opponents have hit the woodwork 20 times in the Premier League this season, more than any other side.
"I think that if you look at all of the Liverpool games that they play, they usually create five or six clear chances.
"We didn't concede them almost anything and had a couple of chances so overall it was a good performance.
"Usually I don't like to speak about luck but today we were completely unlucky.
"We have pressure and it means you fight for something that is good. It is positive pressure. We want to stay focused.
"We don't expect for a second it will be easy to reach the Champions League. If people think we have the three points against Southampton they can not have seen Southampton this season.
"We didn't play perfect against Watford and a draw would have been hard to accept, but we got the three points and that is all that the lads deserved."
• None Isaac Success (Watford) is shown the yellow card for a bad foul.
• None Sebastian Prödl (Watford) hits the bar with a left footed shot from the left side of the box. Assisted by Stefano Okaka with a headed pass.
• None Attempt missed. Daryl Janmaat (Watford) right footed shot from outside the box misses to the left. Assisted by Tom Cleverley with a cross.
• None Offside, Watford. Daryl Janmaat tries a through ball, but Stefano Okaka is caught offside.
• None Attempt saved. Daniel Sturridge (Liverpool) right footed shot from the centre of the box is saved in the centre of the goal.
• None Attempt saved. Joel Matip (Liverpool) right footed shot from the right side of the box is saved in the centre of the goal. Assisted by Georginio Wijnaldum.
• None Offside, Watford. Tom Cleverley tries a through ball, but Troy Deeney is caught offside.
• None Offside, Watford. Tom Cleverley tries a through ball, but Adrian Mariappa is caught offside. Navigate to the next page Navigate to the last page
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http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/39689205
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What will happen next in Trump presidency? Reply hazy - BBC News
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2017-05-02
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https://www.facebook.com/bbcnews
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Given what we've seen over the past 100 days, it feels like a Magic 8-ball would be a good predictor.
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US & Canada
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What will happen for the rest of Trump's presidency? You might as well ask a Magic Eight ball
The first 100 days of Donald Trump's presidency are now behind him. Time for a deep breath, a quick review and then a look ahead.
As I explained last week, the results so far are decidedly mixed. While there has been a paucity of legislative achievements, Mr Trump has notched some successes through executive action, particularly in the realm of immigration enforcement and regulatory rollback.
He's also already made his mark on the Supreme Court, although that's more a reflection of the circumstances of inheriting an open seat (thanks to Republican intransigence last year) rather than any particular accomplishment on the part of the president.
While the 100-day mark has garnered a significant amount of attention from the media and the White House itself, it represents just a fraction of his first term.
Mr Trump still has more than 1,350 days ahead of him. The story of roughly 90% of his presidency has yet to be written. Whether Mr Trump is deemed a success or failure as president, and if he has hopes of winning a second term in office, will be determined over the coming months and years.
But what happens next? Given what we've seen over the past 100 days, anything could be possible. Sometimes it feels like a Magic 8-ball would be just as good at making predictions.
When asked about the White House's tax cut plan, Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin said it "is all about jobs, jobs, jobs". When it comes right down to it, jobs - and the economy writ large - will be the defining issue of the Trump presidency.
With the 2008 Great Recession still casting a long shadow over the American conscience, Mr Trump's voters flocked to him in large part because he promised economic growth and financial security, particularly for many of the white working class voters who are still recovering from the last downturn.
As with many of his campaign promises, Mr Trump has set a very high bar for his administration to meet, repeatedly pledging an annual 4% economic growth rate that is well above current trend lines.
Mr Trump inherited an economy that was stable, with low unemployment and steady if unspectacular growth. Over the course of his first 100 days in office, the US stock market has flourished and consumer confidence increased, but the recently announced economic growth rate - 0.7% for the first quarter of 2017 - may signal an uncertain future.
In the end, Mr Trump's presidency, and all his trade, tax and regulatory policies, will be judged on what it does for the nation's bottom line - not just for Wall Street, but for average Americans as well.
Can he win? Presidents invariable get more credit, and blame, for the nation's financial health than they deserve, given that policy decisions can be greatly outweighed by macroeconomic factors beyond their control. Four years is a long time, but Mr Trump is starting from a solid position, tilting the odds in his favour.
Presidents have broad authority over immigration policy, and Mr Trump hasn't shied away from using it. Two of his most high-profile moves, however, have been stalled in the courts. His second effort to impose a temporary moratorium on refugee resettlement and a ban on entry into the US for citizens of six predominantly Muslim nations is set to be heard by the Ninth Circuit US Court of Appeals later this month.
In addition, his executive order instructing the federal government to withhold funds from municipalities that do not fully co-operate with immigration officials - so-called "sanctuary cities" - was derailed by a district court judge in California last week.
There's also the continuing battle over how to construct Mr Trump's promised wall along the US-Mexico border. It looked like the administration would make appropriating funds a condition of recently concluded budget negotiations, but the White House has since retreated from that position and appears willing to fight that particular battle in the autumn budget discussions, instead.
As a candidate Mr Trump also pledged to reform legal immigration, reducing the number of new arrivals, changing the types of individuals who are granted priority and restructuring the work visa programme, which could affect visas for high-skilled workers.
Can he win? The president has the power and the obvious desire to exercise it - and a conservative-dominated Supreme Court will be the final arbiter of the legality of his actions.
One of the most remarkable characteristics of the Trump presidency has been how slowly the White House is filling out its administration.
While Mr Trump relentlessly bashed Senate Democrats for what he (mistakenly) perceived as unprecedented foot-dragging in confirming his cabinet picks, he has been even tardier in appointing lower-level positions. Under secretaries, deputies and ambassadors may not get much national attention, but they are largely responsible for the day-to-day grind of running agencies and departments and representing the US in embassies abroad.
Some of this may be by intent. An understaffed bureaucracy is less able to defend itself against proposed budget cuts, and the Trump administration appears set on diminishing the influence of career employees at the State Department. In other areas, such as economic, social and trade policy, however, the lack of staffing has limited the administration's ability to move toward its goals.
Can he win? Sure he can - it's just a matter of giving a list of names to Congress. Sometimes, however, it seems like he'd rather have chaos.
Mr Trump campaigned on making a significant shift in US foreign policy - putting "America first". Now, however, his administration faces two potential international flashpoints that could challenge the president's stated desire to avoid global entanglements.
As a result of the US missile strike on a Syrian government airfield, the US has committed itself to punishing violations of international law - particularly the use of chemical weapons - in that nation's civil war. If Syrian President Basahr al-Assad decides to act against his civilian population again, Mr Trump will face pressure for a military response that goes beyond a ship-based missile strike.
Meanwhile, the situation over North Korea's nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programmes continues to grow tense. "The era of 'strategic patience' is over," Vice-President Mike Pence recently said, referencing the stated policy of the Obama administration. North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, however, seems undeterred - and could respond to a US strike with a massive attack on South Korea, whose capital, Seoul, lies 55km from the demilitarised zone.
In both Syria and North Korea, the president could be faced with the choice of either escalation to back up his sharpening rhetoric or the perception that his threats are hollow.
Then there are the foreign policy crises we don't see coming. Ukraine, Yemen, Afghanistan and the South China Sea ... there's no telling where Mr Trump could face his most daunting challenge.
Can he win? Mr Trump has been all over the map so far as president, sabre-rattling at some nations and shrugging at others.
Mr Trump talked a tough game on trade issues as a candidate, and he'll have opportunities in the coming days to back that up.
Recent disputes with Canada over soft lumber and dairy products appear to be a prelude to contentious Nafta renegotiations. On Thursday Mr Trump told reporters had been days away from ordering a withdrawal from the "horrible" trade deal, but changed his mind after conversations with leaders of Mexico and Canada.
This video can not be played To play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser. Dairy wars: Why is Trump threatening Canada over milk?
In an ironic twist, some of Mr Trump's trade concerns - such as dairy exports to Canada - would have been addressed by the Trans-Pacific Partnership agreement he abandoned early in his presidency.
China was another punching bag for Mr Trump during campaign, but the president has considerably softened his tone. There's certainly no indication of an impending economic showdown with the US's largest trading partner at this point.
Can he win? With China apparently off the table, he'll have to find a way to get his "better deal" through Nafta renegotiations - which will be long and complex.
There's at least a glimmer of hope that a deal on repealing and replacing Obamacare could be reached in the House of Representatives soon. Whatever they come up with, however, will face an even bigger hurdle in the Senate, where numerous Republicans are opposed to portions of the House proposal.
Tax reform - Mr Trump's next big legislative priority - is in its early stages, and given the vagueness of the administration's proposal so far, it appears congressional Republicans will once again have to do the heavy lifting on policy. That didn't work out too well with healthcare.
Then there are the Trump campaign promises on infrastructure spending and new childcare benefits. Both areas could prove fertile ground for bipartisan co-operation - at least, if Democrats can be coaxed to the negotiating table after the president has spent his first 100 days relentlessly bashing them.
In some alternate universe, Mr Trump led with an infrastructure plan instead of healthcare repeal, fracturing the Democratic resistance instead of his own party. That ship, however, has sailed. He still has a Republican majority, however, and the closer it gets to the congressional elections next year, the more pressure the party will be under to come together and post some accomplishments on the board.
Can he win? Republicans hold the White House and both chambers of Congress. Surely they will stumble into a legislative accomplishment at some point.
Ah, yes, the midterm elections. Looming on the horizon for Mr Trump and the Republican Party is voting that will take place in November 2018, with a third of the Senate seats, all of the House of Representatives and 36 governorships (Florida, Ohio, Pennsylvania and California, to name a few) on the ballot.
Traditionally the party controlling the presidency is at a disadvantage during these elections, as the out-of-power partisans tend to be more motivated to vote and the political pendulum that brought a president to office swings the other direction. Barack Obama and the Democrats suffered significant defeats in 2010 and 2014, for instance, as did Republican George W Bush in 2006.
Mr Trump is at least somewhat fortunate, however, in that the Senate seats in play in 2018 largely come from states he carried handily - places like Indiana, West Virginia, Montana and Missouri. Although Republicans have a narrow, two-seat Senate majority right now, Democrats will be forced to defend many more at-risk incumbents than the Republicans.
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The House of Representatives could be another matter, however. While demographics and the way in which congressional districts have been drawn favour Republicans, if Mr Trump is unpopular come 2018 and Democrats turn out in high numbers, they could pick up the 24 seats necessary to win back the lower chamber of Congress for the first time since 2010.
All this is important not only because Democratic control of even half of Congress would significantly impede Mr Trump's ability to notch any legislative accomplishments, but also because it would give Democrats a platform for more vigorous oversight of the president's actions.
Recall the litany of hearings and investigations conducted by Republicans in Congress during the Obama administration. Now imagine how Democrats would gleefully sink their teeth into issues like Mr Trump's tax returns, alleged ties to Russia and possible conflicts of interest within his business empire.
For a preview of how things may turn out next year, keep an eye on gubernatorial elections in Virginia and New Jersey this November, as well as upcoming House special elections in Montana and Georgia later this spring.
Can he win? History is not on the president's side. The question is likely how big a bloodbath it will be.
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http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-39750173
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European Athletics taskforce apologises to GB athletes over world records - BBC Sport
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2017-05-02
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European athletics taskforce chief Pierce O'Callaghan apologises to British athletes who may lose their world records under new proposals.
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British athletes who may lose their world records have received an apology from the man responsible for the controversial anti-doping proposal.
Paula Radcliffe, Jonathan Edwards and Colin Jackson are among "collateral damage" says European Athletics taskforce chair Pierce O'Callaghan.
But he told BBC Radio 5 live: "There is a bigger picture out there."
All pre-2005 records could be rewritten under the new rules, which need to be ratified by governing body, the IAAF.
O'Callaghan said: "Apologies to the athletes, we never intended to damage their reputation and legacy. It is intended to give the public belief and credibility in what they are watching in the sport."
It's going to affect everybody - and it lumps us all in with the cheats Read more analysis from Steve Cram, former world 1500m champion, below
But BBC athletics commentator and former world 1500m champion Steve Cram called the proposals an "easy route out" and "a PR exercise".
Cram set world records for the 1500m, mile and 2,000m in the space of 19 days in 1985, and still holds the European records for the latter two distances - although under the proposals those pre-2005 European records would join world records in being reset.
He added that the measures are "not going to stop people cheating".
The IAAF (International Association of Athletics Federations) has only stored blood and urine samples since 2005 and current records that do not meet the new criteria would remain on an "all-time list", but not be officially recognised as records if the IAAF accepts the proposal.
European Athletics president Hansen said he would encourage the IAAF to adopt the proposal at its August council meeting, while IAAF president Lord Coe said the changes were "a step in the right direction".
• None The winners and losers if records are wiped
The world records to fall would include Edwards' triple jump mark of 18.29m - set in 1995 - and Jackson's 1994 indoor 60m hurdles world best of 7.30secs, as well as Radcliffe's marathon time of two hours 15 minutes 25 seconds, set in 2003 using two male pacemakers.
O'Callaghan compared the changes to English football introducing the Premier League above the First Division in 1992 and rugby union's Five Nations becoming the Six Nations in 2000, and said the records will be "recalibrated".
"We hope people look at it in that vein, rather than stripping great athletes like Paula of their records," added O'Callaghan, who said he had spoken to Radcliffe and Edwards.
"Unfortunately Paula ran her records in a golden period that happens to be two years before the technology moved on.
"People should not look at Paula's records and throw them in with doping records - she achieved her performance, as did Jonathan, with 100% integrity.
"This is about the bigger picture of reform in athletics and ensuring the public in events like the London World Championships [in August 2017], that they can believe what they are watching."
What are the taskforce's proposals?
If the proposals are accepted by the IAAF, a world or European record would only be recognised if it meets all three of the following criteria:
• None It was achieved at a competition on a list of approved international events where the highest standards of officiating and technical equipment can be guaranteed;
• None The athlete had been subject to an agreed number of doping control tests in the months leading up to it;
• None The doping control sample taken after the record was stored and available for re-testing for 10 years.
More than 100 Olympic athletes who competed at the 2008 and 2012 Games have been sanctioned for doping after the International Olympic Committee embarked on a programme of retesting old samples.
But Radcliffe has called the proposals "cowardly" and accused the governing bodies of "failing clean athletes".
Jackson added: "They are making excuses on why they are doing it. I think it is a wrong reason why they are doing it. We all understand the situation with doping but it is not the fault of the clean athletes."
Analysis - 'It lumps us in with the cheats'
We are all trying to make sure we look at ways we can improve the integrity of our sport but this smacks to me as an easy route out. There are massive issues for the sport to contend with and this, for me, is almost a PR exercise.
I can't believe that if the public don't have credibility now that they are going to have it going forward. I don't think it changes much. It's very confusing for people, and it's going to affect everybody all the way down.
It lumps us all in with those cheats. It's not our fault that over the years the sport did not police itself properly. It's not our fault they didn't do their job. I don't think it's going to change anything. It's not going to stop people cheating.
I was chatting with the president of European Athletics and asked "have you thought this through?". I am not convinced they have. All the member federations of European Athletics will have to scrap their national records because you can't have a national record quicker than the European record, and so on.
Part of the worst aspect of it is that in the document that they are putting forward, they are talking about preserving the dignity of the athletes as well. It's about preserving their own dignity.
It's an easy cop out. They haven't been able to make the tough decisions. If there are records that they believe that shouldn't be on the books then they should go after those with whatever scrutiny they have can. If they can't do that, then this is their problem to deal with.
We all lose our records eventually. It's fine somebody comes along and breaks it but what is not fair is that the federation decides that is not the record any more. As a broadcaster, what do I say to the public?
In the early days, there was no drug testing, did we scrap all of those records? No. Then, drug testing was introduced and now we have tougher drug testing. That's fine, we all accept that. Maybe some things slipped through the net in the past but you can't keep drawing a line every five years.
The farcical thing they are going to end up with, is that there will still be people holding records who have had a ban - but the records they set were before the ban and those will still stand. Somebody fails a test in 2015 and then all of their performances for that period are scrapped. But if they set a record in 2012, that stays. That's silly.
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http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/athletics/39777768
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Are fitness trackers for pets a fad or the future? - BBC News
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2017-05-02
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https://www.facebook.com/bbcnews
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Tech for pets is a booming business, but will it simply encourage us to spend less time with them?
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Business
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A smart collar helps Rhonda Vandermeer keep track of her English cocker spaniel Boz
A missing pet poster attached to a tree or lamp-post is a sad sight, as a lost moggy or pooch is a minor tragedy in any owner's life.
But luckily for Rhonda Vandermeer, a dog breeder from North Carolina, technology means she doesn't have to worry about her furry friends ever going missing.
If she ever wants to check on the whereabouts of her five-year-old English cocker spaniel Boz, she just taps on her mobile and can see his exact location.
"He's always let off his lead and if he sees a squirrel, he's off, and I'm afraid he's going to keep running and we won't get him back," says Ms Vandermeer, who arranges for minders to look after her canine companions when she's away.
The Link AKC collar also pings her a notification if Boz has strayed beyond the boundaries she's set, which means she can quickly alert her local dog minders that he's escaped.
The collar also keeps track of the ambient temperature and how much exercise Boz has been doing.
"It's great for when I'm away and I can see how much exercise he does and what level of activity he's receiving a day," says Ms Vandermeer.
But isn't there a danger that such tech could make her a little obsessive?
Could pet trackers see an end to lost pet posters?
"At first it was like a toy and I was always checking," she admits.
And did the dog minders feel like they were being spied on?
"I explained the tools to them. I never wanted them to think I was checking up on them," she says.
A smart fitness-tracking dog collar may sound like a gadget too far, but pet owners are splashing out on all kinds of gadgets to keep track of their feline and canine companions.
Pet tech is a booming industry, with the global market predicted to reach $2.36bn (£1.84bn) by 2022, according to Grand View Research.
"People think of their pets as a part of their family and with tech adoption growing, it makes perfect sense to innovate in this area," says Abhishek Sharma, analyst at market research firm Technavio.
This video can not be played To play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser. FitBark - one of a slew of pet tech apps hitting the market
Dan Makaveli, an academic tutor and director at Media Savvy, a digital training agency, uses FitBark, a bone-shaped collar sensor, to track his six-year-old doberman Diego's daily activity.
"He's well walked anyway but it gives you a little bit of an extra incentive to do it most days," says Mr Makaveli, who lives in Sunderland, north-east England.
"I know that by having it, it makes me determined to reach Diego's daily goal of exercise. So if he hasn't reached it and even if it's hail-stoning outside, I will take him for a run around the block."
With FitBark you can also sync your own fitness tracker with that of your dog's and compare results with other dogs of the same breed.
"My wife regularly syncs in with him and they can see where they are on the leaderboard," says Mr Makaveli.
Super-fit Diego even joined the couple when they took on Britain's Three Peaks Challenge last year.
If tracking your pet's fitness isn't enough, you can even order a 3D sculpture of it via a company such as Arty Lobster, watch it live through the Petzi Treat Cam, and organise a video conference with a vet via app-based vet practice Pawsquad.
Tiddles seems a little bemused by EasyPlay's new interactive pet gadget
And if you've ever worried about your pet getting a little bored while you're out of the house, EasyPlay could be the answer. It's a ball that works as both a pet monitor and an interactive toy.
Controlled by a smartphone, EasyPlay - which launches in July - allows owners to watch live video of their pets, talk to them, and remotely control a treats dispenser.
"EasyPlay is designed to enhance pet health and fitness in a fun and playful way, for both cats and dogs," says Adam Anderson, managing director of Gosh!, EasyPlay's parent company.
But do such devices simply make it more acceptable for owners to spend less time with their pets?
"The EasyPlay was not created to replace a personal, one-on-one relationship with your pet, instead it is a device that allows you to connect while away and improve your pet's mental wellbeing," says Mr Anderson.
If humans can have fitness trackers, why not pets?
And is all this tech really necessary, or just businesses being opportunistic?
"With the increasing awareness about pet health, owners around the world are more willing to spend on various types of tech to keep their pets safe," argues Mr Sharma.
"There has been an increase in pets being lost or stolen and hence it requires continuous monitoring to keep track of them."
But how about the animal itself? Are the gadgets always comfortable?
"Pets feel a little uncomfortable during the initial phase," says Mr Sharma. "Having said that, it is almost like getting used to a regular collar."
As for the future, given the rising adoption of the internet of things and smartphones, pet tech looks set to continue flourishing.
And for pet owners who like to keep tabs on their pets, that's just purr-fect.
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http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-39553682
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Justin Carney: Salford Red Devils winger banned for eight games for racial abuse - BBC Sport
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2017-05-02
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Salford Red Devils winger Justin Carney is given an eight-match ban after being found guilty of racial abuse.
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Last updated on .From the section Rugby League
Salford Red Devils winger Justin Carney has been given an eight-match ban after being found guilty of racially abusing Toronto Wolfpack player Ryan Bailey.
The 28-year-old was sent off by referee Jack Smith in the 26th minute of the Super League club's Challenge Cup fifth-round win on 23 April.
Carney pleaded guilty to an abuse charge but contested its severity.
He served the first game of his ban in the win over Widnes on Sunday, meaning he will miss a further seven games.
Carney had been handed a Grade F charge, the most severe category of offence, and an eight-game suspension was the minimum punishment.
Salford confirmed in a statement that Carney had pleaded guilty to a charge of misconduct for having given "verbal abuse to an opposition player based on race/colour".
However, Salford said that he "did not intend his words to be taken in a 'racial' context".
"Justin is an indigenous Australian and is proud of his Aboriginal heritage. He stands firm on the position that he is not nor has he ever been a racist," added the statement.
Carney, who has also been given a £300 fine, is still subject to an internal investigation by his club.
Meanwhile, Hull FC back-rower Sika Manu has been banned for two games after pleading guilty to a Grade C dangerous contact charge relating to a challenge on Ryan Atkins during the Black and Whites' 34-10 win over Warrington.
Catalans half-back Luke Walsh has been suspended for one match after being found guilty of a Grade A charge of using foul language to a match official, while Wigan hooker Michael McIlorum pleaded guilty to a Grade B charge of standing on a player in the defeat by Castleford and was banned for one game.
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http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-league/39785877
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The horse that saved his own life by painting - BBC News
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2017-05-02
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https://www.facebook.com/bbcnews
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He was once a champion, but it looked as if ill health would soon mean the end for Metro. Then his owner had an unusual idea.
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Magazine
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He was once a well-known racehorse, but it looked as though ill health would soon mean the end for Metro. Then his artist owner, Ron, had an unusual idea.
It's said that you can lead a horse to water but you can't make him drink. So when Ron Krajewski first introduced his horse, Metro, to an easel there was no guarantee he would paint.
After all, this horse had been struggling with health problems since he was adopted by Ron and his wife in 2009. Metro had once been a successful racehorse - as Metro Meteor, he won eight races and $300,000 (£234,000) prize money at the prestigious Belmont Park. However, he was retired by his stable after bone chips in his knees caused permanent damage.
"We were looking for a horse Wendy could ride and were probably quite naive," Ron says. "We soon discovered Metro had worse race injuries than we had bargained for."
Metro Meteor won eight races in his career, but it took a toll on his knees
Metro had months of rehab and medication. Special horse shoes helped for a time, but in 2012 X-rays revealed his knee joints were closing up. A vet said they would lock up within two years, at which point Ron and Wendy would have to put their horse down.
"I didn't just want to put him out to pasture and forget about him. I was thinking about how we could spend time together," Ron says.
He had noticed that his spirited horse liked to bob his head to get attention and pick things up in his mouth. A professional artist himself, Ron wondered if he could convince Metro to hold a paintbrush.
"I taught him to touch his nose to the canvas for horse treats, then to hold a paint brush," Ron says.
Metro tackles the canvas assisted by Ron - he paints from left to right
"He could have just touched the paint brush to the canvas and then dropped it and that would have been the end of it. Luckily for us he started making up and down strokes and seemed to enjoy it."
Metro was soon creating works that Ron judged were good enough to put on sale at a local gallery. The first four paintings sold out the week they were put on display.
Metro's unbridled style has been compared to Jackson Pollock, a painter famous for his splatter and drip technique.
"Metro's brush strokes are nothing a human can make, because he doesn't think about what he will do before he does it. His strokes are thick, random and sometimes broken, which lets other colours show through. It all just vibrates on the canvas," Ron says.
Metro's unusual ability caught the attention of local TV news in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, and his story was picked up nationwide. By 2014, there were 150 people on a waiting list for his works.
Ron sometimes set up an easel for Metro to paint outside
Sales of the paintings helped fund a new experimental treatment for Metro. His vet created a technique to apply a drug called Tildren directly to his knees.
"Within a few months X-rays showed the bone growth had receded. It has added years to his life," Ron says.
Ron and Wendy keep Metro and their other horse, Pork Chop, at a stable four miles from their home. They visit them about five days a week and on two of those Ron and Metro have a painting session.
"Metro has got a little section in the barn that we call his studio. It's all set up ready for him to paint," Ron says.
"I did try to get Pork Chop to paint once, but he just wasn't interested."
Ron acts as both art director and assistant. He picks the colour and loads the paintbrush before handing it over. Metro then makes the strokes.
"I always stand on his left so he paints from left to right. If I hand him the brush in the upper right hand corner, that's where he will go."
Ron and Metro will work on three or four canvases at once during a 20-minute session.
"We'll spend two minutes on one canvas and then swap it for another. He tends to smear things together so we'll do some blues and then let it dry, then let's say some orange. This builds up the layers."
Metro, who Ron says has an "A-list extroverted personality", is in his element at the easel.
"I can put out the easel in the field and he will stop eating grass and stand right in front of it.
"He loves to paint. I'm not sure how much he can see as horses have a blind spot right in front of their noses. I think he likes the feel of running a brush over the canvas."
Like Metro, art wasn't Ron's first vocation. Raised in a fishing family that caught salmon in Alaska he went on to serve in the US Air Force. He became a professional artist at the age of 40.
"I mainly do pet portraits, which are very lifelike and controlled. When I paint with Metro it's the opposite. You can't predict what he's going to do when he gets the brush in his mouth. It's controlled chaos."
"We have different sizes that vary in price from $50 to $500. We're selling one or two a week," Ron says.
Ron and Wendy donate half of Metro's earnings to a charity called New Vocations, which retrains and rehomes former race horses. So far they have donated $80,000 (£62,000), which will have helped 50 to 60 other horses.
And now aged 14, it seems Metro has no inclination to slow down.
"There's something about painting which really interests Metro," Ron says.
"I don't think he'll ever get tired of it."
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http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-39628629
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