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Mary Berry has said that children should be banned from bringing mobile phones and electronic games to the dinner table. The Great British Bake Off judge believes that the move could help combat the obesity crisis. Mrs Berry, 79, enforces what she dubs a 'Downing Street rule' in her own home and asks visiting children – as well as her children and grandchildren – to hand in their gadgets before dinner. Great British Bake Off judge Mary Berry believes children should be banned from using mobile phones at dinner . She said: 'The first thing to do is to sit down, and the second is to take every mechanical aid off the table. 'When the children and grandchildren come to see me, they hand in all their games and phones at the door. I call it 'the Downing Street rule', because that's what they make you do if you go to No 10. 'If people could just do those two things, learn to enjoy smaller portions and not eat between meals, I really think it would help combat obesity.' The bestselling food writer and TV presenter said it is essential for young people to be educated about what they eat and that obesity is one of the 'worst problems' facing the country today. She uses a mobile for texting her children, but does not use Twitter  like her Bake Off co-star Paul Hollywood . She said she uses a mobile phone for texting her children, but – unlike her Bake Off co-star Paul Hollywood – does not indulge in social media. When asked whether she had adopted the modern habit of taking 'selfies', she added: 'Certainly not. But people seem to want me to do one with them all the time and I'm completely baffled. 'Presumably they all want to tweet it and say, 'I've just met Mary Berry'.' Mrs Berry told Glamour magazine about her concerns over young people's relationship with food, saying the 'whole thinness thing is very, very worrying'. She called for young women to be offered normal role models in fashion and the media, adding: 'But the worst problem of all in this country is obesity. 'It's so important for the young to be educated about what they eat.' Mrs Berry has previously called for better lessons for schoolchildren, saying all pupils should be taught to make ten basic, healthy meals before they leave school. Speaking at the Cheltenham Literature Festival last year, she said teachers should go back to showing young people 'what's good for them, how to buy it and how to make a few dishes that they and enjoy and don't cost too much'.

Mary Berry says children should not be allowed to use mobiles at dinner . Great British Bake Off judge believes this could help combat obesity crisis . Mrs Berry, 79, enforces what she dubs a 'Downing Street rule' in her home . She asks all children to hand in their electronic gadgets before dinner .

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The harlequin (pictured) is eating other ladybirds, including the 2-spot and 10-spot, at such a rate it has become one of the world's fastest spreading insects . British ladybirds are under threat from a cannibal species from Europe. The harlequin ladybird, which is now the second most common in the UK, is eating other ladybirds - including the 2-spot and 10-spot - at such a rate, it has become one of the world’s fastest spreading insects. Since the harlequin was spotted in the UK in 2004 it has bred with astonishing ferocity and there are currently more than a billion. Hundreds of householders have reported plagues inside their homes. A new study is the first to use DNA analysis to identify prey species in the guts of harlequins showing their ‘damaging effect on native species.’ Originally from East Asia, the harlequin is larger and more voracious than native British ladybirds that have become part of its diet. Although mainly an aphid predator, it is believed to be responsible for the decline of some other ladybirds through competition and cannibalism. In total, 177 larvae were collected from the wild in England, France, Germany, Slovakia and the Czech Republic before being tested. Three of the four target prey species were detected in the guts of harlequins including the 10-spot ladybird (Adalia decempunctata) found in 9.6 per cent, 2-spot (Adalia bipunctata) in 2.8 per cent and marmalade hoverfly (Episyrphus balteatus), also in 2.8 per cent. The only insect tested for, and not detected, was the green lacewing (Chrysoperla carnea), said the study published in Entomological Science. In total, 177 larvae were collected from the wild in England, France, Germany, Slovakia and the Czech Republic and then tested. Three of the four target prey species were detected in the guts of harlequins including the 10-spot ladybird (found in 9.6 per cent) and the 2-spot (pictured) at 2.8 per cent . Dr Peter Brown, of Anglia Ruskin University in Cambridge, said: ‘This study shows harlequin ladybirds in the wild commonly prey on a number of insects other than just aphids. Since the harlequin was spotted in the UK . in 2004, it has bred with astonishing ferocity and there are currently . more than a billion in the country. Hundreds of householders have reported plagues . inside their homes. Although mainly an aphid predator, the . harlequin (Harmonia axyridis) is believed to be responsible for the . decline of some others through competition and cannibalism. In total, 177 larvae were collected from the wild in England, France, Germany, Slovakia and the Czech Republic, before being tested. Three of the four target prey species were detected in the guts of harlequins including the 10-spot ladybird (Adalia decempunctata) found in 9.6 per cent of larvae, 2-spot (Adalia bipunctata) in 2.8 per cent and marmalade hoverfly (Episyrphus balteatus), also in 2.8 per cent. The . only insect tested for, and not detected, was the green lacewing . (Chrysoperla carnea), said the study published in Entomological Science. ‘The results offer further evidence the harlequin is a generalist predator which is having a damaging effect on native species across Europe. ‘Ladybirds and other aphid-feeding insects are a very important part of ecosystems - acting as natural pest controllers. 'There are 47 ladybird species in the UK - and it’s vital this diversity is maintained.’ The 7-spot ladybird - the classic red one with the black spots - is still Britain’s most common species, and the harlequin has had little effect on this as their habitats rarely overlap. ‘But other species - such as the 5-spot which is only found in Wales and one or two places in Scotland - could be at risk of eventual extinction because there are relatively so few of them,' adds Dr Brown. ‘There’s not much we can do to stop the march of the harlequin - our only hope is spiders and some wasps that prey on ladybirds do a better job at catching them. We’re in the hands of Mother Nature.’ In 2003 there were no harlequins in the UK but now they have spread to all parts of the British Isles and are proving deadly to those that cross it. It produces a noxious, foul-smelling chemical that can stain furniture and its bite can trigger an allergic reaction in humans. At around 0.3 inches (7.5 millimetres) in diameter the harlequin is considerably bigger and more aggressive than most native types and will breed several times a year.

Study is first to use DNA . analysis to identify food in the guts of harlequins . Originally from East Asia, harlequins are larger than native UK ladybirds . It is believed . to be responsible for the decline of other species through competition and . cannibalism .

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Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton's speech at Georgetown University today was met with tepid enthusiasm from students, with just half of seats in the reception hall appearing to be filled. Pictures and video discovered by the Daily Caller show empty clusters throughout the 750-seat auditorium in which she spoke as part of a security conference being held at the Washington, D.C. university. This is at least the second time in recent weeks that Clinton has been unable to pack a room during an appearance just as the clock winds down for her to make a decision about whether she wants to carry her political party's torch in 2016. SCROLL DOWN FOR VIDEO . Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton discusses 'Smart Power: Security Through Inclusive Leadership' at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C. today. Clinton is back on the speaking circuit now that the midterm elections have concluded . This photo, shared on Twitter by a Politico photographer depicts a mostly empty balcony area during Hillary Clinton's speech in Georgetown's Gaston Hall today . In late October Clinton served as the headliner at a rally for Maryland Lt. Governor Anthony Brown, who was campaigning to become the Bay State's chief executive at the time, at the University of Maryland's College Park campus. After the event was over, Brown's staff claimed that more than a 1,000 supporters came out to see Clinton, but it was evident that there were far fewer attendees, as most of the nose-bleed seats on one side of the gymnasium were empty, as were areas of the bleachers on the side. Clinton spent a good deal of her time throughout the fall barnstorming the country, attempting to save embattled Senate Democrats from electoral defeat. Today denoted one of just a few non-political speeches she's given since, and she is slated to make remarks at two events in January and February. Her Feb. 24 speech at the first-ever Watermark Silicon Valley Conference for Women has raised eyebrows among politicos as Clinton has repeatedly promised to make an announcement about her political future at the top of the year. Once she declares her candidacy for president - if she intends to at all - it would be frowned upon for her to continue charging business executives upward of $200,000 for a slice of her time. The recently announced February speaking date indicates that Clinton may wait until early spring to make her decision public. A second photo taken by the Politico staffer shows empty blocks in the main area of the 750-person hall, as well . Polls continue to show Clinton atop the 2016 field should she follow through on a second presidential run. A CNN survey released on Tuesday shows her decimating her competition in the Democratic primary and earning 65 percent of her party's support. Democrats' second choice, progressive Sen. Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts, received just 10 percent of the vote in the hypothetical match up. Trailing Warren were Vice President Joe Biden at nine percent and Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders at five percent. Coming in at just one percent were New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick, retiring Virginia Sen. Jim Webb and outgoing Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley. Without Clinton in the race, Biden, a former Delaware senator, would jump to the top of a plurality of Democrats' wish lists, followed by Warren, with all other possible contenders failing to earn double-digit support.

This is at least the second time in recent weeks that Clinton has been unable to pack a room during an appearance . The clock is winding down on her self-selected deadline to make a decision about whether she wants to carry her party's torch in 2016 . A CNN poll released yesterday shows her blowing her Democratic competition out the water still .

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It's a dinner party scenario we are all familiar with. But red wine spills on the carpet could be a thing of the past, thanks to a new glass design. The clever Saturn spins around on its base, never fully tipping over as it resets itself to a new angle. The new Saturn wine glass is said to be 'spill-proof', no matter which way you tip it the wine won't come out . The company behind the creation, US-based Super-Duper-Studio, said: 'These spacey glasses are our re-imagination of a traditional Italian glassblowing technique, which we appropriated to prevent messy spills and stains. 'Four years of research and refinement has culminated in Saturn Glasses that are surprisingly light and satisfying to drink from.' Christopher Yamane, a graphic and industrial designer, teamed up with designer Matthew Johnson to create the glass, for which a price has not been revealed. Explaining the method used to make the Saturn glass, the studio said: 'To prepare the material for each cup, the molten glass is shaped by hand before being blown into a mold by glass artisans in Oakland, California. 'Each glass is then annealed overnight (a process which cools the glass slowly to relieve material stresses), cut, and polished by hand.' It's nice to enjoy a glass of wine with friends... but not so nice when someone has an accident! Christopher Yamene who designed the wine glass said that it is especially perfect for red wine as it does not matter if the temperature of your hand affects the drink . The glasses are said to hold a small to medium-sized glass of wine - about 125ml-175ml. They stack into each other and will stand upright on a flat surface. The only issue with the glasses, Yamene explained to design website Dezeen, is that without a stem, the heat of the hand can affect the temperature of the wine. He said: 'One small downside for not having a traditional stem seems to be how the temperature of your hand affects the temperature of the wine, but isn't as big of a problem in the red as the white.' Red wine is typically drunk at room temperature although it can be served slightly warmer, while white wine is generally served chilled. If you haven't managed to get your hands on a set of Super-Duper-Studio's Saturn wine glasses then you might want to check out these handy tips for removing a red wine stain... 1. The Salt Trick . This only works if you act fast but tipping a small amount of salt onto the spill can help to draw the wine out. 2. Dab, don't rub! Dab the red wine with a cloth but make sure you do not rub it. Rubbing will only increase the size of the stain and make it worse. 3. Shake your soda . Pouring soda water onto a red wine stain can remove it. Slowly pour the water onto the stain, letting it bubble. When it has removed the stain dab any excess liquid with a cloth. 4. Boil it up . Particularly good for clothing stains, boil a hot kettle and stretch the material out over the sink. Pour the boiling water down through the item of clothing which will wash out the stain. 5. Crush that cat litter . It might not sound like the most savory method but crushing cat litter onto the stain can help to absorb the wine much in the same way that salt would. Oh dear, spilling red wine can be an absolute nightmare if you don't know how to get it out .

Glass designed by Super-Duper-Studio promises to be 'spill-proof' The Saturn glass does not have a stem like normal wine glasses . Designer Christopher Yamane says the design is better for red wine .

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A new range of underwear has true green credentials - it's made from recycled pine trees. It might sound uncomfortable but it doesn't mean the lingerie feels prickly to touch, in fact the makers claim it's 'as soft as silk'. The collection of knickers comes from Midlands firm Liv.co.uk, who are based near Redditch and describe themselves as an 'ethical' online department store. Green is the new black: The briefs are made from crushed pine needles but are far from prickly . The 'organic' briefs are made in France and Tunisia by the French lingerie designer Sophie Young. As Christmas trees go up this month, the company hope people will think about what happens to them when they come down again and invest in their recycled products. The glamorous French panties which cost £15 each and are described as 'sexy, seductive underwear, soft as silk with the feel of cashmere and the coolness of linen.' Tree-mendous: The pine needle fabric is a vicose and the material is described 'structurally similar to cotton' Last year's Christmas tree, this year's stocking filler: The briefs were made by French lingerie designer Sophie Young and cost £15 . Fruits of the forest: Despite its origins, the underwear is said to be as 'soft as silk with the feel of cashmere and the coolness of linen' A spokesman for the company said: 'These are the pinnacle of French technology, delivered right where it matters. They won't leave you pining for the old bloomers.' Describing the product in more detail, she said: 'The pine needle fabric is a vicose. Like viscose rayon which is a fibre made from regenerated wood cellulose, this fabric is regenerated pine needles. 'Structurally it is similar to cotton, which is almost pure cellulose.' As well as lingerie, the website also sells other ethically sourced products including homeware and men's and women's clothing.

Collection of briefs made from crushed pine needles . Created by French designer Sophie Young . Being sold by 'ethical' online department store based in the Midlands . Despite its prickly origins, underwear is said to be as soft as silk .

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The family of an 18-year-old mother who died when a surgeon drilled into her brain are suing two NHS trusts for £500,000 in damages. Rachel Bradshaw died at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham after suffering a catastrophic liver failure, having taken an overdose days earlier when she split up with her boyfriend. Mother-of-one Miss Bradshaw had regretted her actions and attended Northampton General Hospital - but her family claim staff did not act in time. Mother: Rachel Bradshaw took an overdose when she split up with her boyfriend and died in February 2009 . It led to her needing a liver transplant and being sent to Birmingham where the accident occurred. A surgeon decided to insert a pressure bolt into her skull, but allegedly drilled too far into the brain. Her parents, Brian, 47, and Terry Brock, 50, are suing on behalf of Miss Bradshaw’s now seven-year-old daughter, Kyla, for the loss of her mother in February 2009. The High Court heard Miss Bradshaw had taken an overdose and went to the Northampton hospital, where her blood was tested. Levels of the painkiller in her blood did not mean she needed immediate treatment and she was sent home. Continuing to feel ill, she returned to see a GP at the hospital, but was again sent home. In the hours afterwards, she became very ill, collapsed in front of her mother and was rushed back to hospital. Mrs Brock told the court she only realised how bad the situation was when they were told that Miss Bradshaw needed a transplant. ‘I was just shocked, it was horrifying,’ she told the court. Court case: Miss Bradshaw's parents, Brian, 47, and Terry Brock, 50, are suing on behalf of her now seven-year-old daughter, Kyla, for the loss of her mother. The parents are pictured with their solicitor, Caron Heyes . The parents followed Miss Bradshaw to Birmingham and stayed in overnight accommodation at the hospital, but received a call at night to say she had taken a turn for the worse. ‘We went over to see her and then they said they would take her down for a brain scan,’ Mrs Brock said. ‘Then the doctors and the nurses took us into a family room and told us there was nothing more then could do. They said they had to turn off the machine...and that was it. They never explained to us what had happened.’ Mr Brock was with Miss Bradshaw when the machine was turned off and his daughter died in front of him, only a short time after they had been told there was hope she could survive. Miss Bradshaw's parents are claiming for the psychiatric damage which seeing their daughter die did to them as parents. Northampton General Hospitals NHS Trust and University Hospital Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust deny liability for injuries to the family. However, the Birmingham trust accepts the ‘negligent’ placement of the bolt killed Miss Bradshaw, who was from Northampton. The family’s barrister, John de Bono QC, told Judge Michael Yelton that Northampton medics were negligent in not testing Miss Bradshaw's blood the second time she went to hospital. Treatment: Mother-of-one Miss Bradshaw died at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital (pictured) in Birmingham . ‘It is rare for someone to return to an A&E department - this was an urgent situation which mandated prompt investigation,’ he said. If the seriousness of her illness had been known, medication would have begun and she would not have needed to go to Birmingham, where she met her death, he added. The court heard the Birmingham trust had denied breach of duty in relation to the insertion of the pressure bolt until only last month. Then, on November 14, it admitted that the bolt was inserted wrongly and that that caused the bleeding on the brain which killed Miss Bradshaw. Mr and Mrs Brock are suing both Northampton and Birmingham in their own right for the serious psychiatric injury they say they were caused by the way Miss Bradshaw died. The suddenness of Miss Bradshaw’s death, after being told there was a ‘ray of hope’, worsened the shock and was part of the cause of their ‘nervous shock’, their lawyers say. Contesting the claims, the Northampton trust says it owed no duty of care to Miss Bradshaw as A&E staff didn’t see her between her first time in hospital and when she returned after her collapse. Both trusts claim Miss Bradshaw’s parents would have suffered a psychiatric reaction however their daughter had died. The hearing continues.

Family of Rachel Bradshaw, 18, are suing two NHS trusts for £500,000 . Mother-of-one died at Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham in 2009 . Suffered catastrophic liver failure after taking overdose days earlier .

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Tim Howard has claimed that fellow American Brad Friedel 'actively tried to block' his move to Manchester United in 2003 - a charge the Tottenham veteran has called 'ludicrous'. Howard was signed by Sir Alex Ferguson from Major Soccer League side Metrostars (now the New York Red Bulls) to replace Fabien Barthez before eventually joining Everton permanently in 2007. However, in his new autobiography The Keeper, Howard claims he was told that Friedel refused to submit a statement on his behalf ahead of the transfer. VIDEO Scroll down for Tim Howard wins 2014 Male Athlete of the Year . Everton keeper Tim Howard has claimed that Brad Friedel tried to prevent him joining Manchester United . Former US No 1 Friedel claims that he never wrote a negative letter towards Howard . Friedel strongly refutes the suggestion, telling ESPN: 'It's complete garbage. To be honest with you, all we're looking for is an apology. We can't get the book reprinted. I'm not looking for monetary gain. I just want an apology.' In extracts of his book revealed exclusively by ESPN, Howard says: 'Man U told us that Friedel had refused to submit a statement on my behalf,' Howard writes: '"You're kidding me", I said. Friedel was among what was then a handful of American players in the Premier League; his influence was huge. 'Having himself been denied several times, he understood better than anyone exactly what was at stake. Why wouldn't he vouch for me? 'I mean, who would sabotage his own countryman like that?' Howard arrived at Old Trafford from MLS side Metrostars in 2003 and spent three seasons with United . Howard and Friedel embrace after a Premier League game between Everton and Aston Villa in 2009 . Howard says he later learned from United's legal team that Friedel, then playing in the Premier League for Blackburn Rovers, 'hadn't merely refused to sign a statement on my behalf, he had actively tried to block my transfer. 'He'd written to the appeals committee suggesting that I shouldn't be given a work permit at all.' Friedel initially responded to the claims by saying: 'There is no letter. 'I never sabotaged, and I never stood in the way of Tim Howard getting a work permit. This is ludicrous.'

Tim Howard signed for Manchester United from the Metrostars in 2003 . Brad Friedel alleged to have written a letter saying Howard shouldn't be granted a work permit, according to Howard in his new autobiography . Friedel denies the accusation and has demanded an apology from Howard .

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Texas Governor-elect Gregg Abbott disclosed on Wednesday that his state, along with 16 others, had filed a lawsuit against President Barack Obama and his administration over changes to the immigration system. 'The president’s unilateral executive action tramples the U.S. Constitution’s Take Care Clause and federal law,' Abbott said in a statement today. Joining Texas in the lawsuit are Alabama, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana, Maine, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, North Carolina, South Carolina, South Dakota, Utah, West Virginia and Wisconsin. The formal announcement of the lawsuit followed numerous threats from Abbott and other GOP governors to take Obama to court in response to his recently issued immigration memorandums and comes just two days before Abbott is scheduled to meet with Obama at the White House on another matter. Texas Attorney General and Gov.-elect Greg Abbott speaks against President Barack Obama's executive actions on immigration last month in Austin, Texas. Abbott formally announced his state's lawsuit against the president today over his immigration actions . Texas' current governor, Rick Perry and Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker have been saying since the day the president announced his decision to defer deportation for nearly 5 million immigrants that their states would consider suing Obama, and Abbott followed up Obama's proclamation with a threat of his own. 'President Obama has circumvented Congress and deliberately bypassed the will of the American people, eroding the very foundation of our nation’s Constitution and bestowing a legacy of lawlessness,' Abbott said in a statement at the time. Today he decried Obama for taking actions that 'directly violate the fundamental promise to the American people' to abide by the Constitution. 'The ability of the president to dispense with laws was specifically considered and unanimously rejected at the Constitutional Convention,' Abbott stated, according to Fox News. The legal arguments laid out in the suit are the violation of Article 2, Section 3 of the Constitution, which states that the president 'shall take care that the laws be faithfully executed. It also claims that at shift in federal policy will 'exacerbate the humanitarian crisis along the southern border, which will affect increased state investment in law enforcement, health care and education.' Outgoing Texas Gov. Rick Perry said at a conference last month that it costs his state roughly $12 million to defend the U.S. border with Mexico, which overlaps substantially with the Texas border. At a presser today separate from Abbott's, Perry said, 'In effect, [Obama's] action placed a neon sign on our border, assuring people that they could ignore the law of the United States.' Today's announcement to sue over the issue was not unexpected as Abbott had said on Monday that the lawsuit would formally be filed 'any day now.' 'We are dotting the i’s and crossing the t’s,' he said on Fox News program On the Record with Greta Van Susteren. The president's orders would give green cards and work permits to qualifying illegal immigrants if they pass a background check and would allow them to stay in the U.S. indefinitely without the threat of removal. 'In effect, [Obama's] action placed a neon sign on our border, assuring people that they could ignore the law of the United States,' outgoing Texas Gov. Rick Perry said today during a presser . Abbot said on Monday that Obama doesn't have the authority to do that, though. 'While the president or his attorneys may have the discretion whether or not to prosecute someone, they don’t have the authority to give rights to people they are not prosecuting and put burdens on other agencies to carry out all these orders so this is, as you know, far from prosecutorial discretion,' he said. Insisting that the lawsuit is not about his ideological opposition to the Democratic president, Abbott said Monday, 'I think it’s extremely important to emphasize that I am addressing this as a legal issue, not a political issue. 'The president has crossed the line from politics to endangering the constitutional structure,' the Republican politician said, per the Austin American-Statesman. Abbott has already sued Obama 30 times before today while serving as attorney general of the Lone Star State, with the new lawsuit making 31 times. On Friday he'll have the distinct honor of meeting the very man he's sued so often at the White House in Washington, D.C. He'll join a handful of other recently elected governors there for a meeting on the economy. His frequent lawsuits could make his encounter with the nation's leader quite, awkward, however, even though he insists that . Immigration Executive Order Lawsuit uploaded by MailOnline .

Incoming Texas governor Greg Abbott made the announcement at a press conference today . Lawsuit was expected, with Abbott saying Monday he would make a formal announcement 'any day now' Abbott will meet with President Barack Obama and other newly elected governors the White House on Friday to discuss the economy .

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An aborted theatre tour of the cult Sky Sports programme Soccer Saturday is still the subject of legal action more than two years after four shows were cancelled. Entertainer Mike Osman, a close friend of Soccer Saturday regular Matt Le Tissier, arranged the abandoned roadshow. He continues to pursue presenter Jeff Stelling for breach of contract. Presenter Jeff Stelling is being pursued for breach of contract over a Soccer Saturday theatre tour . Osman claims to have lost £250,000 after dates in Liverpool, Newcastle, London and Birmingham were cancelled following successful shows in Southampton and Bournemouth. It is claimed ticket sales suffered after Stelling failed to fulfil promises to promote the show. It is believed the marathon legal row has strained relationships on the programme, with Osman also said to have contracts in place with Phil Thompson, Charlie Nicholas and Paul Merson, as well as Le Tissier. Osman said: ‘These things take a long time to resolve but I’m not giving up.’ Sky Sports are aware of the dispute but say they are not involved, even though the roadshow used the official Soccer Saturday brand. Mark Clattenburg has not taken charge of a Premier League fixture since October 25 . Premier League referee Mark Clattenburg looks still to be paying the price for going in his own car to an Ed Sheeran concert after a match — and taking a call from manager Neil Warnock en route — rather than leaving in the official transport. Clattenburg, a Champions League referee and widely regarded as one of the best in England, was stood down for one match at the time. But he was on Championship duty last weekend, then relegated further to fourth official in midweek and next Saturday. The conspiracy theory is that referees’ chief Mike Riley favours other elite officials, including Michael Oliver, who received no reprimand after his fiancee Lucy May travelled in the officials’ vehicle this season. A source said Oliver asked permission. MCC have appointed Gerald Corbett to succeed Oliver Stocken as chairman next October. Corbett, who had a torrid time as CEO of Railtrack, has chaired six public companies including Britvic and Betfair. But even though he has been an MCC member since 1995, he has not served on any of the Lord’s committees that would have given him some knowledge of the lunatic fringe who have disrupted the ground renovation. Corbett, whose cricket career peaked when he beat the Westerleigh prep school bowling record of F1 legend James Hunt, said: ‘I’m used to arriving from planet Mars but getting my feet under the table pretty quickly.’ Ticketmaster have given assurances about the sale of 2015 Rugby World Cup tickets . Ticketmaster, who are supply partners with England Rugby 2015, have given assurances about not selling Rugby World Cup tickets on their controversial online secondary sites. But that didn’t stop Ticketmaster-owned Get Me In offloading a counterfeit pair of VIP tickets for the Chisora-Fury boxing show last Saturday for £5,000, with the unfortunate buyers stopped at the gate. Robertson on Coe team . Former Minister for Sport Sir Hugh Robertson will be part of Lord Coe’s campaign team in his bid for the IAAF presidency. Robertson’s know-how from his spell in the Foreign Office with responsibility for the Middle East and North Africa will be utilised to unlock doors in the chase for more than 200 votes. Sir Hugh has yet to decide whether to stand for his Faversham and Mid Kent seat at the General Election next year, but currently has time on his hands to be of significant help to Coe. However, the biggest diplomatic issue for Coe might be keeping the peace between his two warring communications and strategic chiefs Jackie Brock-Doyle, a close adviser over London 2012, and bid specialist Mike Lee, who runs Coe’s PR for the IAAF presidency. It’s safe to say Lee and Brock-Doyle, who surprisingly attended the Lee-organised launch of Coe’s manifesto, do not like each other. Spurs, who already have an influential female board presence in combative executive director Donna Cullen, have chosen QPR finance chief Rebecca Caplehorn to replace MLS-bound Darren Eales as director of football administration.

Entertainer Mike Osman taking legal action over abandoned roadshow . Jeff Stelling being pursued for breach of contract . Premier League referee Mark Clattenburg still paying price for Ed Sheeran . Spurs appoint Rebecca Caplehorn as director of football administration .

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Liverpool are making their play to sign Norway starlet Martin Odegaard after he arrived for a tour of the club on Wednesday. The 15-year-old, who has already spent time with Real Madrid and Manchester United - although United hope to see him again - landed on Merseyside to take a look at Liverpool's ground and facilities. Liverpool's first team squad and staff were given the day off but Stromsgodset midfielder Odegaard, supposedly a Liverpool fan, and his father took the opportunity to look around Anfield, Melwood and Liverpool city centre. VIDEO Scroll down for 15 Year old Norwegian wonder kid Martin Odegaard highlights . Stromsgodset starlet Martin Odegaard is being chased by a host of Europe's elite clubs . The 15-year-old was the youngest player to feature in a Euro qualifier after making his debut against Bulgaria . Age: 15 (D.O.B. 17/12/98) Born: Drammen, Norway . Position: Attacking midfielder . Club: Stromsgodset (2014-) Appearances: 24 . Goals: 5 . International appearances: 3 . International goals: 0 . Odegaard already has three international caps after becoming the youngest player ever to play in a European Championship qualifier when he made his debut for Norway against Bulgaria at the age of 15 years and 300 days. He turns 16 on December 17. Most of Europe's top sides have made approaches to Stromsgodset although Chelsea coach Jose Mourinho has ruled his side out of the race. Mourinho said: 'I have heard from him and he can go to 25 clubs. I want to know what club it is going to be, but we will not go into battle with all these clubs..' Jose Mourinho has ruled Chelsea out of the race to sign Odegaard, who 'can go to 25 clubs'

Martin Odegaard attracting Manchester United, Real Madrid and Liverpool . The 15-year-old was given a tour of Anfield, Melwood and the city centre . The Stromsgodset starlet was the youngest player to play in a European Championship qualifier after making his Norway debut against Bulgaria .

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The world's largest white truffle was discovered in Italy this week, and truffle-lovers are offering to spend $1 million on the rare ingredient. Sabatino Truffles, one of the largest truffle suppliers in the world, unearthed the 4.16-pound truffle this week and has received high offers from buyers in China and Dubai, according to a news release, . The Balestra family of Sabatino Truffles will auction the truffle off next week in New York City and the proceeds will go to a charity of their choice. Scroll down for video . Largest: This week, Sabatino Truffles unearthed the largest white truffle in the world with the truffle weighing in at 4. 16 pounds . Hunters use trained dogs and pigs to sniff out the rare truffles during the months of October, November, and December, according to NBC. Truffles are the most expensive food in the world with just one pound of a European white truffle selling for thousands of dollars and a few shavings of a black truffle selling for hundreds of dollars, CBS news reports. Guinness: In the past, white truffles have sold for up to $330,000 and this truffle is almost twice the size of the existing Guinness record holder . In the past, white truffles have sold for up to $330,000 and this truffle is almost twice the size of the existing Guinness record holder. CBS reports that this expensive delicacy has brought organized crime into the truffle trade. A black market has been created for the truffles leading to the theft of both the truffles and the dogs that sniff them out.

The world's largest white truffle was discovered in Italy this week, and truffle-lovers are offering to spend $1 million on the rare ingredient . The truffle will be auctioned off next week in New York City and the proceeds will go to a charity . This truffle is almost twice the size of the existing Guinness record holder .

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A fourth doctor has died of Ebola in Sierra Leone after a failed bid to transfer her abroad for treatment. Dr Olivet Buck died last night hours after the World Health Organisation said it could not help medically evacuate her to Germany. Sierra Leone had requested funds from the organisation to transfer her for treatment saying it could not afford to lose another doctor. Scroll down for video . A fourth doctor has died of Ebola in Sierra Leone after a failed bid to transfer her abroad for treatment (file picture) But Chief Medical Officer Dr Brima Kargbo today confirmed that the Sierra Leone national had died on Saturday night. WHO had said it could not meet the request but instead would work to give Dr Buck 'the best care possible' in Sierra Leone, including access to experimental drugs. It is a huge setback for the impoverished country that is battling the virulent disease amid a shortage of health care workers. A total of 301 health workers had become infected with the disease as of September 7 in Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone, according to WHO. Of that tally, which included suspected and probable cases in addition to confirmed ones, 144 had died. Because Ebola is only transmitted through contact with the bodily fluids of people showing symptoms or from dead bodies of Ebola victims, health workers have been especially vulnerable as they respond to the worst outbreak in history. A man suspected of suffering from Ebola lies in the street in Monrovia, in Liberia which shares a border with Sierra Leone. A total of 301 health workers had become infected with the disease as of September 7 in Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone, according to the World Health Organisation . The infections have exacerbated shortages of doctors and nurses in West African countries that were already low on skilled health personnel. So far, only foreign health and aid workers have been evacuated abroad from Sierra Leone and Liberia for treatment. Dr. Sheik Humarr Khan, Sierra Leone's top Ebola doctor, was being considered for evacuation to a European country when he died of the disease in late July. Ebola victims suffer vomiting, diarrhea, internal and external bleeding in the final stages of the disease, leaving their bodies coated in the virus. To treat the sick, doctors require training and protective clothing - both of them scarce in Africa. The outbreak - the first in West Africa - was detected five months ago deep in the forests of southeastern Guinea. But it was not until August 8 that the World Health Organization declared an international health emergency and promised more resources. The doctor's death comes just days after a study found that the Ebola outbreak could hit 15 countries across Africa - putting the lives of 22 million people at risk . The doctor's death comes just days after a study found that the Ebola outbreak could hit 15 countries across Africa - putting the lives of 22 million people at risk. In a world first, Oxford scientists created a map of places most at risk of an Ebola outbreak warning regions likely to be home to animals harbouring the virus are more widespread than previously feared, particularly in West Africa. Around 2,400 people have died from Ebola in the current West Africa outbreak, which has infected at least 4,000 people in Guinea, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Nigeria and Senegal. The World Health Organisation says it will take months to bring the epidemic under control and is warning there may be up to 20,000 cases before it is stopped.

Medic dies of Ebola in Sierra Leone after failed bid for treatment abroad . Dr Olivet Buck became fourth doctor to die of the virus in the country . Sierra Leone had requested funds to evacuate the doctor to Germany . But the Sierra Leone citizen died on Saturday hours after request was made .

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CLICK HERE to read Everton manager Roberto Martinez's comments after the game . Ferocious in Europe, flimsy at home. If Everton’s progress in the Europa League has been without a hitch, uncertainty dogs their domestic form. A game at home to Hull City, in theory, should have been a straightforward opportunity for Roberto Martinez’s squad to make up lost ground in their pursuit of a top four spot. When Romelu Lukaku gave them a first-half lead, all seemed to be going to plan. Had this been a contest on a Thursday night, Everton would, in all likelihood, have motored away but there is something about the Barclays Premier League that means their footing is not so sure. VIDEO Scroll down fro Sportsmail's Big Match Stats: Everton 1-1 Hull City . Substitute Sone Aluko wheels away after equalising with a low shot past Tim Howard (left) to rescue a 1-1 draw for Hull . Toffees striker Romelu Lukaku (centre) stretches to open the scoring for Everton in the first half . Hull team-mates rush to congratulate Aluko as Hull end a winless run of four games in the Premier League . EVERTON (4-2-3-1): Howard 6: Coleman 6.5, Jagielka 7, Distin 5.5, Baines 6.5: Besic 6.5, Barry 6: Osman 6, Barkley 6, Mirallas 8 (Pienaar 64mins): Lukaku 7.5 . UNUSED SUBS: Robles, Hibbert, Eto'o, McGeady, Atsu, Garbutt . HULL (3-5-1-1): McGregor 7; Rosenior 6, Dawson 6.5, Chester 7; Elmohamady 6, Livermore 6.5, Huddlestone 7, Meyler 7, Quinn 6.5; Diame 5.5 (Aluko 52mins); Jelavic 6.5 . UNUSED SUBS: Jakupovic, Bruce, Davies, Brady, Sagbo, Robertson . Goals – Lukaku (34), Aluko (59) Booked – Dawson . Referee – R Madley 6 . Attendance – 34,645 . MOM – Kevin Mirallas . Player Ratings by DOMINIC KING at Goodison Park . Sone Aluko raced on to Nikica Jelavic's pass to score Hull's equaliser - CLICK HERE for more stats from our brilliant Match Zone . They squandered another lead, this time Sone Aluko profiting from lax defending to secure a 1-1 draw. Martinez has been eager to embrace Everton’s European adventure, but this was the first occasion when he admitted that, perhaps, the extra demands are having a negative impact. Running out of energy and ideas in a lacklustre second half, Everton were booed off at the final whistle. ‘I don’t think it was a negative reaction,’ Martinez argued. ‘I think it was the fans seeing that they had three points in the bag but then leaving with one. ‘Our supporters have been magnificent. I think it was more about emotions than a moan. The longer the game went on, the worse it was for us. ‘We had five shots on target, 13 chances. Hull stopped the clock and made it difficult for us to build momentum. I’m not bitter about the way the opposition played. ‘We need to learn from this. Teams are coming here and making it difficult for us. We need to get back to where we are.’ The pitch is prepared at Goodison Park ahead of the Premier League clash between Everton and Hull . Everton manager Roberto Martinez (left) and his Hull counterpart Steve Bruce give directions as the game gets underway . Toffees defender Seamus Coleman (left) is scythed down by Hull's Stephen Quinn during the opening exchanges . Lukaku (right) appeals for a handball after his effort appears to strike Hull midfielder Liam Rosenior (centre) Everton playmaker Mirallas (right) take a free-kick, with the Belgian instrumental during the opening half . Everton and England defender Leighton Baines has an argument with Lukaku as the home side push for an opener . Mirallas (left) shrugs off Hull captain Michael Dawson to play in Lukaku for a goalscoring opportunity . Lukaku (right) reacts to Mirallas' pass to fire in the opening goal for Everton on 34 minutes . Everton midfielder Leon Osman (centre) congratulates Lukaku after Everton take the lead against Hull . If Martinez was irritated, his opposite number was in a better frame of mind. Having endured a month of misery, seeing his side plummet into the drop zone on the back of four straight defeats, finally Steve Bruce had some respite. It had looked as if the barren run Hull have endured was going to continue at Goodison Park, when Lukaku pounced in the 34th minute, but Bruce’s introduction of Aluko for the injured Mo Diame could not have been better timed. Aluko’s arrival gave Hull an injection of belief and gave purpose to their play. Within five minutes of replacing Mo Diame, he had scored the goal to secure a point for Hull and allow Bruce to relax. His side have suffered some cruel luck in recent weeks, so this was long overdue. ‘We need a result and we need to give everyone a lift,’ said Bruce. ‘The last month has been difficult. This league is unforgiving. ‘Thankfully we have taken something from the game. If there was going to be a team to win it in the second half, it was going to be us. ‘It has been a frustrating time. The only time we have let ourselves down was at Burnley. We could be four, five six points better off. But others could say that. ‘This is the second season and that is harder. We have to deal with expectation.’ The Belgian striker drops to his knees and points to the sky after breaking the deadlock in the first half . Mirallas raises Lukaku's arm after the Belgium team-mates combine to open the scoring for Everton . Everton team-mates rush to celebrate with Lukaku after the Belgium international's strike . Tigers manager Steve Bruce (right) reacts after seeing his side concede the opening goal . VIDEO Bruce hails vital result . What is beyond question is their appetite for a fight. Teams with brittle confidence would have folded when Everton started passing the ball with purpose, inspired by the surging runs and clever movement of Kevin Mirallas. When Phil Jagielka chipped a pass forward and Lukaku flicked it on, Mirallas scampered down the flank to stretch Hull’s defence. He pulled the ball back for Lukaku, who did the rest, driving in from 10 yards with his left foot. It was his seventh goal of the campaign. Yet that was as good as it got. Hull began the second half with purpose, preying on Everton’s lethargy and they got their reward when Aluko drifted beyond a limp challenge from Sylvain Distin before drilling a shot beyond Tim Howard at the near post. From that point, Hull — who almost won it when a header from former Everton player Nikica Jelavic dropped the wrong side of the post — were comfortable and Everton ran out of ideas. A point gained for Bruce, two squandered for Martinez. ‘In the second half of the season we have to get back to our way of playing,’ said the Everon manager. That lesson needs to be heeded otherwise their top four hopes will slip away. Hull midfielder Tom Huddlestone (right) skips over a tackle from Everton's Muhamed Besic . Baines (centre) is forced to temporarily leave the pitch to tend to a nosebleed after a clash with David Meyler . Substitute Sone Aluko came on to equalise for Hull after meeting a pass from Nikica Jelavic on 59 minutes . Aluko wheels away after his goal ended Hull's four-game losing streak . Meyler crouches down to congratulate Aluko on bringing Hull back into the game in the second half .

Romelu Lukaku opened the scoring after being played through by Belgium team-mate Kevin Mirallas in the first-half . Hull substitute Sone Aluko equalised after the interval by beating Tim Howard at his near post from a tight angle . Some Everton fans booed the team after the final whistle . Everton stay 11th with Hull remaining in the bottom three .

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Nico Rosberg proved he is unwilling to allow Lewis Hamilton to ride roughshod all over him by turning in a dominant day of practice ahead of Sunday's Brazilian Grand Prix. After emerging from a controversial race in Belgium where he and Mercedes team-mate Hamilton collided with a season-high 29-point lead, Rosberg has been on the receiving end of a backlash from the Briton. Five successive victories have allowed Hamilton to turn the tables on Rosberg and open up a 24-point cushion to the German with two grands prix remaining, at Interlagos on Sunday and Abu Dhabi on November 23. Lewis Hamilton, winner at the last five races, takes a trip off track as he aimed to reel in Nico Rosberg . Lewis Hamilton finished behind Mercedes team-mate Nico Rosberg in both practice sessions on Friday . 1. Nico Rosberg Mercedes 1:12.123 . 2. Lewis Hamilton Mercedes 1:12.336 . 3. Kimi Raikkonen Ferrari 1:12.696 . 4. Daniel Ricciardo Red Bull 1:12.956 . 5. Valtteri Bottas Williams 1:13.035 . 6. Felipe Massa Williams 1:13.099 . 7. Fernando Alonso Ferrari 1:13.122 . 8. Daniil Kvyat Toro Rosso 1:13.254 . 9. Sebastian Vettel Red Bull 1:13.333 . 10. Kevin Magnussen McLaren 1:13.479 . 11. Pastor Maldonado Lotus 1:13.497 . 12. Romain Grosjean Lotus 1:13.714 . 13. Nico Huelkenberg Force India 1:13.882 . 14. Esteban Gutierrez Sauber 1:13.902 . 15. Adrian Sutil Sauber 1:14.204 . 16. Jenson Button McLaren 1:14.209 . 17. Jean-Eric Vergne Toro Rosso 1:17.171 . 18. Sergio Perez  Force India . Rosberg, however, showed he is far from finished as he topped the timesheet at the end of both 90-minute sessions, initially on the medium-compound tyre in the morning and then soft rubber in the afternoon. Rosberg's best time of the day was a one minute 12.123secs for one of the most-renowned circuits in F1, with Hamilton just over two tenths of a second adrift - the same for both sessions. For once, it was Kimi Raikkonen in his Ferrari - rather than team-mate Fernando Alonso as has often been the case - emerging the best of the rest, with the Finn just over half a second adrift. As for Alonso, his session came to a premature end when his car burst into flames after he had pulled off the circuit, initially with smoke billowing from the rear of his car. Alonso finished down in seventh come the conclusion to the day, 0.999secs off of Rosberg's pace. In between the Ferrari duo were Daniel Ricciardo in his Red Bull and Williams pair Valtteri Bottas and Felipe Massa, the latter on home soil and finishing 0.976secs adrift. Toro Rosso's Daniil Kvyat was next up, followed by Sebastian Vettel in his Red Bull and McLaren's Kevin Magnussen to round out the top 10. Jenson Button took to the track for the second practice session after failing to post a competitive time in FP1 . Rosberg, 24 points adrift of Mercedes team-mate Hamilton, set the pace in both sessions on Friday . Sebastian Vettel (right) and Hamilton jostle for track position during the second practice session . As for Jenson Button, the veteran was down in 16th in his McLaren, just over two seconds back following a frustrating day. In FP1 Button suffered an ERS (energy recovery store) failure at the end of his installation lap that kept him in the garage for the rest of the session. If Button thought he had problems, though, then he perhaps spared a thought for Force India's Sergio Perez who failed to turn a wheel in anger all day. In giving way to Daniel Juncadella in FP1, the Spaniard crashed the car to such an extent that repairs were impossible in order to allow Perez to get out on track in FP2.

Rosberg fastest in both sessions ahead of Mercedes team-mate Hamilton . The German is bidding to overturn a 24-point deficit with two races left . Kimi Raikkonen was third fastest with Red Bull's Daniel Ricciardo fourth . Fernando Alonso's Ferrari caught fire and the session was red flagged .

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President Barack Obama has described the ebola outbreak in West Africa as ‘a threat to global security’. His warning was echoed last night by Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond who said the epidemic in West Africa could become a ‘global catastrophe with disastrous consequences’ without more humanitarian support. The US President announced plans this week to send 3,000 American troops to the region to help build new healthcare facilities. Scroll down for video . 'We could be looking at hundreds of thousands of people infected' in west Africa, Obama warned on Tuesday . Mr Obama said the disease required a ‘global response’ as a worsening outbreak would lead to ‘profound political, economic and security implications for all of us’. He said: ‘In West Africa, ebola is now an epidemic, of the likes that we have not seen before. It’s spiralling out of control: it is getting worse; it’s spreading faster and exponentially. ‘Today thousands of people in West Africa are infected. That number could rapidly grow to tens of thousands. And if the outbreak is not stopped now we could be looking at hundreds of thousands infected. ‘This is an epidemic that is not just a threat to regional security. It’s a potential threat to global security if these countries break down, if their economies break down, if people panic.’ Obama met Tuesday morning with Dr. Kent Brantly and his wife, Amber. Dr. Brantly contracted the Ebola virus while doing missionary aid work in Liberia, but has recovered completely . Britain is to provide hundreds of extra beds to treat people affected by the deadly virus as part of a £100million aid package. Mr Hammond confirmed work is progressing to provide 200 beds to Sierra Leone while a further 500 will be supplied in the coming months. Last week it was announced that British military personnel are setting up a 62-bed ebola treatment centre near Freetown, the capital of Sierra Leone. Meanwhile, a healthy British woman became the first volunteer to receive a potentially life-saving new vaccine to tackle the virus yesterday. Ruth Atkins was injected with the experimental drug at Oxford University as part of a safety trial. If successful, it will be used to treat patients in West Africa where 2,500 people have now died. The 48-year-old from Marcham in Oxfordshire is one of 60 volunteers taking part in the UK trial over the coming weeks, which has been fast-tracked because of the worsening outbreak. After being given her injection, she said: ‘I feel absolutely fine, it felt no different to being vaccinated before going on holiday.’ Mrs Atkins, an NHS communications manager who has also worked as a nurse, will keep a diary of her side effects over the next eight weeks and have regular blood tests. She said she volunteered ‘because the situation in West Africa is so tragic’. Ten thousand doses of the drug are being manufactured by British drug company GlaxoSmithKline in the hope it will be approved for use.

President said: 'If the outbreak is not stopped now we could be looking at hundreds of thousands infected . The White House announced this week that 3,000 military troops will go to Liberia .

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Attorney Gloria Allred today challenged Bill Cosby to pay $100 million in damages to the women who claim he sexually assaulted them. The lawyer introduced three alleged victims - two who have never spoken before - and as they broke down in tears, she told Cosby he could waive the statute of limitations so all the women accusing him of assault could have their day in court. If not, she said, he could stump up $100 million - and the money would be handed out to the women by a committee of retired judges. Demands: Attorney Gloria Allred is flanked this afternoon by Bill Cosby accusers, from left, Chelan Lasha, Beth Ferrier and Helen Hayes . Weeping: Chelan Lasha, now a grandmother, breaks down on Wednesday afternoon as she claims that Cosby drugged and assaulted her when she was 17 . Options:  Gloria Allred says Cosby can either stump up $100m to his alleged victims - or waive the statute of limitations so they can have their day in court . Speaking at her California law offices, Miss Allred said she had been forced to tell many women who had contacted her to report abuse at the hands of the comic legend that they were too late to file a lawsuit due to the statute of limitations. However, she said: 'Today, I am here to propose two new solutions to this public dilemma and a away to determine if Bill Cosby is a saint of a sexual predator.' She said that if Cosby, now 77, is 'confident' he has done nothing wrong, he could waive the statute of limitations, adding: 'Then his alleged victims would have an opportunity to have their allegations dealt with on their merits. 'Bill Cosby would have an opportunity to address there allegations in a court of law and the victims and Mr Cosby would have an opportunity to have a judge and jury decide who should be believed.' This would be similar, Miss Allred said, to the Catholic Church cases in California, which involved allegations of sexual abuse by priests.  A law allowed victims to sue within a one year period. Under fire: Bill Cosby has yet to make a public statement about the wave of women who have come forward to accuse him of sexual assault . Tears: Bill Cosby's alleged accusers face the cameras at Gloria Allred's LA offices on Wednesday afternoon . Alternatively, Miss Allred said, if Cosby did not want to waive the statute of limitations, he could pour $100 million into a fund, adding that anyone who claims to be a victim could put their case in front of a panel of retired judges, who would act as arbitrators, who would then decided if their case had merit - and how much damages they would be awarded. Cosby has an estimated fortune of $400 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth. He has made his fortune through numerous endorsements including Jell-O, Coca-Cola and Ford - and dominating TV in the 1980s with The Cosby Show. Cosby’s syndication deal in 1988 also earned him a fortune. Rights to air The Cosby Show for three years were sold to Fox for $550 million. He currently lives with his wife of 51 years, Camille, in a compound in Shelburne Falls, Massachusetts, that includes two large farmhouses. They couple moved in in 1971 and also bought several acres around the town for conservation purposes. However, Miss Allred said: 'It's time for justice and accountability and we challenge him to end this nightmare, both for him and the alleged victims by accepting either of the options that I proposed and we look forward to his response.' Chelan Lasha, from California - now believed to be a 46-year-old Grandmother - told how Cosby attacked her when she was just 17 in 1986 when she was an aspiring model. Weeping, she said her stepmother had sent pictures of her to the star and he called her at home in Las Vegas, inviting her to the Hilton Las Vegas, where he was performing and she had a job. She then went up to Elvis Presley suite to meet him and after telling him she had a cold, he gave her a blue pill, which he said was an antihistimine, with a double shot of Amaretto. The woman who started it all: Andrea Constand, a former basketball player, sued Cosby in 2005 and settled later on. Beth Ferrier was Jane Doe No 5 in Andrea's civil court case . Emotional: Former supermodel Janice Dickinson says Cosby drugged and raped her in 1982 . She said: 'He was rubbing my neck and saying that he might have to have someone come in and give me stress therapy.' She claimed he told her to change into a Hilton bathrobe and wet her hair to see the modelling scout. Someone did briefly come up to the room, pertaining to be from the Ford Modelling Agency -telling her to she needed to lose 10 pounds - and taking some pictures. Then, Chelan said, Cosby walked her to the bedroom and gave her another shot of Amaretto, which he claimed would help her cold. 'I laid down,' she said: 'He laid down next to me on the bed and began pinching my left nipple and humping my leg while he was grunting. 'I could not open my eyes. I couldn't move or say anything. I felt something warm on my legs. Then I blacked out.' No comment: Bill Cosby today thanked Whoopi Goldberg and singer Jill Scott for their support on Twitter - but has made no public statement . 'Thirteen to sixteen hours later I woke up by hearing Mr Cosby clapping his hands and saying 'Daddy says wake up'. He gave me $1500. He said the money was to buy something nice for me and my grandmother and he also invited me to go to the Temptations show with my grandmother. 'My grandmother went but I did not go because I was too sick. Then he invited us to his show. My grandmother really want to go. I did not, but I went with her and heckled him. As a result, I was fired my from job.' Chelan was joined by two other women, Helen Hayes, who claims Cosby fondled her breast after stalking her and her friends 'like a predator' after they met in the summer of 1973. Beth Ferrier, meanwhile, who has already come forward, alleges that she had an affair with Cosby, which ended in him drugging and raping her - and leaving her to come to in her car in an alleyway. She was Jane Doe 5 in the civil suit brought against Cosby by Andrea Costand, the first woman to allege he had attacked her, in 2005. Former basketball player Andrea ended up settling out of court. MailOnline has contacted Cosby's attorney for comment .

Famed attorney Gloria Allred says: 'The public deserves to know if Mr Cosby is a saint or sexual predator' One new alleged victim, Chelan Lasha, claims Cosby abused her when she was 17 . She says he drugged her and woke to him saying 'Daddy says wake up' Miss Allred challenges star to waive statute of limitations so his accusers can have their day in court - also allowing him to clear his name .

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Iago Aspas failed to net a single goal in the Premier League last season but the Liverpool misfit scored a four-minute hat-trick for Sevilla in the Copa del Rey on Wednesday night. The La Liga side won 5-1 against second-tier Sabadell to complete an 11-2 aggregate score and Aspas found the net three times in a matter of moments in the second half. The 27-year-old, who is currently on loan from Brendan Rodgers' side, also scored a treble in the first leg of the round of 32 clash to take his tally for the tie to six. Sevilla striker Iago Aspas (right) fights for the ball with defender Marti Crespi (left) of Sabadell . Aspas is congratulated by his team-mates after finding the net in the second half of the Copa del Rey clash . Liverpool have struggled for goals this season after losing top scorer Luis Suarez in the summer, before Daniel Sturridge was struck down by injury. And Aspas's goalscoring exploits may just have Liverpool boss Rodgers checking the Spaniard's contract for a recall option. Barcelona player Gerard Deulofeu, who spent last season on loan at Everton, also got his name on the scoresheet as Sevilla progressed to the last 16.

Iago Aspas joined Liverpool from in 2013 but failed to make an impact . He didn't register a goal in 14 league appearances for Liverpool . The 27-year-old scored a hat-trick in just four minutes for Sevilla .

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Manchester City emphatically overcame their curse at Sunderland with a 4-1 victory. An early goal from Connor Wickham gave Gus Poyet's side the lead but Sergio Aguero equalised immediately before Stevan Jovetic put City ahead. Defender Pablo Zabaleta got the third before Aguero found the net for his second. Here's how the players rated at the Stadium of Light: . Sunderland (4-1-4-1) Costel Pantilimon 5.5 . Beaten four times but hard to blame him for what were a collection of brilliant finishes. Santiago Vergini 5.5 . For a full back, he’s actually quite enjoyable to watch and thinks nothing of dropping a shoulder and out-witting a winger at his own game. Defensively he remains suspect and was caught cold for Aguero’s second. John O’Shea 6 . Aguero targeted Coates and that pays a compliment to O’Shea, who has been outstanding of late. He tried his best to organise against City’s star-studded offence but that was a tough ask. John O'Shea (left) had a difficult evening for Sunderland against Manchester City and Sergio Aguero (right) Sebastian Coates 5 . League debut for Black Cats and the last player he wanted to be facing was Aguero. He was skinned for the striker’s equaliser and his rustiness showed against top-quality opponents. Anthony Reveillere 5 . Has been in brilliant form since his free-transfer arrival last month but he found it tougher against Navas and struggled badly at times. Lee Cattermole 6 . Not as devastatingly disruptive as he was against Chelsea – although that would have been a tall order to repeat – but still got through his usual work with minimum fuss. Will Buckley 5.5 . He huffs and puffs but doesn’t really blow any defences down. Puts a shift in nonetheless. More quality needed though. Jack Rodwell 5.5 . A little subdued and did not stamp his mark like sidekick Larsson. Still struggling to make an impact since his £10m move from City in the summer. Jack Rodwell struggled to impress for Sunderland against his former team at the Stadium of Light . Seb Larsson 7 . Enjoyed exploiting gaps in behind City’s backline with cute passes early on and was at the heart of everything the hosts did offensively. Connor Wickham 6.5 . A touch of good fortune with opening goal but he deserved that for the endeavour which took him into the box. Connor Wickham (centre) put Sunderland into a surprise lead, but they could not hold on . Steven Fletcher 6 . Tough task as lone man but he does it well and kept City’s central defenders occupied in first half. Subs . Jozy Altidore 5.5 (on 55), Ricky Alvarez 6 (on 67) Not used: Bridcutt, Brown, Cabral, Gomez, Mannone . Manchester City (4-2-3-1) Joe Hart 6 . Very little to do and had little chance with goal. A routine evening. Pablo Zabaleta 7 . Recovered from his part in Sunderland’s opener to put in typically robust display and his goal, dinking over Pantilimon, was a touch of class. Pablo Zabaleta celebrates scoring City's third in the game against Sunderland . Dedryck Boyata 6.5 . Shaky start but found his rhythm and could now win a little run in the side. Martin Demichelis 6.5 . The partnership with Boyata took a little while to gel and, early on, looked like it might cost City dear as the hosts repeatedly slipped balls in behind their pair. But he steadied and cruised through the last hour. Gael Clichy 6.5 . Kept Buckley quiet and joined the attack as often as possible. Was unlucky not to see one of his crosses converted. Yaya Toure 6.5 . Again he never emerged from second gear and strolled through the contest. Still, he hardly put a foot wrong. Fernandinho 7 . A lot more energetic than Toure and saw a lot of the ball. Did well. Jesus Navas (top) skips over the challenge from Sunderland midfielder Lee Cattermole . Aguero gave the Sunderland defence a torrid evening and scored two goals for his team . Jesus Navas 7.5 . Caused his full back all manner of problems and fizzed a string of balls through the box without any takers. Samir Nasri 7 . A killer through-ball for Zabaleta’s goal and enjoyed more space as game wore on. Some delightful touches in and around the area. Stevan Jovetic 6.5 . An uncompromising finish to put City in front but wasn’t involved a great deal and eventually made way. Sergio Aguero 9 . Outstanding. Scored two – taking his tally for the season to 19 - and created one, winning applause from the home fans when he was replaced late on. He really is the best striker in world football right now. Subs . James Milner 6.5 (on 55), Frank Lampard 6 (on 74), Jose Pozo (on 84) Not used: Sagna, Fernando, Caballero, Esmoris Tasende .

Connor Wickham put Sunderland into the lead after 19 minutes . But Sergio Aguero equalised for Manchester City two minutes later . Aguero got another and Pablo Zabaleta and Stevan Jovetic also scored .

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One of the First World War’s defining moments is to be remembered by the whole of English football in December. The iconic Christmas truce match in 1914 – during which rival soldiers put down their weapons – is being marked a century on up and down the country. Every Premier League, Championship and FA Cup second round fixture will be preceded by commemorative photos, with both sides posing alongside each other, which will be put on to a website which will also involve schools, fans and amateur teams. Theo Walcott and Prince William with some of the 'Football Remembers' educational pack . Walcott and the Duke of Cambridge cast a keen eye over the material in the pack . Walcott and HRH - who is the president of the FA - pose with the pack . On Christmas Day, 1914, British and German troops in Flanders, Belgium, put down their weapons and mingled in No-Man's Land. The most famous event of this day was the game of football played between the two sets of soldiers. The match reportedly started when a football was kicked by one of the British troops into No Man's Land. A memorial to the Christmas Truce will also be unveiled - designed by a 10-year-old Spencer Turner from Newcastle, who won a national competition. It will reside permanently at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire. Spencer was told he had won the competition by Newcastle stars Steven Taylor and Adam Armstrong during a special assembley at his school Farne Primary on Thursday. The competition was judged by Prince William, president of the FA, and Arsenal forward Theo Walcott. Two Premier League clubs will send youth teams to the Christmas Truce International Tournament in Ypres which features French, German, Belgian, Scottish and Austrian teams. The 'Football Remembers Week' will take place from December 6-14 and is a joint initiative between the Premier League, the FA, the Football League and the British Council. Newcastle United players Steven Taylor and Adam Armstrong visit Farne Primary School . The stars address the future at Farne Primary School ahead of announcing Spencer as the winner . Spencer Turner with Armstrong (left) and Taylor (right) and the winning design .

Football Remembers Week is December 6-14 . A memorial to the Christmas Truce will be unveiled . It has been designed by Spencer Turner, 10, from Newcastle . He won competition judged by Prince William and Theo Walcott .

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Sony is set to officially name North Korea as the source of the recent cyber attack which has exposed massive volumes of internal company data and shut down its computer systems for a week. The results of an investigation into the attack, currently being carried out by FireEye's Mandiant forensics unit, are expected to be announced later this week. On Wednesday, two unnamed sources close to the investigation told Re/code that the tools used by the hackers are similar to those used in attacks conducted against South Korea by North Korea. Culprit? Sony is set to name North Korea as the source of the recent cyber attack which has exposed massive volumes of internal company data and shut down its computer systems for a week . There has been speculation that the attack could be payback on Sony for The Interview, a Seth Rogan and James Franco movie about a plot to kill the reclusive state's leader, Kim Jong Un, that is out on Christmas Day. Earlier this week, a North Korean spokesperson refused to deny claims that it was behind the move and would only say 'wait and see' when asked if Pyongyang was involved. 'The hostile forces are relating everything to the DPRK (North Korea). I kindly advise you to just wait and see,' a spokesman for North Korea's U.N. mission. North Korea routinely refers to the United States and South Korea as hostile forces. The U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation is also investigating the incident. A North Korean spokesperson said 'wait and see' on Monday when asked if Pyongyang was involved in the attack on Sony just a month before its planned release of The Interview, staring James Franco and Seth Rogan . Launched last week, the attack forced employees of the movie studio to shut down computers and work with pen and paper. Later, sensitive files including employee salary data, product plans and video files of five motion pictures - including the remake of Annie and Brad Pitt's critically acclaimed World War Two movie, Fury - were leaked to the internet. Personnel information including staff salaries and personal emails were also leaked. North Korea complained to the United Nations in June about The Interview, accusing the United States of sponsoring terrorism and committing an act of war by allowing production of the movie. The Pyongyang government denounced the film as 'undisguised sponsoring of terrorism, as well as an act of war' in a letter to U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon. Cars enter Sony Pictures Entertainment headquarters in Culver City, California. A cybersecurity expert has raised the possibility that the cyberattack on Sony Pictures was not the work of North Korea . 'I personally don't care if (the movie's) disrespectful to Kim because he's evil. But that's not the intent,' tweeted Rogen on Sunday. 'North Korea has produced tons of propaganda films that portray America's destruction.' But cybersecurity expert Hemanshu Nigam has told the Hollywood Reporter that he finds it hard to believe that North Korea is the perpetrator and instead thinks it is more probable that it was the actions of an employee or ex-employee with administrative access privileges. For the studio - which has laid off hundreds of employees over the past year in an effort to contain costs - the possibility of a disgruntled employee wreaking havoc is very real. 'If terabytes of data left the Sony networks, their network detection systems would have noticed easily,' said Nigam. 'It would also take months for a hacker to figure out the topography of the Sony networks to know where critical assets are stored and to have access to the decryption keys needed to open up the screeners that have been leaked.' Sony workers saw a message appear on computer screens saying 'Hacked by #GOP' - understood to be the initials of a group called Guardians of Peace which has been linked to North Korea . In addition, he said, 'It is possible that North Korean-sponsored hackers were working with someone on the inside. But it is more likely a ruse to shift blame, knowing the distaste the North Korean regime has for Sony Pictures.' Sony Pictures' computer system went down last Monday after the cyber attack. Before . screens went dark, they displayed a red skull and the phrase . 'Hacked By #GOP,' which reportedly stands for Guardians of . Peace. The hackers also warned they . would release 'secrets' stolen from Sony. The data released so far from the apparently leaked documents has already been damaging - it revealed all the top executives at Sony Pictures Entertainment are white and male, raising questions about control of Hollywood's film output. Staff at Sony are growing increasingly disgruntled about the never-ending slew of Adam Sandler movies the company is producing . Staff at Sony are growing increasingly disgruntled about the never-ending slew of Adam Sandler movies the company is producing, according to information released following last week’s cyber attack. An un-encrypted text file titled ‘Sony_2012_Comments’ has been released which features a long list of negative employee feedback – and Sandler’s name is a reoccurring theme. The comedian’s company, Happy Madison Productions, has been responsible for 25 films released by Sony over the past 15 years including Click, I Now Pronounce You Chuck And Larry, You Don’t Mess With The Zohan, Grown Ups and 50 First Dates. These movies turn a profit but are shown little love from the critics and from Sony staff it would appear. Here are some of the comments featured in the leaked document: . Other criticism from staff was equally as cutting even if the target wasn't quite so specific: . Sandler movies such as I Now Pronounce You Chuck And Larry regularly turn a profit for Sony but rarely win over the critics or staff a leaked memo has revealed . A spreadsheet said to show the salaries of 6,000 Sony Pictures employees, including top executives, reveals that of 17 earning $1 million or more a year, just two are not white and just one is a woman. The list was leaked to a reporter at news and pop culture site Fusion. Kevin Roose, reporting for Fusion, who was sent a link to the data by an anonymous source, said: 'When I sorted the list by 'annual rate,' I noticed something notable: a stark homogeneity among the people earning the most. 'Based on the spreadsheet ... the employees of Sony Pictures with the highest annual rates appear to be nearly entirely white men.' Amy B. Pascal, co-chair of Sony Pictures Entertainment and chairman of SPE's Motion Picture Group, is the only woman among the top 17 most-highly paid executives. Minority of one: Co-Chairman of Sony Pictures Entertainment Amy Pascal, the only woman earning more than $1million a year at the company, and chief executive officer of Sony Entertainment Michael Lynton . Leaked: Five of Sony's movies including the hotly anticipated remake of Annie have been illegally shared online in recent days . She earns £3million a year, according to the spreadsheet, joint highest on the list, along with Sony Entertainment CEO Michael Lynton. Buzzfeed reviewed almost 40GB of leaked internal data and reported it included 'employee criminal background checks, salary negotiations, and doctors' letters explaining the medical rationale for leaves of absence.' It reported the files also included a script for an unreleased pilot written by Breaking Bad creator Vince Gilligan as well as 'email exchanges with employees regarding specific medical treatments they are undergoing, while one disciplinary letter details a manager's romantic relationship and business travel history with a subordinate.' It even details the leaked information includes an email about the breastfeeding diet of a senior executive. In addition to Annie, starring Jamie Foxx, which is due to hit theaters on December 19, Brad Pitt's critically acclaimed World War Two movie, Fury, is also being openly traded and downloaded online. By Sunday morning, Fury, which is still playing in theaters, had been downloaded 1.2 million times and Annie had been downloaded 206,000 times from unique IP addresses, according to Variety. Other Sony movies being downloaded include Mr. Turner, Still Alice and To Write Love on Her Arms.

Investigation has found tools used by the hackers are similar to those used in attacks conducted by North Korea against South Korea . Cyber attack has exposed massive volumes of Sony's internal company data and shut down its computer systems for a week . Speculation that attack could be payback for The Interview, Seth Rogan's movie about a plot to kill the reclusive state's leader Kim Jong Un .

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He doesn’t juggle or ride a unicycle - and it's unlikely you'll ever see him at a children's birthday party. Instead, this creepy clown spends his free time lurking in empty car parks and dark subways - before hammering strangers to near death with his trusty iron weapon. But luckily, the violent clown is merely a circus act - who has been created as part of an elaborate prank to trick random members of the public. Scroll down for video . A video made by two men from Italy, which shows a clown attacking victims to fool strangers passing by, has become an online sensation . To see more pranks by DM Pranks click here . Now the video starring the clown, created by two pranksters . from Magione, Italy, has become an online sensation. Matteo, one of the men behind the video, said the clown prank film - which took ten days to make - was incredibly unique. He said: 'I think we are doing some content never ever seen on the web, especially our social experiments and also our extreme pranks. 'Our . social experiments are a pure eye opener for the people. On the other . side we really like to do hardcore pranks like the clown one because is . something unique.' Matteo and Diego, from DM Pranks . Productions, have made film pranks since they were at college but only . started uploading their videos onto YouTube last July. The three-minute video - which has now been watched by nearly £3m on YouTube - shows the scary-looking clown shocking different strangers with his violent ways. The film, made by Matteo and Diego from DM Pranks Productions, was made as a prank video to fool strangers into thinking they had witnessed a serious attack. It has now been watched by nearly £3m people on YouTube . In the first prank, the video shows the clown waiting covertly in an almost-empty car park until two unsuspecting men walk past . The two horrified men look on as the violent clown prepares to slaughter the man lying on the ground . The clown is heard laughing hysterically as the fake person is left lying in a pool of blood in the car park . In the first prank, the clown - who is dressed head-to-toe in usual circus attire - is shown hiding behind a corner in a near-empty car park, with a lifeless body at his feet. As soon as . two men walk past, the clown smashes down his iron hammer onto the . man's head, watching as a pool of blood splatters out onto the concrete below. The clown is then seen laughing hysterically as the two frightened men run off screaming into the distance. That scene is just the first of four other pranks, in which unsuspecting strangers are fooled into thinking they have witnessed a nasty clown killing or seriously injuring another person. In another prank on the video, the clown is seen approaching a lone man who is sitting on a plastic chair in a dimly-lit subway . The clown then smashes the person's head with his iron hammer, causing the man to fall off his chair and bash his head on the concrete . The video then shows the clown chasing after the witness, who runs out of the subway looking terrified . Matteo said the clown video was the most difficult film he has ever made - not least because . the first hammer he so carefully crafted weighed a staggering 58kg and was impossible to use. He told MailOnline: 'The clown prank has been the most difficult and risky prank we ever did. 'The whole process of elaborating the idea, finding spots, gathering costumes and crafting a properly hammer took something like ten days. An unsuspecting driver is the next victim in the video, as the clown walks up to the car and starts dousing petrol onto the station forecourt . The man is seen asking the clown what is he doing and who he is - but the sneaky clown remains silent . 'Then the filming process has been something really long. We waited for hours and hours to find the good victims.' But the channel has taken off in a way the filmmakers did not think was possible - even being listed as the most subscribed YouTube channel of the past 24 hours, with 126,000 new subscribers. The filmmakers usually work as a two-man band, but occasionally draft in . help from Matteo's cousins for the most 'dangerous and risky scenes'. For this video, the pair avoided children, people with animals and anyone who could have been aged over 40. Another prank sees the clown hover in a dark bush until two strangers walk past a man sitting on a wall . The scary clown is seen laughing after he smashes the man on the head from behind with his trusty weapon . The clown then chases the two men away from the scene as the prank continues . He said: 'For the clown video we decided also to avoid girls because we were worried about the fake blood. Maybe some girls could get shocked while a male might have a stronger mind.' But even though the pair's popular film has been watched by millions across the world, they still have to be careful about getting into trouble with their elaborate mind games. He said: 'This is the reason why we are at least four people while recording a dangerous scene. 'Also we don't reveal straight away that is a prank because people will get mad in less than a second. 'Once they get calm and smile we reveal the prank. It's a psychological trick that works extremely well in the end and everyone goes away smiling.'

Italian duo have become online sensation with their clown prank video . Film shows a creepy clown hammering people to death with an iron weapon . He waits for the perfect moment to shock strangers into thinking it is real . The film was made by Matteo and Diego from DM Pranks Productions .

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U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services waited less than one day to launch a hiring drive – seeking 1,000 new federal workers – after President Obama announced November 20 that he would act on his own to provide legal papers for millions of illegal immigrants. A new USCIS facility in Crystal City, Virginia is poised to immediately begin implementing Obama's plan, far in advance of a Republican congressional takeover that had the potential to stop him or slow him down through legislators' 'power of the purse.' 'USCIS is taking steps to open a new operational center in Crystal City, a neighborhood in Arlington, Virginia, to accommodate about 1,000 full-time, permanent federal and contract employees in a variety of positions and grade levels,' the bulletin reads. SCROLL DOWN TO READ THE BULLETIN . NOT MESSING AROUND: The Obama administration took less than a day to launch a massive hiring push after the president announced his executive actions to mainstream millions of illegal immigrants into US society . 'The initial workload will include cases filed as a result of the executive actions on immigration announced on Nov. 20, 2014. Many job opportunities at the operational center will be announced in the coming days and please continue to monitor USAJOBS if you are interested.' The bulletin lists 32 examples of job openings, each of which was posted online on November 21. They include a chief of staff who will earn between $124,995 and $157,100 per year, and program analysts who will earn more than $138,000. Jobs earmarked for recent college graduates start in the range of $34,415 to $55,421. The White House did not respond to a question about how far in advance the decision was made to open the hiring floodgates. USCIS similarly did not respond to a request for comment about how long its plan had been in the works. Alabama Republican Sen. Jeff Sessions blasted the administration on Wednesday for the move. 'This facility is a clear symbol of the President’s defiance of the American people, their laws, and their Constitution,' Sessions said in a statement.' 'He is hiring federal employees to carry out a directive that violates the laws Congress has passed in order to foist on the nation laws Congress has repeatedly refused to pass.' Sessions warned, however, that a coming Republican majority in both the House and Senate could choke off the funds needed to pay 1,000 new salaries. 'The president cannot spend money unless the Congress approves it,' he cautioned, 'and certainly the Congress should not approve funds for an illegal amnesty.' NOT AMUSED: Sen. Jeff Sessions, an Alabama Republican, warned that Congress could choke off the funds needed to pay 1,000 new salaries at USCIS . Sessions has emerged as one of the Senate's loudest critics of Obama's immigration policy shift, calling it a job-killer as he predicts a flood of newly-legalized illegal immigrants will rush to displace citizens from scarce jobs. 'This action will mean that American workers, their sons, their daughters, their parents, will now have to compete directly for jobs, wages, and benefits with millions of illegal immigrants,' he said Wednesday. Reached at his Senate Budget Committee office, Sessions communications chief Stephen Miller told MailOnline that 'every day this facility continues its lawless amnesty operations is another day an American loses his or her job, is another day an American doesn’t get the pay raise because lower-wage workers are available, is another day their tax bill is heavier because they’re funding illegal benefits for people who have no legal right to claim them.' USCIS Hiring Bulletin uploaded by MailOnline .

Facility in Crystal City, Virginia will house 1,000 new U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services employees . USCIS intragovernmental bulletin announced the move Dec. 1 but job listings were created Nov. 21 . Obama announced Nov. 20 that he would mainstream millions of illegal immigrants without permission from Congress . Hiring notices include senior-level officials who will earn as much as $157,100 per year, and indicate government-wide coordination .

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Alexis Sanchez fired Arsenal to a late 1-0 victory over Southampton at the Emirates Stadium to narrow the gap on the Barclays Premier League top four to two points. Sportsmail's Sam Cunningham rated the players' performances at the Emirates. Arsenal (4-2-3-1) Martinez - 6 . Confident performance from the stand-in goalkeeper with minimal experience. Looked the part in Arsenal's goal. Chambers - 6.5 . Another assured performance from the defender against his former club, without being exceptional. Alexis Sanchez scores the winner for Arsenal against Southampton on Wednesday night . Mertesacker - 6 . Dealt well with the power and presence of Pelle in the middle up front for the opponents. Koscielny - 6 . Similar to his central defensive partner handled Southampton's threat going forward. Monreal - 6 . Tried to get forward as much as possible but at times was more of a hindrance to the team in attack and broke up moves. Flamini - 6 . Quietly went about his work to hold the midfield together and firm. Arsenal forward Alexis Sanchez (left) is congratulated by team-mate Per Mertesacker . Ramsey - 5.5 . Really needs to get his confidence back since returning to the side. His goal-scoring seems to have left his game. Cazorla - 6.5 . Lovely ball threaded through to send Welbeck one-on-one in the first half and looked like scoring. Oxlade-Chamberlain - 6 . Forced a good low stop from Forster with an effort in the 26th minute. There were boos from home fans for the decision to take him off in the second half, due to his display. Sanchez - 7.5 . A constant thorn in Southampton's side, dribbling with the ball at pace and threading balls through and popped up with the winner late on. Arsenal striker Danny Welbeck struggled to make an impact against Southampton . Welbeck - 5.5 . Wasteful on the ball. Missed a glorious early chance when through on goal. SUBS . Giroud - 6 . Instant impact after coming on in the second half, adding the extra threat to Arsenal's attack which they were missing in his absence. Denied with a ferocious near-post strike and a looping header by Forster. Podolski . Only had the final 10 minutes to influence the game, and failed to do that. Southampton (4-3-3) Forster - 8 . Superb reaction save to tip Welbeck's header over the bar just on the stroke of half-time to keep the scores level going into the break and made an even better one-handed save in the second to deny the Arsenal striker again. Also kept out Giroud twice in one the best performances of his life. Southampton goalkeeper Fraser Forster was in inspired form at the Emirates . Clyne - 7 . Yet another commanding, dominant performance down Southampton's right flank. Excelling, once again, since his England debut. Alderweireld - 5 . Moved into defensive midfield after Cork hobbled off with an injured ankle and picked up a yellow card for a foul on Sanchez. Fonte - 6 . Controlled Southampton's defence from the middle, yet another in a long line of decent if not outstanding performances. Bertrand - 6 . Another good game at left-back. Bertrand dealt with Arsenal's attacks down his flank well. S Davis - 6 . Great clipped pass to set Pelle free early on but the striker fired over. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is challenged by Southampton defender Nathaniel Clyne . Wanyama - 6.5 . Strong and solid in the centre of the south coast club side's midfield. Doing what he does best – frustrating and hassling the opposition. Cork - 5 . Unfortunate to injury his ankle early in the first half after returning to the side. Long - 6 . Worked tirelessly up and down the right and left flanks, switching sides with Tadic at times to confound Arsenal. Pelle - 6 . Should've done better with an early chance but fired over. Cut a frustrated figure, but still looked a dangerous outlet up front. Southampton defender Ryan Bertrand put in another solid performance . Tadic - 6 . Substituted just after the hour mark, having not been as effective as he usually is for the side. Still a solid performance. SUBS . Yoshida - 5.5 . Did well after coming into the centre of defence midway through the first half. So often a weak link in Southampton's defence but stood up to the test. Mane - 6 . Added pace to Southampton's play when he came on in the second half. Mayuka . Came on for the final 10 minutes and did little .

Southampton keeper Fraser Forster man of the match with top score of 8 . Alexis Sanchez was Arsenal's top performer with mark of 7.5 . Ramsey and Welbeck struggled to make an impact and scored 5.5 .

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As thoughts were drifting idly towards Thierry Henry, out-of-work superhero twiddling thumbs and pining for Arsenal after leaving New York, up popped Alexis Sanchez with another rescue goal. Sanchez is scoring at such a prolific rate he would eclipse even Henry in full flow. His late winner was his 14th in his last 18 games for Arsene Wenger’s team and completely transformed the mood of a frustrating night. He is a worthy heir to Henry’s mask and cape. For 88 minutes, the Emirates Stadium had grumbled and grown increasingly agitated as chances came and went. Many were missed by Daniel Welbeck and supporters chanted for Olivier Giroud to be unleashed from the bench. VIDEO Scroll down for Sportsmail's Big Match Stats: Arsenal 1-0 Southampton . Arsenal players celebrate Alexis Sanchez's (second right) dramatic late goal in their 1-0 win against Southampton . Sanchez tapped home from close range in the 89th minute to break Southampton's resolute defence . Southampton goalkeeper Fraser Forster looks on in despair as he is finally beaten in a man-of-the-match display . Sanchez (second left) wheels away in pure jubilation after scoring Arsenal's decisive late goal on Wednesday night . The 25-year-old was all smiles after grabbing his 10th Premier League goal of the season at the Emirates . Arsenal (4-2-3-1): Martinez 6; Chambers 6.5, Mertesacker 6, Koscielny 6, Monreal 6; Flamini 6, Ramsey 5.5; Cazorla 6.5, Oxlade-Chamberlain 6 (Giroud 65mins 6), Sanchez 7.5; Welbeck 5.5 (Podolski 81). Subs not used: Macey, Gibbs, Bellerin, Rosicky, Sanogo. Manager: Arsene Wenger . Southampton (4-3-3): Forster 8; Clyne 7, Alderweireld 5, Fonte 6, Bertrand 6; S Davis 6, Wanyama 6.5, Cork 5 (Yoshida 29 5.5); Long 6 (Mayuka 81), Pelle 6, Tadic 6 (Mane 61 6). Subs not used: K Davis, Gardos, Reed, Targett. Manager: Ronald Koeman . Booked: Alderweireld, Waynama, Mane . Referee: Andre Marriner 6.5 . MOTM: Forster . Attendance: 60,025 . Ratings by Sam Cunningham at the Emirates . CLICK HERE for all the stats, goals - including Alexis Sanchez's strike (above) - and heat maps from the Emirates . Fraser Forster performed superbly in the Southampton goal, reaching out his giant paws to produce save upon save, the best to keep out a looping header from Giroud. A minute later, however, Forster was beaten as his defensive shield tired and made a rare mistake. They were down to 10 men having lost Toby Alderweireld to injury after Ronald Koeman had used all his substitutes. It allowed Aaron Ramsey to collect a stray ball in the Saints penalty area and cut it towards Sanchez, who gleefully turned it over the line. It was a shame for Forster, who did not deserve to be beaten. But a triumph of sorts for Arsenal, who have won three on the bounce after losing at home to Manchester United and have kept three clean sheets with rookie goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez in the team. Wenger confessed he was a little ‘cautious’ of declaring his problems were in the past. It was a relief to be stronger in defence, and he was grateful to have Laurent Koscielny back. But while tightening up at one end, his side seemed to lose some punch at the other, although piercing Southampton’s defensive shield is no mean feat. This was only the 10th goal they have conceded in 14 games. They are the best in the Barclays Premier League, superbly well-drilled and committed. Even when a first-half injury to Jack Cork had forced a reshuffle, with Alderweireld moving from central defence to midfield, they remained solid while dangerous on the break. Sanchez (front) tries to go past Southampton defender Nathaniel Clyne on Wednesday night . Arsenal midfielder Mathieu Flamini (bottom) perfectly times a sliding challenge on Saints striker Graziano Pelle . Gunners boss Arsene Wenger (centre) watches proceedings as his side seek that elusive first goal at the Emirates . Southampton were dealt a blow midway through the first half when midfielder Jack Cork (bottom) pulled up with a hamstring injury . Cork (right) was replaced by defender Maya Yoshida (centre) as Toby Alderweireld was moved into central midfield from centre back . ‘We were unlucky with the injuries,’ said Koeman. ‘That gave Arsenal the motivation to carry on until the last second. Fraser Forster was outstanding but it not enough. That’s the risk in football. A lot of players are having hamstring problems. When it’s a kick maybe you can ask a player for five minutes more but it was a hamstring and you can’t continue as a player.’ It is a third game without a win for the Saints and the temptation is to think their bubble has burst. Next up are Manchester United, at St Mary’s on Monday, but Wenger said: ‘Don’t bury them too quickly. They are a good side. You have to count with Southampton for the top four. ‘Up front they are quick to come out, up front always first on the ball. They play in a very intelligent way. You always see they are a threat.’ Having won here in the Capital One Cup in September, Southampton arrived with confidence and Koeman’s fluent team did not take long to open up Arsenal. Graziano Pelle and Steven Davis linked up neatly on the edge of the penalty area to create a clear chance for the Italian but his volley soared over. Koeman claimed it was the best chance of the half, although Welbeck had already missed one just as good. Santi Cazorla unzipped the defence for Welbeck who, having been restored to a central role with fit-again Giroud resting on the bench, swept the ball wide. Arsenal striker Danny Welbeck (centre) battled his way into the Southampton box before firing a backheel shot towards goal . Unfortunately for the 23-year-old (centre) he can only watch on as his strike fails to find the back of the net . Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain was denied by Forster and a slip by Maya Yoshida, soon after coming on nearly proved costly. Welbeck, however, was unable to convert an ambitious back-heel from a tight angle. Forster made a reflex save to deny Welbeck in stoppage time at the end of the first-half. Welbeck’s glancing header from a free-kick swung in from the left by Sanchez, hit Alderweireld and deflected towards goal. It was directly at Forster, but the England goalkeeper had to be quick to turn it over. Koscielny produced a smart block to thwart Pelle soon after the restart and Shane Long darted clear on the right only to miss the goal by some considerable distance. Welbeck was soon in the thick of the action before half-time when he saw his fine header denied by man-of-the-match Forster . Forster (right) lept up brilliantly to tip over Welbeck's effort up and over his crossbar in the first half . The England international (centre) was brilliant throughout the match, this time denying Aaron Ramsey in the second half (right) Arsenal were far more direct and threatening once Giroud was sent on for the last 25 minutes. Up went the pressure on Forster’s goal but the England keeper only increased in stature and confidence. He beat away a sweet volley by Giroud at his near post and then made another splendid reaction save from Welbeck, throwing out a strong left hand and clawing the ball out. Cazorla fired high and Wenger climbed to his feet as Arsenal fans roared on their side in search of a winner. Aware that Chelsea were winning across the capital, they did not want to surrender more ground at the top of the table, but it was heading that way until Sanchez pounced. ‘He has such desire to fight and find something special to get the goal,’ said Wenger. ‘We are in December and he only arrived in July. When you look at his goals and the impact he has had on the team it is tremendous.’ VIDEO Koeman unhappy with second half performance . Sanchez (left) hugs captain Per Mertesacker (centre left) after Arsenal's win - a result that was tough on Southampton goalkeeper Forster .

Alexis Sanchez scored in the 89th minute to give Arsenal a dramatic victory against Southampton . The Chile international tapped home from close range following an Aaron Ramsey pull back . Result moves the Gunners up to sixth on 23 points, while Saints stay in third on 26 after 14 games . CLICK HERE to read Sportsmail's player ratings from the Emirates clash .

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For all the change that Abu Dhabi wealth has brought to Manchester City, one thing remained the same: they couldn’t buy a win on Wearside. Not since the day before Sheikh Mansour’s takeover in the summer of 2008 had City tasted victory at the Stadium of Light. One of the Premier League’s more peculiar statistics had seen them suffer four consecutive 1-0 defeats here before this game. How? Goodness knows. It was just one of those quirky things that football throws up sometimes. VIDEO Scroll down for Sportsmail's Big Match Stats: Sunderland 1-4 Manchester City . Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero celebrates his first of two against Sunderland at the Stadium of Light . SUNDERLAND (4-1-4-1): Pantilimon 5.5; Vergini 5.5, O'Shea 6, Coates 5, Reveillere 5; Cattermole 6; Buckley 5.5, Larsson 7, Rodwell 5.5, Wickham 6.5 (Alvarez 67mins, 6); Fletcher 6 (Altidore 5.5, 55) Subs not used: Bridcutt, Brown, Cabral, Gomez, Mannone . Scorer: Wickham 19 . Booked: Cattermole . MANCHESTER CITY (4-2-3-1): Hart 6; Zabaleta 7, Boyata 6.5, Demichelis 6.5, Clichy 6.5; Toure 6.5, Fernandinho 7; Navas 7.5, Nasri 7 (Pozo 84), Jovetic 6.5 (Milner 6.5, 55); Aguero 9 (Lampard 6, 74) Subs not used: Cabellero, Angelino, Sagna, Fernando . Scorers: Aguero 21, 71; Jovetic 39; Zabaleta 55 . Booked: Boyata . Referee: Craig Pawson 7 . MOTM: Aguero . Attendance: 41, 152 . Click here for the sustained build-ups to Manchester City's goals, including the equaliser and the first of Sergio Aguero's double (above), along with heat maps and other key stats from the Stadium of Light in Sportsmail's brilliant Match Zone . After City announced reduced annual losses of £22.9million and chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak spoke about the lavish spending coming to an end, it was one of their more extravagant buys who laid that jinx to rest. Sergio Aguero cost £38m but, as he continues to justify comparisons with Cristiano Ronaldo and his close friend Lionel Messi, the Argentina striker looks like an absolute steal. Aguero scored two goals — one a blockbuster — and set up another. The Premier League’s top scorer now has 19 goals in all competitions this season. Manager Manuel Pellegrini, who has now overseen four straight wins in all competitions, said: ‘Finally we win here. We played very well and we’re returning to the form we had last season.’ Pellegrini confirmed that captain Vincent Kompany has only an outside chance of making next week’s Champions League decider against Roma following scans on his hamstring. In the absence of Kompany and the suspended Eliaquim Mangala, Dedryck Boyata made his first Premier League appearance in a year. Connor Wickham opens the scoring in the 19th minute as he beats City's defence to poke Sebastian Larsson's cross beyond Joe Hart . Steven Fletcher climbs onto Wickham's shoulders as the pair celebrate taking the lead against City . Aguero pulls the trigger and blasts his shot towards Costel Pantilimon's goal . The Argentine striker's shot had too much power for the Romanian keeper to handle . Helpless Pantilimon (right) rises to his feet as Aguero's celebrations commence . Sunderland boss Gus Poyet also made a switch in central defence as he rested Wes Brown and gave Sebastian Coates his first League start since arriving on loan from Liverpool in the summer. Both changes contributed to two goals in the space of three first-half minutes. Sunderland had been the only team to really threaten up to that point when Pablo Zabaleta blocked an effort from former City midfielder Jack Rodwell. Zabaleta was not so fortunate in the 19th minute as Connor Wickham — who terrorised City with both goals in a 2-2 draw at the Etihad in April that almost cost them the title — opened the scoring. Boyata had lost track of his man when Seb Larsson’s clever reverse pass picked out Wickham, who took it in his stride with a neat first touch. There was still plenty of work to do with Boyata on one shoulder, Zabaleta on the other and Joe Hart racing off his line. Zabaleta made a last, desperate attempt to win the ball with a sliding tackle but only succeeded in playing it against Wickham’s right leg and it bobbled past Hart into the corner. Sunderland's Steven Fletcher (second left) is denied a chance on goal by City defender Martin Demichelis . Stevan Jovetic unleashes his left-footed shot to put City in the lead at the Stadium of Light . Jovetic's shot ends almost directly behind 6ft 8in keeper Pantilimon as City go up 2-1 . Jovetic points out his provider Aguero after finishing off a slick build-up from City . Aguero (left) and Jovetic (right) celebrate as their combination puts City in the lead . VIDEO Premier League is well within our grasp - Aguero . Sunderland 1, City 0 had a horribly familiar ring about it for the champions, but they rallied and were level almost straightaway. Coates will not want to see too many replays of the equaliser, however. Aguero appeared to have lost control of the ball when he took an uncharacteristically heavy touch to collect Stevan Jovetic’s short pass, but Coates hesitated rather than committing himself to a challenge. The City striker slipped the ball through the Uruguyan’s legs and suddenly had a clear sight of goal from 20 yards. Ex-City keeper Costel Pantilimon must have known what was coming next, but the strike was stunning in its ferocity even by Aguero’s standards — flying into the net off his right boot. Having demonstrated his power, Aguero then produced some quite wonderful panache to set up the second for Jovetic six minutes before half time. Yaya Toure drilled a pass into his teammate, who was being closely marshalled by Coates and John O’Shea. City right back Pablo Zabaleta celebrates his second half goal, City's third, with a gesture to his pregnant wife Christel . Zabaleta married long-time girlfriend Christel, from Spain, in the summer and the couple are due to have a baby . Zabaleta waits for Pantilimon to go down and calmly dinks his shot over the keeper for a finish any striker would be delighted with . Unfortunately for Sunderland, that meant Jovetic was unmarked and Aguero knew it. He used the weight of the pass to spin the ball into his teammate’s path with a flick of his right foot. Jovetic let it bounce once and then rifled it through Pantilimon’s legs. The gulf in class between the two teams was clear again when Zabaleta got City’s third 10 minutes into the second half. Again Coates stood off his man as Samir Nasri teased the defender on the righthand side of the box before cheekily lifting the ball into the path of Zabaleta. The Argentina defender then produced an even better touch, dinking the ball over Pantilimon and just inside the post. Zabaleta celebrated the news that his wife is five months pregnant by putting the ball up his shirt and sucking his thumb like a dummy. The jeers from the Sunderland supporters suggested they did not share his joy at that particular moment. But this was the Aguero show and he struck again in the 71st minute, getting away from Santiago Vergini to meet James Milner’s pass and guide it past Pantilimon for his second and City’s fourth. ‘I was hoping Aguero would have a rest today,’ lamented Poyet. ‘Without him, it would have been a different game. ‘ . The striker was substituted soon after scoring his second and no wonder. On this form, City must protect Aguero like the Crown Jewels. The ball clears the giant keeper as Black Cats captain John O'Shea fails to intervene in time to stop the defender . Aguero celebrates his second goal of the night before soon after being substituted for Frank Lampard . Manuel Pellegrini warmly greets Aguero as his star striker is replaced in the 74th minute . Spiderman's attempt to come to the rescue - perhaps - ended with his expulsion from the ground .

Connor Wickham finished off Sebastian Larsson's cross to give Sunderland the lead in the 19th minute . Sergio Aguero hit back for Manchester City two minutes later with a powerful finish for his first of two goals . Aguero's goal was the first time Manchester City have found the net at the Stadium of Light since March 2010 . Stevan Jovetic gave City the lead in the 39th minute after being set up by his prolific strike partner Aguero . Pablo Zabaleta gave Manuel Pellegrini's side a two-goal buffer with a classy dink over Pantilimon for the third .

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Those hoping that the Scottish Premiership might masquerade as something other than a one-horse race well into the New Year seem set to be disappointed. This victory for the champions, while by no means perfunctory, was the kind you normally associate with sides that are well in the groove. Few would anticipate the wheels coming off the bogie any time soon. Not for the first time this season, Ronny Deila’s side made rather a meal of getting the job done but win they did. Again. Virgil van Dijk celebrates after giving Celtic the lead against Partick Thistle in the second half . Van Dijk finishes from close range 15 minutes into the second half at Celtic Park . Van Dijk shoots past the helpless Partick keeper from close range to give Celtic the lead . Celtic: Gordon; Matthews, Ambrose, van Dijk, Izaguirre; Brown, Mulgrew (Bitton 46), Tonev (Commons 72), Johansen; Stokes, Guidetti (Scepovic 72) Subs not used: Berget, Zaluska, Kayal, McGregor . Scorer(s): Van Dijk 60 . Partick Thistle: Gallacher; O'Donnell, Muirhead, Balatoni, Carroll, Craigen, Bannigan (McDaid 80), Fraser, Osman, Stevenson (Doolan 61), Higginbotham (Lawless 71) Subs not used: Fox, Welsh, McMillan, Lindsay . Referee: Brian Colvin . Virgil van Dijk’s messy goal on the hour mark was enough to take the points although Celtic were again thankful for the diligence of Craig Gordon in denying Thistle sub Kris Doolan’s spectacular late effort. Since losing to Hamilton on home soil in early October, Deila’s men have now racked up eight straight domestic victories to keep themselves alive on every front. If they are able to extend that happy sequence over the Festive period, the countdown to the clinching of a fourth successive title will begin. Van Dijk’s third goal in two games may have been the defining moment but the contribution of Aleksander Tonev was equally as eye-catching. Later today, the Bulgarian’s appeal over a seven-game ban for using racist language against Aberdeen defender Shay Logan will be heard at Hampden and frankly, up until this point, you had to wonder how much Celtic would miss him if that failed. This was different, though. Energised, direct and focused, the on-loan Aston Villa player looked anything other than a man with the weight of the world on his shoulders. One who looks capable of belatedly doing something at Celtic – if he’s given the opportunity. It was the home side who got down to the business of working a goalkeeper first with Paul Gallacher denying John Guidetti a 12th goal in as many starts with a finger-tip save after the Swede had risen to head Stefan Johansen’s cross goalward. The Dutch defender is congratulated by Aleksander Tonev as Partick Thistle's resistance is finally broken . Craig Gordon pulled off a brilliant save low down to his right to deny Partick a late equaliser . Celtic's Emilio Izaguirre (right) heads the ball as Kallum Higginbotham raises his boot to try and win it . Hopeful that an early goal might see Thistle collapse like a pack of cards, van Dijk fizzed a 25-yarder on target but Gallacher proved up to the challenge. Fresh from a convincing Scottish Cup win over Hamilton, the Maryhill men were not without their moments and Stephen O’Donnell will doubtless feel he should have done better with a shot from inside the box. As the clock registered 30 minutes, Thistle found the width of the crossbar separating them from a slender lead. Stuart Bannigan’s in-swinging free-kick was claimed by the formidable figure of Abdul Osman and Gordon looked mighty relieved as the Englishman’s header clipped the woodwork on its way over. Chances for Celtic remained plentiful. Johansen forced Gallacher into another smart block after latching onto Van Dijk’s superb ball over the top, before the Dutchman fired into the ground and over from Tonev’s centre. Adam Matthews lashed a meaty volley two yards wide but if there was forgiveness for the Welshman from the home support on that occasion, Anthony Stokes felt their wrath with two poor misses in the closing moments of the first half. Celtic's John Guidetti is just beaten to the ball by Partick Thistle's Paul Gallacher . Guidetti and Partick Thistle's Aaron Muirhead battle for the ball during the match at Celtic Park . The first one was glaring. Guidetti was beaten to a loose ball by the advanced Gallacher only for Scott Brown to pick up the scraps and recycle the ball to Stokes. Even though two Partick players had regrouped on the line, the Irishman’s inability to hit the target from 15 yards was unforgiveable. Before the groans had subsided, Stokes played a perfect one-two with Tonev yet, having done the hard part, then overran the ball. But just when Celtic - by this time with Nir Bitton on for the stricken Charlie Mulgrew – were beginning to test the patience of their fans, they struck. Brown won a foul on the right which the dependable Johansen dropped in between the Thistle central defenders. The unfortunate Aaron Muirhead, the deepest of the visitors, was unable to adjust his footing and the ball squirmed to Van Dijk who dispatched it high beyond Gallacher. Celtic's Van Dijk (left) wins his challenge with Partick Thistle's Muirhead to set up his goal . Partick Thistle's Jake Carroll (left) attepmt to fend off the challenge of Celtic's Stefan Scepovic . Doolan was immediately sprung from the Thistle bench and worried Gordon with a cute angled header that went narrowly wide. Kris Commons and Stefan Scepovic joined the fray and both missed early opportunities to put the game to bed. Picked out by Stokes’ cut-back, Commons became the latest man to find Gallacher in fine form. Scepovic didn’t work the Thistle man but ought to have when pouncing on a loose ball eight yards from goal. As news of Rangers’ remarkable collapse at Alloa reverberated around the stadium, Celtic momentarily lost their way. Doolan’s remarkable scissor-kick forced Gordon into the save of the match and with it the points remained in the East End.

Van Dijk grabbed the only goal of the game after 60 minutes . It was Celtic's sixth straight league win and puts them three points clear .

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One of Nasa's experimental research craft has been spotted on an African runway amid claims it is being used to create high resolution 3D maps to fight terrorism. Satellite images confirm the WB-57 aircraft was on an American military airstrip in eastern Africa a few weeks ago. However, officials have refused to reveal what it was doing there. Scroll down for video . The WB-57 is a mid-wing, long-range aircraft capable of operation for extended periods of time from sea level to altitudes in excess of 60,000 feet. The WB-57 was spotted by Google Earth satellites at an airfield in Djibouti in September . The WB-57 is a mid-wing, long-range aircraft capable of operation for extended periods of time from sea level to altitudes in excess of 60,000 feet. Two crew members are positioned at separate tandem stations in the forward section of the fuselage. The pilot station contains all the essential equipment for flying the aircraft while the sensor equipment operator (SEO) station contains both navigational equipment and controls for the operation of the payloads that are located throughout the aircraft. The WB-57 can fly for approximately 6.5 hours, has a range of approximately 2500 miles, and can carry up to 8,800 lbs of payload. A Nasa official confirmed the sighting. 'I really can't give you any of the details,' Jim Alexander, a Nasa official with the WB-57 High Altitude Research Program, told ABC News. 'You know, the airplane was there, you see it in the picture. But I really can't tell you what it was for.' According to Nasa, the WB-57 Program provides 'unique, high-altitude airborne platforms to US Government agencies, academic institutions, and commercial customers in order to support scientific research and advanced technology development and testing at locations around the world.' Mission examples include atmospheric and earth science, ground mapping, cosmic dust collection, rocket launch support, and test bed operations for future airborne or spaceborne systems. Digital Globe satellite imagery of the U.S. military base at Camp Lemmonier in Djibouti, dated Sept. 20, depicts NASA’s WB-57 high-altitude aircraft on the recently-expanded auxiliary operations apron. 'The question is—why? What purpose does a scientific research plane have in visiting America’s main military outpost in Africa? One possible answer is … making maps for commando raids,' said Chris Biggers, writing on Medium. 'We know from the Next-Generation Intelligence Surveillance Reconnaissance Conference in Virginia in June that the HALOE sensor had already begun mapping territory for U.S. Africa Command.' KANDAHAR AIRFIELD- JANUARY 24, 2014: DigitalGlobe image of some planes at the Kandahar Airfield in Afghanistan. The Air Force released this image in 2011 to show the kind of maps the HALOe sensor believed to have been used on the experimental craft can create. According to the presentation by the Army’s Geospatial Center, the sensor mapped more than 13,500 square kilometers in July and August 2013 - but does not say which aircraft. Biggers says the move could mean the U.S. is mapping more urban environments to create 3-D maps to help battle planners. 'Such mapping could prove useful to American commandos fighting groups like Somalia’s Al Shabab or Boko Haram in Nigeria,' he says. A Nasa website that tracks the agency's three WB-57s shows that one of its planes, number 926, was on a 'foreign deployment' from July to November this year. A Nasa website that tracks the agency's three WB-57s shows that one of its planes, number 926, was on a 'foreign deployment' from July to November this year. AFRICOM, the U.S. military's Africa Command, would only say that 'aircraft from a variety of agencies and nations perform diverse missions from Camp Lemmonier in support of U.S. and allied military peace and security operations in the region, which spans East Africa and the Mideast.' One previous mission was described by Arati Prabhakar, the head of the military's fringe-tech specialists at the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, to the House subcommittee on Intelligence earlier this year as a kind of mass, three-dimensional terrain mapping. It used a sensor called HALOE - High-Altitude LIDAR Operations Experiment. The WB-57 can fly for approximately 6.5 hours, has a range of approximately 2500 miles, and can carry up to 8,800 lbs of payload. The plane can be fitted with a variety of sensors that could create 3D terrain maps. This uses light from a 'pulsed laser' to create 'precise, three-dimensional information about the shape of the Earth and its surface characteristics,' according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. 'HALOE provided forces in Afghanistan with unprecedented access to high-resolution 3D data, and it collected orders of magnitude faster and from much longer ranges than conventional methods,' Prabhakar said, according to written testimony. Given 90 days, Prabhakar said she was confident the system could've mapped half the country. 'At full operational capacity, HALOE could enable mapping of 50 percent of Afghanistan in 90 days. 'State-of-the-art deployed systems would have required 3 years to accomplish that task, and more conventional systems would have required 30 years.' The HALOE sensor pod was initially integrated onto a WB-57 aircraft and deployed to Afghanistan from November 2010 through August 2011 in a joint effort with the Army Geospatial Center (AGC).' 'During this time, over 70,000 square kilometers of terrain data (about 10 percent of Afghanistan) were collected, reflecting the priorities of operational units,' Prabhakar said . According to Nasa, all three WB-57s are now back in the U.S., with their status listed as 'inactive.'

WB-57 has previously created 3D terrain maps in Afghanistan . Was spotted at a US military airstrip in eastern Africa a few weeks ago . Government officials refuse to say what plane was being used for . Claims it was creating maps for American commandos fighting groups like Somalia’s Al Shabab or Boko Haram in Nigeria .

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Carlo Ancelotti's Real Madrid have enjoyed an astounding year, following up Champions League glory by winning sixteen straight games this season to set a new club record. That victory in May, a 4-1 triumph against fierce rivals Atletico Madrid after extra-time, went down in folklore as 'La Decima' as it was their tenth European title. The players were rewarded financially for the feat with a handsome sum of 500,000 euros (£392,000) each, but that is not where the generosity has stopped from the club, according to Marca. The Panerai Radiomir watch is worth around £24,000 and has been given to Real Madrid's players . Sergio Ramos celebrates with the Champions League trophy after beating Atletico Madrid in the final . Cristiano Ronaldo poses after scoring for Real to secure their Champions League final win . Gareth Bale (right) scores a headed goal in the final against Atletico, played at the Estadio da Luz in Lisbon . The squad celebrate with coach Carlo Ancelotti (centre) after the victory in the European Cup final . Bale (right) poses alongside team-mate Luka Modric (left) in the celebrations after the game . Real have handed each player a watch to commemorate the achievement, the Panerai Radiomir GMT Oro Rosso. The watch is worth around £24,000 and has a strap made out of alligator skin. It is undoubtedly another extremely generous gesture from the club, although they must be slightly concerned at how they can surpass it if Ancelotti's side continue their relentless winning streak.

Real Madrid's Champions League win was their tenth European title . The squad have been rewarded with money and gifts for 'La Decima' Carlo Ancelotti's side have since gone on a 16 game winning streak .

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It's been at the forefront of British politics for months. And last night the issue of Scottish Independence weighed heavy on the hearts of British TV stars too, as the nation's favourite actors lined up for the premier of the latest series of Downton Abbey. Speaking from the red carpet in Leicester Square, London, the characters from the beloved ITV drama gave their views on the issue ripping the nation apart. Scroll down for video . Laura Carmichael, who plays Lady Edith on the ITV drama said she 'didn't know' how she felt on the matter . Downton Abbey creator Julian Fellowes said he would be sorry to see the union lost but that it was a matter for the Scottish people to decide . Jim Carter, known to many as the grumpy butler Carson, refused to comment as an Englishman but said he hoped 'they all' vote (in Scotland) Their comments come as polling stations across Scotland prepare to open in a matter of hours. The programme's creator, Julian Fellowes, said: 'I would be sorry to see the union lost.' 'But I feel quite strongly this is a matter for the people of Scotland and, you know, we keep harrying them from down here and telling them what they can't have if they vote this way and so on. 'I think we should leave them alone to come to their decision. You know, I wish at the beginning we'd said we will discuss all the terms if and when you vote for independence, we hope you don't.' Lesley Nicol, who plays Mrs Patmore the cook, was less sure on the matter. 'I don't know. If I was Scottish , I'm half Scottish, but I'm not fully Scottish so I think it's very different if you live up there so I don't think I'm the person to comment on it.' Laura Carmichael, who plays the unlucky-in-love Lady Edith, admitted: 'I don't know... I don't know really,' while Jim Carter, the face of the grumpy butler Carson, was even less forthcoming. Mary Berry offered a more emotional opinion saying she thought the union should 'stay as a family' Lesley Nicol who plays Mrs Patmore the cook saying, 'I don't know. If I was Scottish I'd, I'm half Scottish, but I'm not fully Scottish so I think it's very different if you live up there so I don't think I'm the person to comment on it' The cast and creators of Downton Abbey pose at the premier of the 5th series in Leicester Square last night . 'I won't comment on that I'm English for god's sake. Let them vote and all I want is them all to vote.' Mary Berry of Great British Bake Off took a more emotional stance. 'We should all stay as a family... It's been like that forever and I think that's how it should stay,' she said. Downton Abbey will begin again on ITV this Sunday. Welsh singer Charlotte Church took to Twitter to share her views on today's referendum. 'Go on Scotland... Do it!!!!!' was her first post, followed by a link to the Bjork song Declare Independence. 'If it was Welsh independence being decided upon I would be fighting HARD!!' she continued. Meanwhile singer Charlotte Church offered her view on Twitter, writing last night: 'Go on Scotland... Do it!!!' Later she posted a video to the Bjork song Declare Independence, accompanied with the caption: 'If it was Welsh independence being decided upon I would be fighting HARD!!!!' Earlier in the week celebrities Bob Geldof, Eddie Izzard and Al Murray were slammed for taking part in a pro-union rally in London by critics pointing out that none of the three men were Scottish. Speaking to a packed Trafalgar Square, Sir Bob implored crowds to stay in the UK, saying; 'We're all f****** fed up with Westminster,' while Yemeni-born Izzard, who has previously spoken of plans to enter politics himself, took a softer approach. Sporting a Union Jack manicure, the comedian told voters: 'We care.' Sir Bob later appeared on a special edition of Newsnight, in which he suggested a vote for independence meant Scots were 'going off in a huff'. Unwelcome opinions: Eddie Izzard and Bob Geldof were met with bemusement by some critics when offering their views on the matter at a pro-union rally in Trafalgar Square earlier this week . A graffiti mural of Ales Salmond appears on Fashion Street in London the night before the Scottish referendum .

Stars spoke about independence from red carpet in Leicester Square . Creator Julian Fellowes said he would be sad to see the union lost . Actor Jim Carter refused to comment but hoped 'they all would vote' Mary Berry of the Great British Bake Off said 'we should all stay as a family'

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My outfit had been chosen carefully — a beautiful deep pink and purple top and smart black trousers. Never had I been so excited about attending a party. All my friends would be there, my ‘gang’ of the past eight years. We had so much news to share. After months away, I hoped they’d be as excited to see me, as I was to see them. I was just putting on my make-up, when a cursory glance at my email stopped me in my tracks. It said: ‘If you come tonight, we will leave.’ The message was from a woman I’d been friends with for years. Prejudice: Mary feels let down by friends who were hostile towards her when she returned from weeks nursing Ebola victims in Liberia . ‘Not everyone accepts that you’re not a risk and we think it’s best if you don’t return to the group for another two months.’ The hostility was like a slap in the face, and tears soon followed. I cancelled my plans and the blouse was consigned to the back of my wardrobe. What had I done to deserve this cruel treatment from the people I loved dearly? The truth will shock you: I am a nurse with the international relief group, Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF), and had just returned from Monrovia, capital of Liberia in West Africa, where I’d spent weeks nursing Ebola victims. On duty: Mary in protective gear . If dealing with the daily horror of this terrible disease wasn’t difficult enough, the ignorance, prejudice and paranoia of people back home — the very people whose generosity these sufferers are dependent on — has stunned me. I just hope it doesn’t deter other volunteers from going out to help. I’d been extremely careful since my return three weeks ago. Although my chances of developing the virus were minuscule due to MSF’s meticulous hygiene procedures, I didn’t want to worry people. So I stayed at home until the incubation period passed and I had a certificate of all-clear from Public Health England. It just so happened that my ‘release date’ coincided with the party — a party I’d now been effectively barred from. I’d grown used to some of my friends and family thinking I was mad for working in such terrible conditions when, as a trained nurse and midwife, I could just get a job in a local hospital. I’d started going on aid missions in 1998. I didn’t want accolades, I just wanted to do my bit and as a single woman with few obligations, I felt I should. During the past 16 years I’ve been to some of the world’s most difficult areas: Afghanistan, Ethiopia, Sudan, and most recently, Liberia. I’ve survived warzones, had a gun held to my head, almost died from typhoid, contracted malaria and witnessed unspeakable suffering. Yet I’d never felt as hurt as I did in that moment. In Monrovia, I’d spent six weeks in the largest Ebola centre the world has seen. While I was away I was unaware of the fear that had disseminated across the UK, leaving people panicking that Britain, too, was about to be gripped by an Ebola outbreak. It doesn’t matter how often you reassure people, those images of sick and dying children remain fixed in their minds. Some of my MSF colleagues have reported the same reaction from their communities. One doctor, who’d previously been praised for going on aid missions, returned from West Africa to find he was now viewed as a threat. During the past 16 years Mary has been to some of the world’s most difficult areas: Afghanistan, Ethiopia, Sudan, and most recently, Liberia . And a recent news story revealed how a healthy nine-year-old boy, who had recently been in Sierra Leone with his aid-worker mother, was banned from attending a school in Stockport amid parents’ fears about their children catching ebola, despite the fact he’d been screened by the Health Protection Agency. The fears are completely unfounded. Infection control measures with MSF were paramount. Touching infected patients was forbidden and we were instructed to keep at least two metres apart from staff, patients and visitors. It went against all my instincts. As a nurse, I wanted to reach out to people, to comfort them, especially women in the throes of labour as well as ebola, but I knew I couldn’t risk breaching the strict rules in place. Mary worked 12-hour days with only three days off and was looking forward to relaxing with her friends when she returned . Yet among the many harrowing scenes there were positive moments. One young man called Orlando was carried, critically ill, into the tent where I was working. His eyes had the awful ‘ebola look’ I came to recognise — extreme fatigue combined with primal fear. Yet a few weeks later, he walked out proudly clutching his survivor’s recovery certificate. Unfortunately, survivors often faced onward battles. Many were driven home to their villages in an MSF car, only to be treated as outcasts. I had no idea I was about to get a taste of this myself. I’d worked 12-hour days with only three days off and was looking forward to relaxing over a few lattes and catching up on news and much needed hugs. If only! Shortly before departure, I received my first inkling of the stigma to come. An email from my two lodgers at my home near Barnstaple in Devon, informed me they would be moving out for three weeks. It was nothing personal, they said, they’d been instructed by their workplace to avoid me. I knew the fears were unfounded, as ebola is spread only by the bodily fluids of an infected person, but I respected their decision. Official guidelines from Public Health England said isolation wasn’t necessary, but I wanted to prove I wasn’t a threat. I took my temperature twice a day and a close friend agreed to be on standby to drive me to an isolation unit, in the highly unlikely event of me becoming unwell. Shortly into my self-imposed quarantine, I spoke to a doctor friend on the phone. ‘Who’s taking your temperature?’ he questioned. ‘I’m taking it myself,’ I replied. ‘Well, you could easily fudge that!’ he retorted. I was incensed. Why would anyone think I’d deliberately put anyone’s life at risk by falsifying my temperature readings. I explained I had to be symptomatic to be contagious, but he saw no need to apologise. Mary knew her friends' fears were unfounded, as ebola is spread only by the bodily fluids of an infected person . His comments really stung. I couldn’t believe it — especially from a medical professional. Another aid worker I know was told she couldn’t pick up her grandchildren from school. I haven’t returned to the group who excluded me from the party, because while the majority are happy to accept me, some have made it clear they would still walk out. I just wish they’d pick up the phone instead of hiding behind an email. Because the only way to combat ignorance and panic is through true scientific facts. Her experience has given Mary an insight into the plight of many ebola survivors who are shunned by their own communities . Unexpectedly, all this has given me an insight into the plight of many ebola survivors. My suffering is nothing compared to theirs, but I can now identify in a small way with their rejection. I’m planning to return to Liberia this month and I’ll feel honoured to share their experiences. MSF have provided amazing emotional support and I have some loyal friends, too. Liberian survivors aren’t nearly so fortunate. I won’t let people’s ignorance stop me, but next time I come home I won’t be crushed by their attitudes. This experience has flushed out my true friends from those who just pay lip service.

Mary Houldsworth's  friends were hostile when she returned from Liberia . For past 16 years Mary has been to some of the world’s most difficult areas . Including Afghanistan, Ethiopia, Sudan, and most recently, Liberia . She worked 12-hour days with only three days off nursing Ebola victims . Mary couldn't wait to get home to her friends and share her experiences . What was more frustrating was that she knew their fears were unfounded .

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For Ally McCoist, cups have a tendency to turn into poisoned chalices. But in a lengthy roll of dishonour in knockout competitions during his time at the helm at Rangers, this defeat against Alloa last night was just about as bad as it has ever been for the beleaguered Ibrox boss. As Alloa celebrated their first-ever win over Rangers in their history, the theme tune from the A-Team blared out across the Indrodrill Stadium. To widespread astonishment, the plucky part-timers had come back from the dead: 2-0 down to win 3-2 and reach the final of the Challenge Cup. But having presided over the most unlikely transformation since BA Baracus and co entered a shed armed with a couple of pipe cleaners and some bolts only to emerge with a fully kitted out armoured car, the sad truth for Rangers here was that they had actually just lost to Alloa's B-Team. Alloa's Ryan McCord (left) celebrates scoring the equaliser in the second half against Rangers . Alloa players celebrate an incredible comeback victory against Rangers to reach the Challenge Cup final . Greig Spence (right) was the man who hit the winner with a minute left to play in the game for Alloa . Alloa (4-4-2): McDowall; Doyle, Benedictus, Gordon, Meggatt; Ashghar (Ferns 69), Docherty, McCord, Hetherington; Spence, Buchanan. Subs not used: Gibson, Hynd, Wilson, Forsyth . Booked: Benedictus . Rangers (4-4-2): Simonsen; McGregor, Mohsni, McCulloch, Foster; Aird (Templeton 81), Law, Black, Macleod (Shiels 12); Boyd (Daly 68), Miller. Subs not used: Robinson, Clark, Faure, Hutton . Booked: McCulloch, Templeton, Foster . Referee: John McKendrick . Attendance: 2,443 . Man of the Match: Greig Spence . In the grip of a full-blown injury crisis, Alloa boss Barry Smith had been without eight key players: David Weatherston, Iain Flannigan, Stephen Simmons, Graeme Holmes, John Gibson, Jonathan Tiffoney, Kevin Cawley and Jason Marr. He could only fill five of the seven places on his bench. Indeed he wondered aloud at one point if he could field a team. 'Any more injuries and I think I might get a game,' sighed Wasps chairman Mike Mulraney before kick-off. But still they beat a Rangers side who plumbed fresh depths at the Indodrill Stadium despite taking what looked an unassailable lead thanks to goals from Kenny Miller and Dean Shiels. But two goals in 120 seconds from Greig Spence and then Ryan McCord had Alloa level, quite astonishingly. A fine winner from Spence merely left the Ibrox players, management staff and fans floored. Spence had set up the winner for John Baird for Raith Rovers in the Ramsdens Cup against Rangers earlier this year. McCoist had rated that as his lowest moment on the park during his side's climb up the leagues but last night's loss will surely rival it. And on a dark night for Rangers, McCoist also suffered the added ignominy of losing his best player this season, Lewis Macleod, to what looked a nasty hamstring injury. He now faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines. While Alloa struggled to field a fit team, McCoist, by stark contrast, had big-earners like John Daly, David Templeton, and Dean Shiels among his substitutes. Daly's position on the bench was due to McCoist promoting Kris Boyd back into his starting line-up after dropping him for the last two matches. Boyd, of course, netted against former club Kilmarnock within 90 seconds of coming on as a substitute in the 3-0 Scottish Cup win on Sunday. Kenny Miller (centre) scores to give Rangers the lead against Alloa in the second half . Miller (right) celebrates with his team after Rangers had taken the lead in the 49th minute . Dean Shiels (centre) celebrates putting Rangers 2-0 up but it all went downhill for them after that . But Alloa could have been 3-0 up at half time. Spence missed a terrific chance when he miskicked in front of goal after a clever freekick was knocked down by Ben Gordon. Then Adam Asghar, on his full debut, hit a 25-yarder that skidded past Steve Simonsen's left post after Miller was robbed in possession. The best Rangers could muster in the early stages was a Nicky Law shot from distance that posed no trouble to Craig McDowall and an Ian Black shot that struck Boyd on the back. Then Simonsen had to run to the edge of his box to rescue Bilel Mohsni after the big defender misjudged a lofted through ball towards Ryan McCord. Then the normally deadly Liam Buchanan squandered a great chance from ten yards, shanking wide with just Simonsen to beat. In just 45 minutes, Alloa had created three more chances than Kilmarnock mustered on Sunday at Ibrox. Alloa's Michael Doyle (left) challenges Bilel Mohsni (centre) of Rangers for possession of the ball . This was not at all going to plan for McCoist and his players but they emerged from what was surely a rollicking and were a different outfit after the break. At the start, at least. The Ibrox side was ahead on 49 minutes when Boyd's freekick was saved by McDowall and Miller was there to fire the loose ball home from ten yards. Darren McGregor then forced a fine save from McDowall, but a second goal arrived when Ian Black found Miller, who set up Dean Shields to curl a low shot beyond McDowall from the edge of the area. Game over, Rangers were on easy street. Or so they thought. But two goals in two sensational minutes utterly changed all that. First, Docherty chipped the ball back in and Spence headed into the net. Then substitute Eddie Ferns set up the outstanding Ryan McCord for an unlikely leveller to leave Rangers stunned. Ally McCoist is falling under further pressure as Rangers manager after his semi-final defeat . Alloa keeper McDowall saved spectacularly from substitute Daly before Steven Hetherington set up Spence for a fabulous winner. The part-timers now faces Livingston in the final next April, dreaming of winning the cup for the first time since 1999. Smith danced in the home dugout like Hannibal Smith, the Alloa boss loves it when a plan comes together. He can claim this was no fluke. Three times this season his side has faced Rangers and they are yet to lose – drawing 1-1 home and away in the Championship. For Ally McCoist, however, after this latest sting in the tail from the Wasps, the coming days will surely see the Ibrox legend face fresh calls for his head in a season that also sees them trail Hearts in the league by nine points.

Rangers took a 2-0 lead at Alloa and appeared to have the game safe . But two goals in two minutes in the second half hauled Alloa level . Greig Spence then side footed in on 89 minutes to complete the comeback .

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Soon to be launching her own boutique in London, Victoria Beckham has transformed her image over the last decade, going from Spice Girl to WAG - to internationally-renowned designer and fashion icon. And now the 40-year-old has topped a poll naming her the top style icon for the British. The poll has revealed that we Brits prefer home-grown style icons, with Victoria Beckham at the forefront and Emma Watson and Kate Moss nipping at her stiletto heels. Scroll down for video . Victoria Beckham has yet again topped a poll naming her the top style icon for the British . Designer Victoria Beckham acknowledges audience applause after her Spring 2015 collection was modelled during New York Fashion Week . Of the 1000 women aged 18-34 surveyed, nearly a fifth voted for former Spice Girl as their biggest style crush, confirming her transformation from pop star to fashion heavy-weight. Completing the very British top three is former Harry Potter starlet Emma Watson in second place, with iconic model Kate Moss in third. Fashion veteran Kate Moss takes the third spot in the poll, making it another win for the British . She may be young, but actress Emma Watson has already climbed to the number two spot in the world fashion icons . Favourite of Anna Wintour, 'it girl' Olivia Palermo was named the most fashionable American - in fourth place . Kanye's fashion tips are clearly paying off as Kim Kardashian made the number eight spot . 1. Victoria Beckham (18.2%) 2. Emma Watson (13.7) 3. Kate Moss (13.4%) 4. Olivia Palermo (13.2%) 5. Alexa Chung (12%) 6. Cara Delevingne (11.4%) 7. Jessica Alba (10.2%) 8. Kim Kardashian (7.6%) 9. Poppy Delevingne (7.2%) 10. Rita Ora (4.5%) Interestingly, our US counterparts only represent 30 per cent of the new best-dressed list – with Olivia Palermo voted as the most stylish American, in fourth position. Hollywood star Jessica Alba has also secured a position in the top ten thanks to her relaxed, girl-next-door look. Reality queen Kim Kardashian-West completes the US line up in eighth position,beating many of her 'fashionista' compatriots including Chloe Grace Moretz, the Olsen twins, and Jennifer Aniston. Hilary Alexander OBE, Editor-at-Large at HELLO! Fashion Monthly, who commissioned the poll, comments: . 'It's great to see such a high percentage of British women represented within HELLO! Fashion Monthly's new list of the most stylish stars. 'As a nation, we are really dominating the industry at present, with top designers such as Vivienne Westwood, Burberry, Matthew Williamson, Stella McCartney, Victoria Beckham, Alice Temperley, Jenny Packham, Christopher Kane and Mary Katrantzou excelling on the global stage, so it is fantastic that our style ambassadors are also following suit. It is also interesting to note that there is a great range of ages represented within the list – emphasising that style doesn't come with an age limit.'

British women dominated the list, taking six out of the top 10 spots . After Victoria Beckham, Emma Watson and Kate Moss made up top three . Alexa Chung, Cara Delevingne and sister Poppyother Brits on the list . Most fashionable American was Olivia Palermo .

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Ruthless Chelsea extended Tottenham's torment at Stamford Bridge with a 3-0 win which saw Jose Mourinho's unbeaten Blues consolidate their lead at the top of the Barclays Premier League. Sportsmail's Sami Mokbel rated the players' performances at Stamford Bridge. CHELSEA (4-2-3-1) Thibault Courtois - 6.5 . Had to keep his wits about him as Spurs started quickly, but was a spectator for the most part. 6.5 . Branislav Ivanovic - 6.5 . As always, what you see is what you get. Solid in defence and joined in to bolster numbers in attack. Striker Didier Drogba (right) celebrates scoring Chelsea's second goal with Branislav Ivanovic . John Terry - 7 . The Chelsea captain has clearly not lost his enthusiasm on derby day. As combative and determined as ever. Gary Cahill - 6 . Recovered well after a nasty head collision with Jan Vertonghen, but had to be replaced at half-time. Cesar Azpilicueta - 6.5 . Lennon's pace caused him a few problems, but on the whole dealt well with the Tottenham winger. Nemanja Matic - 7 . Provides the base for Chelsea's forwards to cause havoc. Is there a better defensive minded midfielder in England? Chelsea's Eden Hazard (left) opens the scoring against Tottenham on Wednesday night . Cesc Fabregas - 7 . Had extra incentive given his links with Arsenal. The Spaniard helped Chelsea take full control of midfield. Willian - 6.5 . Relentless work rate from the Brazil international. As important defensively as he was in the attacking third. Oscar - 7 . Brilliant pass to set-up Drogba's first-half goal. Spurs struggled to deal with his intelligent movement in front of their back-four. Eden Hazard - 7.5 . Knew he had the beating of Chiriches and took full advantage, giving the Romanian a night he'll want to forget. Nemanja Matic produced another influential performance in the Chelsea engine room . Didier Drogba - 8 . This Drog doesn't need new tricks, the old ones are still working fine. An utterly ruthless display from the Blues legend. Subs . Zouma 6 (for Cahill, 46); Remy 7 (for Drogba, 67) Not used: Cech, Luis, Zouma, Schurrle, Salah, Remy . Manager . Jose Mourinho - 7 . His side were rattled during the opening exchanges, but they rarely looked in any serious trouble. TOTTENHAM (4-2-3-1) Hugo Lloris - 5 . Will be disappointed to have let Hazard's strike in at the near post. His side's positive start went to pot from that moment. Vlad Chiriches - 4.5 . Hazard had him on toast. You almost felt sorry for the defender at times. Not a right back…and it certainly showed. Tottenham defender Vlad Chiriches (right) endured a torrid night at Stamford Bridge . Federico Fazio - 5.5 . The jury's still out on the central defender. Looked solid one minute and error-prone the next. Jan Vertonghen - 5.5 . Doesn't look anywhere near the player he was during his first two seasons at Tottenham. Ben Davies - 6 . Had his hands full in trying to deal with Willian's energy and his quality in possession suffered as a result. Ryan Mason - 5.5 . Did his best against Fabregas and Matic, but was no match for Chelsea's formidable midfield duo. Nabil Bentaleb - 6.5 . The youngster will be better for this experience. Kept a cool head in midfield and was economical in possession. Tottenham midfielder Nabil Bentaleb kept a cool head under pressure . Aaron Lennon - 6 . Seems to be back in favour with Pochettino and caused problems down Chelsea's left-hand side before being subbed. Christian Eriksen - 6 . Schemed and probed for an opening but couldn't get on the ball enough to cause Chelsea major problems. Erik Lamela - 6 . Saw plenty of the ball, but once more flattered to deceive for Tottenham. When will Pochettino run out of patience? Harry Kane - 7 . Spurs' biggest threat on a disappointing night. Unlucky with a header that hit the bar in the first half. Tottenham striker Harry Kane was a threat against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge . Subs . Chadli 5 (for Lennon, 58); Paulinho 5 (on for Mason, 58); Soldado (on for Lamela, 74) Not used: Vorm, Kaboul, Dier, Naughton . Manager . Mauricio Pochettino - 6 . Would have been encouraged by his side's start but then watched his side self-destruct in three minutes. Ref: Mike Dean - 6.5 . Kept a cool head on fiery night at Stamford Bridge. Didn't once look like he was close to losing control of this London derby .

Nemanja Matic (7) produced another commanding performance . Chelsea's Didier Droba was man of the match with top mark of 8 . Midfielder Eden Hazard was also in fine form and scored 7.5 .

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Two Maryland men have been charged with raping a 16-year-old girl at a Johns Hopkins University fraternity party. Chaz Haggins, 20, and Ethan Turner, 19, both of Reisterstown, were arrested on charges of rape and sexual assault stemming from the alleged attack at the Sigma Alpha Epsilon party in the early morning of November 2. They were being held without bail at the Baltimore City Detention Center. Two Maryland men have been charged with raping a 16-year-old girl at a Johns Hopkins University fraternity party. Pictured: Chaz Haggins, 20, (left) and Ethan Turner, 19, (right) both of Reisterstown . Their arrests follow a report by a 16-year-old girl who told police that two men forced her to perform sex acts before they raped her at the party. Haggins and Turner are not members of the fraternity, nor are they students at Johns Hopkins, university spokesman Dennis O'Shea said. O'Shea said the school was pleased with the arrests and is fully cooperating with the criminal investigation. The university has launched its own internal investigation, he said. The alleged attack happened at the Sigma Alpha Epsilon (pictured) party the early morning of November 2 . The fraternity has been suspended pending the investigation and is working with the leadership at all campus fraternities to ensure 'the safety and well-being of attendees at their social events,' O'Shea said in a statement. The fraternity said in a statement on its website that its national headquarters was also investigating the allegations. While noting the alleged attackers aren't members of the fraternity, 'any form of assault or sexual misconduct is unacceptable, and we will not tolerate actions that are inconsistent with our values,' the statement said. No attorneys were listed for Haggins or Turner in court records. Johns Hopkins has been under federal investigation for its handling of sexual assault complaints. In the spring of 2013, the university failed to promptly notify students of a rape reported at the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity house. Students filed a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education, and the university is one of dozens around the country being investigated for complaints over how they responded to reports of sexual assault.

Chaz Haggins, 20, and Ethan Turner, 19, both of Reisterstown, were arrested on charges of rape and sexual assault . Alleged attack at Sigma Alpha Epsilon party the early morning of November 2 . They were being held without bail at the Baltimore City Detention Center . Girl told police that two men forced her to perform sex acts before they raped her at the party .

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James Kiddie lost his appeal against the conviction for attacking the woman in court today . A police officer who was filmed dragging a woman by the hair and punching her three times in the head has lost his appeal against the conviction for assault. James Kiddie was branded 'dishonest' and 'scheming' by a judge after claiming the woman, Sarah Reed, had provoked his behaviour by biting him. The 45-year-old Metropolitan Police officer was convicted of the assault in March at Westminster Magistrates' Court. He was given a 12-month community order and told to complete 150 hours of community service in addition to paying £500 in costs. But the father-of-two appealed the conviction, claiming Miss Reed had threatened him with violence before he attacked her in the office at Uniqlo in Regent Street, London, in November 2012. Today a judge rejected his version of events after it emerged he had tried to convince a witness to corroborate his claims. In the video, forces the woman back into a chair before grabbing her head and dragging her by the hair on the floor. He is then seen to punch her in the head three times as she lies cowering with her arms in front of her face. Today, Mr Recorder Paul Taylor told the disgraced officer: ‘The appellant we found to be dishonest, scheming and to exaggerate. 'Watching the video it was clear that Miss Reed never made any movement which he could construe as threatening and in fact there was evidence undermining the claim he felt threatened on the video itself. ‘For example he went through the handbag of Miss Reed on the floor in a position where if Miss Reed had wanted to assault him she had the ideal opportunity. ‘The fact that he was willing to look through the bag in that position speaks volumes.’ Scroll down for video . The former police officer was filmed attacking Sarah Reed in an office at Uniqlo in Regent Street, London, after being called to the shop where Miss Reed had been accused of shoplifting in November 2012 . The 45-year-old is filmed suddenly grabbing her by the head and throwing her on the floor as she struggles against his grip . Kiddie drags the woman by her hair out of the office and into the shop's staff corridor where employees are seen watching the incident unfold . During his trial, Kiddie claimed the woman bit his finger and told him she had AIDS. Pointing to the CCTV footage, Kiddie had said: ‘She is now biting into my index finger and she’s telling me she’s got the AIDS virus.’ ‘I didn’t want to break a lady’s nose... I didn’t want to hurt her somewhere that is going to damage,’ he said. But today Judge Taylor said the claim the man felt threatened was unfounded, rejecting claims the woman told him she had AIDS as a witness would have heard it. 'We also noted that he took phone calls at a time when he claims he felt under threat. ‘The fact that he did not call for back-up also supports the prosecution’s case that his claim that he felt threatened is one which is simply untrue. ‘We find that the escalation in this situation was largely caused by the appellant. ‘Grabbing somebody by the hair and pulling them off their feet and throwing them down is likely to cause anybody to act aggressively although in fact she did not. ‘There may have been some contact between his hand and the teeth of Miss Reed but he has exaggerated beyond all recognition of what really happened.’ He added Kiddie’s attempt to manipulate a witness’s account was ‘scheming’. The policeman will face a misconduct hearing in November over the incident which took place when Miss Reed was accused of shoplifting . Standing over her with a clenched fist Kiddie launches another punch towards the woman's head . With his knee in the 30-year-old's back, Kiddie keeps one hand on her head to stop her from getting back up . He sits on top of the woman as she lies limply on the floor in the corrider, putting handcuffs around her wrists . ‘That is an indictment of a man who was trying to find a way out of behaviour which he knew had been badly wrong,’ said Judge Taylor. Kiddie had also dramatically changed his accounts after initially claiming Ms Reed was ‘spitting all the time’ and saying ‘there were bits of phlegm going everywhere’. He claimed his punches were launched with ‘half-power’ with the fleshy part of his hand. Judge Taylor concluded Kiddie’s actions were neither ‘necessary, proportionate or reasonable’. He will face a misconduct hearing in November.

James Kiddie was filmed punching Sarah Reed in face three times . Dragged the 30-year-old by the hair across the floor of shop office . He was convicted of assault in March after footage of the attack emerged . Kiddie claimed the woman tried to bite him and was threatening beforehand . Tried to convince a witness to corroborate his account of the incident . Today lost an appeal and was branded 'dishonest and scheming' by judge .

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The lesbian parents of an 11-year-old boy who is undergoing the process of becoming a girl last night defended the decision, claiming it was better for a child to have a sex change when young. Thomas Lobel, who now calls himself Tammy, is undergoing controversial hormone blocking treatment in Berkeley, California to stop him going through puberty as a boy. But Pauline Moreno and Debra Lobel warn that children with gender identity disorder forced to postpone transitioning could face a higher risk of suicide. Scroll down for video . Therapy: Thomas Lobel, who now calls himself Tammy, is undergoing controversial hormone blocking treatment . No pressure: The boy's two lesbian adopted mothers, Debra, left, and Pauline, right, say that they have not forced their son to become a girl . The mothers say that one of the first . things Thomas told them when he learned sign language aged three - because of a speech impediment - was, 'I am a girl'. At age seven, after threatening . genital mutilation on himself, psychiatrists diagnosed Thomas with gender identity disorder. By the age of eight, he began . transitioning. This summer, he started taking hormone-blocking drugs, which will stop him from experiencing puberty. The hormone-suppressant, implanted in his upper left arm, will postpone the 11-year-old developing broad shoulders, deep voice and facial hair. The couple faced intense criticism from friends and family as a result, Ms Moreno told MailOnline. 'Everybody was angry with us. "How could you be doing this? You might be ruining his whole life!" Citing a statistic from the Youth Suicide . Prevention Program, Ms Moreno noted over 50 per cent of transgender youth will have had . at least one suicide attempt by their 20th birthday. PROUD MOM: Two photos of Tammy from one of Pauline's Facebook albums called 'My Sweet Sweet Princess' Here is Tammy with her mothers and older brother Edgar at his recent bar mitzvah. Mother Pauline said Tammy was shy and unhappy as a boy when compared to her older, outgoing brothers . Tammy favours headbands to baseball hats and picked out bras and dresses to start wearing when given choice in clothing to wear . And ignoring their son's incessant pleas, she said, simply was not worth the risk. 'What is so frightening to me is that . you would be willing to say "no" just because you don't like it - even . though your child could lose their life?' Her son's adolescent transition, she hopes, will help him have a less conflicted adulthood. 'The whole idea now is let's stop . creating a third (gender) that is neither one thing or the other, so we . transitioned her,' said Ms Moreno. 'The protocol now is . to transition these children as soon as you can make a diagnosis, . because otherwise they end up being not one thing or the other... because they experienced puberty.' Tammy Lobel's hormones are being blocked by an implant on the inside of the 11-year-old's upper left arm, which must be replaced once a year. Ms Moreno explained: 'In other words, she will stay as a pre-pubescent boy until she decides and we feel that she can make this decision about surgery.' His parents say the hormone treatment will give him time to figure out if he wants to fully transition to being female or go through puberty as a boy. By age 14 or 15 the device will need to be removed so that Tammy can go through puberty, Ms Moreno said. If he chooses to stop taking the drugs, he will undergo natural male puberty at a later stage and his future fertility would not be impacted. Should their son decide to transition to an adult female, he can take female hormones as well, which would raise his voice, allow him to grow breasts and develop other feminine physical characteristics. Ms Moreno recalled the first step of Thomas' transition to becoming female by letting him pick his own clothes. He favoured headbands to baseball . hats and picked out bras and dresses to start wearing when given choice . in clothing to wear. And the change in his personality, Ms Moreno says, . was instant. 'He was in his own world just . completely detached and that was a problem we always had was getting . Thomas to participate in life,' she said. 'What we saw emerge when Tammy . was allowed to be Tammy is, "Whoa!"... It was an immediate . transformation. She was so giggly and she was now interacting she was . now making it a point to defend herself.' The diagnosis has been hard to accept for Tammy's parents. The couple were married in 1990 by a . rabbi and have two older sons and grandchildren. But they insist their . sexuality has nothing to do with it. 'It was odd to us,' she said. 'Even . though she has lesbians as parents, this is all new to us in every . possible way. We know what it's like to feel different - we've got that . one. But to feel like you're not in the right body was just something we . could not put our heads around.' Fortunately, the family has a vast support system. The couple credits Tammy's teachers and officials at Children's Learning Center in Alameda, California, and their religious community, for being open-minded about their son's decision. 'We live in the Bay area where lots of alternative lifestyles are in place... and we belong to a religious community that was incredibly supportive. They make it a point when we're in synagogue to come over and tell Tammy, "Oh, you look so pretty today,' Ms Moreno said, adding, 'There's never going to be enough gratitude for them.' His parents say the hormone treatment . will give him time to figure out if he wants to fully transition to . being female or go through puberty as a boy. If he chooses to stop taking the . drugs, he will undergo natural male puberty at a later stage and his . future fertility would not be impacted. Unhappy: Tammy was adopted aged two by Debra Lobel and Pauline Moreno . Pauline and Debra have been married since 1990, when they were joined in a commitment ceremony by their rabbi . Should their son decide to transition to an . adult female, he can take female hormones as well, which would raise his voice, allow him to grow breasts and develop other feminine physical . characteristics. San Francisco, right by Berkeley, is . one of four cities in the United States with a hospital that has a . program for transgender children. The University of California San Francisco is home to the Center of Excellence for Transgender Health. Children are seen at length by mental health professionals and then treated by pediatric endocrinologists. Others cities with youth programs are Boston, Seattle and Los Angeles. Watch the video report: .

Parents say it's better for Thomas to have sex change before he is adult .

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The sun’s magnetic field is expected to flip in the next three to four months and it could lead to changes in our climate, storms and disruption to satellites. This solar event only happens once every 11 years and signals what physicists call the Solar Maximum - a time when the Sun's solar activity is at its highest. During this peak in activity the outbursts of solar energy can increase the amount of cosmic and UV rays coming towards Earth and this can interfere with radio communications, cause solar bursts of light - known as flares - and can affect the planet's temperature. Physicists from Stanford University believe the Sun's magnetic fields will flip before the end of the year, reversing their polarity. This will cause an increase in solar energy and could lead to changes in climate and satellite disruption. The reversal happens once every 11 years or so . During the sun's cycle the amount of solar activity reaches peaks and troughs known as Solar Maximum and Solar Minimum. During Solar Maximum the amount of solar activity is at its highest due to a flip, or reversal, of the sun's magnetic field. Since 1976 there have been three Solar Maximums and they occur roughly every 11 years, although this can vary from between nine and 14 years. During a Solar Maximum, large numbers of sunspots appear and the sun's irradiance - or electromagnetic radiation - output grows by around 0.1 per cent. This increase in energy can impact global climate and recent studies have shown some correlation with regional weather patterns. ‘It looks like we're no more than three to four . months away from a complete field reversal,’ solar physicist Dr Todd . Hoeksema of Stanford University told Nasa Science. ‘This change will have ripple effects throughout the solar system.’ The sun’s magnetic field reverses around every 11 years at the peak of each solar cycle. The last peak, or Solar Maximum, was in 2000 and Nasa initially predicted the next flip would take place between 2011 and 2012. Physicists also warned at the time that the next Solar Maximum could be the strongest yet. Scientists at Stanford’s Wilcox Solar Observatory have been studying the sun’s magnetic field since 1976, during which time they have witnessed three reversals. In 1859 a solar storm known as the 1859 Solar Superstorm, or Carrington Event after Richard C Carrington who recorded the event, saw numerous solar flares appear all over Earth. It was so strong that the Northern . Lights - a natural light display that appears predominantly in that . Arctic and Antarctic regions and is caused by the collision of energetic . charged particles in the magnetosphere and solar wind - were said to be . have been visible as far south as Rome. During Solar Maximum the amount of solar activity is at its highest. A Solar Maximum causes large numbers of sunspots to appear. The Sun's irradiance - or electromagnetic radiation - output grows by about 0.1 per cent during this time and this can lead to changes in climate and affect radio communications . In 1859 a solar storm known as the Solar Superstorm, or Carrington Event named after Richard Carrington who . recorded it, saw numerous solar flares appear. From 28 August 28 to 2 September sunspots and solar flares were observed. British astronomer Carrington . observed the largest flare, which caused a major coronal mass ejection - . a massive burst of solar wind and magnetic field - to travel directly . toward Earth. It was so strong that the Northern . Lights - a natural light display that appears predominantly in that . Arctic and Antarctic regions caused by the collision of energetic . charged particles in the magnetosphere and solar wind - were said to be . have been visible as far south as Rome. Telegraph services were also disrupted. Solar flares created by changes in solar activity also release X-rays and UV radiation. These rays can affect Earth's ionosphere - a region of the upper atmosphere - and disrupt long-range radio communications. Dr Phil Scherrer, also a solar physicist at Stanford, explained that during a magnetic field reversal the Sun’s polar magnetic fields lose strength and then stop all together before appearing again the other way around. The increase of solar bursts have implications for a huge area; its influence extends billions of miles past Pluto. Changes in the magnetic field affect what's called the 'current sheet.' This sheet juts out for billions of miles from the Sun's equator where according to Science@Nasa, the star's slowly-rotating magnetic field includes an electric current. Although the current of electricity is small, there is a large amount flowing through a region around 10,000km thick. The heliosphere - a region of space and our solar system that is directly influenced by the Sun and its solar activity - is controlled by this sheet. When a magnetic field flips it causes the current sheet to become wavy, which Scherrer described to Science@Nasa as being like the seams on a baseball. As Earth orbits the Sun, the planet dips in and out of the sheet and these transitions can cause stormy space weather. It can also affect cosmic rays, which are particles that travel almost at light speed, and these rays can be dangerous to astronauts and space stations. Some researchers believe these rays also directly affect how cloudy Earth is. Wilcox's Solar Observatory is continuing to monitor the changes and is set to release a statement when the reversal takes place.

The sun's magnetic field reverses its polarity once every 11 years or so . Flip represents a peak in solar activity where bursts of energy are released . These bursts can lead to space storms and changes to Earth's climate . Radio and satellite communications may also be affected .

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Before they pop the question the majority of men want to know if their girlfriend loves them to death, but one man has taken it to the extreme. Oddball Alexey Bykov faked his own demise in a bizarre proposal to find out if his true love Irena wanted to be with him for the rest of their lives. Alexey, 30 - from Omsk, Russia - hired a movie director, stuntmen, make-up artists, and even a script writer to stage a bogus car crash so that when girlfriend Irena Kolokov arrived she would be convinced he was dead. And thankfully it seemed to do the trick, although Irena admitted for a second she wanted to kill him again herself. Bloody romantic: Alexey Bykov from Omsk, Russia carried out the most bizarre proposal in history and Irena, apart from the initial shock, didn't seem to mind . Marry me: Alexey sprung the deadly secret surprise on the unsuspecting Irena - and luckily for him it worked . 'We'd arranged to meet at a certain place but when I arrived there were mangled cars everywhere, ambulances, smoke, and carnage,' Irena said. 'Then when I saw Alexy covered in blood lying in the road a paramedic told me he was dead and I just broke down in tears,' she added. But then 'dead' Alexey climbed to his feet and proposed to Irena still covered in fake blood. 'I was so cross I almost killed him again, but for real this time,' she said. Deathly stupid: Alexey Bykov as he prepared to pretend that he was dead when Irena arrived . Luckily for Alexey, she saw the joke, said yes - and the couple were married last week. 'I wanted her to realise how empty her life would be without me and how life would have no meaning without me. 'I think it worked  but I promise it's the last time,' he said. Emotional: Irena found paramedics treating her lifeless boyfriend but he then jumped into life and popped the question .

Alexey Bykov faked his own demise to find out if his true love Irena really wanted to be with . him . He hired a movie director and stuntman to make his 'death' convincing . 'I was so cross I almost killed him again, but for real this time,' she said, but still accepted his proposal .

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When James Lusted walked into a restaurant for a romantic meal with his fiancee he expected to be handed a menu. He didn’t think the waitress would also try to give him a children’s colouring book and some crayons. Unfortunately the well-meaning Harvester employee had mistaken him for a child – because while 26-year-old Mr Lusted, who has dwarfism, is just 3ft 7in tall, his 20-year-old fiancee Chloe Roberts towers over him at 5ft 7in. James Lusted, a 3ft 7in dwarf,  took his fiance Chloe Roberts, to a posh restaurant when he was given a children's colouring book and crayons . The waitress was left red faced after realising her mistake when she handed Mr Lusted the children's colouring book and crayons on his meal out with his fiancée . It was only when the waitress heard Mr Lusted’s deep voice that she realised her mistake. While she was covered in embarrassment, her gaffe was the highlight of the night for the couple who have been laughing about it ever since. Mr Lusted said: ‘As I said thank you to the waitress for the menu she heard my voice and knew I wasn’t a child. ‘She immediately put the colouring book behind her back in shock. But I am man enough to see the funny side – I would never take offence.’ The couple who have been together for 18 months, had been enjoying a romantic meal out when the embarrassing blunder took place . They did not complain to the Harvester in Cardiff city centre and will visit again with no hard feelings . He and Miss Roberts did not complain to the Harvester in Cardiff city centre and will visit again with no hard feelings. The couple realise they make an unusual sight when they are out together in Cardiff, where she is a third-year education student. But they say their mis-matched heights make no difference to them and they are getting married in the summer of 2016. Mr Lusted, of Colwyn Bay, North Wales, said: ‘Life has not been easy – when I was young I had a lot of surgery and went through a time of being bullied in school. ‘I have often thought from an early age, who would want to marry me, a dwarf? But then I met Chloe and everything just fell into place.’ A rare genetic condition called diastrophic dysplasia caused Mr Lusted’s dwarfism. Both his parents are of average height. He works as a TV presenter, actor and motivational speaker. He also competed in the World Dwarf Games twice and played badminton at a national level. Miss Roberts, also from Colwyn Bay, said: ‘All little girls dream about having their tall, dark and handsome Prince Charming. Never in my life did I think I’d date someone like James. ‘People sometimes get a bit confused when they see us for the first time but we always laugh it off. I felt a bit sorry for the waitress – she felt very uncomfortable.’ She added that she didn’t hesitate when Mr Lusted got down on one knee to propose. ‘There may be a two-foot height difference between us but when you are in love little things like that don’t matter,’ she said. A spokesman for Harvester said: ‘We can’t apologise enough to James and Chloe, and are happy they have taken the error in good faith.’ Diastrophic dysplasia is a rare type of dwarfism. The congenital disorder is often characterised by short stature and with short arms and legs. It can also be associated with abnormal bone and joint development, curvature of the spine, clubfoot, cleft palate and swelling of the ear tissue. It is an autosomal recessive disorder, meaning both mother and father must carry the defective gene for a child to inherit the condition. Parents are not normally affected by the disorder. Diastrophic dysplasia is caused by mutations in the SLC26A2 gene which alters the structure of developing cartilage, preventing bones from forming properly.

James Lusted suffers from rare diastrophic dysplasia and stands at 3ft 7in . The 26-year-old had been on a romantic date with partner Chloe Roberts . Waitress had brought over book and crayons, mistaking him for a child . The embarrassed member of staff quickly realised her blunder . But the couple saw the funny side and said it was highlight of the night . TV presenter James and student Chloe are planning marry next summer . The pair said their mismatched heights had never been an issue .

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The battle is on... George Clooney versus Pepper the robot. While Nespresso has the Hollywood heartthrob to promote its coffee, Nescafe has looked to the future and employed a humanoid robot to draw crowds. This month Pepper starts its role to help sell coffee machines in home appliance stores in Japan. The sleek, all-white robot, has a tablet mounted to its chest, and can chat with customers about their coffee habits and preferences. Scroll down for video . Pepper: A fleet of robots will roll into 1,000 home electronic stores throughout Japan, where they'll help customers looking to select a Nespresso coffee maker . Although Pepper many not appear on the silver screen, she (or he) is billed as the first robot in the world that is able to read and respond to human emotion. Equipped with the latest voice and emotion recognition technology, Pepper is able to read people's facial expressions and listen to their tone of voice to analyse how they're feeling. 'Pepper will be able to explain Nescafé products and services and engage in conversation with consumers. I hope that this new consumer engagement model will expand across the world as an example of Japanese innovation' said Kohzoh Takaoka, President and CEO of Nestlé Japan. Rival: While Nespresso has Hollywood heartthrob George Clooney to promote its brand, rival Nescafe has gone one up and is now using a humanoid robot . 'The dream to create an advanced consumer experience with Pepper is now coming true. 'We hope that by providing people the opportunity to interact with a robot whilst shopping, we can help create experiences of wonder and delight for consumers' said Masayoshi Son, Chairman and CEO of SoftBank Corporation. Engineers claim that the robot, which retails at 198,000 yen ($1,650), can understand 80 percent of conversations and has the ability to learn from conversations. The technology will 'help us discover consumer needs through conversations between our customers and Pepper,' said a joint statement from Nestle and SoftBank, whose French operation Aldebaran developed the robot. Nestlé is planning to use the robot nationwide in around 1,000 stores by the end of 2015.

Robot Pepper starts its role to help sell coffee machines in home appliance stores in Japan this month . Billed as the first robot in the world that is able to read and respond to human emotion . The sleek, all-white robot, has a tablet mounted to its chest, and can chat with customers about their coffee habits and preferences .

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When a huge star many times the mass of the sun comes to the end of its life it collapses in on itself and forms a singularity - creating a black hole where gravity is so strong that not even light itself can escape. At least, that’s what we thought. A scientist has sensationally said that it is impossible for black holes to exist - and she even has mathematical proof to back up her claims. If true, her research could force physicists to scrap their theories of how the universe began. A scientist from University of North Carolina states she has mathematical proof that black holes (illustrated) can't exist. She said it is impossible for stars to collapse and form a singularity. Previously, scientists thought stars larger than the sun collapsed under their own gravity and formed black holes as they died . The research was conducted by Professor Laura Mersini-Houghton from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in the College of Arts and Scientists. She claims that as a star dies, it releases a type of radiation known as Hawking radiation - predicted by Professor Stephen Hawking. One of the biggest unanswered questions about black holes is the so-called information paradox. Under current theories for black holes it is thought that nothing can escape from the event horizon around a black hole - not even light itself. Inside the black hole is thought to be a singularity where matter is crushed to an infinitesimally small point as predicted by Einstein's theory of gravity. However, a fundamental law of quantum theory states that no information from the universe can ever disappear. This creates a paradox; how can a black hole make matter and information 'disappear'? Professor Mersini-Houghton's new theory manages to explain why this might be so - namely because black holes as we know them cannot exist. However in this process, Professor Mersini-Houghton believes the star also sheds mass, so much so that it no longer has the density to become a black hole. Before the black hole can form, she said, the dying star swells and explodes. The singularity as predicted never forms, and neither does the event horizon - the boundary of the black hole where not even light can escape. ‘I’m still not over the shock,’ said Professor Mersini-Houghton. ‘We’ve been studying this problem for a more than 50 years and this solution gives us a lot to think about.’ Experimental evidence may one day provide physical proof as to whether or not black holes exist in the universe. But for now, Mersini-Houghton says the mathematics are conclusive. What’s more, the research could apparently even call into question the veracity of the Big Bang theory. Most physicists think the universe originated from a singularity that began expanding with the Big Bang about 13.8 billion years ago. If it is impossible for singularities to exist, however, as partially predicted by Professor Mersini-Houghton, then that theory would also be brought into question. During the collapse process stars release a type of radiation called Hawking radiation (shown). But Professor Mersini-Houghton claims this process means the star loses too much mass and can't form a black hole. And this also apparently means the Big Bang theory, that the universe began as a singularity, may not be correct . Earlier this year Professor Stephen Hawking shocked physicists by saying 'there are no black holes'. In a paper published online, Professor Hawking instead argues there are 'grey holes' 'The absence of event horizons means that there are no black holes - in the sense of regimes from which light can't escape to infinity,' he says in the paper, called Information Preservation and Weather Forecasting For Black Holes. He says that the idea of an event horizon, from which light cannot escape, is flawed. He suggests that instead light rays attempting to rush away from the black hole’s core will be held as though stuck on a treadmill and that they can slowly shrink by spewing out radiation. One of the reasons black holes are so bizarre is that they pit two fundamental theories of the universe against each other. Namely, Einstein’s theory of gravity predicts the formation of black holes. But a fundamental law of quantum theory states that no information from the universe can ever disappear. Efforts to combine these two theories proved problematic, and has become known as the black hole information paradox - how can matter permanently disappear in a black hole as predicted? Professor Mersini-Houghton’s new theory does manage to mathematically combine the two fundamental theories, but with unwanted effects for people expecting black holes to exist. ‘Physicists have been trying to merge these two theories - Einstein’s theory of gravity and quantum mechanics - for decades, but this scenario brings these two theories together, into harmony,’ said Professor Mersini-Houghton. ‘And that’s a big deal.’

Scientist claims she has mathematical proof black holes cannot exist . She said it is impossible for stars to collapse and form a singularity . Professor Laura Mersini-Houghton said she is still in 'shock' from the find . Previously, scientists thought stars much larger than the sun collapsed under their own gravity and formed black holes when they died . During this process they release a type of radiation called Hawking radiation . But new research claims the star would lose too much mass and wouldn't be able to form a black hole . If true, the theory that the universe began as a singularity, followed by the Big Bang, could also be wrong .

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They were once the glamorous accessories of the great characters of the 20th century. Beloved by prime ministers and film stars alike the fat, ideally Cuban, cigar was the must have item for any powerful man. But it seems the cigars so favoured by Sir Winston Churchill, Clint Eastwood and Groucho Marx may soon become a thing of the past. Falling popularity: It seems the cigars so favoured by the likes of former prime minister Sir Winston Churchill (left) and comedian Groucho Marx (right) may soon become a thing of the past . Famous fans: Actor Clint Eastwood (left, in 1972 film High Plains Drifter) and engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel (right) are also known for their cigar smoking . Over the last five years cigar consumption has dropped by a fifth, the continuation of a pattern which has seen the numbers fall by 80 per cent over the last two decades. And experts warn that if current trends persist the age-old art will become extinct in Britain by 2026. Figures from Revenue and Customs show that while Britons bought 4.6million lb of cigars in 1992, last year they bought just a fraction of that at 880,000 lb. The UK cigar market as a whole fell by 20 per cent between 2007 and 2012, helped in no small part by the rollout of indoor smoking bans across the country in 2007. Cigar enthusiasts believe the items have been unfairly targeted by this legislation, because they last more than an hour and are designed to be enjoyed slowly as opposed to a hasty cigarette in the cold. Cigars on screen: Del Boy (Sir David Jason, left) in Only Fools and Horses and Arthur Daley (George Cole, right) in Minder . Known for smoking cigars: TV executive Michael Grade in 1969 with his father, theatrical agent Leslie Grade . The number of large cigars sold in Britain fell 40 per cent to 11.6million in the same period - declining twice as fast as smaller cigarillos. 'They see them as something their dad or grandad would smoke' Simon Evans, Imperial Tobacco . There are only 300,000 regular cigar smokers left in Britain, according to Imperial Tobacco, the UK’s second largest tobacco company. Ten years ago, 700,000 people were cigar smokers. Simon Evans of Imperial Tobacco told the Financial Times this is due to a lack of interest in the youth market. He said: ‘They see them as something their dad or grandad would smoke.’ Two thirds of all cigars sold in Britain are the cheaper miniature variety. Despite the steady decline in cigar smokers, sales of premium cigars which are handmade and aged have risen. Luxury hotels are catering to smokers of high end cigars, providing Cosas - Comfortable Outdoor Smoking Areas. Two years ago, the Ritz Hotel opened an indoor cigar room next to its casino.

Britons bought 4.6m lb of cigars in 1992, but just 880,000 lb last year . UK cigar market as a whole fell by 20 per cent between 2007 and 2012 . Helped by the rollout of indoor smoking bans across the country in 2007 . Cigar enthusiasts believe items have been unfairly targeted by legislation .

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The rookie Cleveland police officer who fatally shot 12-year-old Tamir Rice in a park had a poor job performance record and was forced out of a suburban police department after just a few months on the job, it was revealed today. Surveillance video released by police showed Tamir being shot by Officer Tim Loehmann within 2 seconds of a patrol car stopping near him at a park on November 22. It shows the boy reaching in his waistband for what police discovered was an airsoft gun, which shoots non-lethal plastic projectiles. He died the next day. Scroll down for video . Bad cop: Rookie officer Tim Loehmann, pictured left, quit the Independence Police Department in December 2012 after just six months on the job. His superiors described him as lacking in maturity, weepy and distracted . Final moments: In footage released by the Cleveland Police Department, a police car pulls up alongside Tamir Rice, who reaches for his belt and gets shot . In the blink of an eye: It took Officer Loehmann 2 seconds to shoot Rice after mistaking his BB gun for a real firearm . Police said Officer Loehmann believed the boy had a real firearm. Loehmann joined Cleveland police in March after spending six months in 2012 with the police department in Independence, Ohio - a community of about 7,100 located 12 miles southeast of Cleveland. Personnel files released Wednesday showed police supervisors in Independence decided he lacked the maturity needed to work in their department. A letter in his file said there was a pattern of a lack of indiscretion and of not following instructions. 'In law enforcement there are times when instructions need be followed to the letter, and I am under the impression Ptl. Loehmann, under certain circumstances, will not react in the way instructed,' the letter said. Loehmann's superiors within the department described the rookie cop as being 'weepy' and 'distracted' during firearms qualification training, reported Cleveland.com. 'He could not follow simple directions, could not communicate clear thoughts nor recollections, and his handgun performance was dismal,' according to the letter written by Deputy Chief Jim Polak. Polak concluded Loehmann's evaluation by stating that in his opinion, neither time nor training 'will be able to change or correct' the officer's professional deficiencies. Lackluster record: Officer Loehmann's (left) police file states that he once fell asleep during training, violated orders and on another occasion left his gun in an unsecured locker . Pointed remark: During a memorial service for Tamir Rice Wednesday, the boy's uncle told mourners that police need to revamp how they train officers . Loehmann resigned from the Independence Police Department in December 2012 after meeting his supervisors about their concerns. He was hired by the Cleveland Police Department in March 2013. The officer's father has said in a recent interview that his son quit the force in suburban Independence and joined the big-city department because he wanted 'more action.' It remains unknown if Cleveland police supervisors read Loehmann's personnel file from Independence before hiring him. Tim Loehmann's records indicate that the young officer's troubled relationship with his girlfriend adversely impacted his job performance during his six-month tenure at the suburban police department. According to a report written by one of his supervisors, Loehmann once fell asleep during training and was often seen weeping. On another occasion, he left his firearm in an unsecured locker, according to 19 Action News. In November 2012, Loehmann took off from the police dispatch center without permission and then lied about it to a supervisor. Loehmann told his superiors that he wanted to quit, move to New York City and join the NYPD where his father served for 20 years. The department was in the process of firing him when Loehmann quit of his own accord. Several hundred people attended the memorial for Tamir at Mount Sinai Baptist Church Wednesday . Pallbearers carry out the body of the 12-year-old boy from Gaines Funeral Home Wednesday . Despite all his apparent shortcomings, perceived lack of maturity and inability to follow directions, his files said he was 'eligible for rehire.' During a memorial service for Tamir Rice Wednesday, the boy's uncle told mourners that police need to revamp how they train officers while also looking closer at police brutality and the use of excessive force. A grand jury will consider whether to charge Tim Loehmann in connection to Rice's shooting. Just days after the tragedy, protesters marched past City Hall and temporarily blocked rush-hour traffic on a busy Cleveland freeway. Several hundred people attended the memorial for Tamir at Mount Sinai Baptist Church earlier today. Family members and friends, some wearing shirts with Tamir's picture, filed past displays of photos at the front of the church and stopped to hug his mother. One of his former teachers said Tamir liked to draw, play basketball and the drums.

Officer Tim Loehmann's personnel file at Independence Police Department contains letter describing the rookie as lacking in ability to follow orders . Loehmann was allowed to quit the force in December 2012 and was hired by Cleveland Police Department in March . His father, a 20-year veteran of NYPD, said his son left suburban police department because he wanted 'more action' Records show Loehmann fell asleep during firearms training, was often seen weeping and once left his gun inside unsecured locker . Tamir Rice was laid to rest on Wednesday .

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Footage screened on Russian TV shows the moment one of Vladimir Putin's 'Bear Bombers' is intercepted by British Typhoon jets over the English Channel. The video was filmed from the window of one of the huge Cold War-era Tu-95 planes which Russian military chiefs are sending to 'buzz' British airspace. It was released to Kremlin-backed TV channels in Moscow and is believed to have been shot during a stand-off in the skies off the coast of Bournemouth last month. Two Russian bombers made similar manoeuvres this week, skirting British airspace off the coast of Cornwall, where they were intercepted and escorted by the two RAF Typhoon fighters. The footage from TV Zvedza, which is owned by the Russian defence ministry, shows armed RAF and Nato jets flying in close formation with the plane and provides clear views of the bomber's turboprop engines. One RAF Typhoon flies so close that the pilot can clearly be seen through the cockpit glass. Scroll down for video . Up in the air: Footage of British and French fighter jets escorting a Russian bomber has been released by a Kremlin-backed TV station . The footage is believed to be from one of the previous occasions that Nato fighters have been sent to monitor the activities of Russian aircraft . The footage emerged as former military top brass warned Britain cannot defend itself against the military threat posed by Russia. Military chiefs said the UK 'could not cope' if Russia attacked because our defences had been 'decimated'. RAF fighter jets this week scrambled to intercept two Russian bombers capable of carrying nuclear missiles as they flew menacingly off the coast of Cornwall. In a sign of the growing provocation from Russian president Vladimir Putin, the Tupolev Tu95 Bear aircraft streaked along the fringes of UK airspace, prompting the deployment of two state-of-the-art Typhoons. David Cameron defiantly dismissed the incident, saying the Russians 'are trying to make some sort of a point, and I don't think we should dignify it with too much of a response'. He added: 'I think what this episode demonstrates is that we do have the fast jets, the pilots, the systems in place to protect the UK.' But former air chiefs rubbished the Prime Minister's claims, saying the number of British fighter squadrons had plunged from 26 at the end of the Cold War to just seven following heavy RAF cuts by successive governments. Sir Michael Graydon, former head of the RAF, said: 'I very much doubt whether the UK could sustain a shooting war against Russia. We are at half the capabilities we had previously.' Russian military planes, ships and submarines have made at least 17 incursions close to the UK since the start of last year as the increasingly truculent regime in Moscow tests Western response times. Heavily armed: The video shows the full arsenal of the Typhoon as it flies next to the bomber. The tail badge shows it comes from Lossiemouth . Tupolev Tu-95 . First flown - 1952 . Length - 46metres . Wingspan - 50metres . Crew - 6-7 . Loaded weight - 170,000kg . Max speed - 575mph . Range - 9,000miles . Armoury - Up to 15,000kg of missiles and bombs . Estimated cost - £20million . Number built - More than 500 . Eurofighter Typhoon . First flown - 1994 . Length - 15metres . Wingspan - 11metres . Crew - 1 . Loaded weight - 16,000kg . Max Speed - 1,320mph . Range - 2,900miles . Armoury - Revolving cannon, 8 air-to-air missiles, laser-guided bombs . Estimated cost - £125million . Number built - 427 so far . Sir Michael added: 'They fly in these regions to check our air defences and have probably worked out we are not as sharp as we were. 'They know it is provocative and they are doing it at a time when defence in the west is pretty wet compared to where they are.' Since 2010, the Coalition has axed 30,000 soldiers, sailors and airmen as well as hundreds of warships, fighter jets, spy planes and tanks in a bid to cut the Ministry of Defence's budget by £4.7 billion and plug a £40 billion hole in equipment spending. Air Commodore Andrew Lambert, who commanded Allied forces in northern Iraq in 1999, said: 'If the Russians turned up the heat, we would struggle badly. 'If Putin wanted to attack, he would not send a pair of bombers, he would send the lot and saturate our defences; we couldn't cope. 'The Typhoon is a really good aircraft but with their relatively small numbers they would be overwhelmed: the Russians would outflank us, go around us or just go through us.' He added: 'The modern generation of politicians has grown up in absolute security – they've never felt a threat to their existence, safety or security. 'They've taken peace for granted and decimated the Armed Forces. Let's hope we don't pay the price.' The latest incident came as Defence Secretary Michael Fallon warned that Putin posed a 'real and present danger' to three former Soviet satellites in the Baltics – Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia. Vladimir Komoyedov, chairman of the Russian parliament's defence committee, accused Mr Fallon, 62, of 'stupidity'. He added: 'I feel that he is a bit too old, not only in terms of his age but also in his ideas.' Tensions: Prime Minister David Cameron (left, pictured yesterday in Suffolk) defiantly dismissed the incident, which was a sign of the growing provocation from Russian president Vladimir Putin (right, pictured yesterday in St Petersburg). Defence Secretary Michael Fallon (centre) said that Putin posed a 'real and present danger' to three former Soviet satellites in the Baltics . Former UK ambassador to Moscow Sir Andrew Wood BBC Radio 4's Today programme this morning: 'It's a dangerous moment because Russia is a state of, in a sense, frozen anarchy. It's not a proper state. 'What they've done in Ukraine is to begin an adventure. They don't know how to end it, so there is some danger that their frustrations there will overspill into other areas. 'The Baltic states have been under pressure from Russia. But the majority of Russian-speaking citizens of those Baltic states actually do not want change. They are not emigrating to Russia. They would rather be in the EU and they would rather come to the West freely, which they do.' The two Typhoons, armed with air-to-air missiles, were launched from RAF Coningsby in Lincolnshire on Wednesday after the Russian bombers were spotted at 6.30pm. They were escorted as they flew south, then turned around and flew north past the Irish coast. Elizabeth Quintana, of defence think-tank the Royal United Services Institute, said: 'We have to find a way to stop the Russians because there is a chance things could get very nasty very quickly.' The House of Lords' EU Sub-Committee on External Affairs today accused Britain and the EU of 'sleepwalking' into the Ukraine crisis, by failing to read Russia's political ambitions. A report said: "There has been a strong element of 'sleepwalking' into the current crisis, with Member States being taken by surprise by events in Ukraine.' It added: 'A loss of collective analytical capacity has weakened Member States' ability to read the political shifts in Russia and to offer an authoritative response.' A Typhoon takes off from RAF Coningsby in Lincolnshire at 4.30pm on Wednesday, shortly before the Russian planes were intercepted .

RAF fighter jets scramble to intercept two Russian bombers capable of carrying nuclear missiles off Cornwall . Tupolev Tu95 Bear aircraft streaked along fringes of UK airspace, prompting the deployment of two Typhoons . Russian TV later screens footage of mid-air contact thought to have been filmed on previous interception . Country 'could not cope' if Russia attacked because our defences have been 'decimated', say military chiefs . David Cameron defiantly dismissed the incident, saying the Russians 'are trying to make some sort of a point' But former air chiefs say number of British fighter squadrons has fallen from 26 at Cold War end to just seven .

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Lois Lerner, the former IRS official at the center of an investigation into the targeting of conservative groups, has spoke out for the first time since she invoked her legal right not to testify against herself at a congressional hearing more than a year ago. Lerner sat down with Politico ahead of a profile it released on her this morning and revealed that she has received death threats since leaving the government agency and has been called hateful names, like 'dirty Jew' and told she'll 'go down in history as the worst person ever in the United States.' Another time someone told her she was 'going to be put away in the deepest, darkest dungeon, and they were going to lock me up and throw away the key.' One death threat was so bad that federal agents had to guard her home, Lerner said. Despite the fallout from her admission last May that the IRS had inappropriately scrutinized some groups with political affiliations more than others, Lerner said she has no regrets about the way she handled herself throughout the controversy. 'I didn’t do anything wrong,' Lerner told Politico. 'I’m proud of my career and the job I did for this country.' Scroll down for video . Lois Lerner, the former director of the Internal Revenue Service's (IRS) exempt organizations office, is pictured here during a House hearing in Washington, D.C on May 22, 2013. Lerner recently spoke out about a controversy involving her department's targeting of conservatives for the first time since the congressional hearing . Lerner had mostly faded into obscurity since refusing to give testimony to a House Oversight committee last year, claiming that she could self-incriminate herself, before her lengthy interview with Politico. Although her name has been in the news consistently over the last several months as the IRS revealed to congressional investigators that a computer crash caused the loss of a large chunk of Lerner's emails from 2011-2013, Lerner herself has stayed out of the fray until now. In her interview Lerner defended herself against accusations being made by conservatives, including claims that she purposefully ruined her hard drive to throw investigators off her trail. 'How would I know two years ahead of time that it would be important for me to destroy emails, and if I did know that, why wouldn’t I have destroyed the other ones they keep releasing?' she asked. Lerner told Politico she believes she's receiving much of the blame for her department's wrongdoing because she was the first IRS official to acknowledge it publicly. 'I was the person who announced it,' she said. 'I assume the other part of it is because I declined to talk, and once I declined to talk, they could say anything they wanted, and they knew I couldn’t say anything back.' Former colleagues of Lerner suggested to Politico that they agreed and argued that the former tax exempt chief was not the only IRS official who made missteps in the years leading up to the public controversy. And despite being a registered Democrat, Lerner told Politico that she'd voted for candidates from both political parties and that generally, she's 'not a political person.' A former boss of Lerner's at the Federal Election Commission, where Lerner worked for 20 years before moving over to the IRS in 2001, backed up Lerner's self-assessment. But two former colleagues of Lerner's from the FEC, both of whom are Republicans, said she was a partisan to the core, as evidenced by her vocal support of stricter oversight of political donations, a stance generally held by progressives and strongly opposed by conservatives. 'Lois’ ideology is against money in politics, is ‘anti-contribution’; that’s her bias,' Craig Engle, a former executive assistant to a Republican FEC commissioner told Politico. 'Her ideology inhibited fair administration of the law.' Former coworkers at the IRS also offered up mixed opinions of Lerner, with some saying they 'really loved her big personality,' as Politico put it, and others depicting her as someone who was overly passionate about her work and 'snapped to judgment quickly.' 'We didn’t always get along, ' Nikole Flax, the former chief of staff to the IRS commissioner in charge when the targeting scandal erupted, told the House Oversight committee during its investigation into Lerner. 'We would have occasions when I would, you know, call her, and she could scream for a minute.' 'Her fuse was short, and if you come to the IRS, you better be able to sit and listen and ask questions and absorb and rethink, and she had a hard time doing that,' recalled Debra Kawecki, who worked with Lerner at the IRS at the beginning of her tenure there. Kawecki retired in 2006, Politico noted, five years after Lerner began working there and the same year that Lerner took over the tax exempt division of the agency. Lerner, center, and former IRS Commissioner Douglas Shulman, left, were forced out of the IRS as a result of the Tea Party targeting scandal. The two are pictured here at the House hearing, where Lerner invoked her right not to self incriminate herself, with Deputy Treasury Secretary Neal Wolin, right . A former director of the same department Lerner oversaw at the IRS suggested that her limited knowledge of tax policy may have led to her division's inappropriate probing of groups it suspected of political activity. 'When managers are not familiar with the laws they are enforcing, they make bad decisions,' Marc Owens, a former tax exempt division head, told Politico. He also indicated that side projects Lerner pursued that were meant to streamline processes at the agency may have been a 'major contributing factor' to slow approval process of conservative groups' applications for non exempt status after the IRS' investigation into them concluded. Emails of Lerner's that were turned over to congressional committees investigating the matter show that the IRS agency sought to rectify the situation in early 2013 as a government investigation threatened to expose the department's bad behavior. A group of emails released by a Senate subcommittee indicate that the IRS and Lerner were worried about the findings of the Treasury investigation and wanted to get their side of the story out before the government agency's Office of Inspector General released it's own report. Throughout the OIG's investigation Lerner maintained that scrutiny of conservative groups was not politically motivated and was instead the result of department policy to more heavily screen organizations whose names included politically charged phrases like 'tea party' and 'patriot.' She also argued that the IRS' intense examinations of those groups did not often result in them being denied tax exempt status, proving that the IRS was no more discriminatory of right-leaning groups than it was other organizations when it came to handing out tax benefits. Sensing that Treasury intended to side with conservative groups who were crying foul, the IRS concocted a plan to acknowledge the targeting, explain that that it was the result of poor management of 'front-line staff' in it's Cincinnati, Ohio, branch and hope that the incident blew over quickly. The IRS first planned to have Lerner apologize for providing lax oversight of the satellite office in a speech she was giving in late April but decided against it last-minute. She eventually commented on the situation at another public speaking engagement several weeks later. At that event, hosted by the American Bar Association, Lerner, who is herself a lawyer, staged a question about the affair so that she could deliver the agency's mea culpa in a controlled environment. The admission set off a media firestorm, and within days IRS commissioner Steven Miller was forced to resign. A week after that, Lerner was put on indefinite leave. Before the IRS could terminate her employment, she followed through with a previously planned retirement and left the tax agency for good with a full pension, which is valued at approximately $100,000 a year. Much of that money now goes towards Lerner's legal fees, which she says have already exceed $100,000. Lerner told Politico that she'd like to work in the tax or legal profession again but she's been unable to find employment elsewhere and can't even get volunteer jobs at organizations outside of Washington in her line of work. As a result, Lerner has taken up volunteering at a local arts non profit, though she wouldn't tell Politico which one - 'I feel like having my name attached does nothing but cause issues for people,' she said - and spends her remaining free time gardening and walking her dogs. Even though she's had a difficult time recovering from the controversy both personally and financially, Lerner says not going to let her detractors 'ruin my life.' 'Regardless of whatever else happens, I know I did the best I could under the circumstances and am not sorry for anything I did,' she said.

Lerner spoke out for the first time since she invoked her legal right not to testify against herself at a congressional hearing more than a year ago . The former IRS official revealed that she has no regrets about the way she's handled herself throughout the controversy . 'I didn’t do anything wrong...I’m proud of my career and the job I did for this country' Lerner said that one death threat she received was so bad that federal agents had to guard her home .

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Tech billionaire Sean Parker and his wife Alexandra have welcomed their second child, a baby boy named Zephyr. Mrs Parker announced the news on Instagram Wednesday afternoon, sharing two photos of herself and her husband cradling the newborn. She wrote: 'He’s here!!! Zephyr Emerson Parker. Our newest family member born the morning of Dec.' Scroll down for video . New arrival: Tech billionaire Sean Parker (left) and his wife Alexandra (right) welcomed their second child on Monday, a boy named Zephyr . Proud mom: 'He’s here!!! Zephyr Emerson Parker. Our newest family member born the morning of Dec. 1,' Mrs Parker wrote on Instagram on Wednesday afternoon . Zephyr is a younger brother to Winter, two, who apparently couldn’t wait to be a big sister. Mr and Mrs Parker announced that they were expecting in September, telling People: 'We are overjoyed and excited to welcome the new arrival into our family.' Mr Parker, 35, who served as Facebook's first president and co-founded the music-sharing service Napster in the late Nineties, married Alexandra, a singer-songwriter, in an elaborate Game of Thrones-themed wedding in June 2013, which reportedly cost $10 million. Happy couple: Mr and Mrs Parker, seen here in December 2012, announced that they were expecting in September, saying: 'Winter can’t wait to be a big sister!' Glowing: Mrs Parker showed off her baby bump on Instagram in September . Big sister: The couple (pictured in May) welcomed their first child, daughter Winter Victoria, in January 2013 . The nuptials, which took place in Big Sur, California, were attended by celebrity guests including Emma Watson, Metallica's Lars Ulrich, Allison Williams and Olivia Munn. For the over-the-top ceremony, Mr Parker built fake ruins, waterfalls, a cottage, staircases and a dance floor on an ecologically sensitive campsite, for which he didn't have the proper permits, and was later fined $2.5 million by the state of California. As part of the settlement, he recently agreed to build a beach-mapping app for the California Coastal Commission. Mr Parker, who currently serves on Spotify’s board, proposed to his wife in February 2011 after dating for less than a year. He was famously played by Justin Timberlake in the 2010 David Fincher film The Social Network.

Zephyr is a younger brother to Winter, two . The Facebook founding president, 35, married singer-songwriter Alexandra Lenas, 25, in a lavish $10 million Game of Thrones-inspired wedding in June last year .

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When Kenny Lovelace took Molly Ryan to Coors Field to see the Colorado Rockies play the Arizona Diamondbacks last week, he had a diamond ring in his back pocket and a big plan. Lovelace had already informed Ryan's parents that he planned on asking Molly to be his wife and that he was going to project the romantic question on the stadium's jumbotron. Lovelace, the entire Ryan family, and secretly hired wedding photographer Kerinsa Mullins, made their way to the stadium for an unforgettable and comedic night. But their camera ready moment was ruined when a disgruntled old woman watching the game made her feelings known by flipping the bird to the camera. Kenny Lovelace(right) proposes to Molly Ryan(left) at Coors Field as an old woman (front) gives the middle finger to photographer, Kerinsa Mullins . : www.kerinsamarie.com . Kenny Lovelace proposed to Molly Ryan by projecting 'Will you marry me, Molly?' on the giant stadium jumbotron: . www.kerinsamarie.com . The couple enjoyed a romantic evening despite being flipped off by the old lady in some of the photographs taken by Kerinsa Mullins: www.kerinsamarie.com . Molly Ryan knew that Lovelace was going to propose to her at some point but didn't know exactly when. According to coverage from WTOP, hours earlier at a taco bell, Molly picked up a hot sauce packet that read, 'will you marry me?' She reportedly threw the hot sauce packet at Lovelace and said, 'See? even Taco Bell thinks you should marry me.' When the family arrived at the game, everything was set for the jumbo plan. Kerinsa Mullins and her husband were standing a few rows away from the family ready to snap of photo of Lovelace and Ryan the moment he popped the question. Not Planned was the fact that the photographer was going to be seated near an older couple who wanted to watch the game and nothing but the game. As soon as the jumbotron flashed, 'Will you marry me, Molly?' the photographer stood up to take a photo of the proposal and the grouchy older couple yelled at her to sit down. Upon taking the photograph, Mullins explained to the elderly couple that she was only standing monetarily to photograph the proposal. Lovelace dropped to his knee. Molly Ryan said, 'Yes!' and the crowd cheered. 'He got down on one knee and that's when I realized it was me and I just started crying and it was a great moment,' Ryan says. Molly Ryan displays her new engagement ring after Kenny Lovelace proposed to her for the entire Colorado stadium to see . The older woman seated near Mullins was none too pleased. Another person who was with the older couple even called over a security guard because she couldn't return to her seat. Mullins received glares. 'They kept yelling at me and I just ignored them because I was there to do a job and I did not want to miss something that would be so brief and so important,' Mullins says. Once the security guard came over to Mullins, she moved out of the unhappy trio's way. It wasn't until the next day that Mullins found an unwanted surprise in an otherwise romantic photograph of Lovelace and Ryan. 'in about 20 of them, she and her friend are giving me the stink eye,' Mullins says. Molly Ryan's facebook page humorously displays Kerinsa Mullin's photo as her profile picture . In one of the photos the older woman is pictured flipping her middle finger at the camera. Mullins was worried the couple might be disappointed at first, but Ryan was extremely amused. 'I couldn't stop laughing. I said it was the greatest photo I've ever seen...There is a girl sitting behind us that is so excited for us. My mom is crying, I'm crying, and Ken's nervous and then there's this lady flipping us off,' says Ryan. Ryan Joked about making the photo a 'save the date' magnet for friends and family. While some friends were sad for Ryan that the old woman may have ruined her special moment, Ryan maintained her sense of humor and poise. Ryan is quoted as saying that is she finds out the identity of the curmudgeon she'd like to, 'make her famous.'She has even offered to invite the old lady to the wedding. 'I would love for her to appear in one of my pictures at the wedding. That would be terrific,' Ryan says. The photo of the woman flipping off her finger is now Molly Ryan's profile photo on facebook. The Old woman has yet to reveal her mysterious identity.

'Will you marry me, Molly?' read the stadium jumbotron . Just hours earlier at a taco bell, Molly coincidentally picked up a hot sauce packet that said, 'will you marry me?' An elderly trio in the crowd were so angry at the photographer for blocking their view that they called security to move her .

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It's only day two of Rosie O'Donnell's return to The View and she's already made an enemy of her conservative co-host, former George W. aide Nicolle Wallace. The fracas started off with the question of whether President Obama is a people person and devolved when O'Donnell took offense at the assertion by Wallace that he might not be. 'I'm not saying things all Dems disagree with,' insisted the Republican PR whiz, before O'Donnell went on the attack. Scroll down for video and full fight transcript: . Acrimony already! Republican Nicolle Wallace and liberal Rosie O'Donnell traded some harsh words on just the second episode of The View's new lineup . The once-booted co-hosted compared Wallace's characterization of Obama with the 'international incident' that came when rapper Kanye West publicly declared that Bush's response (or lack thereof) to the Katrina disaster meant he hated black people. 'He revealed was how personally wounded he was by that statement,' Wallace said of her then boss, who wrote of his dismay over West's assertion in his 2010 memoir Decision Points. She then called O'Donnell's words 'an attack.' O'Donnell snatched the opportunity to turn Wallace's words against her. 'He was very upset in the plane as he flew over Katrina,' quipped the comedienne. 'It was a very long time before he showed up. That is a fact, not an attack.' Wallace, who just the day before admitted on the show that she had nothing to do with Bush's decision not to visit Katrina--but simply fly over it--was forced to agree. Ironically, on the season's same inaugural episode, O'Donnell made sure to say of Wallace: 'I like her, I swear!' Whether that's true or not, the hot and cold chemistry appears to have worked, at least for the time being. The season 15 premier on Monday, which also welcomed Rosie Perez to the panel, won the show its highest ratings in eight years. According to The Wrap, it's the second most watched premier ever for the daytime series. The argument began over George W. Bush's handling of the Katrina disaster, and O'Donnell ended up forcing Wallace to admit the president made a major mistake by taking so long to visit the ravaged southern city . Controversial: Here, Bush and his Cabinet members discuss a response to hurricane Katrina in August 2005. Many critics point to the administrations sluggish response in helping the city of New Orleans as one of the biggest mars on Bush's presidency . It likely didn't disappoint, at least not viewers interested in seeing Rosie O'Donnell up to her old (some say intentionally) irksome tricks. Complaining of sciatica, the comedienne did the entire show with no shoes on and at times rubbed her feet well above the table for all to see. Backstage, Goldberg said the hosts had been told the past few years to avoid political topics. That clearly wasn't the case Monday, either, as the four cast members dove right into a discussion about domestic abuse and the National Football League, along with changing attitudes toward corporal punishment. O'Donnell said that while she was able to look past abuse charges against Chris Brown and enjoy his work, she couldn't do that with Woody Allen and no longer sees his movies. Goldberg couldn't stifle giggles when talking to Wallace about Sarah Palin, with whom she clashed while working for the GOP's 2008 national ticket. 'When did you want to just pop her?' Perez asked. Otherwise, Wallace struggled to get a few words in during her first show. 'I'm a Republican, we should get that out of the way,' she said in introducing herself. As for Rosie, she said she's expecting a smoother time than her previous eight months on 'The View,' which ended in 2007. In part that's because longtime producer Bill Geddie is out, replaced by Rachel Maddow's former producer, Bill Wolff. 'We had a different idea of what the show could or should be,' she said about her first tenure. 'But when someone invites you into their house for dinner, you don't rearrange the furniture. This is a new house with a new owner, and I was invited to consult on what the furniture should be.' Unsanitary: Rosie O'Donnell immediately perturbed her co-hosts by insisting on doing the entire show without shoes on Monday . Back to their old tricks? Backstage, Goldberg said the hosts had been told the past few years to avoid political topics . Unimpressed: Rosie Perez voted to move on from the topic of Katrina and George Bush after Wallace and O'Donnell traded barbs . Nicolle Wallace helped stir the first of what could be a lot of major The View sparring matches. Tuesday's fight, which should be noted came in just the second episode of the season, started when she argued that Obama isn't much of a people person. 'Are you implying that Obama doesn't (love people)?' O'Donnell barked. 'Yeah...I don't think so,' the former Bush aide replied. 'Oh, that's bull crap,' new host Rosie Perez snapped. 'You are so wrong.' Things became truly heated when Rosie O'Donnell recalled rapper Kanye West's claims in the aftermath of Katrina that Bush ignored black people. 'Let me just ask you something, when Kanye West says "I don't think President Bush cares about black people" it's like an international incident,' she said. 'But you can say that you don't think Obama likes people?' 'George Bush, when he wrote his book, one of the most interesting things he revealed was how personally wounded he was by that statement,' said Wallace. O'Donnell pounced, to audience applause. 'I think he was very upset in the plane as he FLEW OVER Katrina.' 'We talked about that yesterday,' said Wallace. 'As African Americans, one could understand the righteous anger of [West's] statement,' Rosie said. 'Let me just answer your attack on president Bush and Katrina,' Wallace said. 'A lot of people were very happy with what got done to rebuild New Orleans. New Orleans is a safer place because of what it went through.' 'I did not attack him,' O'Donnell responded. 'I simply stated the fact that he flew over in a plane before he ever went to address the people who were there and it was a very long time before he showed up. A nodding Wallace was forced to agree. Source: HuffPost . She's still got it! Despite her retirement, The View co-creator Barbara Walters showed up for a cameo as the forum's queen and proved she still knows how to produce controversy after Tuesday's fight and Monday's raked-in ratings . O'Donnell was the ringmaster during commercial breaks, taking a microphone and interacting with the audience. It created some moments funnier than what appeared on the air, like when one onlooker asked whether someone else might be added to the four-person cast. 'This isn't enough for you?' she joked. 'Get the (expletive) out.' Onscreen, she played a brief game with an audience member and Perez, asking them to guess which Rosie had said or done certain things. Also Monday, Kristin Chenoweth came on for a song in tribute to the late Joan Rivers. Walters, who invented the format nearly two decades ago, watched the proceedings from offstage. She filmed an awkward show-opening segment seated in a 'throne' where the four hosts briefly approached and bowed before her. Wolff said he talked to Walters a couple of times a week to get advice. The new executive producer, brought on midway through the show's makeover, said he was largely responsible for hiring Perez and Wallace. 'This is our chance to take our leap forward creatively,' Wolff said. He said he hoped the audience would recognize that the four cast members are all smart, accomplished, able to have vigorous conversations and disagree with one another while still liking each other at the end. It's a work in progress: Except for one practice run-through, Monday was the first time all four women had been together. Rosie O'Donnell returned to The View today for what is being billed as a new version of the long-running show. But apparently the cantankerous comedienne is up to her old tricks behind the scenes. Sources at The View tell MailOnline that Rosie has already become a terror, only allowing the three new executive producers and co-hosts; Whoopi Goldberg and newcomers Rosie Perez and Nicolle Wallace, to communicate with her and making it clear to everyone in earshot, she's literally running the show. 'She was at The View for several days last week, meeting with producers and telling them "how things are going to go". She has a definitive view of how she would like the show to go and wants everyone else to fall in line,' a show insider told MailOnline . Last Wednesday, Rosie and new co-host Nicole Wallace did a test show with two fill-in hosts in an effort to build chemistry. Neither Rosie Perez or Whoopi Goldberg were present. Despite the fact that Whoopi is the regular moderator for the show, leading the discussion, Rosie took charge of the test show with Nicole. 'It was almost as though she was rehearsing for when she eventually takes over as moderator. It's clear that she would have preferred being in that capacity as she was before,' offered our source. Rosie joined The View in 2006, replacing Meredith Vieira. But the following year Rosie and Elizabeth Hasselbeck had a heated exchange that got so intense producers cut to a split screen, something that Rosie despised. She walked off the set that day and never returned to the show. But Whoopi was clear after Rosie complained several times in recent days: 'I'm moderating and that's how it's going to be, so work with me babe!' 'Rosie actually said aloud, "This is taking forever! I know we're on tape, but should it take 4 hours?" 'No one responds when she makes snarky comments except Whoopi, because everyone else fears for their job,' detailed the source. The sentiment backstage after the test show was that the four co-hosts were 'boring together' and they were going to have to find some excitement before today's show.

The yin and yang co-hosts duked it out after O'Donnell slammed George W.'s sluggish response to help ailing New Orleans . Monday's premier won the 15-year-old show its biggest ratings in 8 years with 3.259 million viewers . The debut also included very conspicuously Rosie O'Donnell's bare feet, which .

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United Flight 1637 was returning off-duty Air Force Captain Mike Gongol, his family and 157 other souls from their Christmas vacation when disaster struck. The Boeing 737's pilot suffered a devastating heart attack at 30,000 feet on the way from Des Moines to Denver, forcing Gongol to rush to the cockpit and help guide the plane to an emergency landing. His heroic actions have gone unheralded until now, as Gongol recalls the dramatic moment he answered the chilling announcement on the December 30 flight, 'Does anyone know how to fly a plane?' Scroll down for video . Hero: Capt. Mark Gongol, 13th Air Support Operations Squadron assistant director of operations at Fort Carson, helped land a commercial 737 Dec. 30 when the pilot had a medical emergency . Gongol, who has flown supersonic B-1B Lancer nuclear bombers and works out of Fort Carson, Colorado, first realized something was wrong when 30 minutes into the flight he saw the engines power down to idle. Then the aircraft began to descend and bank steeply to the right. 'Over the public address system; a flight attendant asked if there was a doctor on board the plane,' said Gongol in his first interview since that dramatic flight, given to Air Force Space Command. 'A few more calls went out for medical professionals and the flight attendants were all hurrying to first class with their beverage carts and a first-aid kit.' His military training told him to stay seated with his wife and daughter and remain out of the way. Suddenly, a heart-stopping announcement came over the PA system: 'Are there any non-revenue pilots on board? Please ring your call button.' At that gut-wrenching moment, Gongol realized the sick person was the pilot. According to Air Force Space Command, Gongol, 'looked to his wife; as she gave him a nod, Gongol pressed his button and headed toward the flight desk.' Walking briskly to the cockpit, Gongol saw that the pilot was desperately ill. Gongol immediately knew he was suffering a serious cardiac event. Drama at 30,000 feet: Flight 1637 (not pictured) was traveling from Des Moines to Denver when the pilot of the Boeing 737 suffered a heart attack . Hero: Quick-thinking nurse Linda Alweiss, . pictured left and right, rushed to respond when the pilot suffered a . heart-attack mid-flight . 'After they moved the pilot, I was asked by the first officer, 'are you a pilot,' which was quickly followed with 'what do you fly,' said Gongol. 'I knew she was in a serious situation and that question gave her five seconds to judge if I would be useful. 'I also had about five seconds to asses her, 'was she panicking, or was she OK to fly the aircraft?' 'We both finished our silent assessments, she made the right judgment and told me to close the door and have a seat.' Summoning all his training, Gongol decided it was best if he adopted a supportive role to the first officer and began to man the radio and troubleshoot any issues as they approached landing. 'She was calm, but you could tell she was a little stressed, who wouldn't be,' said Gongol. 'At the beginning, I interrupted her flow of operations, but we figured everything out extremely quickly. She was very impressive.' It was then that the first officer turned to Gongol and revealed she had never landed at Omaha airport before. However, Gongol had landed there during his training and talked her through it. 'I saw nothing but the finest professionalism under pressure out of the flight attendants, the nurses and the first officer,' said Gongol. 'Everyone aboard the aircraft remained calm, there is no doubt in my mind this contributed above all else to our successful outcome. 'In my opinion any military pilot would have done the exact same thing I did.' Room to work: Alweiss and another nurse, Amy . Sorenson, pulled the captain out of the cockpit and into the galley, . pictured, and after the flight landed safely he was met by paramedics, . right, on the tarmac . Scary: Mrs Alweiss was flying home via Denver with her husband and 16-year-old daughter from a Christmas vacation when the frightening announcements were made . The pilot survived and has since thanked Gongol for his actions. He was helped in his survival by quick-thinking nurse Linda Alweiss, from Camarillo. Mrs Alweiss was flying home via Denver with her husband and 16-year-old daughter from a Christmas vacation. When the first announcement was made the registered nurse with decades of experience was first to respond. She said she found the pilot slumped over in the cockpit. 'He was sick and mumbling and was just incoherent,' she told KTLA. The pediatric intensive care nurse, who only recently re-certified her advanced cardiac life support accreditation, noticed his heart was beating irregularly and determined he'd probably suffered a blood clot or a heart-attack. On the rescheduled flight on New Years Eve, Mrs Alweiss sat next to the co-pilot who informed her the pilot had survived and was being treated in the cardiac unit of an Omaha hospital.

Air Force Captain Mike Gongol answered the PA call to fly United Flight 1637 . Pilot fell ill 30 minutes into the Des Moines to Denver flight on December 30 . Captain Gongol assisted the female co-pilot in landing the plane at Omaha airport - which she had never done before . Captain Gongol had landed there during his B-1B Lancer bomber training . The story made national news at the time - but Gongol's involvement was not publicized .

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Muslim pilgrims on their way to Mecca were tested for the Ebola virus at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport in Lagos today prior to their trip to the Islamic holy city. More than 200 Muslims from Oyo State in southwest Nigeria underwent stringent health checks by Nigerian health officials . Nigeria is the only country in the region, which has been affected by Ebola that has clearance to send pilgrims to Saudi Arabia for the Hajj. Scroll down for video . A Nigerian port health official check passports before using a thermometer to screen Muslim pilgrims for Ebola at the Hajj camp before boarding a plane for Saudi Arabia at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport . Muslims on pilgrimage to Mecca undergo health check for the Ebola virus. More than 200 Muslims from Oyo State in southwest Nigeria are making the Hajj . A Muslim has his temperature checked for the ebola virus at the Hajj Camp . More than 700 more Ebola cases emerged in West Africa in one week, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has said, showing that the outbreak is accelerating. Just three weeks ago the number of new cases was around 500 for a seven-day period. The number of people believed to have been killed is now more than 2,600, an increase of roughly 200 from the last estimate, the WHO said. Most deaths have been in Liberia. The new figures from the UN health agency show that the disease is thought to have affected more than 5,300 people. Just under half of those cases were recorded in the last three weeks. Some 318 healthcare workers have fallen ill, and about half have died. The outbreak has struck Liberia, Sierra Leone, Guinea, Nigeria and Senegal. Meanwhile, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon says the number of Ebola cases is doubling every three weeks and is calling for a 20-fold increase in aid totalling almost $1billion to tackle the virus's worst-ever outbreak over the next six months. The UN chief told an emergency meeting of the Security Council today that the Ebola epidemic in West Africa 'demands the attention of the world' and 'unprecedented' action. Ban announced that he is establishing a UN emergency mission to address the unprecedented challenge. He thanked U.S. President Barack Obama for sending 3,000 troops to provide expertise in training and engineering, read the names of about 20 other countries that have responded with contributions and urged all nations coming to the UN General Assembly ministerial meeting next week to follow suit. United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon (left) thanked U.S. President Barack Obama for sending 3,000 troops to provide expertise in training and engineering . Aid workers attacked by people they went to help . Six men trying to warn Guinea villagers of the dangers have been attacked by the people they were trying to help. The country's government have been sending aid workers to remote areas and on Tuesday six people – three journalists and the director and two senior doctors of a regional hospital – were assaulted at Womey in the district Nzérékoré on Tuesday and have been missing since. To prevent more outsiders venturing to their homes, the villagers have destroyed all bridges leading to the area. 'The meeting started off well; the traditional chiefs welcomed the delegation with 10 kola nuts as a traditional greeting,' a local resident who was present at the meeting earlier this week and gave only his first name, Yves told The Guardian. 'It was afterwards that some youths came out and started stoning them. They dragged some of them away, and damaged their vehicles.

More than 200 Muslims from Oyo State in Nigeria on Hajj to Mecca . Nigeria is only country in the Ebola-affected region allowed to send pilgrims to Saudi Arabia for the Hajj . UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon says number of cases is doubling every three weeks .

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Raising a glass to her 11 dining companions, the bubbles in Claire Lightbody's champagne sparkle in the candlelight. A waitress emerges to clear away the goat's cheese ravioli starter before serving each guest with a lime and lemon granita palate cleanser, complete with tiny limoncello spheres — something Heston Blumenthal would surely be proud of. Next up is a vibrant pea, mint and honeyed ham hock soup, each bowl perched amid an ornate nest of twigs. Then, beef wellington and a mint chocolate delice for dessert. Secret weapon: Claire Lightbody, right, hires Michelle Burge, 'a home gourmet', to cook meals to wow her dinner party guests . You might imagine that this decadent feast is being served in a swanky Michelin-starred restaurant — the kind most of us can only dream of affording to go to. In fact, the setting is a lot closer to home. Well, Claire's home anyway. It is the dining room of her five-bedroom country house near Southwell in rural Nottinghamshire. More impressive still is the fact that Claire, 40, an international sales director for a homeware company, has not lifted a finger all night. Neither, has she decanted a stash of Waitrose ready meals to pass off as her own. So how has Claire pulled off this amazing feat? Claire's secret is one which a growing number of middle-class women share. Quite simply, they hire a private chef to slave over their stoves so they can sit back and socialise with friends. Claire, who's married to Jonathan, 41, a businessman, is adamant it's the way forward. 'Some might say that paying up to £750 for a dinner party for 12 people is extravagant,' she says. 'But we work long hours and earn good money, and I'm often away in the Far East, so to me it's a small price to pay for buying quality time with close friends. Because I'm worth it: Claire would rather pay someone to cook so she can relax with friends . A selection of Michelle's dishes: From left, ham hock and pea soup, goats cheese wrapped in smoked salmon and mini cheesecakes with raspberries and edible flowers . 'Having someone cook for you in your own home is intimate and indulgent, from the canapes and cocktails to the menu and even how the table is decorated.' Still. Many women would struggle to justify the equivalent cost of a month's food shopping for a family on one dinner party. And if friends are true friends, wouldn't they be equally as happy with a casual lasagne? It would seem not. The popularity of TV shows like MasterChef and The Great British Bake Off has raised expectations of what people should serve at their own dinner parties. A hearty casserole or fish pie just won't cut the mustard any more. Additionally, a recent survey concluded that the average dinner party host spends six-and-a-half hours preparing food. 'There's a significant trend for ordinary middle-class people wanting to hire chefs to cook for special occasions in their own homes,' says Tracy Jewitt of Greycoat Lumleys, an agency that provides house staff including nannies, tutors and butlers. Hired help: Daisy Steel regularly employs chef Annie des Forges, whose company is called The Table. to dazzle her dinner party guests . More relaxing: Daisy says Annie is worth every penny as she can enjoy the dinner party and her friends don't have a harassed host constantly dashing to the kitchen . A year ago, in response to demand, they launched a spin-off business, My Chef, dedicated purely to this. 'Many people told us they're turning to dinner parties again because they're fed up with the waiting lists at high-end restaurants,' she says. 'Others said they'd installed incredible kitchens and dining rooms at great expense yet never made use of them.' Claire Lightbody and her husband moved into their home a year ago. 'We've got a grand dining table that seats 12 and enough bedrooms and bathrooms for our guests to stay over. Many of them bring their little ones with them too and they sleep upstairs while we eat,' says Claire, who doesn't have children herself. Her private chef of choice is Michelle Burge, 40, who describes herself as a home gourmet. She is based in Nottingham and her clients include sports stars. Claire first hired Michelle to accompany the extended family on a break to a cottage in Norfolk in 2011 where they celebrated her father-in-law's 70th birthday. 'We didn't want anyone to be put upon with shopping and cooking so we paid more than £1,000 for Michelle to come with us, which included all the food for the weekend,' Claire adds. 'She produced every morsel that we ate, including making croissants for breakfast, picnic lunches and a posh birthday dinner party.' She and Jonathan have since hired Michelle a dozen times to cater for them, including a five-course meal for Claire's 40th. 'As the host, you invite your friends over because you want to spend time in their company, but when you're doing the cooking you miss out on the conversation,' Claire says. 'Having Michelle means we can fully engage with our friends — she even brings a waitress. 'I've never tried to hoodwink my guests into thinking I've done the cooking, I always make sure Michelle gets the credit.' The total cost sounds a lot, and per head it works out at anything from about £50 to £80 depending how extravagant Claire wants to be with the menu. Naturally she would never dream of asking her guests to contribute financially. Less stress: Caroline Maude calls upon chef Kathryn Rodbert — who runs a company called Madeleine's Kitchen — when she feels she can't stand the heat in the kitchen . No sweat: Caroline says forking out for chefs at home is worth it - especially as they also do the washing up . 'It would be the height of rudeness,' she says. 'I wouldn't cook a meal myself and then expect everyone to chip in. So why is this any different?' Meanwhile, in Frome, Somerset, Daisy Steel regularly hires a chef to dazzle her dinner guests at the farmhouse she shares with husband Jonathan, 43, a software developer, and their five children, Jack, 22, Poppy, 20, Jasmine, 17, Ben, 13, and Joe, eight. 'We first started hiring chefs in our 30s when we lived in London, but since we moved here four years ago and discovered that the social scene revolves around dinner parties, we've done it a lot more,' says Daisy, 43, who works in television. 'While I'm happy cooking Sunday lunch for 20 people, when it comes to dinner parties I'm a perfectionist and put myself under a lot of pressure to shine.' The antidote to Daisy's stress is local chef Annie des Forges, whom she discovered three years ago when she and Jonathan needed someone to create a dinner for 100 people to celebrate 25 years together. 'We were so impressed with her food that we've been hiring her to create small dinner parties for us ever since,' Daisy adds. 'A three-course dinner for ten people works out at about £400 which might sound a lot, but you could spend that going to a gastropub.' Tracy Jewitt concurs that most of the people who hire chefs through Greycoat Lumleys are time-starved professionals in their 30s to 50s. 'They work really hard, so every spare moment is precious,' she says. 'If you think of the bill for dining in a Michelin-starred restaurant, it's much more affordable to hire a chef.' Daisy discovered this the expensive way. Celebrity favourite hotel Babington House — the venue for the weddings of Zoe Ball, Amanda Holden and James Corden — is a mile from her home and last year she organised a birthday dinner there for Jonathan. 'There were 14 of us and the bill, including booze, came to more than £1,500,' Daisy says. 'Yes, it was wonderful, but we can have food cooked by Annie at home that's every bit as delicious and costs half the price.' Is Daisy ever tempted to squirrel Annie out of the back door and pass the food off as her own? 'Never,' she laughs, 'but equally I never feel like it's a cop out. People love it — as a guest you don't want to see your hostess looking fraught as she dashes between dining room and kitchen either.' It's a sentiment shared by Caroline Maude, 50, a freelance theatre consultant. Despite being an avid cook, she calls upon chef Kathryn Rodbert — who runs a company called Madeleine's Kitchen — when she feels she can't stand the heat in the kitchen. 'My husband and I do quite a lot of entertaining, and we love to cook but occasionally, either as a treat or when life is just too busy, we'll hire Kathryn to cater for a dinner party,' says Caroline, who lives near Petersfield in West Sussex with husband Anthony, a theatre set designer, and their children Celeste, 18, Ottoline, 15, and Tallulah, 14. 'The trouble is that we're ambitious about our own cooking which means it's expensive because we buy ingredients such as pheasant and scallops. Two days are wiped out buying the food and preparing dinner, and another half day clearing up the mess afterwards. Hiring Kathryn removes that stress.' Claire Lightbody sums it up: 'It's not just about eating fabulous food that you haven't had to cook yourself — it's the experience of being waited on in your own home. Best of all, there's no washing up at the end of the evening. That's got to be worth every penny.'

Shows like MasterChef has raised expectations of what should be served . Claire Lightbody, 40, is adamant hiring a private chef is the way forward . They slave over the stove while she socialises with her friends . 'Some might say paying £750 for a dinner party is extravagant,' she says . But she adds: 'It's a small price to pay for buying quality time with friends' She also paid chef £1,000 to cook for them on holiday . Caroline Maude, 50, and Daisy Steel, 43, from Somerset, agree .

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Disney characters are known as fun-loving and cuddly sorts – but a Spanish man discovered that they are capable of violence if provoked. A heckler in a Madrid square pushed two street performers dressed as Mickey and Minnie Mouse over the edge and got a bloodied nose as a result. A brawl between the three erupted when entertainers Fazzio and Ticiana Yanez lost their temper at the critic, who they said 'just wouldn't leave us alone'. Scroll down for videos . A heckler in a square in the Spanish capital Madrid pushed two street performers dressed as Mickey and Minnie Mouse over the edge and got a bloodied nose as a result . The punch-up – filmed by passers-by – shows Fazzio ripping off his Mickey Mouse head and then grappling with the heckler, getting him in a headlock. His partner then takes off her Minnie head too as she follows the tussle around the square shouting abuse and grabbing at the man's clothing. Passer-by Aristobulo Olivarez said: 'It's certainly not something you see every day.' He added: 'He'd been heckling their balloon bending magic act for some time and it seems they'd had enough.' Police halted the brawl by separating the heckler - later identified as Vero Arreola - and Fazzio, who by now had a bloody nose. Minnie performer Ticiana said: 'We have a good children's show but he just wouldn't leave us alone.' Police spokesman Seneca Nino said: 'Three people have been interviewed over a public disturbance.' Police halted the brawl by separating the heckler (right) and Mickey and Minnie . According to local media the incident, which was widely shared on social media in Spain, could also have unfortunate consequences for the pair after local Disney representatives said they were not licensed, and officials are compelled to take action to ban them from using the cartoon characters in future. It follows footage emerging of a Russian driver being left dazed and confused after he was attacked by a group dressed as cartoon characters including Mickey Mouse and Spongebob SquarePants in a bizarre road rage incident. Footage of the incident, which shows the driver as he stops his vehicle in front of a minibus in the middle of the road, became an internet hit. The unverified footage, filmed on another vehicle's dashboard camera, apparently shows the driver as he gets out of his vehicle and appears to remonstrate with the driver of the minibus. Before long however he finds himself outnumbered as four people dressed as cartoon characters, including Scrat from Ice Age and a Russian character called Luntik, sneak around the side of the minibus before confronting him. The group then appears to proceed to get the better of the driver as they force him to the ground and begin kicking and punching him. Following the attack, which lasts for about 15 seconds, the group appear to get back into the van before it drives off.

Heckler in Madrid pushes two Disney street performers over the edge . Mickey and Minnie Mouse end up brawling with the persistent critic . Spanish police eventually intervene and separate the combatants . The incident was filmed by a passer-by and the clip has gone viral .

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If you've ever missed that perfect photo, scientists may have the answer. Researchers today revealed a new way to take pictures called compressed ultrafast photography. While current phone can take several shots a second at best, it is able to generate two-dimensional (2D) colour images at up to 100 billion frames per second. Scroll down for video . Laser light moving off a mirror captured using the new camera. the time measurement is in picoseconds - that is one trillionth, or one millionth of one millionth of a second. The team were able to capture laser light reflecting off a mirror for the first time using their new camera . The new technique, described in this week's Nature, could have a large impact in several areas of research by allowing the measurement of otherwise unobservable, time-evolving, phenomena. To demonstrate some of the uses of the technique, the authors imaged laser pulse reflection and refraction, photon racing in two media and faster-than-light propagation of wavefronts. In forensics, CUP might be used in reproducing bullet pathways, which could once again open up the Kennedy assassination conspiracy theories and revive a more accurate analysis of the strange physics of the 'magic bullet.' The team at Washington University in St. Louis, led by Lihong Wang, PhD, the Gene K. Beare Distinguished Professor of Biomedical Engineering say the camera is the world's fastest. Wang and his colleagues have made movies of the images they took with single laser shots of four physical phenomena: laser pulse reflection, refraction, faster-than light propagation of what is called non-information, and photon racing in two media. The research appears in the Dec. 4, 2014, issue of Nature. The CUP system configuration. 'For the first time, humans can see light pulses on the fly,' Wang said. 'Because this technique advances the imaging frame rate by orders of magnitude, we now enter a new regime to open up new visions. 'Each new technique, especially one of a quantum leap forward, is always followed a number of new discoveries. 'It's our hope that CUP will enable new discoveries in science — ones that we can't even anticipate yet.' The camera is a series of devices that works with high-powered microscopes and telescopes. Once the raw data are acquired, the actual images are formed on a personal computer; the technology is known as computational imaging. 'This is an exciting advance and the type of groundbreaking work that these high-risk NIH awards are designed to support,' said Richard Conroy, PhD, program director of optical imaging at the National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering, part of the NIH. 'These ultrafast cameras have the potential to greatly enhance our understanding of very fast biological interactions and chemical processes and allow us to build better models of complex, dynamical systems.' An immediate application is in biomedicine. One of the movies shows a green excitation light pulsing toward fluorescent molecules on the right where the green converts to red, which is the fluorescence. By tracking this, the researchers can get a single shot assessment of the fluorescence lifetime, which can be used to detect diseases or reflect cellular environmental conditions like pH or oxygen pressure. CUP photographs an object with a specialty camera lens, which takes the photons from the object on a journey through a tube-like structure to a marvelous tiny apparatus called a digital micromirror device (DMD), smaller than a dime though hosting about 1 million micromirrors, each one just seven-by-seven microns squared. There, micromirrors are used to encode the image, then reflect the photons to a beam splitter, which shoots the photons to the widened slit of a streak camera. The photons are converted to electrons, which are then sheared with the use of two electrodes, converting time to space. The electrodes apply a voltage that ramps from high to low, so the electrons will arrive at different times and land at different vertical positions. An instrument called a charge-coupled device (CCD) stores all the raw data. All of this occurs at the breathtaking pace of 5 nanoseconds. One nanosecond is a billionth of a second. Wang envisions applications in astronomy and forensics, where the advanced imaging frame rate could analyze the temporal activities of a supernova that occurred light years away, or track and predict the movements of thousands of potentially hazardous pieces of 'space junk,' refuse of old satellites and jettisoned space craft hurtling about at high speed in outer space. In forensics, CUP might be used in reproducing bullet pathways, which could once again open up the Kennedy assassination conspiracy theories and revive a more accurate analysis of the strange physics of the 'magic bullet.' In the astronomy world, CUP can be a game-changer, Wang said. 'Combine CUP imaging with the Hubble Telescope, and we will have both the sharpest spatial resolution of the Hubble and the highest temporal solution with CUP,' he said. 'That combination is bound to discover new science.'

Can generate 2D colour images at up to 100 billion frames per second . Could be used to analyse crime scenes and in medical imaging .

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Google is developing special versions of it's most popular products for children, it has revealed. The firm hopes that a child friendly version of YouTube and its chrome browser could make the internet safer for youngsters. It says it is aiming the news products at under twelves. Google hopes its new products will make it easier - and safer- for children to use the web. A recent study said the iPad has now overtaken household names such as McDonalds and Disney to become the number one brand among American 6-12 year olds. The annual study, conducted by leading youth and family research firm Smarty Pants, ranks more than 250 brands each year. 'The big motivator inside the company is everyone is having kids, so there's a push to change our products to be fun and safe for children,' Pavni Diwanji, the vice president of engineering charged with leading the new initiative, told USA Today. 'We expect this to be controversial, but the simple truth is kids already have the technology in schools and at home,' says the mother of two daughters, ages 8 and 13. 'So the better approach is to simply see to it that the tech is used in a better way.' Google is developing the products in a secret room at its Mountain View,'Googleplex' called the Kids Studio. Diwanji said her own daughter was part of the test group, and has already given the team some guidance after Googling 'trains' and seeing a list of Amtrak train schedules pop up. 'She came to me and said, 'Mommy, you should tell Google about Thomas the Tank Engine, because Google obviously doesn't know about him,'' Diwanji said. Although Google has not said which products will be released, it is believe search, youTube and Chrome are the most likely. It comes as youngsters increase have their own tablets to play on. A recent study said the iPad has now overtaken household names such as McDonalds and Disney to become the number one brand among American 6-12 year olds. A recent study said the iPad has now overtaken household names such as McDonalds and Disney to become the number one brand among American 6-12 year olds. The annual study, conducted by leading youth and family research firm Smarty Pants, ranks more than 250 brands each year. 'iPad's number one status among kids represents the culmination of the 'tablet takeover' – a movement from shared screens and TV network dominance to curated content on personal devices,' said Wynne Tyree, president of Smarty Pants. 'Kids increasingly turn to iPad for games, TV shows, videos, books, homework help and communicating with friends and family.' In the firm's 2014 study, Apple's iPad trumps iconic kid brands such as McDonald's, Toys'R'Us, Nickelodeon, and Disney.

Google hopes apps will make web safer you children to use . Has created special lab at its Googleplex HQ to study children . Recent study said iPad has now number one brand among 6-12 year olds .

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This is the shocking moment ISIS militants took sledgehammers to Iraqi tombstones  - smashing them to pieces. The rebels, who are members of the Islamic State terror group, were filmed attacking centuries-old graves in the north-west city of Mosul in Ninevah province. Donning balaclavas and black coats, they swung sledgehammers into the tombs, causing pieces of dust and stone to fly through the air. Scroll down for video . Violent attack: An ISIS militant is filmed taking a sledgehammer to an Iraqi tombstone - smashing it to pieces . One of the devastated tombstones belonged to the Prophet Jonah (Younis in Arabic) and was revered by Muslims and Christians alike, according to Iraqi authorities. The prophet, who is the central figure in the Hebrew Bible's Book of Jonah, is best known for being swallowed by a fish or a whale, depending on translation. The attack is the latest in the ISIS's violent rampage across Iraq. Earlier . this week, a series of images emerged showing the destruction of almost . a dozen Shia and Sunni religious shrines in Mosul, Iraq's second largest city, . and the town of Tal Afar, which is also currently under ISIS control. Armed: The rebels, who are members of the Islamic State terror group, were filmed attacking centuries-old graves in the north-west city of Mosul in Ninevah province. Above, an ISIS militant vandalises a tombstone . Smash: Donning balaclavas and black coats, the rebels swung sledgehammers into the green tombstones . ISIS militants believe giving special veneration to tombs and relics is against the teachings of Islam. Speaking of the latest attack, Ninevah official Zuhair Al-Chalabi, told IraqiNews.com: 'The elements of ISIS [have] controlled the . mosque of the Prophet Younis in Mosul since they invaded the city.' '[They] engaged in the process of tampering with the contents of the Mosque. It is . still held by them until now.' The shrine of the Prophet Seth (Shayth) was also destroyed by rebels, according to reports. Revered tomb: One of the devastated tombstones belonged to the Prophet Jonah (Younis in Arabic) and was revered by Muslims and Christians alike, authorities said. Another belonged to the Prophet Seth (Shayth) It . comes as more than 50 bodies have been discovered by Iraqi authorities . in an agricultural area outside the city of Hillah, just south of . Baghdad, today. Military . spokesman Brigadier General Saad Maan Ibrahim said most of the 53 . bodies were found blindfolded with their hands bound and several gunshot . wounds. The grisly discovery in Hillah, a predominantly Shiite city around 60 miles south of Baghdad, has raised concerns over a possible sectarian killing amid the battle against a Sunni insurgency. Brig Gen Maan said an investigation was underway to determine the identities of the dead, as well as the circumstances of the killings. ISIS have been attacking a host of historical sites across Iraq as part of their terror campaign . The dead were all men between the ages . of 25 and 40, and it appeared they had been killed a few days earlier . and then dumped in the remote area, said a local police officer and a . medical official. They officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorised to brief the media. A . lightning sweep by the insurgents over much of northern and western . Iraq in the past month has dramatically hiked tensions between the . Shiite majority and Sunni minority. At the same time, splits have grown between the Shiite-led government in Baghdad and the Kurdish autonomic region in the north. Destroyed: The photographs were posted on a website which frequently carries official statements from the Islamic State extremist group . Prime . Minister Nouri al-Maliki today accused the Kurdish zone of being a . haven for the extremists and other Sunni insurgents. The claims are . likely to further strain Baghdad's ties with Kurds, whose fighters have . been battling the militant advance. Mr . al-Maliki lashed out at the Kurds in his weekly televised statement, . saying 'everything that has been changed on the ground must be returned' - a reference to disputed territory Kurdish fighters have taken. He . went a step further, saying: 'We can't stay silent over Irbil being a . headquarters for Daesh, Baath, al-Qaida and the terrorists.' Daesh is . the acronym in Arabic for the Islamic State group, often used as a . pejorative by its opponents, while the Baath was the party of former . dictator Saddam Hussein. But Mr al-Maliki provided no evidence to . back up his claims, which are sure to be rejected by Kurdish leaders in . Irbil. Evidence on the ground also contradicts his allegations. While . the motives in this case remain unclear, such killings hark back to the . worst days of Iraq's sectarian violence in 2006 and 2007. At that time, . with a Sunni insurgency raging, Shiite militias and Sunni militant . groups were notorious for killings of members of the other sect. Bodies . were frequently dumped by roads, in empty lots, ditches and canals. As . the levels of violence dropped over time, such discoveries became rare. But . sectarian tensions have soared once more and authorities have once . again begun to find unidentified bodies since the Sunni militant . offensive swept across much of northern and western Iraq. The . militant surge is led by the Islamic State extremist group, but other . Sunni insurgents have joined, feeding off anger in their minority . community against the Shiite-led government. Prime Minister: Nouri al-Maliki today accused the Kurdish autonomic region in the north of being a haven for the extremists and Sunni insurgents. He said: 'Everything that has been changed on the ground must be returned' On the other side, Shiite militias have rallied around Mr al-Maliki's government to fight back against the militant advance. In . the far north, Kurds have taken advantage of the mayhem to seize . disputed territory - including the city of Kirkuk, a major oil centre - . and move closer to a long-held dream of their own state. Kurdish . fighters say they only want to protect the areas from Sunni militants. Many of the areas have significant Kurdish populations that they have . demanded for years be incorporated into their territory. These moves have infuriated Mr al-Maliki, who is under pressure from opponents as well as former allies to step down. The photographs of the destroyed churches and mosques that emerged last week were posted on a website which . frequently carries official statements from ISIS. Some . of them showed bulldozers plowing through walls, while others featured . buildings being demolished by explosives in a cloud of smoke and rubble. Three Sunni clerics were also killed by ISIS gunmen in Mosul after calling on locals to reject the terror group and refusing to leave the city, authorities said. The victims were Khattab Hassan, 43, Riyadh al-Wandi, 39, and 48-year-old Abdul Ghafoor Salman. Today, archbishops from Baghdad, Mosul and Kirkuk said the violence . in Iraq is hastening the end of nearly 2,000 years of Christianity there . as the few remaining faithful flee Islamic State militants. War and sectarian conflict have shrunk Iraq's Christian population to about 400,000 from 1.5million before the U.S.-led invasion in 2003, they said on a visit to Brussels seeking European Union help to protect their flocks. And now, even those who stayed are leaving for Turkey, Lebanon and western Europe, they claimed. The three - Chaldean Catholic Patriarch Louis Raphael Sako, Syrian Catholic Archbishop of Mosul Yohanna Petros Mouche and Kirkuk's Chaldean Catholic Archbishop Youssif Mirkis - are all Eastern Catholics whose churches have their own traditional liturgy but are loyal to the pope in Rome. 'The next days will be very bad. If the situation does not change, Christians will be left with just a symbolic presence in Iraq,' said Sako, who is based in Baghdad . 'If they leave, their history is finished.' More than 50 bodies have been discovered by Iraqi authorities . in an agricultural area outside the city of Hillah, just south of . Baghdad, today. Military . spokesman Brigadier General Saad Maan Ibrahim said most of the 53 . bodies were found blindfolded with their hands bound and several gunshot . wounds. The grisly discovery in Hillah, a predominantly Shiite city around 60 miles south of Baghdad, has raised concerns over a possible sectarian killing amid the battle against a Sunni insurgency. Brig . Gen Maan said an investigation was underway to determine the identities . and sectarian affiliation of the dead, as well as the circumstances of the killings. The dead were all men between the ages . of 25 and 40, and it appeared they had been killed a few days earlier . and then dumped in the remote area, said a local police officer and a . medical official. They officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorised to brief the media. A . lightning sweep by the insurgents over much of northern and western . Iraq in the past month has dramatically hiked tensions between the . Shiite majority and Sunni minority.

ISIS militants filmed taking sledgehammers to tombstones in Mosul, Iraq . Donning balaclavas and black clothing, they swung weapons into tombs . One grave belonged to Prophet Jonah, revered by Muslims and Christians . Rebels believe special veneration of tombs is against teachings of Islam . Comes as more than 50 bodies have been found in city south of Baghdad . Most of the bodies were blindfolded with gunshot wounds, said authorities . Investigation is underway to establish the circumstances of the killings .

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A police officer loses his cool and tells a protester to stop rioting because he has known him since he was a boy - in a dramatic exchange during the height of the Ferguson unrest. Officer Greg Casem screamed at the man in his 20s to stop destroying the community they both grew up in. He was unable to contain his emotion and, as his voice cracked, he said: ‘I’ve known you for a long time bro... 25 years I’ve been here. Twenty five years!’ The extraordinary moment - captured in pictures which have come to light today - gives an insight into how hard it has been for Ferguson police to watch their own city burn. These exclusive photos were taken on the second night of unrest after a grand jury decided not to indict Ferguson police officer Darren Wilson. Offcer Greg Casem comes close to cracking during the riots as he comes faces to face with a demonstrator who he had known since childhood . 'You’re killing us! We’re not killing y’all, so stop killing us!’ the 20-something protesters shouted. Officer Casem said: ‘I’ve known you for a long time bro. A long time. Since you were this big [moving hand to waist height]’. The confrontation shows the toll on officers of the riots in a community where some have served for many years . 'Twenty five years I’ve been here. Twenty five years!’ the officer said as he came close to tears . Officer Casem, who was not wearing full protective gear, has served in Ferguson for 25 years . He shot dead Michael Brown, an unarmed black teenager, on August 9 sparking violent unrest that returned last week when no indictment was handed down. Rioters smashed up most of the historic downtown street and burned more than a dozen buildings during a night of mayhem. During the violence last Tuesday they also set alight to a police car and smashed the windows of City Hall during skirmishes around the Ferguson police station. Immediately afterwards officer Casem got into the row with the protester as he pointed to the carnage in front of him. He said: ‘Look at that, look at that!' The protester screamed in his face: ‘How you guna help? How you guna help?’ Officer Casem replied: ‘How are these families guna eat? How are they guna get their diapers?’ In flames: The confrontation was the night after these scenes of destruction in the suburb of St Louis, Missouri, which came after the acquittal of Darren Wilson over the killing of Michael Brown . Gutted: Businesses in the town were badly hit, including this beauty outlet in a strip mall. Officer Casem was upset at the impact on the community of the riots and how it would struggle to rebuild . Alight: This was one of the businesses set on fire by looters and rioters in Ferguson after the grand jury cleared officer Wilson . Destruction: The suburb is now having to rebuild after the orgy of destruction which hit it . The protester moved closer to his face and shouted: ‘You’re killing us! We’re not killing y’all, so stop killing us!’ Officer Casem said: ‘I’ve known you for a long time bro. A long time. Since you were this big (moving hand to waist height)’. The protester screamed back: ‘And you’re still killing us’. Officer Casem became emotional and pointed to his chest as he replied: ‘Twenty five years I’ve been here. Twenty five years!’ Officer Casem is a long serving K-9 policeman in Ferguson and on his Facebook page says he attended the Adventist University of the Philippines, a private Christian college in the Indonesian country. MailOnline understands that officer Casem has seen the protester in his community since he was a boy but does not know him personally. During that night police in Ferguson arrested 58 people including 27 protesters from out of state and one woman from Berlin, Germany. Most arrests were for failure to disperse, though at least one person was taken in after being part of a group that was throwing smoke bombs, flares and frozen water bottles at a line of officers. Some protesters also threw rocks, tent poles, and bottles - some containing urine. Police arrested seven protesters on felony charges, including four for allegedly assaulting an officer and three for armed criminal action.

Officer almost broke down in tears as he confronted a protester on the second night after last week's riots . Picture has only emerged today after the protests which left Ferguson businesses looted and burned to the ground . Greg Casem is a 25-year police veteran in the town where officer Darren Wilson shot teenager Michael Brown . Confronted protester who was yelling at him, asking demonstrator: 'How are these families going to eat?' Emotions shows toll on police of riots which scarred the town .

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Protesters rallying against police violence following the shooting of black teenagers Michael Brown and Vonderrit Myers held a demonstration at the NFL Monday Night Football in St. Louis. A large banner reading, 'Rams fans know on and off the field black lives matter,' was hung over of the top of the jumbo video board during the third quarter of the game between the Rams and the 49ers. A few minutes later, about three-dozen protesters marched with their hands raised in an aisle just below the upper deck in the south end zone. Five police officers followed them. Protest: Ferguson October protesters hold up banners in the Edward Jones Dome in St. Louis during the San Francisco 49er's vs St. Louis Rams Monday Night Football game . The group could be heard chanting Brown's name, as well as slogans such a 'hands up, don't shoot', 'shut it down', and 'black lives matter'. Outside the ground protesters waved placards with slogans such as 'Touchdown 4 Mike Brown' and 'Black Lives Matter' before, during and after the game. The protests stem from the August shooting death of Brown, who was black and unarmed, by white Ferguson police officer Darren Wilson. Yesterday saw hundreds of protesters rallying in pouring rain as they took to the streets of Ferguson, Missouri, with police making around 50 arrests. Among those arrested was prominent civil activist Cornel West who had joined more than 1,000 people march through the Missouri city to rally against police violence. Walkabout: Protesters rallying against police violence following the shooting death of black teenager Michael Brown  march around the Edward Jones Dome in St. Louis during last night's game . A banner reading 'Rams fans know on and off the field black lives matter,' is draped above the jumbo video board during the third quarter of the San Francisco 49ers St. Louis Rams football game . Demonstrators rally outside the Edward Jones Dome during the NFL Monday Night Football game in St. Louis, . Hundreds of people demonstrated in the pouring rain in the St. Louis area on Monday . The Princeton University philosopher and author was hauled away in handcuffs as protesters called for the arrest of a white police officer who shot dead unarmed teen Michael Brown in August. He was one of at least 50 detained by officers at the demonstrations which went on late into the night. Ahead of his arrest, West told a crowd at Saint Louis University on Monday: 'It's a beautiful thing to see people on fire for justice but I didn't come here to give a speech. I came here to go to jail.' He added that he wanted to help the black youth get their voices heard. 'The larger system has been victimizing and coming at them,' he said. West joined hundreds of protesters taking part in the 'Ferguson October' rally. The Rev. Osagyefo Sekou, a Boston-based minister and activist, was also arrested, MSNBC reported. The protesters are calling for the arrest of a white police officer, Darren Wilson, who killed Brown. Last week, another black teenager, Vonderrit Myers Jr., also died at the hands of a white police officer - further inflaming tensions. Arrest: Philosopher Cornel West, left, and another man are taken into custody after performing an act of civil disobedience at the Ferguson, Missouri police station on Monday as hundreds others continue to march . Speaking out: West ,a Princeton-educated philosopher and civic activist, is caught in a scuffle with police . Rally: Ahead of his arrest, he was pictured marching through the streets of Ferguson with other protesters . Some protesters attempted to block a door to the police headquarters and faced off with law enforcement officers wearing riot gear. Amid the tense standoff, some protesters sang the song 'We Shall Overcome,' an anthem of the civil rights movement of half a century ago. Protesters have numbered in the thousands at some events since Friday in the St. Louis area in demonstrations aimed at drawing attention to what they say is police mistreatment of blacks. A grand jury is considering charges against Wilson, who has been placed on administrative leave. Protesters want Wilson arrested immediately and have called for the appointment of a special prosecutor. The U.S. Justice Department has launched a civil rights investigation into Brown's death. Activists have traveled from across the United States to join in four days of protests dubbed 'Ferguson October,' culminating on what organizers call 'Moral Monday' with activities protesters said likely would result in many arrests. On Sunday, at least 17 protesters were arrested by police in riot gear for refusing to disperse during a spontaneous sit-in at a convenience store. Officers said protesters threw rocks, while cops responded with pepper spray, witnesses said. Just hours later, on Monday morning, hundreds of protesters descended on Saint Louis University campus and announced they were there to stay. Hands up: A police officer grabs a protester during the demo outside the police station on Monday . Reaching out: Members of the clergy and other demonstrators protest outside the Ferguson police station . Emotional: A member of the clergy sobs during a prayer calling for an end to racial injustice during the protest . The university march - which was far larger than previous overnight marches in Ferguson - was the first of what was expected to be a series of acts of civil disobedience around the region on Monday, theNew York Times reported. As they walked through the streets, they shouted: 'Indict, convict, put the killer cops in jail, the whole damn system is guilty as hell.' When they reached the campus, they announced they were staging a sit-in. 'As of right now, this is our spot,' a protest leader beside the clock tower on the campus said at 2am on Monday. 'We're not going anywhere. This is our land. Everybody get comfortable.' Vonderrit Myers Sr., whose son was shot dead in Shaw last Wednesday, told the crowd, 'You make my heart easier,' before he held a four-minute moment of silence. Sunday's arrests were in the same neighborhood where the second shooting occurred. St. Louis police spokeswoman Schron Jackson said 17 people . had been arrested for unlawful assembly early on Sunday at the . parking lot of the QuikTrip convenience store. But Mervyn Marcano, who is handling media relations for a group . that provides jail support for protesters, said at least 19 . people had been arrested. St. Louis Police Chief Sam Dotson tweeted that protesters were throwing rocks at the police - but the . protesters responded on Twitter that they had not thrown anything. Witnesses transmitting live video from the small overnight . protest in the Shaw neighborhood - where Myers was gunned down - showed a few dozen . people sitting on the ground outside the convenience store. Witnesses said some people were hit with pepper spray and what appeared tohave been tear gas, though that could not be confirmed. The shootings - which police say came after altercations with the young men - have cast a spotlight on the state of race relations in the U.S. two years after black 17-year-old Trayvon Martin was shot dead by a Florida neighborhood watch officer in another high-profile incident in 2012. The events in Ferguson have focused global attention on the state of race relations in the United States and evoked memories of other racially charged cases, including the fatal shooting of black teenager Trayvon Martin in Florida in 2012. More than 1,000 protesters shouted slogans at police on Sunday night into the pre-dawn hours on Monday in St. Louis, near where the white off-duty officer shot and killed Myers last week. Police said Myers had opened fire, but his family maintained he was unarmed. Last Wednesday, an off-duty white officer working for a . security firm shot dead 18-year-old Vonderrit Myers Jr. in the . Shaw neighborhood in what police described as a firefight. There were no reports of arrests at protest rallies on . Saturday that drew thousands of people. The police have largely . adopted a non-confrontational stance and protest organizers work . to maintain order and a non-violent approach. The mother of Michael Brown, the 18-year-old shot dead onAugust 9 by white officer Darren Wilson in Ferguson, Missouri, walked at thefront of a rally on Saturday evening in the suburb of Ferguson. Call for justice: Ferguson Police Officer Darren Wilson, left, gunned down 18-year-old Michael Brown, right, on August 9. Brown was unarmed when he was shot but Wilson has not been charged with a crime . Second death: Vonderrit Myers Jr., 18, was shot dead by an off-duty police officer in Shaw last Wednesday . Lesley McSpadden, who has criticized Ferguson police, has . only rarely participated in protests. She eventually left the . group, which grew to over 1,000 people and moved on to Ferguson . police headquarters. Brown's death triggered a national uproar in August over . police accountability and protesters have called for the arrest . and prosecution of Wilson. A grand jury is . now considering the case. At the culmination of the Ferguson march on Saturday night, . protesters shouted insults at a line of police in helmets and . shields, with some demonstrators wearing bandanas or scarves . over their faces. But there were no arrests or violence, a . police spokesman said. Earlier on Saturday, thousands of protesters in downtown St. Louis marched and rallied at a plaza, where organizers included . Hands Up United, an activist group that emerged after Brown's . death. Union members, gay rights activists and people from the . Occupy movement joined in. Civil rights organizations and . protest groups had invited people from across the United States . to join vigils and other weekend events in the St. Louis area. 'This isn't going to stop until there is change with police . and black youth,' said Tory Russell, a founder of Hands Up . United.

Peaceful protests take place inside the Edward Jones Dome in St. Louis . Banner unfurled over video board read 'Rams Fans Know Black Lives Matter' Protesters marched around the stadium chanting followed by police . Hundreds took to the streets of Missouri yesterday in pouring rain . Police made 50 arrests including veteran civil rights protester Cornel West . Two black teens have been shot dead by St Louis-area officers in recent months: Michael Brown, 18, in August and Vonderrit Myers, 18, last week . Early Monday, hundreds marched through St Louis and descended on Saint Louis University's campus and announced they intend to stay .

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Hagi sizes a free-kick from 25 yards before curling with his left boot in to the top corner. Kluivert ghosts in to the area unnoticed before finishing with a diving header. Two Barcelona shirts close on Zidane only for him to pirouette and spin between the hapless pair. Meet Ianis, Justin and Enzo, the teenage sons of Gheorghe, Patrick and Zinedine who are now following in their father's stud marks and are already the subject of YouTube compilations. There are more; Joe van der Sar, Christian Maldini, Giovanni Simeone. Then there are the Brazilians; Rivaldinho (little Rivaldo) and Romarinho. Zinedine Zidane (left) has two sons in Real Madrid's youth ranks, with 16-year-old Luca (right) the youngest . Enzo Zidane, pictured in action for one of Real Madrid's youth sides, is hoping to break into the first team . Paolo Maldini's (left) son Christian (right), pictured as a nine-year-old, is hoping to follow his father at AC Milan . Brazil legend Rivaldo (right) poses with his son Rivaldinho (left), with whom he has had the opportunity to play . Devante Cole 19, Man City, son of Andy Cole . Diego Poyet, 19, West Ham - Gus Poyet . Niall Keown, 19, Reading - Martin Keown . Jack Barmby, 19, Leicester City - Nick Barmby . Ianis Hagi, 16, Vitorul Constanta - Gheorghe Hagi . Justin Kluivert, 15, Ajax - Patrick Kluivert . Christian Maldini, 18, AC Milan - Paolo Maldini . Rivaldinho, 19, Mogi Mirim - Rivaldo . Romarinho, 20, Brasiliense - Romario . Giovanni Simeone, 19, AC Milan - Diego Simeone . Joe van der Sar, 16, Ajax - Edwin van der Sar . Enzo Zidane, 19 and Luca Zidane, 16 both Real Madrid - Zinedine Zidane . If horse-racing superstar Frankel is commanding £125,000 in stud fees, perhaps football clubs should consider paying a pre-birth premium for the offspring of the game's best players. Is it, then, genetics? Or is it nurture over nature? Paul Ince was enjoying a kickabout with his toddler, Tom, in an apartment in Milan when something struck him. 'I suddenly realised he was left footed – which is rare - and he just loved kicking the ball,' recalls the former Inter and England midfielder, who has seen his boy mature in to a Premier League winger with Hull. 'I then saw how well he travelled with the ball and it all seemed natural – I thought, "He's got a chance here".' Martin Keown's son, Niall, 19, is on the books at Reading and has made the bench at senior level. The former Arsenal and England defender also knew from an early age his boy had the makings of a footballer. 'I didn't think when he was born, "Right, my son is going to be a footballer",' says the father of two. 'But you do think there might be something in the genes which could transfer. 'You keep an eye on them. You watch closely and there is a way that they move and address the ball. You think, "Hold on, this looks a natural thing for him to do". 'But I'm also a strong believer that it's environmental. One of my sons is a footballer, the other is a journalist who knows everything about football – that's the environment they've been brought up in.' Paul Ince (left) was a defensive midfielder but his son, Hull City star Tom (right) is a tricky winger . Reading youngster Niall Keown (right) is a commanding central defender like his father Martin (left) Gus Poyet's son, Diego, is a 19-year-old midfielder who made his debut for West Ham in August. The Sunderland manager agrees with Keown that an immersion in football helps shape character and mindset. 'I think he has got a chance and this is why – it is because he lives, sleeps, eats and breathes football,' says Poyet. 'He doesn't care about anything else other than football. Like his dad! He is always thinking about playing.' Poyet, though, decided against taking Diego with him to Wearside and instead advised him to join the Hammers from Charlton during the summer. Steve Bruce, meanwhile, has twice signed son Alex for Birmingham and Hull. Likewise, Ince managed Tom at Notts County and Blackpool. But Poyet said: 'I would love to coach him, but at the same time it would be unfair on him. 'Do you think the players on the bench would accept it if I'm playing my son? West Ham is a great opportunity.' West Ham's Diego Poyet (right) is looking to emulate his father, Sunderland boss Gus (left) Former Manchester United striker Andy Cole (left) and his son Devante (right), who is also a striker . Keown's son is a centre back, and a no-nonsense one at that. Hagi's boy, 16, is a diminutive playmaker with a wand of a left boot. He plays for Vitorul Constanta – The Future Football Club - in Romania, a club founded in 2009 and owned by his famous father. Kluivert's son scores goals and Van der Sar's is a goalkeeper, both in the Ajax academy. Rivaldo's boy, meanwhile, recently scored a spectacular overhead-kick having first taken control of the ball on his chest, much like his dad once did for Barcelona to complete his hat-trick in a 3-2 win over Valencia in 2001. Zidane's eldest, 19-year-old midfielder Enzo, has trained with the Real Madrid first team and is easy on the eye. There is, however, the odd player who deviates from the father-like-son narrative. Ince Snr was a combative midfielder, Ince Jnr is a pacey wideman. 'I think it's easier for Thomas that he has his own identity,' he says. 'Not many people draw comparison between myself and Thomas any more, because he is so different as a player. 'Although I'll tell you a secret - when I was younger I used to dribble around three or four and put it in the top corner as well! I used to score 40 goals a season but West Ham made me a midfielder who got it and passed it. So I do take some credit!' Justin Kluivert (centre), son of Patrick, is working his way through Ajax's famous academy system . Kluivert chats with then Holland manager Louis van Gaal during his stint as assistant manager . Edwin van der Sar (left) also has his son and fellow goalkeeper Joe (right) in Ajax's academy . Van der Sar Jnr dives to make a save during his dad's testimonial match in Amsterdam in 2011 . A young Joe poses with his dad and the Champions League trophy after Manchester United's win in May 2008 . So how much of a part does senior play in the development of junior? 'We had an area set out at our old house where I could work with him on certain things,' reveals Keown. 'I see a lot of me in there. But now he has to want it for himself. The next step is making your own decisions and being your own player.' There has been an explosion of pushy parents in an age where the financial rewards of making it pro are life-changing. But what about the former players? Keown and Poyet differ, whereas Ince plays good cop and bad cop. 'I am his biggest critic. I am terrible,' admits Poyet. 'I do not look at what he does well, but what he does badly. That's just me.' Leicester's Jack Barmby, son of ex-Liverpool midfielder Nick, came through the ranks at Manchester United . Keown counters: 'I only ever shout "Well done". I'm a strong believer in allowing the kids to play and parents should know their place. As a former footballer I also have to step back and know my place. 'I had the other side with my own dad. If I scored five goals, he would say I should have scored six.' Ince adds: 'It was so easy for Thomas when he was very young that I just used to let him enjoy it. Then when it got serious, at about 16, I started having a right go at him – right in his face. 'When I managed him it was difficult to get that balance between father and son, I'd be harsh on him and he'd say things back he wouldn't to another manager. Brazilian great Romario in his pomp, beating Italy goalkeeper Gianluca Pagliuca to score in the 1997 Tournoi de France. The match, played in Lyon, was a 3-3 thriller . Nick Barmby (left) celebrates with Gary Mabbutt after scoring a goal for Tottenham against Norwich in 1993 . 'But now we'll sit down and go through the DVD and talk about things. I think that's the best way.' Ince, of course, is still some way from emulating the achievements of his father, as are Hagi, Kluivert and Zidane. But if they ever do, it won't just be YouTube we'll be watching them on.

A number of famous former players have sons bidding to follow in their footsteps and become world stars . Zinedine Zidane has sons Enzo and Luca at his former club Real Madrid . Christian Maldini hopes to become a legend at AC Milan like his dad Paolo . Rivaldinho and Romarinho could follow their dads Rivaldo and Romario into the Brazilian national side .

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Republicans are investigating another Obama administration official who played politics on the job but escaped prosecution when the Federal Election Commission recycled her hard drive before evidence could be recovered. April J. Sands resigned her position as an FEC attorney in April 2014 after investigators confronted her with tweets she sent and a video interview she conducted during work hours, advocating for the election of President Barack Obama and other Democratic candidates – and asking people to contribute to their campaigns. When the FEC's Office of Inspector General began the process of filing criminal charges, however, it found that the agency had destroyed her computer's hard drive before it could be seized. April Sands said during a September 2012 Huffington post video chat, while working for the FEC, that Mitt Romney's presidential campaign lacked 'a unified message,' and claimed 'there's nothing that they can focus on with respect to the economy or anything else' In the midst of the 2012 presidential campaign, the Federal Election Commission lawyer declared that only 'straight white men' ought to vote for the GOP . Lois Lerner, a former IRS official who once mentored April Sands at the FEC, landed in the middle of a lost-emails scandal after the IRS told Congress it had recycled a hard drive containing evidence needed to prosecute her . Lois Lerner, a former Internal Revenue Service official at the center of an alleged years-long plot to politically target tea party groups and other conservative organizations, also has seen her legal picture brightened by the IRS's decision to render the hard drive in her government-issued computer into scrap metal. Lerner, whose missing emails have made her a political lightning rod, was Sands' supervisor until 2001. FEC documents indicate that as the agency's acting general counsel, Lerner oversaw the younger attorney's work. Following an investigation into her partisan political activity, Sands admitted to the FEC's Office of Special Counsel that she had violated the Hatch Act, a federal law banning partisan politicking by most government employees, and agreed not to seek employment in the federal government for two years. The special counsel wrote that she had 'posted dozens of partisan political tweets, including many soliciting campaign contributions to President Obama’s 2012 reelection campaign.' She also 'participated in a Huffington Post Live internet broadcast via webcam from an FEC facility, criticizing the Republican Party and then-Presidential candidate Mitt Romney.' An FEC attorney who is still employed by the agency told MailOnline on Monday that Sands was known in the agency as 'the most enthusiastic pro-Obama lawyer we had.' 'Everyone called her Obama girl,' said the lawyer, who requested anonymity because he is not authorized to speak on the record. 'She probably didn't worry about seeming too rah-rah and running afoul of the law,' he added, 'because she bragged to anyone who would listen that the Obama 2012 campaign was going to hire her away from the FEC.' The attorney also said that Sands and Lerner 'were definitely acquainted with each other' when the two worked together in the agency's Office of General Counsel. 'There were two mid-level associates that Lois Lerner latched on to at the time,' he recalled, 'and one of them was April. Last year when Lerner got into hot water at the IRS, April made a point of telling everyone that her old boss got railroaded by the Republicans on the [Capitol] Hill.' The Oversight Committee wrote in a statement Monday that 'it is unclear whether Ms. Sands ever communicated with Ms. Lerner after Ms. Lerner moved to the IRS; however, the Committee is aware that Ms. Lerner maintained communication with some former FEC colleagues.' Sands, a University of Texas at Austin Law School graduate, locked down her social media profiles on Monday after the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform blasted out a letter to FEC Chairman Lee E. Goodman asking how sensitive evidence in a likely criminal case wound up in a recycling bin. Sands retweeted this partisan jab during work hours on March 5, 2013 . Sands used her personal Twitter account during the work day to publicly slam 'every single Republican ever' Sands, an FEC attorney, was identified during a September 21, 2012 Huffington Post broadcast only as a 'lawyer' from Washington, D.C. The prolific tweeter has sent more than 232,000 messages on Twitter since March 2010, but it was just a handful of tweets she sent her 8,500 followers that got Sands into trouble. 'I just don't understand how anyone but straight white men can vote Republican,' read one she wrote in June 2012. 'Dear every single Republican ever,' Sands tweeted a month earlier, 'When will U learn that Barack Hussein Obama is simply smarter than U? Stand down. Signed, #Obama2012.' In August 2012 she wrote on Twitter that 'If you're still calling yourself a Republican after the #WarOnWomen, their stated RNC platform, & Birtherism, you are my enemy. Done.' 'Birtherism' is a reference to a belief among some on the Republican Party's far right wing that Obama was born overseas, making him ineligible to serve as president. Sands' Twitter feed, now shut from public view, indicated a gradual transition from online cheerleading for the Obama White House to direct campaigning and fundraising, all of which came during work hours. In March 2013 she tweeted a graphic produced by the Blue Street Journal, an obscure progressive blog, displaying an image of a light bulb and a riddle. 'How many Republicans does it take to change a light bulb?' it read. 'None – they'd rather sit in the dark and blame it on Obama.' But by July 2012 she was in full campaign mode, tweeting an indirect appeal for contributions toward Obama's re-election. 'Our #POTUS's birthday is August 4,' she wrote. 'He'll be 51. I'm donating at least $51 to give him the best birthday present ever: a second term.' 'You are my enemy': The taxpayer-salaried attorney tweeted her opposition to Republicans . Among Sands' more egregious violations of the Hatch Act was this fundraising notice sent in July 2012 while she was at work at the Federal Election Commission . Protected: Sands locked down her Twitter account on Monday afternoon . Minor change: Three months ago Sands' Twitter profile identified her as an 'Obama supporter' The following month, as a Missouri U.S. Senate race descended into chaos following comments by the anti-abortion Republican candidate Todd Akin about whether pregnancy could result from rape, Sands directly appealed to her followers for contributions to defeat him and return Democrat Claire McCaskill to the Senate for a second term. 'Donate to @clairecmc today,' she wrote, reacting to news that Akin had decided not to drop out of the race. It is a crime for any employee of the federal government 'to solicit or receive a donation of money or other thing of value in connection with a Federal, State, or local election, while in any room or building occupied in the discharge of official duties.' Convictions can result in a $5,000 fine and three years in prison. Seven weeks before Election Day, Sands declared on Twitter that the presidential race was effectively over. 'Romney is toast,' she tweeted on September 18, 2012, 'But POTUS can't do it all on his own. Don't forget Congressional races. We need a Democratic sweep. Stay focused.' Three days later Sands appeared in the Huffington Post broadcast as part of a six-person panel discussing political news via Google video chat. 'There are so many distractions that the Romney campaign is bringing forward,' she complained. 'The problem is, I think, that because they don't have a unified message there's nothing that they can focus on with respect to the economy or anything else.' April Sands graduated from law school the University of Texas at Austin and was admitted to the Washington, D.C. bar in 1994, according to the Martindale-Hubbell directory . Not just Obama: Sands tried to help Missouri Democratic Senator Claire McCaskill raise money for her November 2012 re-election battle . Seven weeks before Election Day in 2012, Sands declared on Twitter that 'Romney is toast,' but urged her followers to also support Democrats in down-ticket races . Asked whether it was wise for former GOP vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin to appear on Saturday Night LIve, Sands responded that the one-time Alaska governor 'was comedic in and of herself, because she was a walking gaffe machine.' And on the perennial candidacy of the 'Celebrity Apprentice' host, she took no prisoners. 'I'm still trying to understand how Donald Trump is an expert on anything but bankruptcy,' Sands said. It's just really hard to take him seriously. ... Some people really believe what he says. And that's the scary part.' The Federal Election Commission's Office of Inspector General later determined that she participated 'via webcam from an FEC conference room ... while on duty.' Oversight Committee Chairman Rep. Darrell Issa, a California Republican, demanded on Monday that the FEC turn over '[a]ll documents and communications referring or relating to the recycling of Ms. Sands's hard drive, including all correspondence between or among FEC employees and outside vendors or contractors involved in the recycling.' On Monday after Issa re-opened Sands' three-month-old professional wound, she tweeted a message about her new career goals. 'I want to teach people how to use Twitter. How to tweet & grow & stuff,' she wrote, drawing retweets from friends. 'Someone find me a job doing that. Thanks.'

April Sands was a Federal Election Commission lawyer before she resigned this year and accepted a ban on holding government jobs until 2016 . She was former IRS official Lois Lerner's deputy when she was at the FEC . Like the allegations against Lerner, Sands admitted violating the Hatch Act, which prohibits government workers from advocating for candidates . And as seems to be the case with Lerner, Sands escaped prosecution because her hard drive mysteriously 'crashed' and was recycled . She was known as 'Obama girl' in her office, and a colleague recalled how she boasted that Obama's 2012 campaign would hire her away .

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The police officer who a New York grand jury chose not to indict in the death of Eric Garner has spoken out to reveal the pain he feels in the wake of the 43-year-old father of six's death. 'It is never my intention to harm anyone and I feel very bad about the death of Mr. Garner,' Pantaleo said in a statement at the heels of Wednesday's decision. 'My family and I include him and his family in our prayers and I hope that they will accept my personal condolences for their loss.' Pantaleo had been stripped of his gun and badge and will remain on desk duty pending an internal police investigation that could result in administrative charges. Scroll down for videos . No charges: Officer Pantaleo (center, wearing green) will not be indicted for the death of Eric Garner in July but said Wednesday he hopes Garner's family will accept his condolences . 'Never my intention': The police officer who a New York grand jury chose not to indict in the death of Eric Garner (left) has spoken out to reveal the pain he feels in the wake of the 43-year-old father of six's death. At right, the aftermath of Pantaleo's chokehold . Police union officials and Pantaleo's lawyer argued that the officer used a takedown move taught by the police department, not a banned maneuver, because Garner was resisting arrest. They said his poor health was the main reason he died. The Justice Department is investigating whether Brown's civil rights were violated through excessive force. As the grand jury decision drew near, police officials met with community leaders on Staten Island to head off the kind of violence seen in Ferguson, where a grand jury decided not to indict the white officer who shot the black teen. Demonstrations there resulted in more than 100 arrests and destruction of 12 commercial buildings by fire. It is rare for either federal or state prosecutors to charge a U.S. police officer for excessive force, even when a death results. Distraught: Pantaleo asked Garner's family in a statement Wednesday to try as accept his condolences. Here, Benjamin Carr, stepfather of Eric Garner, leaves the district attorney's office after a grand jury's decision not to indict Pantaleo . Speaking out: Pantaleo said that he and his family have put Garner and his family in their prayers. At right, Benjamin Carr speaks to reporters on the phone in the wake of the grand jury decision not to indict Pantaleo . The U.S. Supreme Court and lower courts have over decades ruled that police officers should have wide latitude to use violence to defend themselves and to take suspects into custody. 'There are a lot of cases where police officers don't get indicted for what looks like extreme situations,' said Aaron Mysliwiec, president of the New York State Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. 'Many jurors and judges tend to believe police officers more than your average witness.' In ruling Garner's death a homicide, the city medical examiner said police officers killed him by compressing his neck and chest. His health problems, including asthma and obesity, were contributing factors, the medical examiner said. The video of Garner's arrest shows him arguing with police officers, saying, 'Please leave me alone,' and later, 'Don't touch me,' before a group of four officers tackled him to the ground. He then began to plead with them, saying repeatedly, 'I can't breathe.' Police said later that Garner had been resisting arrest. The official was not authorized to discuss the investigation by name and spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity ahead of a formal announcement. New York Mayor Bill de Blasio separately said he had been told by Justice Department officials that the federal investigation into the death will now move forward. 'No Christmas': Garner, a father of six, won't be around to play Santa for them this year, a thought that had his wife in tears at Wednesday's press event .

Daniel Pantaleo contributed to the death of Garner, 43, but a New York grand jury chose not to indict him on Wednesday . The 29-year-old said in a statement following the decision that he's put the Garner family in his prayers . Pantaleo was stripped of his gun and badge and will remain on desk duty pending an internal police investigation .

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A bloody family street brawl in Melbourne's north has left six people hospitalised with injuries understood to have been received after they were hit with a pole. Emergency services were called to Roxburgh Park at about 1am on Thursday, following reports from residents who were woken by angry men and screaming women who were covered in blood in the middle of the street, the Herald Sun reports. Police arrested the 12 family members involved in the dispute which allegedly began when two cars pulled up outside a property on Mackellar Drive. Police say several people got out of the vehicles and started a fight with those who came out of the house. The family dispute took place in Roxburgh Park at 1am on Thursday, north of Melbourne . Two smashed cars, star pickets, planks of wood and a metal pipe were left on the street after the brawl unfolded, the Herald Sun reports. Piles of blood-stained tissues and blankets were in front of one house as residents helped injured victims before they were taken away by paramedics. All the people were known to each other, a police spokeswoman said. Six of the family members were injured, including two men who were taken to Royal Melbourne Hospital. One of them had serious head injuries. A teenage girl was taken to the Austin Hospital with abdomen injuries, while a man in his 30s went to the Alfred Hospital with head and chest injuries. Two men in their 40s were taken to the Northern Hospital. Detectives are investigating the matter and are expecting to interview all involved.

The dispute took place in Roxburgh Park at 1am on Thursday, north of Melbourne . Six were taken to hospital with injuries after they were hit with a pole . One had serious head injuries, another suffered head and chest injuries and a teenage girl had abdomen injuries . Police say the all 12 people involved in the dispute were known to each other .

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Liverpool and England defender Glen Johnson fears the club may try to sell him in January as manager Brendan Rodgers shows no inclination to offer the 30-year-old defender a new contract. Johnson’s current deal on an estimated £100,000-a-week runs out at the end of the season and he has yet to hear from the club about a renewal. Rodgers brought in two Spanish full-backs Javier Manquillo and Alberto Moreno in the summer and Johnson is virtually resigned to not be offered a new contract despite being settled personally on Merseyside after signing for Rafa Benitez in 2009. Glen Johnson, on an estimated £100,000-a-week at Liverpool, fears the club may try to sell him in January . Young Spanish full backs Alberto Moreno (left) and Javier Manquillo (right) were signed in the summer . Brendan Rodgers has given Johnson no sign that he will hand him a new contract, which expires next summer . With Liverpool one of several clubs under investigation by Uefa for breaching Financial Fair Play regulations, Rodgers shipped out other Benitez high-earners Pepe Reina and Daniel Agger in the last window. The Anfield club would love to recoup some money on Johnson in the January transfer window although the player would be entitled to run down his contract and become a free agent in the summer. He is free to speak to overseas clubs in the New Year if he wanted to emulate his former England colleague Ashley Cole who has joined Serie A club Roma on a Bosman. Johnson has recently returned to action after missing six weeks with a thigh injury and comes up against his former manager Harry Redknapp today (Sunday) as Liverpool travel to QPR. The right-back, capped 54 times by his country, won the FA Cup with Portsmouth under Redknapp in 2008 and has sympathy for his old boss who is expected to get the sack if Liverpool win at Loftus Road. Johnson says there is 'no manager like Harry Redknapp', who he once played under at Portsmouth . Johnson has struggled with injuries this season and hasn't featured much this season . Daniel Sturridge will be out for at least three weeks . ‘I don’t think there’s anyone like him,’ said Johnson. ‘I’ve worked with some very good managers but Harry’s like your mate. That’s why he gets a lot out of players. ‘He gets more out of certain people just by making you feel welcome and looking after people every day. ‘Of course it’s disappointing if he’s under pressure. It’s not nice to see anyone maybe losing their job, certainly not someone like Harry. He’s been a fantastic manager for years and if anyone is going to get QPR out of trouble it will be him, so I don’t know what sacking him would achieve. ‘He’s always been a fantastic manager for me and one of the nicest guys I’ve ever met. When I asked to leave Chelsea and went to Portsmouth, Harry was a big help to me. He gave me the chance to play every week and that’s what young players need to do. ‘When I had a dip in form, Harry put a nice little video together, which made a few of the lads laugh. It was good banter but it made me realise what I should be doing and I was able to crack on. Sometimes simple things like that can make a big difference.’ After last season’s unexpected Premier League title challenge, Liverpool have lost three of their four away games so far this season and struggled to cope with the loss of Luis Suarez and injury to Daniel Sturridge, who is out for a further month with a calf injury. Redknapp's QPR are bottom of the table and welcome Liverpool to Loftus Road on Sunday . Johnson admits balancing domestic football with a busy Champions League schedule has been difficult to come to terms with. ‘We only had the Premier League to concentrate on last season while the other so-called top-four teams were playing games every four days. It was easier to keep everyone fit and we almost had our best eleven every week. ‘With the game load this season, it is not going to be as simple. You will get more injuries and hard to have all the squad out on the training ground. We haven’t picked as many results as when we started last season but that is down to the amount of games and losing a few bodies.’ Liverpool have a glamour European fixture coming up against Real Madrid at Anfield on Wednesday but Johnson says they can’t afford to think about that yet. He added: ‘We have to treat the next game against QPR as the priority. We have to make sure we win that and then we can concentrate on Madrid. We have to do just as well in the league as we have in the Champions League.’

Glen Johnson's £100,000-a-week contract runs out next summer . Javier Manquillo and Alberto Moreno have been brought in by Liverpool . Johnson fears club could try to sell him but he may run down deal .

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Former senior IRS official Lois Lerner had deeply held political biases while she was in a position of authority, according to Republican lawmakers who unveiled emails on Wednesday showing her referring to conservatives as 'crazies' and 'a**holes.' Michigan Rep. Dave Camp, who chairs the powerful House Ways and Means Committee, wrote to Attorney General Eric Holder to demand what he called 'a serious investigation' – something he said has been lacking. Camp wants Holder to appoint an outside special counsel to probe the culture of the IRS and explain why hundreds of conservative groups were subjected to intrusive questioning and years-long delays when they applied for nonprofit tax benefits – steps that were not taken against liberal organizations. Scroll down for videos . A**HOLES: Former IRS official Lois Lerner let loose on conservatives several years into her agency's alleged intense targeting of them for their political beliefs . He told the attorney general on Wednesday that the newly disclosed email correspondence 'shows Ms. Lerner's mistreatment of conservative groups was driven by her personal hostility toward conservatives.' The November 9, 2012 email exchange with an unnamed colleague – the person's name was redacted in the copy Camp's staff released publicly – took place while Lerner was in the United Kingdom. 'Overheard some ladies talking about American[s] today,' Lerner wrote. 'According to them we've bankrupted ourselves and a[re] through. We'll never be able to pay off our debt and are going down the tubes.' Turning sarcastic, Lerner pounced on her British acquaintances. 'They don't seem to see that they can't afford to keep up their welfare state either,' she wrote. 'Strange.' The conversation turned ugly when Lerner's writing companion let loose first on conservatives. 'Well, you . should hear the whacko wing of the GOP,' the person replied. 'The US is . through; too many foreigners sucking the teat; time to hunker down, buy . ammo and food, and prepare for the end.' 'The right wing radio shows are scary to listen to.' 'Great,' Lerner wrote back. 'Maybe we are through if there are that many a**holes.' 'And I'm talking about the hosts of the shows,' came the reply. 'The callers are rabid.' In . the final message of the exchange, Lerner wrote that 'we don't need to . worry about [illegal] alien terrorists. It's our own crazies that will . take us down.' Lerner's . visit to the UK coincided with a management shakeup at the IRS. On the . day of the email exchange, then-IRS Commissioner Douglas Shulman left . office at the conclusion of his appointed term and deputy commissioner . Steven Miller took over. Foot-dragging: Camp says Attorney General Eric Holder hasn't undertaken a serious investigation of Lerner and the Obama administration's IRS . Miller would resign seven months later after the tea party scandal broke wide open and President Obama pledged publicly to 'hold the responsible parties accountable. 'I’ll do everything in my power to make sure nothing like this happens again,' Obama said. In England months earlier, Lerner emailed of a Friday morning meeting with 'internal "spooks"' in an unnamed government agency. Then she took some leisure time. 'Ha[d] work this morning. Got to talk to their internal "spooks",' she wrote. I was going to take the train to windsor Castle, but stuff closes early in winter so it wasn't going to work. Instead, went [to] Hempstead –an Edwardian English village, full of beautiful, huge houses – which have been ruined by letting the hoi paloi [sic] live there! These people have ruined everything with their equality push!' 'Tonight [I'm] going to a movie and dinner with [redacted] and her partner. Tomorrow at 8am, I get on a tour bus to go to Windsor Castle, Stonehenge and Oxford (or is it Cambridge?). Figured I may never get the chance otherwise and have always wanted to see Stonehenge.' 'Then,' she added, 'hopefully a nice dinner and bed to be ready for the trip home. Am being good --no shopping. Everything is super expensive even if the dollar and pound were equal. See you soon.' Lerner pleaded the Fifth Amendment twice in 2013 and 2014 in House hearings, refuding to answer questions about her role in targeting conservative groups on the basis of words like 'tea party' and 'patriots' in their names. After determining that she had waived that right by making a self-serving opening statement, House Republicans carried a vote to find her in contempt of Congress and referred her to the Justice Department for prosecution. Holder, who heads the DOJ, has taken no action.

Lerner slammed right-of-center Americans in an email to a colleague in 2012, seven months before the tea-party targeting scandal broke . 'Maybe we are through if there are that many a**holes,' she wrote, responding to a comment about conservative talk radio programs . 'We don't need to worry about [illegal] alien terrorists,' she snarked: 'It's our own crazies that will take us down' Lerner presided over years of alleged partisan discrimination against conservative groups that applied for nonprofit tax benefits .

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Veterans Affairs Secretary Robert McDonald apologized on Tuesday for telling a homeless veteran that he served in U.S. Army Special Forces. 'Special Forces? What years? I was in special forces,' McDonald said when the homeless man told him he had served among the Army's elite troops. The late January comments were caught on camera for a CBS piece about the continued large numbers of homeless veterans. But McDonald never served in Special Forces, and on Tuesday he held a press conference to beg for forgiveness and explain the lie. 'I made a mistake and I apologize for it,' he said. 'I have no excuse for it.' 'It was a misstatement, it was a mistake,' he told reporters. Scroll down for video . Veterans Affairs Secretary Robert McDonald (pictured, left, and right, in his 1975 yearbook photo) admitted that he lied when he told a homeless man in Los Angeles that he had served in the Army special forces as well . McDonald had already admitted to embellishing his resume on Monday, telling The Huffington Post, 'I incorrectly stated that I had been in Special Forces. That was inaccurate and I apologize to anyone that was offended by my misstatement.' 'I have no excuse,' he told the news publication. 'I reacted spontaneously and I reacted wrongly, [with] no intent in any way to describe my record any different than it is,' McDonald, who left the Army in 1980 and eventually became CEO of Procter & Gamble, said. 'As I thought about this later I knew this [claim] was wrong,' he said of his exchange with the unidentified homeless man. The secretary completed Army Ranger training but never served in the elite force. He instead became a paratrooper with the 82nd Airborne Division after his graduation from West Point. Asked on Tuesday if he considered resigning over the flap, McDonald was demure, and he ignored a reporter who asked if he had spoken with the president. The White House stood behind McDonald on Monday and again on Tuesday when pressed by reporters to weigh in. 'Secretary McDonald has apologized for the misstatement and noted that he never intended to misrepresent his military service,' it said in a statement Monday. 'We take him at his word and expect that this will not impact the important work he's doing to promote the health and well-being of our nation's veterans.' Noting McDonald's past service, White House spokesman Josh Earnest on Tuesday said the VA Secretary 'understands first hand the sacrifices that our men and women in uniform make' and again lent him the White House's support. 'There's no reason to think that the mistake he made should interfere with his ability to lead the fight for our veterans,' Earnest said. McDonald also got the support of a top Republican on House Armed Services and Veterans Affairs Committees. 'The secretary's misstatement was an error, but it doesn't dim the fact that he served honorably,' said Rep. Mike Coffman, also a veteran said. 'We should all take him at his word and Washington shouldn't spend the next two weeks arguing about it.' Coffman said that McDonald 'has a job to do — clean up the scandal-plagued VA,' and 'this latest controversy shouldn't shift one iota of focus away from that long overdue task.' McDonald's interaction with the unidentified man was captured on camera by CBS, who were doing a story . McDonald was appointed by President Barack Obama last year and the White House released a statement saying 'We take him at his word and expect that this will not impact the important work he's doing' Army Special Forces, also called the Green Berets, are highly trained units analogous to the Navy SEALs or the Marine Corps' Raider Regiment. Instead of answering to the ordinary chain of command, they fall under the Department of Defense's U.S. Special Operations Command. McDonald replaced former Veterans Affairs Secretary Eric Shinseki last year, after he resigned amid a scandal over long wait times for veterans at VA hospitals. Revelations about McDonald's false service claims follow the suspension of NBC Nightly News anchor Brian Williams for repeatedly telling a false story about being shot at during the war in Iraq. Williams later said that his helicopter was right behind one that was shot at, which was also not true. A story published by the left-wing magazine Mother Jones this week also questioned whether Fox News Channel host Bill O'Reilly has been truthful about his reporting of the Falklands War. The new secretary's appointment followed Eric Shinseke's resignation amid a scandal over waiting times at VA hospitals . Journalists who were on the ground with O'Reilly at the time have rushed to his defense, however, agreeing with his version of events. Conservatives on Twitter, who mocked Williams by creating photos of him at the moon landing and other impossible places, voiced their frustration with the news about McDonald. 'Brian Williams remembers going out on a special forces mission with Robert McDonald,' Washington, D.C. political fundraiser Nathan Wurtzel said. Special forces members generally become upset when soldiers who did not serve in one of the four designated special operations forces claims they did. Retired Army Col. Gary Bloomberg called McDonald's remarks 'a boneheaded statement' but said service members' anger would not be as strong as in other cases where soldiers wear medals they did not earn. A statement from the American Legion National Commander Michael D. Helm said, 'He did complete Ranger training and served honorably with the Army’s 82nd Airborne Division. But a lie is a lie. 'I can’t believe people do this. What a disappointment from the leader of a department whose number one issue right now is the restoration of trust. He should be held to a higher standard,' the head of the nation's largest veterans organization said. 'The secretary has apologized, as he certainly should. We hope that he can restore the trust that he has lost.'

Robert McDonald, who took over VA last year, told homeless veteran that he, too, served in Army Special Forces . McDonald is a veteran, but not of Army special forces . At a press conference on Tuesday he apologized and told reporters: 'My biggest motivation was to connect with the veteran' White House says McDonald 'never intended to misrepresent' his service .

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The language of love has gone digital through text messages and social media – and it's even affecting the way we flirt. Research has found we are more likely to poke someone on Facebook than ask them out on a date. And the poll revealed that the reason for the trend is that 38 per cent find chatting to someone we fancy too embarrassing. Technology is leading to people shunning the direct approach for less bold ways of telling a potential date that they are interested with many opting for a Facebook poke rather than asking someone out for a drink . The poll was commissioned by online comparison site broadbandchoices.co.uk who surveyed 2,000 British adults. Almost one in five people said they mostly use private Facebook messages to communicate while dating, while others thought a phone call or text message was more forward than a face-to-face chat. Just over a quarter said they opt for Snapchat when trying to impress someone they like. Researchers from Brigham University recently found that relationships may suffer because hi-tech communications can lead to couples 'disconnecting' with each other on serious issues. 'The bottom line is that if you don’t have something nice to text, better not text at all,' concluded the report. The report found that for women, using text messages to apologise, work out differences or make decisions was associated with a more unhappy relationship. For men, very frequent texting was associated with a poor relationship. However, both men and women agreed that expressing affection via text enhanced a relationship. While 50 per cent of people are confident enough to ask someone for a date face-to-face, a third confessed they would be too embarrassed or nervous to pick up the phone and call a love interest. However, the poll also revealed modern technology does have its downside when it comes to flirting. One in seven people admitted they had accidentally sent a 'naughty' message to the wrong person - with more than a fifth of red-faced flirters sending it to a parent, while one in 10 admitted sent it to the 'wrong' partner. Brits can be sheepish when it comes to ending relationships too with one in eight owning up to dumping a partner by text, while one in 20 (five per cent) said they had sent a private Facebook message, and a brutal three per cent admitted posting a public break-up message on Facebook. Behavioural psychologist Jo Hemmings said: 'If you're confident and looking for something fun and casual over the Christmas season, WhatsApp and Snapchat are great places to start. 'If you want something potentially a little more meaningful - or don't want to reveal, or see, anything naughty - stick with text messages or Facebook. 'If you want someone to know that you mean serious business and you're prepared to be bold, pick up the phone. 'It shows real effort and confidence - and could lead to a festive fumble.' Old fashion approaches like talking face-to-face or even picking up a telephone appear to be a dying art as people prefer to hide behind technology when asking out a potential date for a drink . A quarter of people use Snapchat to impress a potential date rather than talking to them face to face, however, using technology can backfire when users send naughty messages to a parent or another partner by mistake . Even when in relationships, Brits are self-conscious with more than half the people polled (53 per cent) saying they wouldn't have 'in a relationship' on their Facebook profile after six months of being together, with almost a quarter (23 per cent) citing the reason as feeling they hadn't been together long enough. A further seven per cent even said they felt a year wasn't long enough to announce their relationship on Facebook. Dominic Baliszewski, telecoms expert at broadbandchoices.co.uk, said: 'Digital dating and social media have only been around for a relatively short time but it is fascinating to see how they have altered the way we interact with one another, particularly for people seeking new relationships. 'All that online interaction can eat through your mobile data, so make sure you have a plan with enough of a download allowance to avoid any untimely interruptions to your service.'

Poll surveyed 2,000 adults and was commissioned by broadbandchoices . Almost one in five said they use private Facebook messages when dating . Just over a quarter said they opt for Snapchat when trying to impress . Only 50% of us are confident enough to ask someone out face-to-face . And a third confessed they would be too embarrassed to pick up the phone and call a love interest .

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The United States Department of Justice announced Wednesday it had launched an investigation into the death of Eric Garner at the hands of New York City police. The announcement came in the wake of a grand jury's decision not to indict a white police officer, Daniel Pantaleo, who placed Garner in a chokehold that ultimately led to the 43-year-old father of six's death. Also at the heels of the decision, President Obama said it underscores the need to strengthen the trust and accountability between communities and law enforcement. Scroll down for video . Addressed the issue:  At the heels of the grand jury decision not to indict the officer whose chokehold led to Eric Garner's death, President Obama said it underscores the need to strengthen the trust and accountability between communities and law enforcement . The president even went so far as to concede that in some cases, despite much of society's wish to believe otherwise, police racial bias does exist. 'In some cases those might be misperceptions,' the president said. 'But in some cases that's a reality' The president even went so far as to concede that in some cases, despite much of society's wish to believe otherwise, police racial bias does exist. Obama says police have to deal with crime every day, but says they can do their jobs better if people have confidence in the law enforcement system. 'In some cases those might be misperceptions,' the president said while speaking to the White House Tribal Nations Conference. 'But in some cases that's a reality.' Obama says he discussed the grand jury's decision Wednesday with Attorney General Eric Holder. While not commenting on the decision specifically, he said there are 'too many instances where people just do not have confidence that folks are being treated fairly.' Politico reports that the DOJ probe will be conducted by the department's civil rights division and the U.S. Attorney's Brooklyn office. The controversy began when a deadly encounter in July on Staten Island, New York City's smallest borough, was captured on video, and quickly spread over the Internet fueling debate about how U.S. police use force, particularly against minorities. Obama says he discussed the grand jury's decision Wednesday with Attorney General Eric Holder. A DOJ probe into the Eric Garner case will be conducted by the department's civil rights division and the U.S. Attorney's Brooklyn office. Here, Attorney General Eric Holder speaks during the opening session of The White House Tribal Nations Conference on December 3 . Last week, a grand jury in Missouri decided not to indict a white police officer in another racially charged killing of a black man. The decision in that case sparked a spasm of violence in Ferguson, Missouri, with businesses burned down and looted. Staten Island resident Eric Garner, a 43-year-old father of six, died on July 17 after police officers tackled him and put him in a chokehold. The city's medical examiner ruled the death a homicide. New York City police prepared on Wednesday for protests that could potentially paralyze major roads and tunnels in the city. About two dozen demonstrators lay down in the middle of Grand Central Station's main hall in Midtown Manhattan in a silent protest as the evening rush hour began, as commuters crisscrossed through the terminal. President Barack Obama, while not directly commenting on the case, said the grand jury decision spoke to 'the concern on the part of too many minority communities that law enforcement is not working with them and dealing with them in a fair way. 'We are not going to let up until we see a strengthening of trust and strengthening of accountability that exists between our communities and our law enforcement,' he said. Staten Island resident Eric Garner, a 43-year-old father of six, died on July 17 after police officers tackled him and put him in a chokehold. The city's medical examiner ruled the death a homicide . The district attorney for Staten Island, Daniel Donovan, announced the grand jury's decision not to indict the white police officer, Daniel Pantaleo, who placed Garner in a chokehold. 'It is never my intention to harm anyone and I feel very bad about the death of Mr. Garner,' Pantaleo said in a statement released by the Patrolmen's Benevolent Association union. Benjamin Carr, stepfather of Garner, said he was distraught over the verdict. 'Put it in the hands of the federal government. Let them do something about it,' he said. At the site where Eric Garner was apprehended by police and a makeshift memorial to his honor now stands, tempers flared as about a dozen protesters expressed their anger at the grand jury's decision with a protest on the sidewalk. Some demonstrators defiantly crushed cigarettes in front of reporters and passersby - a reference to the reason that police gave for approaching Garner in the first place. It is rare for either federal or state prosecutors to charge a U.S. police officer for excessive force, even when a death results. 'There are a lot of cases where police officers don't get indicted for what looks like extreme situations,' said Aaron Mysliwiec, president of the New York State Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. 'Many jurors and judges tend to believe police officers more than your average witness.' Protesters lay down in Grand Central in response to grand jury's decision not to indict Officer Daniel Pantaleo in Eric Garner's . New York City police prepared on Wednesday for protests that could potentially paralyze major roads and tunnels in the city. About two dozen demonstrators lay down in the middle of Grand Central Station's main hall in Midtown Manhattan in a silent protest as the evening rush hour began, as commuters crisscrossed through the terminal . The U.S. Supreme Court and lower courts have over decades ruled that police officers should have wide latitude to use violence to defend themselves and to take suspects into custody. In ruling Garner's death a homicide, the city medical examiner said police officers killed him by compressing his neck and chest. His health problems, including asthma and obesity, were contributing factors, the medical examiner said. The video of Garner's arrest shows him arguing with police officers, saying 'please leave me alone,' and later 'don't touch me' before a group of four officers tackled him to the ground, at which point he began to plead with them, 'I can't breathe.' Police said later Garner had been resisting arrest. Donovan said he had applied for a court order to authorize the release of 'specific information in connection with the Garner grand jury investigation.' He noted in his statement that under New York law he is not permitted to disclose any details of a grand jury proceeding. The grand jury, like all in New York, had 23 members. At least 12 grand jurors must agree to bring an indictment. Donovan said that all 23 grand jurors attended every one of the sessions in the Garner case, which began on Sept. 29 and ended on Wednesday. Impassioned: New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio arrives to a news conference in which he addressed the Garner case. In a direct and sometimes passionate speech from Staten Island, de Blasio risked the ire of the NYPD by making his dissatisfaction with the failure of the jury panel not to charge Officer Daniel Pantaleo abundantly clear .

Obama said the Garner decision underscores the need to strengthen the trust and accountability between communities and cops . The president conceded while speaking to the while speaking to the White House Tribal Nations Conference that police bias can exist . Obama said he discussed the grand jury's decision Wednesday with Attorney General Eric Holder; a DOJ investigation has been launched .

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A Spanish-language leaflet that the U.S. Department of Agriculture has provided to the Mexican Embassy in Washington advises border-crossing Mexicans that they can collect taxpayer-funded food stamp benefits for their children without admitting that they're illegal immigrants.Underlined and in boldface type, the document tells immigrants who are unlawfully in the United States that, 'You need not divulge information regarding your immigration status in seeking this benefit for your children.'The USDA's Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), commonly known as food stamps, is funded in order to prevent hunger by helping poor families maintain a basic level of nutrition for both adults and children. Congress spent $86.5 billion on the SNAP program in 2012, by far the largest single line-item in the USDA's $205 billion overall budget . The underlined portion reads: 'You need not divulge information regarding your immigration status in seeking this benefit for your children' The Agriculture Department says SNAP benefits are only to be distributed to U.S. citizens and other legal residents. On its website, it acknowledges an education 'partnership' with the Mexican government, but insists that its aim is to help educate only 'eligible Mexican nationals living in the United States' about nutrition benefits for which they might qualify. That education partnership is carried out through a program called 'Ventanillas de Salud,' meaning 'Windows to Health,' implemented through 50 Mexican consulates in the U.S. Judicial Watch obtained the Spanish language leaflet through a Freedom of Information Act request. An attached email dates the document to March 2009, just months after President Barack Obama took office. In an email, a spokesperson for the SNAP program told The Daily Caller, which first reported on the leaflet, that “non-citizens who are unlawfully . present, are not, nor have they ever been, eligible to receive . Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. U.S. Border Patrol agents walk fences on the Mexican border, and detain illegal immigrants - including children - before returning them to south of the border. A majority will try to cross the border again . The leaflet, released late Thursday by the conservative group Judicial Watch, will raise questions about the Obama administration's commitment to limiting the expenditure of taxpayer funds to eligible Mexican nationals - meaning those with legal permission to reside in the United States. 'The revelation that the USDA is actively working with the Mexican government to promote food stamps for illegal aliens should have a direct impact on the fate of the immigration bill now being debated in Congress,' Judicial Watch president Tom Fitton said in a statement. 'These disclosures further confirm the fact that the Obama administration cannot be trusted to protect our borders or enforce our immigration laws. And the coordination with a foreign government to attack the policies of an American state is contemptible.' Fitton's group also obtained a March 2010 USDA flyer advertising a taxpayer-funded online seminar for nonprofits serving Hispanic communities. The teaching session, promoted as being 'free for all participants,' taught activists how to get USDA funding to provide free lunches during the summer. The federal government's SNAP program served about 43.6 million people in November 2010. Before the recession, the program had just 26 million enrollees. The USDA licenses food retailers like this Oregon grocery store as SNAP program participants . And in a March 2012 communication, Judicial Watch said, the USDA asked the Mexican Embassy to approve a letter addressed to that country's 50 consulates. That letter encouraged staff at those Mexican diplomatic missions to learn in another webinar how to encourage more of 'the needy families that the consulates serve' to enroll in the SNAP program. Judicial Watch said Thursday that the 2012 document did not discriminate between legal US residents and illegal immigrants. In August, Agriculture Under Secretary Kevin Concannon rolled out a new range of anti-fraud programs aimed at preventing food stamp funds from going to ineligible recipients. 'USDA has a zero tolerance policy for SNAP fraud,' Concannon said when announcing new measures to clamp down on abuse of the program that he promised would 'help us hold bad actors even more accountable than in the past and discourage them from abusing the public's trust.' The agency's press release, however, made no mention of efforts intended to deny SNAP benefits to illegal immigrants. People line up for their monthly debt cards and food stamps all over the country . Former Iowa Governor Tom Vilsack is President Obama's Secretary of Agriculture and is responsible for the SNAP program's operation . Last year Alabama Republican Senator Jeff Sessions complained in writing to USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack that, 'It defies rational thinking for the United States – now dangerously $16 trillion in debt – to partner with foreign governments to help us place more foreign nationals on American welfare.' An estimated 11 million illegal immigrants are living in the United States. President Obama and a bipartisan group of eight U.S. Senators are gathering support for comprehensive immigration reform  legislation that would put most of them on a path to legal residence and, conservatives allege, both amnesty and citizenship.

Conservative legal group obtained Agriculture Department flyer . 'You need not divulge information regarding your immigration status in seeking this benefit for your children' Program in all 50 Mexican consulates in the U.S. helps push food stamps .

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Holidaymakers are being urged not to panic after leading ski resorts across the Alps and the Pyrenees delayed their openings by at least a week due to a lack of snow. Upmarket resorts such as Courchevel and Meribel had planned to open on December 6, but are now pushing that back to December 13. It comes after unusually warm temperatures caused early snowfall in November to melt. A live webcam at the Courchevel resort in France shows virtually no snow on the slopes today . In some areas, slopes have been left almost entirely bare. However, travel experts said that the delays in opening would not affect British holidaymakers as the ski seasons for the majority of UK tour operators don’t start until late December. Instead, it is typically only locals who use the slopes in the first two weeks of opening. Lynsey Devon, a spokesman Heaven publicity that represents a number of leading ski resorts, told the MailOnline: ‘Most tour operators don’t sell holidays that begin before December 20. Meribel's webcam also showed bare slopes today, although experts insist snow is due in the coming days . Snow-making machines have been placed on the slopes of Gschwandtkopf mountain in western Austria . Snow-making machines stand on a snowless slope on Gschwandtkopf mountain in western Austria last week . ‘It’s only locals who use the slopes in the first couple of weeks, but they don’t buy ski holidays – they just turn up, so they won’t be out of pocket. ‘The resorts obviously don’t want weekend skiers using up the snow if there has been very little falling on the slopes, so by delaying the opening of the resorts they are preventing that from happening. ‘Widespread snowfall is expected in the coming days, in some cases there will be up to 80 percent cover. ‘If the worst does happen, resorts like Courcheval have invested in cutting edge snow machines which are capable of covering slopes in inches of artificial snow from bare grass in a matter of hours.' Despite their efficiency, the machines are estimated to cost up to £5 per cubic metre of manmade snow. ‘They have invested around £3million in Snow Factory machines which can fill an Olympic-sized swimming pool in just thirty minutes,’ said Ms Devon. France remains the most popular ski destination for British skiers, and 400,000 tourists from the UK chose Austria as their ski destination last year. News of the delayed opening comes after the Montgenevre resort in France revealed it has postponed its opening indefinitely, along with others in the region. ‘We opened on the weekend of Nov 22. Then the rain and thaw damaged the snow at the bottom of the slopes,’ said a spokeswoman for Montgenevre, near Italy. Courchevel is one of France's most popular ski resorts and is usually covered in thick snow at this time of year . According to the national weather service, there is very little snow below 2,000m for this time of year - and in some cases none at all - but snowfall is forecast for the end of the week. And in the eastern Jura range, the Metabief resort has also decided to open later for the same reasons. Snow-making machines have already been placed on the slopes of Gschwandtkopf mountain in the western Austrian village of Seefeld in a bid to try and attract holidaymakers. Meribel in the French Alps has also been struggling with the unseasonably warm weather this year . Similar problems have affected other Austrian resorts, including Flachau in Salzburg and Rosskopf mountain in Tirol, at a time when the snow is usually plentiful. Tourism bosses have blamed the lack of snow on unusually warm winter weather. But temperatures in the Alps were recently revealed to be rising faster than anywhere else in the world, with Alpine resorts attempting to adapt to climate change. A recent Austrian climate report found the country’s temperatures had risen twice as fast as the global average since 1880, with the number of sunshine hours in the Alps increasing by 20 per cent.

Courchevel and Meribel set to open on Dec 13th, a week later than planned . Unusually warm temperatures caused early snowfall in November to melt . Travel experts say British holidaymakers unlikely to be affected by delay . More snow forecast across the French Alps in the coming days .

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Neil Ashton: England are letting Raheem Sterling down . Raheem Sterling admits he is too skinny and wants to get stronger to better deal with the demands of representing Liverpool and England. The Anfield star insists he is active and always working out despite having to tell Three Lions boss Roy Hodgson he was too tired to play against Estonia on Sunday. The Reds midfielder dropped to the bench for England's 1-0 win in Tallinn but did come on to win the free-kick which led to Wayne Rooney's winning goal. Raheem Sterling, pictured in action against Estonia, admits he needs to work in the gym to get stronger . Sterling chats with his Liverpool team-mate Adam Lallana on the pitch against Estonia in Tallinn . The 19-year-old, pictured in action against West Brom, admits he is 'a bit skinny' at present . Sterling speaks in the new edition of Forever Sports . However, 19-year-old Sterling, who has faced a backlash over his reasons for being unable to play, says he is always working on ways to improve his fitness and is regularly found in the gym. Sterling told Forever Sports Magazine: 'I’m always active, always working out, so you do get an athlete's body. I'm a bit skinny at the moment so I'm working on that, not too much [muscle], as I don't want to be too top heavy. I'll be in the gym working, trying to get internally stronger. 'I try to not lift too many weights. The people at the club [Liverpool] have been trying to get me to do core as much as possible - that's been a big factor for me so I try to do that at least a couple of times a week.' With specialists on hand to help his development, Sterling is bidding to become stronger to cope with gruelling demands of Premier League football. 'I have the odd day where I do work on upper body and stuff like that and try to get myself stronger and fitter. There are specialists at the club who are always working on this stuff with you, and are always working on all these ways to improve, and how to get to the next level. 'That's one of the steps that I'm taking - at this moment in time, I'm just trying to work hard in the gym, and on the pitch as well, to try to get as better as possible.' Sterling has been blasted by former England captain Alan Shearer for being too 'tired' to start for his national team. Former Newcastle striker Shearer admitted he had never heard anything like it in his career and would have made a point of speaking to the player if he had. Sterling drives away from Estonian pair Artur Pikk (left) and Dmitri Kruglov (right) at the A. Le Coq Arena . Match of the Day pundit Alan Shearer has blasted Sterling's decision to complain about being tired . 'I genuinely have never heard something like that in my career. Certainly not in a squad I was involved in,' Shearer wrote in The Sun. 'If I had, as either captain of Newcastle or England, I'd have gone straight up to the player and said "are you sure?" and that's putting it mildly.' However, former Three Lions defender Rio Ferdinand has backed the Reds youngster's decision. The ex-Manchester United centre back, now playing for QPR, claims players are 'too proud' to take time out and rest. In a series of tweets, Ferdinand said: 'Sterling - tired, fair play to him. English players are normally too proud to do that unlike our foreign friends. #FreshWhenItMattersMost. 'For instance, (Carlos) Tevez would come in some days (at Manchester United) and sit on the massage bed while the team trained... "I'm tired... match day - firing & energised. QPR defender Rio Ferdinand has defended Sterling, claiming some English players are 'too proud' England boss Roy Hodgson (left) decided to start Sterling on the bench against Estonia after he complained of leg weariness the day before the game . VIDEO Sterling defends England tiredness . 'Either some real dumb heads on here or they just missed the point totally. Doing what's better for the team & yourself long term... 'With more rest at the right times throughout seasons (Wayne) Rooney would have gone into tournaments for England fresher 100%... Too proud again. 'Same could be said of (Steven) Gerrard, (Frank) Lampard, JT (John Terry), A. (Ashley) Cole, myself, etc. - all too proud to set out of training or a match with the bigger picture in mind.' In reply to a tweet which read 'didn't fergie used to give Ronaldo a few weeks off mid season early in his career', Ferdinand replied: 'yes... defo helped him develop'. Raheem on fitness . 'I’m always active, always working out, so you do get an athlete's body. I'm a bit skinny at the moment so I'm working on that, not too much [muscle], as I don't want to be too top heavy. I'll be in the gym working, trying to get internally stronger. 'I try to not lift too many weights. The people at the club [Liverpool] have been trying to get me to do core as much as possible - that's been a big factor for me so I try to do that at least a couple of times a week. 'I have the odd day where I do work on upper body and stuff like that and try to get myself stronger and fitter. There are specialists at the club who are always working on this stuff with you, and are always working on all these ways to improve, and how to get to the next level. That's one of the steps that I'm taking - at this moment in time, I'm just trying to work hard in the gym, and on the pitch as well, to try to get as better as possible.' Raheem on England . 'I think everyone in the England team can play. We've been unlucky in certain games and tournaments but I do see a bright future for England.' Raheem on his skills . 'I do keepy-uppies literally every day on the training field but I don't do as many skills as I used to do when I was younger. I used to have 10 yards of space and no-one around me and used to do six or seven stepovers, but there's no point if you're not putting the ball in the back of the net. 'You've got to realise that if you do little tricks, you're going to get kicked in the Premier League. You've got to really know how to pass and keep the ball moving without getting caught and getting silly injuries.' Raheem on footballers unfairly getting stick . 'I don't think some people realise the journey that some footballers have come on. Most people have started aged 7, 8, 9 or 10 and some make it to the last important step and some don't, so it's really [a] make or break [situation] initially that we're in. 'We work for it from a young age and people don't see it until we're in the public eye, so they're probably just thinking that we're born into playing football really, but it's a journey we've come on. 'We do put hours in off the field as well and try to give back as much as possible as we do on the field.' Raheem on his friendship with Jamaican sprint stars . 'He's [Warren Weir] a good friend of mine and when I go to Jamaica, I try to see him or Usain as much as possible. If we're not out together, we're just having a laugh.' Would he ever take on his friends on the track? "No, no! That's something I wouldn't fancy doing really - that's why they're in the sport they're in really, because they're the best at what they do.' 'I haven't had a chance to get a kickabout with them yet, but I heard Usain thinks he's a big player,' he says in response to Bolt's claims that he'd like to play for Man United. 'Yeah, I've heard that quite a few times.' Raheem on ignoring the hype . 'It's nice to hear the things people say but I don't really take it in too much. I just try to block it out and concentrate purely on football, to improve and try to make people talk even more.' Raheem on his unique running style . 'None of them [team-mates] have gotten to me yet about that, but we always have a joke and a laugh about different stuff. I haven't been bantered so much about that, I've more had that on social networks.” FOR THE FULL RAHEEM STERLING INTERVIEW, THE NEW ISSUE OF FOREVER SPORTS IS ON SALE NOW FROM ALL GOOD NEWSAGENTS AND SPORTS DIRECT STORES, PRICED £2 .

Liverpool midfielder Raheem Sterling says he is 'always working out' But he complained of tiredness while on England duty and was benched against Estonia . The 19-year-old admits he is 'a bit skinny' and wants to put on muscle . He came off the bench in Tallinn to help the Three Lions win 1-0 . Sterling is working with Liverpool staff to improve his strength .

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While they might seem poles apart, the lexicon of beauty is surprisingly similar to the jargon of DIY. From brushes, gloss and varnish to primers, tape and files, it’s all about preparing the surface and then making it more attractive. In a DIY store last week, I noticed the similarity between sandpaper and the foot file I use for removing rough skin off my feet — but at a fraction of the price. It made me wonder if B&Q could actually be the cut-price beauty store I’d been searching for. I decided to experiment, with some fascinating results . . . BODY BRUSH . Beauty: Elemis Skin Brush, £21, timetospa.co.uk . B&Q: 5-inch Masonry Brush, £3 . Every beauty expert I’ve met swears by body brushing — using a stiff bristle brush in sweeping strokes, working from the tips of your toes and fingers towards the heart. It’s said to boost lymphatic drainage, resulting in less water retention, and promote circulation so skin looks more radiant. Some people even believe it can improve the appearance of cellulite. Normally I use the Elemis Skin Brush but I thought that a stiff plastic-bristled masonry brush could do the job just as well. And while it’s definitely less aesthetically pleasing, the bristles feel just like more expensive cactus ones of the Elemis version, although they bend more easily because they’re longer. Winner: B&Q —although only after I’d cut the bristles down to half their size. But when you’re saving £18, it’s worth a little effort. FAST-DRYING HAIR TOWEL . Beauty: Aquis Lisse Hair Towel, £14.95, amazon.co.uk . B&Q: Kent Car Care Extra Large Chamois Leather, £12.78 . Hair obsessives rave about microfibre towels that absorb water from the hair more quickly than normal towels. I’ve never been particularly convinced that mine does this. Working on the principle that a chamois leather, usually used for washing cars, readily soaks up water, I used one, as I do the towel, to create a turban after washing my hair. The results were miraculous. Fifteen minutes later, most of my hair was dry, in half the time it usually takes. The wet leather smelled a bit, well, leathery, but didn’t make my hair smell odd. Winner: B&Q. I’m chucking out my microfibre towel. FAKE TAN APPLICATOR . Beauty: St Tropez Applicator Mitt, £5, sttropeztan.co.uk . B&Q: Mini Roller & Tray Set, £2.75 . To avoid stained palms, the only way to apply fake tan is with a mitt — a pocket with a plasticised inside and a fabric exterior. Rather than squirting some of my usual mousse onto a mitt, I poured a little liquid tan into the tray of a miniature roller set and set about covering my legs. It was useless. The roller soaked up far too much liquid, and the coverage was patchy. Perhaps a paint pad, less absorbent than a roller, but also used for daubing walls, would have been better? Winner: Beauty — efficient, if less fun than decorating yourself. FAKE TAN MITT . Beauty: St Tropez Buffing Mitt, £3.57, sttropeztan.co.uk . B&Q: Kent Home Care Microfibre Mitt, £1.38 . If you’ve never been for a professional fake tan, you might not have encountered a finishing mitt. When you have been sprayed a deep mahogany colour, the therapist takes a soft mitt and pats down your skin, gently buffing away tell-tale streaks, rather as if you were a newly-waxed Bentley. It might sound absurd, but it makes the difference between a good finish and a perfect finish, so I now do the same at home. I used a mitt designed for polishing a car. Apart from being bright blue, rather than tasteful black, and about twice the size of the St Tropez version, it worked brilliantly. The microfibre fabric felt soft against my skin and the internal seam, which allows you to put fingers either side. Winner: B&Q — easy to use and covers a bigger area. FRENCH MANICURE NAIL STICKERS . Beauty: 96 Nailene Perfect French Tip Guides, £3.05 . B&Q: Masking tape, £1.76 . While expert manicurists might be able to create the perfect French manicure — pale pink with white tips — we more cack-handed types often turn to little stickers that act as a guide so you get a perfect line. It’s what decorators do with masking tape, but on a smaller scale. Using masking tape on my nails gave a straight line rather than the traditional curved one, but the tape stuck well to the nail, the polish didn’t seep underneath, and I quite liked that the straight line gave a more modern effect. Winner: B&Q — though if you’re a purist, you might want to shell out for curved stickers. CLEANSING CLOTHS . Beauty: Three Muslin Cleansing Cloths, £14, evelom.com . B&Q: Ten Dishcloths, £1.98 . Eve Lom’s waxy cleanser, launched in 1983, pioneered the trend for greasy, balm-like cleansers that are removed with warm water and a muslin cleansing cloth. Now everyone from Elemis to Boots and Liz Earle does a hot-cloth cleanser. The problem is that even if you regularly boil-wash them, the pricey cloths soon become grubby. Could a regular cotton dishcloth do the same job? I’ve been using one for a week and I’ll never go back to muslin again. The cotton was soft on my face and gives a gentle exfoliation. Winner: B&Q — much as I love Eve Lom, I won’t be paying the best part of £5 for muslin when a 20p cloth does the same thing. FLEXIBLE ROLLERS . Beauty: 12 Bendy Rollers, £4.09, superdrug.com . B&Q: Verve 7m Plant Twist Tie, £4 . Years ago, I used bendy rollers to create soft curls. It was simple: you took the curler — essentially a wire-covered sponge — wound a towel-dried section of hair round it, starting at the bottom and working toward the roots, and then bent over the ends of the roller to hold the hair in place. Then you let the hair dry before releasing the curls. I thought padded wire for plants might be able to do the same thing. I knew the wire was thinner than the normal rollers, but thought bending it over on itself might work. But although I managed to wrap my hair around it, no matter how many ways I bent it, the hair wouldn’t stay put. And, to make matters worse, the rubber coating on the wire gripped the hair and caused it to pull and tangle. Winner: Beauty — bendy rollers are a relatively simple design, but they’ve proved they’re more than just a twist of wire. FOUNDATION BRUSH . Beauty: Urban Decay Good Karma Optical Blurring Brush, £18, debenhams.com . B&Q: Harris 25mm Paint Brush, £3.98 . The soft, tightly-packed bristles of Urban Decay’s brush do a wonderful job of buffing foundation into the skin so you get a flawless finish. The same couldn’t be said for the paintbrush I attempted to use in its place. While actually it was pretty good at daubing my warpaint on and didn’t, to my surprise, leave streaks, it was scratchy and uncomfortable to use. Winner: Beauty — unless you really want your foundation application to double as exfoliation. FOOT FILE . Beauty: File A Foot, £5, thebodyshop.co.uk . B&Q: Norton Expert Angled Sanding Sponge Fine, £3.98 . Surely I can’t be the only one who’s looked at an emery board or a foot file and thought, ‘Isn’t this just pricey sandpaper?’ I went for a fine-grained sanding sponge, worried that anything too gritty might actually draw blood. The angled block was ‘ideal for sanding contoured surfaces, corners and hard to reach areas’ — it sounded perfect. I used the large surface on the bottom of my feet, and the pointed bit to tackle hard skin on the tips of my toes, and it was just as effective as my normal foot file. Winner: A draw — while the block did exactly what I needed it to, and was much better at tackling toes, the foot file’s longer handle made it easier to scrub my heels.

The lexicon of beauty is surprisingly similar to the jargon of DIY . From brushes, gloss and varnish to primers, tape and files . It’s all about preparing the surface and then making it more attractive .

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Tottenham could be without Andros Townsend when they return to Premier League action for their clash with West Brom on Sunday. The Spurs winger started in the club's 0-0 Europa League group stage opener at Partizan Belgrade but was replaced short of the hour mark by Erik Lamela after picking up an upper leg injury. Mauricio Pochettino didn't know the full extent of the damage, claiming the England international would need to be assessed by the club's medical team on Friday. Andros Townsend picked up an injury to his upper leg and was substituted after an hour against Partizan . The England winger Andros Townsend could be out of Tottenham's next league game against West Brom . 'Andros has a problem with his leg,' siad Pochettino after the game. 'It could be his glute, and Friday we'll know if he's available or not.' A defensive minded Tottenham failed to have a shot on target in the Belgrade stalemate, but the Spurs boss admitted he was happy with his side's performance - praising debutant Federico Fazio as well as Benji Stambouli who was making his first start. 'I think the result is fair because Partizan were good in the second half,' Pochettino added. Mauricio Pochettino (left) was happy with his side's performance despite a lacklustre draw in Belgrade . Federico Fazio, who won the Europa League with Sevilla last season, made his Tottenham debut . There was also a first start at the club for midfielder Benjamin Stambouli who was solid in Belgrade . 'It was Fazio's first game, like Stambouli, and they play for the first time. It's always difficult to make your debut but I'm happy with the performance.' Spurs made 10 changes to the side which drew 2-2 at Sunderland last week, but Pochettino rebuffed any suggestions he underestimated the Serbian outfit. 'It was difficult to play and move the ball fast and quick, but that's no excuse,' Pochettino continued. 'I never underestimated Partizan. We played with a team we thought would get three points. I believe that three points was most important but we'll analyse the game. 'Besiktas an Asteras drew their game too. We need to look forward to the next game.' Harry Kane hit the bar with Tottenham's best chance but the visitors failed to hit the target all game .

Andros Townsend substituted with upper leg injury in Belgrade . Tottenham fail to have a shot on target in 0-0 draw against Partizan . Mauricio Pochettino praises Federico Fazio and Benji Stambouli who made their first starts for the club .

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A British jihadi fighting for the Islamic State in Iraq has become notorious on social media for his love of junk food - confessing that he even dreams about KFC and Nandos while waging jihad. Known by the nom de guerre Abu Hamza al-Britani, the 21-year-old Londoner of Pakistani origin is regularly teased about his insatiable appetite by his fellow ISIS militants, who have branded him 'fat' and advised him to stop eating so much ice cream. As well as his apparent gluttony, Abu Hamza's other favoured topic of conversation is the pet kitten he left behind when travelling to fight on the frontline. The terrorist has repeatedly posted messages about and photographs of the ginger cat named Anbar, which he described as 'my princess'. Although Abu Hamza spends much of his time talking about his pets and uploading photographs of junk food, the terrorists shares the same chilling desire to die in the name of radical Islam as other Britons fighting for the terror group, with his Twitter biography claiming he is 'seeking Martyrdom'. Hungry: A photograph on social media shows Abu Hamza (left) wearing the traditional hat of the Pashtuns, and a dark robe. He is eating ice cream with his close friend Abu Hamza as-Somali in the IS held city of Mosul . As well as his apparent gluttony, Abu Hamza's other favoured topic of conversation is the pet kitten he left behind when travelling to fight on the frontline. The terrorist has repeatedly posted messages about and photographs of the ginger cat named Anbar, which he described as 'my princess' Food on the brain: Abu Hamza al-Britani has become notorious on social media for his love of junk food - confessing that he even dreams about KFC and Nandos while waging jihad . Abu Hamza's endless appetite and obsession with junk food has seen his fellow militants repeatedly poke fun at his weight. 'You're pretty fat. You should lay off the ice cream,' one of his Twitter followers posted recently. Abu Hamza appears to take such criticism in his stride, however, responding to the user with: 'Is it my fault you're eating salads like a rabbit?' In another exchange, Abu Hamza was asked: 'If you had to eat only three things for the rest of your life, what would you eat?' The militant responded with: 'Unhealthy. Spicy wings, cake, chips.' Such is his love of calorific cuisine that even Abu Hamza's Twitter page is decorated with food, including what appear to be barbequed chicken legs and rice. In a recent post he told his followers about a dream he'd had where he was ordering food from KFC, Nandos and his favourite Thai restaurant. He added that his favourite types of foods are 'Indian, Thai and Italian.' When one of his followers asked if he was fat, Abu Hamza replied: 'No, praise be to God. But I love food and I'm cooking as I type.' Minutes later he revealed he was boiling vast quantities of pasta. Masked and armed: On his Ask.Fm account, Abu Hamza revealed that he had waited for five months to tell his mother that he had joined ISIS. When he eventually did, the terrorist claims his mother burst out laughing in disbelief before suggesting that she supported his actions by branding him and fellow jihadis 'lions' Jihadi jibes: Abu Hamza's endless appetite and obsession with junk food has seen his fellow militants repeatedly poke fun at his weight . Glutton: Abu Hamza never seems to miss an opportunity to eat something unhealthy, even admitting that he gorges on junk food while working as a guard and fighting for the terror group . Abu Hamza never seems to miss an opportunity to eat something unhealthy, even admitting that he gorges on junk food while working as a guard and fighting for the terror group. 'Cheese and onion crisps, tropical juice on the floor with my klash [AK47],' he recently wrote before adding:  'Reloading my PKC chain [heavy machine gun] with bullets being fired at us through the wall and I'm asking @hamza_somali "what we having for Dinner brother?".' Abu Hamza often uses his private Twitter account to share photographs of his food, which ranges from large pots of Indonesian noodles to hearty Russian stews. He has revealed a great deal of personal information about himself on social media, telling followers that his family originally come from Lahore in Pakistan, he is 5ft 5in tall, and that his mother was incredibly anxious when he first went to Syria, adding that he prayed God would 'calm her heart'. On his Ask.Fm account, Abu Hamza revealed that he had waited for five months to tell his mother that he had joined ISIS. When he eventually did, the terrorist claims his mother burst out laughing in disbelief before suggesting that she supported his actions by branding him and fellow jihadis 'lions.' A photograph on social media shows Abu Hamza wearing a pakul, the traditional hat of the Pashtuns, and a dark robe. He appears to be eating ice cream with his close friend Abu Hamza as-Somali in the IS held city of Mosul. Abu Hamza later wrote on Twitter that the Somali fighter was his 'closest brother since I've been in jihad. Done everything together. May Allah grant us shahada together too.' Cat lover: Named 'Anbar', after Iraq's largest province, the wispy ginger and white stray cat was adored by Abu Hamza, who posted photographs of her sleeping next to a box of bullets . Roots: Recently asked whether he missed anything about London, Abu Hamza replied: 'Miss all the different food and family.' The unmarried fighter also revealed he wanted 'two or three' children . Despite his apparently light-hearted approach to social media, the 21-year-old maintains a solid belief in the extremist values that define the Islamic State terror group . An avid social media user, 'Hungry Hamza' is a keen fan of Instagram - promoting his account as offering 'a real insight into what the mujahideen of the IS get up to.' Whilst Abu Hamza enjoys showing off photos of his food, it is his cat that has attracted most of the attention to his social media accounts. Named 'Anbar', after Iraq's largest province, the wispy ginger and white stray was adored by Abu Hamza, who called her 'my princess' and posted photographs of her sleeping next to a box of bullets while terrorists around her load their guns. He described the cat as 'crazy' and 'a big problem' - explaining that she was 'up all night running around and when she does sleep she only wants to sleep right on top of you.' The fighter's emotional attachment to his cat, proved a roblem when he had to leave her behind to go fight for the terrorists group on the frontline. A devastated Abu Hamza posted a final photo of Anbar, saying: 'I will be leaving my princess today. She's still small but I've had her since she was a baby...I know it's gna [sic] be hard to leave her.' Abu Hamza has revealed that he has lived in both ISIS' Syrian stronghold of Raqqa and the Iraqi city of Mosul. When asked to compare the cities, Abu Hamza said: 'Raqqa is very social it has everything you need. A bit too much dunya [multiculturalism] for me. Mosul is beautiful. It's more for the quiet.... kind of family.' Recently asked whether he missed anything about London, Abu Hamza replied: 'Miss all the different food and family.' The unmarried fighter also revealed he wanted 'two or three' children. Despite his apparently light-hearted approach to social media, the 21-year-old maintains a solid belief in the extremist values  that define the Islamic State terror group. He insists he and his fellow fighters are 'blessed with better homes than the White House and 10 Downing Street combined' and encourages young women to join him in the Islamic State, telling them that it is safe for them to travel alone. Abu Hamza has revealed that he has lived in both ISIS' Syrian sronghold of Raqqa and the Iraqi city of Mosul. When asked to compare the two cities, Abu Hamza said: 'Raqqa is very social it has everything you need. A bit too much dunya [multiculturalism] for me. Mosul is beautiful. It's more for the quiet "dinner at a restaurant" kind of family.' The militant has also told how ISIS fighters play pranks on one another when they're not fighting, recalling an occasion when one terrorist put washing up liquid in a bottle of mouthwash. 'You can imagine what happened next. I'm still coughing bubbles,' he said. If you have any information on Abu Hamza al-Britani or any of the British IS fighters, get in touch: tips@dailymailonline.com .

Abu Hamza al-Britani is regularly teased about his appetite by ISIS fighters . 21-year-old Londoner of Pakistani origin often posts messages about food . Claims to dream about Western junk food while fighting on the frontline . Also posts messages about his pet cat 'Anbar', who he calls 'my princess'

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Some silken-haired beauties are eager sidekicks to motorcycle riders, wind whipping their thick locks as passers-by watch the wild ride with envy. That is until the slobber starts. These passengers are pooches - mastiffs, Labradors and Chihuahuas often clad in goggles and tiny leather jackets that fly along in blimp-shaped buckets attached to the side of motorcycles. They are set apart from other pets by speed instead of breed. They are also the stars of Sit Stay Ride: The Story of America's Sidecar Dogs, a documentary that was largely funded by an online crowdfunding campaign and gives a quarter of its proceeds to shelters and rescues. Scroll down for video . Cool ride: Mooloo, a Standard Poodle, rides with Rhonda Reynolds in a 2005 Triumph Tiger motorcycle in Spooner, Washington . The movie is also available for free to any animal welfare agency wanting to screen it as a fundraiser. The documentary by filmmaking couple Eric and Geneva Ristau is the unique story of 15 dogs and 18 riders who spend all the time they can on three wheels. Ian Roper, 43, of Snohomish, Washington, and his bull mastiff Bruce love to take it easy on a slow ride. It's a departure for Roper, who said he raced cars and motorcycles for years in Detroit and Snohomish, a city northeast of Seattle, to enjoy the speed and feel of the open air. 'It is much slower than a motorcycle, but it is a much more relaxed ride,' Roper said. Bruce, who's nearly four and weighs 135 pounds, keeps it interesting on the road. When they are in the forest, the dog will react if he detects a deer or other wildlife. Rrready for action: Regitze Murat, left, and Philippe Murat with their Beagles Albert and Fernand in their 2010 Ural Gear Up motorcycle in San Francisco - they are among the stars of a new documentary called Sit Stay Ride: The Story of America's Sidecar Dogs . Joined at the hip: Ian Roper, 43, of Snohomish, Washington, and his bull mastiff Bruce take a ride around Washington . Sit Stay Ride: The Story of America's Sidecar Dogs - Official Trailer from Ristau & Liimatta on Vimeo. 'He is tied in so he can't run off, but he'll stand up if he smells something interesting,' Roper said. If tree branches hang over the road, 'he will grab at leaves as they go by. When we get where we are going, the sidecar is half-full of leaves. It's a game to him.' Things get really fun when they come to a stop sign or park at a store and a crowd gathers around. Everyone is laughing and pointing at Bruce in his sweet ride. Then, the dog will start shaking his head, splattering slobber on the crowd or their cars. Smiles fade, people move away and cars drive off. 'I never really thought about a sidecar until I got a dog, but I will never be without one again,' Roper said. They started their travels when Roper got Bruce as a puppy and decided it would be fun to hit the road with his dog. So the mechanical design engineer took classes and bought a $14,000 customized motorcycle-sidecar. Don't let the price tag scare you off, he says, anyone can get started for $6,000. Roper has a stable of seven motorcycles - fast ones for his own use and the sidecar for Bruce, which has racked up 10,000 miles. Dressed to impress: Dixie the dog takes a snooze in a sidecar as it sit stationary in Visalia, California . Dude: Artie a rescued Newfoundland, rides in a side car with Rebecca Hodges and Joe Baker in Redding, California . Country jaunt: Gary McLuen, with his dog Jake the Wonderdog, in a 2008 BMW GS/A motorcycle in Port Townsend, Washington . Riding with a dog is a different experience, he said. They can't move around a lot or they will tip. 'Bruce leans into corners when we turn, and I would love to think he was doing that to help out, but I think he does it because he doesn't want to fall over,' he said. The Ristaus, of Missoula, Montana, spent nine months filming Roper and Bruce and the other riders in Wisconsin, North Carolina, Ohio and Washington state. They condensed about 50 hours of interviews into the finished film of 84 minutes. When they started, the couple didn't know they would get so hooked on the unique rides that they would get their own sidecar, too. 'The journey is the goal rather than the destination,' Eric Ristau said.

Sit Stay Ride: The Story of America's Sidecar Dogs is a new documentary telling the unique story of 15 dogs and 18 riders who spend all the time they can on three wheels . It was the brainchild of filmmaking couple Eric and Geneva Ristau . They condensed about 50 hours of interviews into a finished film of 84 minutes .

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They are two giants of the animal kingdom, but that did not stop this male elephant and black rhino from clashing dramatically in a fearsome fight at a park in Africa. Amateur photographer Louis Kok and his wife Marthie captured these extraordinary photographs of the large elephant attacking the female rhino - flipping it into its back and leaving it with its legs in the air. The couple from Pretoria, South Africa, were photographing a rhino cow and her calf when the testosterone-fuelled, one-tusked elephant approached. Scroll down for video . Tossed and turned: The large male elephant charges at the female rhino and flips it onto its side . Relentless: The testosterone-fuelled beast lays into the mother rhino, who was protecting her calf . African assault: The one-tusked elephant attacks the rhino with its truck as it lies injured in the dust . Protective mother: The rhino was attacked while trying to protect her calf from the rampaging elephant . The pair were stunned to watch the peaceful scene transform into a brutal battle as the bull elephant charged at the protective rhino mother. Mr Kok said: 'Male elephants on musth, fuelled by exorbitant levels of testosterone, are extremely dangerous, and will attack anything which stands in their path.' Musth is a condition during which bull elephants experience a huge rise in reproductive hormones - testosterone levels can reach up to 60 times higher than normal - and this makes them extremely aggressive. Stunned: Amateur photographer Louis Kok and his wife Marthie did not expect the fight to break out . Immobilised: The helpless rhino is left prostrate, lying on its back after the elephant's brutal attack . Cowering: The rhino calf watches on, hiding in the shrubs as the elephant attacks its mother . Baby blues: The calf emerges in search of its mother as the elephant peers on it the background . 'The elephant immediately toppled the rhino which landed helplessly on its back with its legs in the air,' Mr Kok continued. 'The elephant kept rolling the defenceless rhino around in the dust, while crushing it repeatedly under its enormous weight - in a traumatising display of speed, agility and brutal power.' After the fight the rhino's calf rushed to its injured mother's side. 'The calf remained in the vicinity for some time, circling her mother and attempting repeatedly to help her up,' Mr Kok said. I love you mum! The baby rhino rushes to its mother's side once the scene is safe and the elephant has gone . Caring child: The calf tends to its mother, which lies on the ground, groaning in pain from her injuries . Heartbreaking: The mother managed to get up after around two hours, but died days later from her injuries . Scientific name: Loxodonta africana . Height: 11 feet . Length: 19-24 feet . Weight: 6 tons . Status: Vulnerable . Habitats: Grasslands and forests . Scientific name: Diceros bicornis . Height: 5.2 feet . Length: 10 feet . Weight: 1,760-3,080lb . Status: Critically endangered . Habitats: Grasslands and deserts . The pair reported the incident to the management of the park, who said that the rhino did miraculously manage to get up around two hours after the attack. The following day she was spotted about 300 metres from the scene of the fight, but unfortunately died a few days later from her injuries. The couple were requested not to identify the park to prevent the influx of poachers into the area.

Large male elephant attacked female rhino which was protecting its calf . It charged at the rhino and flipped it onto its back, leaving its legs in the air . Continued to roll the defenceless animal around and crush it with its weight . Rhino managed to get back up, but sadly died from its injuries days later . Stunning images captured by amateur photographer Louis Kok and his wife .

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The Islamic State has set up terror training camps in Libya after the U.S. admitted that more than one hundred militants have gathered in the country. ISIS has already overran large areas of Iraq and Syria and a today a top US general confirmed that the Islamic extremists had set up in eastern Libya with the American military monitoring the situation closely. Western countries have been increasingly worried that Libya's political turmoil could provide fertile ground for Islamic extremists, but General David Rodriguez ruled out military action on the 'nascent' camps in the immediate future. Scroll down for video . The group has largely focused on Iraq and is currently fighting for control of Kobane in Syria but there are fears they are spreading into North Africa . The head of US Africa Command told reporters at the Pentagon: 'They put training camps out there', referring to ISIS who have seized territory in Iraq and neighboring Syria this year in a brutal and swift offensive of beheadings and forced religious conversions. 'ISIS has begun its efforts over in the east out there to introduce some people over there. 'But we'll have to just continue to monitor and watch that carefully in the future to see what happens or whether it grows on unabated.' He described the IS activity in eastern Libya as 'very small' but added that there were 'around a couple hundred' militants present at the camps, with US forces continuing to track the area. The United States has been waging an air war against ISIS in Iraq and Syria, but when asked if the training camps in Libya were a potential target for American forces, Mr Rodriguez replied: 'No, not right now.' The four-star general said it appeared the ISIS militants in Libya were not volunteers coming from outside the country but militia members who had shifted their loyalty to the jihadist group. His comments came after the US government and European allies voiced 'grave concern' over mounting violence and civil unrest in Libya. ISIS has already seized huge swathes of land in Iraq and Syria, including the town of Raqqa, pictured . Experts have warned that ISIS has gained a foothold in the eastern town of Derna, exploiting the chaos that has engulfed the North African state. Libya has been plagued by instability since the overthrow of autocratic leader Moamer Kadhafi in 2011, and ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi recently boasted of vows of allegiance from militants in the country. Analysts say a number of factions in Derna have pledged loyalty to the group, but it remains unclear how much support they enjoy. ISIS, which aims to establish an Islamic caliphate across the region, is the prime target of the US-led bombing campaign in Iraq and Syria. The group has attracted a wave of global revulsion after a series of horrific executions of Western hostages filmed and released online, as well as gruesome videos depicting the beheadings of Syrian and Iraqi forces. While largely based in Iraq and Syria, the IS organization has also attracted pledges of allegiance from militant groups in Egypt, with the Ansar Beit al-Maqdis (Partisans of Jerusalem) group last month vowing support for the group. He described the IS activity in eastern Libya as 'very small and nascent.' 'Around a couple hundred' militants were present at the camps and US forces would continue to track the area to see if the IS presence expanded, said Rodriguez. The United States has been waging an air war against the IS group in Iraq and Syria, but when asked if the training camps in Libya were a potential target for American forces, Rodriguez said: 'No, not right now.' The IS group 'has begun its efforts over in the east out there to introduce some people over there,' he said. 'But we'll have to just continue to monitor and watch that carefully in the future to see what happens or whether it grows on unabated.' The four-star general said it appeared the IS militants in Libya were not volunteers coming from outside the country but militia members who had shifted their loyalty to the jihadist group. His comments came after the US government and European allies voiced 'grave concern' over mounting violence and civil unrest in Libya. Experts have warned that the IS group has gained a foothold in the eastern town of Derna, exploiting the chaos that has engulfed the North African state. Commander of the United States Africa Command General David Rodriguez, who has warned that ISIS has set up terror training campaigns for militants in eastern Libya . Libya has been plagued by instability since the overthrow of autocratic leader Moamer Kadhafi in 2011, and IS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi recently boasted of vows of allegiance from militants in the country. Analysts say a number of factions in Derna have pledged loyalty to the IS group, but it remains unclear how much support they enjoy. IS, which aims to establish an Islamic 'caliphate' across the region, is the prime target of the US-led bombing campaign in Iraq and Syria. The group has attracted a wave of global revulsion after a series of horrific executions of Western hostages filmed and released online, as well as gruesome videos depicting the beheadings of Syrian and Iraqi forces. While largely based in Iraq and Syria, the group has also attracted pledges of allegiance from militant groups in Egypt, with the Ansar Beit al-Maqdis (Partisans of Jerusalem) group last month vowing support for the group. By Larisa Brown, Defence Reporter for The Daily Mail . More British troops will be sent to help the Iraqi security forces as part of a large-scale mission to defeat Islamic State jihadists. Military trainers will teach the Iraqi army how to counter deadly roadside bombs as the British Army steps up its role in the country, leading to claims of ‘mission creep’. They will join four large American training bases that will be established within weeks to train and advise the Iraqi army on a wider scale. Details are yet to be finalised but an announcement is expected in the coming days. Lieutenant General Gordon Messenger told the Defence Select Committee yesterday: ‘The training and support that we are providing has been requested by both the Kurds and central Iraqi Government. 'The Americans will see the establishment of four big training bases - one of which will be in Erbil. 'As part of that we see ourselves delivering niche specialist training in the area which is much needed, particular in IEDs. 'We are still scoping the exact nature of that but we hope to have some concrete proposals in the coming days.' He added: 'We are sending the reconnaissance forces out there to ensure that at the time when are training is needed we will be able to deliver it.’ In terms of numbers, they were still looking at both ‘light’ and ‘heavy’ options, he said. Islamist jihadists have started laying IEDs to take out Iraqi forces as part of a change in tactics after UK airstrikes blasted their vehicles and killed their fighters. British soldiers – who have learnt how to detect the deadly bombs after fighting against the Taliban in Afghanistan – have been asked to help by the Iraqi government due to their specialist knowledge. The deputy chief of defence staff said British forces were also looking at other training possibilities as part of the UK’s contribution to a ‘large scale venture’ in training anti- Islamic State forces. He added: 'I think importantly it is demand led… we are delivering the type of training that these forces have asked for and need.’ Hundreds of British forces will also be sent to join American troops in training thousands of Syrian moderates outside the country. Defence sources said both Saudi Arabia and Jordan could host the training grounds but details are yet to be finalised. Peter Watkins, Director General of Security Policy, denied the further deployment of UK forces to ‘advise and train’ Iraqi security forces was ‘mission creep’. He told MPs: ‘Whatever we do has to be guided by the objectives we set out at the first place. 'I think if we remain guided by the objectives we can avoid mission creep.’ Lt Gen Messenger said air strikes had helped demoralise Islamic State –but had forced the extremist fighters to change tactics. He said: ‘The effect on the morale of both those organisations has been significantly enhanced by those air strikes.’ There had been an ‘equivalent reduction’ in the morale of IS, who were now using guerrilla tactics such as improvised explosive devices (IEDs). ‘They were much more out in the open and even held military parades in certain areas’ Lt Gen Messenger said. ‘That has stopped. They are resorting to more asymmetric tactics, including the use of IEDs. They are using quite extensive countermeasures to avoid them being struck, moving at night, using the weather, avoiding grouping in big areas.’

ISIS has set up terror training camps for militants in eastern Libya . U.S. admits more than 100 fighters are gathered in country at various sites . General David Rodriguez says the situation is being monitored closely . The camps have been described as very small and there are no plans for military action yet .

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In a move to compete with fast-casual restaurants like Chipotle and Five Guys, McDonalds is testing a new tablet ordering system which allows customers to customize their burgers with 20 mix-and-match ingredients like guacamole and tortilla chips. McDonald's started testing the new system last year at two Orange County stores and recently expanded to two restaurants in San Diego, but the project could be rolling out to other stores soon as the chain battles its lowest sales slump in more than a decade. Experts say the Build Your Burger feature is designed to appeal to younger customers, which have stopped patronizing McDonald's in favor of fast-casual restaurants like Chipotle where they can chose the ingredients that go into their order. McCustomizable: The Build Your Burger feature allows customers to choose from 22 different ingredients to make their sandwich the way they want it. Above, a picture of the fast-food chain's signature Big Mac . 'The problem for chains like McDonald’s is that with this generation, the Millennials in particular, the standard of expectations has risen,' John Gordon, owner of Pacific Management Consulting Group, told U-T San Diego. 'The standards that were OK for our parents, aren’t necessarily OK for us.' The ordering system still has a few kinks it has to work out, like the fact that customers who want to also order off the main menu must submit their order at the counter, instead of just using the Build Your Burger tablet. At the restaurants currently offering the DIY burger option, employees stand at the front of the store explaining the tablet ordering system. All burgers are made with patties used for the Quarter Pounder sandwich, and are freshly grilled for every custom order. Customers then have a choice of buttered and toasted  bun (artisan or brioche), cheese (American, sharp white cheddar, pepper jack), and an assortment of other mix-and match toppings like guacamole, grilled mushrooms, pickled jalapenos and garlic aioili. Can I have your order please? Above,  Build Your Burger ordering systems seen above in one southern California McDonald's restaurant . Touch start: Customers start the Build Your Burger ordering process by using a tablet, as seen above . Beef: All of the Build Your Burgers are made with the same beef pattie used in the Quarter Pounder sandwich . Bun: Customers have a choice between an artisan bun and a brioche bun. Both are buttered and toasted to order . Cheese: Instead of plain American, which McDonald's uses on its other cheeseburgers, customers can opt out for sharp white cheddar or natural pepper jack . Extras: Other toppings include guacamole, grilled mushroom and tortilla strips . Spreads: Spicy mayo, creamy garlic sauce, ketchup, regular mayo, mustard and special sauce are among the choices of spreads . Smoky: Bacon is the only addition that costs extra in the Build Your Burger process . The only topping that costs extra is bacon, which adds 80 cents to the order. The total cost of these burgers average around $5.49. When the burger is prepared, employees deliver it to the customer's table in a metal basket instead of handing it out on a plastic tray at the counter. And when the customer is finished eating, an employee comes out again to bus the able and to ask about the experience. The new ordering program appears to be an attempt to address dropping sales at the fast-food chain. Experts say McDonald's is trying out the program to compete with fast-casual restaurants like Chipotle, which give customers more options on their orders. Above, a line at Chipotle shows how customers choose their burrito toppings . This month, McDonald's posted its worst same-stores sales decline since 2003, and sales at stores open at least 13 months dragged 3.7 per cent in August. The slow sales may be due in part to the young Millennial generation's preference for fast casual restaurants. The percentage of customers aged 19 to 21 has fallen each month by 12.9 per cent since the beginning of 2011, and has remained flat for the 22 to 27 age group. 'McDonald's sales are declining, so they're looking for another way to generate revenues and reach a different crowd,' Joel Cohen, president of the Cohen Restaurant Marketing Group, told the Chicago Tribune.

The fast-food chain started testing the program at two Orange County, California restaurants last year and recently expanded to two more . Customers order from a tablet and choose from 22 different toppings like guacamole, tortilla chips and garlic aioli . Experts say McDonald's is trying out the program to compete with fast-casual restaurants like Chipotle, which are popular with younger people .

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With their near-death experiences and tumultuous love lives - plus the odd major disaster - soap characters seem to have nine lives. But even when they are killed off, it’s rarely the last we’ll see of the actors who play them. When soap stars announce they’re quitting the show for bigger things, it’s not Hollywood that’s beckoning, but Holby City or EastEnders. As ex-Emmerdale actress Claire King joins Coronation Street, we chart the fortunes of those stars who can’t make a clean break from soap... Claire King joined Emmerdale in 1989 as super bitch Kim Tate (right). She quit after ten years, and from 2005 she was in Hollyoaks, in which she played no less than three roles. This month Claire, 51, will become a Corrie regular as barmaid Erika . Ross Kemp was famed as EastEnders hard man Grant Mitchell (left with Martine McCutcheon). He quit in 1999 and returned twice before making documentaries about real gangs. Kemp played an Army deserter in Emmerdale in 1986 (right) Back in 1983, Beverley Callard briefly played Angie Richards, a chip shop cashier in Emmerdale with a big mouth and bigger hair (right). Since 1989 she’s been in and out of Corrie as landlady Liz McDonald, famous for her plunging necklines (left) From 1992-96, Denise Black played Corrie’s siren hairdresser Denise Osbourne (pictured right), with a comeback in 2007. Last year, she crossed the Pennines and arrived in Emmerdale as Joanie Wright (left), the adoptive gran of Adam Wyatt’s son, Kyle . It’s hard to imagine June Brown as anyone other than Dot Cotton (pictured left), the chain-smoking launderette lady in EastEnders — a part she has played for 30 years. But in 1970, she was briefly in Coronation Street (right) with Ena Sharples . In EastEnders, Michelle Collins was Cindy, Ian Beale’s cheating wife (right) from 1998 until she was killed off in jail ten years later. In 2011, she joined Corrie as Stella Price (pictured left with screen husband John Michie), quitting this year . As put-upon housewife Sheila Grant, Sue Johnston made her name in gritty Liverpudlian soap Brookside between 1982 and 1989 (centre). In September 2012 she joined the Street, playing randy granny Gloria Price for 18 months (left), although she’d already appeared in the soap three times in 1982 (right) Long before she started cutting hair in Weatherfield, Sue Nicholls played Marilyn Gates, a waitress in Crossroads, in the mid-Sixties (left). Since 1985 she’s been Corrie regular Audrey Roberts (pictured right with Bryan Mosley as Alf Roberts) After 25 years as the Street’s brassy barmaid Bet Lynch (pictured right), Julie Goodyear’s departure in 1995 was big news, though she revisited the role several times. She later appeared in Hollyoaks as Mrs Temple — a brassy B&B owner (left) For 15 years, Gillian Taylforth was Kathy Beale in EastEnders (pictured right with Steve McFadden) before quitting in 2000. In 2013, Gillian joined Hollyoaks as Sandy Roscoe (left), mum to six ne’er-do-well, murdering sons. She left this year . In 1993, Sherrie Hewson became Maureen Naylor, the scatty shop assistant in Corrie — axed four years later, only to return in 2006 (pictured right). In 2001, she was Virginia Raven, a receptionist in the revival of Crossroads (centre). She went to Emmerdale in 2004 (left), playing Lesley Meredith for two years .

Former Emmerdale actress Claire King is all set to join Coronation Street . She is one of many actors and actresses to jump between soap roles . We chart the fortunes of those who have struggled to quit the small screen .

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Police are hunting for Huw Norfolk, 27, an anarchist known as Badger, who they want to question over an arson attack on a phone mast and vandalism on newspaper offices . A middle-class anarchist suspected of causing criminal damage worth around £300,000 has had a £10,000 bounty placed on his head. Huw Norfolk, the son of a poet and a nuclear energy adviser, has been on the run for three years. Known as Badger, the heavily tattooed 27-year-old has links to anarchist communities across southern England, Europe and South America. Unable to track him down, police have taken the ‘quite unique’ step for a crime of this nature by offering a financial reward of £10,000 for information as to his whereabouts. Meanwhile, his parents have been left to deal with the humiliation of a manhunt for their son and have been questioned by police at the £700,000 family home in Cheltenham. His father, Dr David Norfolk, 64, is a Cambridge-educated company director who specialises in nuclear energy. His company, Norfolk Garrett Consultancy, advises nuclear operators on environmental regulations. His mother, Gill Garrett, 65, is a poet, writer and former lecturer. The couple have told Avon and Somerset Police they have ‘no clue as to his whereabouts’ and have had no contact with their son for some time. The Norfolks also have a 29-year-old daughter who is a volunteer officer in the health and social care sector and an accomplished archer. She attended Pate’s Grammar School in Cheltenham, one of the UK’s leading state schools. Their son is suspected of setting fire to a communications mast in Bath which caused about £300,000 worth of damage and knocked out the power to thousands of homes. He is also accused of causing criminal damage to the Bristol Post newspaper office during the August 2011 riots. Officers are investigating more than 100 incidents that have resulted in a combined £20million worth of damage and say they cannot rule out his links to these other attacks. Police first appealed locally for information on Norfolk’s whereabouts in 2011 but it yielded no results. His last known address was in Bristol city centre but police said he had could have fled the country by now. A letter attributed to him and posted online in November 2011 said: ‘My decision is not to comply with my judicial persecution.’ With little to go on officers decided to put the £10,000 bounty on his head. Detective Chief Inspector Andy Bevan, who is leading the investigation, said: ‘Norfolk is wanted in connection with these two serious crimes and we’re asking the public to help us to find him. The arson attack at Bathampton mast on January 3, 2013, caused damage worth several hundred thousand pounds and affected TV, radio and mobile phone signals to thousands of homes and businesses, including sole and small-scale traders and independent businesses that rely on their telephones to work and trade. Police from the Avon and Somerset force (pictured) believe Norfolk has connections to anarchist groups responsible for 60 fires around Bath, and other groups in Pembrokshire, Bristol, and London . ‘It robbed many people of their only lifeline in the event of an emergency and put the lives of thousands of innocent adults and children at risk.’ He said the incident at the Bristol Post building, which saw windows smashed and paint thrown at it, caused thousands of pounds worth of ‘mindless criminal damage’. ‘Both incidents caused huge disruption to the lives of innocent people and we’re taking them extremely seriously,’ DCI Bevan added. Norfolk is white, of a slight build and around 5ft 9in. He has green eyes and sometimes wears spectacles. The anarchist is known to regularly change his appearance and give false details, including the name of Geoffrey or Howard. Sorry we are not currently accepting comments on this article.

Officers appeal for information on Huw Norfolk, 27, known as 'Badger' Will be questioned over phone mast fire set in protest at Brazil World Cup . Also want to speak to him about vandalism at offices of Bristol Post . £10,000 offered for information but police admit he may have fled abroad .

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Taxpayers paid more than £3,000 for every badger killed in last year’s cull. Official figures revealed the final cost to the public purse of the cull was £6.3 million - with some 1,879 badgers killed. The Department for Environment, Food and Rural affairs revealed the figures last night. Official figures reveal the final cost to the public of the cull was £6.3 million - with 1,879 badgers killed . The Government could have faced estimated costs of £100 million a year if the cull, designed to protect farms from the spread of tuberculosis among cattle, had not taken place. A spokesman for the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs said the price of the cull was due to rigorous safety rules and the humane methods used by its marksmen. Overall, the programme was said to have cost £6,294,000 to kill 955 badgers in Somerset and 924 in Gloucestershire – meaning it cost around £3,350 per badger. Around £2.6 million was spent monitoring ‘humaneness’ and £2.3 million on ‘efficiency’. Brian May, the Queen guitarist,  joined a rally against the badger cull when it was first proposed in 2012 - the Badger Trust lost its Court of Appeal challenge to government proposals to kill wild badgers in England . A test cull began last year in the West of England, and was later extended when marksmen missed their targets. The Government has already approved a second cull for this year. However, Labour told the Daily Telegraph that last year’s attempt to reduce the spread of TB had come at a ‘huge cost to the taxpayer’ with little effect. A Defra spokesman said: 'England has the highest incidence of bovine TB in Europe. The cost of the badger culls need to be seen in the context of the devastating scale of the threat bovine TB poses to our farming industry and food security - £500million over the last decade. Doing nothing is not an option. 'We are pursuing a comprehensive strategy, including tighter cattle movement controls, badger vaccination and culling. 'Many of the costs associated with the pilot culls last year were one-offs and have not been repeated this year.'

Official DEFRA figures revealed 1,879 badgers were killed in the cull . The farming industry could have faced estimated costs of £100 million a year if the cull, to protect farms from spread of TB, had not taken place . Price of cull due to rigorous safety rules and marksmen's humane methods .

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A 'feisty' giant rhea burst past its owner and went running down a busy main road causing bemusement, just six weeks after another of a massive birds escaped. Locals in Warminster Town, Wiltshire, took photographs of the bird as it fled having avoided the attempts of several women who tried to keep it under control. Police spent three hours chasing the flightless bird before it was cornered allowing the owner to safely collect it. The giant rhea, pictured, escaped from its owner yesterday evening and ran down the street in Warminster . Local resident Andy Taylor spotted the rhea, pictured, running past his car as he was stuck in rush-hour traffic yesterday afternoon . Police officers spent three hours trying to capture massive bird after it escaped yesterday afternoon bringing traffic in Warminster to a standstill . Eyewitness Adam Taylor, 29 said: 'To be honest I didn't see it at first. I was wondering why the car in front had suddenly stopped. 'Then I saw what I thought was an albino ostrich and a women trying to shepherd it back towards her house. 'I thought, "well that's something you don't see everyday". 'The owner managed to grab it but it shed a few feathers escaping her grasp, and then ran off stopped and turned by my car. 'I thought about getting out and helping but wasn't sure how safe a choice that was, as I was unsure if it was dangerous or not. 'I've seen ostriches before at Longleat and assumed this was the same.' The . bird's owner, who did not want give his name, said: 'It's a male bird . and unfortunately he has taken a dislike to me so when I went to get the . post yesterday afternoon he just burst at me. 'He made a dash for it through the open gate and that was it. Unfortunately this time of year males can be really feisty and that's what happened. 'It . wouldn't ever hurt anyone else, they are lovely creatures, my . 10-year-old can play with them just fine, it's just me he doesn't like. He made a run for it down the road and we had to wait for the police to corner it and bring it back.' He added: . 'I used to own lots of Rhea, I had them on my farm, they are lovely . birds. I'm in the process of selling off the house so I'm selling off . the birds too, this was my last one. 'They are a South American bird and they keep them rather than sheep, they really are lovely.' Police officers spent three hours chasing the bird. An earlier escaped rhea in Hertfordshire, pictured, was shot dead and turned into sausages . Baffled residents could not believe their eyes when they spotted an exotic bird - running riot in a quiet town centre. Police . called nearby Longleat Safari Park thinking that the Rhea may have . escaped from the estate, but they said all animals were accounted for. Rita the Rhea, escaped from a small holding owned by Jo Clark in Starling's Green in Essex in mid-March. The giant bird was running wild for more than a month when it was eventually shot in the head by gamekeeper Stuart Howe. Mr Howe said he saw the bird 70 yards away in a rape seed field near Royston, Hertfordshire. After shooting Rita, Mr Howe said he was going to turn her into gourmet sausages. The giant white flightless bird was eventually cornered in a back garden in Warminster, where its owner came to pick it up. Sergeant Jim Suter, Sector Sergeant for Trowbridge and Bradford-on-Avon, informed followers of the strange chase on Twitter. 'Police responding to report of Ostrich running through #Warminster High Street,' he tweeted. 'The Ostrich turned out to be a Rea located rear of #Warminster hospital and returned to owner.' Local Kate Preece wrote on Twitter: 'It was BIG, long neck & legs carrying it at break neck speed down the road! I was scared it would be killed!' Jamie . Wilkins said: 'I'm a little concerned. My wife is out with friends . tonight and there's reports of an ostrich running through Warminster.' He later added: 'The people of Warminster can relax. It wasn't an ostrich it was a rhea. It was cornered behind the hospital.'Grace . Dickins wrote: 'Just seen picture evidence that there is indeed a loose . emu or rhea running around Warminster High Street.' Fully-grown rheas can weigh up to 80lb, exceed 6ft in height and run as fast as 40mph. The spur on their heel is as big as their claws and they can kick with a force of 800lb per square inch.

Police in Warminster spent three hours chasing the giant flightless bird . The owner said male rheas 'this time of year can be really feisty' The owner explained 'unfortunately he has taken a dislike to me' The last giant rhea to escape had to be shot and was turned into sausages .

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The quest for a device that will allow humans to soar like birds has led to some strange contraptions over the years. But this one could outdo even the most bizarre designs – and you don’t even have to take off from the ground to use it. The Birdly machine lets you flap your way through the air in a similar way to the red kite that it’s modelled after. Scroll down for video... Developed by the Zurich University of the Arts, a motor translates hand movements from a simulator into the flapping of virtual avian wings. Meanwhile, an Oculus Rift VR headset provides a stomach-churning bird-eye-view of the flight. If that wasn’t enough, the system also replicates the headwinds that a red kite would face using a fan. Could this take off? The Birdly machine lets you flap your way through the air in a similar way to the red kite that it's modelled after . Birds-eye-view: Developed by the Zurich University of the Arts, a motor translate hand movements from simulator into the flapping of virtual avian wings . Users will even smell whatever landscape they’re flying over. ‘Soundwise you perceive only the roaring of the wind and the flaps of the wings,’ the designers write on their website. ‘The olfactoric feedback is based on the location which the bird flies over in the scenery and ranges from the scent of a forest, soil, to several other odours of the wilderness.’ The designers claim that Birdly still needs some changes to avoid making the user feel sick. However, the machine is primarily an art installation and there are no plans to commercialise it. The device is the latest in a range of concepts designed to make use of the ultra-realistic Oculus Rift headset. Don't look down: An Oculus Rift VR headset provides a stomach=churning bird-eye-view of the flight . For instance, the Norwegian Army is trialling a system that uses the Oculus Rift headset to drive armoured vehicles without soldiers having to stick their heads above the hatch. Cameras mounted around the vehicle film its surroundings and this footage is fed to the driver through the headset, creating the illusion that the tank is ‘transparent. Another project is used the Oculus Rift headset to let you can experience all the loops, jumps and speed of Sonic the hedgehog in first-person. The Norwegian Army is trialling a system that uses the Oculus Rift headset to drive armoured vehicles, pictured. Soldiers can wear the headset, and use it drive the tank, above or below the hatch and it has been designed to protect them from gunfire and remove driving blindspots . Facebook's . virtual world was given the go ahead earlier this year when their $2bn . (£1.2bn) deal to buy VR headset firm Oculus was approved. Oculus was founded by 21-year-old college dropout Palmer Luckey. The firm is developing the leading VR headset - with a developer version on sale for $350 (£210) It . will first be used for immersive games, but Facebook CEO Mark . Zuckerberg promised the headset will 'change the way we work, play and . communicate.' But virtual worlds could include advertising admitted Zuckerberg . The . purchase of Oculus put Facebook in a battle with Sony, who have already . unveiled their own version of a VR headset, destined for the PS4 next . year. Meanwhile, Swedish broadband provider Ume.net recently unveiled its intriguing experiment. They programmed the headset to experience internet lag in real life, to give users an idea of what it would be like to live in a world where things buffer like an online video. The experiment is called 'Living with lag' and sees four volunteers going through activities while using an Oculus Rift together with a Rasperry Pi, webcam and noise-cancelling headphones. Together, this combination can simulate different levels of lag, from a brief 0.33 seconds to a more frustrating three seconds. The results are rather hilariously shown in their video, which includes the volunteers struggling to dance and play table tennis.

Motor translates movements from simulator into flapping of virtual wings . Oculus Rift virtual reality headset provides a bird-eye-view of the flight . System also replicates the headwinds that a bird would face using a fan . Users will even smell whatever landscape they’re flying over .

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A Houston mother has been charged with neglect after her nine-year-old daughter's body was discovered stuffed inside a refrigerator six months ago. Amber Keyes is being held Wednesday on a charge of injury to a child-serious bodily injury. The 35-year-old Keyes hasn't been charged with killing her daughter, Ayahna Comb, but Houston police say the neglect charge is linked to her death. Ayahna weighed 14 pounds when some children looking for food found her body in Keyes' refrigerator in June. Charged: Houston mom Amber Keyes, 33 (left), has been charged over the death of her nine-year-old daughter Ayahna (right), whose body was found in the crisper of a fridge in June weighing just 14 pounds . Tragic: The body of Ayahna (center) was found wrapped in a blanket inside the fridge of mother Amber Keyes' (right) apartment. Ayahna, who has a younger sister (left), had been there almost five months, it's believed . A neighbor called police to the Happy Home apartments in the 10100 block of Club Creek. At the time paramedics determined the little girl had been dead at least a month. An autopsy determined Ayahna, who had cerebral palsy, died of malnutrition and dehydration. Keyes says she found Ayahna unresponsive on January 29 but couldn't revive her, so she wrapped the girl in a blanket and stashed her in the fridge. If the account is accurate, the child would have been in the fridge for over four months. Ayahna could not talk, was confined to a wheelchair and had to be bottle-fed. An attorney for Keyes didn't immediately comment. Bond was set at $50,000. Scene: The dead girl was found in the refrigerator of a home at The Happy Home Apartments (pictured) in Houston, Texas in June. Investigators believe that she had been there for five months . Neglect: Amber Keyes - seen here in an earlier picture - is being held in the Harris County Jail on $50,000 bond . Keyes also has a criminal record. She was arrested for possession of a controlled substance in 1998 and spent over 12 months in prison as a result. She then spent 30 days in jail for a criminal trespass charge in 2000. Keyes previously lost custody of another child more than a decade ago. USA Today reported that Child Protective Services removed an 18-month-old that suffered physical abuse in 2002. The child was placed in foster care. Keyes went on to have another two other children, both daughters, one of which was Ayahna. The father of the two older girls, Armand Comb, broke down in tears after learning of Ayahna's death earlier this year. Comb said he last saw his daughter about two months before her body was discovered and that she appeared to be in good health. Tears: The girl's father Armand Comb said that he had no idea his daughter was dead and claimed to have seen her two months before her body was found in June . 'Last time I saw her, she was looking good. It looked like she was gaining weight. Her cheeks were kind of fat. I would never, never suspect that,' he told KHOU in June. Comb said he spoke to his ex-girlfriend on the day his daughter was discovered and that Keyes 'was talking like she was there with them'. 'I just want to know what happened man, why? I was right here I would've helped. I would've done anything.'

The body of Ayahna Comb, 9, was found wrapped in a blanket inside the crisper of the fridge in her mother's Houston apartment in June . The girl weighed 14 pounds and had been there five months, it's believed . Cause of death was malnutrition and dehydration . Mom Amber Keyes, 33, was charged with neglect in connection with the death on Wednesday . She told police she found Ayahna dead on January 29 . Keyes said she didn't know what to do and so put the body in the fridge . Ayahna suffered from cerebral palsy and was confined to a wheelchair .

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New figures reveal 22.5 per cent of children are obese or overweight, with the highest rates found in Hackney, east London (picture posed by model) One in ten children are obese when they start school at the age of four or five, figures show. This rises to one in five by the final year of primary school when they are ten or 11. But rates vary across England and are generally much higher in the most deprived areas. Hackney in East London, for example, has the highest level of obesity, with 14.4 per cent of reception age children – one in seven – and 26.1 per cent of those in Year 6 affected. The Government had been hoping rates were starting to stabilise or fall, but this year they are back up. Figures from the Health and Social Care Information Centre show that 22.5 per cent of reception age children are obese or overweight, up from 22.2 per cent last year. For children in Year 6, aged ten or 11, the rate is 33.5 per cent, compared with 33.3 per cent last year. With the figures released a week earlier than usual, campaigners accused the Government of trying to bury bad news on the day of the Autumn Statement. The HSCIC denied this, saying the data had been ready sooner and pointing out that the Department of Health had no influence on the publication date. Tam Fry, of the National Obesity Forum, said: ‘It’s very sad – we’re just letting our children get fatter and fatter. ‘It’s going to be another full year before we have any kind of strategy from the Government. ‘It’s tragic. The Government are trying to bury bad news.’ Dr Colin Michie, of the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health, said: ‘What is startling is the gulf between health outcomes for rich and poor, the fact that childhood obesity is continuing to rise and children are getting fatter younger.’ Eustace de Sousa, of Public Health England, said: ‘It is deeply concerning that there is an actual doubling of child obesity rates from reception to the end of primary school, and that children from low-income households are significantly more likely to be overweight or obese.’ Obesity levels in children had remained stable over the past few years and last year they appeared to be falling. This year’s rise has prompted concern that government strategies are not working. These include the ‘Responsibility Deal’, under which food and drinks manufacturers set their own targets for cutting sugar and fat, and the Change4Life campaign. The figures are based on data from 1.1million children who took part in the National Child Measurement Programme. The lowest levels of obesity are in Windsor and Maidenhead, Berkshire, affecting just 5.5 per cent of reception children and 16.2 per cent of those in Year 6. Public health minister Jane Ellison said: ‘Childhood obesity rates have remained stable since 2010 but, as these new statistics show, we know there is more to be done. The whole nation needs to understand the problems obesity can cause.’ Three times as many children have tried e-cigarettes as have smoked tobacco, figures show. A study of 1,601 pupils aged ten and 11 in Wales found that 6 per cent had sampled the devices compared to 2 per cent who had smoked cigarettes. A study of more than 1,000 children found six per cent had tried e-cigarettes compared with two per cent who had smoked cigarettes. Furthermore those who tried the devices said they were more likely to smoke tobacco prompting experts to warn they are 'luring' children to smoking . Those who had tried e-cigs were seven times more likely to take up smoking within the next two years. The findings have added to fears that e-cigs are luring children to more harmful tobacco. Campaigners called for a ‘watchful eye’ on their use. Some 14 per cent of those who’d tried e-cigs said they might start compared to just two per cent of children who’d never tried. The battery-operated devices resemble pens or cigarettes and they contain a liquid form of nicotine that give users the same rush as smoking. Mark Drakeford, health minister for Wales said: ‘These latest findings shine further light on the potential impact of e-cigarettes on our children and young people. ‘I am concerned the use of e-cigarettes may act as a gateway to and re-normalise smoking, especially for a generation who have grown up in a largely smoke-free society.'

Rates across England vary but Hackney in east London has highest level . Government had been hoping figures would fall but problem now worse . Campaigners say Downing St buried news on day of Autumn Statement . Obesity Forum said ‘it’s sad we’re letting our children get fatter and fatter'

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The mourning widow of Eric Garner spoke out Wednesday night following a grand jury's decision not to indict Daniel Pantaleo for killing her husband with a chokehold and said she does not accept the officer's apology. 'Hell no,' Esaw Garner, 46, told a reporter who asked her if she accepted the 29-year-old cop's condolences. 'The time for remorse was when my husband was yelling to breathe…when he was screaming 11 times that he can’t breathe.' The widow's angry reaction came out at the tail end of a press conference held for her and Garner's mother Gwen Carr alongside Reverend Al Sharpton. 'H*** no I don't accept his apologies': The mourning widow of Eric Garner spoke out Wednesday night following a grand jury's decision not to indict Daniel Pantaleo for killing her husband with a chokehold and said she does not accept the officer's apology . Emotional night: Esaw Garner, widow of Eric Garner (left) cries as activist Reverend Al Sharpton speaks at a news conference at the National Action Network in the Harlem. At right, Garner's grieving daughter Emerald wipes away a tear at the event . Rev. Al Sharpton (left) President of the National Action Network, Gwen Carr (center), mother of Eric Garner, and Esaw Garner (right), his widow gave at times tearful, and at others angry, comments during a press conference held after a New York grand jury failed to indict the cop who killed Garner over the summer . 'He’s still working, he’s still collecting a paycheck, feeding his kids,' Garner said of Pantaleo as Sharpton told reporters that would be the first and only question of the evening. Pantaleo said in an earlier statement, 'It is never my intention to harm anyone and I feel very bad about the death of Mr. Garner...I hope that they will accept my personal condolences for their loss.' Pantaleo had been stripped of his gun and badge and will remain on desk duty pending an internal police investigation that could result in administrative charges. Garner continued: . 'My husband is now six feet under and I’m, looking for a way to feed my kids,' she said as she asked the question, who's gonna play Santa Claus for their kids this year? It was an emotional punctuation to an otherwise straightforward press event. Al Sharpton introduced Garner and her mother-in-law after calling for peaceful protests and condemning looters who've taken advantage of the situation in Ferguson. Reverend Al Sharpton addresses reporters at the press event. The decision in Eric Garner's case has further fueled flames of unrest in communities who feel police racial bias is a rampant problem in America, where they say the legal system is tipped in police favor . Garner's mother Gwen Carr addresses reporters and expressed her shock over the decision. 'I don’t know what video they were looking at,' she said. 'It wasn’t the same one the rest of the world was looking at' 'There are some that take advantage of protests, they are not the protesters' he said, before clarifying his and his allies' stance on police. 'We are not against all police, but those who break the law should pay and be held accountable.' Garner spoke after Sharpton and assured her supporters, many of them as furious as she over the grand jury's decision, that the fight would go on. 'This fight ain’t over, its just begun,' she said, before emotions took over. 'He should be here celebrating Thanksgiving and Christmas with his children...He’s not here because a cop did wrong. 'As long as I have a breath in my body,' she said, 'I will fight.' Garner's bereaved mother then addressed the reporters and expressed her extreme disappointment with the decision. 'I don’t know what video they were looking at,' she said. 'It wasn’t the same one the rest of the world was looking at.' Like Sharpton, Carr ended her comments with a call for peace in all the protests nationwide. 'No Christmas': Garner, a father of six, won't be around to play Santa for them this year, a thought that had his wife in tears at Wednesday's press event . 'Never my intention': The police officer who a New York grand jury chose not to indict in the death of Eric Garner (left) has spoken out to reveal the pain he feels in the wake of the 43-year-old father of six's death. At right, the aftermath of Pantaleo's chokehold . No charges: Officer Pantaleo (center, wearing green) will not be indicted for the death of Eric Garner in July .

Esaw Garner, 46, spoke out at a press conference in New York alongside Garner's mother Gwen Carr and Rev. Al Sharpton on Wednesday evening . All three vowed to continue the fight despite a grand jury decision not to indict the officer, 29-year-old Daniel Pantaleo . Pantaleo was reportedly 'distraught' just after Garner's death and extended his condolences to Garner's family following the jury's decision .

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After being selected by the St. Louis Rams in the 2014 NFL Draft, then waived from their practice squad, Michael Sam's professional football future seemed somewhat bleak. That all changed in September however when the Dallas Cowboys added him to their practice squad, though they too waived him in late October making him a free agent. Now, Sam is wondering why he keeps getting cut because he says he has the talent to play professional football. Scroll down for video . Cut: Michael Sam (above) the first openly gay NFL player, was recently asked about being cut from the St. Louis Rams and Dallas Cowboys and why he was not on any NFL team's roster . So in love: Sam has been very public about his relationship with boyfriend Vito Cammisano . When asked by TMZ why he thought he was not on the roster of an NFL team, Sam said; 'I think I was the SEC Defensive Player of the Year last year ... so I don't think it had to do with talent.' And while they took that to mean Sam was saying he was cut because he was gay, he quickly clarified his statement on Twitter. 'Despite what headlines you may read, I’ve never said and have never believed that I am being kept out of the league,' wrote Sam. 'I know I have talent to play in the NFL and I look forward to getting an opportunity once again to prove that I can help a team win.' Clearing the air: Sam later clarified his statement to TMZ on Twitter . Reaffirming: He repeated that he knew he had the talent, but has never believed his sexuality is why he was cut or not playing . Superstar: Sam was named one of GQ's Men of the Year . Football or not, Sam's career has been taking off since he graduated from University of Missouri, with the  24-year-old becoming perhaps the most famous openly gay professional athlete, becoming so big he even graced the cover of GQ as they named him one of their Men of the Year. And if the NFL doesn't work out he does have a big fan in Mötley Crüe front man Vince Neil, who has been very vocal about wanting him for he new Las Vegas Arena Football League team.

Michael Sam, the first openly gay player in the NFL, was dropped from the St. Louis Rams and the Dallas Cowboys this season . In an interview with TMZ he said he had the talent to play in the NFL, which is an implication that he believed he was cut for being gay . Sam later cleared up the confusion, saying he does not think his sexuality has anything to do with why he was cut .

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Leaping from high cliffs into dangerous, crocodile-infested waters - these are the moments a herd of gnus put their lives at risk as they migrate in search of food. Many of the animals, also known as wildebeest, do not make it out alive as they take the treacherous leap of faith down the sheer ridge . The stunning shots were taken in the Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya by French photography duo Laurent Renaud and Dominique Haution. Leap of faith: The gnus jump from the high, sheer cliff face into crocodile-infested waters as they migrate in search of food and drinking water . Treacherous times: One gnu plunges head-first into the muddy river (left) while another slips and gets stuck down a crack in the cliff (right) All creatures great and small: A herd of zebras joins the gnus, also known as wildebeest, as they make a slightly easier crossing through a river . Sure-footed: The gnus have to be extremely careful as they descend the steep cliff face that they do not land badly and kill or injure themselves . I believe I can fly: A brave gnu soars from the edge of the rocks and into the water below, before trying to swim across to safety . Pack mentality: The gnus travel in herds, as this makes it easier from them to overcome obstacles together and to protect the young and weak . 'The gnus need to make the dangerous trip down the cliff and across the river, so they don't run out of food when the winter months come,' Mr Renaud said. 'The gnus throw themselves off the ridge and some get stuck into the ridges of the cliffs, which is jaw-dropping to watch.' The animals' migration starts at the end of the East African rainy season, as they go off in search of drinking water and food, and they come back months later when the rain also returns. Stunning: The incredible photographs were captured by French duo Laurent Renaud and Dominique Haution in the Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya . What goes down must come up: The herd of gnus make their way up the bank after crossing the river (left) while one makes a huge leap down the cliff (right) Making a splash: One of the migrating beats has a very sloppy landing as it slips from the cliff face and falls backwards into the river . Far more graceful: Another gnu looks far more comfortable as it leaps elegantly into the waters below to join its companions . You're next: A group of gnus, including some young, stand at the edge of the cliff and wait their turns to undertake the terrifying ordeal . To tackle the obstacles that are presented to them, they travel in large herds, learning from and protecting each other. They protect the smaller, weaker members of the group from predators by keeping them in the middle of the herd, and having the strongest animals on the outsides. Mr Renaud and Ms Haution have been taking pictures together for over 20 years and they come to the Kenyan reserve every year to try and capture the incredible shots. Ms Haution said: 'We know when the gnus are going to migrate so we set our cameras up and just wait to see what happens. 'It is always so exciting and an incredible experience. I can't wait to go back and watch it next year.'

Gnus, also known as wildebeest, are migratory, and have to cross treacherous river to find food and drinking water . Shots taken by French photographers Laurent Renaud and Dominique Haution in Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya .

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Given that this thing is the height of a man, can disembowel a human with one thwack of its three-pronged claw and weighs up to 90lb, the locals seem remarkably relaxed that it is on the loose. In fact, as the hunt for the runaway rhea of Essex gathers momentum, they all seem to be treating the whole thing as a bit of a laugh. And last night, the jokes took a turn for the worse. Because the Daily Mail has now tracked down this giant flightless bird – a 45mph ostrich-cum-emu usually found on South American pampas – to a golf course outside Nuthampstead, Hertfordshire. Scroll down for video . Latest sighting: Charmaine Lake captured this image of the missing rhea bird which can run at speeds of up to 40mph at Barkway Park Golf Club, near Nuthampstead, Hertfordshire . Tracked down: Despite the missing rhea bird being capable of killing a man with a single whack of its claw, locals at the Barkway Park Golf Club, near Nuthampstead, pictured, don't seem concerned . And by close of play yesterday evening, the ‘birdie’ gags were becoming unbearable in the 19th hole at Barkway Park Golf Club. Mind you, they might not be chortling quite so happily the next time they’re poking around in the rough for a missing ball … . For even if we have now narrowed down the chase, no one seems to think there is much chance of trapping this monster feather duster in the near future. It is nearly four weeks since the six-year-old female rhea went on the run from Jo Clark’s smallholding in Brent Pelham on the Essex/Hertfordshire border. Jo has kept rheas for many years – among her horses, sheep, geese, ducks and cats – in order to keep down the weeds on her 11 acres. No one is entirely sure why the bird escaped, although Jo thinks it may have been spooked by the local hunt passing nearby. ‘I followed her for four hours with a bucket of food, but you can’t herd these creatures and so I gave up,’ says Jo, who still has three remaining rheas, all one-year-old offspring of the runaway mum. Since rheas are not remotely maternal (after laying their eggs, they leave the hatching and childcare to the males), it is unlikely that this one will be feeling any pangs of remorse. Certainly, as I drop in on the abandoned trio, they all seem perfectly happy. In recent days, however, there have been sporadic sightings of Mum across a five-mile radius hereabouts. Spotted: A cyclist took this picture of the fugitive South American rhea - which stands at around six-foot tall - in countryside north east of Stevenage in Hertfordshire at the weekend . On the hunt: The Daily Mail's Robert Hardman goes in search of the missing rhea bird in the rape seed fields of Astey, Hertfordshire . On Sunday, civil engineer Tim Bradshaw managed to take a charming shot of the animal in a field of rapeseed just outside the village of Anstey. Since then, a media circus has descended, armed with lurid warnings about the  damage these birds can inflict when cornered. As I rapidly discover, though, we’re not exactly talking Beast of Bodmin, let alone Jaws. ‘We’re all looking out for it now,’ says Tim’s wife, Madeleine, a piano teacher. ‘It’s funny because my husband’s always been a keen photographer and so has his father. ‘His dad once had a picture published in the Bath Chronicle. Now, Tim’s gone one better with a picture in the national papers and we’ve even had Have I Got News For You on the phone!’ Son Harry, ten, is determined to go one better and has been out trying to capture some video footage. Is he a little scared? After all, the RSPCA and the cops are warning people not to approach the bird, even though Jo Clark’s young brood wouldn’t say boo to one of her geese. He said: 'You can see the bird . standing in a couple of the shots, in the others it was grubbing around . in the rape field for food, or perhaps it was trying to bury its head in . the sand. 'It was about six feet high with its head up.' Big bird: The runaway rhea was also photographed near Brent Pelham on Thursday by cyclist Ray Murdoch . Mr Murdoch took these two pictures with his mobile phone after the bird trotted off into a field of rape seed oil . ‘I’m not worried,’ says Harry. ‘It’s good fun.’ The locals have already named the bird Chris – after the singer, Chris Rea – despite the fact that this rhea is a she. There is no great desire to see her returned to captivity. In fact, everyone seems to wish ‘Chris’ the best of luck. ‘I hope people just leave it alone. It’ll be fine out there and there’s plenty for it to eat,’ says Di Pyper. As the joint master of the local hunt, the Puckeridge, Di knows this terrain better than anyone and agrees to be my guide. She first learned of the creature from her sister-in-law. ‘She’d just fallen off her horse and came home talking about seeing an ostrich. We all thought she must have concussion and told her to lie down. Then other people started saying the same.’ Today, she has heard reports of sightings five miles away, near the 12th fairway at Barkway Park Golf Club, and off we go. It’s charming countryside, narrow lanes meandering through gently undulating crop-filled fields sprinkled with thatched cottages and handsome little churches. We’re only 35 miles from London and a short drive from Stansted Airport, but it’s a tranquil spot  with plenty of hedgerows and woods to provide cover for a furtive feathered giant. Barkway Park is a delightful little . club. At the clubhouse, Anthony Smith has just finished a round. Has he . seen a grey/brown South American bird, about 5ft 8in tall? ‘So that’s . what it was,’ he says. ‘I did catch a glimpse of something running . across the 11th fairway.’ Really hard to spot: The six-foot bird has been on the run for a month. They are also incredibly hard to catch because of their fast speeds . Disappeared: The rhea escaped from a smallholding in Brent Pelham on the Essex/Hertfordshire border . The hunt closes in. I meet greenkeeper Carl Edwards. He and his colleague, Anthony Lake, have not just seen the bird a few hours earlier, they have managed to capture it on their mobile phones. ‘Anthony just said: “There’s that emu!”. It was about my height and minding its own business so we started filming,’ says Carl, showing me the result. Sure enough, there is ‘Chris’, snooping around the western edge of the course. She certainly doesn’t seem to pose a threat and just ambles off into the bushes when the two men get too close. Later on, Anthony’s wife, Charmaine, says that she spotted the bird while out with her two young children and grabbed a snap of it on her phone. It is dashing across a nicely manicured fairway as purposefully as a club captain who has just spotted a non-member wearing inappropriate trousers and teeing off in the wrong direction. ‘I couldn’t believe it when I saw it,’ she says, ‘but I’m not sure I’d want to get too close to it.’ By last night, word of our progress had spread and the media circus had started to descend on the fairways of Barkway Park. So why should a wild South American bird take a fancy to golf? Jo Clark has another theory: ‘A few years ago, I did sell a breeding pair to a man near Barkway, and this one will be looking for a mate at this time of year.’ In which case, it may not be too long before this bit of East Anglia starts to see rather more exotic flightless birds running wild and causing mayhem. I fear I can see an Essex girl joke coming already … .

Rhea escaped from home in Brent Pelham, Hertfordshire, four weeks ago . The flightless birds have six-inch claws that can deliver fatal blow . Native South American birds are increasingly popular as pets in Britain . Owner Jo Clarke says she doesn't know how to recapture it as it's so fast . Bird has now been tracked down - to a golf course in Nuthampstead .

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Shanesha Taylor, 35, denied using $114,000 in donations to buy designer clothes and finance her boyfriend's rap album . A mother who left her young sons in a hot car while she went for a job interview has denied squandering $114,000 in donations received after the story attracted public sympathy. Shanesha Taylor, 35, from Phoenix, Arizona, who is still unemployed, said she has not used the money to finance her boyfriend's rap album and buy designer clothes. The mother-of-three insisted she could not afford to put any of the money into a trust fund for her children, saying the idea was 'not realistic'. 'I am here to make sure their needs are provided for,' said Ms Taylor. 'But will I set aside a large amount of money for 16, 18 years that we need to get by today? That's not realistic.' Her trial on child abuse charges had been expected to start Wednesday, as she had previously pleaded not guilty, but a judge rescheduled it for February. Ms Taylor became an Internet sensation after her tear-stained mugshot was published following her arrest for leaving her two-year-old and six-month-old in a 100F car. She received $114,000 in donations, but missed the deadline to set aside the $60,000 for her children's trust fund, a sum which was initially agreed with prosecutors. 'Any money spent has gone to housing, clothes, car payments as well as fast-food outings and birthday parties,' said Ms Taylor. 'I'm not the type of person to go out and finance someone's rap album. 'Yes, I threw them birthday parties because they haven't had birthday parties in years,' she said. 'I took care of Thanksgiving dinner because my mother couldn't afford to take care of that.' Ms Taylor was arrested on March 20 after leaving her two young sons in her car for about 45 minutes while she interviewed for a job with a Scottsdale insurance company. Scroll down for video . Ms Taylor left her two sons - one two years old and the other six months - in her car for about 45 minutes outside an insurance company where she was being interviewed for a job . Police said the keys were in the ignition but the air conditioning was off and the fan was blowing hot air . A witness found the six-month-old crying hysterically and sweating profusely as temperatures inside the SUV exceeded 100F. Her children were taken to hospital on the day of her arrest but were not found to have suffered any injuries. They were placed with family and Taylor was eventually allowed to see them under supervision. She struck a deal with prosecutors in July that allowed her to avoid prosecution if she fulfilled a number of requirements, such as setting up the trust funds, taking parenting classes and completing a substance-abuse treatment program. A struggling New Jersey mother set up a youcaring page for Ms Taylor which raised more than $100,000 . Ms Taylor's story split public opinion between those who are supportive of a mother on food stamps trying to get ahead any way she knows how and those who believe she should never put her kids in danger . Sorry we are not currently accepting comments on this article.

Shanesha Taylor, 35, left her two young sons in a hot car during interview . Her story attracted sympathy and she received $114,000 in donations . She has been accused of buying designer clothes and financing rap album . Mother-of-three insisted she could not afford to put $60,000 in trust fund .

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Most trips on the M25 involve lorries, traffic jams and a case of high blood pressure. But motorists were left stunned when they spotted something a little different - a giraffe travelling along the middle lane of the motorway. The head of the animal could be seen poking above the tailgate of a trailer yesterday afternoon. Scroll down for video . The giraffe was spotted on the M25 in Kent, being driven in a foreign-registered vehicle . The giraffe, called Valentino, was spotted on the M25 being transferred from Paignton zoo in Devon to a new home in Port Lympne Wild Animal Park in Kent . Teacher Mark Marsh, 44, took a picture of the giraffe as it was being transferred from Paignton zoo in Devon to a new home in Port Lympne Wild Animal Park in Kent. Mr Marsh said the unusual sight of the giraffe, near Redhill in Surrey had 'brightened up' his journey. The foreign-registered vehicle was spotted carrying one of Africa's more exotic exports on the M25 in Kent. Paignton Zoo said it was a Rothschild's giraffe called Valentino, who had been born on Valentine's Day in 2012. The giraffe had to be hand reared by keepers following rejection by his mother. Paignton Zoo said it was a Rothschild's giraffe called Valentino, who had been born on Valentine's Day in 2012 . Port Lympne said his arrival signals the start of the reserve's breeding programme with these endangered animals. Animal director Adrian Harland said: 'We are delighted to welcome this lovely male giraffe to the reserve and to be accepted as part of this breeding programme. 'There are so few Rothschild giraffes in the wild that programmes like this one are essential.' Port Lympne has become part of a worldwide breeding programme designed to save the endangered species. It is estimated that fewer than 700 individuals remain in the wild. Paul Beer, head of the giraffe section, said: 'The arrival of Valentino is fantastic news. He's a good looking, healthy male and I'm hoping that the girls take a shine to him.' Visitors to the reserve will be able to see Valentino exploring his new surroundings on The African Experience - 100 acres of land, alive with African animals including black rhino, zebra, wildebeest and ostrich. A giraffe died last month while it was being transported along a busy highway in South Africa . Last month, a giraffe died after smashing its head into a low bridge while it was being transported along a busy highway in South Africa. The moments before the accident were caught on camera by horrified fellow driver, Thinus Botha, who described hearing a loud crack. Mr Botha, 32, took the photo of the two giraffes after driving next to the truck for half a mile on the N1 on the outskirts of Pretoria, South Africa's capital. He decided to pull over to capture the moment - and witnessed the gruesome accident seconds later. Some Twitter users pointed out the similarities with the film The Hangover Part III, which features lead character Alan Garner causing a 20-car pileup after accidentally decapitating a giraffe he bought.

The giraffe, called Valentino, was being transferred between Paignton zoo in Devon and Port Lympne Wild Animal Park in Kent . It was spotted in a trailer on the M25 in Kent by teacher Mark Marsh . The giraffe was hand reared by keepers following rejection by his mother .

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China has become the world’s largest source of international tourists – but it appears they are leaving London off their itineraries. New research from CityMetric Intelligence suggests that Chinese tourists are skipping the UK capital – one of the most popular destinations in the world – in favour of places such as New York, which has six times as many visitors, Los Angeles and Moscow, the most popular destination in Europe. That means London is missing out on a massive amount of business as the market for Chinese holidaymakers was worth an estimated $129bn (approximately £82bn) in 2013 – accounting for 11 per cent of the global tourism industry, according to the study. London had just 94,162 visitors from China in 2013 - ranking 22nd out of all long-haul destinations . Selfie: When factoring in Seoul and other cities that are closer to China, London ranked 33rd . It is estimated that the market could be worth $310bn (approximately £200bn) in 2018. In terms of long-haul destinations, London ranked a distant 22nd with just 94,162 visitors from China in 2013 – well behind New York, which topped the list with 646,000, even though it requires a longer flight. The second most popular long-haul destination was Los Angeles with 570,000 visitors, followed by Sydney (387,000), Moscow (376,500) and Melbourne (303,000) London also found itself behind Dubai (275,675), Venice (242,059) and Paris (226,068). The market for Chinese holidaymakers was worth an estimated $129bn (approximately £82bn) in 2013 . Overall, Seoul had the most visitors in China in 2013 at more than four million . When factoring in cities that are closer to home for Chinese holidaymakers, London ranked 33rd on the list, which was topped by Seoul with more than four million visitors from China. Bangkok was second with more than three million, followed by Singapore with more than two million. The CityMetric Intelligence report suggests that Chinese tourists are skipping London because it is more difficult to obtain a visa for the UK than neighbouring countries, and due to the fact that the UK is not a member of the Schengen zone that allows for free travel within Europe under one visa. But it says there are signs that the numbers have improved in 2014 and the UK government is taking steps to lure Chinese tourists amid calls for the visa regime to be simplified. New York was most popular long-haul destination with 646,000 visitors from China last year . Love for Russia: Moscow was the most popular European destination for Chinese tourists in 2013 . It has made it easier for them to obtain visas and in September announced plans to refund the cost of 25,000 visas for Chinese tourists visiting the UK in organised tour groups. This is in addition to an increased marketing push in the world’s most populous country. Robin Johnson, the director of the China Project at Visit Britain, told CityMetric: ‘We’ve stepped up our activity considerably in China over the past 18 months to further increase visits, not only to London, but crucially across the whole of Britain.’ He said the average Chinese visitor spends more than time and more money in Britain than in other European countries, and is more likely to travel outside the capital to other destinations in the UK.

NYC is most popular long-haul destination with 646,000 visitors from China . Moscow is the most popular European destination for Chinese tourists . Market for Chinese holidaymakers is worth an estimated £82bn worldwide . It could be worth as much as £200bn in 2018 .

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After years being subjected to torture inside the notorious Guantanamo Bay prison, Adelaide man David Hicks wants someone to pay for his medical bills, after a US military court set aside his terrorism conviction. With his name now legally cleared, Hicks doesn't care for an apology from the federal government, insisting he is too worn out and defeated but he does want help covering medical bills following years of torture inside the notorious military jail. A ruling by a US military court vacated his terrorism conviction and may have brought to an end to an almost decade-long legal saga but he received short shrift from current PM Tony Abbott and former leader John Howard. Scroll down for video . 'Defeated, worn out and no longer angry' but David Hicks wants his medical costs paid after tortured time inside Guantanamo Bay . Hicks, 39, is relieved the ordeal is over, but says he's not angry. 'It is just unfortunate that because of politics, I was subjected to five-and-a-half years of physical and psychological torture that I will now live with always,' he said. 'No, there is not anger. I think I am too defeated to have anger. I am worn out.' He won't be seeking compensation at this point but wants help with medical expenses because his time locked up in the US military jail in Cuba has led to ongoing health problems. He needs operations on his left knee, right elbow and back. 'My teeth keep getting pulled because I couldn't brush them for five and a half years,' he added. 'It is becoming an expensive exercise to fix myself from torture.' He's issued a plea to Federal Government that 'it is an expensive exercise to fix myself from torture' Prime Minister Tony Abbott makes no apology to David Hicks, saying 'he was up to no good' Earlier his father, Terry, called on the federal government to apologise to his son, but Prime Minister Tony Abbott was unsympathetic. 'He was up to no good on his own admission,' Mr Abbott told reporters in Launceston. 'I'm not in the business of apologising for the actions that Australian governments take to protect our country.' Asked if Australia had done enough to help Mr Hicks, Mr Abbott said: 'We did what was needed.' Mr Hicks said he didn't care about an apology, he just wanted to live a normal life. 'It's all over with,' he said. But former PM John Howard says David Hicks is not owed an apology by any government. 'The US verdict is about the legal process in that country,' Mr Howard, who was prime minster when Hicks was sent to Guantanamo Bay in 2002, said on Thursday. 'Nothing alters the fact that by his own admission, Hicks trained with Al Qaeda, met Osama bin Laden on several occasions - describing him as a brother. He revelled in jihad. 'He is not owed an apology by any Australian government.' Australian Greens leader Christine Milne said Mr Howard was trying to evade scrutiny. '(Mr Howard) doesn't want the scrutiny of what he did when he was prime minister in failing to stand up to the Americans, to a wrong conviction and for the rights of an Australian citizen,' she said. Opposition Leader Bill Shorten thinks the government has questions to answer about Mr Hicks' treatment. 'There is no doubt on one hand David Hicks was probably foolish to get caught up in that Afghanistan conflict, but clearly there has been an injustice done to him,' he said. Hicks says he has knee, elbow, back and teeth problems as a result of his time inside the notorious military prison but claims he was on holiday when picked up in Afghanistan . In March 2007 Mr Hicks pleaded guilty while in Guantanamo to providing material support to terrorism. This was part of a plea bargain that allowed most of his seven-year sentence to be suspended and Mr Hicks to return to Australia. In 2014, a US appeal court ruled that providing material support to terrorism was not a legally viable war crime under the jurisdiction of the Guantanamo court. Prosecutors had argued his conviction should stand because he had agreed not to appeal as part of the plea deal. But this was rejected in a unanimous decision by the US Court of Military Commission Review. Hicks' story began about 15 years ago when he left Australia and later travelled to Pakistan and on to Afghanistan, where he joined an al-Qaeda training camp. He was handed to the US and taken in 2002 to the US Navy base and military prison at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. Asked on Thursday what he was doing in Afghanistan in 2001, Hicks replied: 'Having a holiday'. He also hit out at his critics. 'I think they're supporters of torture,' he said.

'Defeated, worn out and no longer angry' but Hicks wants his medical costs paid after tortured time inside Guantanamo Bay . Issues plea to Federal Government that 'it is an expensive exercise to fix myself from torture' Hicks says he has knee, elbow, back and teeth problems . Claims he was on holiday when picked up in Afghanistan . Prime Minister Tony Abbott makes no apology, saying 'he was up to no good' Former PM John Howard went further saying Hicks 'trained with Al Qaeda and revelled in jihad'

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The Swedish government has said it will be calling for new elections next year, just two months into office. Prime Minister Stefan Lofven made the announcement after parliament rejected the left-wing minority government's budget proposal in a vote today. The Social Democrat-Green Party coalition's budget was voted down after right-wing anti-immigration party Sweden Democrats decided to back the centre-right opposition. Sweden's Prime Minister Stefan Lofven, second from right, surrounded by, from left, Minister of Education Gustav Fridolin and Deputy Prime Minister Asa Romson of the Green Party and Finance Minister Magdalena Andersson of the Social Democrats, announced that new elections will be held next year . The government will not officially announce the re-election until December 29, as the Swedish Constitution states that a government has to have been in power for at least three months before doing so. Speaking at an emergency press conference this afternoon, Lofven said he will call for new elections to be held on March 22 next year. 'I have taken responsibility, I will be taking the responsibility today,' Lofven said, adding that he blames his predecessors in government, the centre-right Alliance coalition led by Moderate Party leader Fredrik Reinfeldt, for the re-elections. 'They [The Alliance parties] are allowing the Sweden Democrats to dictate the terms of Swedish politics. 'These are irresponsible actions by five political parties that are unprecedented in Swedish history.' Attacked: The centre-right opposition, seen here (L-R) is Anna Kinberg Batra, who is a hot candidate to take over leadership of the Moderate Party,  Goran Hagglund (hidden), Christian Democrats; Annie Loof, Center Party and Jan Bjorklund, Liberals, were accused of letting the far-right 'dictate the terms of Swedish politics' 182 lawmakers voted against the budget in Parliament Wednesday, while only 153 voted in favor. The far-right Sweden Democrats emerged as power-brokers after the September election, after being voted the country's third biggest party with 13 per cent. Lofven became prime minister in October as head of a coalition with the Greens, promising to reverse many reforms by the previous center-right government. He accused the anti-immigrant party of wanting 'to knock out any government that doesn't dance to their tune.' From the start, Lofven's minority government — which has 138 seats in parliament — was expected to struggle to push its agenda through. With the support of the former Communist Left Party, which stands outside the Cabinet, it controls 159 seats. The center-right opposition, made up of four parties, has 141 seats, but the 49 extra votes expected from the Sweden Democrats would be enough to topple the ruling coalition.

Sweden to hold new elections in March next year, government announces . Left-wing coalition budget voted down in Swedish parliament today . PM attack opposition for letting right-wingers 'dictate terms of politics'

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One of the largest organized polygamy groups in Utah said this week it is investigating an allegation that its leader molested one of his daughters, who is now featured on the TLC reality TV show 'My Five Wives.' Rosemary Williams wrote in a blog posted last month that she was molested more than two decades ago by her father, Lynn A. Thompson. Ms Williams says her father fondled her when she was 12 years old. David Watson, a spokesman for the Apostolic United Brethren, or AUB, declined to answer questions about the investigation, referring repeatedly to a news release the group sent earlier this week. 'We're handling it internally,' Watson said. Speaking out: Rosemary Williams of TLC's My Five Wives wrote in a blog posted last month that she was molested more than two decades ago by her father, Lynn A. Thompson when she was 12-years-old . Investigation underway: . Rosemary Williams of My Five Wives on TLC says she was molested more than two decades ago by her father, Lynn A. Thompson (seated far left) In the news release, the group acknowledged the allegations but declined to address specifics. The group, which has an estimated 7,500 followers in Utah and across the West, said it already works with a domestic violence organization and trains it leaders to spot and report abuse. When contacted by The Associated Press last month, Thompson said the allegations were not true. He could not be reached Wednesday. State and local authorities in Utah are unaware of any formal complaints against Thompson. Her husband, Brady Williams, said on Wednesday he welcomed an investigation. However, he questioned how serious AUB leaders are given that no one has reached out yet to talk with his third wife. 'What kind of investigation is it really? Maybe they're getting their ducks in a row. Maybe it takes a little bit of time . . . but is their investigation just asking Lynn about this?' Brady Williams said. Speaking to who?: Husband Brady Williams claims that AUB hasn't even contacted his wife Rosemary Williams to ask her about the alleged assault when she was 12-years-old . The AUB is estimated to be the second-largest polygamist church in Utah, behind Warren Jeffs' Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints on the Utah-Arizona border. Unlike Jeffs' group, which has been plagued for years by allegations of abuse and child brides, the Apostolic United Brethren in northern Utah has a better reputation. Rosemary Williams told The Associated Press she did not plan to file a criminal accusation or a lawsuit against her father because she doesn't think it will do any good. She said she wanted to prevent him from abusing others, especially given his recent appointment as president of the AUB. In a second blog explaining why she came forward after so many years, she pushed back against the notion she did it for ratings for the TV show or to be in the spotlight. 'I love the family I was raised in - even with all its faults. I have been in agony over making this decision. But I made it because of my pressing conscience that it was the right thing to do,' Rosemary Williams wrote. TLC show: Rosemary Williams is one of the stars on the TLC show My Five Wives which talks about polygamy . 'My hope is that by telling my story, people will not put their total faith in a man who would do injury to others, physically, financially or emotionally.' The Williams live in a rural community outside of Salt Lake City where most people belong to the group Thompson leads. They are no longer members of the group after re-evaluating their core beliefs and withdrawing during the mid-2000s. The AUB said in its news release that it has been working to create an open dialogue with state officials because the attorney general's office stopped prosecuting plural families so long as other abuses weren't occurring. They say they are trying to foster a climate where plural families feel comfortable reporting abuses, but that it's not easy. 'The climate of secrecy and fear has been lifting, but this is a process that does not occur overnight,'the news release said. Coupling: Brady Williams poses with two of his wives, from left to right, Robyn and Rosemary, outside of their home in a polygamous community outside Salt Lake City .

'We're handling it internally,' David Watson, a spokesman for the Apostolic United Brethren, or AUB, said . Rosemary Williams of TLC's My Five Wives said she was molested more than two decades ago by her father, Lynn A. Thompson . Rosemary's husband Brady Williams questioned the investigation since he says no one reached out to his wife to ask any questions .

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Under pressure from federal regulators, Honda is expanding a recall of potentially lethal driver's side airbags to all 50 U.S. states. The inflators, made by Japanese supplier Takata Corp., can explode with too much force under certain conditions, sending deadly metal shrapnel into the passenger compartment. The defect has has so far been linked to at least five deaths in the U.S. and many more injuries. Under pressure : Honda is expanding a recall of potentially lethal driver's side airbags to all 50 U.S. states . Hien Thi Tran, 51, of Orlando was among those fatally wounded. She died in October after a minor crash in her 2001 Honda Accord caused the airbag to deploy. Police believed she'd been the victim of a stabbing because of the severe nature of her injuries, according to her family's lawsuit. But an autopsy revealed metal and plastic fragments from an exploding airbag caused her death. One incident from 2010 didn't involve a crash at all. Instead, a lawsuit claims that Kristy Williams was stopped at a red light in her 2001 Honda Civic when the airbag deployed. Victim: A lawsuit alleges that Hien Thi Tran, 51, of Orlando was struck by plastic and metal shrapnel after a Takata airbag deployed in her 2001 Honda Accord during a minor accident . Deadly: A metal component of the airbag that critically injured Tran is shown, as Takata deals with allegations that their airbags have caused numerous fatalities while the company covered up faulty parts . Metal fragments sliced into her neck, hitting her carotid artery, and Williams was only able to survive by placing two fingers into the wound to limit the bleeding. Afterwards, the lawsuit alleges, she suffered strokes and was left with traumatic brain injury. Takata insists that current Honda recalls covering 8 million U.S. cars in high-humidity areas - where moisture in the air can trigger an explosion - are sufficient. But the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration wants the order expanded nationwide after some incidents outside the high-humidity zones. Ready to pop: The inflators, made by Japanese supplier Takata Corp., can explode with too much force under certain conditions, sending deadly metal shrapnel into the passenger compartment . Rick Schosteck, Honda's executive vice president for North America, told House lawmakers Wednesday that Honda will expand the regional recall it began in June, but will continue to prioritize high-humidity areas. These spots include Florida, Puerto Rico, areas near the Gulf of Mexico in Texas, Alabama, Mississippi, Georgia, and Louisiana, as well as Guam, Saipan, American Samoa, U.S. Virgin Islands and Hawaii. Schosteck also said Honda is working with other air bag manufacturers to make sure it has enough parts. Q: How can I find out if my car has been recalled? A: Dozens of models made by BMW, Chrysler, Ford, General Motors, Mazda, Honda, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Subaru and Toyota dating to the 2001 model year are covered. You should have received a recall notice from your automaker. Also, you can go to www.safercar.gov and key in your vehicle identification number, which normally is printed on your registration and stamped on the dashboard. That will tell you if your car is being recalled. You can also call your dealer. Honda is Takata's largest customer, and has so far recalled over 5 million vehicles in the U.S. alone . Q: Why are some of the recalls just in areas with high humidity? A: Government investigators and Takata officials believe that prolonged exposure to moisture in the air makes the inflator chemical, ammonium nitrate, burn too fast, creating too much pressure. That can cause the metal inflator canisters to shatter, spewing shrapnel into drivers and passengers. They're still conducting tests on inflators replaced by dealers to figure out what level of humidity causes the problem. Initially the recall areas were limited to Florida, Puerto Rico, areas near the Gulf of Mexico in Texas, Alabama, Mississippi, Georgia, and Louisiana, as well as Guam, Saipan, American Samoa, U.S. Virgin Islands and Hawaii. Q: I live outside the recall areas, but the humidity is still high. Is my car safe? A: The short answer is no one is sure because the problem is still under investigation. This has some car owners confused and worried. Investigators think they have found a concentration of defective inflators inside the high-humidity zone. But there are still a lot of humid locations outside those areas. Takata says the cars are safe if they're outside the high-humidity area. It's difficult to tell if your car has a Takata air bag inflator. You can try asking your dealer, but even they may not know. Q: Why doesn't the government just order a national recall of all Takata air bag inflators? A: Safety regulators say two incidents outside of current recall zones involving driver's side air bags are cause for a national recall. Takata disagrees. That could mean civil fines and a court date for Takata. Regulators can go to court to force Takata to do a recall, but they have to hold a public hearing first. Q: What's next? A: Other automakers are likely to follow Honda's lead in doing a national driver's side recall. And the investigation will continue into passenger side problems. Takata could wind up being fined and face court action for defying the government's demand for the national recall.

The inflators, made by Japanese supplier Takata Corp., can explode with too much force under certain conditions . Potentially deadly metal shrapnel is thrown into the passenger compartment . The defect has has so far been linked to at least five deaths in the U.S. and many more injuries .

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Liverpool midfielder Raheem Sterling has admitted that the club are badly missing the talents of striker Daniel Sturridge to help propel them back up the Premier League table. Sturridge has not featured for the Reds since picking up a thigh injury while on international duty at the start of September. The England striker's last game for Liverpool was their 3-0 win at Tottenham at the end of August, with the club having lost their last two games since. Liverpool midfielder Raheem Sterling admits the club are missing the talents of striker Daniel Sturridge . Daniel Sturridge picked up his thigh strain while on international duty with England . Defeats against Aston Villa and West Ham have seen the club slip down to 11th in the league and Sterling, who scored in their 3-1 loss at Upton Park on Saturday, says the return of the 25-year-old can't come soon enough. 'Daniel is a massive miss for us with his goals and the way he plays in behind defenders,' Sterling told Liverpool's official club website. 'Him coming back should add another dimension to the team. It will definitely be a test of character but I think there is a lot of character in this group.' Sterling (left) scored in Liverpool's 3-1 defeat at West Ham on Saturday evening .

Raheem Sterling says Liverpool are missing striker Daniel Sturridge . Sturridge has been out since start of September with a thigh injury . Reds have lost both games since 25-year-old's injury .

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Falcao Fever has struck London with 13,000 tickets sold in the first four days of ticket sales for the friendly between the United States and Colombia at Craven Cottage. Jurgen Klinsmann's team take on the Colombians on November 14 and the initial surge of demand was so great that the Fulham website crashed. It will be the first time the USA have staged a home game at the Cottage, where there are so many connections to a club dubbed FulhAmerica across the Atlantic Ocean because of former stalwarts like Brian McBride and Clint Dempsey and Fulham's American owner Shad Khan. There has been huge demand for the friendly between Colombia and the US at Craven Cottage thanks to the presence of Manchester United's on-loan striker Radamel Falcao . Real Madrid midfielder and World Cup Golden Boot winner James Rodriguez is also likely to feature . There is a strong 20,000 Colombian community in the capital, too, and it could be close to capacity with the lure of seeing Manchester United striker Radamel Falcao and Real Madrid's James Rodriguez adding appeal for the neutral fans. Falcao has played only five times since moving the England in August has missed the draw against Chelsea on Sunday with injury. United fans will be both keen to see more of him and relieved Colombia are coming to England to play after their previous friendly fixtures were in North America. Fulham's American contingent are also excited about the game, which is two days after a game against the Republic of Ireland in Dublin on November 12. USA have never played at the Cottage before but Fulham have strong connections with America . Falcao, along with Rooney, misses Manchester United's clash with Chelsea but should now be available . 'It's the perfect fit,' said McBride, who is on Khan's five-man panel to identify the club's next manager, and former Fulham and US captain Carlos Bocanegra added: 'I'm thrilled that the US team will play at a stadium that has meant so much to the American players who got their chance at Fulham. 'The fans there were incredibly supportive of us, and we have so many great memories there. Craven Cottage has one of the most intimate atmospheres I've ever played in. Sitting in the Cottage is like having a rooftop seat at Wrigley Field – it's an experience every fan should have in their lifetime.' Fulham fans will be interested to see if Klinsmann names Emerson Hyndman in his squad after the 18-year-old from the club's academy made his senior US debut against the Czech Republic in September. Owner Khan will be in London next month when his NFL team the Jacksonville Jaguars play at Wembley against the Dallas Cowboys on November 9. USA's coach Jurgen Klinsmann, who played for Tottenham, will return to London but this time as a manager .

Colombia and USA are playing each other at Craven Cottage . In the first four days, 13,000 tickets were sold for the friendly . There are 20,000 Colombians living in London . Radamel Falcao and James Rodriguez are likely to feature in the game .

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The search for a Canadian man and a Japanese woman who went missing during a fishing trip in Montana has been suspended due to severe weather conditions. It is believed 56-year-old father-of-two Danny Heyland and 75-year-old Fuki Nishibayashi fell into Mission Lake - known for its cutthroat and rainbow trout - while out on the water on November 22. The body of their friend, 63-year-old Canadian Kazuhiko Hayashizaki was discovered by divers three days later but now the lake has frozen over and heavy snowfall has made it almost impossible to get to. Missing: It is believed 56-year-old father-of-two Danny Heyland (left) and 75-year-old Fuki Nishibayashi (right) fell into Mission Lake, known for its cutthroat and rainbow trout, while out on the water on November 22 . There were no visible signs of trauma on Hayashizaki's body indicating a struggle, according to the Glacier County sheriff’s office. Relatives of the fishermen reported them missing when they did not return from their one-day fishing trip in late November. They were meant to be joined by another man, who ended up staying home for health reasons. A pickup truck that the trio were travelling in was discovered at Mission Lake, along with fishing gear and Heyland’s cell phone. Recovered: The body of their friend, 63-year-old Canadian Kazuhiko Hayashizaki was discovered by divers three days later . Officers began to comb the area, using underwater sonar and scuba equipment and that's when Hayashizaki's body was discovered. Heyland’s sister, Jude Heyland, told the Calgary Sun that the family wasn’t expecting good news. 'He was enjoying what he loved to the end. We’re just wanting closure,' she said. Heyland had apparently accompanied his two friends on fishing trips to Montana before and was a seasoned fisherman. Treacherous conditions: The search for Heyland and Nishibayashi has been suspended now that Mission Lake (pictured) has frozen over and heavy snowfall has made it almost impossible to get to . The Claresholm, Alberta resident worked as a psychiatric nurse while Nishibayashi was a retired language teacher from the University of Lethbridge. Hayashizaki, also retired, was a well-known table tennis athlete in the Lethbridge area. The three anglers had reportedly enjoyed lunch Saturday afternoon before venturing onto Mission Lake. Glacier County deputies suspect they might have fallen through ice on the lake. The agency will return to monitor the area when road and weather conditions allow. Sgt. Judd Milender said in a statement Tuesday that the sheriff's office is 'committed' to recovering Heyland and Nishibayashi.

It is believed 56-year-old Danny Heyland and 75-year-old Fuki Nishibayashi fell into Mission Lake on November 22 . The body of their friend, 63-year-old Canadian Kazuhiko Hayashizaki was discovered by divers three days later . The search for the missing anglers has been suspended now the lake has frozen over and heavy snowfall has made it almost impossible to get to .

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The 20-year-old boyfriend of a troubled schoolgirl who took her own life was later arrested on suspicion of child sex offences, it emerged today. An inquest yesterday heard how Marcus Webb discovered the body of his girlfriend Ashli Blake, 15, in September at the foot of a historic monument near Rockbourne, Hampshire. Prior to her death Ashli, who had a history of mental health problems, had sent him a text message threatening to 'jump off the tower', the inquest heard. Investigation: Marcus Webb, 20 (left) was dating Ashli Blake, 15 (right) who took her own life in September, an inquest heard. It has emerged he was since arrested on suspicion of child sex offences . Today Hampshire Police confirmed a 20-year-old man, confirmed as Mr Webb by his father, was arrested on November 25 on suspicion of child sex offences. He has not been charged with an offence and was bailed until February 6 while investigations continue. A spokesman for Hampshire Constabulary said: 'A 20-year-old man from the Fordingbridge area has been arrested on suspicion of engaging in sexual activity with a child and possessing indecent images in an investigation related to this death. 'He has been bailed until February pending further enquiries.' Police declined to comment further. Mr Webb's father Mervyn, 54, said police quizzed his son last week and he collected him from the station later in the day. Tragedy: Ashli, pictured, was found dead by her boyfriend after a frantic search in the early hours . He said: 'The police picked him up and he got taken in for questioning by officers. I had to go and collect him from Winchester. 'I spoke with his mother today and she told me Marcus is still more than upset about it all.' Winchester Coroner's Court yesterday heard how Ashli, who was born with the surname Cook, was found dead by her boyfriend in the early hours of September 21. She sent a text to him which read: 'I am going to jump off the tower.' Mr Webb told the inquest he had not believed her threats at first, because she had made similar comments previously. But he launched a desperate search when he and her family failed to get hold of her on the day of her death. Mr Webb said he had visited the monument several times with Ashli. In a statement read to the inquest, Mr Webb said: 'I feel so guilty and I feel like it was my fault, she told me she was going to kill herself and even told me where she was going to do it and I laughed at her because I didn't believe her. 'Ashli meant more than life itself to me, I would do nothing to hurt her, I now feel there's no reason being here.' Ashli's mother, Canasta Blake, 37, told the inquest in a statement: 'They had made plans for the rest of their lives together - at 16 she was going to move in with him. 'She was besotted with him. She was always worried about him and what he was doing. 'I do not understand why she did this, she had everything to live for and often spoke of the future. Ashli's mother Canasta Blake (right) was supported at the inquest by her partner Craig Warrilow (left) 'I think, for her age, she was immature, in her laughing, giggling and making up silly words. Ashli was a lovely young girl, was imaginative, different and quirky, she had her own special dress sense. 'She would have grown up to be a lovely person.' Ms Blake added that Ashli was working hard at her studies and had told family members she wanted to become an art therapist or an accountant. The coroner was told Ashli had suffered 'some bullying problems' at Burgate School in her home town of Fordingbridge. And Ashli's GP, Dr Charlotte Hillsley, at Fordingbridge Surgery, said she had suffered from low moods and sleeping problems. She had previously been referred to the Hampshire Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services but had been discharged. However, in July she had returned to the surgery and was referred again to the clinic and was placed on its waiting list. In a statement read to the inquest, Dr Hillsley said: 'Ashli had low mood and poor sleep and was struggling with bullying at school. 'Her mother had told me she had removed razor blades from the house and taken them to work with her because she was concerned that she may self-harm.' Pathologist Dr Eleanor Jaynes told the inquest the schoolgirl had taken no alcohol or drugs prior to her death and had died of multiple traumatic injuries due to a fall from a height. Central Hampshire Coroner Grahame Short recorded a verdict that she had intended to take her own life. Ashli Blake, 15, was found dead in a field next to a historic monument in Hampshire on September 21 . He said: 'Ashli was a deeply troubled girl but I find that she chose to end her life on this occasion. 'It's clear that she had a boyfriend, Marcus Webb, and I find that she was very much in love with him to a degree that only a teenager can be.' In the wake of her death, staff at The Burgate School said they were 'shocked and saddened' to hear of the tragedy. A school spokesman said: 'We are shocked and saddened to hear the tragic news that one of our Year 11 students has died. 'Ashli was an absolutely delightful, caring and mature young lady. 'She was working hard at school and was very well regarded and respected by staff and students alike. 'The school is pulling together as a community and supporting each other. 'Our thoughts and prayers go out to Ashli's family at this most difficult time.' For confidential support call the Samaritans in the UK on 08457 90 90 90, visit a local Samaritans branch or click here for details. Sorry we are not currently accepting comments on this article.

Ashli Cook, 15, was found dead near a historic monument in Hampshire . Inquest heard she texted boyfriend Marcus Webb, 20, before her death . It has emerged he was held on suspicion of child sex offences last month . Also suspected of having indecent images, he was bailed until February . Winchester inquest also heard Ashli had been suffering bullying at school . Coroner ruled that the 'deeply troubled girl' intended to take her own life .

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Former head teacher Alexandru Grigore Popescu donated his body, pictured, to medical science . A Romanian school has been told they can keep their skeleton staff after education officials discovered they were using the bones of a former headmaster to teach anatomy. Alexandru Grigore Popescu had been working at the rural Puchenii Mosneni elementary school in south-eastern Romania's Prahova county for 50 years until his death. He said in his will that he had always wanted to have a skeleton in the class for biology lessons. It had never been possible, but in his will he had arranged for his skeleton to be cleaned and professionally put back together so it could be hung in the classroom where he had taught kids for 50 years. But the skeleton had been confiscated when health and safety officials discovered it was the real thing on a visit to the school and insisted on having it checked to see if it was hygienic. But now after being professionally checked and specially treated to make sure it was safe, and put in a glass case, the skeleton has now been returned to the school. Although it may seem grisly kids at the school said they found it really helpful during classes to have the skeleton, and were pleased to see a return. The former headteacher Popescu had started work as a teacher at the school in the Puchenii Mosneni commune in 1908. History teacher Sorin Stanciu said: 'He was made head teacher 10 years after starting working there and was famous for the fact that he never missed a class. His skeleton was made into a display in the 1960s after his death and he hasn't missed a class since then either.' The skeleton is now being kept in a glass case just to make doubly sure that it is not only healthy but also that none of the kids are tempted to mess around with it. Sorin added: 'I think having our own skeleton is really one of the reasons that we always do really well with students graduating in the sciences and in particular going on to study medicine.' Popescu taught at the school for 50 years and wanted to continue in education after his death . Education officials determined that the skeleton was hygienic and allowed it to remain in the classroom . Popescu first arrived at the school in 1908 and remained on until his death more than 50 years later . He admitted that not many however went on to become teachers, but said it was nothing to do with the fact that they were worried about ending up as teaching aids themselves. The current headteacher Violeta Badea said: 'There is nobody around now that remembers him as a teacher but I think you can say that from the shape of his chin he was probably an extremely determined and decisive individual and a man with a very powerful personality, which explains his enormous attachment to the school, this community and its children. 'The professor's wish was fulfilled because he did not want to be put six feet under the ground but rather he wanted to be placed in the back of the classroom, which has been done as he wanted so that he could continue to assist classes. One of the pupils told local TV: 'He donated his body so that we could study biology better. Instead of reading off a book, we look at the skeleton and understand better.' Another added: 'At the beginning I thought it was something weird because I hadn't seen a real skeleton, but now I'm used to him.'

Alexandru Grigore Popescu taught at his Romanian school for 50 years . During his career he always wanted a skeleton to teach students anatomy . He decided that after his death, the school should receive his skeleton . Health inspectors saw the skeleton and sent it off for an inspection . Now they have determined that Popescu can remain in the classroom .

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Gang leader Tavon 'Bulldog' White (pictured), described a culture of corruption inside Baltimore City Detention Center . A Violent gang had such control over a notorious jail that they had a Minister for Education and Minister for Finance, a court heard. Gang leader, Tavon 'Bulldog' White, described a culture of corruption inside the centuries-old Baltimore City Detention Center, led by a group that had its own language and laws and authorities. The Black Guerilla Family's hierarchy even included a 'minister of education' who quizzed members on gang literature and a 'minister of finance' who managed the profits sent by cellphones from behind bars, the court was told. White testified that the gang controlled life in the jail and that he directed guards motivated by sex and money to smuggle in drugs and cellphones and facilitate attacks on inmates who challenged his authority. The gang's smuggling schemes even fund the bail that frees gang members who can't pay to get sprung from jail, he testified this week. Gang leaders, not guards, were the ultimate authority inside the jail, he said. 'We're about to go into a strange place, an upside-down world where inmates ran the prison and correctional officers took directions from the gang leader,' prosecutor Robert Harding told jurors in opening statements. White described a gang-run economy made possible by official corruption. White was once the government's primary target, but has since become the prosecutors' most valuable asset, providing information that led to a 160-count indictment against 44 people. He is testifying against the few who did not plead guilty: five corrections officers, one kitchen worker and two inmates on trial in federal court in Baltimore. White, who impregnated four of the guards while in the jail on an attempted murder charge, said he never forced a guard to participate. 'I didn't have to,' White said. 'I had my children's mothers, and plenty of other guards willing to do it for money.' The vast majority of the Baltimore jail's guards are women. One guard who had a child with White had 'Tavon' tattooed on her wrist. Another who had two of his children tattooed 'Tavon' on her neck. The Black Guerilla Family had such control over Baltimore City Detention Center (pictured) that they had a Minister for Education and Minister for Finance, a court heard . Defense attorneys have tried to discredit White's testimony by drawing attention to his plea deal with prosecutors, which could potentially result in reduced time in prison. The Black Guerilla Family has a national presence but is particularly strong in Maryland, where many guards and inmates come from the same impoverished communities. And inside the Baltimore jail, there was plenty of money to be made, White said. According to one search warrant, graffiti painted on a jail wall named 14 guards willing to have sex with inmates for $150 a tryst, including two of the women White impregnated. White told jurors that his gang enforced its monopoly by having the minister of finance collect a 10 percent tax on any contraband smuggled in by unaffiliated inmates. The gang also decided which inmates guards could choose to be 'working men,' taking jobs as janitors, launderers or kitchen workers that provided more mobility and access, the court heard. Drugs and cellphones would be hidden inside walls and ceilings, he said. Inmates paid guards by arranging for cash to change hands outside or by texting codes on their cellphones to draw on prepaid debit cards. Gang members enlisted guards to carry parcels to inmates on other floors or wings of the crowded jail, and the proceeds 'went into a finance bank,' White explained. 'It went towards funding BGF members in whatever they may need. If a member came in who was indigent, we could provide money in their account for commissary, or paying bail. 'We'd take the money out of the finance account and give it to someone responsible and they would pay the bail,' White testified. Tavon White testified that gang leaders, not guards, were the ultimate authority inside Baltimore City Detention Center in Baltimore . White said one of the guards on trial, Travis Paylor, eagerly made deals to pick up packages of drugs on the street and smuggle them inside. Paylor then delivered a menu of illegal goods to inmates for set prices, White said. 'I spoke to him every day he was at work,' White told the jury. 'Most times it was a package deal: one item for $300, three items for $500. Could be 50 Percocets, an ounce of marijuana, a cellphone, or a cellphone and two cans of tobacco -- any three items.' White said another defendant, guard Ashley Newton, allowed the gang to stab an inmate accused of killing a gang member outside. Cellphones were so widely available, White said, that he was able to call a fellow inmate on a smuggled phone from a 'lockup' where he had been sent as punishment for having yet another phone in his cell. White testified that he personally saw one defendant, kitchen worker Michelle McNair, smuggle tobacco in between her thighs. Earlier, Wendell M. 'Pete' France, an operations director for the state's prisons, described guards carrying contraband inside their lunches and in other ways that defied pat-down searches. 'If they are secreted in a body cavity you aren't going to find them,' France testified. White, now serving a 20-year sentence for attempted murder at a location his attorneys will not disclose, was asked about the gang's 'constitutions' which include 'Once you pledge you take it to the grave,' and 'We do not participate in snitching or working with the police.' White said the rules apply to defendant Michelle Ricks, a former guard who he said joined the gang and even recited their oath to him. Judge J. Frederick Motz then interrupted, asking White directly: 'Those rules also apply to you, correct?' White laughed and shifted in his seat, saying 'yeah.' White's lawyer, Gary Proctor, said there was no way back for his client, who pleaded guilty to both state and federal charges during the probe and is hoping cooperation will mean less prison time. 'He didn't just burn his BGF bridges, he napalmed them,' Proctor said.

Black Guerilla Family created positions at Baltimore City Detention Center, court told . Leader Tavon 'Bulldog' White testifies that the gang controlled life in jail . Claimed gang leaders, not guards, were the ultimate authority inside facility . Five corrections officers, one kitchen worker and two inmates are on trial in corruption case . White was at the jail while awaiting a trial over an attempted murder charge . He has since pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 20 years in state prison .

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