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Out there in the desert, the mirage continues to shimmer for Amir Khan. The identity of the challenge becomes blurred in the haze. First it looks like Floyd Mayweather. Now he glimpses Manny Pacquiao. And in which oasis in the sand might he finally touch gloves with one of the two best boxers on earth? The initial lure has been Mayweather in Las Vegas, Nevada. Now the siren call is Pacquiao in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. For two years Khan has been so close to fighting Mayweather that he could smell the resin and hear the roar of the crowd. Yet each time he reaches out, the tantalising illusion fades and slips away like so many fantasies along the Vegas Strip. Now the image of Pacquiao dances before him and there is reason to believe that a tale which might have been told by Scheherazade could become reality one starlit Arabian night. After waiting and waiting for Floyd Mayweather, Amir Khan could be set to face Manny Pacquiao . A fight with Pacquiao, preparing to face Floyd Mayweather on May 2, is on the cards for Abu Dhabi . The handsome young prince of British boxing will pay a flying visit to Vegas on May 2, there to watch the PacMan and the Money Man dispute the richest fight of all time. Win or lose, Pacquiao could await Khan come winter. Sportsmail's Jeff Powell with Amir Khan . Bob Arum, the PacMan’s vintage promoter, has to hand a treasure trove of an offer for a fight in Abu Dhabi this November or December. Khan, the stand-by for Pacquiao had Mayweather refused the Fight of the Century, is Arum’s first choice for that extravaganza in the Middle East. Once Pacquiao’s sparring partner, now Khan says: ‘I want this fight. I would love to box Manny. We’ve been looking at an event in Dubai and Abu Dhabi is only a short drive away. It’s a dream of mine to fight in that part of the world.’ As a hero of the Muslim world, Khan would be a huge attraction there. He now has initials which are the Pakistan equivalent of a CBE behind his name. His father and mother have just returned from Islamabad where, on their son’s behalf, they received from President Mamnoon Hussain the PAPID - the President’ s Award for Pride In Performance. Arum is aware of that box office potential but also recognises the boxing qualities of the ‘nice young man’ from Bolton: ‘Amir has great speed. Maybe the only guy as fast as Manny. And his recent performances have been impressive. This would be an outstanding fight.’ Assuming that Khan wins his interim bout with Chris Algieri in New York next month, all that would appear to stand between him and his long-awaited mega-fight is the outside chance of a re-match between Pacquiao and Mayweather. Promoter Bob Arum (left), with Pacquiao and Roach after the 2009 win over Miguel Cotto, rates Khan highly . Floyd Jnr seems to have no great appetite for a second edition of May 2nd, even though a return bout might bank the man who nicknames himself Money another couple of hundred million dollars. Either way, Mayweather will conclude his enriching six-fight contract with the Showtime cable network in America in September. That timing rules out Khan as his opponent - yet again after two broken promises - because his strict observance of Ramadan would not end in time for him to prepare fully. But if it’s not a re-match and Mayweather finds another opponent, Pacquiao-Khan is a natural for both of them. Pacquiao prefers an early winter date for his second fight of a year and Khan says: ‘Late November or December is perfect for me.’ Furthermore, it is highly unlikely that if Mayweather beats Pacquiao he will want to risk his cherished unbeaten record for a second time against the most dangerous of all his opponents. Floyd Mayweather will end his six-fight deal with Showtime in September, which won't work for Khan . Pacquiao works out with trainer Freddie Roach at their base at Wild Card Boxing in Los Angeles . And Khan suspects that will be the upshot in Vegas: ‘I actually think that once Mayweather gets through Manny’s assault in the first few rounds it will become an easy win for him. ‘Manny has speed and power but Floyd has the defensive skill to avoid him and the brain and accuracy to keep picking him off as he comes in. ‘The longer it goes the harder it will get for Manny and if he is to win he will have to keep up the pace through every minute of every round.’ Khan has affection as well as respect for his old spar-mate, so it puts him in a curious position to realise that defeat for his pal would benefit himself. Khan believes Pacquiao will struggle more with Mayweather the longer their mega-fight goes on . So he says: ‘I’ll just watch it with a professional eye. And there is a chance that if Floyd’s legs really are slowing down that Manny will catch up with him - and he can punch.’ By way of further irony, Khan has been working lately to add to his high-speed aggression exactly the kind of patience he would need if he ever did fight Mayweather. Hidden away in a unit in a business park in Oakland, across the Bay from San Francisco, is the gym in which trainer Virgil Hunter hones the talents of Khan and his long-time protege Andre Ward, who will shortly make his own comeback from a long lay-off. Khan has to first overcome Chris Algieri (left), who was decked six time by Pacquiao, on May 29 in New York . But as his higher education continues under Hunter, he is buckling down. Partly in the knowledge, at 28, that these are his prime years and they must not be squandered. He says: ‘I’ve wasted the best part of a couple of years waiting for Floyd because I would love to be the man who beat the man considered the best pound-for-pound in the world. Now I have to make the most of every day because soon it may be too late. ‘Floyd and Manny are getting closer to retirement and if I don’t fight one of them soon it may never happen.’ That is one of the reasons why Khan puts on hold a Battle of Britain with Kell Brook, preferring to focus on selling himself in America and thereby stay at the front of the queue for a shot at Pacquiao or Mayweather. Kell Brook (left) is fighting Frankie Gavin (right) in the 02 Arena and Khan says he has to wait to face him . Does his May 29 fight with Algieri - recently floored six times by Pacquiao in Macao - help that crusade? ‘Algieri’s a better fighter than Frankie Gavin (Brook’s world title challenger next month). He’s world lightweight champion and he’s fought at a far higher level than Frankie. Kell can wait.’ Khan says: ‘Being at ringside (on May 2) will be a bit frustrating but I accept that this is the fight the whole world has been waiting to see. So no. I won’t be feeling any resentment.’ It is not much more than a half-hour’s flight from Oakland to Vegas. Amir Khan is hoping that the next time he takes to the air it will be on a magic carpet — to Arabia.
Amir Khan could be set to face Manny Pacquiao in Abu Dhabi, UAE . Khan's hopes of taking on Floyd Mayweather Jr in Las Vegas have faded . PacMan's promoter Bob Arum has a mega offer for a UAE fight late in 2015 . Khan is a hero of the Muslim world and his lure in the Middle East is clear . The Brit will be ringside when the Money Man fights the PacMan on May 2 . Khan must first win interim bout with Chris Algieri in New York on May 29 .
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Homeowners could face an early rise in interest rates if Ed Miliband is propped up in Downing Street by the SNP, a major bank warned last night. US giant Morgan Stanley said the prospect of a Labour government reliant on the Scottish Nationalists would create the ‘greatest uncertainty’ of any election result. Its inevitable ‘anti-austerity’ agenda could lead to an ‘earlier bank rate hike than was previously the case’, the bank argued. US giant Morgan Stanley said the prospect of a Labour government reliant on the Scottish Nationalists would create the ‘greatest uncertainty’ of any election result . Last night, a second major bank, Goldman Sachs, also raised concerns about the same outcome on May 7. Goldman said Labour would be ‘dragged to the Left’ by the SNP, which would result in even more money going north of the border ‘at the expense of the UK as a whole’. It warned that Labour would be then expected to abandon its pledge to manage the public finances carefully. The reports are a double blow to Labour’s attempts to convince voters that the economy would be in safe hands with a Mr Miliband-led government. In an election research note, Morgan Stanley said that a Labour-led government reliant on the ‘anti-austerity and separatist SNP’ would lead investors to predict a ‘substantially looser fiscal policy’. Goldman also warned in a note to investors that a ‘Leftward shift’ could cause share prices to fall in UK firms – particularly those hit by tougher regulation and higher taxes such as banks and energy companies. Nicola Sturgeon's (left) Scottish National Party would drag Ed Miliband (right) and the Labour party into its anti-austerity agenda, Goldman Sachs warned last night . By contrast, it said the Conservative-led coalition ‘has established some credibility in markets as a consequence of its contribution to the stabilisation of the economy and revival of growth that has been achieved since 2010.’ As a result ‘it is likely that business sentiment would be supported by the emergence of a Conservative government’. Goldman also pointed out that whoever wins the election will inevitably be hit by ‘financial shocks’ in the coming years. ‘Given the mixed record of Labour administrations at dealing with such challenges in the past, the business community may be sceptical that a Labour-led government would deliver market-friendly policies.’ The comments mark another vote of confidence for Chancellor George Osborne, who was praised last week by International Monetary Fund chief Christine Lagarde for his handling of the economy. A Tory spokesman said: ‘This confirms that working people will pay the price for an SNP-Ed Miliband government. ‘Mortgage rate rises will hit homeowners. Higher borrowing will mean higher taxes and more debt for our children to repay.’ Chris Leslie, Labour’s shadow chief secretary to the Treasury, said: ‘Labour is pro-business, but not business as usual. We want more competition in banking, a British Investment Bank to boost lending and action to tackle tax avoidance. ‘The big threat to the City and our economy is a re-elected Tory government taking Britain out of the EU.’ The comments mark another vote of confidence for Chancellor George Osborne, who was praised last week the head of the International Monetary Fund Christine Lagarde for his handling of the British economy .
Major bank warns against Labour government propped up by the the SNP . Morgan Stanley says anti-austerity agenda would lead to bank rate hike . Second bank says Labour would be dragged to the left by the nationalists . Report a blow to the party's attempt to show voters economic competence .
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Christopher Barry, 53, was stabbed to death by a 13-year-old boy after a row outside a block of flats . A 13-year-old boy has been jailed for more than 11 years after pleading guilty to a brutal stabbing making him one of Britain's youngest ever murderers. The boy, who is a member of the notorious Wood Green Gang, pleaded guilty to stabbing 53-year-old Christopher Barry twice in the chest outside his home in Edmonton, north London, on December 14 last year. The teenager, who cannot be named for legal reasons, pulled a knife from his rucksack and stabbed Mr Barry, a builder, as he got into a lift following a row. The Old Bailey heard the boy became enraged when Mr Barry, who was known as Jack, would not let the boy and his friends into the block of flats. Zoe Johnson QC told the court the murder happened on December 14 last year, as the killer attended a 13th birthday party at his friend's flat off The Broadway, in Edmonton, north London. He and a group of friends left the flat to see one boy to his bus home, but returned to the wrong block to try to rejoin the party. 'Tragically it appears they returned to the wrong door of the wrong block', said Ms Johnson. 'When they buzzed the door, they were buzzing the wrong flat which explains why no one answered.' Mr Barry and his girlfriend, Sabrina Finn, arrived home to find the group of boys trying to get into the black of flats when they lived. Ms Johnson said: 'One of those boys was continually pressing the button to be let in. 'Mr Barry and his girlfriend said they couldn't let the boys into the flat if the occupants weren't answering the buzzer. The attack happened as Mr Barry (left) returned home with his girlfriend, council worker Sabrina Finn (right) 'As Mr Barry used his fob to open the main entrance, it appears there was a bit of pushing and shoving between him and the boys. 'Mr Barry and his girlfriend entered the block and walked to the lift. 'The defendant followed Mr Barry into the block, along a short corridor, around a corner, and as Mr Barry stepped into the lift, the defendant stabbed him twice in the chest, in a completely unprovoked and cowardly attack.' One of the boys with the killer told police he had seen his friend 'become angry and take a kitchen knife out of his rucksack.' Another of the boys saw him thrust the knife at Mr Barry and say: 'What are you saying now? What are you saying now?' before swinging the knife at the victim. When they ran from the block of flats, the killer told a friend he had 'just ripped the man's jacket'. The Old Bailey (pictured) heard the boy became enraged when Mr Barry, who was known as Jack, would not let the boy and his friends into the block of flats where he lived. He fatally stabbed Mr Barry twice . Mr Barry did not initially realise he had been stabbed, but found blood on his shirt and when he entered his flat he collapsed. Paramedics found him laying face down in a pool of blood, with a wound in his abdomen and another in his chest. He later died from his injuries. In texts later that night, the boy told a friend: 'I'm going to prison' and posted on Facebook: 'The thing I'm going to miss most when I go pen (penitentiary) is NY gyal (New York Girl).' Ms Johnson said the boy also went by a street name associated with the Wood Green Gang. 'This is a gang that he candidly admitted he was associated with since the age of ten', she said. The court heard the teenager was given a police caution and excluded from his first school when he was caught with a knife and cannabis in February 2013, then aged just 11. Ms Johnson said Mr Barry's girlfriend, Ms Finn, had written an impact statement describing the 'appalling effects on her and many of Mr Barry's family and friends'. 'I'm back at work now, but although I walk, talk, and look the same as I did before, inside I'm tired and my heart is broken', she said. Mr Barry was stabbed following the row outside this block of flats in Edmonton, north London (pictured) 'Jack and I had four happy years together and this young boy has taken that happiness away from me. 'For that I'm very sad and angry as my life will never been the same again.' The boy's mother wept in court as Judge Stephen Kramer QC today sentenced the boy to a minimum of 11 years detention at her majesty's pleasure. 'When Mr Barry returned home, he refused to let you in to that block but you nevertheless got in', he said. 'You followed Mr Barry, produced your knife, and then stabbed him twice in the chest. 'The injury to the chest went through clothing including a wax jacket and went deep.' 'You are only 13 years old but shortly after 7.30pm on the evening of December 14 2014, you were carrying a knife in your bag. 'You wanted to get into a block of flats but you went to the wrong block with tragic consequences for everyone involved.' The judge said it was an aggravating factor that the boy had taken the knife to the scene in his bag and said he had clearly intended to cause really serious harm to Mr Barry. The boy has been deemed a high risk of causing harm and at a medium risk of reoffending when he is released, and the judge urged him to reconsider his gang affiliation. However he also accepted it was not a premeditated attack and that the boy had a 'troubled background'. He took into account the boy's remorse, revealed in a letter from his mother which was not read out in court. The boy, wearing a pale blue shirt with a white buttoned up collar, showed no emotion and stared straight ahead as the sentence was passed. The teenager pleaded guilty to one count of murder on March 6, and Michael Turner QC, defending, said this was a 'unique' early admission from such a young defendant. Judge Kramer refused an application by the press to lift a legal ban on naming the boy, saying there were 'exceptional' circumstances.
A boy aged 13 has been jailed for 11 years for murder of Christopher Barry . He stabbed Mr Barry, a builder, twice in 'cowardly and unprovoked' attack . Teenager was a member of the notorious Wood Green Gang in London . Boy was thrown out of school at 11 for possessing cannabis and a knife .
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Ukip candidate Kim Rose (pictured handing out sausage rolls today) is being investigated by police over claims he tried to 'corruptly influence' voters by giving them sausage rolls . A Ukip election candidate will be grilled by the police over claims he tried to 'corruptly influence' voters by giving them sausage rolls. Kim Rose, who is running for Nigel Farage's party in Southampton Itchen, is being investigated by officers after laying out the snacks at an event, which also featured snooker star Jimmy White. Electoral Commission rules state food and entertainment cannot be provided by parliamentary candidates if their provision is intended to influence votes - a criminal offence known as 'treating'. Mr Rose, 57, branded police involvement as 'absolutely ridiculous', adding that voters in the marginal seat were unlikely to 'change their mind for a sausage roll'. The Ukip candidate put on a spread of sandwiches, sausage rolls and teas and coffees for the event, which also saw veteran snooker player White play pool with local youngsters. Mr Rose, a jeweller, said he was oblivious until he was contacted by Hampshire Constabulary's Economic Crime Unit. Laughing off the allegations, he said: 'Thank God they didn't find out about the Jaffa Cakes. 'The sausage rolls were for the kids but now I have been reported to police who I believe have received a complaint from one of the main parties. 'Under parliamentary rules allegations of treating is bribing people with food and drink. I thought it was a joke at first and I said to the police officer it was a bit daft. 'He said, "it isn't daft it could be a very serious offence". Fortunately I have eaten all the evidence.' Mr Rose, who will now have to report to a police station on Monday, added: 'It was a fantastic day. We laid on teas, coffees, sandwiches and some sausage rolls. 'It's absolutely ridiculous. I'm sure people aren't going to change their mind over voting for a sausage roll.' Mr Rose (pictured with Jimmy White, left, and Nigel Farage, right) branded police involvement as 'absolutely ridiculous', adding that voters in the marginal seat were unlikely to 'change their mind for a sausage roll' Today Mr Rose was seen out in Southampton handing out sausage rolls to members of the public . He said: 'The Ukip support is very strong here and I feel the main political parties will do anything they can to scrutinise everything about us.' Mr Rose added that if other politicians fear voters could be 'bribed with sausage rolls', perhaps it is not surprising they will not trust the country with a referendum on EU membership. Today the parliamentary candidate was out campaigning on the streets of Southampton, handing out sausage rolls to members of the public. Ukip leader Nigel Farage weighed into the dispute, backing Mr Rose. He said: 'I think it’s utter nonsense. There seems all sorts of cases in politics of people behaving badly and doing things wrong, abusing their positions. 'Having a few sausage rolls I don’t really think counts as one of those.' Mr Rose said the event, which was attended by 250 people, took place at a community centre in Southampton on February 21 - more than a month before Parliament was officially dissolved. He invited veteran snooker star Jimmy White, 52, who he described as a long-time friend. The former world number two and six-time World Champion, nicknamed 'The Whirlwind', played pool with residents, who were charged £2 to attend the event. 'I've known Jimmy as a friend for a number of years and so I asked him to come down and play pool with the kids,' Mr Rose said. Mr Rose, 57, branded police involvement as 'absolutely ridiculous', adding that voters in the marginal seat were unlikely to 'change their mind for a sausage roll'. 'I didn't want to make the event very Ukip so we put all the party banners away and everybody had a game of pool with Jimmy.' The Electoral Commission said the pastry provision was a police matter. A Hampshire Police spokesman said: 'We have a received an allegation of "treating" by a prospective parliamentary candidate, contrary to the Representation of the People Act 1983. We are looking into the complaint. No arrests have been made.' Electoral Commission rules on treating state: 'A person is guilty of treating if either before, during or after an election they directly or indirectly give or provide any food, drink, entertainment or provision to corruptly influence any voter to vote or refrain from voting. 'Treating requires a corrupt intent - it does not apply to ordinary hospitality.' Anyone found guilty of treating can be fined and imprisoned for up to a year. Mr Rose has been a member of Ukip since 1999. He briefly stood as an independent in the key marginal Southampton Itchen seat in 2010 before pulling out. He is campaigning on tackling deprivation in Southampton, as well as wanting to pull the UK out of the EU. Prime Minister David Cameron came under criticism in the constituency earlier this week after sending a letter to residents spelling the constituency's name wrong three times. His letter, which has his letterhead and signature, had 'Itchen' spelled as 'Itchin', prompting the Conservatives to apologise for the embarrassing mistake. The constituency's MP has been Labour's John Denham since 1992. He held the seat in 2010 by just 192 votes and is standing down after May 7.
Ukip's Kim Rose laid out spread of sausage rolls and sandwiches at event . Police are investigating Mr Rose for 'treating' - trying to influence voters . Laughing off claims, he said: 'Thank God they didn't find the Jaffa Cakes' Nigel Farage backed his candidate, branding investigation 'utter nonsense'
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Jordon Ibe is poised to sign a new five-year contract with Liverpool by the end of the week. The 19-year-old has agreed terms on a deal which will keep him at Anfield until 2020. Ibe spent the first half of this season on loan at Derby County but returned to Liverpool in January and has made a notable impact in his eight appearances. Jordon Ibe has impressed since returning to Liverpool this season and will sign a new contract this week . Ibe battles with Emre Can (right) for the ball as Liverpool train at Melwood last week . A knee injury disrupted his run in the side and he was cup-tied for Sunday’s FA Cup semi-final defeat to Aston Villa, but he is expected to return against West Brom this weekend. Liverpool also expect to announce Jordan Henderson's new contract this week and are close to finalising an extension for Martin Skrtel. Talks are ongoing with young defender Jon Flanagan too whose contract expires in June. Liverpool yesterday agreed a new three-year shirt sponsorship deal with Standard Chartered worth around £30million a year. Ibe posted a picture of himself enjoying the summer sunshine on Instagram earlier in the week .
Jordon Ibe will sign a new five-year contract which will run until 2020 . Ibe has impressed at Liverpool since returning on loan from Derby County . Liverpool also close to signing new deal with Jordan Henderson . READ: Martin Skrtel rejects talk linking him with a move away from Anfield . Reds agree to new three-year sponsorship deal with Standard Chartered .
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The world’s third largest cruise liner today sailed past its sister ship as it made its way out of Southampton Docks on its maiden voyage. The Anthem of the Seas, which has 16 decks and can carry almost 5,000 passengers, towered over the Explorer of the Seas as it departed the Hampshire dock this afternoon. The cruise liners, which are both owned by Royal Caribbean International, will both be based in Southampton and serve Europe and the Mediterranean over the summer. As the season comes to a close, the Anthem of the Seas will then move to New York Harbour which will become its permanent home and allow it to regularly sail from Cape Liberty Cruise Port to Bermuda, the Caribbean, Canada and New England. The highly-anticipated new cruise ship, which was officially named earlier this week, is set to welcome more than 80,000 people on board this summer and bring an estimated £50,000 to the local economy. Featuring robotic bartenders, skydiving, circus training, surfing simulators, indoor bumper car racing, roller skating rinks, an adult-only spa, aerial observatory and 18 distinctive on board restaurants, the ship is widely classed as the next generation cruise liner. Meanwhile, the veteran Explorer of the Seas, which enjoyed its maiden voyage 15 years ago, has been given somewhat of a refurbishment and now also includes a surfing simulator, 3D movie cinema and additional restaurants. The ship, which has 15 decks and a capacity of more than 3,000 passengers, also boasts a rock-climbing wall, ice-skating rink and full-size basketball and will serve northern Europe, the Mediterranean and the Canary Islands until September. Making waves: The Royal Caribbean's newest cruise ship, The Anthem of the Seas (middle) - which is now the world's third largest liner and can carry nearly 5,000 passengers - sailed past the newly-refurbished Explorer of the Seas (top) as she made her way out of Southampton Docks earlier today . The ship's, which are both owned by Royal Caribbean, will be based at Southampton Docks this summer and will sail around Europe. However, after the summer, The Anthem of the Seas will move to New York and will sail regularly to Bermuda, the Caribbean, Canada and New England . The Anthem of the Seas - the world's third largest cruise liner - has 16 decks and a capacity for nearly 5,000 passengers, while the Explorer of the Seas - which once itself was the world's largest liner - has 15 decks and room for just over 3,000 passengers and 1,180 crew members . The Anthem of the Seas, which was delivered to Royal Caribbean International on April 10 and christened and officially named in a special ceremony this week, is expected to bring £50million alone to the local economy during its stay in Southampton Docks during the summer . The Anthem of the Seas (pictured), arrived in Southampton earlier this month for its special naming ceremony. The impressive ship, which features a host of entertainment facilities and amenities, carries 4,180 guests at double occupancy and features 2,090 staterooms in total . Passengers with a head for heights can take a ride in a transparent capsule for amazing ocean views on the Anthem of the Seas, which also has the option to allow passengers to go skydiving, circus training, use FlowRider surfing simulators, bumper car racing and roller skating . The Anthem of the Seas, which has capacity for almost 5,000 passengers and will move across the Atlantic later this year, features a surf simulator and even has a virtual skydiving machine. It also has an adult-only Solarium and spa with shaded cabanas, a Jacuzzi and bistro . Adrenaline junkies will also be able to enjoy the dodgems as part of the amazing variety of entertainment on board the new cruise liner . The Anthem's Wonderland restaurant will serve imaginative cuisine which Royal Caribbean International claims will be a 'feast for the senses' 120 drinks an hour mixed by robotic bartenders . 18 restaurants including Jamie’s Italian . 2090 cabins, 1,571 with a balcony and 375 with a ‘virtual’ balcony – a screen showing the sea . £670m cost of building the giant vessel . 8 swimming pools and whirlpools across 18 decks . £50m boost to economy of Southampton . 300 foot height at which glass capsule observatory rises above the ocean waves . 1500 crew to look after 4,905 passengers . 80,000 guests are expected to holiday on the ship this summer season . 1300 guests invited to the naming ceremony .
Two large cruise ships - Anthem of the Seas and Explorer of the Seas - both sailing out of Southampton this summer . The liners, both owned by Royal Caribbean, were spotted passing each other in Southampton Docks earlier today . The Anthem of the Seas is now the world's largest cruise ship with room for nearly 5,000 passengers and 16 decks . Sister ship, the Explorer of the Seas, has recently undergone refurbishment and will sail around the Mediterranean .
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Sporty Pippa Middleton was spotted out jogging today for the second time this week. Despite temperatures in London reaching a toasty 23 degrees, the 31-year-old was seen pounding the pavement on a long run around the city. A fitness fanatic, the younger sister of the Duchess of Cambridge is currently preparing to take part in a 54-mile charity bike ride from London to Brighton in June, to raise money for the British Heart Foundation. Scroll down for video . Sporty Pippa Middleton was spotted out jogging in London today, for the second time this week. The 31-year-old is preparing to take part in a 54-mile cycle from London to Brighton to raise money for charity . Adidas climachill shorts . Invest in Pippa's style here . Visit site . She looks good on the red carpet, at Wimbledon and out shopping and it seems Pippa Middleton looks great even when she's out running! She clearly wanted to make the most of the sunshine out in London today whilst tying in keeping fit, no doubt in a bid to help her charity bike ride she's taking on this summer. Pippa showed off her toned legs in her tiny shorties by Adidas which are up for grabs to buy (right) - the perfect running accomplice. Complete the look with her coral vest by Sweaty Betty (below) if you really want to give yourself the royal treatment. We've highlighted a whole host of other pairs of blue shorts below to help you nail Pippa's sporting style. Wearing shorts on your next run is a sure-fire way to get those pins bronzed, so why not take the plunge with one of our bargain picks now? All that running in your new shorties might give you a Pippa style derrière too - what's not to love!? Sweaty Betty anusara yoga vest . Visit site . Adidas 2in1 shorts at Sports Direct (now £17.99) Visit site . Forever21 colorblock woven running shorts . Visit site . Adidas linear short at Sports Direct (now £17.99) Visit site . New Balance 5 inch shorts at Sports Direct (now £9) Visit site . Keeping cool in the sunshine, Pippa teamed her bright coral vest with coordinating Adidas shorts. Ever the style maven, even the pink laces in her running shoes matched the Nike tick on her sports cap, while the lead on her earphones appeared to be a part of the colour coordinated ensemble too. An ambassador for the British Heart Foundation, Pippa appears to be training hard to maintain her fitness levels for the London to Brighton cycle. Though having completed a 3,000-mile bicycle ride across the USA last year, not to mention a cross-country ski marathon and a four-mile swimming race in a Turkish tidal shipping strait, it's likely she's already much fitter than most. Ever the style maven, even the pink laces in her running shoes matched the Nike tick on her sports cap, while the lead on her earphones appeared to be a part of the colour coordinated ensemble too . A keen athlete, Pippa, who won a sports scholarship to Marlborough College, has previously spoken about how she likes to stay strong and healthy with plenty of exercise and protein-rich diet. Ahead of her swim in Istanbul last summer, the columnist said, 'To maintain energy I try to eat more protein, particularly fish or chicken. 'A lot of people swear by carb-loading in the run-up to an event but it doesn't really work for me, so I just up my protein intake.' Pippa Middleton was seen enjoying an early evening run in a London park earlier this week, stopping along her route to chat to a friendly fellow jogger . Pippa has also revealed that she prefers to stick to ‘wholesome carbs’ such as brown rice, lentils and quinoa, to balance her increased protein intake. On the morning of big events, she tucks into a bowl of porridge with honey, banana and nuts to provide her body with plenty of fuel. A big fan of the healthy lifestyle, Pippa has also revealed that playing tennis and taking Pilates classes helps her to keep in shape. Miss Middleton has previously revealed how she sticks to 'wholesome carbs' and protein such as chicken and fish when preparing for sporting events . A columnist for Waitrose magazine and contributing editor to Vanity Fair, Pippa is currently bouncing back after it emerged last month that a planned deal for her to join US television channel NBC as a special correspondent had gone sour. Not appearing to be short of projects however, she's reportedly now teaming up with an old pal, designer Tabitha Webb, to bring out a ‘Pippa Dress’ in time for a charity ball she will host in November. Her limited company, PXM Enterprises, made a profit of more than £200,000 in 2014. Pippa has previously completed a 3,000-mile race across the USA to raise money for charity (pictured), plus a cross-country ski marathon and a four-mile swimming race in a Turkish tidal shipping strait .
Pippa was seen pounding the pavement on a long run in the London heat . The 31-year-old is currently in training ahead of a 54-mile charity bike ride . She kept cool in coordinating orange vest and Adidas shorts .
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Comics at the BBC must go through a lengthy process to get some jokes on air because the Corporation is extra-wary about causing offence, an editor at the company has claimed. Chris Sussman, executive editor for comedy, revealed particular jokes have to go through 'quite a lot of layers' to be approved. Some jokes even have to be looked over by director general Lord Hall - alongside editorial policy advisers, the channel and legal advisers - before they are aired, he said. Comics at the BBC must go through a lengthy process to get jokes on air, including some being looked over by director general Lord Hall (left), an editor at the company claimed. It is because the Corporation is extra-wary about causing offence - like in the Sachsgate scandal involving Russell Brand and Jonathan Ross (right) The cautious attitude comes after a 'difficult few years', Mr Sussman added. Speaking at a Bafta event The Telegraph reported him saying: 'It's been a difficult few years and I think that is reflected internally in terms of the processes and procedures we go through when we’re making programmes. 'To get a certain joke on air, to get a joke approved, we have to go through quite a lot of layers. 'Sometimes we’ll run something past at script stage, if we’re unsure. Most of the time it’s about "here’s the show, have a look at it".' The strict rules come after a 'difficult few years' following the Sachsgate scandal, where Ross and Brand left lewd messages on Andrew Sachs' (left) voicemail, Mr Sussman added. Comedian Frankie Boyle (right) has previously criticised the BBC about its cautious attitude towards comedy . Mr Sussman joined the Corporation after Jonathan Ross and Russell Brand caused outrage by broadcasting a series of answer phone messages they left with Andrew Sachs. The messages included lewd comments about Brand's relationship with Sachs' granddaughter, Georgina Baillie. Comedian Frankie Boyle has previously criticised the BBC about its cautious attitude towards comedy. He called the Trust cowardly for the broadcaster’s lack of political comedy in 2010 shortly after leaving Mock The Week. In an open letter Boyle added that the BBC wanted to 'deliver the flavour of political comedy with none of the content'. John Lloyd, producer of Blackadder and Not the Nine O'Clock News, added that comedy that is not funny could 'sink the corporation'.
Chris Sussman said particular jokes must go through 'a lot of layers' Cautiousness comes after a 'difficult few years' at the BBC, he added . Made the comments at a Bafta event on free speech and television .
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It's that time of year again - the in between seasons moment when you look in your wardrobe and genuinely believe there is nothing suitable for the weather outside. In the springtime, the shops are full of new season clothes that are just waiting for a sunny day but still unsuitable for the ever-changing British weather. Cotton dresses, cut-off mini skirts and denim hot pants all need to wait until at least June for an appearance. Scroll down for video . Lily Melrose is a fashion blogger who has 137,000 followers on Instagram . So what to do if you want to embrace summer style now, but keep away from the shops for another couple of months? Fortunately, there are still plenty of crafty ways to keep your wardrobe current - and all you need is a pair of pliers, a glue gun and some scissors. UK stylist and blogger Lily Melrose has come up with 15 style hacks to transform your 2014 wardrobe into 2015 style, without breaking the bank. Read on to find out the DIY tips for making your clothes up to date... Lily models her updated dress, complete with necklace collar . Evening glam . Perfect for a night out with the girls, give your trusty little black dress a gorgeous splash of glam that captures this season’s catwalk style by using an old necklace to create a stunning jewelled collar effect. Use pliers to separate the necklace into individual jewels, position the pieces around the collar and simply use a glue gun to attach, instantly adding ‘the glam factor’ as seen on Matthew Williamson and House of Holland collections this Spring. Off-duty pastels . Dip-dye is big news this season and a subtle dip-dye effect will add a burst of spring colour to any daytime look. Hand dye and a bowl is all that is needed to update last year’s festival staple, the white vest. Carefully dip the first few inches of the vest into your favourite pastel shade and leave to dry. Lily’s top pick is on-trend blush pink and styled with jeans and a leather jacket for a casual daytime look. Lily shows you how to update sunglasses . DIY designer shades . As the sun comes out, it’s time to dust off last year’s sunglasses. For an effortless, high-impact update, take some jewels or artificial flowers and carefully glue these to the brim or sides of the sunglasses in a symmetrical design. Already a trend seen on the faces of Dolce & Gabbana and Prada catwalk models this season, this simple and cost-effective design will ensure you’re one step ahead of the fashion set . Dare to bare (your knees) You don’t need to buy a new pair of jeans to sport this season’s biggest denim trend – plus worn jeans are softer too so they’re much easier to customise. Cut a rip just above the knee cap and then pull out threads and distress the edges for the perfect laid-back cool look. Team with patterned tights underneath for a fresh take on this look. Hair jewelry . The Les Copains label was among those adorning catwalk hairstyles with statement jewellery, but you don’t need to buy them. Carefully attach old necklace jewels (broken down by pliers) onto hairgrips with glue and leave to dry, to turn a boring hair day into a cute one. Headphone sparkle . In fact, embellishment can be used to spruce up any accessory – take inspiration from Dolce & Gabbana’s bejewelled headphones and add some sparkle to your commute by adding old jewels and diamantes to the outside of your Beats headphones. Fringed boots is a key look for 2015 . Seventies chic . The Seventies look has exploded on to the high street from the catwalks, but instead of going all in with flared jeans and heavy prints, try wearing existing key items in a new way. Channel the vibe with a high waisted skirt (bonus points if it’s the classic Seventies shade of camel), teamed with a tucked in black polo neck. For extra fashion points, cut off the sleeves of the polo neck as seen in Topshop this season for an easy update for spring. Crystal slippers . Take last year’s slipper shoe and update for this season by attaching some studs to them for an edgy spring look. The soft fabric makes it easy to attach them; pierce the fabric with each stud and fold them flat on the inside using pliers to keep them secure and comfortable. Cropped logo T-shirts: Nineties style has been in for a while now, but this year expect to see classic logo T-shirts updated for spring with cut off sleeves and cropped to the waist a la Daisy Lowe. No sewing needed – just don’t be afraid to take your scissors to your favourite old T-shirt! Fringe feet: Fringing has been big for a few seasons now, but this season the must-have is going to be fringing on your feet; take a simple suede tassel in the same shade as your favourite boots and attach using a few stitches. Use thread in the same shade for a seamless look. Faux fur gilet . Spring is the hardest time to style as the weather is so changeable; dig out last year’s faux fur cropped jacket from your wardrobe and unpick the sleeves to create a gilet to throw on over T-shirts for warm, breezy days. Rita Ora was wearing a faux fur gilet in New York in February . Instagram . Pinterest and instagram are the perfect ‘virtual wardrobe’; when you get compliments on outfits or try something new, take a snap and post them to create your own style bible that you can refer to at any time. Just by looking through you’ll probably see something you haven’t worn in a while that’s worth digging out! Colour pop . The classic white shirt is a style staple, but you can add a bit of spring colour simply by swapping the buttons for bright alternatives. Just a few hand sewn stitches can change the entire look with subtle hints of colour. Personalised pumps . With even Prada getting in on the act, personalised footwear is everywhere right now. But you can create your own one-of-a kind look by using a paintbrush to paint fabric dye onto the panels of your favourite Converse or plimsolls. Celebrity dye job . One way to revive hair for the new season is with an ombre style. Rather than transforming your locks with an all-new shade, why not choose pink tips. The flash of colour will refresh locks for spring. Lily Melrose supplied her style hacks in association with Gallo Family Vineyards Moscato. For more information, go to facebook.com/GalloFamilyVineyards .
Stylist Lily Melrose has imaginative ways to update your wardrobe . UK blogger shares DIY tips to take winter clothes into spring on the cheap . They include bejewelling sunglasses and fringing boots .
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The story of Rapunzel, the girl trapped in a tower who is rescued by a prince climbing up her long locks, has captivated little would-be princesses the world over for centuries. But while most girls grow out of their yearning for tumbling tresses, not everyone ditches the extra-long look when they hit adulthood. As hair extensions soar in popularity on the red carpet, the number of middle-aged women with very long natural hair is on the rise, according to beauty experts. Scroll down for video . From left to right: Fiona Steane is 50 with 3ft long hair,  Sarah Rihal is also 50 and has 3ft 5in of hair, Melanie Brown is 60 and has 4ft long hair and Vanessa Thorpe is 40 with 2ft 10in of hair . And recently, supermodel Twiggy stood up for older women with long locks. ‘It makes me crazy when people say you have to cut your hair short once you hit 50,’ she said. ‘I saw a woman the other day in her late 70s with silver hair down to her waist. I thought, “Good on you, girl.”’ Here, some of Britain’s real-life Rapunzels show off their locks —and explain why they’d never consider going for the chop… . MY HAIR GETS STUCK IN CAR DOORS . Fiona Steane, 50, is an artist . She lives in London with her husband of 20 years, Christopher, 48, a banker, and their 17-year-old daughter, Amelia. Fiona Steane, 50, (pictured) wanted to cut all her hair off when she was 15 but her mother refused and she's had it long ever since then and gets it trimmed twice a year . My mother always kept my hair long. She had very long hair and she liked me to have it that way, too. I was dancing back then, so it was easier to have it long and whip it up into a bun. When I was 15, I wanted to cut it all off and my mother refused — so it’s been this way ever since. I don’t like watching people getting their hair cut and I hate hairdressers. I couldn’t even watch my husband getting his hair cut recently — there’s something about it that makes me feel sick. I get it trimmed, just getting rid of the split ends, twice a year. Then I have a conditioning treatment, which takes up to six hours but feels amazing afterwards. I don’t have a hairdryer. I’ve never used one. I don’t colour my hair. I don’t straighten it. I just shampoo, condition and leave. It’s pure laziness. This might look like it takes a lot of work but in reality I don’t have to do anything. I do make sure I use specialist hair products for long hair. When it comes to conditioner, I slather loads of it on. This keeps it nice and smooth. My cut-off point — when I know it’s got too long — is when I can sit on it. It gets stuck in car doors and it’s always in the way. Fiona (pictured) says she uses special clips from Paris to protect her hair when she wants to put it up . My hair is manageable at this length. When I want to put it up, I use special plastic clips from Paris so as not to damage my hair. An Arab man offered to buy my hair once. I thought it was hysterical. My daughter has beautiful long, thick hair. Hers is darker than mine but it’s stunning. I don’t like it when people touch my hair. I have to remind them that it’s mine. MY LONG LOCKS MAKE ME FEEL FEMININE . Sarah Rihal, 50, is a property manager from South London. She is married to Bob, 58, a pharmacist, and has two children, Alice, 27 and Jasmine, eight. Sarah Rihal, 50, (pictured) says she has had long her all her life and her youngest daughter Jasmine has hair the same length. Sarah says children in the school nursery often call her Rapunzel . I’m not a very girly girl but I’ve had long hair all my life. I went through phases when I was younger where I had shoulder-length hair, but since my late teens it’s been down to my bust. My youngest daughter, Jasmine, has hair the same length as mine. Jasmine has to wear hers plaited for school. When I pick her up, I often hear children in nursery whispering, ‘Look, it’s Rapunzel’ when we walk past. That makes me smile. I go to my hairdresser, Neil Ward, at his specialist salon Long Hair in London four times a year for a trim and conditioning treatment. The first time I went, I had my hair up in a metallic clip and Neil whipped it out and threw it in the bin. At home, I use a special shampoo and conditioner from the George Michael Long Hair range, as well as a cream rinse, which is like a conditioner that you comb through the ends after washing. I keep a jug of it in the bathroom, so I can just dunk the ends in after a shower. Sarah (pictured) uses a special shampoo from the George Michael Long Hair range, but she says there are practical difficulties with having long hair like having to plait it at night to avoid knotting . I wash my hair once a week — it does get greasy but it doesn’t usually need more than that. What I love about hair this length is that you don’t have to do anything with it. I wear it plaited or on top of my head in a bulldog clip. I just wash it and let it dry which takes about two hours. There are practical challenges to having long hair. And, at night, I have to plait it or it would get knotted around my pillow and my poor husband! My hair is my favourite part of myself. It is the one thing that makes me feel really feminine. I don’t think I’ll ever be tempted to cut it. Redheads like me tend to go white, not grey, so hopefully it will still look elegant in years to come. I GET PROPOSALS FROM STRANGERS . Melanie Brown, 60, is a retired teacher. Divorced, she has two grown-up daughters and lives in North London. Melanie Brown, 60, (pictured) says men have always found her hair attractive and that she has been proposed to twice thanks to her long locks . My hair started really growing when I was five years old and I’ve only been to a professional hairdresser twice as far as I can remember. The first time was when I was 15 and my hair was thick and long. The hairdresser cut it to my shoulders and that put me off for years. The second time was when I was in my 20s and I’d got my first teaching job. Headlice are a worry for teachers with long hair, so I marched to a hairdresser in London that specialised in long hair and said: ‘Cut it all off!’ They refused. They said it was so beautiful they wouldn’t dream of cutting it. Men have always found my hair attractive. I’ve had two proposals of marriage just because of my hair. One was from a colleague I’d only been working with for two weeks when he said he loved my hair and wanted to marry me. Not surprisingly, my ex-husband didn’t like the attention it got. Melanie (pictured) says she doesn't do anything special with her hair and washes it about once a week using whichever shampoo is cheapest . I really don’t do anything special to it. I wash it once a week with whatever shampoo is the cheapest on offer at Boots. I don’t use any special styling products, either. I just dry my hair with a hairdryer or, in the colder months when I have the heating on, I lie watching TV next to the radiator. Occasionally, I’ll get annoyed with it. But it’s part of ‘me’ now and I couldn’t imagine having it shorter. IT TAKES FOUR HOURS TO DRY NATURALLY . Vanessa Thorpe, 40, is a production editor. She lives in Essex and is divorced with one son. Vanessa Thorpe, 40, (pictured) will only use hair products that have not been tested on animals and washes and conditions her hair every morning despite the fact it takes four hours to dry naturally . I love having long hair, especially combined with its unusual colour. I don’t understand why some women feel compelled to cut their hair when they reach a certain age. I wash and condition it every morning, as it feels so much nicer. I never stick to one brand or product. I find my hair gets used to certain shampoos and conditioners and then they’re not as effective. I never buy expensive products. The products I’m using this week are Superdrug’s Pro-V, but before that I used Sainsbury’s own-brand. My only rule is that the products are not tested on animals. Vanessa (pictured) says she has never been tempted to go for a big hair cut but she has it trimmed every eight months where she has to stand up while they cut it . Washing it every day takes about ten minutes. Then I squeeze the water out with a towel and comb it through with a Tangle Teezer. It takes four hours to dry naturally, and I don’t use styling products. I’ve never been tempted to go for the chop. I had it hacked to shoulder-length when I was 13, but regretted it. I go for a trim about every eight months, and have to stand up so they can cut it. I don’t keep it this length to attract men, although I guess they like it. My boyfriend likes it, but I’d like to think he’s attracted to me and not just my mane.
Most girls grow out of their yearning for tumbling tresses as adults . But there is now a growing trend for middle-aged women with long hair . Supermodel Twiggy recently stood up for older women with longer locks . Here some of Britain's real-life Rapunzels show off their lengthy tresses .
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Skipper John O'Shea has challenged Sunderland to keep their fate in their own hands by securing a fifth successive derby victory over Newcastle. The Wear-Tyne rivals meet at the Stadium of Light on Sunday with Sunderland having won the last four meetings, but in grave need of three points to ease themselves away from the developing battle for Barclays Premier League survival. O'Shea and his team-mates could find themselves inside the relegation zone by the time they run out if Burnley get the better of Tottenham in the day's earlier kick-off, and that would make three points a necessity. John O'Shea, pictured playing for Ireland at the weekend, wants a fifth straight derby win against Newcastle . The Black Cats captain celebrates scoring against Newcastle in the Tyne-Wear derby of 2012 . The Republic of Ireland international told SAFSee: 'That's the big issue: whoever we were facing this weekend, be in Newcastle, be it Crystal Palace, be it Southampton, whoever the case may be, it's a case of getting the three points as soon as we can and getting everyone energised again and looking forward to the remaining games. 'Look, we know we're not in the position that we'd like to be in, but we know we can get out of it. It's in our hands.' After a dreadful run of results against their arch-rivals, the Black Cats have fared rather well in recent times, winning the last three at St James' Park and the most recent game on Wearside. Asked what lay behind that run of results, O'Shea said: 'Staying together as a unit, keeping the team spirit strong, working as a unit all over the pitch and taking chances. 'Making sure we got clean sheets and also whether it was early or late in the game, making sure we took chances - they were the keys, and obviously having a strong squad as well because there were a couple of times where there were changes in the line-up before games. Jermain Defoe rues a missed opportunity during defeat to West Ham in Sunderland's previous game . 'Everyone has got to be mentally prepared to start the game, and obviously anything can happen then in the 90 minutes. 'Look, it's one of those things, we have a chance of creating a fantastic record against a big rival, the main rival for us, so it's a fantastic opportunity. 'But ultimately, it comes down to wanting it more on the day and hopefully, that will be the case.'
Sunderland face Newcastle in the Tyne-Wear deerby on Sunday . Captain John O'Shea has targeted a fifth successive win over rivals . Black Cats are in danger of falling into relegation zone over Easter .
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On the day of his arrival at Liverpool in June 2012, Brendan Rodgers struck an emotive theme, telling stories of afternoons at his grand-father’s house in County Antrim spent watching the great Liverpool teams of the 1970s and ’80s competing in domestic cup finals. Rodgers has, it must be said, always had an understanding of the importance of domestic silverware to the club. On Wednesday night at Ewood Park, he must only hope his modern Liverpool side can raise themselves above recent modest levels and take another step towards a Wembley final that could yet go some way to rescuing his season. Brendan Rodgers set his side the objective of winning a trophy and finishing inside the top four . Liverpool have lost ground in the race for the Champions League places and will find it hard to recover . Steven Gerrard (left) and Mario Balotelli look on as Rodgers give a talk to his players and staff . Blackburn's record against top-flight opposition . Speaking ahead of the replay at Blackburn, Rodgers would not go so far as to say the FA Cup could save this campaign for Liverpool. He cannot be seen to be writing off his team’s top-four Barclays Premier League hopes just yet. Nevertheless, an FA Cup final would be more than useful, for all kinds of reasons. ‘I don’t want to go down the route of saying that it saves our season,’ said Rodgers. ‘Our objective at the start, though, was to win a trophy. ‘So I think if we didn’t get in the top four and we didn’t have a trophy this year, we would be disappointed. I think certainly the FA Cup would give us a great boost as a team with lots of young players and players coming into the club. ‘That’s the expectancy we want. We want to be able to be challenging every year. ‘That was the key thing for me, to get the group challenging at the top end of the league and for trophies. The FA Cup would mark a good step forward for us.’ Coming towards the final part of a season that saw Liverpool start badly, improve markedly and then disappoint once again, the problems facing their manager are familiar. Daniel Sturridge and Luis Suarez scored 55 club goals between them last season but this time round the club’s top scorers are Raheem Sterling and Steven Gerrard with 10 each. Meanwhile at the back, familiar failings re-emerged in the 4-1 defeat at Arsenal on Saturday as Liverpool defended poorly and were left asking questions — for the first time in a while — of their goalkeeper Simon Mignolet. Liverpool ace Kolo Toure is expected to start in the absence of the suspended Martin Skrtel and Emre Can . Summer signing Dejan Lovren may also be given the chance to impress at Ewood Park . Blackburn vs Liverpool predicted line-ups . Asked if a defensive repeat would see Liverpool lose to a Championship side, Rodgers said: ‘I think so, yes. We didn’t defend at Arsenal. We didn’t defend the ball well enough, we gave the ball away in poor areas for two of the four goals. ‘Over the last few months we defended really well, we had six clean sheets against good opponents and defended very well away from home. ‘The minute you come off it and if you come off it against good players you can get punished and that is what happened.’ Worryingly for Rodgers, his best two defenders — Martin Skrtel and Emre Can — are suspended along with captain Gerrard. There remains a genuine desire to reach May’s Wembley final in order to let Gerrard leave the club in memorable fashion, something that was outlined by midfielder Joe Allen last week. ‘There is no getting away from that,’ said Allen. ‘That is something that drives us. We all feel we owe Steven a lot.’ If it is to happen, Liverpool must overcome what should be a stiff challenge from Gary Bowyer’s team. Blackburn did more that frustrate Liverpool in the 0-0 draw at Anfield exactly a month ago. They could have won and we can expect them to again trouble a defence that may have to feature two of Rodgers’ weakest links, Kolo Toure and Dejan Lovren. Certainly Liverpool must lift themselves if they are to prosper. The fact that they have already overcome a similar challenge in round four — winning a replay at Bolton — will perhaps encourage them but that was a Liverpool team trending upwards in form. Currently, there is a sense that the opposite is happening. Liverpool will be hoping to replicate their 2001 FA Cup triumph by beating Arsenal in the final . The obvious beneficiary of all this is the grand old competition itself. With Arsenal, Aston Villa and Reading already in the last four, the FA Cup is guaranteed to find itself with semi-finalists who desperately want to lift the trophy. Deep down, the FA will long for an Arsenal-Liverpool final. That will evoke some classic memories involving the likes of Charlie George and Michael Owen. Rodgers would surely give much for the opportunity to avenge last weekend’s league defeat on such a grand stage. ‘There is everything still to play for and we can still make it a really successful season,’ he said. Whether those words were spoken in hope or expectation, only he will really know.
Liverpool take on Blackburn Rovers in FA Cup semi-final replay . FA Cup success appears to be final chance of glory this season . Reds look set to miss out on Champions League spot after recent defeats .
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Baseball may not have a reputation for being a violent as some of America's other sports, but the MLB witnessed scenes more suited to the Ice-Hockey rink or grid-iron field on Thursday night. In the seventh innings of a game between the Kansas City Royals and rivals Chicago White Sox both sets of players became embroiled in a mass brawl. Umpires ejected a total of five players from both teams after the fight at Chicago's US Cellular Field in Illinois. Scroll down for video . Chicago White Sox's Jeff Samardzija, center, in the brawl with Royals players during Thursday's game . A heated exchange between Royals starter Yordano Ventura and White Sox outfielder Adam Eaton sparked the brawl which saw players from both dugouts and bullpens flood the field, reported New York Daily News. Several punches were thrown and Ventura, along with fellow teammates Lorenzo Cain and Edinson Volquez, was sent off along with Chicago's Chris Sale and Jeff Samardzija. Thursday's match began to get scrappy after the White Sox's Jose Abreu was hit in the arm by Ventura's pitch in the fourth innings. The very next innings, Royals' Mike Moustakas was also hit in the arm, this time by a pitch from Chris Sale, leading to a warning for both teams. But things continued to escalate until Eaton hit a comebacker (a ball batted directly back to the pitcher) at Ventura in the seventh innings. The Royals starter picked up a ground ball but instead of throwing it to first for the out, he appeared to stop for a moment and stare at the pitcher. MLB.com . Umpires ejected a total of five players from both teams after the fight at Chicago's U.S. Cellular Field, Illinois . The pair exchanged words, and Eaton is alleged to have shouted an expletive at Ventura, who was said to have shouted one back before he threw to first base to end the inning. Things quickly turned ugly and both players had to be kept apart by teammates and umpires. But the whole of both teams ran onto the field for the brawl where there was pushing, shoving and even a few punches. The fight was beginning to calm down and Moustakas was escorting Ventura back to the dugout when Samardzija charged at Cain. However, he missed knocked over coach Mike Jirschele instead. Ventura told ESPN Chicago he regretted the way he'd handled himself. 'It was a messy situation, I got the ground ball and was unable to control my emotions in that play, and it turned out ugly,' Ventura said. Several punches were thrown and Kansas City's Ventura, Lorenzo Cain and Edinson Volquez were ejected . Both teams ran onto the field for the brawl where there was pushing, shoving and even a few punches . '(Eaton) said something to me. I responded back to him,' he said. 'It wasn't my intention, but maybe he interpreted it from the way I fielded the ball, but it was a hard comebacker, kind of put me off-balance, at which point I took those steps that incited him and he responded back, clearly emotional.' Royals won the game 3-2 in 13 innings, which is the first of a four-game series. This is not the first time the Royals have had tensions with other teams. Last weekend, their clash with Oakland Athletics landed scrappy Ventura with a fine for his actions. He was also involved in the team's disagreements with the Los Angeles Angels. In the three-game series against the Athletics, the teams clashed almost every match until five players and coaches were thrown out of the finale. They included Royals reliever Kelvin Herrera, who threw that fastball behind the head of Brett Lawrie and pointed to his own head in a threatening manner. He received a five-game suspension.
Thursday's match between two baseball heavyweights turned into a brawl . Began after dispute between the Yordana Ventura and Adam Eaton . Sparked a mass fight with members of both teams running onto the field . Umpired ejected a total of five players after the scrap at Chicago's stadium .
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Steve Clarke admits his Reading side require the ‘perfect’ performance to stand any chance of beating Arsenal — but concedes he has yet to see that from one of his teams during his managerial career. Reading have struggled in the Championship this campaign whereas Arsene Wenger’s side are the in-form side in the Premier League going into their FA Cup semi-final at Wembley on Saturday. ‘There’s only the pressure that we put ourselves under to play the perfect game and make no mistakes,’ said Clarke. Steve Clarke insists his Reading side must be 'perfect' to have any chance of beating Arsenal at Wembley . ‘We must make sure that the preparation and mentality are right and we give everything we’ve got. ‘We’ve mentioned about having no regrets coming off the pitch and I promise you the players will give everything they’ve got to try to get a result. ‘We have to play almost the perfect game — to be solid, resolute and mentally strong. It’s a game where we can’t make too many mistakes. If you make mistakes against the top teams they will punish you. If we can do that we’ve got a chance.’ Clarke, 51, is still feeling his way as a manager, having taken charge of West Bromwich Albion for a season in 2012 before taking the Reading job last summer. The Royals dispatched of Bradford in the last round as they hope to reach the FA Cup final for the first time . Asked how many times he had seen a perfect display from one of his sides, he replied: ‘Probably none, so it’s a big ask. But you have to ask it.’ Clarke has never beaten Wenger and added: ‘I had a couple of good games against them at West Brom. I know they are a good team with good players but if we play the perfect game we have a chance.’ Clarke has challenged his players to make history by getting to the FA Cup final for the first time. Eighty-eight years ago they made it to this stage but Clarke is not content with matching that. ‘It’s not unique history, it’s shared history,’ he said. ‘If they get to the final, no other Reading team has done that. That is the history they have to make.' Clarke has never beaten Arsene Wenger as a manager and there's no better place to start than Wembley .
Steve Clarke admits his Reading side must be 'perfect' on Saturday . The Royals face Arsenal in the FA Cup semi-final at Wembley Stadium . Clarke has never beaten Arsene Wenger but wants this to change .
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Graphic images have emerged of a badly beaten transgender prisoner amid reports police 'pulverized' her face, forced her to strip and shaved her head. Pictures show Veronica Bolina lying partially naked on the ground in front of a group of officers and other prisoners in Sao Paulo, Brazil. The 25-year-old had previously been arrested over an alleged attack on her 73-year-old neighbour. Warning graphic content . Pictures have emerged of transgender woman Veronica Bolina (left) amid reports police 'pulverized' her face leaving her with horrific injuries (right) Images show Veronica Bolina lying partially naked on the floor in front of a group of officers and other prisoners in the capital Sao Paulo . But an investigation is now underway amid reports she was set upon by officers on three different occasions after being taken into custody, leaving her face unrecognisable. Pictures appearing to show her ordeal were leaked online and have sparked outrage across Brazil. An official police statement claimed Bolina was attacked by prisoners when she was seen performing a sex act on herself in her cell and that officers were forced to intervene. It added that the injuries were the result of a struggle in which, police claim, she bit an officer on the ear. Pictures appearing to show her ordeal were leaked online and have sparked outrage across Brazil . An investigation is now underway amid reports Veronica Bolina (pictured) was set upon by officers on three different occasions after being taken into custody, leaving her face unrecognisable . Outraged supporters of Veronica Bolina (pictured) have set up campaign groups on the internet demanding the right for LGBT people to be treated fairly . The 25-year-old had previously been arrested over an alleged attack on her 73-year-old neighbour, it has been reported . The photos of her badly swollen eyes and mouth have been widely shared on the internet with outraged supporters setting up campaign groups on the internet demanding the right for LGBT people to be treated fairly. One supporter, Susane Montalvo Sarabia, said: 'It is just sickening that in this day and age such things as this still happen. 'They have pulverised that poor woman's face and are now trying to cover it up. Whether she is innocent, guilty, transgender or straight doesn't matter. 'The police should not be allowed to do this to anyone.' Authorities in Sao Paulo say they are now investigating the matter. A spokesman for the prosecutors office said she had been moved to a detention centre where she has an individual cell until the court case. Brazilian police officers kill on average six people every day according to the Sao Paulo-based Forum on Public Safety. The NGO collated figures between 2009 and 2013 which showed police killed more than 11,000 people. In comparison, police and law enforcement officers in the United States took 30 years to kill 11,000 people. According to a report released by the organisation: 'The empirical evidence shows that Brazilian police make abusive use of lethal force to respond to crime and violence.' However, Brazil is an incredibly violent country with one murder approximately every ten minutes. Many of those killed by Brazilian police are recorded as being shot 'while evading arrest'.
Pictures show Veronica Bolina face down on the ground in a Sao Paulo jail . She had previously been arrested over alleged attack on elderly neighbour . Reports claim 25-year-old was then set upon by officers on three occasions . Images appearing to show her ordeal have sparked outrage across Brazil .
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The scream factor of rides at a Cornwall fun park are being measured over the Easter holiday period to see if the noise will impact the residents of a new 480-home development nearby. A reading on the 'fright' decibels of the rollercoaster at Flambards theme park in Helston will be recorded as a row develops over a new housing estate that could bring in 1,000 new residents. Ian Cunningham, who has recently taken ownership of the tourist attraction, said he was 'amazed' to discover no-one had realised the homes will be built right alongside his rollercoaster. Noise levels are being tested on the rollercoaster at Flambards in Cornwall over the Easter period . 'There will be music and screams from the roller coaster ... a theme park without noise is not a theme park,' he told a meeting of the Helston town council planning committee. Cunningham is worried people would buy the new houses and then later complain about the noise, leading to potential restrictions being imposed on his business. 'Residential housing close to a go-kart track, which we also have, seems a little short-sighted,' he added. Developer David Martin has applied for outline planning permission for up to 480 houses and access road on a series of fields. The readings from the fun park will go into a report as local planning council considers a 480-house project . Cunningham said when he bought Flambards, he was made aware of the Helston strategic framework, which had earmarked HX2 (the name given by council planners) as the preferred area for residential development in town. This was also agreed by Helston Town Council last year. But he said the framework document makes no mention of Flambards. The 1,000-resident development is proposed for next door to the popular Cornwall theme park . Nick Jackson, the planning agent on behalf of Mr Martin, said the plans were only outlined at this stage and the position of houses on the land could be agreed later. He said noise experts would be monitoring Flambards over the Easter holidays to assess the level of screaming. The committee is awaiting further information from the developers, including an environmental impact report and the noise report, before their next meeting on April 16.Their decision will be passed onto the Cornwall Council, who will have the final say.
A 480-house development is proposed for next to a popular theme park . Council plans don't mention the Helston amusement Flambards . New owner Ian Cunningham fears people will buy houses then later complain about the noise, leading to restrictions on his park .
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A Florida university is investigating the death of a student who drowned in Daytona Beach to determine whether or not hazing was involved. Bethune-Cookman University student Damian Parks, 22, was reported missing after going swimming with student s at 3am on Sunday and students who were with him said strong currents pulled Parks out to sea. His body was found Monday morning. Students who were with Parks, who were all part of a step team called Melodic Stepping Experience, which formed last year, said no hazing was involved. Bethune-Cookman University student Damian Parks, 22, drowned in Daytona Beach on Sunday after going for a swim with friends at 3am. He was pulled out to see by a strong current and his body was later found on Monday morning . But Bethune-Cookman University is investigating Parks death after university administration 'heard rumors' that hazing was involved. Parks and the men he was swimming with were part of a step team called Melodic Stepping Experience, which formed last year . A Bethune-Cookman spokeswoman Keisha Boyd said that the university administration had 'heard rumors' about hazing and that Volusia County Beach Safety Ocean Rescue is investigating the student's death, according to the Daytona Beach News-Journal. Parks' mother, Carolyn Parks, said she didn't know why her son would decide to swim in the ocean. 'I don't know why it happened, why he would go into the water like this, because he is not a good swimmer,' she told WESH 2. 'And I had talked to him just before he came out here and he told me he was tired and was going to rest, not knowing he was going to come out here to the beach.' Damian Parks is the second son Carolyn Parks has had to mourn in recent months. Her 16-year-old son died in Miami six months ago. Parks was with four other men in about 5ft of water near Sun Splash Park when he lost grip of a friend's clothing and a the current pulled him out to sea, according to a U.S. Coast Guard report. Parks' friends said that there was 'no foul play at all' and that is was not hazing. They added that the group was 'having fun' and that Parks had not been drinking before the incident . Uamil Turner, who was at the beach, said 'it wasn't hazing', and he was unsure where the rumor came from. Marquise Nelson, who was also at the beach with Parks, said that there 'was no foul play at all'. 'Damian didn't do anything he didn't want to do, and everyone knew that,' Nelson told the News-Journal. 'Everyone was having fun.' Parks friends said that the student had not been drinking the night he drowned nor was he impaired in any way. Deputy Chief Ray Manchester of Volusia County Beach Safety Ocean Rescue said there's no sign of hazing in the incident and that the men had, however, been out bar-hopping before going for a swim. He added that he believed 'they may have been drinking' and that the ocean was rough when the men entered the water. Students and staff at Bethune-Cookman University mourned Parks' death during a prayer vigil held on Monday after the student's body was found . The university said that though the investigation is ongoing, it still wants to celebrate Parks' life and support his family 'in this most difficult time' The university is investigating into hazing, while Volusia County Beach Safety Ocean Rescue is assisting with toxicology and witness statements, Manchester said. Bethune-Cookman spokeswoman Boyd said that though the investigation was ongoing, the university is still celebrating Parks' life. 'Once any additional information is provided by the Beach Patrol, the University will issue another statement. While information regarding the events of April 20th are continuing to surface, we ask that the public join B-CU in supporting the Parks family in this most difficult time,' she said. The university held a prayer vigil on Monday, in which University President Edison Jackson planted a tree in Parks' memory. Students at the vigil said that Parks 'never stopped laughing' and was both talented and artistic. During Monday's vigil, University President Edison planted a tree in Parks' memory. More than 100 people appeared to have shown up for Monday's vigil .
Bethune-Cookman University student Damian Parks, 22, drowned on Sunday . He and four friends had gone swimming in Daytona Beach at 3am after bar-hopping, Volusia County Beach Safety Ocean Rescue said . Strong currents pulled Parks out to sea and his body was found on Monday . Friends who were with him said there 'was no foul play at all' and that Parks had not been drinking nor was he impaired in any way . The five students were part of a step team called Melodic Stepping Experience, which formed last year . Parks' mother Carolyn Parks, who lost another son, aged 16, six months ago, said that her son was not a good swimmer .
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Comedian Dave Hughes has refused to apologise for calling radio broadcaster Derryn Hinch a 'w**ker' on national television. Hughes and Hinch appeared on Monday night's Q&A panel discussing depression and alcohol, following the emergence of a video featuring Prime Minister Tony Abbott skolling a beer in a pub. Audience member Lauren Hayes asked Minister for Trade and Investment Andrew Robb if he thought Mr Abbott's 'display of irresponsible drinking was an act of peer pressure or an attempt to become more popular with younger voters'. Scroll down for video . Australian comedian Dave Hughes (pictured) called radio broadcaster Derryn Hinch a 'w**ker' on national television . This sparked Hinch to question if binge drinking was as prevalent back when he was younger as it was today. But Hughes interjected and said this culture had existed and people drank to get drunk. To which the radio personality replied: 'I drank because I like the taste of wine.' Without missing a beat, the Australian comedian fired back: 'That's because you're a w**ker.' Hinch (above) and Hughes were on ABC's Q&A on Monday night discussing alcohol and depression . But Hinch would not have any of it, saying: 'It takes one to know one.' Hughes told Kiis 101.1 radio he would not recant his comment about Hinch. 'I absolutely stand by it. In that moment, and I think Derryn would agree... he was a w**ker,' the comedian said on Tuesday morning. And the veteran radio personality did not seem to mind the put down. 'I've been insulted by experts so I can handle it,' Derryn told the Melbourne radio station. 'I thought David Hughes was quite quiet last night. The episode came after a video surfaced of Tony Abbott skolling a beer in a Sydney pub on the weekend . Mr Abbott downed a schooner of beer in about six seconds while patrons cheered and encouraged him . 'Normally I look at him and he belongs to that breed of... comedians who think the louder you tell a joke the funnier it gets. I wasn't offended.' On social media, one Twitter user stood behind the radio broadcaster, saying: 'Boogly-eyed comedian Dave Hughes' high-horse 'w**ker' comment was way out of line; great response.' Another called Hughes out by using the comedian's same insult: 'Dave... is a w**ker.' But others were supportive of Hughes' view. '[Hughes] calling [Hinch] a w**ker... gold!' one supporter said. 'Hughesy is winning [Q&A] because you're a w**ker hinch,' another Twitter user said. Monday night's Q&A also saw a more serious Hughes tell the audience about his battles with alcohol and depression. 'When I was 21, I was drinking heavily and smoking marijuana and having sort of episodes at night, and I said to my mum that I think I've got schizophrenia,' the comedian said. 'We went to the doctor together - she was a beautiful mother - obviously, she helped me out. 'The doctor, we had a chat about it. I told him I smoked marijuana and he told me, made me stop doing that. And I did, stopped smoking marijuana and I stopped drinking. 'When I walked out of that doctor's surgery I felt so much better just at having told people about it.'
Comedian Dave Hughes called Derryn Hinch a 'w**ker' on Monday's Q&A . The pair were speaking about the binge drinking culture in Australia . Radio broadcaster Hinch said he drank because he liked 'the taste of wine' This was met with Hughes replying: 'That's because you're a w**ker' Hinch retorted with: 'It takes one to know one' Hughes said he stands by his comments made on Monday night .
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Louis van Gaal has found the best way to keep Manchester United fans happy is to win at home. Powering past Aston Villa was their 13th victory in 16 Premier League matches at Old Trafford and they have accumulated more points on their own territory, 40, than anyone else. No wonder after a period of irritation earlier in the season, the Stretford End are cheering regardless of whether United play quickly, slowly, pass back to goalkeeper David de Gea or boot it up to Marouane Fellaini . Wayne Rooney (centre) scored a stunning half-volley as Manchester United beat Aston Villa 3-1 in the Premier League on Saturday . Rooney put United 2-0 ahead on 79 minutes as he crashed home the Red Devils' second with his right-footed strike . United's No 10 celebrates his stunning effort at Old Trafford - his sixth goal in eight games for the club since being moved back up front . Rooney (centre right) is mobbed by his team-mates after his wonderful goal gives them a 2-0 lead against lowly Villa . Manchester United (4-3-3): De Gea 6; Valencia 7.5, Jones 7, Rojo 7, Blind 6.5; Carrick 7, Herrera 8.5, Fellaini 6.5 (Falcao, 77 mins); Mata 6.5, Young 7 (Di Maria, 70), Rooney 7. Subs not used: Valdes, Rafael, McNair, A Pereira, Januzaj. Goals: Herrera 43 and 90+2, Rooney 79 . Aston Villa (4-4-2): Guzan 7; Hutton 5.5 (Bacuna, 45), Okore 5.5, Clark 6, Lowton 5.5; Delph 6.5, Sanchez 6, N'Zogbia 5.5 (Baker, 61), Weimann 6 (Cole, 77); Agbonlahor 5, Benteke 6.5. Subs not used: Given, Vlaar, Gil, Grealish. Goal: Benteke 80 . Booked: Delph . Referee: Roger East . Attendance: 75,397 . CLICK HERE to view our brilliant Match Zone - including the move for Ander Herrera's opener in Manchester United's win . They remember losing seven home games under David Moyes last season. Two goals by Ander Herrera and a special one from Wayne Rooney were enough to sweep aside lowly opponents and took United up to third place, a point ahead of neighbours Manchester City who play Crystal Palace on Monday before they are up next at the Theatre of Dreams. Even more importantly, Van Gaal's side are now eight points clear of Brendan Rodgers and Liverpool in fifth. It means his number one priority, restoring Champions League football to Old Trafford, has nearly been achieved. In terms of performance, it was something of the old, something of the new. United used width as their tradition demands with former Villa winger Ashley Young seeing a lot of the ball on the left. But there was a lot of patience and possession too. United had 72% of the ball without a lot to show for it until the reward came after 43 minutes. Daley Blind overlapped for the umpteenth time and on this occason his cutback to Herrera was perfect for the Spaniard to drill home. The second goal didn't arrive until 11 minutes from the end but was worth the wait. Angel Di Maria, on as a substitute, chipped the ball behind Rooney, but the England striker still found a way to score. He fully extended his left luminous green boot, brought the ball under control with his first touch and then spun 180 degrees to lash home his finish on the half-volley with his right. On such goals has the Theatre of Dreams acquired its reputation. But surprisingly there was still work to do for United because David de Gea let a Christian Benteke shot squirm through his body almost immediately aftewards. Villa manager Tim Sherwood (right) shakes the hand of his United counterpart Louis van Gaal before Saturday's encounter . United felt they should have had a penalty in the opening minutes of the match at Old Trafford when Rooney (left) fell in the box . The United skipper appeals to the officials after being denied a penalty during the opening exchanges at Old Trafford . United midfielder Marouane Fellaini (right) challenges for the ball against Villa defender Jores Okore during the first half . Rooney attempts an overhead kick midway through the first half as both sides try to break the deadlock at Old Trafford . It was only when Herrera added his second goal that van Gaal's men were totally safe though anything other than three points would have been a travesty on the balance of play. 'I wanted to come here and compete, and I thought we did that,' said Villa boss Tim Sherwood. 'But United have players who have been round the block, they know when to speed it up and slow it down. The goal just before half-time killed us.' FA Cup semi-finalists Villa could be in the bottom three when they face QPR at home on Tuesday night in a genuine relegation six-pointer. But they will be without a string of injured players including Alan Hutton. taken off at half-time yesterday with an ankle injury, Scott Sinclair, Ashley Westwood and Kieran Richardson. 'I've never known anything like it. Ridiculous,' said Sherwood. Van Gaal was simply relieved to get United's first game after the international break out the way. 'I was afraid before this match because we were playing against a very defensive organisaton. That is not easy to create chances and score goals,' he said. United midfielder Ander Herrera (left) hit the first goal of the game just before half-time with a crisp left-footed strike . The 25-year-old (centre left) watches on as his shot heads towards the bottom of the Villa net . Herrera wheels away in celebration after scoring his fourth Premier League goal of the season since joining from Athletic Bilbao . United winger Ashley Young celebrates Herrera's strike - after providing the assist for the Spaniard's goal . Herrera shows his emotion at scoring United's opener as he is congratulated by his Old Trafford team-mates . On two-goal Herrera, he added: 'He has always been very good technically but sometimes was not composed at the right moment. But he is developing. He has scored seven goals now.' Villa defended well in the first-half with Marcos Rojo going closest with a long-range shot that was tipped over by Brad Guzan. For long periods, Rooney cut an unhappy figure, beating the turf in frustration and arguing with referee Roger East after beind denied a penalty for Ciaran Clark's early challenge in the area where he seemed to grab the United striker by the back of the neck. If Rooney reflects on it later, maybe his over-dramatic fall to the ground persauded the official not to award a spot-kick. The deadlock was eventually broken when United passed and passed long enough for Blind to escape free down the left. The Dutchman picked out Herrera and he converted from 12 yards for his first goal at Old Trafford since September. When United couldn't get a second goal with Marouane Fellaini going closest, van Gaal sent on Di Maria and Falcao, combined value £103million. Former Villa winger Young made way to jeers from the away fans and cheers from everyone else after a decent display. Christian Benteke wheels away in celebration after pulling one back for Villa just moments after Rooney's goal . Benteke (second left) watches on as his tame shot proves too much for David de Gea (centre) in the United goal . The Belgium international punches the air in delight as the visitors made it a nervy ending for Van Gaal's men . Meanwhile De Gea is left rather red-faced at his error allowed the visitors back into the match late on at Old Trafford . However any hope of a Villa comeback were quashed when Herrera (right) added a third in injury time . Di Maria claimed an assist for Rooney's special, pinging the ball across from the touchline. 'He has 10 assists,' pointed out van Gaal, though he baulked at being asked why the winger hadn't started. 'You think we should always pick the most expensive XI? I think not,' was the manager's retort. Surprisingly, David de Gea gave Villa brief hope to make the game 2-1. Herrera gave the scoreline a realistic edge when he burst forward into the penalty area once again to fire past Guzan. The Manchester derby next Sunday is going to be a cracker. Herrera (third right) watches on as his curled right-footed effort heads towards the bottom corner of the Villa net . United substitute Angel di Maria (left) congratulates Herrera after his injury time goal restores United's two-goal advantage . Aston Villa players look crestfallen after conceding Herrera's goal in injury time during their match at Old Trafford .
Ander Herrera put Manchester United ahead just before half-time with a low left-footed effort . Wayne Rooney doubled United's lead with a beautiful half-volley on 79 minutes at Old Trafford . Christian Benteke pulled one back for the visitors a minute later after a rare David de Gea error . Herrera added a third in the closing stages of the first half to complete the scoreline for the Red Devils . PLAYER RATINGS - Herrera shines as Louis van Gaal's side triumph to move above Manchester City into third .
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Forget fancy sheets and down-filled duvets, the perfect pillow is the key to a good night’s sleep. On average, we rest our weary heads on our pillows for more than 2,500 hours — or the equivalent of more than 100 days and nights — per year, so it’s certainly worth getting the right one. And while once our choice was limited to feather or fibre, the shops are now stuffed with everything from water pillows to scented pillows, and even one which is wired for sound. But which is a pain in the neck and which is a dream come true? SUPER COOL . Buckwheat Hull Pillow, £22.99, livingiseasy.co.uk . In Tudor times, buckwheat pillows were so prized that grandmothers handed them down to their grandchildren. My children aren’t quite as easily pleased. When I showed them this thick, heavy pillow with an industrial-looking cotton cover, they weren’t impressed. This feels like a giant, heavy beanbag and looks like a prop from Wolf Hall. Billed as the ultimate eco-pillow, it’s filled with the tiny husks which protect the kernel of the buckwheat grain. In summer, you can chill it in the fridge for a few hours to keep you cool throughout the night. It also soothes stiff muscles — as the chill will reduce inflammation and help numb any pain. It doesn’t look impressive, but it shapes beautifully around my shoulders and neck. It makes a slight rustling as the tiny hulls shift, but I had a great night’s sleep. All I needed was Mark Rylance beside me, and my dream would have been complete. 4/5 . MARRIAGE SAVERS . Reversible Foam Pillow, £35, marksandspencer.com . I’ve had some spectacular rows over pillows. My husband, Ray, likes a firmer pillow, while I like a lovely soft one, but I hate buying different types as we inevitably get them mixed up and we both have a bad night. Can M&S solve the dilemma with this unique two-sided pillow? One side — made from a very firm memory foam — suits Ray perfectly, but is far too rigid for me. The other side, made from synthetic microfibre filling, is perfectly soft and squishy. At 6in thick, it’s a little higher than some we tried, but this clever pillow still gave me a good night’s sleep. We both woke up happy, and that’s good enough for me! 4/5 . A SMELLY SNOOZE . Silent Night Febreze Pillow, £9.99, argos.co.uk . I was hoping for the soft scent of lavender gently lulling me to sleep, but instead I got a rather sickly synthetic pong wafting up from the filling. Definitely more lavatory than lavender. The lightweight pillow made of polyester didn’t improve my sleep any more than any other ones I tried. Synthetic fillings are the most popular type of pillows in the UK, because they are cheap. But let’s face it, if I wanted the scent of Febreze at bedtime, I’d be better off spraying Ray as he lay beside me snoring. At 3.5in thick, it is soft but offers little support, and I woke feeling uncomfortable and grumpy. 1/5 . SO SOFT. . . AND CHEAP! Lidl Microfibre Pillows, £3.49, Lidl . Budget pillows tend to be thin, bounce-free and crackling with static electricity. So I was delighted to find these bargain-basement microfibre-filled pillows are generously stuffed and incredibly silky to touch. Because they are filled with bundles of ultra-fine synthetic fibre, the pillows are wonderfully soft. My 16-year-old daughter, Ruby, the fussiest sleeper since the princess and the pea, declared it the best pillow she had ever tried. A similar synthetic pillow from John Lewis would set me back £35, which makes this — at under a fiver — a total winner. Synthetic pillows have the shortest lifespan of all — from six months to two years before they flatten or fall out of shape — but at this price, who cares. This pillow is just under 4in thick, but flattens due to the synthetic filling, so if you prefer height you’ll need two. 5/5 . WHEEZE-FREE SLEEP . Sleepangel Memory Foam Filter Pillow, £59, sleepangelworld.com . More dust mites live in the bedroom than anywhere else in the house — and they make a beeline for warm bedding. This anti-allergy pillow contains a four-layer filter designed to block germs, bacteria, mould and allergens. The waterproof, wipe-clean cover is heat-sealed, with no seams or needle marks to let in germs. It sounds impressive, but to test the effectiveness I used a pillow for three months before sending it to an independent laboratory. Scientists took samples of the foam filling and confirmed it was completely free of any nasties. With a 13-year-old son who suffers from asthma — a condition often triggered by mould and dust mites — this was reassuring. It is 3.5in thick, with little give thanks to the memory foam filling. The price tag is hefty, but totally worth it for a wheeze-free son. I’ve passed this on to Charlie for an unbroken night of sleep. 4/5 . MUSIC TO MY EARS . Sound Asleep Pillow, £17.99 firebox.com . Since my three children became teenagers, the task of persuading them to go to bed at night has become my worst nightmare. Could this high-tech pillow — wired for sound as they plug in their iPods to the external lead which connects to a speaker hidden inside — work miracles? Certainly, it’s the only time I’ve ever seen them excited about going to bed, and I was stunned to see my son Archie jump in before I’d issued a single threat. But the sort of music I hear thumping out of his pillow minutes later isn’t exactly restful! Luckily, the pillow muffles the sound for the rest of us. The pillow is not very thick (at 3in deep) or supportive. A winner for anyone aged 13-19 and for parents who are desperate for peace and quiet! 3/5 . THE GOLDEN GOOSE . Hungarian Goose Down Pillow, £88 For Two, soakandsleep.com . Down pillows are the softest and most luxurious type available and often come with a price tag to match. These ones are made by a small family firm in Hungary. The filling is washed in thermal spring water — so there are no nasty chemicals involved. Each pillow is double-stitched for strength and edged with gold piping for luxury you’ve never seen outside a five-star hotel. No wonder these pillows have amassed their own online following — as well as demand from top hotels around the world. Feels like sleeping on a giant marshmallow — it really is a luxury treat. Just one sumptuous pillow, measuring 5in thick — was enough for a perfect night’s sleep. 5/5 . LIKE SLEEPING ON A SPACE HOPPER . Mediflow Waterbase Pillow, £39.99, amazon.co.uk . Water pillows are fast becoming a trend — to keep cool or help sore necks and shoulders. They contain a pouch that you fill with water by opening the rubber seal, and pouring your water in. This means you can actually choose the height of your own pillow, depending on how you sleep best. My first attempt at filling it goes wrong. I pour so much water inside that it feels like I’m sleeping on a Space Hopper. A thermal insulator keeps the water cool, while an anti-allergy cushion of polyester fibres surround the inner water chamber, making it look and feel like any other pillow. The first night didn’t go well, as my neck felt too high. But I simply let water out the next day, taking the pillow from 5in thick to 3in, and I slept like a baby. 3/5 . WOOLLY WONDER . Fogarty Wool Pillow, £24.99, dunelm-mill.com . Wool is nature’s best temperature regulator — staying cool in summer and warm in winter. But can a pillow stuffed with wiry wool instead of lovely bouncy feathers offer as much comfort? The answer is yes. As I sink into the warm pillow I feel instantly comforted. Wool naturally absorbs moisture and scientists say the average sleeper gives off nearly a pint of water vapour. If you suffer from menopausal night sweats, this can rise to well over that. Once absorbed, the moisture quickly evaporates from the porous wool cells, so what looks like a normal pillow is actually a natural air conditioning unit. at 3in thick, this pillow is thinner and has less give, but it supported my sore neck — strained as I walked the dog — well. I slept well and woke feeling cool and refreshed. 3/5 .
Does finding the perfect pillow really need to break the bank? Our Femail tester put a selection of the best pillows to ultimate sleep test . Lidl's £3.49 microfibre pillow performed just as well as luxury goose down!
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Eden Hazard has admitted an intense campaign with Chelsea may have left him too tired to perform at the best of his ability after he was substituted just 62 minutes into Belgium's win over Israel on Tuesday. Hazard has played 48 games this season for club and country, missing just five matches for Chelsea and being an ever-present in their Barclays Premier League title charge. But as Belgium struggled to a hard-fought 1-0 win over Israel in European Championship qualifying group B, Hazard was withdrawn by manager Marc Wilmots with 28 minutes to go having found it difficult to get the better of his marker Orel Dgani. Eden Hazard has admitted an intense campaign with Chelsea may have left him too tired to perform at his best . Hazard was substituted with 28 minutes In Belgium's 1-0 win over Israel in Jerusalem on Tuesday night . The 24-year-old playmaker has played all but five of Chelsea's games this season, mainly avoiding injury . The 24-year-old playmaker was clearly unhappy to have been substituted and looked to shoot Wilmots a disapproving look as he left the field to be replaced by Nacer Chadli before questioning the manager on his decision after the game. ‘I was a little bit surprised to be substituted,' Hazard said. 'Also, I was a little bit unhappy and I think you could see that I was unhappy. ‘I asked the coach for a reason and he told me that I was tired. Maybe I was a little bit tired. I’ve played a lot of games this season.’ In his post-match comments, Wilmots added: ‘Hazard is not hurt, but I had the impression that he was tired. In these kind of games, you have to react immediately because we did not have time.' Belgium manager Marc Wilmots said he felt that Hazard looked tired, something the player questioned him on . Hazard scored early on in Chelsea's last game, a 3-2 win over Hull City, but the team were pegged back . Hazard is unlikely to get an extended rest any time soon as he returns to Premier League action on Saturday . Belgium captain Vincent Kompany was sent off for a second yellow card within two minutes of Hazard's withdrawal, leaving Belgium clinging on to their slender lead, and Wilmots admitted he may not have substituted his star man had he known his side would be down to 10 men. Despite his admission, Hazard is unlikely to get an extended rest any time soon as he returns to Premier League action with the visit of Stoke City to Stamford Bridge on Saturday. And with a tough run-in and another international break still to come, the Belgian forward could rack up as many as 59 appearances by the time the season finally ends in mid-June. Belgium's win in Jerusalem saw them return to the top of their qualifying group, ahead of Wales on goal difference. They travel to face them in Cardiff in their next competitive game on June 12. Marouane Fellaini (left) celebrates his goal with Vincent Kompany, Axel Witsel and Christian Benteke (L-R) But Kompany was later sent off and Wilmots admitted he may not have substituted Hazard two minutes later .
Eden Hazard was substituted 62 minutes into Belgium's win in Israel . Manager Marc Wilmots said he believed Hazard looked to be tiring . Chelsea playmaker questioned the decision but admitted he could be tired . READ: Chelsea star Hazard rated Europe's best midfielder . CLICK HERE for the latest Chelsea news .
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The Home Office was warned that Lord Janner was abusing young boys two decades ago but did nothing about it . The Home Office was warned that Lord Janner was abusing young boys two decades ago but did nothing about it. An MP passed a dossier of information to the department in the hope it would kick-start a fresh police investigation. But instead the paperwork was shelved by officials until it was discovered in 2013 and belatedly passed to Leicestershire Police. The revelation will heighten fears that the peer, now 86, was the beneficiary of an Establishment cover-up. The missed opportunity to bring him to justice echoes the case of the late paedophile Liberal MP Cyril Smith who continued in public life despite repeated warnings of his crimes. It heaps pressure on the Home Office to reveal exactly who knew what and when about the disturbing allegations against Janner. Last night Labour’s Simon Danczuk – who outed Smith as a predatory child abuser – called on the department to ‘come clean’. ‘The Director of Public Prosecutions has admitted there were previously missed opportunities to investigate Lord Janner,’ he said. ‘The Home Office needs to come clean on what information was passed to officials in 1995. ‘This scandal is getting worse every day and the public are rightly angry at the shambolic way this case has been handled.’ Director of Public Prosecutions Alison Saunders sparked fury earlier this month when she said Janner could face 22 charges but his health is too poor to put him on trial. She said that the former Leicester MP was investigated in 1991, 2002 and 2006 but mistakes meant he was never charged. Now the Daily Mail can reveal a fourth opportunity was missed when an unnamed MP passed a dossier to the Home Office in 1995. The politician received a letter linking Janner to prolific paedophile Frank Beck, who died in jail the previous year. Beck was jailed in 1991 for abusing children after a trial in which Janner was named by a victim, prompting him to proclaim his innocence in the Commons. The MP expected the 11 pages of detailed notes, which also identified several other suspects, to be passed to police. But nothing was done until it was uncovered during a review of Home Office archives in 2013. Labour MP Simon Danczuk is calling for the Home Office to 'come clean' over the dossier. The Director of Public Prosecutions Alison Saunders earlier sparked fury by saying Lord Janner could face 22 charges . Lord Janner’s £2million home was transferred to his three children by someone holding power of attorney, officials have confirmed. The apartment near Hampstead Heath in North London was signed over free of charge in March last year – the same month police raided his Westminster office and three months after they searched his home. The apartment is likely to have been Janner’s most valuable asset, and the revelation raises questions about whether the Labour grandee – who was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2009 – and his family planned for the possibility of being sued by his alleged victims. In 2013, paedophile BBC presenter Stuart Hall signed over the deeds of his £2million mansion to his wife just before he was jailed. He then offered his victims as little as £2,000 compensation. Home Secretary Theresa May ordered the review over fears her department was holding evidence of historic child abuse by influential people. A trawl through more than 700,000 documents identified four ‘items’ that should be passed to police. In a heavily censored report, one document involved the paedophile ring led by Beck which preyed on vulnerable children at Leicestershire care homes. It stated: ‘Allegations from XX that XX could have been involved in the child abuse along with convicted paedophile Frank Beck. The writer… also claimed that some police investigations had already taken place but there is no evidence that the Home Office passed the complete information to police.’ Michael Howard was Home Secretary when the MP sent the letter warning about Janner to his department. A spokesman for the former Tory leader, who is now a peer, said he had ‘no recollection’ of seeing the dossier but believes such material should have been forwarded to police. Soon after the publication of the Theresa May review, a second, more in-depth report homed in on allegations against Janner in August 2014. Conducted by NSPCC chief executive Peter Wanless, it specifically asked Government departments to search their archives for mentions of ‘Greville Janner’. When the report was published in November it revealed a file on Janner was among 114 dossiers on child sex abuse that went missing from the Home Office. Last night, the Home Office highlighted how both reviews did not directly accuse it of covering up information on child abuse.
MP handed dossier of information to the department to kick-start a probe . The dossier was shelved by officials and only discovered by police in 2013 . Revelation heightens fears he was beneficiary of Establishment cover up . Labour MP Simon Danczuk said the Home Office ought to 'come clean'
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Colin Hendry appears at Blackpool Magistrates' Court where he admitted a drink driving charge . Former Scotland captain Colin Hendry has been banned from driving after he was caught drunk at the wheel of his Ford Focus. Hendry, 49, rowed with his then girlfriend Sarah Kinder before embarking on a drinking session which led to him driving through Lytham St Annes, Lancashire, where he was seen speeding, a court heard. Police followed his 10-year-old car as it crossed double white lines while the father-of-four attempted to drive home. Now the former Premier League player who had spells with Blackburn Rovers and Manchester City, must travel around on his bike, a court heard. Hendry of Lytham St Annes, admitted drink driving on the town's Church Road on February 21. He was almost twice over the legal limit after drinking in a Lytham cocktail bar. His lawyer Gwyn Lewis told Blackpool Magistrates' Court that Hendry's current income was 'meagre' and he asked for extra time for his client to pay fines and costs until he can start taking his offshore pension in mid May. Mr Lewis said Hendry, who is out of work, no longer wished to pursue a defence of 'special reasons' as a forensic report revealed he would have been over the limit at the time he was breath tested and there was no evidence that his drinks had been spiked. Peter Bardsley, prosecuting, said that a police officer in an unmarked car saw Hendry at 1am pulling away from a junction at speed. He followed Hendry who drove above a 20mph limit and then a 30mph limit sometimes going as fast as 50mph. The officer ordered Hendry's car to stop and smelled alcohol on him. He was arrested and a breath test revealed 63 microgrammes of alcohol in his breath. The legal limit is 35. The court heard Hendy, who played for Blackburn Rover and Manchester City, was seen driving at up to 50mph while drunk after a row with his then girlfriend Sarah Kinder . Argument: Hendry said he had rowed with Sarah Kinder, pictured. He has subsequently been arrested for allegedly breaking a restraining order . Mr Lewis said: 'Mr Hendry is a fit man and regularly cycles. He has not drunk for seven weeks before he was arrested. Playing career: Hendry captained Scotland and played for Blackburn Rovers, Manchester City, and Rangers . 'He started what some people call a dry January following the death of his wife in 2009.' 'However he was in an emotional state that day-and he decided to take a drink. However he knows what he drank and still cannot accept the reading from the breath test.' 'His finances are to say the least complicated. He was made bankrupt some years ago. His income is meagre until he can start taking his pension in mid-May.' Chair of the Bench Marilyn Padgett banned Hendry for 17 months. He was also offered a drink drivers' rehabilitation scheme which will reduce his ban by one third if he completes it. He was fined £110 and the magistrate said: 'We have based this on the lowest level and it will be deferred for six weeks to allow you to start your pension.' He was ordered to pay £200 court costs and £20 victims' surcharge. In 2010, Hendry was made bankrupt owing £2.2m to friends, family and the taxman. Last weekend he was arrested after allegedly breaking a restraining order which forbids him from contacting his beauty technician former girlfriend Ms Kinder. Sorry we are not currently accepting comments on this article.
Hendry, 49, was almost twice the limit for alcohol when he was stopped . Court heard he had rowed with his beauty therapist girlfriend Sarah Kinder . He was seen driving at up to 50mph in a 30mph zone by a police officer . Banned and ordered to pay a total of £330 - but asked for time to comply . Former defender was made bankrupt in 2010 owing millions .
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Juventus director Pavel Nedved has revealed that Barcelona are interested in bringing Paul Pogba to the Nou Camp. In an interview with Mundo Deportivo, the former midfielder, who made 324 appearances for the Turin club, insisted the French star won't be moving anywhere. But he also admitted he was pleased Juve didn't draw the Catalan side in the quarter-finals of the Champions League. Pavel Nedved, pictured during his days as a Juventus player, has revealed Barcelona's interest in Paul Pogba . The Czech star, who is a director at Juventus, insisted that French midfielder Pogba will not be moving . Nedved said: We are aware that Barca and other big clubs want him but he has a contract with us.' Barca cannot acquire any players until 2016 after the Catalan club was punished for breaching rules regarding the signing of international players under the age of 18. Pogba has been strongly linked with a move to Paris St Germain this summer while former club United as well as neighbours Manchester City and Premier League leaders Chelsea are also reported to be interested in signing the midfielder. The Frenchman played a major role in helping Juventus clinch their third successive scudetto last season, scoring seven goals and setting up seven more in 36 Serie A appearances for the Bianconeri. Juve, who are still competing on three fronts this season, are currently without Pogba's services after he sustained a hamstring injury last month and was ruled out of action until May. 'We lose a lot without him,' Nedved said. 'He is a footballer with an enormous quality but we cannot cry about it. 'We have a great roster that can overcome his loss.' Nedved expressed his relief that Juventus avoided Barcelona in the Champions League quarter-finals . Nedved believes that Lionel Messi is currently in the greatest form of his career . Asked for his opinion on Barcelona, Nedved said: 'Barca are now so unpredictable and this makes them even more dangerous. 'With players like Lionel Messi, Neymar and Luis Suarez, if they can run, they will. They were amazing against Manchester City and gave an exhibition. 'Messi is a fantastic player and I don't know what to think when I see him on the pitch. 'He's been at a high level for many years but maybe now he's having his best spell. It's great to see him enjoying playing football. 'I didn't want Barca in the quarter-finals. They are among the two best teams in Europe and favourites to win the Champions League alongside Bayern Munich. 'They are playing to a really high standard, as can be seen by their results over the past few months. Juventus are heading for another Scudetto, enjoying a 14-point lead over nearest challengers Roma . Nedved fires home against Real Madrid in the 2003 Champions League semi-final . Nedved in action for the Czech Republic during the 2006 World Cup group match with Ghana . Nedved, who made 91 appearances and scored 18 goals for the Czech Republic, added that Real Madrid are 'not at the level of last year,' when they beat Atletico Madrid to win the Champions League. Juventus, who have a massive 14-point lead over Roma in Italy, have drawn French team Monaco in the last eight. Although they are arguably the weakest team left in the competition, Nedved has warned against complacency. 'Obviously there were more famous opponents we could have drawn,' he said. 'But we must not underestimate Monaco. 'They went dangerously close to being knocked out at home, but they impressed me against Arsenal in London.'
Barcelona among host of clubs keen on signing Paul Pogba . But Juventus director Pavel Nedved insists he is going nowhere . Czech admitted he is pleased Juve avoided Barca in Champions League . Claims that Lionel Messi is currently enjoying 'best spell' of his career . CLICK HERE for the latest Barcelona news .
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(CNN)A New York jury deliberating the fate of the man charged with the 1979 killing of 6-year-old Etan Patz is struggling to reach a verdict. The little boy's disappearance, more than three decades ago, sparked an era of heightened awareness of crimes against children. Deliberations resumed on Thursday, one day after New York Supreme Court Justice Maxwell Wiley ordered the jury to continue efforts to reach a decision on the guilt or innocence of a bodega worker named Pedro Hernandez. On the 10th day of deliberations, the jurors on Wednesday said in a note that they were unable to reach a unanimous decision. Hernandez confessed to police three years ago, but his lawyers said he made up his account of the crime. Etan Patz's parents have waited more than 35 years for justice, but some have questioned whether that is even possible in Hernandez's case. His lawyer has said that he is mentally challenged, severely mentally ill and unable to tell whether he committed the crime or not. Hernandez told police in a taped statement that he lured Patz into a basement as the boy was on his way to a bus stop in Lower Manhattan. He said he killed the boy and threw his body away in a plastic bag. Neither the child nor his remains have ever been recovered. But Hernandez has been repeatedly diagnosed with schizophrenia and has an "IQ in the borderline-to-mild mental retardation range," his attorney Harvey Fishbein has said. Police interrogated Hernandez for 7½ hours before he confessed. "I think anyone who sees these confessions will understand that when the police were finished, Mr. Hernandez believed he had killed Etan Patz. But that doesn't mean he actually did, and that's the whole point of this case," Fishbein has said. But in November, a New York judge ruled that Hernandez's confession and his waiving of his Miranda rights were legal, making the confession admissible in court. Hernandez is charged with two counts of second-degree murder for allegedly intending to cause the boy's death and for a killing that occurred during a kidnapping. Another man's name has also hung over the Patz case for years -- Jose Antonio Ramos, a convicted child molester acquainted with Etan's babysitter. Etan's parents, Stan and Julia Patz, sued Ramos in 2001. The boy was officially declared dead as part of that lawsuit. A judge found Ramos responsible for the boy's death and ordered him to pay the family $2 million -- money the Patz family has never received. Though Ramos was at the center of investigations for years, he has never been charged. He served a 20-year prison sentence in Pennsylvania for molesting another boy and was set to be released in 2012. He was immediately rearrested upon leaving jail in 2012 on charges of failing to register as a sex offender, The Associated Press reported. Since their young son's disappearance, the Patzes have worked to keep the case alive and to create awareness of missing children in the United States. In the early 1980s, Etan's photo appeared on milk cartons across the country, and news media focused in on the search for him and other missing children. "It awakened America," said Ernie Allen, president and chief executive officer of the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children. "It was the beginning of a missing children's movement." The actual number of children who were kidnapped and killed did not change -- it's always been a relatively small number -- but awareness of the cases skyrocketed, experts said. But the news industry was expanding to cable television, and sweet images of children appeared along with distraught parents begging for their safe return. The fear rising across the nation sparked awareness and prompted change from politicians and police. In 1984, Congress passed the Missing Children's Assistance Act, which led to the creation of the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children. President Ronald Reagan opened the center in a White House ceremony in 1984. It soon began operating a 24-hour toll-free hot line on which callers could report information about missing boys and girls. CNN's Lorenzo Ferrigno and Joe Sterling contributed to this report.
Etan Patz disappeared in 1979; his face appeared on milk cartons all across the United States . His case marked a time of heightened awareness of crimes against children . Pedro Hernandez confessed three years ago to the killing .
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When Louis van Gaal talked about Michael Carrick and Wayne Rooney as coaches on the pitch last week, it actually revealed far more than you might at first imagine. Football intelligence is something very few people are truly blessed with. Van Gaal was highlighting these two because of their superior football intelligence. The backdrop is a season at Old Trafford where Champions League football looks likely, but at the same time it is fair to say United have only been truly convincing in a few isolated games. Louis van Gaal has identified Michael Carrick (left) and Wayne Rooney as two of his most bright players . Van Gaal demands a level of 'football intelligence' from his players at Manchester United . United now have a eight-point cushion over Liverpool and are in good shape to make the Champions League . Van Gaal revealed why United have almost stumbled into the top four this season when he praised Carrick and Rooney. He basically said too many players at United aren’t very bright. In fact they’re pretty thick. Of course there are exceptions: Juan Mata is a cultured, classy individual on and off the pitch. Carrick and Rooney have football intelligence in abundance: hence Carrick slipping seamlessly in and out of the centre-half position mid-game at times this season, and Rooney slotting into whichever position Van Gaal asks him to occupy. The Dutchman can trust these players. Let me give you a couple of examples: last summer his first encounter with Luke Shaw was to set up a separate training regime for the teenager because he was so unfit. Shaw admitted his manager was right and accepted he need to step up his mentality at his new club. Spanish midfielder Juan Mata is another cultured, classy player in United's team . Rooney showed plenty of intelligence to turn and volley home United's second goal on Saturday . Luke Shaw had to take part in extra pre-season training sessions to reach the necessary fitness levels . Imagine signing for Manchester United and being so unfit you can’t take part in pre-season training sessions. That’s what happened to Luke Shaw. Not very bright. Ander Herrera played well on Saturday but at one point in the first-half with United pressing he launched a ridiculous pass from the right-wing position, back into his own half. It sailed over Marcos Rojo’s head and the Argentina international had to chase back to retrieve it. It was a poor pass – that can happen. But choosing to make that pass in the first place was inexplicable. Van Gaal was clearly frustrated on the sidelines by this poor in-game management from a top player. Not very bright. Look at Phil Jones bulldozing his way into challenges and getting nowhere near the ball. I’m convinced that’s part of the reason he gets so many injuries. Not very bright. Marouane Fellaini is a good footballer, but he’s had several seasons of being turned into a target man by David Moyes. He had any football intelligence hammered out of him. He regressed – he became not very bright. Ander Herrera score twice against Aston Villa but also played a notably poor pass to Marcos Rojo . Phil Jones makes himself prone to injuries by crashing into tackles . Fellaini had his football intelligence hammered out of him by the disastrous David Moyes regime . A continental colleague told me that Van Gaal is frustrated by the lack of football intelligence he has found in the squad at Old Trafford. This is a guy used to working with erudite thinkers of the game at Ajax, Barcelona and Bayern Munich. At these clubs there is a true football philosophy built up over years that has stood the test of time and stands proud despite managers coming and going. Van Gaal walked into United and found a club shorn of its direction. The dictator Sir Alex Ferguson was gone and any philosophy died with the departure of Fergie, and then Moyes's reign set the club back further. The United job is clearly far bigger than just signing Angel Di Maria and thinking everything will be fine. And this issue of a lack of football intelligence in the squad and at the club needs a long-term solution. But at 63 has van Gaal got the time to impose a new philosophy on the club, to teach that intelligence needed?
Very few Manchester United players possess the intelligence demanded . Michael Carrick, Wayne Rooney and Juan Mata can claim to have it . The Dutchman suggested some of his other players lack brains . Luke Shaw wasn't fit enough when he arrived last summer . Phil Jones thunders senselessly into tackles and gets injured . Even Ander Herrera is guilty of playing senseless long balls . Durham: Arsenal only turn it on when the pressure is off . Adrian Durham: Sterling would be earning the same as Balotelli if he signed £100,000-a-week deal at Liverpool... that's the real issue here . CLICK HERE for all the latest Manchester United news .
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Radamel Falcao has been having a tough time of it on the pitch in recent months, but the struggling striker will have benefited from some much-needed perspective after spending Thursday evening in the company of Jonas Gutierrez. Newcastle United defender Gutierrez, who successful underwent treatment for testicular cancer earlier this year, was given a standing ovation at Anfield when he was introduced as a second-half substitute during his side's 2-0 defeat by Liverpool on Monday night. Falcao managed to catch up with Gutierrez and posted a picture of the pair on his Instagram account stating: 'It was a pleasure to spend time with @elgalgojonas ,a great example of bravery and a great person'. Radamel Falcao (right) spent his Thursday evening in the company of Jonas Gutierrez . Manchester United striker Falcao walks through Alderley Edge in Cheshire on Thursday afternoon . The on-loan forward has been linked with Paris Saint-Germain, Juventus and Valencia in recent weeks . Falcao replaced Marouane Fellaini in the 83rd minute during United's 4-2 rout of Manchester City . The Colombia striker moved to Old Trafford on a season-long loan from Monaco last summer but has struggled to hit the heights he achieved before suffering a serious knee injury. United will have to pay £46million to make Falcao's transfer permanent but, having only scored four goals all season in 22 appearances for the club, his future with Louis van Gaal's side is looking increasingly uncertain. The former Atletico Madrid striker is currently commanding £280,000 a week in wages and had to suffer the ignominy of playing for United's Under 21 team in March. Liverpool are being linked with the 29-year-old forward but it is understood that Paris Saint-Germain, Juventus and Valencia are more likely destinations. United face Premier League-leaders Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Saturday. Falcao hugs City defender Martin Demichelis at the final whistle at Old Trafford on Sunday .
Radamel Falcao joined Manchester United on on loan last summer . Falcao has struggled for form and games since his move . The Colombian forward is currenlty earning £280,000 a week .
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A 25-year-old is facing jail on fraud charges after she allegedly faked having terminal cancer to her family and friends. Meaghan Hudson, 25, left those closest to her devastated when she sent text messages in December 2013, saying she was suffering from multiple myeloma, a type of cancer which forms in the bone marrow, and she was unlikely to survive. Miss Hudson's friends, who have known her since high school in Dayton, Ohio, went to great lengths to show their support - they shaved their heads in solidarity for her chemo and got matching tattoos of an inspirational song lyric. Scroll down for video . The nursing student raised $5,000 through a fundraising website after telling family and friends that she was suffering from cancer . Meaghan Hudson (pictured left) said she had multiple myeloma in 2013. Close friends (including Chelsey Whild, right) rushed to support her, even shaving their heads in solidarity and getting tattoos . The 25-year-old, who lives in Chula Vista, California, also had a fundraising website set up for her by her stepmother, Margaret Hudson. Well-wishers sent $5,000 towards her 'medical expenses' and high school friend Chelsey Whild also told NBC that a further $2,000 was raised for Meaghan at a bowling alley event. Miss Whild, who was one of a group of friends who shaved her head and got a tattoo, added: 'At one point there was the understanding that she may have had less than a year to live.' Meaghan's sister, Haley Hudson, said that Meaghan's closest family had also been deceived and they took her stories of doctor's appointments as the truth, unable to verify the information because they live in a different state. However Haley said that some details jarred with Meaghan's version of events. She told 10 News: 'Little stuff, like the fact that her hair grew back pretty thick and usually with cancer patients it doesn't.' Her sister believes that Meaghan's alleged stunt was a cry for attention. Last July, Meaghan's story fell apart after an anonymous tip was made to the Chula Vista Police Department saying that she didn't really have cancer. Police said the 25-year-old admitted to faking the disease. On August 23rd last year, Meaghan's stepmother, who lives in Texas, posted an emotional apology on Give Forward. She wrote: 'I am saddened, embarrassed, and ashamed to have to give you this news, especially via email. 'You are receiving this message because you contributed to the cancer fundraiser back in December 2013 for Meaghan Hudson. We have recently learned that Meaghan does not have cancer. While initially that sounds like good news (and it is in many ways), she has deceived her family and friends into believing she has been suffering from multiple myeloma for over a year now. Meaghan and friends got inspirational tattoos with the words 'sing on' after she told them that she was suffering from cancer in December 2013 . Hudson (left) with friends at a fundraising event for her cancer battle. Police received an anonymous tip last summer that she had been faking the disease which she owned up to . 'She is not sick, even despite her ongoing claims that she does have some type of illness that has simply not been diagnosed.' Margaret Hudson said that the family had learned the shocking news from police which also revealed to them that Meaghan had not attended San Diego State University as they had believed and did not have a nursing degree or license. The statement continued: 'She called her father on Wednesday night to confess to us personally and claims to be ready to make positive changes in her life. 'I know that you have given your hard earned money out of sincere concern and support for Meaghan and our family. I can't express to you how much I appreciate that and how very sorry I am that your generosity has been taken advantage of in this situation.' Mrs Hudson and Meaghan's father Sean then promised to pay back every person who had donated. Hudson was arrested in January and charged with theft by deception and grand theft. She is due in court on Monday. She is reportedly living with a friend and has not been in contact with her family and friends. The woman's devastated family were forced to post an apology to those who have donated money to her cancer campaign and vowed to pay every cent back .
Meaghan Hudson, 25, told family and friends in December 2013 that she was suffering from multiple myeloma and was unlikely to live . Friends shaved their heads in solidarity, got tattoos and raised $7,000 for her medical expenses . Last summer, police received an anonymous tip that Meaghan had faked the illness and she admitted the lie to authorities . She has been charged with theft by deception and grand theft .
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SNP leader Nicola Sturgeon today hit back at claims from Tory former Prime Minister Sir John Major that she poses a 'real and present danger' to the UK. In a speech today, Sir John claimed the SNP would use any power they wield in Westminster after the election to foster division and further their dream of the break up of the 300-year-old Union. And he mocked Ms Sturgeon over her demand to play a role in propping up a Labour government, when she is 'not even bothering' to stand as an MP herself. Scroll down for video . SNP leader Nicola Sturgeon was mocked by ex-PM Sir John Major over her demand to play a role in proper up a Labour government, when she is 'not even bothering' to stand as an MP herself . Sir John said that he had repeatedly warned in the 1990s that devolution to Scotland would make independence more, not less, likely. Labour had argued it would 'kill independence stone dead' but instead it 'fanned the flame' which lead to the referendum which left the Union 'battered' but intact. 'Now, it is at risk again,' he said. Labour's only route back to power is in hock to smaller, left wing parties, he said, leading to 'more borrowing, more spending, an end to welfare reform, and far more people dragged into higher tax brackets'. Welsh nationalists Plaid Cymru would demand more money for Wales while the 'worthy' Green party's economic plan is 'a recipe for economic self-harm'. He warned of 'mayhem' if the SNP holds the balance of power, with a weak Labour government open to a 'daily dose of blackmail' to secure the support of the nationalists in Commons votes. The SNP would use its role in Westminster to bolster support ahead of next year's Scottish Parliament elections, when it will put independence back on the agenda, Sir John said. The Tories hope to capitalise on a damning poll which shows more than half of British voters want Ms Sturgeon and her party to play no part in the next government. 'The SNP is a real and present danger to our future,' Sir John said. 'They will pit Scotland against England. That could be disastrous to the people of Scotland – and fatal to the UK as a whole.' But Ms Sturgeon branded his comments 'an affront to democracy'. Addressing the Scottish Trades Union Congress in Ayr, she said that SNP MPs at Westminster could 'vigorously and loudly' support a future Labour government in some areas. The SNP leader added: 'John Major's comments are silly, over the top and frankly they don't show him in a particularly good light. 'I want the SNP to go to Westminster to make Scotland's voice heard and also to be a voice for better politics, for the kind of politics that stands in opposition to Tory policies of austerity and undermining public services and pushing more people into poverty. 'I can understand why that message of standing up for ordinary people not just in Scotland but across the UK might offend John Major as an ex-Tory prime minister, but I think it's a message that will continue to win support right across Scotland.' The former Prime Minister sought to contrast the 'social division' he said was sown up Labour's politics with the economic competence and 'strongly beating heart' he said typifies the Tories . Nicola Sturgeon is threatening to break up the UK without even 'bothering' to stand for election to Westminster, Sir John Major said today. In a personal attack on the SNP leader, Sir John cast doubt on the legitimacy of a party which only stands in one part of the country setting the direction of the national government. 'They are part of the United Kingdom and so of course they have got the right to have a degree of legitimacy,' he said. But he accused Ms Sturgeon of plotting the break-up of the Union from Edinburgh. 'What I'm saying is I don't think the SNP party, whose leader is not even bothering to run for the Westminster election, are behaving in a way that is in the interest of the United Kingdom, by seeking policies that will break Scotland away from the United Kingdom. 'And they emphatically will not deny that separatism is their aim.' After last year's vote saw 55 per cent of Scots reject the idea of separation, nationalists insisted the issue was settled for a generation. But Ms Sturgeon has since left the door open to a second referendum before 2020. Sir John said the SNP would 'manufacture grievance' to make a Yes vote more likely any future referendum. 'They will ask for the impossible and create merry hell if it is denied. The nightmare of a broken United Kingdom has not gone away. 'The separation debate is not over. The SNP is determined to prise apart the United Kingdom.' Ms Sturgeon yesterday unveiled an anti-austerity manifesto setting out her price for propping up a weak Labour government, including higher spending fuelled by more borrowing. Polls continue to show up to half of Scots are planning to back the SNP, robbing Labour of dozens of seats and depriving Mr Miliband of hopes of a majority. Mr Miliband and Ms Sturgeon have ruled out a formal coalition with SNP MPs sitting in Cabinet. But they have left open the possibility of the SNP supporting a Labour government on a vote-by-vote basis, raising the prospect of Mr Miliband being forced to bow to their demands to get any legislation through. Sir John warned that this will leave the country open to a 'daily dose of blackmail' as the SNP makes fresh demands in return for supporting Labour in Commons votes. 'If Labour were to accept an offer of support from the SNP, it could put the country on course to a government held to ransom on a vote-by-vote basis,' Sir John said. 'Labour would be in hock to a party that - slowly but surely - will push them ever further to the left. And who would pay the price for this? We all would. We would all pay for the SNP's ransom in our daily lives - through higher taxes, fewer jobs, and more and more debt. 'This is a recipe for mayhem. At the very moment our country needs a strong and stable government, we risk a weak and unstable one - pushed to the left by its allies, and open to a daily dose of political blackmail.' And Labour's Alistair Darling, who led the No campaign against Scottish independence, said the Tories were 'flirting with English nationalism' in a 'desperate' way which could lead to another period of divisive wrangling over Scotland's position. Labour leader Ed Miliband accused the Conservatives and David Cameron of 'talking up' the SNP in the hope that the nationalists will win seats from Labour north of the border and allow him to 'crawl back' into 10 Downing Street. A poll showed just 22 per cent of voters across the UK back the idea of Ms Sturgeon playing a role in the UK government, with 54 per cent opposed . The SNP has already suggested that it will be 'entitled to vote against any bit of legislation' and 'any bit of spending' it does not agree with. It means that for Labour to pass new laws or agree to spending in England, Wales or Northern Ireland they would have to strike a deal with the SNP. Much of the SNP manifesto appeared designed to demonstrate common ground with Labour, promising to scrap the bedroom tax, reverse NHS reforms, increase the minimum wage and tackle energy bills. But in key areas it went much further, threatening to drag Labour further to the left to make the party 'bolder and better'. It included scrapping the Trident nuclear deterrent, ending austerity and embarking on a £140billion spending spree. In a series of co-ordinated Conservative attacks, David Cameron warned a Labour-SNP deal would be a 'match made in hell' for the British economy. London Mayor Boris Johnson said allowing Scottish nationalists to preside of the UK government would be like getting 'Herod to run a baby farm'. But some Tories fear the attacks could backfire. Lord Forsyth - who served as Scottish secretary in Sir John's government - warned that building up the SNP to undermine support for Labour in England could ultimately damage the Union. 'We've had the dilemma for Conservatives, which is they want to be the largest party at Westminster and therefore some see the fact that the nationalists are going to take seats in Scotland will be helpful,' he told the Guardian. 'But that is a short-term and dangerous view which threatens the integrity of our country.' Ms Sturgeon has made clear that in the event of a hung parliament she will be in London on May 8 to take charge of talks with Labour. 'I am the leader of the party, I would lead those discussions if we're in that scenario.' she said yesterday. However, just 22 per cent of voters across the UK back the idea of Ms Sturgeon playing a role in the UK government, with 54 per cent opposed. It makes the SNP by far the least popular potential coalition partner. Pollsters ComRes said older British adults were the most likely to be opposed to SNP influence. A survey for ITV News found an astonishing 71 per cent of those aged 65 and over want to lock Ms Sturgeon out of power, compared to 44 per cent of 18 to 24-year-olds. Amid fears of a backlash south of the border, Ms Sturgeon claimed she was offering the 'genuine hand of friendship' to the rest of the UK. She said: 'The SNP isn't going to Westminster to seek to bring down governments or block budgets. We're going to Westminster to build an alliance for good, positive, progressive, sensible change.'
Former Tory PM warns SNP would use role in government to breakup UK . SNP leader accuses him of being 'silly and over the top' in speech . Polls suggest SNP will prop up a Labour minority government .
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A man has spent a year losing 70lbs so he could donate his kidney to his wife. PJ Spraggins was delighted when he discovered he was a perfect match for wife Tracy, who was told her life-long battle with Lupus would kill her if she didn't get a transplant. The waiting list is seven years long. But the next day the couple from Birmingham, Alabama, were dealt a blow: his blood pressure was too high to perform the operation. Refusing to accept the diagnosis, PJ embarked on a relentless fitness regime. Finally, in December 2014, they got the green light. In February, they went under the knife together. SCROLL DOWN FOR VIDEO . Transformation: PJ and Tracy Spraggins (pictured, left, in 2006, and right in 2015) together lost 145lbs in one year so he could donate his kidney to her. On the transplant list, she would have had to wait seven years . Made it! After a year of grueling dieting and exercise, PJ was given the green light to undergo surgery . 'We both just feel amazing. I'm slowly getting back to work making music, Tracy is making sure she fully recovers. But the entire process has been amazing.' Now 39, Tracy was six when she was first diagnosed with the chronic inflammatory disease which affects her kidney functions. She was placed on the transplant list in 2013 - just a few months after her 34-year-old sister, who also had Lupus, died following complications from a kidney transplant. Knowing that the seven-year wait might be too long, PJ, a self-employed musician, submitted himself for the weeks-long evaluation to assess whether he could donate his kidney. Journey: For a year, he kept losing weight and going in for tests, only to be told he needed to lose more . Finally, he visited Nashville's Vanderbilt hospital in December 2014, and the numbers all matched up . However, the good news was tinged with disappointment as doctors said his size meant the operation couldn't go ahead. 'They said I was a perfect match but they wanted to check I was healthy and met their requirements. They sent me a blood pressure monitor, but they didn't like the numbers. 'That was a real kick in the gut.' The doctors advised PJ, who weighed 265lbs, to lose 30lbs before returning for an evaluation. He did - but on the day of the test he changed a flat tire. 'My blood pressure was all over the place. The results came back and they said no again.' It didn't stop there. Next try was a hospital in Atlanta, Georgia, where he was told to another 60lbs. Eventually, they made it to Nashville's Vanderbilt Hospital in December 2014. PJ made sure he did everything he could to ensure the readings were perfect. 'I put that blood pressure monitor on and lay in bed all day. And thankfully, it all came back good!' Undergoing the four-hour surgery together on February 24, the couple took a beaming photograph in matching hospital gowns. Life saver: Special needs teacher Tracy, 39, has suffered from Lupus, a chronic inflammatory disease, since she was six. In 2013, doctors in Birmingham, Alabama, said she would need a kidney transplant to survive . Happy: Spraggins (pictured in hospital) described the feeling of dejection at every hurdle until they made it . Perfect match: The chances of being a perfect match for one's spouse is rare . The couple, who married in 2003, are now back home and recovering in Birmingham . GIft! This was the festive Easter gift given to Tracy and PJ by Vanderbilt hospital . 'The way my kidney function is now, it's at 100 percent. And it's at the best it's ever been,' Tracy, a special needs teacher, told Fox. PJ told DailyMail.com: 'It has just been amazing. To know that I did everything I could to give my wife a better quality of life is just the best feeling. I am so happy.' The couple's friends have now set up a fund to financially support them during the two-month recovery period when they will be unable to work. It reads: 'While the actual cost of the kidney transplant itself would be covered, they would need at least two months of financial assistance to cover regular household expenses as neither of them will be able to work during their recovery. Your donations would be emensely appreciated.'
PJ Spraggins was perfect match for wife Tracy, who suffers from Lupus . But he was told he was not eligible as his blood pressure was too high . She was placed on the seven-year-long transplant list at end of 2013 . Spraggins embarked on year-long fitness regime until he made the grade . They both underwent surgery in February 2015 .
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(CNN)Two deputies involved in the fatal attempt to arrest Eric Harris in Tulsa, Oklahoma, have been reassigned because of threats against them and their families, Sheriff Stanley Glanz said Monday in a news conference. The deputies were trying to arrest Harris when Reserve Deputy Robert Bates shot him. Unlike Bates, they are not charged with a crime, but have come under criticism for pinning Harris' head to the ground as he said, "I'm losing my breath." Police appear on video saying, "F*ck your breath," apparently in response. Sheriff Stanley Glanz didn't specify the nature of the threats, but said he was "very concerned" for their safety and that of their families. He did not say what the deputies had been assigned to do. Another sheriff's official said the office has temporarily suspended operations of the agency's drug unit pending the review of the April 2 shooting of Harris following a weapons sting. Glanz indicated he has not yet decided how to proceed with a review of their actions, saying any action may be delayed until after the court case involving Bates has been settled. Bates is charged with second-degree manslaughter in Harris' death. Bates, who is free on $25,000 bond pending trial, shot Harris with his handgun after calling out, "Taser, Taser," -- an indication he planned to use a stun gun to subdue Harris following a brief foot chase with the other deputies. Amid questions about his age -- 73 -- training and friendship with Glanz, Bates has said the shooting was accidental, and has apologized to the family. Lawyer releases training records for Tulsa deputy charged in killing . On Monday, Glanz also apologized to Harris' family. "We are sorry Eric was taken from you," he said. But he said his office holds itself to the highest national standards of policing, and said Monday that the FBI had cleared the agency of any civil rights violations in the shooting. Bates is white. Harris was black. There have been allegations, first reported by the Tulsa World newspaper, that some of Bates' training records had been forged, or that he was unqualified to be serving on the force. The sheriff denied those allegations, saying he was certain Bates had qualified on the gun range and had extensive additional training. He said he was unaware of any forgery involving training records, and said he had not issued any training waivers for Bates, with whom he has been friends for more than two decades. But he said he supported prosecutor's decision to proceed with the case. He also said he had brought in a Dallas police consultant who had previously examined the office's policies and procedures for another look. Harris' family has said the shooting reveals "a deep-seated problem" within the department and has demanded justice, and changes in policy.
Deputies reassigned after threats, sheriff says . The two deputies pinned Eric Harris to the ground and one yelled "F*ck your breath" at him after he was shot .
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Anyone who has witnessed a game of hockey or netball might disagree, but men really are more competitive than women, according to a new study. Researchers have discovered that male athletes are more driven by the desire to beat the competition than female athletes. Sportswomen tend to be more committed to aspects of their lives outside sport - such as their academic studies - than their male counterparts, the researchers say. The researchers found that male 5,000 metre runners are more competitive than women. Great Britain's Mo Farah is pictured above running to victory in the European Athletics Championships in Helsinki, Finland . This may explain why boys are often seen as being more competitive. However, the researchers say that there can be a great deal of individual variability with some women actually showing greater competitive drive than most male athletes. Many reasons have been suggested to explain why women remain poorly represented in senior positions at large companies. Now, a new study may shed light on workplace dynamics, by claiming that while men enjoy competition in the office, women like to be part of a team. The results suggest than men have a dimmer view of their colleagues’ ability than women and were therefore more keen on competing to be rewarded for their own work, rather than that of a team’s. Researchers from CNRS-GATE in Lyon and the University of California, analysed the behaviour of both sexes when the study participants were asked to choose between being paid on their individual performance or as part of a team. They found that less than 11 per cent of men opted for team payment, in comparison to 44 per cent of women. These individuals tend to be far less common in women's sport, they said. The study could have implications for other areas outside sport, such as in the workplace where greater gender diversity could bring advantages. Professor Robert Deaner, a psychologist at Grand Valley State University in Michigan, said they studied elite runners because it is a sport that is equally popular among men and women and there is no disparity in prize money. He said: 'Of course, we need to be careful not to assume that our running results will generalise to all sports or all domains outside of sports. 'Nevertheless, our findings do echo those from other studies, which show that even when men and women hold the same selective jobs, men are more likely to prioritize competing for recognition and status, while women have more communal orientations.' The researchers, whose study is published in the journal PeerJ, assessed the competitiveness of 1,147 long distance runners competing in the 5,000 metres in the US National Collegiate Athletic Association. They surveyed each runners motivation for participating, their training volume and their desire to compete at an elite level after college. US tennis player John McEnroe (above) was notorious for letting his competitiveness get the better of him . The study found that male long distance runners, like Mo Farrah (left), are more competitive than women, but there are some women, like Paula Radcliffe on the right, who are arguably more competitive than the men . They also compared runners who were competing NCAA's Division 1, Division 2 and Division 3. The researchers found that men were far more competitive at all levels than female runners. The sex difference in competitiveness was also just as large in the fastest runners in Division 1 compared to the slower ones in Division 3. Professor Deaner said: 'By social science standards, the difference we found - men and women differing by about half a standard deviation on competitiveness measures - is moderate to large. 'But this kind of a difference still means that many of the female runners are more competitive than many of the male runners.' Writing in the journal the researchers added: 'Women did report greater commitment than men to their academic studies, suggesting a sex difference in priorities. 'Therefore, policies aiming to provide men and women with equal opportunities to flourish should acknowledge that sex differences in some kinds of preferences and motivation may persist even in selective sub-populations.' Serena Williams is known for her intensely competitive attitude, playing through injury and destroying raquets .
Scientists at Grand Valley State University, Michigan, studied elite runners . They found the men tended to have greater competitive drive than women . Women tend to prioritise other aspects of their lives like academic studies .
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A veteran MMA fighter and martial arts instructor who had been accused of molesting a young boy was found dead in an Oregon jail on Sunday morning after an apparent suicide. Eben Kaneshiro, 35, was arrested last week and charged with three counts of first-degree sodomy and three counts of first-degree sexual abuse involving a boy under the age of 12. New Breed Jiu-Jitsu, the Portland martial arts gym that Kaneshiro owned, is now closed. Scroll down for video . Eben Kaneshiro, 35, was charged with three counts of first-degree sodomy and sexual abuse involving a boy . Authorities believe Kaneshiro hanged himself in his cell at Deschutes County Adult Jail, according to OregonLive. Paramedics were unable to revive him after he was found unconscious around 3am on Sunday. Deschutes County Sheriff Larry Blanton and District Attorney John Hummel spoke at a news conference on Monday about the apparent suicide, KTVZ reported. Kaneshiro did not seem suicidal and was checked on at least once an hour as per jail policy, Blaton said. There have been 11 suicide attempts at the jail in the last year. New Breed Jiu-Jitsu, the Portland, Oregon, martial arts gym (pictured) that Kaneshiro owned, is now closed . An investigation into Kaneshiro's death is ongoing. Kaneshiro had a black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, according to Sherdog. He had a record of 19-12 in 31 MMA fights since 2002 and last fought in Boise, Idaho, in 2014. On the activities section of his Facebook page, Kaneshiro had St. Jude Children's Research Hospital listed.
Eben Kaneshiro, 35, found dead at Deschutes County Adult Jail on Sunday . Kaneshiro was the owner of New Breed Jiu-Jitsu in Portland, Oregon . Charged with three counts each of first-degree sodomy and sexual abuse . Was arrested last week and accused of molesting boy under the age of 12 . MMA fighter was a Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt with 31 fights since 2002 .
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Time to change: Business mogul Jack Welch has called for an end to the college hierarchy that has caused education to become cripplingly expensive . Business mogul Jack Welch has called for an end to the college hierarchy that has caused higher education to become cripplingly expensive. Speaking to DailyMail.com CEO Jon Steinberg, the former head of General Electric insisted that it's time to cut out expensive and needless middle management. He said: 'If you look at education today there are deans, there are associate deans, there are assistants to the associate deans. There's hierarchy beyond belief. 'Why should these lazy professors hang out getting fat on money while kids are going broke graduating? 'It's dumb, it's stupid, and it has to be broken.' Welch warned that this increase in middle management is driving up the cost of higher education, which is now failing to give students value for the amount of money they are forced to shell out. He told Steinberg that he is now dedicated to taking education in a new direction as executive of the Jack Welch Management Institute (JWMI), which currently has over 900 students and is growing. He said: 'At JWMI one thing is true - and this will be a big change for education - we think: 'Who is our customer?' The student is our customer. 'We have no tenure. We will remove faculty if the students call for it. 'They know when they're getting value and when they're not. They're great consumers and they give us voice' 'If we've got jerks that aren't giving them what they want, we''l have a chat with them once, and the second time they won't be there. They won't be in the next class.' The business mogul and his wife, business journalist and author Suzy Welch, were speaking at an Answers to Correspondents event at the New York's Core Club hosted by DailyMail.com and JWMI. During the intimate conversation, Welch claimed that JWMI could provide a model for what the future of graduate education can be. 'We're seeing lives change,' he said. 'It's amazing how we're changing lives with some very basic steps and an economically sound deal for us and for them.' Jack Welch (right) and his wife, business journalist and author Suzy Welch (center), were speaking with DilyMail.com CEO Jon Steinberg at an Answers to Correspondents event at the New York's Core Club . Following the release of their new book The Real-Life MBA: Your No-BS Guide to Winning the Game, Building a Team, and Growing Your Career, the couple discussed how real-world business scenarios should be used in education. Suzy Welch said: 'What's happening in business education in our school are these team-based projects that are more simulation of business troubles and business challenges, and that's better.' She pointed out that at many schools business education is being taught by academics, who lack real-world experience at a management level. 'Most of them haven't managed a thing,' she added. 'They're sitting there talking to you about leadership and they've not led a person. 'At our school, 90 per cent of the faculty are also business leaders. They are business executives who all have done PhDs. 'Anything that can be more real world really helps.'
The business mogul was speaking to DailyMail.com CEO Jon Steinberg . He insisted it's time that colleges cut out expensive middle management . With his wife Suzy Welch he is dedicated to changing business education .
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Dr Mehmet Oz's fellow faculty members at Columbia have written an op-ed lashing out at how his 'unsubstantiated medicine... sullies the reputation' of the university - in just the latest attack on his talk show tactics. But they also leap to the physician's defense in the piece, saying that his on-air 'Ozisms' should not cancel out his stellar work at the university, where he has an unblemished record as a doctor. The eight staff wrote the op-ed for USA Today after 10 doctors urged Columbia to sever all ties with Oz, who serves as vice chairman and professor of surgery at the College of Physicians. Those doctors accused him of being a 'charlatan' who promotes 'quack treatments' on his syndicated talk show - accusations Dr Oz has vehemently fought this week. Scroll down for videos . Under fire: Faculty at Columbia University have said some of Dr Mehmet Oz's tactics have 'sullied their reputation' - but also applauded him for the work he had carried out at the Ivy League school . In the new op-ed, his fellow faculty also denounced his TV show methods. They pointed out that in 2014, the BMJ medical journal said 'that less than half of the recommendations on his show are based on at least somewhat believable evidence'. 'Many of us are spending a significant amount of our clinical time debunking Ozisms regarding metabolism game changers,' the staff members wrote in the op-ed. 'Irrespective of the underlying motives, this unsubstantiated medicine sullies the reputation of Columbia University and undermines the trust that is essential to physician-patient relationships.' That said, 'the weaknesses in [his] professional balance sheet' should not force him out of his job at Columbia University, where he has been employed since 2001, they wrote. He was hired because of his strengths as a doctor and receives top reviews from his peers and patients, and therefore should not be forced to leave the job 'in which he excels', they wrote. Support: The eight faculty members, including Drs Michael Rosenbaum, left, and Joan Bregstein. right, said they have spent a great deal of their time debunking 'Ozisms' their colleague had shared on air . Instead, they suggested that his case raises questions of what responsibilities doctors in the media have to their patients. 'What happens when a doctor's job in media-medicine collides with office- or hospital-based medicine? Dr. Mehmet Oz is a case in-point.' 'Many of us are spending a significant amount of our clinical time debunking Ozisms regarding metabolism game changers. Irrespective of the underlying motives, this unsubstantiated medicine sullies the reputation of Columbia University and undermines the trust that is essential to physician-patient relationships.' 'We need to re-evaluate the roles of the health sciences and government in broadcast medicine and what are the responsibilities of media physicians to their patients?' 'Non-evidence based medical recommendations presented without the appropriate caveats are costly and potentially harmful. However, unless these foibles can be shown to render Dr. Oz inadequate or ineffective at Columbia, there is no justification for forcing him to resign from a well-earned position in academic medicine. 'Regulatory guidance addressing the tension between his two positions is potentially a far better solution that could result in improved health care both in the doctor's office and in the media. 'Dr. Oz might begin each program with a simple disclaimer: "The opinions expressed on this program may not be evidence-based or part of accepted medical practice and have no endorsement from Columbia University."' The full op-ed can be read at USA Today . 'Non-evidence based medical recommendations presented without the appropriate caveats are costly and potentially harmful,' they wrote. 'However, unless these foibles can be shown to render Dr. Oz inadequate or ineffective at Columbia, there is no justification for forcing him to resign from a well-earned position in academic medicine.' Rather, he should start each show with a disclaimer: 'The opinions expressed on this program may not be evidence-based or part of accepted medical practice and have no endorsement from Columbia University,' they said. The op-ed was penned by Dr Michael Rosenbaum, Dr Joan Bregstein, Dr Elizabeth Oelsner, Dr Sumit Mohan and Dr Dana March of Columbia University Medical Center, Dr Michelle Odlum of the School of Nursing, Dr Katherine Shear of the College of Physicians & Surgeons, and Tal Gross of the Department of Health Policy and Management. On Friday, Dr Oz, 54, said he was 'very proud to have that feedback' from his colleagues as he appeared on the Today show. 'The [Dr Oz] show has to be much broader than what might take place in a doctor's office,' he said. 'I completely respect why so many of my colleagues might have a difficulty with that, but I'm also appreciative that many of them do understand why that's important.' While appearing on Today, he insisted that, despite the criticisms, his show will continue. He has been hosting the program since 2009. 'Without question, the show will survive it,' he said. 'I want to keep doing the show for as long as I can because I think we played an important role in making America a better place.' Even though he often wears his scrubs on air, he added that his show is not about medicine, but about living 'the good life', such as looking at the power of prayer or techniques abroad. Defense: On Friday, Dr Oz appeared on the Today show and said his show would survive the criticism . Vehement: He told Matt Lauer that his show was more about living 'the good life' than medical information . He said he continues to stand by his use of the word 'miracle' to some treatments - but wishes he had not used it for weight-loss supplements. 'This is a flawed area with lots of fraud, both in the research and in products,' he said. 'And we no longer talk about them. I haven't talked about them in a year.' And talking about the letter from the 10 doctors last week, he said that those critics have agendas, particularly against genetically modified organisms, which he has supported. 'The 10 doctors who attacked me got what they wanted – sensational headlines and sound bites,' he previously said on his Thursday show, which was entitled The Truth About His Critics. 'It's ironic that I am being accused of a conflict of interest by these doctors, when, as you are about to see, some of them have their own conflict of interest issues - and some integrity ones also.' Four who signed the letter, including leader author Henry Miller, have at some point been associated with the American Council on Science and Health. Defiant: The celebrity doctor used Thursday's episode of The Dr. Oz Show to hit back and claim that the criticism he's received is part of a conspiracy because of his outspoken views on genetically modified food . The organization has previously received grants from Monsanto, who manufactures GMO seeds. During his show on Thursday, Oz denied attacking genetically modified foods. 'That is not true. I have never judged GMO foods,' he said. 'But just like 64 countries around the world, I support GMO labeling so you can decide on the foods for your family.' Dr Miller had written of Oz: 'He's a quack and a fake and a charlatan. I think I know the motivation at Columbia. 'They're star-struck, and like having on their faculty the best-known doctor in the country. 'But the fact is that his advice endangers patients, and this doesn't seem to faze them.' Columbia previously released a statement that it 'is committed to the principle of academic freedom and to upholding faculty members' freedom of expression for statements they make in public discussion.'
Eight faculty members at Columbia University penned an op-ed accusing Dr Oz's on-air tactics of sullying the reputation of the Ivy League school . But they said he should not be forced to stepped down from his 'well-earned position' at Columbia because of these 'foibles' It comes after 10 doctors called on Columbia to fire Oz for promoting 'quack treatments' on his TV show, including weight-loss supplements . The piece came as Dr Oz insisted his show would survive the criticism and said the doctors only attacked him for supporting GMA labeling .
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Team Sky's Geraint Thomas had to settle for 14th place in an incident-packed Tour of Flanders as Norwegian Alexander Kristoff took victory in a sprint finish with Holland's Niki Terpstra. With Tom Boonen and Fabian Cancellara - winners of six of the last 10 races here - missing through injury, Thomas was one of the favourites to claim the title following his recent victory in E3 Harelbeke and third-place finish at the Gent-Wevelgem sprint classic. He was in contention for much of Sunday's race as Team Sky set the pace in the peloton for lengthy periods, but the Welshman was unable to recover ground as Kristoff (Team Katusha) and Terpstra (Etixx - Quick-Step) launched a late breakaway. Alexander Kristoff celebrates by spraying champagne after winning the Tour of Flanders . Norway's Kristoff poses after beating off competition from Niki Terpstra to win the Tour of Flanders race . The highly-fancied Kristoff came home in a time of six hours, 26 minutes and 38 seconds, with Terpstra just behind and local hope Greg van Avermaet of Belgium (BMC) seven seconds back in third. Thomas, looking to become only the second Briton to win the event after Tom Simpson in 1961, finished in the chasing pack almost a minute back. It was not to be for Team Sky, who had pushed hard throughout as they sought their first win in one of cycling's big five classic one-day races - and one that was not short of incident. Sir Bradley Wiggins, in one of his last rides for Team Sky, was one of a number of riders to hit the deck during the race when he crashed in the middle of the peloton while trying to negotiate a tight left-hand turn. Team Sky's Geraint Thomas finished in 14th position after struggling to close the gap on the likes of Kristoff . Although he needed a spare bike, Wiggins was able to continue but other riders suffered worse with New Zealander Jesse Sergent - who was part of a seven-man breakaway group - suffering what was feared to be a fractured collarbone after being hit by a neutral service car as it tried to overtake him. Incredibly, there was another incident involving a support car later on which saw Sebastien Chavanel also knocked off his bike and out of the race. The Frenchman was hit by his team car after it had been rear-ended by another vehicle. Other riders were also involved in spills on the testing surfaces while there was a near moment of farce when one of the inflatable markers straddling the road started to deflate, leaving the riders with barely enough room to get underneath without having to break stride. The late drama was created by Kristoff and Terpstra, though. They escaped the pack with around 30 kilometres left and, with no one able to catch them, it was down to one of them to take the crown. Terpstra bided his time on the final straight as he sat on Kristoff's wheel waiting for the right moment to attack, but when he did the Norwegian reacted and left his rival trailing as he claimed his second 'Monument' title after his Milan-San Remo triumph in 2014.
Norway's Alexander Kristoff won race after sprint finish with Niki Terpstra . Geraint Thomas was among favourites to claim title following recent win . The Welshman was unable to recover ground on Kristoff and Terpstra .
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Nasa has released the first close-up views of the north pole of dwarf planet Ceres from the Dawn spacecraft. Dawn arrived on 6 March, the first time a spacecraft has orbited a dwarf planet, and is now preparing for the key science phase of the mission. However, the images have not yet revealed what the mystery ‘bright spots’ on the surface of the world are, which have gripped the attention of scientists and the public alike. Nasa scientists in California have released new images of Ceres (shown). They were taken by the Dawn spacecraft from a distance of 21,000 miles (33,000km). The spacecraft is beginning to move closer and closer to Ceres. And it will soon study the whole planet - including its mystery bright spots . The latest images were taken on 10 April from a distance of 21,000 miles (33,000km), and are the highest-resolution views of Ceres so far. The spacecraft is currently on the side of the planet that is mostly shrouded in darkness, but over the coming months it will see more of the world in light. And it will also see Ceres in better and a higher resolution. Ceres is 590 miles (950 km) across and was discovered in 1801. It is the closest dwarf planet to the sun and is located in the asteroid belt, making it the only dwarf planet in the inner solar system. Ceres is the smallest of the bodies currently classified as a 'dwarf planet'. It lies less than three times as far as Earth from the sun - close enough to feel the warmth of the star, allowing ice to melt and reform. Nasa's Dawn spacecraft has been making its way to Ceres from the asteroid Vesta since September 2012. There is high interest in the mission because Ceres because it is seen as being a record of the early solar system, and may also have shifting ice on its surface. Ceres is the largest body in the main asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter, with an average diameter of 590 miles (950km). Dawn has been using its ion propulsion system to rendezvous with the dwarf planet since leaving the giant asteroid Vesta in 2012. Its first ‘science orbit’ will begin on 23 April, with the spacecraft remaining a distance of 8,400 miles (13,500km) away until 9 May. After this, it will begin making lower and lower orbits to get better views of the surface. The mission will allow scientists to study the last major body between Earth and Jupiter that has yet to be explored. 'The mission is so exciting, because we're exploring the last uncharted world of the solar system,' Dr Marc Rayman, Dawn chief engineer and mission director at JPL told MailOnline. 'For me the opportunity to travel to this distant alien world that has been known of for two centuries, a mysterious world of rock and ice, perhaps with subsurface liquid water maybe stored as ponds, lakes or oceans, is very exciting.' Shown above is an animation of Ceres rotating as Dawn observed its north pole. Ceres is about 2.8 times further from the sun than Earth, and a day on the dwarf planet lasts nine Earth hours. Credit: Nasa . Dawn (artist's illustration shown) has been using its ion propulsion system to rendezvous with the dwarf planet since leaving the giant asteroid Vesta in 2012. Its first ‘science orbit’ will begin on 23 April, with the spacecraft remaining a distance of 8,400 miles (13,500km) away until 9 May . In the next few weeks and months, the dwarf planet will be studied in great detail. But the most impressive images will be returned in December, when Dawn starts one of its lowest science orbits. It will be at an altitude of just 225 miles (360km) above the surface - below the orbital height of the International Space Station around Earth - allowing it to get high resolution images of the surface. The primary science mission for the spacecraft will last until June 2016 - by which the team expects to have achieved all of its scientific goals -and it is unlikely the spacecraft will be extended beyond that date, as it will probably start running out of fuel by then. This map-projected view of Ceres was created from images taken by Nasa's Dawn spacecraft during its initial approach to the dwarf planet, prior to being captured into orbit in March 2015. Differences in morphology and color across the surface suggest Ceres was once an active body . Perhaps of most interest, though, are the mystery bright spots on the surface. These are thought to possibly be expanses of ice inside a crater on Ceres. Based on new infrared images released by Nasa the other day, it appears that the pair of spots have different thermal properties - suggesting they have different origins. They could also be towering ‘water volcanoes’, but more observations will be needed to confirm or deny this. 'The bright spots continue to fascinate the science team, but we will have to wait until we get closer and are able to resolve them before we can determine their source,' said Chris Russell from the University of California, Los Angeles. These images, from Dawn's visible and infrared mapping spectrometer (VIR), highlight two regions on Ceres containing bright spots. The images suggest they coudl be towering ‘water volcanoes’, but more observations will be needed to confirm or deny this . 'The bright spots [seen in this previous Nasa image] continue to fascinate the science team, but we will have to wait until we get closer and are able to resolve them before we can determine their source,' said Chris Russell from the University of California, Los Angeles .
Nasa scientists in California have released new images of Ceres . They were taken by Dawn from a distance of 21,000 miles (33,000km) The spacecraft is beginning to move closer and closer to Ceres . And it will soon study the whole planet - including its mystery bright spots .
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The £135,000 was spent trapping and moving water voles from the Somerset Levels ahead of dredging . Taxpayers have footed a £135,000 bill to move 50 protected water voles - at a cost of £2,500 per animal - to allow dredging of the Somerset Levels. The bill for moving the creatures is nearly six times the original estimate, it was revealed today. In January and February 2014 residents on the Levels were forced to abandon their homes after record rainfall saw rivers burst their banks following years of insufficient dredging. More than 600 homes and 17,000 acres of farmland were inundated with quickly rising waters and entire villages were cut off in the wettest January since records began in 1766. But the Environment Agency says it has a legal duty under EU-backed regulations to protect the water voles as an endangered species. The £135,000 was spent trapping and moving 55 of the six-inch-long furry creatures from their bankside burrows on the Somerset Levels ahead of dredging work. In February, when the scheme was first revealed it was estimated it would cost £24,000 to put the tiny voles into 'winter storage'. But now the Environment Agency has admitted that another £86,000 had to be spent on a 'wildlife survey'. Previously the agency had claimed the wildlife survey was not part of the cost of relocating the voles. And when other costs are factored in, the total bill came to £135,000. Scroll down for video . The survey involved setting up traps along the river banks and checking them over a period of several months - the cost of which was not previously disclosed. Now some Somerset Levels residents - while anxious to have rivers dredged to avoid the devastating floods from two winters ago - think the scheme is an unnecessary waste of public money. They say the people who approved the plan are living in Kenneth Grahame's book for children, The Wind in the Willows, featuring Ratty - a water vole - Mole, Badger and Mister Toad. Farmer James Winslade believes the voles would have moved themselves elsewhere when the dredgers began work and argues they did not need to be captured and moved 100 miles to a new home. Residents abandoned their homes after rivers burst their banks following years of insufficient dredging . More than 600 homes and 17,000 acres of farmland (pictured) were inundated with quickly rising waters in late 2013 and early 2014 and entire villages were cut off in the wettest January since records began in 1766 . He said dredging often took place across the Levels before the Environment Agency took over, and that in the past it had never appeared to affect the vole population. 'They're not stupid, they'll feel the vibration of the dredgers and move - it's not like they haven't any other habitat to move on to,' he said. 'The river bank adjoins fields so they can move from the river banks to the fields, and move back once the dredgers have gone.' Money spent on relocating the voles was a small percentage of the £6 millionspent on dredging five miles (8 km) of the rivers Tone and Parrett, the agency said previously. The 'rescued' voles spent the winter in an 'over-wintering facility' before being moved to new riverside homes in Hampshire and Cornwall. Ecology expert Graeme Skinner said the work required professional, academically-trained people 'who hold relevant licences'. The Environment Agency says it has a legal duty to protect water voles (pictured) as an endangered species . The levels today, after the flooding - the voles have now been moved to a new home 100 miles away . Some Somerset Levels residents - while anxious to have rivers dredged to avoid the devastating floods (pictured) - think the scheme to remove the voles is an unnecessary waste of public money . He said: 'They are undertaking sometimes long, arduous hours in the field to make sure it's up to the standard that is required nowadays.' About 130,000 cubic metres of silt was removed from the Parrett and Tone rivers at Burrowbridge after the floods devastated hundreds of homes. An Environment Agency spokesman said 'We had a legal duty to move the voles, which are critically endangered and protected. 'The over-wintering is necessary to ensure their survival. 'Relocating them was an essential piece of work - if we hadn't moved this population of voles then it would not have been possible to complete the dredging. 'It is unusual for the agency to undertake a substantial relocation project like this.' The dredging forms the first phase of the 20-year Somerset Flood Action Plan. Following the devastation, which took place between December 2013 and March 2014, 8,000 metres of river was dredged at a cost of £6 million. About 130,000 cubic metres of silt was removed from the Parrett and Tone rivers at Burrowbridge .
It has cost the taxpayer £135,000 to move 55 protected water voles . They have been removed from Somerset Levels for dredging to take place . In 2014 over 600 homes and 17,000 acres of farmland were flooded with water after rivers burst their banks following years of insufficient dredging . Critics say moving the voles is an unnecessary waste of public money .
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Kim Kardashian continued her tour of the tour of the Holy Land with husband Kanye West and their daughter North, as she visited the site of Jesus Christ's crucifixion. On Monday, she took her family to Jerusalem's Old City - the reputed location of the historical religious event - to visit Armenian church St James Cathedral in order to baptise their little girl. And, clearly overwhelmed and honoured by the pilgrimage, Kim took to Instagram to share a couple of pictures from inside the holy building. Scroll down for video . Humbled: Kim Kardashian seemed amazed to be inside Saint James Cathedral in Jerusalem's Old City on Monday, the location for her daughter North's baptism . Along with her artful first post from inside the St James Cathedral in Jerusalem's Old City, Kim revealed it had been an early start for the family. 'Good morning Jerusalem! We woke up really early to see the site where the crucifixion of Jesus Christ took place,' she wrote. The image showed the ornate interior of the 12th century church, which sits in the Armenian quarter of the city, the capital of Israel. Family time: Another picture posted on Kim's Instagram showed her and husband Kanye West crouching under the statue of Jesus Christ . A second shot posted on the reality TV star's Instagram page showed herself and Kanye crouching under the statue of Jesus Christ on the crucifix, although as it was heavily filtered, the showbiz couple were hard to see. The centuries-old church in the Holy Land was the location of choice for the Kardashian-Wests for the baptism of their nearly two-year-old daughter. And as they approached the iconic building, they fended off swooning fans as they entered it. Archbishop Aris Shirvanian, an Armenian church official, revealed the family had arrived for a baptism ceremony. Surprise stop: Kim, Kanye and North arrived early on Monday in Jerusalem for North's baptism . Special visit: Kanye and North at the Armenian St. James Cathedral in Jerusalem's Old City . Sacrament: Archbishop Aris Shirvanian, an Armenian church official, confirmed North's baptism . 'Kim Kardashian's daughter will be baptized and become a Christian officially and a member of the Armenian church,' Shirvanian said, slightly perplexed by all the commotion. 'All I know is that she's a famous personality. I don't know her in person. In any case she is welcome with her family.' A source tells E! that Khloe, who attended the ceremony wearing sneakers and ripped jeans, is North's godmother while the priest acted as her godfather (while uncommon, it is an option where there isn't one). VIP treatment: The family were escorted out of the church by a priest . Tight security: The group were surrounded by guards . No heels today: Kim wore sensible flat sandals for the ceremony . The insider described the ceremony as 'so special'. The 22-month-old was dressed in a white gown and her father was wearing the same colour. Kim opted for a striped wrap-around dress and flat sandals. Afterwards, the family dined with Jerusalem mayor Nir Barkat at Mona Restaurant. Members of reality TV's first family touched down Monday in the Holy Land for what was described as a private two-day visit. They family had earlier arrived in a private jet at Israel's international airport before being whisked away in a dark black SUV to a hotel in Jerusalem. Protective dad: The rapper left the church after the ceremony with his daughter in tow . Taking in the sights: The group explored the historic church . Holy Land visit: The family are in Jerusalem for what was described as a private two-day visit . Family affair: Khloe Kardashian was also on the trip, and acted as North's godmother . Cuddles with mom: The reality star carried her daughter into the church . All were captured on camera disembarking their plane and the images featured prominently on Israeli websites. The Kardashian entourage arrived from a high-profile visit to Armenia, where the Kardashian family traces its roots. They are expected to shoot some footage for their reality show in Jerusalem before moving on to Jordan. Reality TV royalty: The star gave fans a regal wave . The family's Armenian tour certainly ended in spectacular fashion after Kanye gave a surprise free performance in the capital city, Yerevan, on Sunday night. He had to be rescued by security after being mobbed by fans in Swan Lake. Things got hectic when 'thousands' of fans followed his lead and waded into the water. Before striding into the shallow lake, he told the assembled crowd: 'Over there, can y'all see me over there? We're going to do something different right now, like, like, like we always do it this time!' Not too close! Kanye tried to keep the crowd at bay . As paparazzi scrambled to get a picture, security guards pulled Kanye out from the group of fans and police stopped the gig - which was being live streamed - from continuing. However, despite the abrupt ending to the set, which lasted just six songs, he and Kim appeared to have enjoyed the mayhem. His wife tweeted afterwards: 'Crazy night! Kanye wakes me up & says he's doing a free concert in Yerevan, Armenia! I throw on sweats & we go! Thousands of people were there! Kanye jumped in swan lake to be closer to the crowd on the other side & so many people jumped in too! Such an exciting crazy night! So happy I got to rock out with everyone in Armenia on our last night here!!!! #EpicNight #ArmenianPride (sic)' Baby and Yeezus: Kanye doted over his only child . Back on daddy duty: The rapper performed a surprise concert in Armenia on Sunday to mark the end of their trip . Quick visit: The family are expected to leave Israel on Tuesday . The 34-year-old - whose late father Robert Kardashian was of Armenian-American descent - later took to Twitter again to thank everyone who came out to see her husband perform, and said she was going to miss the country. Kim tweeted: 'I've learned on this trip how many talented Armenian musicians we have! What an incredible night!!!! Going to miss it here!!! Thank you to everyone who came out last night to see Kanye perform!' The reality TV star's Armenia trip had been very well-documented on the social media website, as she posted pictures of her, her sister Khloe, and cousins Kourtni and Kara, meeting the Armenian Prime Minister, as well as the two sisters having an 'emotional day' at the Genocide Museum - which they were visiting for a documentary they're filming about the Armenian Genocide. Kim tweeted: 'It was an honour to meet the Prime Minister of Armenia, Hovik Abrahamyan. He expressed how proud they are that we are proud Armenians and we have not forgotten our roots. #NeverForget'. Power couple: The pair met with Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat and his wife Beverly after the baptism . Dining with the stars: The group ate at Mona restaurant in Jerusalem .
Kim Kardashian shared pictures from the baptism of her daughter North, held at Saint James Cathedral in Jerusalem's Old City . The 12th century church sits within the Armenian quarter of the Old City, the reputed site of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ . Khloe Kardashian is godmother, while a priest acted as North's godfather . North wore white baptismal gown in keeping with tradition . The youngster is now a Christian and a member of the Armenian church .
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A roofing boss has alleged to be a love cheat on his own company website - when his furious ex-girlfriend altered the page to shame him. Lisa Morgan, 40, a legal secretary, amended the site she had set up for former boyfriend Sean Meade, 45, to claim he had been unfaithful. Visitors to the Top of the World Roofing website are told it has 'ceased trading at present' as the boss was 'unfortunately found out to be cheating yet again'. Lisa Morgan, 40, altered the Top of the World Roofing site to expose her cheating ex boyfriend, Sean Meade . Miss Morgan said the updated site had brought in more views than ever before. Speaking to the Sun, she said: 'I changed it to stop other women falling for his charm.' The couple met after they got chatting on a flight home from Turkey in August. The relationship escalated quickly and the roofing boss moved in to Miss Morgan's house in Chatham, Kent. But she said she grew suspicious when he started to stay out all night, not returning home. She said she checked his phone bill and found calls to another woman. She also contacted his estranged wife Joanne - who told her he had cheated on her as well. She said: 'When I started digging, I realised he's lived in different women's houses not paying a penny and moving from one to the next for years so I thought, you know what, this can stop here. 'There are kids I didn't even know existed and the more I was digging the more I was like "oh my God I don't even know the person I've been dating" and that's how it all came about. 'I started going back through, thinking things aren't adding up when he was going missing. 'A girl rang me out of the blue and said she'd been seeing him. But he completely convinced me that she just a nutter who knows him, but then a few weeks later, when he was going missing once a week still, I thought things aren't adding up.' She then decided to change the webpage. 'It's my website, I bought the domain name, made him a nice website because he can't read and write', she said. 'I did his website then I thought you know what this goes back all that time so I just thought it's all over his truck, the name of his firm, that he drives so I wanted to oust him.' On the webpage, it explains how Mr Meade's address 'changes every few months', as does his phone number . The website now says how he was 'dumped and this resulted in him having to woo a new woman and quick as he was effectively homeless.' It adds: 'He was fortunate enough to find someone to take him in within days of dating.' On the sidebar of the page, under 'address' it reads 'changes every few months - moves from one woman's house to the next'. Today, Miss Morgan continued to shame her former boyfriend by posting a series of YouTube clips of his answer phone messages where he issues an apology. Mr Meade, of Orpington, Kent, told MailOnline: 'She's trying to ruin someone's life. If that's what someone wants to do, I will carry on, it's not affecting my life. 'If anyone sees the website, it just shows what she is capable of. I hope she finds happiness in her life. She should really get out more. 'She's just a lunatic and it was a crazy six months. I'm not the only person to have cheated on her, but what does that say about her?' Confirming his new relationship, he said: 'It's not a new person. I've known her for all my life, but she (Lisa) is trying to ruin my life.' He added how he was not yet divorced as his estranged wife 'won't do it yet'. His estranged wife, Joanne, 35, who lives in Weald, Sevenoaks, told the Sun: 'I think it's great what she's done. It serves him right.'
Lisa Morgan, 40, amended site to claim her boyfriend had been unfaithful . Top of the World Roofing website says it's 'ceased trading at present' Site now claims boss was 'unfortunately found out to be cheating again' Met Sean Meade, 45, in August but soon grew wary when he was never in . Contacted his estranged wife, Jo, who told her he had cheated on her too .
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Leicester boss Nigel Pearson would have had the 'outstanding' Esteban Cambiasso down as his man of the match in Saturday's 2-1 win over West Ham even if the veteran Foxes midfielder had not scored his fine goal. Cambiasso netted with a sweet strike in the 12th minute to put his side 1-0 up at the King Power Stadium, hitting the ball first time from just outside the box after it had sat up for him from a ricochet. And Pearson said of the 34-year-old former Real Madrid, Inter Milan and Argentina player: 'Even if he hadn't scored the goal, I would still have said he was man of the match. Leicester midfielder Esteban Cambiasso has received high praise from his manager Nigel Pearson . The former Real Madrid and Inter Milan star celebrates after putting his side in the lead against West Ham . Leicester remain rooted to the bottom of the table . 'And with the goal, I think it is pretty obvious he was. I think he was outstanding.' The victory to which Cambiasso contributed - sealed by substitute Andy King's late tap-in, following Cheikhou Kouyate's equaliser around the half-hour - gave Barclays Premier League basement boys Leicester a much-needed boost in their bid for survival. It was their first win in nine league matches and cut the gap between them and safety to four points with eight games left to play. Cambiasso, who has won the Spanish and Italian league titles as well as the Champions League, had said in the build-up to the fixture that helping the club beat the drop would be like claiming another trophy. And Pearson added: 'Success is relative and success in the past for him, with the clubs he has played for, was winning titles and cups, and success for him at Leicester this year will be to be a player who has been instrumental in us avoiding relegation. 'Hopefully he will be a success at that as well. 'I was really pleased with his contribution against West Ham and the other players have a very healthy respect for him.' Pearson congratulates goalscorer Cambiasso after the final whistle of his side's win against the Hammers . Cambiasso, Jamie Vardy (left) and David Nugent (right) look relieved after their narrow home win . Mid-table West Ham, now with only one win in nine league games, almost found themselves 2-0 down early on on Saturday, with goalkeeper Adrian coming to their rescue by saving David Nugent's 15th-minute penalty. But they went on to show plenty of attacking intent from there and nearly took the lead themselves in the second half when Kouyate hit the post. Hammers boss Sam Allardyce was pleased to see his side play in a dynamic style but stressed that, ultimately, a lack of clinical finishing meant they had failed to do their job properly. 'We had enough opportunities, so did they (Leicester) and it was a really open game, really end-to-end stuff,' Allardyce said. 'From an entertainment point of view, for a neutral it was fantastic. 'From our point of view, it is great to play open, attractive football and create chances, but the bottom line is we haven't got anything out of it - and we are here as professionals to come away with what should at least have been a draw.'
Esteban Cambiasso helped his side claim a vital victory against West Ham . Cambiasso scored opening goal in Leicester's 2-1 win over the Hammers . Nigel Pearson has backed the Argentinian to lift Leicester out of drop zone . The Foxes are bottom of the Premier League table with 22 points .
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Prince Harry will arrive in Australia next Monday to kick-off his last tour of duty, where he will spend four-weeks with the Australian military. The royal's down under tour, his final before hanging up his fatigues and retiring from the armed services, will see him , where he'll serve alongside some of the country's elite soldiers in Darwin, Perth and Sydney. Captain Wales, as he is known in the British Army, will fall in with troops at the Perth SAS base and take on training exercises. Scroll down for video . Prince Harry will arrive in Australia next Monday ahead of his four-week stint with the Australian Defence Force . The prince will also time with Indigenous NORFORCE soldiers in the Northern Territory, and the army's Sydney-based 6th Aviation Regiment. If he passes military testing, it is possible he'll fly helicopters while with the Sydney regiment. The prince will join diggers on urban training exercises and bush patrols as well as pack marches and physical training. Before the military stretch gets underway, Prince Harry will travel to the Australian War Memorial in Canberra and lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Solider, according to an Australian Defence Force statement. A spokesman for Prince Harry said he had wanted to come to Australia on a military exchange for some time, and he was excited for a 'challenging and hectic' schedule. Captain Wales, as he is known in the British Army, will fall in with elite soldiers at the Perth SAS base and take on training exercices . He will also be allowed to spend time off-base, meaning Harry will have plenty of time for handshakes with his fans . 'Prince Harry is tremendously looking forward to starting his four week attachment with the ADF,' the spokesman said, according to the ABC. 'It has been an opportunity he has been keen to explore for a couple of years now and is delighted to be able to do it before completing his military service with the British Armed Forces later this year.' The fourth-in-line to the throne royal will have his army activities briefly interrupted at the end of the month, when he flies to Gallipoli with Prince Charles for Anzac Day commemorations. The ADF confirmed Harry will be given down time off-base during his stint, meaning some lucky punters could have a pint with the prince. A spokesman for Prince Harry said he had wanted to come to Australia on a military exchance for some time, and he was excited for a 'challenging and hectic' schedule . Harry will spend time with the elite SAS and Indigenous NORFORCE soldiers during his military exchange . However, the ADF said it has created a very real experience for Prince Harry. 'Defence’s focus for this attachment is to provide Captain Wales with an authentic military experience in the Australian Army that builds on his previous experience with coalition forces and complements his work with wounded, injured and ill service personnel,' a statement read. 'Defence has selected units that best utilise Captain Wales’ skills and allow him to experience a broad range of Army capabilities. The attachment will also allow Captain Wales to share the experience and knowledge he has gained over 10 years of military service in the British Armed Forces, including two operational tours of duty in Afghanistan.'
Prince Harry to arrive in Australia next Monday ahead of four-week stay . Will be Australian soldiers in Darwin, Perth and Sydney during trip . Prince will observe elite SAS soldiers, and Indigenous NORFORCE troops . The royal said to be excited for 'challenging and hectic' schedule . The trip is the last of Prince Harry's military career before he retires .
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They have invited us into their kitchens and proudly shown off their families. But most of us are fed up with hearing about the wives and children of the party leaders, it seems. For 71 per cent of voters say they are choosing politicians and have no need to know about their spouses or offspring, a ComRes survey for the Daily Mail and ITV News reveals. Only a quarter say it is important to know about leaders’ domestic lives. Scroll down for video . Voters don't feel the need to know about politician's wives, a poll has found. Above: Nick Clegg and his wife Miriam Gonzalez Durantez were seen in their £1.5million Putney home in an ITV interview broadcast last night . Only 25 per cent of voters believe it is important to get to know party leaders’ families, the new ComRes poll shows. The party leaders have made their wives more prominent in this election campaign than ever before . The findings may come as a shock to Ed Miliband, David Cameron and Nick Clegg, who have all invited the TV cameras into their homes and given their wives prominent campaign roles. Yesterday Mr Clegg became the latest to show off his kitchen, only to have it criticised for being mismatched and dated. It follows an interview with Mr Miliband and his wife Justine in one of their two kitchens and footage of the Camerons in the kitchen in Downing Street and in their Witney home. In the ITV interview broadcast last night, Mr Clegg and his Spanish wife Miriam Gonzalez Durantez were seen in their £1.5million Putney home, sipping white wine while, in the background, a paella was cooking on the hob. However, one interior designer said the Clegg kitchen was ‘middle of the road’, too much a mix of city and country – and in need of refreshing. In the interview, Mr Clegg revealed what many have long suspected, that in key decisions his wife wears the trousers. The poll found that women are marginally more likely to want to know about politicians’ spouses and families than men, by 27 per cent to 24 per cent. Above: Ed Miliband is supported by wife Justine during the campaign . The ComRes poll shows Conservative voters are the most likely to think it is important to get to know the wives and children of the party leaders – 32 per cent, compared with 25 per cent of Labour voters. Labour would lower the voting age to 16, the party confirmed yesterday as Ed Miliband launched its education manifesto. The move – the first change in the voting age since 1969 – would enfranchise more than 1.5million 16 and 17-year-olds. Party sources believe that idealistic youngsters are more likely to vote Labour. The idea is also backed by the Lib Dems. But polls show that the public, including most 16-year-olds, do not support the idea. It is also opposed by the Conservatives. David Cameron said this year he was willing to hold a Commons vote on the issue, but did not support the move. Conservative Party chairman Grant Shapps dismissed calls to lower the voting age to 16 when the issue was raised last year. He warned the move would ‘politicise the classroom, with votes for youngsters who are still at school’. Women are marginally more likely to want to know about politicians’ families than men, by 27 per cent to 24 per cent. This follows a campaign that has seen the wives play unprecedented high-profile roles. Mrs Cameron has accompanied her husband on a series of election visits. She has even made a solo visit to the seat of Rochester and Strood, in Kent, where the Tories are seeking to dislodge Ukip defector Mark Reckless. Justine Miliband has given a national newspaper interview while Mr Clegg’s wife has also taken part in campaign visits. A separate poll found that Mrs Cameron is twice as popular as other leaders’ wives. The YouGov survey found that 54 per cent of voters though Mrs Cameron was the best election asset, with 26 per cent for Mrs Miliband and 20 per cent supporting Miss Gonzalez Durantez. The Prime Minister’s wife scored well with men and women alike, as well as voters who have backed other parties. Some 90 per cent of Tory supporters chose Mrs Cameron, compared with 82 per cent of Lib Dem supporters who opted for Mrs Clegg. Only 61 per cent of Labour supporters backed Mrs Miliband.
71% of voters say they don't need to know about families of politicians . Only a quarter feel it is important to know about leaders’ domestic lives . Ed Miliband, David Cameron and Nick Clegg have all invited the TV cameras into their homes and given their wives prominent campaign roles .
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A California mother has opened up about the horrific experience of watching her once-vibrant daughter fade away and die from a little understood brain-eating amoeba. Sybil Meister firmly believes her daughter Koral Reef picked up the deadly and mysterious Balamuthia mandrillaris infection during a family trip to Lake Havasu in May 2013. Reef married her high school sweetheart that July and began to show worsening symptoms like headache, fatigue and stiff neck a couple of months later. By October 2014, Reef would be dead. She was 20-years-old. Tragic: Koral Reef, left, was a blushing bride in July 2013 as she wed her high school sweetheart. The 20-year-old Temecula, California woman would be dead just over a year later from a rare, deadly and incurable brain-eating amoeba infection . Now her mother is on a mission to educate the world about the dangers of Balamuthia mandrillaris, for which there is no proven treatment. 'They said, ''Oh, she's having withdrawal from her birth control; It's a migraine.'' They gave her medicine and sent her home and then she progressively got worse,' Meister recalled in an interview with KNTV. That was in 2013 and the family couldn't possibly have foreseen the horrors ahead. After all, Koral had just married her high school sweetheart Corey Pier. In fact, the attractive young couple were barely even out of high school when the trouble began. 'She started with the headaches, the stiff neck, the sensitivity to light and heat was bad,' Meister said. According to the Press Enterprise, the symptoms steadily worsened. Over the course of months, once-healthy Koral began to regularly experience blurred vision, lethargy and mood changes. Terrible decline: Reef's family believes she picked up the rare Balamuthia mandrillaris infection on a May 2013 trip to Lake Havasu . Balamuthia infection is very rare. The Balamuthia amoebas can infect the skin, sinuses, brain and other organs of the body. Therefore, Balamuthia infection can cause a wide range of symptoms. Disease can begin with a skin wound on the face, trunk, or limbs and can then progress to the brain where it cause a disease called Granulomatous Amebic Encephalitis. Diagnosis of Balamuthia GAE can be difficult, but some early symptoms may include: . • Headaches . • Stiff neck or head and neck pain with neck movement . • Sensitivity to light . • Nausea . • Vomiting . • Lethargy (tiredness) • Low-grade fever . Other signs of Balamuthia GAE may include: . • Behavioral changes . • Seizures . • Weight loss . • Partial paralysis . • Speech difficulties . • Difficulty walking . Source: CDC . 'Balamuthia's mortality rate is very, very high. Only 13 percent of patients survive without any type of treatment,' Dr. Navaz Karanjia, Director of Neurocritical Care at UC San Diego. Some 200 cases have been identified worldwide since 1993. Most cases are reported among the young, old or otherwise immunocompromised. California saw 12 cases between 1990 and 2011. Nine of those cases were fatal. Deadly: At left, the Balamuthia mandrillaris amoeba is seen in its cystic phase. At right, the deadly brain-eating organism is seen in its active stage . A scan of her brain in September revealed what doctors first thought might be cancer. A test revealed it was Balamuthia mandrillaris. 'They told us there is no real treatment for this,' said Pier. 'I broke down and I was freaking out. I didn't want to tell her. She wouldn't remember anyway. She was there, but she wasn't there. It was just eating away at her brain.' Within weeks, half her body was paralyzed. Then she stopped responding to her family. Doctors tried administering the investigational drug Miltefosine, but it was too late. Reef died October 20. Meister has now embarked on a campaign to teach others about the water- and soil-borne infection. 'We're reaching out to people trying to raise awareness because I don't think people understand how serious it can be. It's deadly,' she told KNTV. She's created Team Koral Reef GoFundMe and Facebook pages to help the cause. Reef would not be the first person to die from an amoebic infection after swimming in Lake Havasu, but she would be the first to die form this particular form of the single-cell organism, which authorities say has not been documented in the Arizona lake. Lake Havasu? Reef's family firmly believes she picked up the amoeba in Lake Havasu (pictured) in May 2013. The Arizona lake is known to harbor a different deadly amoeba, Naegleria fowleri, but not the type found in Reef's brain . Horrific: Reef married her high school sweetheart in July 2013 and began to show worsening symptoms like headache, fatigue and stiff neck a couple of months later. By October 2014, Reef would be dead. She was 20-years-old . 'They told us there is no real treatment for this,' recalled Reef's young widower. 'I broke down and I was freaking out. I didn't want to tell her. She wouldn't remember anyway. She was there, but she wasn't there. It was just eating away at her brain' Fourteen-year-old Aaron Evans died from an infection caused by Naegleria fowleri that his family believed he picked up from the lake. Naegleria fowleri is known to live in the lake and other warm fresh waterways. In 2007, officials at Lake Havasu responded by posting signs around the waterway warning of the potential--albeit rare--danger. Meister says the signs aren't enough. 'That sign makes the amoeba out to be some cute little fish that may cause a rash,' Meister told PE.com. 'That doesn't scream danger. That screams ''Have fun but be careful because there may be some amoeba in the lake that may be dangerous.'' It should read ''Swim at your own risk.''' SPeaking out: Reef's mother Sybil Meister, left, now wants to educate the world on the little-known danger of Balamuthia mandrillaris . Meister says the signs posted around Lake Havasu warning of the dangers of amoebas aren't enough. 'That sign makes the amoeba out to be some cute little fish that may cause a rash,' Meister said .
Koral Reef, 20, died last year after a horrifying and protracted battle against the little-understood parasite Balamuthia mandrillaris . Reef was wed to her high school sweetheart in July 2013 just months before she began showing symptoms like headache, fatigue and stiff neck . Reef's mother Sybil Meister believes Reef picked up the amoeba on a trip to Lake Havasu in May 2013 -- she was dead by October 2014 .
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When Scottish student Caitlin McNeill, 21, posted a photo of a blue and black dress that looked white and gold from some angles, it sparked an internet debate so furious even A-listers couldn't resist getting involved. Now another internet dress furore has begun, this time over the colour of Scottish National Party leader Nicola Sturgeon's dress. The SNP stalwart, 44, wore the opinion-splitting ensemble, which has variously been described as blue, grey and green, for her appearance on the BBC contenders' debate last night. Scroll down for video . Was it grey, green or ice blue? Nicola Sturgeon's dress divided opinion on Twitter during last night's debate . Going for grey: A viewer takes to Twitter to insist the dress he saw was grey . Baffling: Another viewer says while he initially thought the dress was grey, he has concluded it was green . But while her policies - and the coalition invitation issued to Labour leader Ed Miliband - made headlines, on Twitter, it was all about the dress. While most plumped for grey, with some noting that she and Mr Miliband appeared intent on co-ordinating their look, others insisted that the colour was green. 'Wait, Nicola Sturgeon's dress in that debate was green?' wrote a viewer named Andy Dowling. 'Looked grey on my telly.' Another, using the name Suze, complained: 'Her dress was teal. Papers have changed the colour, giving a less flattering skin tone (making her look harsh)'. Sports journalist Patrick Kidd also chipped in, writing: 'Let's focus on the most important issue from the debate. Nicola Sturgeon's dress was clearly grey, not blue.' Grey: Many viewers watching the debate thought Miss Sturgeon's dress was grey . Different colour: In a photo taken as she left the studio, Miss Sturgeon's dress appeared to be blue . Going for green: Under the studio lights, Miss Sturgeon's get-up seemed to be green . Back to grey: In this photo of Miss Sturgeon with the Green's Natalie Bennett, it once again looks grey . Not everyone was interested in the change in colour, which is likely to have been the result of harsh studio lights producing a different hue to the one seen in natural daylight, however. One irate viewer tweeted that they were concerned that the frock frenzy might overshadow the SNP's manifesto launch today. Another, named Milly, said the focus on the dress missed the point. 'Are you telling me all people are worried about is Nicola Sturgeon's dress?' she wrote. 'It was a political debate dammit!' The furore over Miss Sturgeon's dress isn't the first time the SNP leader has made headlines for her sartorial nous. Not impressed: One viewer declared her concerns about the debate overshadowing the SNP manifesto . Be serious! Another said viewers debating the colour of the dress were missing the point of the evening . The original: This was the frock that sparked the original #thedress debate . Slick: Miss Sturgeon has been lauded for her dress sense and is seen here at the Scottish Leaders' Debate . Stylish: Miss Sturgeon claims to be uninterested in clothes but admits to a passion for Kurt Geiger shoes . Although the SNP leader claims to be uninterested in splashing out on expensive clothes and bags in the past, she has admitted to a weakness for shoes, albeit Kurt Geiger rather than Jimmy Choo. Those were in evidence at the main leader's debate two weeks ago, when she wore a pair of skyscraper courts by the label with a chic coral two-piece by Glaswegian label, Totty Rocks. Other fashion hits include the glamorous green floral dress and fitted jacket combination she wore to kickstart the SNP's election campaign and the pillar-box red dress worn to address supporters on the eve of last September's Scottish referendum.
Viewers took to Twitter to argue over the colour of Nicola Sturgeon's dress . Miss Sturgeon's dress appeared blue in some lights and green in others . Others thought she was wearing a grey dress during last night's debate . The first #thedress debate was sparked by Scottish student Caitlin McNeill .
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Since it was revealed that Andreas Lubitz – the co-pilot who purposefully crashed Germanwings Flight 9525, killing 150 people – had been treated for psychiatric illness, a debate has ensued over whether privacy laws regarding medical records should be less strict when it comes to professions that carry special responsibilities. It has been widely argued that Germany's privacy laws were to blame for the tragedy. The Times, for example, ran an article with the headline: 'German obsession with privacy let killer pilot fly.' Similarly, another article published in TIME said: 'German privacy laws let pilot 'hide' his illness from employers.' While Dirk Fischer, German lawmaker and the transport spokesman for the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), called for airlines to have mandatory access to pilots' medical records, Frank Ulrich Montgomery, president of the German Medical Association (BÄK), disagreed. Co-pilot Andreas Lubitz, who purposefully crashed Germanwings Flight 9525, killing 150 people, had been treated for a psychiatric illness, it later emerged. The discovery sparked a debate over whether airlines should be given greater access to pilots' medical records . Mr Montgomery believes that current laws are appropriate, since aviation doctors are already relieved of their duties of confidentiality if they think a pilot could put other people's lives at risk. If Lubitz's doctor did not alert Germanwings, it must have been because Lubitz did not seem like a threat. There are two arguments for why Lubitz's doctor did the right thing by not disclosing Lubitz's depression to his employer. First, functional doctor-patient relationships depend on trust. If confidentiality between patients and doctors is breached, patients will no longer trust their doctors. And a lack of trust will lead (at least some) patients to hide some of their symptoms or refrain from seeking medical attention altogether for fear of bad consequences, such as stigmatisation and work-related penalties. More dangerous than a pilot with a mental illness – or any number of other professions that carry the responsibility of a great many lives – is that one with a mental illness who will not seek treatment because he does not trust his doctor. For these reasons, philosopher Kenneth Kipnis goes even further. The passenger jet crashed in Seyne-les-Alpes, France while en route from Barcalona to Dusseldorf. All 150 people on board were killed on impact . He argues that confidentiality should be 'far closer to an absolute obligation that it has generally taken to be' and that doctors should honour confidentiality even in cases where the patient might harm a third party. If patients come to doctors for help, doctors have a chance at avoiding a possible catastrophe. Strict German privacy laws which prevented doctors treating Andreas Lubitz from telling his airline about his 'suicidal tendencies' were introduced as a consequence of the Nazis. The Germanwings pilot had been forced to stop his training because of severe depression and had received psychotherapy for several years before last week's Alps disaster. But German law meant it was left entirely up to him to volunteer his mental health problems to his employer, something he failed to do with devastating consequences after tearing up a sick note for the day of the crash. The findings from the investigation have prompted heated debate in Germany on a patient's right to privacy, with Chancellor Angela Merkel proposing an inquiry to re-examine the law. Draconian legislation was initially brought in after World War Two to prevent a repeat of government spying during the Nazi era and subsequently the Stasi secret police in East Germany. This extends far beyond confidential medical data, however, to stringent protection of someone's identity, meaning many German publications only referred to Lubitz as Andreas L, even after his death. Further data protection laws traced back to 1907, which enshrines the 'right to your own picture', also mean images can only be published with the individual's consent. With respect to medical data, the criminal code means doctors are only allowed to breach confidentiality when they have reason to believe that sharing their knowledge could prevent 'a particularly serious crime' or a threat to someone's life. They can face a year in prison if they wrongly breach privacy, but up to five years in jail for withholding 'credible information about the planning or commission' of serious acts like murder. Despite the variation in sentences, doctors have tended to favour the individual's privacy. Many in Germany are now debating whether the potential to neutralise threats to public safety should trump doctor-patient privilege. If patients lose trust in doctors and do not ask for help, nothing will be gained – patients will remain afflicted by their illnesses and people who might be put at risk by patients will remain at risk. In the days before the crash, Lubitz searched online both for medical treatments and for ways to commit suicide, which suggests he was undecided as to what to do. So another way of thinking about his scenario is that perhaps if he had trusted his doctor even more – and shared with him or her the way in which he was thinking of committing suicide – his doctor could have done more to help him and to protect the passengers of the aircraft he piloted. Lubitz's doctor also did the right thing by not revealing his depression to Germanwings because his depression was far from obviously related to his crime. Simon Wessely, the president of the Royal College of Psychiatrists and an adviser to the British army, said that 'there isn't a link between depression and aggressive suicide'. Jürgen Margraf, psychologist and professor at Bochum University, likewise told NBC News that, given the sheer weight of numbers involved, you are far less likely to be harmed by a person with depression than by a person without depression. 'The chances of killing others are higher for non-depressed than for depressed people,' he said. Furthermore, given the lack of relationship between depression and the pilot's crime, it was not obviously in the public's interest to know about Lubitz's depression and morally questionable that his medical history of depression has been exposed so freely. In Germany, medical confidentiality is supposed to be valid after death. Publicly disclosing Lubitz's ailment harms the public trust in doctor-patient confidentiality after death – and it may stigmatise people who are suffering from depression but who would never hurt anyone (but themselves). The avoidable deaths of 150 people is a calamity and it makes sense to have a public debate about how to prevent future similar events from happening. Luckily, breaching confidentiality and endangering relationships between patients and doctors is not the only answer. Along with the crucially important rule of having two people in the cockpit at all times (which violates nobody's privacy), one medical measure to avoid future catastrophes is to notify employers of stay-home orders from doctors for employees who have high-responsibility jobs without mentioning the cause of the incapacitation. Lubitz reportedly had a sick note for the day he flew but never told the airline. If they had been aware of the sick note things might have been different.
Andreas Lubitz crashed Germanwings Flight 9525 into the French Alps, killing himself as well as the other 149 people on board the flight . It has since emerged Lubitz had been treated for psychiatric illness . News has triggered a debate over whether airlines should have mandatory access to all pilots' medical records, to try and prevent a similar tragedy . Carissa Veliz is a philosophy graduate from Oxford University and is writing her dissertation on the subject of privacy .
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The warmth of a sun has long been thought to be a key ingredient to life. But astronomers say 'rogue', sun-less planets that wander the stars could still harbour extra-terrestrials. While it sounds like science fiction, these planets may offer scientists a new avenue in their search for alien life. The warmth of a sun has long been thought to be a key ingredient to life. But astronomers say 'rogue', sun-less planets that wander the stars could still harbour extra-terrestrials . This is according to Sean Raymond, an astrophysicist with the Laboratoire d'Astrophysique de Bordeaux in France, who has taken a look at how life can form on rogue planets. Writing in Aeon, he says: 'To have any chance of life – at least life like our own – a free-floating Earth would need liquid water.' A planet needs to keep warm for liquid water to form, and without the sun, this heat would have to come from its interior. 'A layer of ice on a planet's surface can act as a strong insulator, locking in a planet's heat,' claims Raymond. Globulettes - regions of dust and gas that can form planets - could make rogue more common than first thought. Rogue planets are of particular interest to astronomers because they represent objects that have likely failed to form into a star . PSO J318.5-22 was detected 80 light years away from Earth and it is estimated to have a mass six times that of Jupiter . Several years ago, an international team of astronomers discovered a large planet floating freely through space with no star to orbit. Planets traditionally travel in a uniform, singular direction, around a star. However, the free-floating planet, named PSO J318.5-22, was found without a host. Its movement isn't structured, and scientists do not understand how it formed and they are baffled by what - if anything - controls it. PSO J318.5-22 was detected 80 light years away from Earth and it is estimated to have a mass six times that of Jupiter. Astronomers believe it formed 12 million years ago, and is considered a newborn in planetary terms - Earth is thought to be around 4.5 billion years old. Dr Michael Liu of the Institute for Astronomy at the University of Hawaii identified the rogue planet from its 'faint and unique heat signature'. We have never before seen an object free-floating in space that that looks like this. 'It has all the characteristics of young planets found around other stars, but it is drifting out there all alone,' explained Liu. 'If the ice layer is thick enough, then a planet can maintain an ocean of liquid water beneath the ice.' He calculates that the ice layer needs to be at least 10 km (6 miles) thick to prevent it from freezing for billions of years. Raymonds comments echo a similar conclusion reached by scientists in Chicago several years ago. They calculated that life can cling on to a planet for billions of years without a star to provide a direct source of warmth. Research by astrophysicists Dorian Abbot and Eric Switzer from the city's university discovered that heat would come from the breakdown of radioactive elements inside the planet's core. The scientists named their discovery a 'Steppenwolf' planet because they claimed any life found there would 'exist like a lone wolf wandering the galactic steppe'. However the pair refused to speculate on what life forms would be discovered, but agreed that they would me microscopic in size. As well as internal heat, Raymond says another way a planet can keep warm is using a thick atmosphere. 'A free-floating Earth with a thick hydrogen atmosphere could keep its surface temperature above the freezing point of water,' writes Raymond. 'The planet could have lakes and oceans (and possibly life) on its surface.' Rogue planets are hard to find because, without orbiting a star, they reflect very little light. But 50 have now been found in the past 15 years, leading some to suggest they may be abundant in the universe. Rogue planets are of particular interest to astronomers because they represent objects that have likely failed to form into a star. Brown dwarfs, for example, are substellar objects that are not massive enough to sustain fusion, but are still more than 13 times the mass of Jupiter. The exact boundary between a giant planet and a low-mass brown dwarf is still being debated, but finding more rogue planets could shed light on this mystery. And this could indicate that there are more rogue planets than we know of in the cosmos.
Comments were made by Sean Raymond, an astrophysicist in France . He says internal heat of rogue planets could allow liquid water to form . Writing in Aeon, he also says a thick atmosphere may help life develop . Astronomers have found 50 of these rogue planets in the past 15 years .
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Peshawar, Pakistan (CNN)Ten people have been sentenced to life in prison for their roles in the 2012 attack on Nobel Peace Prize-winning activist Malala Yousafzai, a judge announced Thursday. The assailant's conviction and sentences follow a trial that included testimony from both sides, according to Pakistani antiterrorism judge Mohammad Amin Kundi. The 10 were arrested in Swat, a district of Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, Pakistani army spokesman Maj. Gen. Asim Bajwa said last September. That was nearly two years after the then 15-year-old Yousafzai -- who was despised by Taliban militants for her outspoken support of girls' right to an education -- was shot as she was traveling home on a school bus. She not only survived that attack, but went on to become an even more vocal international activist. In fact, her efforts helped earn her the Nobel Peace Prize -- which she shared with India's Kailash Satyarthi -- last year. Malala at U.N.: The Taliban failed to silence us . Journalist Zahir Shah reported from Peshawar, and CNN's Greg Botelho wrote this story from Atlanta.
The sentences came after a trial in Pakistan, a judge says . Malala Yousafzai is an outspoken advocate for the education of girls . She was attacked in Pakistan in 2012 .
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A film-mad woman got her picture perfect proposal when her fiancé proposed to her on the big screen of a cinema. Fabio Lovato, 30, created a short video that played following the cinema trailers for Fast and Furious 7 showcasing pictures from where they met in Australia. The one minute and 30 second video ended with a picture of the couple and the words, 'Laura I have a questions for you'. Scroll down for video . Fabio Lavato proposed to his girlfriend Laura Knight in their local Cineworld in Gloucester . Fabio then got down on one knee in the Cineworld in Gloucester and popped the question to his shocked girlfriend Laura Knight, 29. Italian-born Fabio, who now lives in Quedgeley, Gloucester with Laura, says that he always knew he wanted to marry Laura. He said: 'It was love at first sight for me. I always knew she was the one and I wanted to make sure the proposal was extra special. 'Lots of people propose at restaurants so I just thought it would be great to do it at the cinema where a video could be played on the screen and she would be completely surprised. Fabio created a video showcasing pictures of their time together followed by the words 'Laura I have a question for you' that was played at the end of the trailers of Fast and Furious 7 . The film included pictures from their time together in Australia, 2013, where the couple met . 'It was absolutely amazing and I am so glad she said yes.' The pair met while Laura was backpacking around Asia, ending up in Australia, and Fabio was working in the country. Laura says she had no idea that Fabio was planning to propose - especially not in the cinema. She said: 'The trailers finished and these pictures of Australia started to play. 'I thought it must be an advert at first but the song was one we were introduced to over in Australia and it is not well known over here - they wouldn't have used it on an advert.' Pretty soon Laura, a deputy manager at a dental practice, clicked that there was something suspicious about the 'advert'. Fabio has lived with Laura, pictured together, in Quedgeley, Gloucester, since last year . The pair are both big film fans so the cinema acted as the perfect location for the proposal . 'The pictures kept playing and I began thinking to myself they looked familiar. 'The next thing I know it was a giant picture of myself and then a picture of us as a couple. 'That's when I thought "oh my God" - I was over whelmed. He got on one knee and everyone started clapping.' Fabio, a hospital record clerk, had been planning the event for two months, talking to Laura's parents, the cinema, friends and colleagues. The proposal took meticulous planning with Fabio waiting until he was alone to make the film so that Laura wouldn't notice. Despite the pair being massive film buffs Laura was too excited to stay and watch the rest of the film, but says it was the perfect proposal. Although Laura loved the proposal she says she doesn't rate Fast and Furious . 'I thought it was amazing. I have a love for films myself. We share that, both having a passion for films. 'For him to do it like that meant a lot. Although it wasn't personal in terms of people being there, it was personal to me, because of the way he did it.' Although Laura was completely overjoyed by the proposal she admits that Fabio's choice of film was questionable. 'The fact that the cinema let us do it was amazing. There is no connection to the film though really, it was just what was showing at the time. 'I wouldn't rate Fast And Furious in my top 10. It was a big film though and completely sold out. 'I'm glad it wasn't Cinderella because it would have just been children. Luckily, no popcorn came my way.' The couple are now in the process of planning their wedding, although no date has been set.
Fabio Lavato popped the question to Laura Knight at their local Cineworld . He created a proposal video that was played at the end of the trailers . Laura said yes and was too excited to watch the rest of the film .
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Second-half goals by Mohamed Yattara and Alexandre Lacazette helped Olympique Lyonnais go top of Ligue 1 with a 2-0 home win against Bastia on Wednesday. Substitute Yattara opened the scoring in the 77th minute and Ligue 1 top scorer Lacazette took his tally to 25 eight minutes later to move Lyon up to 64 points from 32 games. French champions Paris Saint-Germain, who have one game in hand, are second two points off the pace. Alexandre Lacazette and Mohamed Yattara were both on the score sheet as Lyon beat Bastia . Guinean striker Yattara opens the scoring against Bastia on Wednesday at the Stade de Gerland . Lyon dominated throughout but were made to wait by Bastia, who were reeling from their 4-0 defeat in the League Cup final against PSG last Saturday. Lyon's Jordan Ferri dribbled past a defender before his curling shot was superbly saved by Alphonse Areola in the sixth minute. Areola was at it again when he blocked Steed Malbranque's back heel on the half hour and tipped away Clinton Njie's low shot three minutes before the break as Lyon continued to dominate. Lacazette seals victory and top spot in the French Ligue 1 for Lyon in the second half . Frenchman Lacazette is the top scorer in Ligue 1 this season with 25 goals to his name . Malbranque was substituted in the 62nd minute and replaced with France international Clement Grenier, who was making his comeback after an eight-month injury layoff. Nabil Fekir was not having his usual influence in the Lyon midfield and was replaced in the 74th minute with Yattara, who had an immediate impact, scoring three minutes later with a shot on the turn from Grenier's pass. Lacazette wrapped it up from close range five minutes before full-time, converting Njie's cross from the left.
Lyon leapfrog Paris Saint-Germain to top French Ligue 1 . Les Gones beat Bastia 2-0 at Stade de Gerland on Wednesday . Alexandre Lacazette and Mohamed Yattara score goals . Champions PSG in Champions League action against Barcelona .
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Thousands of commuters were left stranded at Waterloo station this afternoon after an earlier incident in which a person was struck by a train scuppered the entire day's services. Frustrated passengers packed the concourse this afternoon as services in and out of the city centre were delayed or cancelled. The chaos ensued after Network Rail was forced to close a section of the tracks between Wimbledon and Surbiton when a person was struck by a train. Scroll down for video . Thousands of commuters were left stranded at Waterloo station during rush hour after a part closure of the track between Surbiton and Wimbledon . South West Trains was forced to cancel trains on all of its services following the incident this afternoon . As British Transport Police investigators surveyed the scene the closure meant several trains and countless staff were stuck at the wrong end of the line. 'Services in and out of Waterloo have been severely affected following an incident in the Surbiton area where a person was struck by a train,' said a Network Rail spokesman. 'While lines are now open this has resulted in a huge number of trains and staff being out of place with a number of services cancelled or changed.' The statement added staff were working 'flat out' to recover the service but delays were to be expected into the night. 'Passengers should check before they travel and consider any alternative routes,' they added. South West Trains warned there would be cancellations to all routes as a result of the incident. At 9pm delays of up to 30 minutes were still being experienced on South West trains. The situation was worsened when another train broke down, a spokesman said this evening. 'Where the incident occurred is a very, very busy section of the railway. It services 10 of what we call pathways so it had a knock-on effect.' Network Rail said staff were working 'flat out' to catch up after services resumed following the part closure . The section of the track where the incident took place is used by 10 different 'pathways' leading in and out of the station . There were still delays of up to 30 minutes at around 9pm on Monday night some five hours after the incident .
Thousands were left stranded at central London station during rush hour . Crucial section of track between Wimbledon and Surbiton was closed . South West trains warned passengers of cancellations on all services . Network Rail said staff were working 'flat out' to fix the situation .
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Indiana has seen a 'significant increase' in the number of cases of HIV more than two weeks into a short-term needle exchange program approved by Gov. Mike Pence, state health officials said on Friday. There are now 120 confirmed HIV cases and 10 preliminary positive cases tied to Scott County, about 30 miles north of Louisville, Kentucky. That's up from 106 last week, said the Indiana State Department of Health. Health officials who declared an epidemic last month have said they expect the number of cases to rise as more people are tested. But the growing number could put pressure on Pence to extend the 30-day needle exchange program that he approved on March 26. Scroll down for video . More than two weeks into a short-term needle exchange program approved by Gov. Mike Pence, there are now 120 confirmed HIV cases and 10 preliminary positive cases tied to Scott County, about 30 miles north of Louisville, Kentucky . Spokeswoman Kara Brooks said Pence is reviewing reports and recommendations from health officials and will make a decision early next week about extending the program beyond April 25. The Scott County outbreak has occurred among intravenous drug users and primarily involves the use of the high-powered painkiller Opana, health officials have said. The county typically sees about five HIV cases each year. Since Pence approved the temporary needle exchange, 5,322 clean syringes have been provided to 86 participants, health officials said Friday. About 1,400 used syringes have been returned. Brittany Combs, public health nurse for the Scott County Health Department, said the needle-exchange program had 'really picked up a lot this week,' in large part because a mobile unit has been traveling around neighborhoods seeking to get more IV drug users into the program. 'It's that trust factor. You have to gain that trust, and I think we're slowly starting to do that,' Combs said. But the future of the Scott County program, as well as the fate of legislation that would allow needle-exchange programs in other counties, isn't clear. The Scott County outbreak has occurred among intravenous drug users and primarily involves the use of the high-powered prescription painkiller Opana, health officials have said . Pence opposes needle exchanges as an anti-drug policy. Senate President Pro Tem David Long said on Thursday that the emergency exchange for Scott County was 'the right reaction' but wasn't sure if it is the correct approach long-term. Nor was he sure whether the Senate would support legislation sponsored by House Public Health Committee Chairman Ed Clere, R-New Albany, that would allow the 23 Indiana counties with the highest rate-per-population of hepatitis C to establish their own needle-exchange programs. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that between 50 percent and 90 percent of people with hepatitis C are also infected with HIV. Health officials say because of this, high rates of hepatitis C are a key indicator of needle-sharing and a potential HIV outbreak. The House approved the bill on April 7 in a 54-39 vote, and the measure is scheduled for a hearing on Monday in a House-Senate conference committee, which will try to work out a final version for lawmakers to consider before the Legislature's April 29 adjournment deadline. Long said Pence isn't alone in his concerns that needle exchanges could promote drug use instead of prevent it. 'At the same time, you adapt and you evolve based on the world we live in, so we're going to have to see if that requires a pivot for us,' Long said. Medical waste containers stored in preparation for Scott County residents that are looking to exchange used needles. The needle-exchange program was created through an emergency executive order signed last week by Gov. Mike Pence in an attempt to curb the state's largest-ever HIV outbreak . Clere said he appreciates Pence's approval of the short-term needle exchange but that 'it doesn't help in other areas of the state that are at risk for a similar outbreak. It's just not enough.' He said the association between needle exchanges and illegal drug activity makes many people, including lawmakers, uncomfortable. But he thinks the exchange program shouldn't be viewed as anti-drug policy, but as 'a proven and effective harm-reduction policy.' 'We simply can't afford to view this as a short-term problem,' Clere said. Money could also be an issue as lawmakers weigh their options. Since 1989, the federal government has banned public funding of needle exchange programs. Pence's executive order didn't include money for the Scott County program. 'They asked the state agencies to find their own money. How sustainable is that?' said Dr. Beth Meyerson, co-director of the Rural Center for AIDS/STD Prevention at Indiana University. 'There's no evidence that the Pence administration is thinking about this in the long term at all.'
There are now 120 confirmed HIV cases and 10 preliminary positive cases tied to Scott County, about 30 miles north of Louisville, Kentucky . Outbreak has occurred among intravenous drug users and primarily involves the use of the high-powered prescription painkiller Opana . Health officials who declared an epidemic last month have said they expect the number of cases to rise as more people are tested . Gov. Mike Pence approved a short-term needle exchange program two weeks ago to help combat the problem .
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New York City police have released the image of a tattoo found on the body of a woman in hopes of identifying her nearly a month after she died on a Brooklyn street. The unnamed woman, believed to be between 25 and 45 years old, was discovered lying unconscious March 22 in the area near Shore Parkway and 26th Avenue in the Gravesend section of Brooklyn. Paramedics who responded to the scene were unable to revive her and she was pronounced dead that evening. Distinctive: NYPD has released images of a heart tattoo with the name 'Monique' found on an unnamed woman who died in Brooklyn last month. To the left is the body art as it appears on her leg. To the right is a tattoo artist's rendering of how the actual tattoo may have appeared originally . The deceased woman had no identification on her, but she sported a distinctive tattoo on her right leg. Investigators believe the faded body art was the name 'Monique' etched across a tattooed ribbon within a heart topped with a rose. NBC New York reported that police are still awaiting a medical examiner's report to find out the cause of the woman's death. Anyone with information about the unidentified woman is being asked to contact NYPD Crime Stoppers at 800-577-TIPS. Death in the street: The unnamed woman, believed to be 25 to 45 years old, was discovered lying unconscious March 22 in the area near Shore Parkway and 26th Avenue in the Gravesend section of Brooklyn .
Woman believed to be 25 to 45 years old was found March 22 near Shore Parkway and 26th Avenue in Gravesend . Had name 'Monique' tattooed on right leg within a heart and rose .
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The February afternoon we arrived in Adelaide, the mercury was whizzing up to a sizzling 46C and the South Australian city was the hottest place on the planet. The temperature had climbed above 40C for a whole week and even the Aussies were struggling. Appropriately, friends took us out that evening to dine in one of the city's hottest restaurants - Celsius! Luckily, it was air-conditioned and served phenomenal food. We especially appreciated the peanut butter and popcorn ice cream. But Adelaide that week was also hot for other reasons. It was the cycling mecca of the world, with 20 teams of Lycra-clad pros and their supporters tearing up the roads and hanging out in coffee bars. Sian Lloyd enjoys a glass of Clare Valley riesling at Skillogalee Winery north of Adelaide in South Australia . Sian meets Team Sky’s Geraint Thomas (centre) and Sir Chris Hoy (right) at the start of the Tour Down Under . Sian takes a ride ahead of the Tour Down Under in Adelaide (left) and meets a bouncy local kangaroo . The Tour Down Under is a big part of the international cycling season and contributes more to the South Australian economy than the F1 Grand Prix (formerly Adelaide-based, now in Melbourne) ever did. Not only was the launch night atmosphere electric, but it was great to catch up with our pals Sir Chris Hoy and Team Sky's Geraint Thomas. We also rubbed shoulders with the Indian cricket team. Howzat! We were staying at the Adina Apartment Hotel, the former Treasury building, where the old tunnels and cabinet rooms can still be seen. The Beatles hid here to evade fans back in 1964. Breakfast was served in the lovely oasis of the serene central courtyard, a delightful start to the day. The hotel is conveniently just round the corner from the splendid Central Market. A trip here is enough to convince anyone that Adelaide is the true food capital of Australia. And bearing in mind that some of the best wine is made within an hour's drive of the city, from the Barossa Valley to McLaren Vale, you feel very indulged. Adelaide is a much softer city than Sydney. It has charm, colonial history, sophistication and space to breathe. It's not called the City of Roses for nothing - there are lots of perfumed parks as well as wide boulevards. A wisteria arch in the Adelaide Botanic Gardens, South Australia, one of the city's beautiful gardens . A trip to Adelaide's Central Market is enough to convince us that Adelaide is the true food capital of Australia . Adelaide is a softer city than Sydney. It has charm, colonial history, sophistication and space to breathe . Most beaches are half an hour away, but being creatures of habit, we always head for the Adelaide Hills and the foodie haven of Hahndorf. Here we lunch on superb venison pasta and salted caramel crepes at a quaint old cottage called The White House. We then do a bit of wine-tasting in the scenic Hills and lovely McLaren Vale, arriving at the classy Currant Shed in time for supper. Set in a lime grove and bordered by vineyards, this is my husband's favourite restaurant in the world. I've had a thing about cycling the Clare Valley Riesling Trail for some time. Indeed, part of the reason for coming to sunny South Australia was to tick it off my bucket list. So early one morning we drove 90 minutes north of Adelaide, picked up our bikes from Riesling Trail Bike Hire and cycled along a 15-mile-long disused railway, snaking past vineyards and cellar doors. The gradients were gentle, the information boards fascinating and the tongue-tingling rieslings superb. We then treated ourselves to lunch at Skillogalee Winery, sat under a beautiful old olive tree and overlooking valleys lined with vines. The historic town of Hahndorf, settled by Germans near Adelaide, is a true blue foodie haven . The bright green of the vineyards of McLaren Vale, a popular wine regions close to Adelaide . North of Clare is where the Outback truly begins. And that's where we were heading - to the rugged Flinders Ranges mountains. It took three hours to drive to the majestic range, the largest in South Australia. The Flinders have a stark beauty - the light on the rocks, the vegetation, the bouncing kangaroos, all make you feel as if you're a million miles from civilisation. We stayed at Arkaba Station, a 60,000-acre sheep ranch, from where we did incredible guided walks, taking in the sights, sounds and smells of this astounding wild terrain. If you want to do the Flinders in understated luxury, this is the way to do it. Think cream and wood with cashmere blankets, scenic vistas, 4x4 wildlife trips, wonderful meals and languid cocktails at sunset. A view across Arkaba Station to Wilpena Pound in the Flinders Ranges, where the Outback truly starts . Luxury accommodation at Arkaba Station, a 60,000-acre sheep ranch and the perfect base to go exploring . Sian found the scale of the machinery mind-blowing in Kalgoorlie's gold mine 'Super Pit' And so to my husband's bucket list. Having travelled on the glorious Ghan from Darwin to Adelaide last year, and enjoyed every magical minute, he was determined to travel on its sister train, the Indian Pacific, from Adelaide to Perth. Frankly, I can't think of any better way of seeing Australia. You are treated like royalty, the food is outstanding and the huge views of this beautiful, baked continent are breathtaking. Two nights of cruising overland in air-conditioned splendour - it worked for me! As did the stop-offs, first at the Outback ghost town of Cook and finally at floodlit Kalgoorlie, the biggest open-cast gold mine in the country. The size and scale of the Super Pit and machinery were mindblowing. The same goes for the Nullarbor Plain which has hardly changed in millions of years. We crossed it on the longest stretch of straight rail track on earth - 297 miles without a hint of a curve. We arrived at the Indian Pacific terminal in Perth as fresh as daisies, and drove the three hours to Margaret River without stopping. But this is where we realised we'd made a big mistake. This was our first visit to Western Australia and to tag it on to the end of our holiday just did not do the region justice. The unique mining town of Kalgoorlie is home to Australia's biggest over-cast gold mine . Sister train of the north to south Ghan, the Indian Pacific takes passengers from Adelaide to Perth . From the first step we took on the Cape to Cape Explorer walk with our guide we knew we'd found exactly what we wanted. The landscape spelt out AUSTRALIA. The views of turquoise bays and stretches of white sand, dotted with surfers, were postcard-perfect. Behind the beautiful Margaret River coastline, there are mysterious forests and caves. There's even a lighthouse where two mighty oceans meet. And then there are vineyards... In less than 50 years, Margaret River has become one of the world's greatest wine regions, gaining accolades galore for its cabernet sauvignons and chardonnays. Not only are you spoilt for choice for wines, but the food is up there with the best. Stand-out meals were the amazing breakfast at the luxury boutique hotel Cape Lodge, the special lunch hosted by the owners of Leeuwin Estate and the dreamy duck curry in the beautiful setting of Aravina Estate. The stunning coastline of the Margaret River, which is also one of the world's great wine regions . A special lunch was enjoyed with the owners of Leeuwin Estate in the revered Margaret River region . And how about sipping world famous Cullen red wine at the cellar door in the evening sunshine? This is the stuff memories are made of. We fell in love with Margaret River. Our last two nights were spent in a gorgeous villa at Injidup Spa Retreat, a peaceful paradise overlooking the Indian Ocean. It was such a stunning spot, and we were so relaxed after our massages, that we did not want to go out for dinner. Instead, we ordered hampers of local food from Lamonts Deli, along with bars of the local Bahen & Co Almond & Sea Salt chocolate, and ate splendidly at sunset on our terrace. We toasted the sun, sand and surf and vowed to come back. Austravel (0800 988 4834) offers a 12-day trip to South and Western Australia from £2,415pp. This includes car hire, four nights at the Adina Apartments in Adelaide, two nights at the Arkaba Homestead in Flinders Ranges, two nights' full-board on the Indian Pacific from Adelaide Perth (Gold Service) and three nights at the Cape Lodge, Margaret River. Flights are extra. Emirates (0844 800 2777) offers flights from Gatwick to Adelaide returning from Perth from £973pp. For further information visit australia.com, southaustralia.com and westernaustralia.com.
Sian Lloyd visited Adelaide, Hahndorf and Clare Valley in South Australia . Former ITV weather forecaster caught the famous Indian Pacific to Perth . She ticked off a bucket list item by cycling the Clare Valley Riesling Trail . Kalgoorlie gold mine and Margaret River impressed in the country's West .
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A transgender South Carolina teenager who was told to remove her makeup for a driver's license photo has settled her lawsuit over the incident and a state agency has agreed to handle such cases differently, according to court documents. Under the terms of the settlement, the state DMV is changing its policy on how male and female license applicants may dress or wear makeup in their official photos. Agency employees will also get training on how to handle transgender customers and people who don't identify with either gender. Transgender teen Chase Culpepper, 17, who was born male but identifies as female, was told by DMV officials that she had to remove make-up (left) for her license photo last year (after taking off make-up right). After a legal battle, the policy has been changed and Miss Culpepper was allowed to wear makeup for her ID . The 17-year-old transgender teen won her legal battle against the state DMV to appear in her license with make-up and jewelry . Chase Culpepper, 17, who was born male but now identifies as female, regularly wears makeup and androgynous or women's clothing. After passing a driving test last year, she was told by officials at a DMV office in Anderson, about 100 miles northwest of Columbia, to remove her makeup because of a policy that bans license photos when someone is purposefully altering his or her appearance. After several attempts, Culpepper says the makeup was removed to the satisfaction of DMV employees, and a license photo was ultimately taken, a process the teen called degrading and humiliating. Culpepper and the Transgender Legal Defense and Education Fund, a New York legal defense group, wrote to DMV officials, asking that Culpepper be allowed to take a new photo. They eventually sued the agency, calling the policy unconstitutionally vague. In a release from the defense fund, Culpepper said she was pleased with the settlement, which also includes a requirement that the DMV officially apologize to her and allow her to take a license photo with her everyday makeup. 'My clothing and makeup reflect who I am,' Culpepper said. 'From day one, all I wanted was to get a driver's license that looks like me. Now I will be able to do that.' Under the settlement, the DMV also agrees to alter its policy to allow people to wear makeup in photos regardless of their gender. DMV officials on Wednesday declined to comment, saying the agency's policy is not to discuss any litigation, even after a settlement is reached. Following the victory, the South Carolina teen said: 'My clothing and makeup reflect who I am'
Chase Culpepper, 17, who was born male, regularly wears makeup and androgynous or women's clothing . After passing a driving test last year, she was told by officials at a DMV office in Anderson, SC, to remove her makeup because of a 'policy'
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(CNN)Andrew Getty, the 47-year-old grandson of J. Paul Getty, died Tuesday afternoon in his home in Los Angeles, according to a statement from his mother and father. Ann and Gordon Getty also "requested that members of the media and the public respect (the family's) privacy during this extremely difficult time," the statement added. Getty's death "appears to be natural (causes) or an accident," Ed Winter, assistant chief in the Los Angeles County coroner's office, told CNN affiliate KTLA Tuesday night. Some medication had also been recovered from Getty's home, though investigators don't know if Getty was currently taking it or what his medical history was, Winter said. A female friend was at the home where Getty died and is cooperating with investigators, Los Angeles Police Department Capt. William Hayes said. KTLA reported that Getty was found on his side near a bathroom in his home. Where the Getty family fortune came from . Gordon Getty is one of three sons of J. Paul Getty, the oil tycoon who was thought to be the richest man in the world at the time of his death in 1976. Gordon Getty, 81, has a net worth of $2.1 billion, according to Forbes. Court records show Andrew Getty had recently filed to get a restraining order against a woman. A hearing in the case was scheduled for next week. CNN's attempt to reach Getty's attorney was not immediately successful. People we've lost in 2015 . CNN's Doug Criss, Janet DiGiacomo, Mike Love, Julie In and Cheri Mossburg contributed to this report.
Getty's death appears to be natural causes or accident, coroner's office says . Mother and father of Andrew Getty confirm death, asks for privacy .
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For the first time, astronomers have found the building blocks of life in a distant early star system. Scientists detected the complex organic molecules in a disk of gas and dust around a star 455 light years away where planets are likely to be forming. The discovery is a boost for finding alien organisms and suggests the conditions that spawned life on Earth are not unique to our solar system. Scientists detected the complex organic molecules in a disc of gas around an infant star 455 light years away where planets are likely to be forming. The discovery is a boost for finding alien organisms and suggests the conditions that spawned life on Earth are not unique to our solar system . Radio telescope observations showed the disk surrounding the million-year-old star MWC 480 to be 'brimming' with the complex carbon-based molecule methyl cyanide. Both this molecule and its simpler organic cousin hydrogen cyanide were identified in the cold outer reaches of the newly formed disc. The region can be compared with our solar system's Kuiper Belt, a realm of icy mini-worlds and comets beyond Neptune. Experts believe comets and asteroids from the outer solar system seeded the young Earth with water and organic molecules to set the stage for life to evolve. Astronomers used the Atacama Large Millimetre/submillimetre Array (Alma), a powerful suit of interacting radio telescopes in Chile's Atacama desert, to investigate MWC 480. Alma's high sensitivity antennae have now shown that such molecules not only form and survive, but thrive . Astronomer Dr Karin Oberg, from the Harvard-Smithsonian Centre for Astrophysics in Massachusetts, said: 'Studies of comets and asteroids show that the solar nebula that spawned our sun and planets was rich in water and complex organic compounds. 'I believe we are going to have strong indications of life beyond Earth in the next decade,' said Ellen Stofan, chief scientist for Nasa, (pictured) There at least 200 billion Earth-like planets in our galaxy – and now Nasa officials claim we could be on the verge of finding life on one of them. During a talk in Washington yesterday, the space agency announced that humanity is likely to encounter extra-terrestrials within a decade. 'I believe we are going to have strong indications of life beyond Earth in the next decade and definitive evidence in the next 10 to 20 years,' said Ellen Stofan, chief scientist for Nasa. 'We know where to look, we know how to look, and in most cases we have the technology.' Jeffery Newmark, interim director of heliophysics at the agency, added: 'It's definitely not an if, it's a when.' 'We are not talking about little green men,' Stofan said. 'We are talking about little microbes.' 'We now have evidence that this same chemistry exists elsewhere in the universe, in regions that could form solar systems not unlike our own.' The molecules surrounding MWC 480 have been detected in similar concentrations in our own solar system's comets, she pointed out. The star, which is about twice as massive as the sun, lies in a well-studied star-forming region in the constellation Taurus. Astronomers used the Atacama Large Millimetre/submillimetre Array (Alma), a powerful suit of interacting radio telescopes in Chile's Atacama desert, to investigate MWC 480. Previously it was unclear whether complex organic molecules commonly survive the shocks and radiation levels found in a newly forming solar system . Alma's high sensitivity antennae have now shown that such molecules not only form and survive, but thrive. The findings, reported in the journal Nature, reveal that there is enough methyl cyanide around MWC 480 to fill all of the Earth's oceans. Among complex organic molecules, cyanides - especially methyl cyanide - are important because they contain carbon-nitrogen bonds essential for the formation of amino acids, the components of proteins. As the MWC 480 system evolves it is likely that organic molecules locked away in comets and other icy bodies will be ferried closer to the star where conditions may be suitable for life, the scientists believe. Dr Oberg added: 'From the study of exoplanets, we know our solar system isn't unique in having rocky planets and an abundance of water. 'Now we know we're not unique in organic chemistry. Once more, we have learned that we're not special. From a life in the universe point of view, this is great news.'
Million-year-old star MWC 480 is 'brimming' with carbon-based molecules . Scientists say there is enough methyl cyanide to fill all of Earth's oceans. As MWC 480 evolves it is likely the molecules will move closer to the star . Here, the conditions may be suitable for life to flourish, scientists believe .
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London Welsh have announced a contract extension for their former England international back Olly Barkley. The 33-year-old joined the Exiles last year, having previously played for Bath, Gloucester, Racing Metro, Grenoble and the Scarlets. He won 23 Test caps, the last of which was against New Zealand in 2008. Olly Barkley has extended his stay at London Welsh after signing a new contract at the relegated-club . Welsh are set to return to the Championship next season after finishing bottom of the Aviva Premiership. 'It has not been an easy year, but I am committed to seeing my journey with London Welsh through,' Barkley said. 'I am really looking forward to working with our new team and the reinvigorated coaching regime, which is being put together, to put this season behind us and lay a strong foundation for promotion back to the Premiership for the 2016-17 season.' The fly half featured 23 times for England and previously played for Bath, Gloucester and Racing Metro .
Olly Barkley has signed a contract extension at London Welsh . The Exiles were relegated from the Aviva Premiership this season . Fly half Barkley is keen to fire the Welsh back up to the top flight . CLICK HERE for all the latest rugby unions news .
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Mohamed Diame will make his long-awaited return for Hull when the Tigers travel to Swansea on Saturday. Hull boss Steve Bruce has confirmed that the Sengalese midfielder, signed for £3.5million from West Ham in the summer but who has been out for more than four months with a knee injury, will be involved at some stage of the match. Bruce said: 'He will be involved. Physically he's immense, he's terrific, but he has been out for four months with a horrible injury. Mohamed Diame is set to return from injury for Hull City's visit to Swansea City on Saturday . The return of the £3.5m Senegalese midfielder is a boost for Hull as they face a relegation battle . Hull are currently just three points above the Premier League drop zone with eight matches remaining . April 4 Swansea City (A) April 11 Southampton (A) April 18 Liverpool (H) April 25 Crystal Palace (A) May 4 Arsenal (H) May 9 Burnley (H) May 16 Tottenham Hotspur (A) May 24 Manchester United (H) 'He's okay but we have to careful with him, though we also only have eight games left. Let's hope he stays injury-free because he had a wonderful start with us here - four goals in seven games. 'He has trained and he has done everything he can physically in training. I would have loved to have had him back before but it was not possible.' The 27-year-old French-born midfielder's return could not be more timely for Hull as they look to secure their Premier League status for another season, and defender James Chester is also available again after a dislocated shoulder. Bruce admitted that Hull, currently 15th in the table, have a tough run-in - what he referred to as 'the tickly bit' of the season - but insists the side are in good form. He added: 'In the last few weeks we have played well but we have not got the results we hoped for. Now we have to make sure we turn those performances into points.' Manager Steve Bruce is pleased to have Diame back as Hull enter the 'tricky bit of the season' Owner Assem Allam has again applied to the Football Associations that the team's name become Hull Tigers . Bruce added that he hoped the ongoing debate over the proposed name change for the club can be put to one side for the rest of the season - an arbitration panel has ruled that owner Assem Allam can make another application to change the name to Hull Tigers after it was initially refused by the FA council who took into account opposition from fans' groups. 'For what he has done for the club, putting it on the map and putting in his hard-earned money, the owner is entitled to have an opinion,' said Bruce. 'Hopefully there's a middle ground but at the moment I hope it can be put to one side and we make sure that Hull City/Hull Tigers are in the Premier League next season and we can have that debate in the summer.'
Hull City travel to Swansea City in Premier League on Saturday . Steve Bruce is boosted by return from injury of Mohamed Diame . The Senegalese midfielder has been out for four months with knee injury . Tigers currently have a three-point cushion to relegation zone . Owner Assem Allam has again applied to FA for Hull Tigers name change . CLICK HERE for the latest Premier League news .
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Ed Miliband will do 'more damage to the country than he did to his brother', Boris Johnson said this morning as the pair clashed on live TV. The London Mayor, who appeared alongside Mr Miliband on the BBC's Andrew Marr Show, launched a furious personal assault on his rival - with their encounter descending into a furious shouting match. But Mr Miliband, who beat his elder brother David to the Labour leadership in 2010, ended up laughing off the attack, responding: 'Come on Boris, you're better than that.' Animated: Boris Johnson wags a finger at Miliband, who appears to have a clenched fist, on the Andrew Marr Show this morning. The rivals' encounter quickly descended into a slanging match . No let-up: The Tory and Labour politicians go at it hammer and tongs in front of their TV audience . The heated exchange ends with presenter Andrew Marr (right) injecting and the men trying to laugh about it . Mr Johnson's verbal mauling of the Labour leader comes after the Tories were accused of 'descending into the gutter' for claiming that Mr Miliband may 'stab the country in the back' by doing a deal with the SNP to get into power. But today, Mr Johnson insisted that Labour could not take power without the support of the SNP, and claimed the prospect was 'actually deeply alarming'. He said Mr Miliband would have to take help from the Scottish party 'crouching on his back like a monkey' - making it impossible for him to govern in the interests of the whole UK. The London Mayor added: I am not saying that your brother had to present himself at A&E with a dagger in his back... [but] he [Ed Miliband] would do more damage to this country than he did to his brother, and that is the key point.' Verbal onslaught: Mr Johnson said that Labour could not take power without the support of the SNP . Time to go: Mr Johnson and Mr Miliband leave the politics programme after their massive on-air argument . Mr Miliband arrived at the BBC studios in Central London by car, while Mr Johnson cycled there . Ed Miliband won the Labour leadership in September 2010 by narrowly beating his brother David, who had been the runaway favourite for the top job. The younger sibling won the ballot by just over 1 per cent after the second, third and fourth preference votes came into play. David had garnered the majority of support from Labour MPs and party members - but Ed was ahead with the trade-union members. He hugged David after the result was announced - but later admitted the decision to stand against him caused deep division between the brothers. David stayed on as an MP until 2013, then announced he was quitting Parliament to become head of the giant New York-based charity International Rescue Committee. Mr Miliband hit out at the Conservatives for their campaign, saying: 'They are so desperate they are reduced to trying to set one part of the country against another.' Mr Johnson insisted the Conservative attacks on the SNP were not risking the union. 'I'm so proud and so positive about what's happening in this country at the moment, and I just think there are unnecessary risks involved in this Labour-SNP condominium,' he said. 'So the answer would be, no I don't think we are in any way imperiling the union. The people who would imperil the union, because that's what their party is called, is the Scottish Nationalist Party. 'And I imagine their strategy - like the parable, or the fable, of the frog and the scorpion - is to be allowed to be carried across the river and then ultimately to sting... [he is cut off]' The Conservatives have made the prospect of a Labour administration that's reliant on SNP votes one of the central planks of their election campaign in the last fortnight. But Mr Miliband has repeatedly insisted that he will not make any 'deals' with the SNP to become Prime Minister. And he told Andrew Marr today: 'No coalition, no tie-ins, I have said no deals - I have been clear about that. I am not doing deals with the Scottish Nationalist Party.' Asked explicitly whether he was ruling out a confidence-and-supply agreement, he replied: 'No deals.' Ed Miliband and Boris Johnson livened up the election campaign this morning when they went head-to-head on live TV. After being interviewed separately by presenter Andrew Marr, the pair of would-be Prime Ministers were brought together to challenge each other directly. Mr Miliband kicked off the heated exchange by demanding to know if Mr Johnson backed rules that allow wealthy foreigners living in Britain to avoid tax on their overseas earnings. He said: ‘Are you for keeping non-dom status? You’re defending those people who come here, they live here for 30 years, they are permanently here and they don’t pay taxes here.’ Mr Johnson responded: ‘Hang on, is this the Ed Miliband who was in the Treasury with Gordon Brown for about ten years? Are you the same creature? I mean, is there some sort of doppelganger going on?’ The Labour leader hit back, saying: ‘Don’t get rattled, come on now. Andrew Marr interjected to ask the London Mayor to defend inflammatory remarks in which he had accused Mr Miliband of being a back stabber. He said: ‘You attacked Ed Miliband very forcibly today, Boris, for backstabbing. Do you really think that is a fair approach to somebody who is standing in an election? Before Mr Johnson could speak, Mr Miliband said: ‘He doesn’t believe it. Come on, Boris, you are better than that.’ But the London Mayor replied: ‘I am not saying that your brother had to present himself at A&E with a dagger in his back. But he would do more damage to this country than to his brother - and that is the key point.’
London Mayor appeared with Mr Miliband on BBC1's Andrew Marr Show . Mr Johnson said Ed would damage UK more than he'd damaged his sibling . But he conceded: 'I'm not saying your brother had dagger in the back' Labour leader laughed off row, saying: 'Boris, you're better than that'
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When it comes to travel, there are a lot of things that affect the trips we book - and one of them could be the way we vote. While Conservative supporters love a good trashy plane read, it seems Liberal Democrats prefer to opt for the window seat for flights, while UKIP supporters are the most likely to want to save money on holiday. The unusual statistics were revealed as part of a Travelzoo survey into voters and their holiday habits, revealing the Greens love a long-haul trip and Labour are the most likely to try out their dance moves on holiday. Conservative Party supporters are more likely to take on some light reading such as Fifty Shades of Grey rather than some more refined reading (file photo) Voters for the Scottish National Party are more likely to bring out the Speedo swimming trunks . Interestingly despite their belief that pulling out of the EU is necessary, UKIP supporters still have a lot of love left for warmer climates as they are the biggest sun lovers of all the parties with 90 per cent requiring this as standard. Cutting down on emissions and pollution is a mainstay of the Green Party's manifesto, however almost half of their supporters (49 per cent) are likely to travel on long haul destinations, preferring an aisle seat on the plane. They are also most likely to rent a car on holiday, with 60 per cent voting to do so. Green Party supporters are also most likely to take the toiletries home with them, while UKIP are the least likely to swoop for the free shampoo and shower gel in hotel rooms. The Scottish National Party are the most likely to pack the speedos on holiday, while they are also the most likely to watch English TV. Thirty-four per cent of those who vote Liberal Democrat love cruise holidays, according to the statistics . Conservatives . Second most likely to opt for a light reading option (a la 50 Shades of Grey) instead of something more highbrow. They are the most organized holiday makers with 71% saying they planned well ahead instead of last minute. They’re the most likely to check work emails when away (17%) and are the most likely to have their phone on (49%). Labour . Labour are most likely to get up and dance whilst on holiday rather than sit back and watch others (39%). They also like holidaying with the kids – they’re the second most likely to take children with them (19%). They are the least inclined to book a romantic break with their partner and most likely to choose a low floor over high floor in a hotel. Liberal Democrats . Most likely to request a window seat on the plane and are the most likely to eat airline food rather than bring their own meal (45%). Like the high seas, and are the group most likely to opt for a cruise holiday (34%). They are the second most likely group to try the local cuisine (92%) and also to travel to a place they’ve never been to before (93%). Labour Party supporters are the least inclined to book a romantic getaway with their partners - and this is reflected in that they are the second most inclined to take the children on holiday after UKIP. Spokesperson for Travelzoo Louise Hodges said: 'While some of the political party stereotypes where upheld – such as Conservative supporters being the biggest fans of luxury holidays and à la carte dining – we were interested to see some less expected holiday preferences. Nearly half of Green Party voters love long haul travel to destinations such as beautiful New Zealand . UKIP . They are the keenest to save when holidaying abroad (59%). The biggest sun lovers of the lot (90%). The least likely to take the toiletries (64%) and the most likely to leave their phones turned off (58%). The most likely to holiday without the kids (55%) and to stick to somewhere they know (13%). Green . Despite the fuel consumption, they enjoy long haul (49%) and while they’re there, they’re the most likely to rent a car (60%). They are the most likely to take the hotel toiletries home (57%). They are the most likely group to take their children on holiday with them (20%). Statistics provided by Travelzoo . SNP . They are the least likely to check work emails on holiday (8%). Biggest romantics with 48% saying they would choose a romantic break with their partner over holidaying with friends. The most likely to pack the speedos compared with other party supporters and also the most likely to watch English TV on holiday (48%). 'For example, Green party supporters were the biggest proponents of long-haul travel and the most likely tourists to hire a car over taking a taxi. 'We also found it interesting that UKIP supporters were the in the majority when it came to saying they liked to 'mix with locals' on foreign holidays. 'Paradoxically they were the least keen on trying to speak the local language. And they also like a full English breakfast regardless of where they are.'
Labour Party supporters most likely to get up and show off their moves . Voters for the Liberal Democrats prefer a window seat on a plane . Green Party fans more likely to take home the toiletries than others .
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(CNN)Remains of up to nearly 400 unaccounted for service members tied to the USS Oklahoma at Pearl Harbor will be exhumed this year, the Defense Department announced Tuesday. The hope is that most of the battleship's sailors and Marines can be identified. "The secretary of defense and I will work tirelessly to ensure your loved one's remains will be recovered, identified, and returned to you as expeditiously as possible, and we will do so with dignity, respect and care," Deputy Secretary of Defense Bob Work said in a statement. "While not all families will receive an individual identification, we will strive to provide resolution to as many families as possible." The USS Oklahoma sank when it was hit by torpedoes on December 7, 1941, during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. A total of 429 sailors and Marines on the ship were killed. Thirty-five crew members were positively identified and buried in the years immediately after the attack, according to the Defense Department. By 1950, all unidentified remains were laid to rest as unknowns at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific. In 2003, five more service members were identified, with the help of historical evidence from Pearl Harbor survivor Ray Emory, 93. Emory, a native of Peoria, Illinois, was serving as a seaman first class on the light cruiser USS Honolulu that fateful day. After the war, Emory worked in Washington state before moving to Hawaii about 30 years ago. The retiree made it his mission to ensure graves are properly identified. "It's something I looked forward to for a long time," he told CNN about Tuesday's announcement. Speaking by phone from Honolulu, Emory said that proper identification means a lot to the families of those who lost loved ones -- and to him. Next of kin were being notified starting Tuesday. Service members who are identified will be returned to their families for burial, with full military honors. WWII pilot, 99, reunited with historic C-47 plane . CNN's Phil Gast contributed to this report.
USS Oklahoma was lost during Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941 . Hundreds of crew members were buried without identification .
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A pensioner has been fitted with a magnetic nose after his own had to be removed when he was diagnosed with a rare cancer. Richard Curry, from Loveclough in Lancashire, was told he had malignant melanoma in his septum, the thin strip which separates the nostrils. He was warned that he would have to have his nose removed to stop the cancer from spreading but could be fitted with a prosthetic. Pensioner Richard Curry, who wears a prosthetic nose attached to his face using magnets, after his own had to be removed when he was diagnosed with cancer . But in order to make sure that the new nose stayed in place, the 71-year-old then had to have magnetic implants inserted into his cheekbones and nasal cavity during a procedure at the Royal Blackburn Hospital. And now Mr Curry has spoken of his shock at how successful the operation has been of keeping his new nose in place. He said: 'Losing my nose was something of a shock but I didn't have much choice because this kind of cancer is one of the most dangerous you can get. The 71-yer-old had a procedure to have metal implants inserted into his cheekbones and nasal cavity in order to hold his prosthetic in place . 'I ws just grateful it was caught in time and removed, and when they mentioned they could attach a new one with magnets, I just thought it was amazing.' Mr Curry's nose was removed in 2013, after he spotted traces of blood in a tissue, and the implants were gradually inserted of the course of the next 12 months. He added: 'In the early days I wasn't quite sure how much adhesive to put on, and my stick-on nose would sometimes fall off in hot weater, for example. 'And there was an incident in Asda which gave the girl on the till a bit of a shock. 'The implants were all ready last September and I was so pleased with the results. 'It's comfortable and it looks good, and I've even still got my sense of smell. 'I just need to get it touched up for colour every now and then, like before going on holiday so it matches my skin.' Mr Curry, a retired civil servant, who lives with his partner James Rogerson now wears his new nose all day but removes it at night when he goes to bed. A check-up last month found no signs of the cancer returning when he met with prosthetist Tony Simpson, maxillofacial surgeon Gary Cousin and ear, nose and throat specialist Paddy Morar. Mr Morar said: 'Cancers of the nose are not that common at all, you probably only get one every three years or so, so this was a very unusual procedure. Mr Curry's prosthetic nose, which is held on by magnets. Specialist Paddy Morar says it is fairly common to use magnets to attach prosthetic ears, but was the first time they had used them to attach a nose . 'Magnets are used quite commonly with prosthetic ears, but this was the first time we had used them to attach a nose. 'Richard couldn't have radiotherapy so it had to be surgery and we were extremely impressed by his attitude throughout, he's a very strong character and a model patient. 'It just shows there is life after this kind of radical surgery.'
Richard Curry, 71, was diagnosed with malignant melanoma in his septum . Was told he had to have his nose removed to stop the spread of the cancer . Had magnetic implants inserted into his cheekbones and nasal cavity . Now wears a prosthetic nose which is attached to his face using magnets .
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The Residence: Inside The Private World Of The White House . by Kate Andersen Brower . (Harper £18.99) For Americans, the White House is as iconic and royal a palace as you can get. For non-Americans, it is a respected power symbol,but not one to be especially loved. Kate Brower, an American journalist assigned to cover the Obama White House, became intrigued by the workings of the mansion after watching Downton Abbey.She set about interviewing the staff, who number at least 100, to build up a comparable picture of the American version of Upstairs, Downstairs. The staff all live out in Washington and commute in. The hours are long. Those on duty cannot go home until the President retires and goes to bed. So they see little of their families and are often divorced as a result. The pay is not great, but the job is prestigious and passed by personal recommendation among friends. Most of them have stayed there for 20 years or more. Ronald Reagan (pictured with his wife, Nancu) , on the other hand, was over-chummy, so eager to talk to them that servants actually tried to dodge him in order not to get caught for hours . The West Wing is the President’s office quarters; the East Wing belongs to the First Lady and her office staff. ‘The Residence’, as the living quarters are called, really begins on the second floor and is kept hidden from the hundreds of tourists who parade through the state rooms every afternoon. Keeping the organisation running smoothly, from the workshops in the basement to the snipers on the roof, is a complex operation. It costs money — $13 million a year from government funds, plus a hefty contribution from the First Family itself. Presidents and their wives have to pay for their own food and drink and that of their personal guests. They are also charged for dry-cleaning. Even well-heeled First Ladies are always appealing to keep the bills down, especially in the kitchens where top chefs are above such considerations as cost. Jackie Kennedy was heard to complain: ‘We haven’t nearly as much money as you read in the papers’; while the Carters even asked the kitchen to serve them leftovers for their personal meals. The White House is never untenanted. The changeover of President takes place at 12 noon on Inauguration Day. Between then and 5pm, the entire moving out and in of the two families and their respective belongings has to be completed. The staff include ushers, chefs, maids, doormen, engineers, plumbers, full-time florists (the flower bill is enormous), even calligraphers who are kept busy writing invitations in fine script. But the glory of the place is its corps of butlers — six of them full-time, plus dozens more called in for big receptions, parties and dinners. Even well-heeled First Ladies are always appealing to keep the bills down, Jackie Kennedy (pictured with her John F Kennedy) was heard to complain: ‘We haven’t nearly as much money as you read in the papers’ Most, by tradition, are black. There is a picture of ten of them taking a break between courses in their black ties. What is the collective noun for such a fine body of men? A bevy of butlers? The Kennedys and the Clintons liked staying up late and entertaining until 2am, which meant that those on duty didn’t get home until much later than that. This didn’t go down well. Oddly enough, the best-liked couple were the older Bushes — George H. W. and his wife, Barbara, who were used to having plenty of servants and were relaxed and genuinely concerned about them. The black staff, especially the elderly butlers who remembered segregation, are especially proud to serve the Obamas as the first black presidential family. One found Obama and his wife, Michelle, celebrating gaining The White House on their first night there with an impromptu dance to a record by Mary J. Blige. And yet the Obamas have turned out to be rather reserved and distant with the staff — even, says one, ‘stand-offish’. Ronald Reagan, on the other hand, was over-chummy, so eager to talk to them that servants actually tried to dodge him in order not to get caught for hours. He had a disconcerting habit of sitting around naked reading the newspapers. His wife, Nancy, by contrast, was a martinet who collected Limoges china. Woe betide anyone who broke a piece. She would call a servant to say that the lights needed turning on when the switch was within easy reach. When she was going to be difficult about the meal service, which was frequently, she would send for the chef, cock her head on one side and smile — and then find fault, usually with the desserts served by chef Roland Mesnier. Unlike some presidential couples, the Clintons (pictured) used to share a bedroom — until the Lewinsky scandal - when Bill was relegated to the sofa in the study for a matter of time . Once, she decided at the last moment that the dessert for a state dinner should be sugar baskets each containing three sugar tulips. Chef Roland objected: ‘But there are only two days left until the dinner!’ She cocked her head: ‘Roland, you have two days and two nights before the dinner.’ Richard Nixon installed a bowling alley in the basement. He used to wander into the kitchens for a chat and discovered a washer-up who was also a keen bowler. They went on playing until 2am. Nixon then wrote a note to the man’s wife to explain why he was so late home. The Carters made news by appointing a convicted murderess as nanny to their daughter, Amy. Rosalynn Carter was convinced she was innocent, and the first family’s confidence was justified when the verdict was reversed. Unlike some presidential couples, the Clintons used to share a bedroom — until the Lewinsky scandal reached its height in 1998. For three or four months, Hillary made Bill sleep on a sofa in a study attached to the bedroom. Most women on the staff thought he’d got what he deserved. The feuding Clintons were the talk of the staff, who overheard their bad language and the sound of objects being thrown in bedrooms. Hillary’s voice screaming ‘Goddam bastard!’ was followed by a heavy thud. Much blood was discovered all over the bed. No one believed that her husband, who needed several stitches, had walked into a bathroom door in the dark, as he explained. ‘We’re pretty sure she clocked him with a book,’ said one member of staff. There were certainly plenty to hand — there were at least 20 on the Clintons’ bedside tables, including the Bible. But the biggest disturber of the peace was the huge bully from Texas, Lyndon B. Johnson, who succeeded the assassinated J. F. Kennedy. He gloried in his size (6 ft 3 in) and his achievements. He had TV sets installed everywhere and kept several on loudly as he watched himself in the newscasts. He undressed in front of the staff and gave them instructions while sitting on the lavatory, whose seat had to be replaced with a bigger one when he broke it. He drove the plumbers to nervous breakdowns over his shower. It was never hot enough nor strong enough for him. They replaced one after the other until the water came out as if from a fire hose and the heat generated set off the fire alarm. One water jet had to be aimed precisely at his penis (which he called ‘Jumbo’) and another up his rear end. He raged at the plumbers until he got satisfaction. Such was the man who escalated the Vietnam War.
For non-Americans the White House it is a respected power symbol . A journalist assigned to cover the Obama White House became intrigued . She interviewed staff to get an insight into the inner workings of the house .
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It is perhaps the most iconic ship of all time, but the closest most people will get to the Titanic is a visit to the museum in Belfast, or a viewing of the Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet blockbuster. Not so for those with endless funds. One company is offering the chance to dive 12,500ft below the surface of the sea to explore the ship at the bottom of the Atlantic. The tour takes in sights like the famous grand staircase, the ship's huge anchors and the Marconi Room, from which the world's very first SOS was broadcast. The once-in-a-lifetime privilege is being offered by luxury concierge service, Bluefish, and does not come cheap, setting you back a whopping £41,000 ($60,000). Unique experience: Travel to the depths of the Atlantic Ocean to the wreck of the Titanic with concierge service Bluefish . Haunting: Beams of light illuminate the features of the tragic ship, which sank on April 14, 1912 . A port side forward expansion joint on the boat deck of the bow section of the shipwreck. Travellers will learn about the ship in a series of lectures in addition to the dive . The hefty price may seem like a lot but more than 40 people have so far booked the trip to the Atlantic Ocean depths. Director of Bluefish, Steve Sims said: 'We have sent over 40 people down and they have been housewives to technology billionaires, the Titanic really does capture the minds of a wide crowd. 'Bluefish is known for providing the amazing and rare and the Titanic fits both those criteria. 'More people have been into space than set eyes on the Titanic.' Guests will stay aboard the Akademik Keldysh ship at sea and wait for suitable conditions to see the Titanic up close. The transport to the ocean floor is a MIR I or II submersible which are capable of reaching ocean depths of 20,000 ft (98 per cent of the ocean floor worldwide) and withstanding intense pressure. The submersible is constructed of nickel steel and can hold one pilot and two passengers, providing a personal encounter of the vessel. The unique dive takes 11 or 12 hours in total and once you reach the ocean floor powerful lights let you see the main features of ship. As well as this divers can spot harrowing personal items such as shoes or bags caught between the metal rust, which serve as a poignant reminder of the tragic human loss. The starboard railing near the bow of the Titanic. Expeditions take place in a MIR I or II submersible, which is able to withstand the water pressure 12500ft below the surface . The wreck of the Titanic is situated around 676 kilometres from Newfoundland, almost four kilometres below the surface . Not only does the trip offer a truly unique ocean expedition, but it also offers the chance to learn about the majestic vessel in depth. You will take part in a series of lectures and briefings, revealing latest findings about the 269 metre-long liner. There will also be a ceremony commemorating the tragic events and remembering all those who lost their lives on April 14, 1912. Meals, accommodation and personal video are also included in the somewhat hefty price tag. The RV Keldysh and MIRs have made over 15 expeditions to the site of the wreck and have made over a hundred dives. The unique dive takes 11 or 12 hours in total and once you reach the ocean floor powerful lights let you see the main features of ship . Once-in-a-lifetime opportunity! More people have been to space than have explored the Titanic, and the dives aim to collect data for scientific experiments . The aim of the dives is not just tourism, but also obtaining imagery from the site, data and physical samples from the wreck to further research and be used in ongoing scientific experiments being conducted by worldwide scientists . Since Deep Ocean Expeditions began dives to the wreck in 1998 no artefacts have been removed from the site . However it hasn't been plain sailing for Bluefish trips to see the famous ship. Only eight people took the voyage between 2002 and 2006 and after the recession put a strain on luxury spending. 'The recession hit and everything went to pot,' Simms told CNN Money. After years of fruitless searching by many organisations the wreck of the RMS Titanic was found by Dr Robert Ballard in 1986. Since that time multiple dives have been conducted by some of the world’s five deep diving submersibles, representing France, USA and Russia . Now the service has picked back up and guests can experience the whole package, or opt to have everything apart from the dive to the wreck, for £6,820 ($10,000). The bespoke concierge service offers a range of elaborate services, besides the Titanic expedition. Whether it is racing half a million dollars Mercedes in the Mojave Desert, a Virgin Galactic flight into space, or having a James Bond experience in Monaco with Bond girls and being rescued by American Navy Seals, Simms sees no challenge as impossible for the right clients. The luxury does not come cheap, with membership to the club being £3,414 ($5,000) per annum before you have forked out for any experience. Star-crossed lovers! Many were captivated by the James Cameron film, released in 1997, which saw the affluent Rose (played by Kate Winslet) fall in love with poor Jack (Leonardo DiCaprio) on the Titanic's fateful voyage .
Concierge service Bluefish are offering dives to journey to the magnificent ship on the Atlantic floor . The unique experience will let you see the famous grand staircase along with many other rooms and areas . The dives form part of valuable research, with data being relayed to scientists worldwide . So far 40 people have done the service compared to over 500 people visiting space .
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Liverpool just edged past Blackburn Rovers in their FA Cup sixth round replay to make it to a 24th Cup semi-final in the Anfield club's illustrious history. Philippe Coutinho eventually broke the deadlock after 161 goalless minutes across the two games but Blackburn came close to levelling matters when goalkeeper Simon Eastwood was denied in stoppage time. Sportsmail's Oliver Todd rated the player's performances at Ewood Park. BLACKBURN ROVERS: (4-4-2) Eastwood 7 . Could do nothing to stop Philippe Coutinho's winner but did well to deny Brazilian in the first half and even had a pop at goal himself with a brilliant turn in stoppage time. Simon even had a pop at goal himself with a brilliant turn in stoppage time after performing well in goal . Henley 7 . Solid at right back, he kept Raheem Sterling quieter than most full backs in the Barclays Premier League would. Restricted in going forward as he kept an eye on England star. Baptiste 8 . So often found in the way of Liverpool's shots, even though he was suffering with a hamstring injury. Performed heroics at the back but couldn't quite hold out before being substituted. Kilgallon 8 . Another solid performer, the skipper was unfazed by the challenge he faced from Daniel Sturridge and mainly restricted the England striker to potshots from range. Matt Kilgallon was another solid performer, the skipper was unfazed by the challenge of Daniel Sturridge . Olsson 7 . Could have gone down when under pressure inside the Liverpool area but his honesty was his own enemy. Solid at the back. Conway 6.5 . Industrious down the right but often restricted as he looked to double up on dangerous Sterling. Corry Evans is no stranger to a challenge, and he put himself about in midfield, replacing Jay Spearing . Evans 6.5 . No stranger to a challenge, put himself about in midfield after replacing cup-tied Jay Spearing. Booked for desperate challenge on Sterling. Williamson 7 . Tracked back really well and did his best to neutralise the threat of Coutinho. Could have given away a penalty in stoppage time for challenge on Joe Allen but referee made right decision. Marshall 7 . Creative force. Provided the ammo for Jordan Rhodes and Rudy Gestede as they looked to take advantage of an unfamiliar back-line. Unlucky to be denied by Simon Mignolet. Ben Marshall was unlucky to be denied when his header was saved by Simon Mignolet in the second half . Cairney 6.5 . Anonymous at times but then tested Mignolet from range as Rovers grew into the game early in the second half. Rhodes 6.5 . Subdued upfront and looked a poor replacement for Gestede who had impressed at Anfield. Missed with key header in the first half. Subs . Gestede 6.5 (for Conway 64) Came on to energise Blackburn as Liverpool took control but aside from one chance he showed a lack of match fitness, struggling with a hamstring problem. Spurr (for Baptiste 79) No time to make an impact but kept things together well. Rudy Gestede came on to energise Blackburn but aside from one chance he showed a lack of match fitness . LIVERPOOL: (4-2-3-1) Mignolet 7.5 . Recovered well from his Emirates horror show. Save from Marshall on to the post in key moment. Simon Mignolet recovered well from his Emirates horror show. Saved from Marshall in key moment . Johnson 6 . Played on the right of a back four. Natural role for him and found chances to go forward but left gaps at times. Sakho 5.5 . Struggled from the start, looking uncomfortable on the ball and he picked up a hamstring problem. Substituted after losing out to Rhodes. Lovren 6.5 . Good return to the side, albeit against lower league opposition. Team selection on Saturday indicated he was fifth choice but Anfield career not necessarily over. Moreno 6 . Comfortable evening on the whole with Blackburn lacklustre down the right. Little to do. Alberto Moreno had a comfortable evening on the whole with Blackburn lacklustre down the right. Little to do . Lucas 6 . Provided a solid base in midfield and moved the ball around well but not much penetration as Liverpool toiled in first half. Allen 5.5 . Similar to Lucas, couldn't provide impetus where it was needed, though. May have handled in own area and later appeared to go down easily for late penalty shout. Coutinho 8 . The star man in Liverpool's midfield again, and his goal sends them to Wembley. Clever move to find way to break Blackburn down. Philippe Coutinho was the star man in Liverpool's midfield again, and his goal sends them to Wembley . Henderson 6.5 . His one-two with Coutinho set up the winner but his deliveries from dead-balls left much to be required at times. Sterling 6.5 . One of Liverpool's main threats as usual, playing down the left at Ewood Park. Impact blunted as Blackburn doubled up. Booked. Sturridge 5 . He's not back at his best yet and it showed. Seemed uneasy in taking on defenders at times and was restricted to shots from distance. Daniel Sturridge is not back at his best yet and it showed. He seemed uneasy in taking on defenders at times . Subs . Toure 7.5 (for Sakho 26) Solid in defence with Lovren, he ably deputised when Liverpool had to reshuffle early on and dealt with Gestede and Rhodes. Lambert (for Sturridge 85) No time. Headed first touch wide. REFEREE: . Kevin Friend 7 . Did all that could be expected of him. Missed Allen handball shout after Ben Marshall's header but that would have been harsh. Ignored penalty shout from same player in stoppage time. MAN OF THE MATCH: . Philippe Coutinho . A mercurial performance topped off with an excellent goal to decide the game. He knows how to make the difference in big moments for his club and Liverpool benefited from that again. Coutinho's shot finds the corner to decide the game at Ewood Park after a lack of clear-cut chances .
Philippe Coutinho was man of the match in Liverpool's win over Blackburn . Alex Baptiste was superb in defence for the hosts at Ewood Park . Daniel Sturridge continued to show a lack of match sharpness .
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A spring snowstorm and icy roads caught Colorado drivers by surprise Friday, causing a 39-vehicle pileup near Boulder and other bad wrecks that shut down highways during the morning commute. No serious injuries were reported in the crashes on U.S. Highway 36 between Boulder and Denver, but tow-truck drivers were kept busy hauling away damaged cars. Lisa Lai told the Daily Camera newspaper she avoided hitting a crash in front of her and ended up propped against a highway barrier — and out of the way — as other peoples' vehicles piled up. A tow truck driver works to clear the scene of a multi-vehicle pileup on U.S. Highway 36, Friday near Boulder, Colo. A car is stuck under a semi tractor trailer at the scene of a multi-vehicle pileup on U.S. Highway 36 . Numerous crashes and spin outs on icy and snowy highways have closed portions of several interstates and highways in the Denver and Colorado Springs area as well as the mountains . 'My car was just sitting there on this little island on its own,' she said. 'It was pretty surreal. I feel pretty lucky today.' In Aurora, near Denver, one person died after being thrown from an Oldsmobile Bravada that lost control and rolled on an icy stretch of Interstate 225, striking a passing public bus. The only person on the bus was its driver, who wasn't hurt. Another person in the Oldsmobile was taken to a hospital with injuries that were not life-threatening, police said. Near Fort Carson, the Colorado State Patrol responded to a series of rush-hour crashes involving a total of nearly 20 cars. In the mountains, Interstate 70 was temporarily closed after several trucks spun out on snowy Vail Pass. At lower elevations, the storm left only light snow on grass, and roads were largely clear because of recent warm weather. However, motorists driving at normal speeds were surprised by icy patches, especially on bridges, said Trooper James Schmidt of the Colorado State Patrol. 'We're in Colorado. We have four seasons in one day,' Schmidt said after the sun emerged. A tow truck driver works to clear the scene of cleanup on the pileup on . Drivers of damaged cars wait at the scene of a multi-vehicle pileup . No serious injuries were reported in the crashes on U.S. Highway 36 between Boulder and Denver, but tow-truck drivers were kept busy hauling away damaged cars . And drought-weary Californians, who can't expect much encouragement from mountains elsewhere in the West: Snow that fills the Colorado River is lagging, too, officials said Friday. The snowpack in the Colorado and Wyoming valleys where the river originates now ranges from 51 to 79 per cent of normal, said Brian Domonkos, Colorado supervisor of the U.S. Department of Agriculture snow survey, which monitors snowfall and water availability. The Colorado River supplies water to about 40 million people and 6,300 square miles of farmland in seven states, including California. A driver stands amid vehicles involved in an accident on wrecked cars . The Rocky Mountain snow that melts into the river doesn't flow directly to California and other downstream users. Instead, it's held in a series of reservoirs that release enough water to fulfill the legal allotments to southwestern states under a series of agreements and court rulings. The reservoirs have sufficient water to provide California and other downstream states with their full shares this year and for the foreseeable future, said Matthew Allen, a spokesman for the federal Bureau of Reclamation, which manages the reservoir system. California also gets water from the Sierra Nevada range, where the snow cover was the lowest it has ever been in 65 years of record-keeping as of Wednesday. Warm temperatures and scarce snowfall in early March caused the snowpack in Colorado to shrink significantly. 'To see the decline that we saw at the beginning of March, that is abnormal,' Domonkos said. 'And to see it continue almost unabated, almost to now, that's quite abnormal.' Emergency personnel and tow truck drivers work to clear the scene of a multi-vehicle pileup . A storm brought up to 11 inches of snow on Thursday and Friday to parts of the Colorado mountains and foothills, but much of it fell east of the Continental Divide and will eventually melt into the South Platte and Arkansas rivers. Preliminary readings showed the snowpack on Friday in the South Platte basin was 87 per cent of normal and 79 percent of normal in the Arkansas basin. The U.S. Drought Monitor says 40 per cent of California is in an exceptional drought, the most severe category, and another 25 per cent is in an extreme drought, the second-most severe. A pedestrian moves along a sidewalk while framed by branches covered with snow from a spring storm in Denver . A cows grazes as her calves lay next to her on a farm after a light snow, near Eldorado Springs, Colo., not far from a lagging Colorado River . Gov. Jerry Brown ordered mandatory, statewide water cutbacks by cities and towns, aiming for a 25 percent cut in water use. Extreme drought conditions also spread into Nevada and southern Oregon, along with smaller pockets in Utah and Arizona. Milder drought conditions extend across the rest of the West, except for most of Montana and Wyoming. Other states served by the Colorado River are Arizona, New Mexico, Utah and Nevada. Sorry we are not currently accepting comments on this article.
No serious injuries were reported in the crashes on U.S. Highway 36 between Boulder and Denver, but tow-truck drivers were kept busy hauling away damaged cars . In the mountains, Interstate 70 was temporarily closed after several trucks spun out on snowy Vail Pass . Meanwhile, lagging Colorado River to keep relief from drought-weary Californians .
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Police have arrested and charged a man and woman over the discovery of a mass greyhound dog grave in Queensland. A 71-year-old man and 64-year-old woman were both charged with unlawfully possessing a firearm after a police search found a rifle and ammunition in a home in Bundaberg on Thursday. The carcasses of more than 50 greyhounds were found at the bush site in Coonarr, near Bundaberg, on Tuesday. Scroll down for video . Police have charged a man and woman over the discovery of a mass greyhound dog grave in Bundaberg . A 71-year-old man and 64-year-old woman were both charged with unlawfully possessing a firearm after a police search found a rifle and ammunition in a home in Bundaberg, Queensland, on Thursday . A Queensland Police and RSPCA taskforce, set up after the greyhound racing industry was rocked by the live baiting scandal in February, also found ammunition shells from a .22 calibre gun. The pair, both from Bundaberg, will appear in the Bundaberg Magistrates Court on Friday. RSPCA spokesman Michael Beatty says it's understood the dogs were killed before a Four Corners special which exposed the horrors of the greyhound racing industry. 'The indications are that these may just be young dogs that didn't have the speed, basically. But that's really all we know,' Beatty told Fairfax media. The carcasses of more than 50 greyhounds were found at the bush site in Coonarr on Tuesday . At least 55 carcasses were found in the Coonarr area, near Bundaberg, on Tuesday, with the RSPCA. Early investigations suggest the dogs were young dogs that were killed as they were too slow . 'Unfortunately as I think most people would be aware, there's always been a lot of wastage in the greyhound industry.' Police said it was unclear how long the dogs' bodies had been there, but confirmed they were found in various states of decomposition. There were no greyhound training facilities or other connections to the racing industry in the area, a police spokesperson said. Queensland Police Minister Jo-Ann Miller expressed her outrage on Twitter after the discovery. 'Absolutely sickened that @QPSmedia and @RSPCAQLD have found the remains of 55 greyhounds. Animal cruelty in Qld won't be tolerated,' she wrote. 'The indications are that these may just be young dogs that didn't have the speed, basically. But that's really all we know,' an RSPCA spokesperson told Fairfax media . There were no greyhound training facilities or other connections to the racing industry in the area, a police spokesperson said . The taskforce was established to investigate the use of live baiting using possums, rabbits and piglets to train competitive greyhounds. It came after an ABC Four Corners expose from earlier this year sparked widespread outrage after showing racing dogs chasing and mauling live animals. So far, five people have been charged with a total of 23 offences in the state. An independent review headed up by barrister Alan MacSporran SC is also being conducted into the practice. It's expected to be completed in about three months' time. This review aims to find out how widespread the use of live baiting is in Queensland, and how it could go undetected for so long. An ABC Four Corners expose from earlier this year sparked widespread outrage after showing racing dogs chasing and mauling live animals .
55 dead greyhound carcasses found dumped in Coonarr, Queensland . A 71-year-old man and 64-year-old woman were arrested and charged . The pair will appear in the Bundaberg Magistrates Court on Friday .
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Eerie footage has emerged showing a mysterious 100 metre-wide black ring of smoke floating over clear skies in Kazakhstan - convincing locals it was caused by a UFO. The clip was filmed on Saturday in Shortandy village, 40 miles north of the capital Astana, and captures the cloud hovering in the sky for 15 minutes before suddenly vanishing without trace. The video has been viewed more than 50,000 times since being uploaded to YouTube, prompting all manner of bizarre explanations for the phenomenon - with many seemingly convinced it is definitive proof of extra-terrestrial life. Spine-chilling: The creepy footage shows a mysterious 100 metre-wide black ring of smoke floating over clear skies in Kazakhstan - convincing locals it was caused by a UFO . Confused locals watched the mysterious cloud hover ominously over Shortandy for a quarter of an hour on Saturday morning before it vanished as quickly as it appeared. Once the cloud had rapidly dispersed, no trace of it was left in the sky. Speaking to local news website Today.kz, villager Oleg Menshikov said: 'It was like a black cloud. We saw it at around 4 pm on April 3. It dissipated like smoke, but it was completely odourless.' Within minutes of the video being shared online, YouTube users began to question whether the thick black hoop was an alien spacecraft, while others suggested it might just be cigarette smoke immediately in front of the camera but giving the perception it is in the sky. Others thought the cloud was likely to be a naturally occurring weather event known as a thermal microburst, which is caused by a falling mass of warm air. Mysterious: The clip was filmed on Saturday in Shortandy village, 40 miles north of the capital Astana, and captures the cloud hovering in the sky for 15 minutes before suddenly vanishing without trace . Dispersing rapidly: Confused locals watched the mysterious cloud hover ominously over Shortandy for a quarter of an hour on Saturday morning before it vanished as quickly as it appeared . Experts believe the cloud was roughly 100 metres in diameter and floated close to a mile in the air. Speaking to Russia Today, Andrey Solodovnik - associate physics professor at the Northern Kazakhstan State University - dismissed suggestions the cloud was caused by aliens. He said that based on similar clouds seen in the skies in recent years, the giant black hoop was likely to have been little more than a smoke ring generated by combustion at nearby factories. Plenty of industrial machinery is known to create ring-shaped clouds of smoke, though these are usually lighter-coloured, considerably less dense and vanish in just one or two minutes. In the latest instance it is likely the cloud was far more visible and hung around in the sky for much longer than usual for the simple reason it was cloudless day with little to no wind.
Clip shows mysterious black cloud hanging over the village of Shortandy . The perfect hoop shape sat in the air not moving for more than 15 minutes . Eerie video has been viewed tens of thousands of times on Youtube . While some viewers are suggesting the cloud was an alien spacecraft, experts think it could have been caused by nearby factories .
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(CNN)For more than four days, police say, a 21-year-old quadriplegic with cerebral palsy was left lying in the woods of Philadelphia's Cobbs Creek Park with only a blanket and a Bible. The person responsible is the man's mother, who on Sunday faced a host of charges after allegedly abandoning her son and catching a bus to Maryland to see her boyfriend, said Philadelphia police Lt. John Walker. Low temperatures reached the mid-30s during the week, and rain was reported in the area Wednesday and Thursday. The man is unable to communicate how he came to be in the park, but Walker told reporters that the man's mother, whom he did not identify for CNN, left him there Monday morning. "Sometime at 11 a.m., the mother went to visit her boyfriend down in Maryland, over in Montgomery County, and we believe she placed the child into Cobbs Creeks Park," Walker said at a news conference. Walker told CNN the man was transported to Presbyterian Hospital, but CNN affiliates reported he was being treated at The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. He suffered eye problems, dehydration, malnutrition and a cut to the back that has raised infection concerns, the lieutenant told reporters. "This kid's obviously a fighter," Walker said during a Saturday news conference. "It's just unbelievable how we found him out there last night. To see that kid laying there, it's heartbreaking to see another human, especially a mother, can treat someone like that." Officials at Philadelphia's School of the Future, which the man attends, became concerned when he didn't show up for classes and tried to contact his mother but eventually reached an aunt, CNN affiliate WPVI reported. When police tracked down the mother, she told them her son was with her, Walker said. "She indicated to both family members and the police officers that the child was with her down with her boyfriend in Maryland," he said. The boyfriend was not aware of what happened, Walker told CNN affiliate KYW-TV. The mother now stands charged with aggravated assault, simple assault, reckless endangerment of another person, neglect of a care-dependent person, unlawful restraint, kidnapping and false imprisonment, the station reported. Walker told reporters she bore "clear criminal liability in this case." Maryland police took her into custody on Sunday, and she will face the charges in Philadelphia following an extradition hearing, WPVI reported. There was no reason for the man to suffer, Walker told philly.com, because the mother had sisters willing to take care of him. Two of his aunts, who have tried to obtain guardianship of him, were staying with him at the hospital, police told the website. The mother has another child, a 16-year-old, who is also being taken care of by family members, WPVI reported. The mother's arrest was only the beginning of the investigation, Walker told reporters. Authorities are interested in learning more about "how this kid was cared for, and what actions were taken and providing of services by different agencies." CNN's Carma Hassan contributed to this report.
Temperatures dipped into the mid-30s during 4 days man lay in woods of Philadelphia park . Mom told police son was with her in Maryland, but he was found Friday with blanket, Bible . Victim being treated for malnutrition, dehydration; mother faces host of charges after extradition .
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For the first time in 65 years the California Department of Water Resources has found no snow during its manual survey of the land at 6,800 feet in the Sierra Nevada in early April. Governor Jerry Brown observed the survey on Wednesday, which found the lowest water level in the Sierra Nevada snowpack since 1950 when records began. The fourth consecutive year of vanishing snow spells trouble as California depends on it to melt into rivers and replenish reservoirs. As he stood in a brown meadow that's normally blanketed in snow, Gov. Brown ordered sweeping, unprecedented measures to save water in the state. Scroll down for video . What a difference a year makes: Spatial distribution of the total volume of water in the snowpack across the Tuolumne River Basin in California's Sierra Nevada mountains as measured by NASA's Airborne Snow Observatory is seen in images from March 25, 2015 (bottom) and April 7, 2014 (top) 'We're in a new era; the idea of your nice little green grass getting water every day, that's going to be a thing of the past,' Brown said. The governor's order requires cities and towns to cut water use by 25 percent. So far in the current drought, many Californians have not made changes to their daily routines to save water or taken a hit in their wallets because of it. Attending the survey with Gov Brown was DWR Director Mark Cowin, who said Californians can expect to receive almost no water from the meager snowpack as it melts in the coming weeks. 'Today's survey underscores the severity of California's drought,' he said. 'Water conservation must become a way of life during the worst drought in most Californians' lifetimes.' In what were considered normal precipitation years, the snowpack supplied about 30 percent of California's water needs as it melts in the spring and summer. California's historically wettest winter months have already passed, and the drought is now firmly rooted in its fourth consecutive year, reports AGWeb. Frank Gehrke, left, chief of the California Cooperative Snow Surveys Program for the Department of Water Resources, and Gov. Jerry Brown walk across a dry meadow that is usually covered in several inches of snow as conducts the snow survey, near Echo Summit on Wednesday . One year ago: In this April 1, 2014 photo, Frank Gehrke, chief of snow surveys for California's Department of Water Resources, crosses a meadow still covered in snow as he returns from conducting the snowpack survey at Echo Summit, California . Early last year, Brown called for a 20 percent voluntary cutback, but the state achieved just half of that. In recent years, cities have developed storage capacity and supplies to soften the blow of future dry years — a move that has insulated residents from the severity of the current drought. In 1977, Brown asked for a voluntary 25 percent cut in water use during his first term as governor. Nearly 40 years later, he warns that drought might be the new normal as he ramps up efforts to adapt. His executive order on Wednesday directed officials to impose statewide mandatory water restrictions and expand programs intended to reshape how Californians use water. Cemeteries, golf courses and business headquarters must significantly cut back on watering the large landscapes. Local governments will tear out 50 million square feet of lawns and instead use drought-tolerant plants. And customers will get money for replacing old water-sucking appliances with efficient ones under a temporary rebate program. This 3-D composite image map of the Sierra snowpack released by NASA shows the deficit in the total volume of water contained within the Tuolumne River Basin snowpack from April 7, 2014 to March 25, 2015 . The initiatives are part of the goal to reduce water use by 25 percent compared to levels in 2013 — the year before Brown declared a drought emergency. The order also directs local agencies to charge extra for high water use. Water officials vowed to crack down on waste and illegal water diversion, acknowledging there has been spotty enforcement of existing rules limiting outdoor water use. The order also prohibits new homes and developments from using drinkable water for irrigation if the structures lack water-efficient drip systems. In addition, the watering of decorative grasses on public street medians is banned. 'We have to pull together and save water in every way we can,' Brown said. Critics of the Democratic governor said his order does not go far enough to address agriculture — the biggest water user in California. The Enterprise Bridge passes over full water levels at a section of Lake Oroville on July 20, 2011 (top) in Oroville, California, compared with August 19, 2014 (bottom) The order contains no water reduction target for farmers. Instead, it requires many agricultural water suppliers to submit detailed drought management plans that include how much water they have and what they're doing to scale back. After a drought in the previous decade, state officials acknowledged that some suppliers did not submit similar required plans. Mark Cowin, director of the Department of Water Resources, said the state will provide money to make sure the plans are written and might penalize those who do not comply. The state is not aiming to go after water-guzzling crops such as almonds and rice the same way Brown has condemned lawns. Dave Kranz, a spokesman for the California Farm Bureau Federation, said farmers have already suffered deep cutbacks in water supply during the current drought. Farmers have let hundreds of thousands of acres go fallow and laid off thousands of workers as the state and federal government slashed water deliveries from reservoirs. Officials said Wednesday the statewide snowpack is equivalent to 5 percent of the historical average for April 1 and the lowest for that date since the state began record-keeping in 1950. 'It is such an unprecedented lack of snow, it is way, way below records,' said Frank Gehrke, chief of snow surveys for the California Department of Water Resources. Cemeteries, golf courses and business headquarters must significantly cut back on watering the large landscapes .
For the first time in 75 years the California Department of Water Resources has found no snow during its survey of the Sierra Nevada in early April . NASA images showing the snowpack across the Tuolumne River Basin show a marked decrease since last April . California depends on the snow to melt into rivers and replenish reservoirs . Gov. Brown ordered sweeping, unprecedented measures to save water in the state on Wednesday . Cemeteries, golf courses and business headquarters must significantly cut back on watering the large landscapes . The governor's order contains no water reduction target for farmers . Initiatives are part of the goal to reduce water use by 25 percent compared to levels in 2013 .
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Trade was taking place between East Asia and the New World hundreds of years before Christopher Columbus arrived in the area in 1492. This is according to a series of bronze artefacts found at the 'Rising Whale' site in Cape Espenberg, Alaska. Archaeologists discovered what they believe to be a bronze and leather buckle and a bronze whistle, dating to around A.D. 600. Trade was taking place between East Asia and the New World hundreds of years before Christopher Columbus (left) arrived in 1492. The discovery was made after archaeologists found what they believe to be a bronze and leather buckle (right), dating to around A.D. 600 . Bronze-working had not been developed at this time in Alaska, and researchers instead believe the artefacts were created in China, Korea or Yakutia. 'We're seeing the interactions, indirect as they are, with these so-called 'high civilisations' of China, Korea or Yakutia,' Owen Mason, a research associate at the University of Colorado, told LiveScience. 'Native copper and meteoritic iron were hammered into a variety objects by late prehistoric inhabitants of arctic and subarctic North America,' reports the research team on the website Arctic Research Consortium. '[But] there is no evidence for the smelting, casting, or alloying of metals in the Western Hemisphere north of Mexico prior to the arrival of Europeans. Bronze-working had not been developed at this time in Alaska, and researchers believe the artefacts were created in China, Korea or Yakutia . Pictured are archaeologists working at the Rising Whale site at Cape Espenberg, Alaska. Researchers believe those who lived at the Rising Whale site may be part of what scientists call the 'Birnirk' culture . 'As a result, these two artefacts give the best and least ambiguous evidence to date that non-ferrous industrial smelted metals were arriving in Alaska via prehistoric trade across the Bering Strait.' Researchers believe those who lived at the Rising Whale site may be part of what scientists call the 'Birnirk' culture. This is a group of people who lived on both sides of the Bering Strait and used advanced skin boats. They are believed to have lived in small family dwellings containing either an entrance that led to a single room with sleeping platforms. Birnirk settlements were small, with only a few families living in a settlement at a time. They were talented seal hunters, known for their use of innovative equipment, such as ice scratchers to lure seals over frozen waters. They were also known for their use of ground slate weapons, including knives, blades, arrows, and spears. Researchers believe those who lived at the Rising Whale site may be part of what scientists call the 'Birnirk' culture. This is a group of people who lived on both sides of the Bering Strait and used skin boats and harpoons to hunt whales, LiveScience reports. The latest discovery of bronze artefacts backs up earlier evidence for trade between Alaska and other civilisations prior to 1492. Inside the house, tests on obsidian items – created by volcanic glass – had previously suggested they came from the Anadyr River valley in Russia. LiveScience notes that anthropologist Berthold Laufer published an analysis of texts and artefacts in the journal T'oung Pao in 1913, in which he found that the Chinese had an interest in obtaining ivory. He said that some of the walrus ivory may have come from the Bering Strait. There is also evidence that plate armour made using ivory and bones began appearing in Alaska around 1,000 years ago. A controversial hypothesis, put forward by amateur historian Gavin Menzies, suggests that China discovered the Americas 70 years before Columbus. He bases his theory on an alleged 18th century copy of a 1418 map charted by Chinese Admiral Zheng He, which appears to show the New World in some detail . Its overlapping style is similar to plate armour developed in East Asia, thousands of years ago. A controversial hypothesis, put forward by amateur historian Gavin Menzies, suggests that China discovered the Americas 70 years before Columbus. He bases his theory on an alleged 18th century copy of a 1418 map charted by Chinese Admiral Zheng He, which appears to show the New World in some detail. 'The traditional story of Columbus discovering the New World is absolute fantasy, it's fairy tales,' Mr Menzies told MailOnline. Among Menzies other claims are that the first inhabitants of the Western hemisphere didn't come over land from the Bering Strait, but instead were Chinese sailors who first crossed the Pacific Ocean 40,000 years ago. He also writes that DNA markers prove American Indians and other natives are the descendants of several waves of Asian settlers. Most scientists believe that humans arrived in the New World 15,000 years ago by crossing the now-flooded land bridge that had formed across the Bering Strait. But a recent genetic study suggests there were also journeys taken by people from East Asia to the New World at a later date. Cape Espenberg, where the discovery was made, is a cape located on the Seward Peninsula in Alaska, on the Chukchi Sea coast .
Bronze buckle and whistle from AD 600 found in Cape Espenberg . But bronze-working had not been developed at this time in Alaska . Scientists believe artefacts were created in China, Korea or Yakutia . Site may have been home to 'Birnirk' culture, whose people travelled on both sides of the Bering Strait .
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Budget airline easyJet has been charging stranded customers a £10 fee for proof that their flight was cancelled. The charge came to light when customers sought to claim money back from travel insurers after French air-traffic strikes affected flights earlier this month. They were asked to provide an airline letter confirming the cancellation, but easyJet told its hard-hit passengers to pay a £10 fee. Scroll down for video . Compensation: The charge came to light when easyJet customers sought to claim money back from travel insurers after French air-traffic strikes affected flights earlier this month. Above, file image . The Association of European Airlines confirmed last night that no other airline has attempted to charge for this and said customers should not be charged. However, a spokesman for easyJet defended the airline’s position, saying: ‘The administration charge for the letter is applied because each letter has to be individually researched and created for each passenger.’ In an email seen by the Mail in response to one customer’s request, easyJet’s customer service team said: ‘We can certainly send you a letter to help you claim on your insurance, that’s not a problem. ‘There is a small administration fee of 10GBP for the letter, which you should be able to claim back through your insurer.’ There were delays and 1,000 flight cancellations across Europe this month following the 48-hour strike by French air-traffic controllers. EasyJet is France’s second-largest airline and cancelled 588 flights over the two days. The airline launched ‘rescue flights’ to repatriate holidaymakers and children stranded abroad. Ryanair cancelled 500 flights while British Airways and Flybe cancelled fewer than 50 each. Travel chaos: There were delays and 1,000 flight cancellations across Europe this month following the 48-hour strike by French air-traffic controllers. Pictured, passengers queue for check-in at Stansted Airport . And flight cancellations have risen by a fifth in the first quarter of 2015 as services were hit by poor weather as well as the strikes. There were 5,080 cancellations in the first three months of 2015 compared to 4,239 in the same period last year. The number of delayed flights increased by 7 per cent with 2,427 hold-ups compared to 2,260. Monarch had the greatest increase in delays – 30 per cent – with 64 incidents, according to figures from compensation firm EUClaim. Strikes: Ryanair cancelled 500 flights while British Airways and Flybe cancelled fewer than 50 each. Above, a flight information board at Charles de Gaulle airport in Paris, where several flights were cancelled . EasyJet has seen a 19 per cent increase with 245 delays in the first four months of this year compared to 206 last year. The EUClaim report said: ‘There are two main reasons for the poor start to the year. Firstly the winter weather across Europe has been worse than 2014 this particularly affected Jet2, easyJet and Monarch who suffered considerable delays on their routes to Chambery and Grenoble in France. ‘The second cause has been the number of strikes in Europe. The four-day Lufthansa strike resulted in some 116 cancelled flights to the UK, strikes by Italian air traffic controllers and security staff in Germany has also compounded the problem.’
Customers sought to claim after French strikes affected flights this month . Insurers asked passengers for airline letter that confirmed cancellation . But easyJet told those affected to pay £10 administration fee for the proof .
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The President of the Czech Republic has banned the U.S. Ambassador from Prague Castle following a public dispute over the former's decision to attend a Russian World War II parade. President Milos Zeman has been criticised by Ambassador Andrew Schapiro over his plans to attend the annual parade in Moscow, marking the Allied win at the Western front in 1945, despite the crisis in Ukraine. In response to the critique, President Zeman said Ambassador Schapiro is no longer welcome in the Prague Castle, the seat of presidency. Under attack: Czech President Milos Zeman was criticised by U.S. Ambassador Andrew Schapiro over his plans to attend the annual Victory Day parade in Moscow, despite the crisis in Ukraine . Much to the chagrin of President Zeman, the country's prime minister together with Czech lawmakers are siding with the American. 'I think that the reaction of President Zeman was not adequate,' Prime Minister Bohuslav Sobotka said. 'I would naturally welcome it if the attitude of Mr. President to foreign policy in general was a bit more professional,' Sobotka told the Czech public television on Monday. 'We should be able to communicate with our friends and allies,' Sobotka added. Parliament's lower house speaker, Jan Hamacek, said he thought Zeman was overreacting; the deputy speaker of Parliament's upper house, Premysl Sobotka, said Zeman demonstrated a lack of 'diplomatic thinking.' Harsh reaction: In response to the criticism, President Zeman has banned Ambassador Schapiro from visiting Prague Castle, the seat of presidency. Jan Mlejnek, an analyst, said Zeman's rhetoric was unfortunate and will harm Czech-U.S. relations. In an emailed statement from the U.S. embassy, Shapiro said 'it would be unfortunate for President Zeman to be there as perhaps? the only EU head of state.' Zeman, whose is critical of European Union sanctions against Russia, said he wanted to honor Soviet soldiers who sacrificed their lives to liberate his country in World War II. The Czech presidency is a largely ceremonial post and the government is in charge of foreign policy. Sobotka said he accepted Zeman's explanation for the trip. Shapiro said he regretted that President Zeman felt offended. 'I value a good working relationship with everyone, and I want him to know that my door will be open to him,'? Shapiro said. 'I also want the Czech people to know that the United States government, and the people of America, value our relationship as partners and allies more than ever.' The Moscow Victory Day Parade parade is held on May 9th, and will this year commemorate the 70th anniversary of the capitulation of Nazi Germany in 1945.
Czech President Milos Zeman plans to attend WWII parade in Moscow . U.S. Ambassador criticised his decision in relation to Ukraine crisis . President Zeman responded to criticism by banning him from castle .
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Bath have announced the signing of England Sevens international Jeff Williams. The 26-year-old will move to the Recreation Ground for next season. Williams was awarded a full-time sevens contract in 2012 and he has scored 36 tries on the World Series circuit. He helped England win the Tokyo Sevens earlier this month. South Africa-born Williams, whose father is English, previously played for the Hamiltons club in Cape Town and also had a playing stint in France. Jeff Williams (centre) has agreed a deal to with Aviva Premiership side Bath at the end of the season . Bath head coach Mike Ford said: 'Coming from the world of sevens, Jeff offers dynamism and a high-tempo style of play. 'He also fits our policy of recruiting young English talent. 'The way he plays will really suit the attacking ethos we have at Bath, and we're looking forward to him arriving at the club.' England Sevens head coach Simon Amor added: 'Jeff has been an important member of the squad and brought a real physical edge to our game. 'He has come through the sevens programme and really developed as a player, and now he has an exciting opportunity to move back to 15s and play at a very good Premiership side.' Williams is an England Sevens international and has scored 36 tries on the World Series circuit .
Jeff Williams will join up with Bath at the end of the current season . The Sevens star signed a full-time deal with the Aviva Premiership club . Williams scored 36 tries on the World circuit and helped win in Toyko .
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Genealogists have made an error in compiling the family tree of Hillary Clinton and she is in fact linked to a poor Welsh mining family, an expert claimed . As she kicks off her bid to enter the White House, Hillary Clinton could claim that her path to the presidency began some 160 years ago in the little-known Welsh parish of Ystradyfodwg – if she can pronounce it, that is. For while the US Democrat has previously spoken of her British ancestry, a definitive family tree has revealed her links to a poor mining community in the Welsh Valleys. Ystradyfodwg, pronounced Ust-rady-vod-ug, was the home of Mrs Clinton's great grandmother - a woman who showed a determination, similar to that of the former First Lady, to struggle through poverty and eventually emigrate to America with her family. In fact Mrs Clinton's steely resolve to get to the White House and make history as the first female president, can be seen in the actions of her female ancestors, who even defied social conventions through the years. US genealogy expert Megan Smolenyak has traced Mrs Clinton’s roots to a mining family from Ystradyfodwg, a small community in south Wales. It is named after Dyfodwg, or Tyfodwg, a sixth century Welsh saint who some believe may have been a Breton Monk. The district, known for its reliance on coal mining and poverty, has since been abolished and is now part of Rhondda. Mrs Clinton's great-grandmother Mary Griffiths was born in Merthyr Tydfil in the Welsh Valleys, and from an early age supported her widowed mother. Official records show she was working as a servant by the age of 12 but in reality she may have been working even earlier. Ms Smolenyak said: 'Born around 1850 in Merthyr Tydfil – at that time, the largest town in Wales – she [Mary Griffiths] can be found in the 1851 census living with her widowed mother and three older siblings. 'Fatherless by the age of one, Mary Griffiths had already been dealt a tough hand.' Scroll down for video . She went on to marry William Jones, a coal miner from Neath, in 1871 and the couple settled in Ystradyfodwg. In a bid for a better life the family made the lengthy journey via Ellis Island to Scranton in Pennsylvania, another mining district where they would continue their trade in the early 1880s. Shortly after they arrived Hannah Jones was born, sometime between 1882 and 1883. Mary Griffiths Jones continued as the head of the family, her husband mostly absent. Hannah Jones was one of just four children out of 14 born who survived - an indication of the poverty her traditional mining family lived in. Mrs Clinton's grandparents Hannah Jones (left) and Hugh Rodham eloped to wed in Binghampton, New York, and are pictured with their granddaughter, former First Lady Hillary Clinton . It was in America that Hannah Jones - who was to become Mrs Clinton's grandmother - met Hugh Rodham, part of the Rodham family who had travelled to America two years earlier from Northumberland. But the circumstances of their marriage reveal the poverty the Jones family endured and the wide social gulf between the Rodhams and Joneses at that time. The pair eloped to Binghampton in New York to get married - a place akin to Gretna Green where people would often go to wed because regulations were less strict. Hannah Jones' family hailed from a poor mining district which is now part of Rhondda in Wales . Mrs Clinton's family were from Ystradyfodwg, close to Neath and Merthyr Tydfil, and now part of Rhondda . From the family histories of the Jones and Rodham families, it appears the pair may have been forced to elope because the Rodhams were unlikely to have approved of their son marrying a woman from such a poor family when they had managed to become moderately wealthy after emigrating to America. Ms Smolenyak revealed that the Jones family were all miners while the Rodhams - who were to become Hannah Jones' in-laws - had left the trade after arriving in the US, and one even became a physician. Ms Smolenyak said: 'When Hugh Rodham found himself smitten with Hannah Jones, he had fallen for a girl who was regarded as being from “the wrong side of the tracks.” Mrs Clinton announced she was running for president last week and toured the Whitney Brothers factory . If Hillary Clinton is successful she could make history as the first female president of the United States . 'If he hadn’t been bold enough to wander across the state line to marry his sweetheart, Hillary’s father wouldn’t have born, erasing her from the scene. 'And if [Hillary] Rodham Clinton recalls her grandmother Hannah as a strong-willed woman who “ruled everyone within her reach,” it may have been a reflection of her determination to escape the circumstances that left her the sole survivor of her birth family of 16 by her early forties.' Hannah Jones Rodham, frequently described by Mrs Clinton as a 'strong willed woman' gave birth to Mrs Clinton's father Hugh E Rodham in 1911 and died in 1952 when Mrs Clinton was just five. 1850s - Mary Griffiths born in Merthyr Tydfil in Wales to poor family. 1851 - Miss Griffiths was living with her widowed mother and three siblings in Wales and by the age of 12 was working as a slave. 1871 - Miss Griffiths married William Jones, a coal miner from Neath near Swansea. They settled in Ystradyfodwg, near Merthyr Tydfil. 1880  - The Joneses moved to Scranton. 1882-1883 - Hannah Jones was born, one of 14 children - of which only four survived. 1902 - Hannah Jones eloped to Binghampton to marry Hugh S Rodham. He had been born in Northumberland and travelled to America with his family where he met Hannah Jones. 1911 - Hugh E Rodham born to the couple in Scranton, Pennsylvania. 1942  - Hugh E Rodham married Dorothy Howell Rodham, originally from Chicago. 1947 - Hillary Rodham, the eldest of the couple's three children was born. She later went on to marry Bill Clinton. 1952 - Hannah Jones Rodham dies, when Hillary is just five years old. The account appears to be the first definitive family tree for Mrs Clinton which traces her Welsh roots to an area of the Valleys. Previous versions appear to have been drawn incorrectly due to a mix-up over her grandmother. Ms Smolenyak claimed she discovered a key flaw in how genealogists previously compiled Mrs Clinton's family tree in misidentifying Hannah Jones. She said the mistake was made after two children of the same name were born in Scranton in Pennsylvania between 1882 and 1883, and experts previously 'latched onto' the incorrect Hannah Jones. Ms Smolenyak discovered the error while doing research for a piece about Mrs Clinton for Irish America and managed to trace the correct woman using marriage records and obituaries. She identified a woman born shortly after her family arrived in the US in the 1880s, Hannah Jones, who then went on to marry Hugh Rodham in 1902. The revelations come after Mrs Clinton herself appeared to make a mistake regarding her ancestry last week when she suggested all her ancestors were immigrants. She was later forced to correct the error after it was proven that Hannah Jones was born in the US in the 1880s.
A definitive family tree of Hillary Clinton reveals her Welsh ancestors . They lived in a poor mining district called Ystradyfodwg, now Rhondda . Family emigrated to Pennsylvania where Mrs Clinton's grandmother Hannah Jones was born - one of four children out of 14 born to survive . Hannah Jones then eloped with Hugh Rodham - Mrs Clinton's grandfather - to marry because his family probably disproved of her poor background .
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Argentina has branded British attempts to explore the seas around the Falklands Islands for oil ‘illegitimate’ and says it will mount a legal challenge – but has ruled out another conflict. Daniel Filmus, Argentina’s secretary of state for the islands, told an event in London that Britain’s decision to increase military spending in the South Atlantic was ‘gunboat diplomacy’. Mr Filmus said military conflict ‘belongs to the past’ and claimed: ‘The United Kingdom can count on Argentina as an ally.’ Argentina has branded British attempts to explore the seas around the Falklands Islands for oil ‘illegitimate’ But he added: ‘The unilateral and illegitimate appropriation of non-renewable natural resources that is being carried out by the UK in the South Atlantic has been the subject of continued protest by the Argentine Republic. ‘Argentina has been forced to resort to defensive measures,’ he said, using ‘the law and political action as its main tools in order to protect the natural resources in the area under dispute’. He said Argentinian judicial authorities would consider the case against British companies involved in the oil exploration. Addressing the question of possible future conflict, Mr Filmus said: ‘Argentina bears no grudge against the inhabitants of the islands in spite of all the manoeuvres designed to prove otherwise. 'What Argentina is not going to do is give in. We do not wish to spend another penny on arms. It is through negotiations that we will solve this. 'We do not know how many years it will take... But what justification can there be for mothers crying over the deaths of their sons? It really must be dialogue.’ Daniel Filmus's comments sparked a furious reaction from Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond (pictured) Mr Filmus’s comments sparked a furious reaction from Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond, who told Sky News: ‘It is an outrageous piece of bullying and threatening against the Falkland islanders’ perfect right to develop their own economic resources and Argentina needs to stop this kind of behaviour and start acting like a responsible member of the international community.’ Britain defeated Argentina in a 1982 war over the South Atlantic islands and administers them as an overseas territory, whose population of around 3,000 voted overwhelmingly to remain under British rule in a referendum in 2013. Argentina says it is the rightful owner of the islands, which it calls Las Malvinas, a claim dating back centuries to the Spanish colonial era. The dispute has escalated in recent years with the discovery of oil and gas deposits.
Argentina claims British exploration around Falklands for oil is ‘illegitimate’ The country says it will mount a legal challenge but has ruled out a conflict . Comment sparks furious reaction from Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond .
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The PFA Premier League Team of the Year was unveiled on Sunday night at a glitzy ceremony at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London. The side, which is voted for by players from across the 20 clubs in England’s top flight, featured six Chelsea players, with Eden Hazard, winner of the individual prize, making the side for the third straight season. But did the professionals get it right? Not according to the EA Sports’ Performance Index anyway. Sergio Aguero nets his 21st strike of the season against Aston Villa. He has scored one more than Harry Kane . Cesc Fabregas, in action against his former club Arsenal on Sunday, and Aguero are in the EA Sports Team . Eden Hazard poses with his individual gong at Sunday's night's PFA Player of the Year awards in London . The system, which measures a player's contribution to the success of his team, sees Manchester City’s Sergio Aguero, scorer of 21 goals this term, replace Diego Costa up front. Aguero is one of five changes from the PFA Team of the Year. The EA Sports’ side sees two fewer Chelsea players in the line-up with Gary Cahill and Nemanja Matic failing to make the team. Instead Everton defender Phil Jagielka, who has missed just one Premier League game, and Santi Cazorla, one of Arsenal's standout players, are given the nod. The EA Sports Team of the Year (left) and the PFA Team of the Year award, which was announced on Sunday . Cesc Fabregas, a surprise omission from the PFA Player of the Team is included in the EA Sports XI. The Spaniard, who returned to Arsenal for the first time since leaving the Emirates Stadium to join Barcelona in the summer of 2011, has provided assists for 17 goals for Chelsea following his £30million arrival from the Nou Camp - the most of any player in the division. Aaron Cresswell beats Ryan Bertrand to fill the left-back slot after impressing for West Ham. Along with David de Gea, the 25-year-old Hammers defender is the only man to have played every minute of the campaign. John Terry, named in both line-ups, has started each of Chelsea’s 33 matches, but hasn’t completed every one. The EA Sports PPI is the official player rating index of the Premier League. It measures a player's contribution to the success of his team. The intention is to remove any opinion bias and only work with proven statistical measurements which become more accurate as the season progresses. So, what are the six indices? 1. Winning performance . 2. Player's performance per match . 3. Appearances . 4. Goals scored . 5. Assists . 6. Clean sheet .
The PFA Premier League Team of the Year was unveiled on Sunday night . It included six Chelsea players including captain John Terry . Man United, Arsenal, Liverpool, Tottenham and Southampton represented . The EA Sports team sees Diego Costa and Nemanja Matic miss OUT . But Blues midfielder Cesc Fabregas is included . Sergio Aguero, Santi Cazorla, Aaron Cresswell and Phil Jagielka also in . CLICK HERE for all the latest Premier League news .
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An Italian activist and artist has asked women to express their thoughts on gender violence by writing them down - on their underwear. In What Kind Of Man Are You?, AleXsandro Palombo is hoping to send out a more serious message with his latest work, as he asks women to share their thoughts on machismo by writing them on pairs of pants and sharing via social media. In the #briefmessage campaign, women hold up their often hard-hitting statements to the camera, sometimes staring boldly into the lens, and sometimes hiding behind the knickers. Italian activist and artist aleXsandro Palombo has turned his hand to photography for his latest project, 'What Kind Of Man Are You?' The illustrator is hoping to send out a more serious message with his latest work, as he asks women to share their thoughts on gender violence by writing them on pairs of pants and sharing via social media . And Palombo says the response has been 'immediate and powerful'. He said: 'Gender violence is a serious problem that can only be overcome through cultural and social education. 'Men must rebel against machismo and fight strongly gender violence. We must do it constantly and relentlessly. 'We need stronger law to fight violence against women.' The #briefmessage campaign to fight violence against women is an opportunity for women - and men - to share their feelings about machismo and violence in 2015 . Palambo says the response has been 'immediate and powerful' The messages, written by Italian women in a combination of English and Italian, range from the rather cheeky 'My balls [sic] bigger than yours' to the very simple 'No Rape'. Some are statements of defiance, lots focus on the perpetrator being weaker than the victim. One woman holds out her pair with the phrase, 'I'm not an object I'm a subject', another reads, 'I teach my son respect'. Another participant, making a stand against domestic violence, holds the statement: 'Never let the hand you hold, hold you down.' Other stark messages include: 'Weak men beat women', 'violence is weakness disguised as strength, and 'women are warriors, lose the abuser'. He says: 'Gender violence is a serious problem that can only be overcome through cultural and social education . 'Men must rebel against machismo and fight strongly gender violence. We must do it constantly and relentlessly,' says the artist . Many men have joined the social media campaign holding up their pants with phrases such as 'I'm a feminist' and 'women are not objects' emblazoned on them. AleXsandro Palombo is a contemporary artist known for irreverent and colourful art that often draws attention to controversial issues. Previous projects have included an 'anti anorexia' campaign featuring skeletal drawings of style icons Kate Moss and Alexa Chung, and a collection of famous female cartoon characters suffering the effects of domestic violence. To see more messages, visit humorchic.blogspot.it. The messages, written by Italian women in a combination of English and Italian, range from the rather cheeky to the very simple . Some are statements of defiance and lots focus on the perpetrator being weaker than the victim .
AleXsandro Palombo has created #briefmessage social campaign . Italian artist asked women to write a message about violence on their pants . He says the response has been 'immediate and powerful'
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Harry Redknapp has claimed 'people with their own agendas' had a hand in his resignation as QPR manager, describing the situation as 'a bit of a soap opera'. The 68-year-old blamed knee problems for his decision to leave the Barclays Premier League strugglers in February. However, Redknapp told BBC Sport's Football Focus there was more to his decision than health problems. Ex-QPR boss Harry Redknapp has described the club as 'like a bit of a soap opera' after quitting in February . Striker Charlie Austin celebrates after scoring in QPR's 3-3 draw with Aston Villa on Tuesday night . He said: 'I always thought I had everyone pulling with me and suddenly I felt some were and some weren't. I didn't know who was on my side at the end and who wasn't. 'Behind the scenes, I always thought there were one or two people with their own agendas. 'There was always talk about Tim Sherwood coming in. It was like a bit of a soap opera. 'QPR was in the paper every day. I've been at lots of other clubs, big clubs as well, where you didn't get that. That got on my nerves. That was the big problem for me. 'As soon as we lost a few games, it would begin. I always thought there was someone mischievous causing it. I'd never had that before at any club I'd been at. Redknapp was aware of constant talk of Tim Sherwood replacing him at Loftus Road earlier in the season . Former West Ham boss Redknapp believes he would have helped QPR avoid relegation . 'I didn't see the teams below us getting the same sort of headlines every other week. It wore me down a little bit.' Redknapp left the team second from bottom of the table and they are now two points from safety under the leadership of Chris Ramsey. However, Redknapp, who also claimed he did not fall out with chairman Tony Fernandes because of the club's lack of business in the January transfer window, added: 'I felt I'd have kept them up.'
Harry Redknapp resigned from his role as QPR manager in early February . The 68-year-old blamed his decision on serious knee problems . But he now admits that other issues forced his to quit at Loftus Road . Redknapp was frustrated with stories linking Tim Sherwood with his job .
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The study's lead researcher said the results are a 'surprise', but it's no excuse to pile on the pounds . For years we have been told that the first step to staying healthy is to keep to a healthy weight - that means making sure your Body Mass Index (BMI) is within the normal range of 18 to 24. Few people are advised to gain weight, unless their BMI is below 18, but could that change? A study published last week suggests that overweight people are less likely to develop dementia. The researchers, drawn mostly from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, analysed the medical records of nearly two million people for up to ten years and found that those who were overweight (with a BMI of 25 to 29) had an 18 per cent lower risk of dementia compared to those with a healthy BMI. Remarkably the obese (with a BMI of 30 plus) did even better; they were 24 per cent less likely to develop dementia. Being underweight increased the dementia risk by 39 per cent. Dr Nawab Qizilbash, a clinical epidemiologist and the lead researcher, called the results a 'surprise', but said it was no excuse to pile on the pounds: 'This is a robust and reliable study that opens up an avenue in the search for factors that protect against Alzheimer's.' But these results are not that extraordinary. Three years ago, an even larger study, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, reported that overweight people tended to live longer than those of normal weight. The study analysed 100 trials involving three million people. It found that being overweight (a BMI between 25 and 29) reduced the risk of premature death by six per cent compared with someone of a normal BMI. More surprising was that even if someone was at the lower end of obese (BMI of 30 to 34.5) their risk of premature death didn't go up. Being obese started to reduce lifespan only when your BMI went above 35 - here the risk of dying earlier climbed to 29 per cent greater than those with a normal BMI, according to the study, headed by Dr Katherine Flegal, of the U.S. government Centres for Disease Control. So could being cuddly fat, rather than hugely overweight, protect you against dying early? Being overweight (a BMI between 25 and 29) reduced the risk of premature death by six per cent . Professor David Haslam, a GP and chairman of the National Obesity Forum, says something called the obesity paradox is at work: 'Obesity increases your chances of developing disorders such as heart disease and type 2 diabetes but once you've fallen ill, being a bit overweight seems to have a protective effect. 'The obesity paradox had been called 'surreal and unsettling', but it does seem to be real. We need to understand it.' Malcolm Kendrick, a GP and author with an interest in obesity, claimed in his recent book Doctoring Data that being overweight was beneficial. He is suspicious of the word 'paradox' when used with a medical hypothesis: 'It is usually a way of describing something that contradicts your theory. For instance, people who believe high cholesterol causes heart disease use the phrase 'cholesterol paradox' to explain why countries with high levels of cholesterol have low levels of heart disease. They should admit their theory is wrong.' He says that what counts as a normal or 'healthy' BMI has been miscalculated: 'It would make sense if normal was what is now called overweight.' Millions would then not be pushed into losing weight when they did not need to or when it might be harmful. The number of Britons who go on a diet in any given year . These 'paradoxical' results suggest that BMI is too crude a tool on its own to make decisions about what a healthy weight is. It can misclassify athletes packed with muscle as overweight or even obese. Equally, current BMI categories give the wrong picture for what might be called the 'fit fat'; people who may have a lot of fat but also eat well and exercise regularly. Their BMI may classify them as obese, but other markers (blood sugar, fat levels in their blood and blood pressure) can all be in the super healthy range. Apparently healthy-weight people with little muscle mass because they rarely exercise also make BMI an unreliable indicator of health because rather than storing their fat under the skin, they may carry it in their abdomen, wrapped around their organs and pumping out chemical messengers and hormones linked to diabetes, heart disease and cancer. A tape measure is said to be one way to spot if you have this dangerous fat, but leading obesity expert Professor Arya Sharma, chair in obesity research and management at the University of Alberta, disagrees: 'A tape measure still won't tell you whether your stomach fat is unhealthy. Symptoms such as hypertension, diabetes or sleep apnoea are far more informative.' Current BMI categories give the wrong picture for what might be called the 'fit fat' All this suggests it is not a good idea to advise someone to lose weight just on their BMI. Professor Haslam says: 'I'd never do that; I'd need to know about their diet, how much they exercise, what their blood pressure and blood glucose levels were.' He welcomes the latest Alzheimer's and obesity research because it should make people more aware of the complexities of the fat debate: 'We've got too stuck in the idea that when it comes to weight, one size fits all.' Why fatter people should be better protected from Alzheimer's is guesswork, but evidence suggests having more fat reserves when you fall ill is associated with better recovery. 'Heavier people have better survival rates,' says Dr Flegal. 'If you get pneumonia and lose 15 lb, it helps to have 15 lb spare'. Fat is a vital source of the energy needed for recovery and also helps the immune system. Professor Haslam says: 'Those who are elderly or suffering from long-term conditions should be advised to become fitter, but not to lose weight.' One of Dr Flegal's fiercest critics is Professor Walter Willett, chair of nutrition at Harvard School of Public Health. He, too, is concerned that BMI does not provide the whole picture of someone's health but has described Dr Flegal's research as 'rubbish'. He is particularly worried her claims could 'undermine public policies to curb rising obesity rates'. He says they could be 'hijacked by special interest groups such as soft drink manufacturers and food lobbies'. There is no doubt that being obese, and to a lesser extent overweight, is linked to a raised risk of cancers, diabetes, and other chronic disorders. While you might not die prematurely, at the very least you are likely to have a poor quality of life; diabetes complications can include blindness, ulcers and amputations. Nonetheless Professor Haslam believes the new findings cannot be ignored: 'We need to use them to improve the advice and support we give to patients. It's not right to try to discredit them for political reasons.'
A study suggests overweight people are less likely to develop dementia . Those who had a BMI of 25 to 29 had an 18 per cent lower risk . Having more fat when you fall ill is associated with better recovery . Remarkably the obese (with a BMI of 30 plus) did even better .
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Juventus and Inter Milan are among clubs showing interest in Robin van Persie's situation at Old Trafford. The Manchester United striker has been out of the picture during the club's rise up the table with an ankle ligament injury ruling him out for the past six weeks. He has still managed 10 goals this season but his performances have been under par. United want to liven up their strikeforce in the summer and are looking to bring in two new forwards with Radamel Falcao expected to return to Monaco and Van Persie in danger of becoming a more peripheral figure. Manchester United striker Robin van Persie is a target for Serie A sides Juventus and Inter Milan this summer . Van Persie has been out injured for six weeks after damaging ankle ligaments against Swansea in February . The Dutchman scores United's opening goal in their win against Leicester City at Old Trafford in January . The Holland international turns 32 in August and will have one year left on his contract at the end of this season. United will talk to him in the summer but would listen to what other clubs have to offer. Juventus and Inter are admirers and know he could give them a short-term quality option. Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona are also in the market for back-up strikers of his level, although Barca remain under a transfer embargo until January. Van Persie, pictured celebrating a goal against Liverpool, has struck 10 times for United this season . Radamel Falcao is expected to leave United at the end of his loan spell after failing to make an impact . United have an interest in PSG striker Edinson Cavani, a player David Moyes tried to sign a year ago, and he was unhappy after being substituted at the weekend. PSG, though, also have doubts about the future of Zlatan Ibrahimovic and should he leave they would prefer to keep Cavani. The Uruguayan joined the French champions in a £50million deal from Napoli in the summer of 2013. United could make a move for PSG striker Edinson Cavani (right) when the transfer window reopens . Cavani, pictured celebrating a goal against Chelsea, was also a target for ex-United boss David Moyes .
Manchester United hope to sign two new strikers this summer . Robin van Persie has been disappointing for much of this season . Serie A giants Juventus and Inter Milan are both keen on the Dutchman . United are interested in Paris Saint-Germain striker Edinson Cavani . Adrian Durham: Rooney and Carrick are the only Man Utd players with the 'football intelligence' demanded by Louis van Gaal . CLICK HERE for all the latest Manchester United news .
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A dramatic confrontation between an alleged Army impostor and a bystander in Florida has been caught on video. Eric Coins, who was drinking in the city of Sunrise posted the video to YouTube accusing the man of wearing the uniform to get free drinks and meet women. The stand-off between the two men almost comes to blows as Coins tells the man: 'There are people who f****** die in that uniform.' In the footage, a young man is seen on camera asking the alleged fake service member, a series of questions including where he did his basic and boot camp training. The man apparently says he did his basic training in North Carolina. The young man is then heard saying basic training is conducted in Fort Benning, Georgia and not Miami. Scroll down for video . A man (above) believed to be impersonating as an Army Infantry is captured in an emotionally-charged video with two men angry that he appears to be a phony in uniform without a name tape . The man wearing the uniform makes a comment that the guy confronting him is asking a lot of questions and then asks if he is in the army - to which the young man responds 'no.' As the confrontation continues, the young man asks the 'fake army infantryman' where his name badge is as he replies he 'took it out' because he 'does not want nobody knowing his name', before asking the young man if he is a cop. The young man is then seen on camera saying, 'you know it's a federal offense what you're doing right now. Do you know where infantry camp is? It's in Fort Benning, Georgia.' Following a commotion, the encounter gets increasingly tense as they begin raising their voices and shouting expletives at each other. The encounter begins with the young man approaches the 'fake service member' asking him a series of questions including where he did his basic and boot camp training . As the confrontation became tense, bar staff came over to tend to the shouting men (above one member of staff tries to stop the 'fake service member') after the young man asked for his Geneva Conventions Identification Card . The young man says: 'Do you realize what you are doing is a federal offense...where is your Geneva Conventions Identification Card?' The man responds 'Don't f****** try me n*****. What's wrong with this mother f*****? as he starts to instigate a fight. The young man then says angrily 'do you realize what you're doing is a federal offense' as the man walks over to him unbuttoning his shirt. The young man adds: 'There are people who f****** die in that uniform.' The man shouts back 'I'm in the f***** army mother f******.' In a second video posted by Coins, the bar's staff is seen holding back the man claiming to be an infantryman as his shirt is open. The young man is then heard shouting: 'Infantry boot camp is in f****** Fort Benning not Miami dumb a**.' The man shouts back 'f*** you mother f******' as staff try to stop a physical confrontation from occurring between the pair. The young man (pictured far right) shouted at the man: 'There are people who f****** die in that uniform' The incident captured in Sunrise, Florida comes after a panhandler in Tampa was called out for faking military connection by wearing a camouflage uniform . On YouTube Coins describes the incident writing: 'This guy was trying to pick up girls and get sympathy drinks in a battle ready uniform which wasn't even on properly let alone, wearing it at a bar. 'So we asked a few basic questions which threw him off and couldn't answer even where he got his infantry training or even boot camp for that matter... he's a scum to America and we couldn't let that fly.' The incident comes after an angry Army veteran called out a panhandler in Tampa, Florida last month for faking a military connection by wearing a camouflage uniform. Garrett Goodwin, who spent nearly 10 years in the Army as a combat medic, spotted the allegedly phony veteran while driving down the main road to MacDill Air Force Base on Sunday. When he first spoke with the beggar, Goodwin started to get suspicious since he claimed to be special forces but was wearing a Junior ROTC patch on his uniform. He then had a friend record him as he went back up to the panhandler and demanded to see his veterans ID card, which the unidentified panhandler said he didn't have. The clip then shows Goodwin pursuing the beggar across a busy intersection as he berates the man for wearing a uniform that 'my brothers died in'. The panhandler eventually discards of the uniform and Goodwin tells him to not put it back on. While he can't be 100 per cent certain that the man he confronted isn't a veteran, he says he's positive based on the panhandler's shamed reaction, riding off on his bike after the incident.
Unidentified man is captured in video claiming to be Army infantryman . He's confronted by a young man who asks a series of questions including where he did basic training and why he's not wearing a name badge . The man says he did basic training in North Carolina but the young man says infantry training is conducted in Fort Benning, Georgia not Miami . Eric Coins, who posted the video, says the guy wore the uniform 'to pick up girls and get sympathy drinks'
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Louis van Gaal's bold recruitment drive appears to be gathering momentum after it emerged that Ilkay Gundogan expects to complete a £15million move to Old Trafford at the end of the season. Despite already re-shaping Manchester United's fortunes and guiding them to third in the Barclays Premier League, ahead of the derby with City, Van Gaal is pressing ahead with plans for more big name signings this summer. Sportsmail revealed last week that Germany centre Mats Hummels has indicated he's finally ready to become a United player, and it now seems it will be as part of a £50m-plus Borussia Dortmund double after Gundogan also gave Van Gaal the go-ahead to bid for his services. Ilkay Gundogan (right) anchors Dortmund's midfield and could be brought in to protect United's defence . Mats Hummels (left) looks likely to join Manchester United this summer to strengthen their porous rearguard . Hummels and Gundogan are likely to be lining up in red for United next year if Van Gaal gets his way . United are believed to have responded to the signal from the Germany midfielder and are confident of agreeing a fee with Dortmund. Both players have been on United's radar for some time, and both have privately let it be known they feel the time has arrived for a fresh start. Dortmund bosses are resigned to Gundogan following Hummels out of the door after the midfield anchorman flatly refused to renew a £100,000-a-week contract that runs out next year and evidently made little secret of his wish to join United. At the age of 26, Hummels (right) has made 39 appearances for Germany and won the World Cup last year . Van Gaal is set to be handed a £150m transfer kitty to further strengthen United in his second year at the club . A powerful figure at the base of Dortmund's midfield, Gundogan might normally have cost a sizeable chunk of Van Gaal's £150m summer budget but could be prised away for as little as £15m, given the time left on his contract. Dortmund will ask for around £36m for Hummels.
Gundogan expects to complete a £15m move to Old Trafford in summer . Hummels has indicated he's finally ready to become a United player . The move will be as part of a £50m-plus Borussia Dortmund double raid . Both have privately let it be known they feel the time is right for a new start . Louis van Gaal will be handed a £150m summer transfer kitty .
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Atletico Madrid striker Mario Mandzukic is still bruised from a physical Champions League quarter-final first leg against Real Madrid but is expected to be fit for the return at the Bernabeu on Wednesday, said coach Diego Simeone. The Croatian suffered a cut to the top of the nose from an elbow by Sergio Ramos and fellow Real defender Dani Carvajal punched him in the stomach, an incident unseen by the referee, during the clash at the Calderon that ended 0-0. Mandzukic also suffered an ankle injury that forced him to miss Saturday's 2-1 win at Deportivo La Coruna in La Liga but he is now back in training although showing the marks of his encounter with Ramos. Mario Mandzukic was battered and bruised during Atletico Madrid's Champions League quarter-final tie . Atletico and rivals Real Madrid drew 0-0 in the first leg which was dominated by second half scraps . 'We had a training session yesterday with two groups where we were making changes and he was fine,' Simeone told a news conference on Tuesday. 'We now have another training session where we expect him to be okay and I will base my plan, which I have fairly clearly in mind, around that.' Mandzukic is favourite, ahead of Fernando Torres, to play in attack alongside Antoine Griezmann who took his time to settle in at Atletico but is now in a rich vein of form. 'He has developed a lot since he arrived and the goals that he has scored in La Liga show that,' said Simeone. France international Griezmann hit both goals against Deportivo and has 20 in La Liga. 'He has adapted to a new position very well and is starting to show his potential. He is still young and he can improve but he is on the right lines to do that,' added Simeone. Blood pours from Mandzukic's face during the Champions League quarter-final first leg in Madrid . But Atletico manager Diego Simeone says Mandzukic should be fit for the second leg clash on Wednesday .
Atletico Madrid drew 0-0 with Real Madrid in first leg at Vicente Calderon . Mandzukic was battered and bruised during the quarter-final match . The Atletico striker came to blows with Sergio Ramos and Dani Carvajal . Diego Simeone says Mandzukic should be fit for Wednesday's second leg .
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Clare Balding has admitted she was on TV too much following her success presenting the London Olympics . Clare Balding has admitted she was on TV too much following her success presenting the London Olympics. The broadcaster, who recently hosted coverage of the Boat Race, has vowed to do less after presenting everything from the BBC's rugby league coverage to Crufts. She told Radio Times magazine: 'I used to say yes to everything I was offered because I thought it would all stop tomorrow. Now I think it might stop tomorrow precisely because I say yes to everything. 'In 2014 I didn't do a single panel show because they get repeated so much. From December 10 last year when I hosted Sports Personality until I did Crufts on March 10, I was not on television presenting anything. Yet people still say, 'You're on everything'.' The 44-year-old, who married Alice Arnold in a private ceremony earlier this year, said that it was 'exhausting' to be constantly asked about being gay. 'I tell you what ... I'm not going to talk in this interview about being gay. I suspect Gabby Logan isn't asked about being married or being a mother,' she said. 'I get criticised for two things - doing too much and talking about being gay. But the facts don't necessarily support that I do too much, and I get asked about being gay all the time. Every single interview I do, that ends up being the lead. 'I'm very aware that it's important for people to see a couple in the mainstream. But it can get a bit exhausting. I don't walk down the street saying, 'Hi! I'm gay!' 'At the same time, I want to be one of the people who helps. What am I meant to do? I don't know what the bloody answer is.' The 44-year-old, who married Alice Arnold in a private ceremony earlier this year, said that it was 'exhausting' to be constantly asked about being gay . Balding added: 'I have never wanted children. It's my choice, but of course it's not something that's going to happen by accident. Yes, it could happen if I wished it to. 'I have two nephews, a niece and eight godchildren, and I love that. But I don't want kids. I just never had that urge. One of the many benefits of being gay is that people don't assume you want children, so they don't ask you. 'My brother Andrew's relationship with his wife Anna Lisa is almost as long-standing as mine with Alice, and all they were ever asked is 'When are you getting married?' and 'When are you having children?'. We never got that from anybody.'
Broadcaster vows to do less after hosting everything from rugby to Crufts . Speaking to Radio Times, said questions about sexuality were 'exhausting' Said: 'I suspect Gabby Logan isn't asked about being married or a mother'
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The surviving daughters of a mother who has been imprisoned for strangling six of her children to death moments after they were born are standing by their murderous mom. Megan Huntsman, 40, is facing life in prison after pleading guilty to killing the six newborns, then stashing their bodies in the garage of her home in Pleasant Grove, Utah. A judge today handed Huntsman six sentences of five years to life - but family members rallied round her even as her 'cold and calculated' crimes were recounted to the court. Scroll down for video . Prison: Megan Huntsman, 40, was today given six terms of five years to life in prison after admitting the murders. Three will run consecutively, which means she will spend at least 15 years in prison - and likely much longer. She is pictured today in court . Grisly: Investigators are shown above searching Huntsman's garage, where a total of seven baby corpses were found in cardboard boxes. One of the children was stillborn - Huntsman strangled the rest . Huntsman, a meth addict, told police that she started killing off her children when she got pregnant because her drug problem meant she couldn't care for them. Local reports from the courtroom told how Hunstman's attorney took to the stand and read out letters from two of her daughters, who were born before her addiction began. The letters drew a stark contrast between the loving mother they say they knew, and the type of woman who would kill her own flesh and blood on six different occasions. Her mother, Joyce Huntsman, was reportedly in court - and took the stand to tearfully defend her daughter despite the heinous crimes. Discovery: Hunstman, left, was arrested after her estranged husband Darren West, right, found the bodies in her garage. West, who previously served time in prison, is not considered a suspect in their deaths . Scene: Her estranged husband found one of the babies' bodies while cleaning out the garage at her Pleasent Grove, Utah home, pictured, in April last year . She told the court that the woman who committed the crimes was 'not my Megan'. According to the KSL local news station, a detective recounted Huntsman's cold and deliberate method of execution. Unwitting: West, pictured after the sentencing, is thought not have known nothing about the murders . The officer said Huntsman told she would take the babies in her hands when they were just minutes old. Then, he said, she would press on their necks with her thumbs until they choked to death. She would then put their tiny bodies in . Ultimately the corpses of seven babies were found - one of which was determined to have been stillborn. The crimes were uncovered by Huntsman's husband Darren West - now estranged - who called police when he found the first body. The births and murders are said to have taken place from 1996 to 2006. According to stunned neighbors when she was arrested, Huntsman was 'perpetually slim' and they would never have suspected she was pregnant. The sentences handed down to Huntsman today were the maximum possible for her crimes. Three of them will be served consecutively - meaning she will spend a minimum of 15 years inside, and likely much longer. The sentence brings closure to a case that sent shockwaves through the quiet, mostly Mormon community where Huntsman stored the tiny bodies for more than a decade. The small city of Pleasant Grove is south of Salt Lake City.
Megan Huntsman, 40, pleaded guilty to the six murders in February . Police said children, born between 1996 and 2006, were alive just minutes . She would strangle newborns with her thumbs and hide them in garage . Two of her old daughters spoke up for their mom in letters read in court . Huntsman, from Pleasant Grove, Utah, was sentenced for her crimes today . Given six sentences of five years to life, three of which are consecutive . Means she will spend at least 15 years behind bars, and likely much longer .
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1. Lewis Hamilton (Britain) Mercedes 93 . 2. Nico Rosberg (Germany) Mercedes 66 . 3. Sebastian Vettel (Germany) Ferrari 65 . 4. Kimi Raikkonen (Finland) Ferrari 42 . Fireworks lit up the desert night and sparks glowed from under the cars, but nothing shone brighter in the Bahrain Grand Prix than the luminous talent of Lewis Hamilton. Such is his form at the start of the season that we could easily mistake the extraordinary for the routine. The hard facts are that Hamilton’s third win in four races extends his lead in the championship to 27 points over his Mercedes team-mate Nico Rosberg. But the British driver’s performances are almost certainly the most complete of his startling career. Lewis Hamilton celebrates winning the Bahrain Grand Prix ahead of Sebastian Vettel and Mercedes team-mate Nico Rosberg (right) Kimi Raikkonen, who finished second, applauds Hamilton after the Briton claimed his third victory in four races so far this season . Hamilton extended his lead the Formula One world championship with yet another flawless victory in Bahrain . 1. Lewis Hamilton (Britain) Mercedes 1:35:05.809 . 2. Kimi Raikkonen (Finland) Ferrari +00:03.380 . 3. Nico Rosberg (Germany) Mercedes 00:06.033 . 4. Valtteri Bottas (Finland) Williams-Mercedes 00:42.957 . 5. Sebastian Vettel (Germany) Ferrari 00:43.989 . 6. Daniel Ricciardo (Australia) Red Bull - Renault 01:01.751 . 7. Romain Grosjean (France) Lotus - Mercedes 01:24.763 . 8. Sergio Perez (Mexico) Force India - Mercedes 1 lap . 9. Daniil Kvyat (Russia) RedBull - Renault 1 lap . 10. Felipe Massa (Brazil) Williams-Mercedes 1 lap . 11. Fernando Alonso (Spain) McLaren 1 lap . 12. Felipe Nasr (Brazil) Sauber - Ferrari 1 lap . 13. Nico Hulkenberg (Germany) Force India - Mercedes 1 lap . 14. Marcus Ericsson (Sweden) Sauber - Ferrari 1 lap . 15. Pastor Maldonado (Venezuela) Lotus - Mercedes 1 lap . 16. Will Stevens (Britain) Marussia - Ferrari 2 laps . 17. Roberto Merhi (Spain) Marussia - Ferrari 3 laps . r. Max Verstappen (Netherlands) Toro Rosso - Renault 22 laps . r. Carlos Sainz Jr (Spain) Toro Rosso - Renault 27 laps . r. Jenson Button (Britain) McLaren 57 laps . (rank: r = retired, nc = not classified) Fastest Lap: Kimi Raikkonen,1:36.311, lap 42. His goal is to match Sir Jackie Stewart’s record of three titles, as we were all reminded when the Scot, who competed in a different and more dangerous age, conducted the podium interviews. Stewart has occasionally been a critic of Hamilton, and not without his reasons, but he was happy to acknowledge on Sunday night that the reigning double world champion is ‘the best out there at the moment’. Hamilton’s faultless behaviour extended to the celebratory spraying of rose water — the substitute drink in these religiously more abstemious countries. There was no repeat of his turning the fizz on a somewhat trapped stewardess as he did in China seven days earlier. In place of that unchivalrous act, he acted with total restraint, looking at the grey-suited women at the side of the presentation party but studiously keeping his distance. Hamilton’s joy must have been immense though. He had beaten Rosberg, a specialist in Bahrain, in qualifying and in the race. Whether the German can recover from this kind of mauling is open to question. However well he drives, he may never be a match for Hamilton at his greatest . The championship dynamic developed in another important way: the Ferraris of Sebastian Vettel and Kimi Raikkonen look set to stay in the hunt. The internal rivalry at Ferrari may be as important to the outcome of the title as the one, albeit potentially fading, at Mercedes. Raikkonen was second with a strong drive from fourth on the grid, a place ahead of Rosberg, who drove with real gusto but struggled with brake problems. It was always going to be hard to match the front-to-back excitement of last year’s race here. This edition did not reach those towering standards, but there was still a smattering of thrills during the 57 laps of a race whose efficient organisation, friendly paddock, and perfectly choreographed lights are a model of excellence for all grand prix hosts to emulate. The race started with a close dance between the leading cars. Rosberg, in desperate need of a spark to light his championship challenge, dived down the right of the straight, was blocked by Vettel, and then overtaken by Raikkonen as the second corner swept round to the left. But Rosberg harried Raikkonen’s red machine until he made his brave — arguably reckless — move going into the first corner at the start of the fourth lap. It worked, just. Hamilton turned in a strong display at the Sakhir International Circuit to win in Bahrain for the second consecutive year . Hamilton leads the early phase of the grand prix from the Ferrari pair of Sebastian Vettel, who finished fifth, and Kimi Raikkonen . Ferrari team principal Maurizio Arrivabene was unimpressed, the Italian mouthing a few words of pure Anglo-Saxon. Hamilton, meanwhile, was running serenely at the front. Rosberg was on a charge. He got close to Vettel when the German ran wide. Then Rosberg attacked. It was a fine move, with the titanium underbellies of both cars sparkling in the dark. Rosberg held Vettel off and powered through. He was now running second behind Hamilton, who was in clear command. Next came the opening round of pit stops. Vettel was first in of the front-runners. Rosberg was in next but emerged from the pits behind the man he had just sweated blood passing. Hamilton was soon in but a slow wheel change delayed him — a mistake for which the team apologised over the radio — as Vettel and Rosberg were now flying around. Suddenly, Hamilton’s gap had narrowed to under a second from more than five seconds . Hamilton leads the pack on the run down to Turn 1 ahead of Vettel and Rosberg as sparks fly in Bahrain . Hamilton leads the field round on the pardare lap in Bahrain, the fourth round of the championship . Hamilton is now 27 points clear of Mercedes team-mate Rosberg as he bids to win his third championship . Rosberg immediately passed Vettel again with another close-your-eyes, hold-on-to-your-hats move. Could Rosberg conjure something special and catch Hamilton? No. If the opportunity was ever there, it did not last long. Hamilton was away, Rosberg’s hopes of victory evaporating in an instant. The next round of stops came along. Vettel was again first in; Rosberg was next, only to come out behind Vettel again; Rosberg then passed Vettel once more when the Ferrari ran wide. But up front now, having stopped only once, was Raikkonen on a different tyre strategy. He would stay out longer before putting in a final burst on the faster soft tyres. Raikkonen was left with about 20 seconds to make up in 17 laps. His deficit was 16.2sec with 15 laps remaining. He was now three seconds quicker than the Mercedes and on course. He continued to eat into those in front of him — Hamilton and Rosberg (who finally got his place from a sometimes erratic Vettel when the Ferrari car needed a new nose). Raikkonen could not catch Hamilton, but Rosberg, suffering brake problems, ran wide and the Ferrari went through for second. Watching from the McLaren hospitality area was Jenson Button. His car, which broke down in qualifying, did not recover from its electrical gremlins to allow him to race. It was only the third race of the last 272 staged the Briton has missed. He tweeted his thoughts from his chair in the paddock, as his countryman shone brighter than all the stars. Hamilton crosses the start-finish line to win his third race of the season under the lights in Bahrain . The Briton, who now has 36 career wins, celebrates his victory with an air golf swing after leaping out of his Mercedes . Pastor Maldonado and Max Verstappen battle for position with sparks flying off their cars .
Lewis Hamilton extended his lead in the Formula One championship with yet another flawless victory this season . The British driver secured first place ahead of Kimi Raikkonen and Nico Rosberg who finished second and third . Hamilton has now set a personal best record of finishing in the points for 11 consecutive grands prix . He has 36 career wins, with 21 of those from pole position to open up a 27-point gap over team-mate Rosberg .
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Ben Stokes starred with the ball on the first day of England's warm-up match in St Kitts, but it was the runs of Alastair Cook and Jonathan Trott that pleased him most. England dominated against a modest St Kitts & Nevis XI, dismissing them for a paltry 59 inside 27 overs and then compiling 181 for one in reply. The quality of the home batsmen made the first innings seem like little more than a glorified net session, though Stokes still impressed with a lively spell that yielded three wickets for 10. Alastair Cook plays behind square on his way to an unbeaten 95 in the tour match against a St Kitts' XI . Cook and teammate Jonathan Trott talk in between overs during the St Kitts and Nevis Invitational XI game . More important for England's Test prospects, though, was the stand of 158 between Cook (95 not out) and Trott (72). Both men needed the comfort of big runs, Cook having been axed from the one-day side on the eve of the World Cup and Trott on his first England appearance since November 2013 - a period that has seen him battle a case of situational anxiety. He now has the chance to nail down the role of Cook's opening partner and made a solid start in admittedly favourable circumstances. 'Trotty and Cooky gave them nothing and it will stand us in good stead for the Test matches,' said Stokes. Ben Stokes spoke strongly about his team-mates after the two batsmen looked assured at the crease . Stokes had earlier taken three for 10 in an impressive spell with the ball, as England dominated the day . 'The biggest thing for a batsman is time out in the middle. You can do all the training in the nets you want but nothing quite compares to a game and they both did that well today. Trotty has been great, it is almost like he hasn't left. To see him go out and score some runs, the way he has been known to for England over the last five years, was really good to see.' Stokes arguably went over the top in his assessment of Cook's knock, but with the captain having come under pressure for his lack of major scores, it could yet prove an important effort. Stokes described his captain Cook as one of the best players in the world after his return to form . 'It was fantastic for Cooky too,' said Stokes. 'He's been out of the game for a while so to come in and look like the one of the best batsmen in the world, like he once was, was great. The tempo he played at was fantastic and any bad ball he managed to put it away, which was good to see.' For his part, Stokes looks a certainty to return to the Test side in the Caribbean. Having announced himself as an all-rounder of unusual promise in the 2013-14 Ashes, he saw his glittering rise checked by struggles for form and fitness for long periods last year. He did not even make the cut for the World Cup but now has a chance to prove his credentials once again in the longer form. Trott plays to the offside to reach his fifty during the St Kitts and Nevis Invitational XI England tour match . 'It was nice to make an impact back in the first game, even if it was just a warm-up game in an England shirt,' he said. 'I still had the nerves there and it was pretty pleasing to do well. 'I'm still working very hard on getting back into the team, which is what I want to do. Hopefully that is just the start. 'I need performances to back that up. To keep my place I know I need to keep performing, which is something I haven't been consistent with since Australia so hopefully I get a chance in the Test matches here and I can build on that.'
Ben Stokes took three wickets for 10 runs as England bowled St Kitts & Nevis XI out for just 59 in tour match . Alastair Cook (95*) and Jonathan Trott (72) made big opening stand . Stokes praised batsmen, particularly 'one of the best in the world' Cook .
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He might be the biggest name plying his trade in Major League Soccer, but Kaka isn't resting laurels as Orlando City adjust to life in the Eastern Conference. In a bid to help his side arrest their run of three games without a win, the Brazilian hit the gym to prepare for Sunday's trip to Portland Timbers. Alongside a picture of himself working on his strength and balance, Kaka wrote on Instagram: 'The greater your effort, the greater your earnings'. Orlando City midfielder Kaka shows off his gym routine in a picture posted to his official Instagram account . Kaka gets away from DC United's Perry Kitchen during Orlando's 1-0 home defeat last Friday . The former AC Milan midfielder complains to the referee after a challenge with Davy Arnaud . The ex-Real Madrid man couldn't stop his side from slumping to a 1-0 home defeat to DC United last week as Luis Silva struck the only goal of the game at the Orlando Citrus Bowl. Orlando - who are managed by former Everton player Adrian Heath - find themselves sixth in the table after five games, having drawn with Montreal Impact and lost to Vancouver Whitecaps prior to Friday's home defeat. Kaka won't be the only familiar name in action for Orlando at Providence Park this weekend, with ex-Stoke winger Brek Shea, former Preston defender Sean St Ledger and one-time Burnley forward Martin Paterson all in the squad. DC United's Luis Silva (left) smashes home his side's winning goal against Orlando City last Friday . Kaka has not found the back of the net since scoring in the first game of the season against New York City FC .
Orlando City have not won any of their last three MLS fixtures . Kaka took to Instagram to give fans a glimpse of his fitness regime . The Brazilian has become an instant hero in the US after leaving AC Milan . Orlando City take on the Portland Timbers on Sunday .
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An Uber customer was hit with a huge $16,000 bill for her 7-mile nightmare journey across New York. Jaime Hessel said her driver had been on his phone, cut across lanes, and even driven down a bus lane during the 35 minute 'trip from hell' from her East Williamsburg apartment to Midtown East. So she was stunned to receive a message from the cab-hailing app telling her she owed them thousands of dollars for the trip across boroughs, reported the Gothamist. The infuriating story was first posted on Reddit. Scroll down for video . Horrified: Jaimie Hessel says Uber billed her $16,000 for a 35-minute 'car ride from hell' - and says she's never going to trust the cab-hailing service again . The journey began on March 28 when Ms Hessel decided to call an UberX car to get to a fundraising pub crawl for cancer due to start at 1pm. But alarms bells were triggered as soon as she got in the car to find the driver appeared distracted. After sitting in the vehicle for around five minutes before setting off, he soon began to ignore the GPS, taking a longer and more complicated route, according to Ms Hessel. To the passenger's terror, instead of paying his full attention to the road, the driver was also taking phone calls and checking his voicemail during the trip. Ms Hessel claims that the car dangerously cut across lanes of traffic on several occasions and was even driven down a bus lane until she demanded to be let out early. 'I had him drop me off a block away from the bar because I didn't want to be in the car anymore. I felt very unsafe,' she told the Gothamist. Shock: Ms Hessel was horrified when Uber billed her for $16,000 - with a $4,000 refund. Her total statement was $12,251.49 . Uber says the eye-popping figure was a clerical error and that the customer was never actually charged the outrageous sum . But the nightmare trip was far from over. After receiving her initial bill of $56.40, the passenger immediate e-mailed Uber Support to complain she had been overcharged and that the driver had unnecessarily extended the ride. Within a few days, the Uber resp had written back to inform Ms Hessel the company agreed the journey was 'inefficient' and she would get a refund of $15. But the following morning, she received a bizarre email which stated she owed Uber more than $16,000 - with a refund of $4,000. Her total, in the end, came to $12,251.49. 'It freaked me out,' she told DNA Info. 'I have bad eye sight and I thought maybe I wasn't reading it correctly.' The panicked Ms Hessel quickly got in touch with the company again to inform them of their error and said she felt lucky that her credit card had expired between the journey and the bill so the transport app would have been unable to charge her. Uber has since wiped the bill and offered to pay her the original $15 refund but Ms Hessel said she now feels she can't trust them with her new card details. They say it was a clerical error and that she was never actually charged the $16,000. She added it was unlikely she would ever use the app again. 'I don't know if I'll use it again,' she told DNAInfo. 'Maybe I'll do it if it'll be somebody else's credit card.' The company has since pledged to refund the entire cost of her ride. A spokesman said: 'We apologize to this rider for any inconvenience and we have provided them with a full refund.'
Jaime Hessel claimed her driver cut across lanes and drove in a bus lane . The terrified passenger ended up getting out early as she felt 'unsafe' Then found she'd been charged thousands for the 35-minute 7-mile trip . Uber says the bill was a clerical error and claims Hessel was never actually charged the eye-popping sum .
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Prague’s international airport has been forced to hire porters to carry passengers’ luggage up 32 stairs because a multi-million pound construction project didn’t budget for an escalator. A new metro line extension opened this week in the Czech capital – transporting travellers closer to the airport than ever before – but the point where passengers transfer from trains to buses doesn’t have a moving staircase. That means porters are left to carry travellers’ heavy bags up and down the steep stairs at Nadrazi Veleslavin station, in north-west Prague, from 5am to 10pm every day, free of charge. Scroll down for video . Porters are carrying passengers' luggage up and down the stairs at Nadrazi Veleslavin station every day . The construction project didn't budget for an escalator between the metro station and bus terminal . One of the porters, Radek Mojzis, a 23-year-old student at Prague's School of Economics, told the Associated Press that he applied for the job because he wants ‘to stay fit and help the elderly.’ Without a direct train connection, the No 119 bus takes passengers on the final five miles between Vaclav Havel Airport and the nearest metro station. More than three million airport customers use the bus every year, choosing not to go by car or risk being ripped off by one of Prague’s notorious cab drivers. The 20billion koruna (£527million, $787million) metro extension, planned by the Prague Public Transport Company, was supposed to transform Nadrazi Veleslavin station into a transport hub for the airport, with passengers transferring to trains, not buses. Travellers can use a lift, but they are forced to cross a busy road to access the bus terminal . But the project is unfinished and the escalator that was constructed connects with an unbuilt train station. Michal Rehorek, a spokesman for the airport, told MailOnline Travel that the public transit authority is responsible for building a new escalator. He said the airport is in talks with transit officials and a private company regarding the refurbishment of buses that stop at the airport and better signage at the metro station. He added: ‘Costs for [porters] are in tens of thousands of Czech crowns per month but for Prague Airport it is primarily an investment into the comfort and quality of service rather than cost only.’ Jiri Stabl, a spokesman for the Prague Public Transport Company, told AP that the train project is delayed and ‘it became impossible’ to change the original plan to include an escalator for those transferring from the metro station to the bus terminal. He added: ‘We don’t feel it is a mistake of the transport company.’ An escalator was built for airport customers but it connects the metro station and an unbuilt train station . The new extension allows passengers to travel between central Prague and the airport in 30 minutes, including the bus ride. Officials are now considering adding an escalator while it remains unclear when the train project will be completed. Travellers can use a lift located at another part of the metro station, but it is not a seamless transfer. Once they arrive on the surface they are forced to cross a busy road to enter the bus terminal.
Prague's new metro extension transports travellers closer to the airport . They are forced to transfer to buses to travel the final five miles . But they must climb a set of stars because there is no escalator to buses . An escalator was constructed but it leads to an unbuilt train station .
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Documented and undocumented immigrant population in the United States could reach a record high of 51million in just eight years, according to U.S. Census figures. And by 2060, immigrants could account for 82 per cent of all population growth in the country. One in seven U.S. residents will be an immigrant by 2023, the report from the Center for Immigration Studies (CIS) said. Documented and undocumented immigrants in the United States could reach a record high in the United States by 2023, when their share of the population could hit 14.8 per cent . That number could rise to one in five by 2060, when immigrant population reaches 78 million. This report comes as President Barack Obama is trying to use executive powers to expand Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) and Deferred Action for Parents of Americans and Lawful Permanent Residents (DAPA) policies. Net immigration will steadily increase over the next 45 years, totaling at 64million . Without no change in current immigration policy, by 2023 the total immigrant population in the United states will reach 14.8 per cent, the highest ever recorded in American history . Immigration population will grow almost four times faster than native-born population and will reach 15.8 per cent of the nation's population by 2030, 17.1 per cent by 2040 and 18.8 per cent by 2060 . In 1990, immigrants accounted for just 7.9 per cent of U.S. population . U.S population could grow to 417million by 2016. In 2010 the population was 306million . Without a change to immigration policty, immigrants who arrive in the future and their descendants could account for three quarters of future U.S. population . Center for Immigration Studies . This could potentially exempt about five million undocumented immigrants from deportation. And with the surge in immigrant population, Republican presidential candidates have to figure out what their stance is on the subject as potential new policies could be established. CIS director of research Steven Camarota said that the growth in immigrant population has 'important implications for workers, schools, infrastructure, congestion and the environment'. 'They also may have implications for our ability to successfully assimilate and integrate immigrants,' he added. 'Yet there has been almost no national debate about bringing in so many people legally each year, which is the primary factor driving these numbers.' Currently there are approximately 12million undocumented immigrants in the United States and 70,000 more are expected to cross the border this year, according to the Washington Examiner. There are also more than 4.4million people on a U.S. State Department green card waiting list. And within years, Immigration population will grow almost four times faster than native-born population. From a starting point of 2010, immigration population will reach 15.8 per cent (57million) of the nation's population by 2030, 17.1 (65million) per cent by 2040 and 18.8 per cent (78million)  by 2060. Immigrants and their descendants will account for 75.5 per cent of the nation's population growth between 2010 and 2050 and 82 per cent of growth between 2010 and 2060. By 2060, immigrants and their descendants will account for 82 per cent of the nation's population growth since 2010 . President Barack Obama is trying to use executive powers to expand immigration policies, which could potentially exempt about 5million undocumented immigrants from deportation . Alabama Rep. Sen. Jeff Sessions, who has been a leader in the immigration debate, said in a letter to the New York Times on Saturday that an increase of immigrants in the country will hurt the middle class. He wrote: 'It defies reason to argue that the record admission of new foreign workers has no negative effect on the wages of American workers, including the wages of past immigrants hoping to climb into the middle class. 'Why would many of the largest business groups in the United States spend millions lobbying for the admission of more foreign workers if such policies did not cut labor costs?' Key business leaders form a group association with former New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg and members of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce are meeting on Friday to discuss expanding immigration. The meeting it titled 'Understanding and Improving the High-Skilled H-1B Visa Program', according to the examiner. Republican leaders, particularly those running in the presidential race for 2016, have to figure out what their stance is on the subject as potential new policies could be established .
Documented and undocumented immigrant population in the United States could reach a record high of 51million in just eight years . President Barack Obama is trying to use executive powers to expand immigration policies in the United States . Changes could exempt 5million undocumented immigrants from deportation . Republican presidential candidates have to figure out what their stance is on the subject as potential new policies could be established .
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It has the most famous zebra crossing in the world outside it, and has hosted every major name in music in the last 80 years, but Abbey Road studios has never before been open to the public. Despite receiving around 500,000 visitors a year, mostly to walk the famous crossing, the studio doors have been shut to those not recording ever since 1931 - that is, until now, thanks to a new collaboration with Google. The result is Inside Abbey Road, a new web app that takes users on an interactive, immersive and hugely detailed virtual tour of the inner workings of Abbey Road. Scroll down for video . Fine-tuning: The interactive app shows sound engineers and producers working as they look into Studio 1 . Classical music legend Sir Edward Elgar opened the studios on 12th November 1931. A video of him leading the London Symphony Orchestra in a rendition of Land of Hope and Glory can be seen in Studio 1 (pictured) Jamming: The Beatles on pianos in Studio 1 in 1967. John Lennon (left), Ringo Starr (middle) and Paul McCartney (right) play while George Harrison sits in the background . The studios hosted the world's first live global broadcast - from none other than The Beatles - as well as playing a role in the invention of stereo by EMI engineer Alan Blumlein. With the aim of sharing some of this history, Google has stepped in to showcase as much of it to the public as possible, in a range of ways. Those familiar with Google Street View will find plenty they are used to in the way Inside Abbey Road is navigated, with a point and click of the mouse, as well as click and drag to scan the more than 150 360-degree images that make up the experience. But these are only the top layer to the app, which then has several animated sequences in place of images that show sound technicians at work in the three studios and mastering suite. Then added to this are a range of information points in the form of short articles on subjects ranging from cutting vinyl records to creating stereo. History: There are archive photos from Abbey Road down the years, as well as YouTube videos (pictured next to the piano) of performances placed in the exact spot they were filmed from. This image shows Studio 3 . Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr and John Lennon (left) arrive at Abbey Road studios for the recording of All You Need is Love on 24th June 1967. Cliff Richard (right) recording his single Livin' Doll on 28th April 1958 . View from the outside: More than 500,000 people knock on the doors of Abbey Road studios every year only to be told that it is closed to the public . Recording live: One of the rooms where musicians can record their music at the world famous studios . Mixing songs: Sound engineers and producers sit in this room as artists record in the studio in front of them . Sneak peak: The Inside Abbey Road web app takes users on an interactive, immersive and hugely detailed virtual tour of the inner workings of Abbey Road studios . Abbey Road zebra crossing in St John's Wood, London, rose to fame after The Beatles posed on it for the cover of their eleventh studio album, titled Abbey Road, in 1969. The image, shot by Iain Macmillan, shows John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr walking over the crossing. Since then, hundreds of thousands of tourists have flocked to Abbey Road to recreate the iconic image. In December 2010, the crossing given Grade II-listed status for its 'cultural and historical importance'. There are archive photos from Abbey Road down the years, as well as YouTube videos of performances that are placed in the exact spot they were filmed from. These include music videos from the likes of Take That, Kate Bush and Bastille, as well as an interview between Zane Lowe and Jay Z. Giles Martin, a producer based at Abbey Road for artists like Paul McCartney, and whose father Sir George Martin produced The Beatles, said: 'Abbey Road Studios has been a hive of creativity and source of world-class recordings for more than 80 years. 'The artists using the studios have sold countless millions of records and have helped create popular culture as we know it today. It's an inspirational place and an honour for me to work there today. 'This collaboration with Google gives the outside world a great insight into the everyday workings of the studio and allows anyone to glimpse the magic that goes on inside the world's most famous recording studio.' Inside Studio 1: Among the artists who recorded here are Kanye West, Paul Simon and Professor Green . Following in their footsteps: The famous zebra crossing outside Abbey Road studios. The cast of West End Beatles show Let it Be (pictured) celebrated the 45th anniversary of The Beatles at Abbey Road last August . Thousands of Beatles fans from far and wide come to Abbey Road every year to sign their name (left) and walk across the zebra crossing outside Abbey Road recording studios (right) Tom Seymour, the head of Google's Creative Lab, said: 'We're always looking at how we can use technology to bring people closer to cultural icons and institutions around the world. 'With Inside Abbey Road, we wanted to open the doors to the iconic music studio for anyone in the world to step inside and experience the stories, the sounds, the people and the equipment that make Abbey Road Studios what it is today.' There are also guided tours voiced by producer Mr Martin, as well as from DJ and presenter Lauren Laverne and Abbey Road studios' head of audio products Mirek Stiles. Performers: Music videos from the likes of Sam Smith (pictured), Take That, Kate Bush and Bastille can be played by users as they make their way round . The app works in the same way as Google Street View, with visitors navigating their way around with a point and click of the mouse, enabling them to scan more than 150 360-degree images that make up the experience . Fly on the wall: One of the videos in the experience is an interview between presenter Zane Lowe and Jay Z . Ringo Starr and George Harrison from The Beatles arrive at Abbey Road studios in November 1966. The band recorded around 90 per cent of their music there between 1962 and 1970 . Abbey Road studios was opened on 12th November 1931 by classical music legend Sir Edward Elgar. The first custom-built studio complex of its kind, Elgar used it in its early years to record some of his famous pieces. The facility had been fashioned out of a 16-room residence at 3 Abbey Road, St. John's Wood which had been bought by record company EMI in 1929. It has three recording studios and has been used by every major name in music over the last 80 years. Studio one can play host to a 110-piece orchestra and 100-person choir simultaneously and has been used by the London Symphony Orchestra and the Glenn Miller Orchestra among others. In June 1962 The Beatles made their first recording there in what was the start of an artistic collaboration that would last until 1970 when the group split. In total, around 90 per cent of the legendary band's music was recorded at Abbey Road studios. Five years after recording there for the first time,history was made when a worldwide satellite television link-uip was broadcast from the studio of The Beatles performing All You Need is Love live. An estimated 350 million people listened to the broadcast. Among the famous artists to have recorded at Abbey Road are the Spice Girls, Pink Floyd, Cliff Richard, Queen and Shirley Bassey. Hundreds of thousands of Beatles fans make their way to the studios every year and many of the walls and signs in the vicinity of the building are covered with Beatles-themed graffiti. In 2010 rumours began circling that cash-strapped EMI were looking to sell the studios. A year later the company sold its recorded music division for £1.2billion to the French-owned Universal Music Group. Because it is a working studio it is closed to the public. But now, thanks to Google's new web app, music fans can enjoy and interactive, virtual tour of the building. One of the most eye-catching moments within the app is the animated panorama that places users at the centre of the London Symphony Orchestra as they perform in one of the studios. Google is calling the new site a continuation of their tradition of creating tools which help users see and experience things they would never have had access to otherwise. It follows in the footsteps of the Pyramids of Giza being added to Google Street View, and the Google Cultural Institute's work on Vincent Van Gogh. Hidden treasure: Abbey Road studios has hosted every major name in music in the last 80 years but because it is a working studio it has never been open to the public, despite receiving 500,000 visitors a year . Interactive: With the aim of sharing some of this history, Google has stepped in to showcase as much of it to the public as possible in a range of different ways . Front row seat: One of the most eye-catching moments within the app is the animated panorama that places users at the centre of the London Symphony Orchestra as they perform in one of the studios . There are also some gaming-style interactions to play with, including the J37 track recorder that was used to record Sgt Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band - which can be interacted with to create your own version of audio tracks, to try to match against the original. For music fans, there is a huge amount of detail and history to be unearthed from using the new app, and for general users there is the ability to use it across devices, and probably find out something new in the process. Users can try the experience by visiting insideabbeyroad.withgoogle.com.
The world famous studios have never before been open to the public . But in a Google first the web giant has made an app with a virtual tour . Includes archived Beatles photos and music videos of stars at the studio . Users navigate round in the same way that Google Street View works .
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Celta Vigo forward Nolito has declared that Lionel Messi should hit the Spanish coast on Sunday instead of risking his foot injury during their La Liga clash. The Barcelona forward has been training following a minor problem, and is set to recover in time for the trip to Celta, but 28-year-old Nolito has urged the Argentine to stay away. 'I guess he'll come, but he can spend the day at the beach as far as I'm concerned,' Nolito told Marca. 'I'll give his dad a ring in a minute.' Lionel Messi should be fit to face Celta Vigo for Barcelona after recovering from a foot injury . Barcelona forward trains alongside team-mate Javier Mascherano (centre) on Thursday . Nolito played alongside Messi for a period at Barcelona, but struggled to impress at the Catalan club that are four points clear at the top of La Liga this season. Celta currently sit 10th in the table, although Nolito insists that his team-mates do not fear Messi and Co. 'The games have to be played,' Nolito added. 'You never know what's going to happen. 'Celta aren't scared of any opposition, regardless of whether they are the best team in the world. We've got nothing to lose.' Messi was forced to sit out both of Argentina's friendlies during the international break . Celta Vigo forward Nolito has declared that Messi should head to the beach rather than playing his team .
Barcelona set to travel to Celta Vigo for clash on Sunday . Lionel Messi set to return from foot injury for La Liga match . Celta forward Nolito urges former team-mate Messi not to play .
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Researchers sketching out a 'wiring diagram' for rat brains have discovered its structure is organized like the Internet. They say the animal's cerebral cortex is 'like a mini-Internet'. The first comprehensive picture of how neurons connect to one another found local networks of neurons layered like the shells in a Russian nesting doll. The Internet has countless local area networks that then connect with larger, regional networks and ultimately with the backbone of the Internet. The brain operates in a similar way, the researchers found. 'The cerebral cortex is like a mini-Internet,' said Larry Swanson, professor at the USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences, and corresponding author of a paper on the discovery. 'The Internet has countless local area networks that then connect with larger, regional networks and ultimately with the backbone of the Internet. 'The brain operates in a similar way.' The study was published on April 6 in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. For years, scientists looking for clues to brain function through its structure focused on what could be seen — the brain's lobes, grooves and folds. Two local networks — one governing vision and learning, and another tapped into bodily concerns like muscle and organ function — make up the inner shell of the rat's cerebral cortex. Two others — one governing smell, and another that assembles and makes sense of the information from the other three networks — make up the outer shell. This means that certain flows of information are genetically 'hardwired' into the brain, Swanson said. The discovery is the result of a massive, labor-intensive effort to organize 40 years' worth of data from peer-reviewed research articles detailing connections in rat brains. 'The data was already out there; it just needed to be compiled into a more useful format,' Swanson said. Lead author Mihail Bota of USC Dornsife created the database from more than 16,000 reports of connections, which he weighted both on the strength of the connection and the reliability of the methodology used to discover it. The process took more than 4,000 hours to complete, yielding a database that is free and available. Olaf Sporns of Indiana University subsequently performed a network analysis of the connections. A color-coded flat map of 1,923 rat cortical association macroconnections (RCAMs). The team used studies of rat brains because of the sheer volume of detailed information available. Swanson believes that the database can create an important link between human brain studies — which are largely done as non-invasive functional magnetic resonance imaging scans — and rat brain studies, which can be more in-depth. 'Having a wiring diagram for the brain will allow knowledge to flow both ways between human and animal studies,' Swanson said. 'This allows us to take theories from human brain scan studies and experimentally verify them in animals, and discoveries made in animal studies are likely to have an analogue in humans.' 'We're bridging the gap between our work in rat brains and the Stevens Institute's work with human brains,' Swanson said. 'If we can connect these two veins of neuroscience in a concrete and meaningful way, then we can dramatically expand our reservoir of information about the brain practically overnight.' In the future, Swanson hopes to be able to expand the neural-connection map of the rat brain beyond the cerebral cortex, some day mapping the entire nervous system.
Researchers say the cerebral cortex of rats is 'like a mini-Internet' Team planning to look at human brain in the same way .
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(CNN)A South African university is celebrating the removal of a British colonialist's statue after weeks of protests. University of Cape Town students took to social media to demand Cecil Rhodes' statue come down, saying his legacy is tainted with racism. Using the hashtag #RhodesMustFall, students expressed their views in a campaign that started last month. Four weeks later, the hashtag is now #RhodesHas Fallen. The university said Wednesday the heritage authority granted it permission to remove the statue from the campus. "These steps are being taken to ensure the safety of the statue while matters concerning its future are resolved," the university said in a statement. Rhodes' statue was first unveiled in 1934 at the university, which also has a scholarship and memorial in his name. #RhodesMustFall gained attention after activists threw excrement on the statue in March. "He represents the former colonial representation of this country -- supremacy, racism, misogyny," says Ramabina Mahapa, president of the students' Representative Council, which led the fight to remove the statue. "Students are saying these aren't the ideals that we want to have here," Mahapa says. "The statue represents what is wrong with society." But in Pretoria, another group of protesters disagreed. "This isn't confronting history, this is erasing it," says Steve Hofmeyr, a singer who participated in a campaign Thursday that involved activists chaining themselves to the Paul Kruger statue in response to #RhodesHasFallen. Days earlier, Kruger's statue was pelted with green paint. The Afrikaner is known for his opposition to the British. Afrikaner groups also chained themselves to the statue of Dutch colonizer Jan van Riebeeck in Cape Town. "I don't want fewer monuments," Hofmeyr says. "I want more monuments erected. But don't defile the ones that exist -- we are the sum total of all the history, not just the fun parts." Mahapa said removing a statue shouldn't be equated with removing history. "People down the years will be looking at the statue and at his history and what he did," Mahapa says. "We need to be moving toward becoming an Afrocentric university where African thought can be appreciated." Hofmeyr said the statue is a race issue. "There are huge gaping differences between people in South Africa and that is why you need dialogue, which you can't have without its monuments and statues," he says. Students marked the removal of Rhodes' statue with a celebratory march. They held signs that said "we're not done yet." With the statue removed, some asked what's next for the movement.
Cape Town students demand Cecil Rhodes' statue come down . They use the hashtag #RhodesMustFall . School takes it down .
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A drunk teenage boy had to be rescued by security after jumping into a lions' enclosure at a zoo in western India. Rahul Kumar, 17, clambered over the enclosure fence at the Kamla Nehru Zoological Park in Ahmedabad, and began running towards the animals, shouting he would 'kill them'. Mr Kumar explained afterwards that he was drunk and 'thought I'd stand a good chance' against the predators. Next level drunk: Intoxicated Rahul Kumar, 17, climbed into the lions' enclosure at a zoo in Ahmedabad and began running towards the animals shouting 'Today I kill a lion!' Mr Kumar had been sitting near the enclosure when he suddenly made a dash for the lions, surprising zoo security. The intoxicated teenager ran towards the lions, shouting: 'Today I kill a lion or a lion kills me!' A zoo spokesman said: 'Guards had earlier spotted him close to the enclosure but had no idea he was planing to enter it. 'Fortunately, there are eight moats to cross before getting to where the lions usually are and he fell into the second one, allowing guards to catch up with him and take him out. 'We then handed him over to the police.' Brave fool: Fortunately, Mr Kumar fell into a moat as he ran towards the lions and could be rescued by zoo security staff before reaching the animals (stock image) Kumar later explained: 'I don't really know why I did it. 'I was drunk and thought I'd stand a good chance.' A police spokesman said: 'He has been cautioned and will be sent for psychiatric evaluation. 'Fortunately for him, the lions were asleep and the zoo guards acted quickly enough to prevent a tragedy similar to that in Delhi.' Last year a 20-year-old man was mauled to death by a tiger in the Indian capital after climbing into its enclosure at the city zoo.
Drunk teenage boy climbed into lion enclosure at zoo in west India . Rahul Kumar, 17, ran towards animals shouting 'Today I kill a lion!' Fortunately he fell into a moat before reaching lions and was rescued .
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Militants fighting for the Islamic State in Syria and Iraq are being led by a highly secretive group of strategists and officials that were once senior figures in Saddam Hussein's army. Despite thousands of foreign fighters flocking to join the Sunni extremist group and starring in their propaganda videos, ISIS' leadership is dominated by ex-members of the late Iraqi dictator's military. Almost all of the regional commanders appointed by ISIS' leader and self-declared caliph, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, played prominent roles in the Baathist army before the 2003 invasion of Iraq and became involved with ISIS either in the resulting insurgency or after the dictator's 2006 execution. Influence: Despite thousands of foreign fighters flocking to join the Sunni extremist group and starring in their propaganda videos, ISIS' leadership is dominated by ex-members of the military of Saddam Hussein (pictured) Militants: Almost all the highly secretive officials overseeing the day-to-day running of the Islamic State (pictured) are former members of Saddam Hussein's Baathist army . One of the most prominent former Iraqi Army generals within ISIS was Abu Muslim al-Turkmani (left) who led the terrorists' operations in Iraq until he was killed in an American airstrike last November. Abu Ayman al-Iraqi (right), a former colonel in Iraqi Air Force intelligence now plays a leading role in ISIS' military council . One former Syrian rebel who became an ISIS regional commander told the Washington Post that he found that almost all of the highly secretive officials overseeing all aspects to the terror group's day-to-day business were ex members of Hussein's Baathist army. During one meeting in which he dared to disagree with fellow commanders at an ISIS meeting, the man calling himself Abu Hamza was placed under arrest on the orders of a masked man who had sat silently and almost unnoticed at the side of the room, listening and taking notes. Although the enigmatic commander's real name was never revealed to him, Hamza said that he later discovered that the man had been an intelligence officer for the Iraqi army before joining ISIS. The same went for the other ISIS commanders Hamza met, who either used code names or no names at all in the hope of concealing their past as members of Hussein's army. As well as their extensive military expertise, another key element of the commanders' appointments has been the fact the ex-Baathists have extensive contacts among oil smugglers thanks to Hussein's efforts to avoid international sanctions in the 1990s. Crucially, oil smuggling is considered the most lucrative aspect of ISIS' £2 billion-a-year income. Leader: Almost all of the regional commanders appointed by ISIS' leader and self-declared caliph, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi (pictured), played prominent roles in the Baathist army before the 2003 invasion of Iraq . Experience: Former Iraqi Army colonel Haji Bakr (left) was al-Baghdadi's closest advisor and the overall head of his military council until his execution at the hands of Syrian rebels in January 2014. Pictured right is Abu Ahmad al-Alwani - a former Baathist soldier and now an ISIS military council member . The former Iraqi Army generals' connections with oil smugglers are crucial to ISIS' £2 billion-a-year income . Middle East analysts and experts believe one key reason why so many former Iraqi army commanders have joined ISIS is due to the de-Baathification law brought in L.­ Paul Bremer - the American who served as temporary head of the Iraqi state following the ousting of Hussein. The law effectively meant that 400,000 members of the defeated Iraqi army could no longer be employed in government roles and were barred from drawing their military pensions. Many of these highly-trained commanders joined the insurgency in the country in the mid-2000s, which was dominated by ISIS who at the time were known by the name Al Qaeda in Iraq. When al-Baghdadi took control of the group in 2010, many of these commanders were given prominent leadership roles in the hope they might win the support of the Sunni tribes who dominate Western Iraq and who have been largely ignored by the country's Shia-led Baghdad government. The process had, however been started by al-Baghdadi's predecessor Abu Omar al-Baghdadi who was himself a former Iraqi Army officer and therefore more trusted by the military than the Jordanian criminal, former gangster and ex-alcoholic who founded ISIS, Abu Musab al-Zarqawi. Past: The process of giving former Iraqi commanders senior roles was started by Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi's predecessor Abu Omar al-Baghdadi (left) who was a former Iraqi Army officer and therefore more trusted than the Jordanian criminal, former gangster and ex-alcoholic who founded ISIS, Abu Musab al-Zarqawi (right) Heartbreaking: The highest estimate for the number of recruits killed in the Speicher massacre is about 1,700 . Discovery: The graves were found last Wednesday on the late Saddam Hussein's presidential compound . One of the most prominent former Iraqi Army generals within ISIS was Fadel Ahmad Abdullah al-Hiyali, who used the code name Abu Muslim al-Turkmani, and was in charge of all the terrorists' operations in Iraq until he was killed in an American airstrike last November. He had previously been a colonel in military intelligence and served in Hussein's Republican Guard. Other senior figures include Abu Ali al-Anbari, who currently acts as Baghdadi's deputy leader in Syria and is a former military general in Hussein's Iraqi Army, and Abu Ayman al-Iraqi, a former colonel in Iraqi Air Force intelligence and now plays a leading role in ISIS' military council. Less prominent militants with an Iraqi Army backgrounds include Abu Ahmad al-Alwani - a former Baathist soldier and now an ISIS military council member, Abu Kassem - a former Iraqi officer and now in charge of ISIS suicide bombers and foreign fighters. Another former Iraqi Army colonel was Haji Bakr, who is widely considered to have been al-Baghdadi's closest advisor and the overall head of his military council until his execution at the hands of a rebel group known as the Syrian Martyr's Brigade in January 2014. It is widely believed that all of the senior ISIS figures killed over the past year - including Haji Bakr - have been replaced by former members of the Iraqi Army. Horror: Images like this one of the soldiers being led through Tikrit shocked Iraq and the world . This morning Iraqi forensic teams in the newly liberated city of Tikrit have started exhuming bodies from mass graves believed to contain some of the hundreds of soldiers killed by ISIS last year. Kamil Amin, from Iraq's Human Rights Ministry, said the work on eight locations started yesterday inside Tikrit's complex of presidential palaces, where much of the killing is thought to have occured. ISIS overran Saddam Hussein's hometown last June, capturing around 1,700 soldiers as they were trying to flee Camp Speicher, an air base previously used by U.S. troops on the outskirt of Tikrit. The fall of Tikrit was part of the ISIS onslaught that stunned Iraqi security forces and the military, which melted away as the militants advanced and captured key cities and towns in the country's north and west. Later, ISIS group posted graphic images online that showed gunmen massacring scores of the soldiers after forcing them to lay face-down in a ditch with their arms tied behind their backs. After weeks of bitter clashes, Iraqi forces and allied Shiite militias, succeeded in retaking Tikrit from ISIS. Their victory was helped by U.S.-led coalition airstrikes.
ISIS leadership is dominated by former members of Hussein's Iraqi Army . Many joined the terror group in the insurgency after the fall of the dictator . U.S. had barred the men taking government jobs or drawing their pensions . Generals' military experience has been key to the terrorists' spread in Iraq . Their connections with oil smugglers also help ISIS raise £2 billion a year .
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The co-authors of Pete Evans' controversial infant cookbook have spoken out in defence of the chef's decision to independently release the book despite being dumped by publishers. Speaking on The Morning Show, co-authors of 'Bubba Yum Yum: The Paleo Way', Charlotte Carr and Helen Padarin said they are 'confident' about the changes they have made to the book since it was branded with major health warnings. The cookbook, which was supposed to be released last Month was delayed before being cancelled completely by Pan Macmillan over grave concerns about a recipe for baby formula made from liver and bone broth. Scroll down for video . Pete Evans' (pictured) book was dumped by publishers Pan Macmillan after it was revealed that one of the recipes included the ingredients liver and bone broth . We don't want confusion. 'We've taken all of the [health] information on board and applied it to the book' said Carr on the popular morning show. 'We're very confident that this is a very safe, gentle, beautiful book for children,' she said. 'We're really confident that the information we've got in the book is very good information,' Padarin added. 'It is a recipe book, it's not a way of treatment or medicine. If people have issues then yes, of course they should be seeing a practitioner about it.' The pair did address the controversial 'Happy Tummy Brew' recipe which attracted criticism for it's ingredients, claiming they have added more vitamin C to the formula. The recipe is based on a formula by a US health company called Weston A Price. The Paelo Way co-authors Charlotte Carr (centre) and Helen Padarin (right) have spoken out in defence of Pete Evan's (left) decision to release the book independently . Pete Evans is famously known for his role as a judge on My Kitchen Rules alongside Manu Fieldel (left) 'We had just taken the recipe and put it in [the book] and it needed more details,' Carr said. 'Happy Tummy Brew','It was called a formula and by definition it's not a formula - it's a drink - so we've changed [the name] and made it really clear about when it should be implemented in the child's diet so it's really safe.' Professor Heather Yeatman, president of the Public Health Association of Australia said there was a 'very real possibility that a baby may die if this book goes ahead'. However, the book is reportedly set for release online amidst the controversy. Australian Women's Weekly recently reported that Naturopath Helen Padarin had been slammed by the Health Care Complaints Commission with sources saying she breached their codes of conduct. Pete Evans has been dropped as the celebrity ambassador for popular salad chain 'Sumo Salad' She reportedly provided incorrect information over the nutritional comparisons between breast milk and baby formula made of liver and bone broth - a recipe in Bubba Yum Yum. Blogger and co-author, Charlotte Carr has also received negative headlines after it was revealed that she has been doing voice-overs for fast-food chains KFC, Coca-Cola and Cadbury's whilst promoting a paleo lifestyle. In March, chef Pete Evans declared that he was forging ahead with his plans to release the book independently after being sensationally dumped by his publisher. 'Charlotte, Helen and I are thrilled to announce that 'Bubba Yum Yum The Paleo Way' will be a proudly independent digital worldwide release in April with print to follow,' Evans' Facebook post read at the time. Bubba Yum Yum: The Paleo Way is set to be self-published at the end of this month as a digital book . 'We didn't want to wait, too many people are wanting this beautiful treasure trove of nutritional recipes and we are extremely thankful to all our followers and colleagues for their support. 'A huge thank goes out to all the media for helping raise awareness about this over the last week, we hope you continue to do more of the same.' Pan Macmillan also distanced themselves from the TV chef's baby book, posting a statement to their website to say they would not be publishing the book in any format. Sumo Salad maintains that their decision was not due to Evans' paleo controversies . 'The authors of Bubba Yum Yum: The Paleo Way - for new mums, babies and toddlers have decided to release a digital version of the book very shortly, and will, therefore, no longer publish the book, in any format, with Pan Macmillan Australia,' a statement from the publisher read. The celebrity chef lost another profitable deal at the start of April after being dropped as an ambassador by the national salad chain, Sumo Salad. The food chain strongly denied that the move was related to Evans' recent paleo controversies, and maintained that the decision to not renew his two-year contract was made a long time ago. The head of marketing for Sumo Salad, Petra Orrenius told news.com.au they had a positive collaboration with Pete Evans but had been with him for too long. They have decided to take their marketing in a different direction and this does not include Evans. 'I think often when you're trying to make a difference you have to be a bit radical and stand out. We've always been very supportive of Pete and we're happy with that,' Orrenius said. The book is co-authored by Charlotte Carr (left) who is also facing critics after it was revealed that she has been doing voice-overs for fast-food chains .
The Paleo Way co-authors have spoken out in defence of Pete Evans . Charlotte Carr and Helen Padarin have made changes to the recipes . They have added vitiman C to their 'Happy Tummy Brew' The formula was slammed for containing liver and bone broth . Evans' infant cookbook Bubba Yum Yum: The Paleo Way was set for release on Friday March 13 but was delayed due to health concerns .
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