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By . Daily Mail Reporter . PUBLISHED: . 15:57 EST, 16 January 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 16:15 EST, 16 January 2013 . Video of a intensely passionate Baltimore Ravens fan erupting in celebration during his team's amazing playoff win over the weekend has gone viral. Keith Letourneau, 39, was watching Saturday's game against the Denver Broncos with his kids when the Ravens tied the game on a 70-yeard touchdown to wide receiver Jacoby Jones with just 31 seconds remaining in regulation. The team went on to win in double overtime. His wife filmed his lengthy outburst and put the footage on YouTube where more than 200,000 people have viewed it. SCROLL DOWN FOR VIDEO . Victory: Keith Letourneau bellows in celebration as his beloved Ravens tie their playoff game Saturday . 'I was jumping around, screaming and yelling, then rolling around the floor,' he told the Baltimore Sun. 'It just so happens my wife was videotaping me and she put it up on YouTube and when she did, we had no idea it would take off like it did,' he insisted. After jumping in front of his television, . Letourneau, wearing a Joe Flacco jersey, dropped to the ground, rolled . around for a bit as his dog looked on and his 9-year-old son Trevor . laughed at his dad's antics. Calm before the storm: Letourneau is on the edge of his seat seconds before the Ravens tie up the score . Jump for joy: Letourneau cheers as he rushes towards his wide-screen television . Rolling: Letourneau is so overcome with emotion, the grown man drops down and rolls around the ground as his dog and son, Trevor, look on in amazement. 'I'm very passionate when I watch a game,' he said. 'It doesn't matter if I'm home or at a . bar with friends or even at the stadium. I'm just one of those fans who . screams and yells and just wants to have a good time.' In the middle of his outburst, he took a phone call from his dad and repeatedly told him 'I can't take it anymore.' Share the news: Letourneau took a call from his father in the middle of his outburst. Is daddy ok?: Letourneau's daughter is taken aback by her father's wild behavior . 'The girls were initially upset with every outburst,' Rachel Letourneau . said of their twin 7-year-old daughters Avery and Audrey. 'But then I said to them, 'You know what? I don't think there's . any stopping this train today. Daddy's really, really, really excited. We just have to let it go for today.' And they did.' Tired: Letourneau finally rests after his outburst concluded . | Keith Letourneau, 39, jumps up and down, screaming as he stands inches from the television and rolls on the floor in celebration .
He sobs with joy after his beloved football team tied the game with just seconds to go .
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By . Sean Gallagher . Swansea got their pre-season campaign back on track with a 3-1 win over Championship side Reading at the Madejski Stadium. A first-half double from Wayne Routledge and Bafétimbi Gomis' second goal for the club was enough for Garry Monk's side to record their third pre-season win, with Nick Blackman's superb volley a mere consolation for the Royals. After losing to Bournemouth on Friday night, the Swans fielded a near full-strength side this time around and the quality shone through in a close first half. Celebrations: Bony, Sigurdsson and Routledge celebrate Swansea's opening goal against Reading . Stand-off: Nick Blackman scored a superb volley in his side's friendly defeat to Swansea . The Premier League side should have taken the lead as early as the 14th minute after they were awarded a penalty when Sean Morrison handled inside the area, despite the ball being bundled in at the back post. Reading: McCarthy (Federici 45), Gunter (c), Pearce, Morrison, Progrebnyak, Obita, Hector (Kuhl 70) Akpan (Tshibola 72), Edwards (Tanner 68), Blackman, Taylor (Cummings 72). Swansea: Fabianski, Tiendalli (Rangel 90), Williams (c), Bartley, Taylor, Ki, Shelvey, Gomis, Sigurdsson, Routledge (Dyer 66), Bony (Montero 66). Goals: Routledge 23 & 25, Gomis 65. Blackman 43 . Attendance: 5,421 . Wilfried Bony stepped up to take the spot-kick but fired the ball against the crossbar as the game remained goalless. Gomis then went close eight minutes later as Dwight Tiendalli found the former Lyon man in the box, but Alex McCarthy got down well to put the ball out for a corner. The visitors weren't to be denied though as they scored a quick-fire double to put them firmly in the ascendancy. Summer signing Gylfi Sigurdsson teed up Bony whose threaded pass found Routledge who made no mistake inside the area to put Swansea ahead on 23 minutes. Just a couple of minutes later it was two after Sigurdsson and Bony were again heavily involved in the build-up, with Routledge providing the decisive finish for his and his side's second goal. The Royals then went close to halving the deficit as Michael Hector's audacious 25-yard strike was palmed away by Lukasz Fabianski on 34 minutes. Power: Bony looked lively for the Premier League side while also missing a penalty in the first half . The Championship side did pull one back just before the interval though as Blackman's 30-yard wonder strike flew into the back of the net to give the Royals renewed hope. Swansea looked to extend their advantage after the break with goalscorer Routledge nearly turning provider as Gomis struck the post from 20 yards out. On 65 minutes Gomis did restore Swansea's two-goal advantage though, in turn notching his second goal for the club after racing through on goal and lobbing Adam Federici to make it 3-1. Both sides made changes aplenty as the game drew to a close after a entertaining friendly in Berkshire. Swansea play Villarreal in their final pre-season fixture before they travel to Manchester United on the opening day of the Premier League season. Elsewhere, Reading face a trip to Wigan next weekend for their first Championship encounter of the new season. | The Swansea winger scored two goals in three first-half minutes .
Nick Blackman scored a spectacular consolation for the hosts .
Bafétimbi Gomis scored his second goal in as many games .
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The Barbarians will entertain Samoa in the first-ever rugby union match at London's Olympic Stadium in August. Fabled invitational team the Barbarians have bolstered their 125th anniversary year once more by taking part in dummy-run for the World Cup venue, on August 29. New Zealand, Ireland and South Africa will all turn out at the Olympic Stadium as the Stratford ground hosts five World Cup matches, including the third-place play-off. The Olympic Stadium will host five Rugby World Cup matches at the tournament starting in September . Samoa will complete their World Cup warm-up schedule by facing the Barbarians, who have already lined up high-profile clashes with Ireland, England and Argentina. 'It is a significant honour to take part in the first rugby match at the Olympic Stadium,' said Barbarians president Micky Steele-Bodger. 'The match should be a great spectacle for supporters and we hope to light up the stadium with the Barbarians brand of rugby in our first match against Samoa.' Samoa will open their World Cup campaign against the USA at Brighton's Amex Stadium on September 20, before also facing South Africa, Scotland and Japan in Pool B. Samoa will take on invitational side the Barbarians as part of their World Cup warm-up . 'It is a great privilege for the Samoan Rugby Union to play the Barbarians in the run-up to Rugby World Cup 2015,' said Samoa coach Stephen Betham. 'Not only will it be our first-ever match against the Baa-Baas, but at the Olympic Stadium too, it will certainly be a historical moment for us. 'The attacking flair of Barbarians rugby will be a good test for us to measure where we are at in our preparations for Rugby World Cup 2015. 'The game will allow us to test our attack, defensive systems and final combinations, and is the ideal final dress rehearsal for Manu Samoa's Rugby World Cup 2015 campaign.' New Zealand, Ireland and South Africa will all turn out at the London 2012 venue . England Rugby 2015 chief executive Debbie Jevans said it is vital all the World Cup grounds are rigorously prepared for the tournament. 'We are delighted to add the Barbarians-Samoa match at the Olympic Stadium to our testing programme,' said Jevans. 'As tournament organisers it is important that we stress test all our plans to ensure that we are fully prepared to deliver the tournament and we are pleased to be part of the first-ever rugby match at the Olympic Stadium.' | Invitational outfit confirm match in 125th anniversary year .
Baabaas will play Samoa in first ever Rugby Union game at Stadium .
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(CNN) -- The legacy of the Hatfields vs. the McCoys looms large in Mingo County, West Virginia. Now, in the same mountainous county along the Kentucky state line where blood was spilled and lives were lost in the famed feud nearly a century ago, two new sides are squaring off over serious allegations of repeated sexual assault on two schoolgirls by two male classmates. And there are claims of sham investigations and "punishment" that in one case allegedly amounted to denying the accused an ice-cream break. The case moved behind closed doors Friday at the Mingo County courthouse, where two school district officials and four faculty members made their first appearance in a courtroom for a hearing a week after the state's top lawyer accused them in a civil complaint of concealing alleged sexual abuse at a Mingo County middle school. West Virginia Attorney General Patrick Morrisey filed a request for a civil injunction last week in which he alleges that two female students were victims of sexual assaults over the course of the year at the hands of two seventh-grade boys. According to the filing, abuse of the two 13-year-old Burch Middle School students, also in the seventh grade, took place on multiple occasions between November 2012 and May 2013. The attorney general says in the filing that two boys would work in concert: one would restrain their victim while the other groped her "breasts, genitalia (and) buttocks." Most of the alleged attacks Morrisey outlines in the filing took place at the school, except for a class trip to the state capital of Charleston, where one of the girls said she was raped. Names of neither the boys nor the girls have been released, but the attorney general's court filing identifies the suspects as Juvenile 1 and Juvenile 2, and states they are both relatives of employees of the Mingo County school system. Mingo County Prosecuting Attorney Teresa Maynard told CNN that she first learned of the investigation last week after Morrisey filed the request for an injunction. She said she met with the attorney general on Friday and explained to him that her office must be part of the investigation from now on -- and it didn't take her very long to show that she meant it: Maynard filed juvenile charges against both of the boys on Friday. She would not divulge what those charges were. Maynard has not brought charges against any other parties, but the attorney general did name a handful of teachers and administrators as defendants in the court filing requesting a civil injunction -- which is not to be confused with the filing of criminal charges. Attorney General Morrisey declined to be interviewed for this article, but West Virginia State Police Public Information Officer Lt. Mike Baylous explained that a civil injunction -- like the one requested by Morrisey in this case -- is an "extreme" court order that is made for the purpose of restraining the defendant -- or in this case, the defendants - from pursuing any conduct that amounts to harassment. The attorney general made the case in his complaint that he has ample reason to believe that a state investigation would be stymied. As abhorrent as the allegations are themselves, Morrissey says they are not why he is taking this action; he's doing that because, he said "the overall handling of the allegations was inherently flawed and tainted with conflicts of interest." That may seem like an understatement in a 32-page complaint that details allegations of disappearing evidence, connected suspects, sham investigations, deceitful and vengeful administrators, and refusals to cooperate with law enforcement. Mingo County, going back to the Hatfield-McCoy days, has earned an unsavory reputation, thanks to nepotism, cronyism and a spectacular history of vendettas and public corruption. In the last few years Mingo's sheriff was assassinated, its only circuit judge and prosecutor both went to prison on conspiracy charges in an unrelated case, and a county commissioner pleaded guilty to extortion. Just this week, the mayor of the county's largest city pleaded guilty to lying to federal authorities in a workers' compensation case. Not even the Mingo school system seems to be immune from controversy. Court filings cite repeated examples of school officials allegedly protecting the accused in the seventh-grade sexual assault allegations, and claim that "a relative of (one of the boys) was directly involved in the handling and investigation into the allegations against (him), and involved in decisions relating to the discipline/punishment of the male juvenile offenders." That investigation, according to Morrisey's injunction request, was "ineffective, non-existent, (and) designed (to) illicit contradictory and/or less incriminating statements from the female victims." When punishment was doled out, the attorney general characterized it as a mockery. In one instance, for example, a school official "'disciplined' (the boys) for the alleged abuse of a female student by denying them a break for ice cream during statewide testing," the attorney general's court filing said. The attorney general says the problems go beyond alleged efforts to sweep the accusations under the carpet. Morrisey's complaint said Burch Middle School teachers and administrators "threatened (the girls) with discipline" to dissuade them from coming forward, and the alleged victims were retaliated against when they did. The day after one of the alleged victims alerted state police in April 2014, she was written up for bullying. Morrisey wrote that the "bullying" was actually the victim blocking her Facebook account from the niece of a teacher at the school. The next day she was written up again, this time for "insubordination," according to the filing. The attorney general alleges that the other victim says she was targeted as well: the injunction request states that a high-ranking Burch official "retaliated against (her) by removing her from her classes and placing her in other classes that were below her academic level." When West Virginia State Police showed up at Burch on April 24, the principal refused to allow a trooper to take a statement from a possible third victim, according to the court filing. The principal "went an additional step further and informed the State Trooper investigating the alleged sexual abuse at the school that he could no longer take statements from students at Burch Middle School because it 'disrupted the learning environment.'" CNN tried repeatedly to reach the teachers and administrators at Burch Middle School named in the filing for comment on the allegations, but multiple e-mails and phone messages were never returned. Jason Long, the attorney representing the Mingo County Board of Education and the Mingo County school superintendent, released a statement that said "the Mingo County Board of Education is committed to working with the attorney general's office to resolve this investigation in a timely manner. The hearing today gathered everyone involved and opened a dialogue. We take these allegations very seriously. Be assured our goal is to create a safe learning environment for all students of Mingo County." CNN's Janet DiGiacomo contributed to this report. | The attorney general of West Virginia has taken on the case of two seventh-grade girls .
The girls allege they were sexually assaulted by two classmates during the school year .
The AG says local officials worked to protect the accused and punish their accusers .
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On trial: Brustholm Ziamani, 19, was arrested while carrying a 12-inch knife and a hammer and said he would 'harm' David Cameron if he had the chance, the Old Bailey heard today . A teenage Muslim convert accused of planning to behead a British soldier told police he would 'harm' Prime Minister David Cameron if he had the chance, a court heard. Brustholm Ziamani, 19, was arrested in East London last August carrying a 12-inch knife and a pick hammer wrapped in an Islamic flag after boasting how he was going to 'kill soldiers'. He was previously questioned by counter-terror police over extremist posts he made online after an earlier arrest last June, his trial at the Old Bailey heard today. In an exchange from one interview read to the jury, he said he would 'do harm' to the Prime Minister if he had the opportunity. He was asked by officers to confirm what he had said in a previous interview, in which the tape recorder had broken. The officer said: 'What would you do if you saw David Cameron and had an opportunity? You said you would do him harm if he had no security around?' Ziamani replied: 'Yes'. He also put posts on Facebook under the name Mujahid Karim supporting Sharia law and stating he was 'willing to die in the cause of Allah', the jury heard. A letter written by Ziamani to his parents in which he talked about being martyred and also the murder of Fusilier Lee Rigby in Woolwich in May 2013 was also discussed in the interviews. He told police he ‘didn’t disagree’ with the brutal murder of Lee Rigby and felt it was justified because ‘he had taken part in killing innocent Muslims in Afghanistan’. DC David Atkinson of the Counter Terrorist Command, who stopped Ziamani on the street, told the court he was wanted by police because he had been posting messages on Facebook that encouraged terrorism. DC Atkinson said when he stopped the 19-year-old, he found a large knife and a hammer in his possession. When the knife and hammer were discovered, Ziamani allegedly told officers: ‘You haven’t asked me what they are for.’ He was interviewed at Walworth police station in the presence of his solicitor and said he was upset about the system and the way nothing was being done. Ziamani said he was angry Muslims were being so laid back and not doing anything about it. In court: The jury heard he also put posts on Facebook under the name Mujahid Karim supporting Sharia law and stating he was 'willing to die in the cause of Allah'. Above, a court sketch of Ziamani made yesterday . Ziamani boasted he was part of the Islamic State of Ireland and Britain in a chilling five-page letter to his parents. In the letter for his Christian family he had turned his back on, he boasted that he planned to ‘do a 9/11 and 7/7 and Woolwich all in one day’. He warned: ‘You want war you got it. British soldiers heads will be removed and burned, u cannot defeat the Muslims. We love to die the way you love to live.’ Ziamani told HMP Wandsworth security officer Paul Morris he was on his way to behead a British soldier when he was arrested. He also boasted of knowing one of Lee Rigby’s murderers, Michael Adebolajo, and Muslim hate cleric Anjem Choudary. ‘He said that he had been arrested and he was on his way to an army barracks, he didn’t say where, and said he was going to behead a British soldier and hold his head in the air while a friend unknown was going to photograph him doing so,’ Mr Morris told the jury. ‘He was very, very calm. Very matter of fact.’ Mr Morris had gone to Ziamani’s single-occupancy cell alone for a ‘welfare visit’ and to see how radical or extreme he may be, the court heard. The guard offered him a chance to see one of two Imams at the prison, the jury heard. ‘He said he had already met an Imam, had a disagreement with him and said his ideology would not be changed by anyone, Mr Morris said. ‘We were just having a general chat. He was very polite, very respectful to be fair. ‘He told me he was arrested by police with weapons in his rucksack I believe,’ the officer continued. ‘He said he knew Michael Adebolajo,’ Mr Morris said, adding: ‘He said he loved him and also said he used to hand out Islamic leaflets in Greenwich with him as well.’ Copycat: Ziamani's 'ambition' was to allegedly carry out an attack like one one in Woolwich by extremists Michael Adebolajo and Michael Adebowale, left and right, who killed Lee Rigby, the court heard yesterday . Asked if he was worried, Mr Morris replied: ‘I was very concerned. He just seemed so calm, so direct in the way he described. ‘He said there’s nothing I can do to help him. There’s nothing we can do to change his ideology.’ Ziamani also asked about Belmarsh prison where his ‘real brothers’ were and said he knew members of Islamic group Al-Muhajiroun, known as ALM and mentioned Anjem Choudary, the court heard. The prison guard said he offered Ziamani help in the form of a mentor. ‘Mr Ziamani was not interested. He said “my ideology will not be changed by anybody,’ he added. The court has previously heard he researched the location of army cadet bases in the south east of the capital. Ziamani denies planning a terrorist attack. The trial continues. Sorry we are not currently accepting comments on this article. | Brustholm Ziamani was arrested carrying knife and hammer last August .
Had been previously questioned over extremist posts online, jury told .
In one exchange heard in court, he said he wanted to 'do harm' to Cameron .
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(CNN) -- Protesters in parts of Egypt rallied Friday against the government and a vote on a constitution that would ban religious parties, leading to clashes with security forces or demonstrators' opponents in at least three cities, Egyptian media reported. The demonstrations are the latest by members or supporters of the Muslim Brotherhood, the Islamist group that has regularly protested Egypt's interim government since Brotherhood-backed President Mohamed Morsy was ousted in a coup in July. Muslim Brotherhood supporters clashed with opponents in parts of Cairo after Morsy loyalists tore down posters supporting the proposed constitution, on which Egyptians will vote Tuesday and Wednesday, the semiofficial Ahram Online news outlet reported. In Giza, security forces fired tear gas at Morsy supporters to disperse their march there, Ahram Online reported. The demonstrators began to march after Friday prayers and clashed with police in various parts of the city, Ahram Online said. Clashes also broke out in al-Sabah city in Suez province, where security forces fired tear gas at a pro-Morsy march, according to the state-run Middle East News Agency. The Muslim Brotherhood-led National Alliance to Support Legitimacy had called for protests, MENA said. The alliance has focused its ire on Egypt's January 14-15 referendum on a new constitution, which would not only ban religious parties but also put more power in the hands of the military. The alliance has called for a boycott of the referendum. Muslim Brotherhood supporters have continued their protests, even though the government declared the group a terrorist organization last month. The government has threatened to arrest anyone who attends Muslim Brotherhood protests or provides financial support to the organization. Supporters of the organization demand the reinstatement of Morsy, who became the country's first democratically elected president in 2012, and the full restoration of their political and social rights. The interim government blames the group for coordinated attacks on churches and government facilities, including a recent bombing of a police headquarters that left 16 dead and more than 100 injured. The military ousted Morsy on July 3 after he was accused of pursuing an Islamist agenda and excluding other factions from the government. Morsy's supporters say that the deposed president wasn't given a fair chance and that the military has returned to the authoritarian practices of longtime ruler Hosni Mubarak, who was deposed in a popular uprising in 2011. Morsy is awaiting trial in several cases, including one in which he and 14 other Muslim Brotherhood members face charges stemming from December 2012 protests over a constitution he shepherded into effect. Egyptian authorities have accused Morsy and his staff of ordering supporters to attack protesters after guards and members of the Interior Ministry refused to do it. Morsy and four others are charged with inciting violence, but they are not accused of using force. Eleven others are charged with killing three men, torturing 54 people, using force and possessing weapons. That trial, delayed Wednesday, is expected to resume on February 1. Morsy, who says he still is Egypt's legitimate president, has refused to recognize the court's authority and has yet to accept legal representation for the proceeding. CNN's Jason Hanna, Sarah Sirgany, Saad Abedine and Laura Smith-Spark contributed to this report. | Islamist group supporters protest an upcoming vote on a new constitution .
The constitution would ban religious parties and give the military more power .
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Ipswich Town manager Mick McCarthy has underlined his ambition to make a late push for the Premier League by signing free-scoring Leicester City striker Chris Wood on loan. McCarthy has exceeded expectations by taking an Ipswich team that cost £10,000 to assemble into an unlikely play-off place. But with just seven points separating the top seven clubs in the Championship, owner Marcus Evans has loosened the purse strings to allow McCarthy to sign Wood on loan, a 23-year-old New Zealand international who has scored 57 goals in 114 starts for seven different clubs including West Brom and Birmingham City. Leicester striker Chris Wood has joined Championship high-flyers Ipswich on loan for the rest of the season . Wood has played one Premier League game this season, scoring in a 2-2 draw with Everton in August . Mick McCarthy has taken Ipswich to third in the Championship, and is desperate for promotion . His only goal this season came when Leicester drew 2-2 with Everton on the opening day. Since then, Nigel Pearson has mainly opted to play David Nugent, Jamie Vardy and new signings Andrej Kramaric and Leonardo Ulloa up front. Ipswich are also interested in taking midfielder Anthony Knockaert on loan from Leicester but have to persuade the player to drop down a division. The Suffolk side are currently third in the Championship table. McCarthy is desperate for another crack at the Premier League having been sacked by Wolves in February 2012 when they were fighting relegation in the top flight. The club ended up going down but McCarthy privately believed he could have kept them up had he been given the opportunity. | Mick McCarthy has taken Ipswich to third in the Championship this season .
He has underlined his ambition by signing Chris Wood on loan .
The Leicester striker joins the Tractor Boys until the end of the season .
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By . Steve Nolan . PUBLISHED: . 07:23 EST, 19 December 2012 . | . UPDATED: . 07:59 EST, 19 December 2012 . Tragic: Young mother Laura Hill, who was struggling to cope with the death of her son Jayden, pictured, was found hanged . A young mother who was struggling to come to terms with the death of her baby son has been found hanged. Friends of Laura Hill, 21, say that she was dreading Christmas without her son Jayden who died suddenly in January last year. Police confirmed that she had walked out of a hospital where she was being treated in Pembrokeshire, Wales, and was later found dead in a nearby retail park. Touching Facebook tributes were paid to the young mother today. One friend posted: 'At least you are with your baby now.' Troubled Laura had herself previously poured her heart out on her Facebook page after Jayden's death at the age of four months. She wrote: 'Miss you so much. They say times a healer but the pain is gettign worse. I would do anything to have you back. 'If I could swap places I would. Life isn't going to be the same without you. 'Can't dexcribe how much I love and miss you.' Laura, of Neyland, Pembrokeshire, gave birth to baby Jayden in 2010 and loved being a mum. She had nicknamed her baby Mooey after buying him a baby gro with a cow pattern. Laura had been admitted to a hospital in Haverfordwest for help but walked out shortly before she was found dead. A friend said: 'It is so sad - everyone knew she was struggling but we never thought it was that bad. 'A lot of people are saying she wanted . to be with her baby boy - maybe that was what was on her mind, . especially at this time of year." Loving: Proud mother Laura, left, had nicknamed baby Jayden, pictured in his cow baby gro, right, Mooey . Her friend Tara Morris said on Facebook: 'Hope you're at peace now hun, such a brave girl. At least you get to be with your lil man now.' Health chiefs confirmed today that a full investigation has been launched into Laura's death. A spokesman for the Hywel Dda Health Board spokesman said: 'A full investigation will take place. 'Due to patient confidentiality the health board cannot comment further at this time.' Investigation: Hywel Dda Health Board will examine the circumstances surrounding the death of Laura Hill, left, who friends say couldn't cope with the death of her son Jayden, pictured with Laura and right . | Laura Hill, from Pembrokeshire, Wales, was found hanged at a retail park .
She had walked out of a nearby hospital where she was being treated .
The young mother's four month old son Jayden died suddenly last year .
Friends say she was dreading the thought of Christmas without him .
An investigation has been launched the Hywel Dda Health Board .
For confidential support call the Samaritans in the UK on 08457 90 90 90, visit a local Samaritans branch or click here for details . | 9676ec0d77270d8c9d89dc52df4de593dd095336 | [
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DOVER, England (CNN) -- As the ferries dock at the Port of Dover after crossing the English Channel, the trucks pull in at a steady rate. Afghanistan's opium harvest can be traced right back to some of those trucks. Afghanistan is the world's biggest supplier of illegal opium, which is made from the seed pods of poppies. "The routes are many and varied, the concealments are many and varied, we see body [concealment], we see what you call stuffers and swallowers, internal concealments," says Steve Coates, deputy director of Britain's Serious Organized Crime Agency. "They're one step ahead of us and we're desperately trying to get one step ahead of them and I think it's a long game," he said. Coates has spent almost 25 years tracking the heroin pipeline. But he says the approach over the last few years is more intelligence-led. "If we seize the powder, the commodity, they very quickly replace it. The financial flow is much more important. If you can hit the gangs, the proceeds of crime, you really are affecting them, you're reaching right into them and actually impacting them," says Coates. Watch how the Afghan drug pipeline is difficult to stop » . A new United Nations report confirms the status of the lawless and fertile lands of southern Afghanistan as the world's biggest supplier of illegal opium, the addictive narcotic that is made from the seed pods of poppies. The drug is ravaging the young, poor and vulnerable in Afghanistan, and its proceeds are the lifeblood of the Taliban. It also is spreading on a drug trail that spans the world. While Western governments have for years debated how to stop the lucrative drug trade in Afghanistan, the business has only grown. The U.N. report notes that for years, the counternarcotics strategies around the world have failed to have any real effect on addiction or drug trafficking. In some countries, heroin is 10 times cheaper now than it was 30 years ago. "We've been very good in the past at playing cops and robbers, but did [that] make a difference? No it didn't," concedes Coates. The key now, say law enforcement officials, isn't wiping out the poppies, scanning every truck or locking up the small-time dealers, but rather gathering intelligence that follows and then destroys the lucrative money trail. Britain's Serious Organized Crime Agency says it is now committed to taking a collaborative approach not just with its own national partners, but by working intelligence links through the world. | Port of Dover serves as entry point for much of Afghanistan's opium harvest .
Traffickers hide drugs in trucks, bodies, British drug official says .
"They're one step ahead of us," Steve Coates says .
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BUENOS AIRES, Argentina (CNN) -- More than 10,000 charred bone fragments were found buried at the site of a former Argentine government detention center, the first find of its kind at one of the secret centers, Argentine officials said. Bones were unearthed during a seven-month search at an ex-detention post in La Plata, Argentina, officials said. Searchers said they also found a wall with more than 200 bullet holes and an "important quantity" of spent ammunition shells on the ground nearby. In some cases, bullets were still lodged in the wall. The announcement was made Tuesday at a news conference by government officials and representatives of the Argentine Forensic Anthropology Team, better known as EAAF, the initials of its name in Spanish. A team of six professional anthropologists and support crew said it believed the remains were human, but it was unable to determine how many bodies the fragments represented. "I ask the forgiveness of family members, because I can imagine what the mothers and all who are gathered here will feel, but what we are about to show is not to detail the genocide but so that we have proof for the trials that are to come," said Sara Derotier de Cobacho, secretary of human rights for Buenos Aires province. "But let us not forget," she said in a statement, "that behind every clandestine center there were the names of the repressors. ... So it is very important for all citizens to know those names." The detention center was among those used in Argentina during the country's "Dirty War," which started in 1976 when a group of generals staged a coup and started a vicious crackdown against anyone considered a subversive. By the time civilian control of the government resumed in 1983, up to 30,000 Argentines had been abducted and taken to the secret government detention centers, where they were tortured and killed. They are widely called "los desaparecidos," or "the disappeared." Thousands more people were abducted and killed by right-wing dictatorships in other South American countries during the 1970s and 1980s, particularly in Chile and Uruguay. The bone fragments in Argentina were unearthed during a seven-month search at the former detention post in the city of La Plata, near Buenos Aires. In 25 years of searching, this was the first time that human remains were found at a former detention center, said Luis Fondebrider, president of the EAAF. "We've worked throughout the country and have always found remains in cemeteries, never outside," Fondebrider said in the release. The conference was called, he said, because of the extraordinary nature of the find. "We usually don't hold press conferences about our work or what we find," Fondebrider said. "But we understand that the magnitude of what we have found where the Clandestine Center of Arana was located merits that sometimes we show partial results." The searchers determined that bodies had been burned inside graves along with tires, combustibles and other material, Fondebrider said. "The possibilities of identifying some of these remains is low because of the state they are in," Fondebrider said. The searchers will start analyzing the remains next year and are working with two prominent forensic genetic laboratories that specialize in working with remains that are in poor condition, he said. Lending an official air to Tuesday's proceedings, Carlos Stornelli, minister of security for the province of Buenos Aires, and Pablo Buruera, mayor of La Plata, also attended the news conference. "We are looking for the truth so we can attain justice and construct, from there, the memory of our 30,000 'desaparecidos,' " Derotier said. | Remains believed to be human; number of bodies unknown, officials say .
Detention center among those used in Argentina's 1976-1983 "Dirty War"
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Van driver Richard Orlu admits he faces 'the biggest game of my life' when Dover Athletic host his home town club Crystal Palace. Defender Orlu could line up against friend Jason Puncheon as Conference side Dover entertain Premier League Palace in Sunday's FA Cup third-round clash. Orlu put his part-time delivery work on hold for the hectic Christmas schedule that has seen Dover stretch to 16 games without defeat. Dover Athletic's Richard Orlu (left) and captain Connor Essam pose at the Crabble Athletic Ground . Alan Pardew will manage Crystal Palace's FA Cup third round clash at Dover after leaving Newcastle United . The 26-year-old defender grew up a stone's throw from Selhurst Park in Thornton Heath, and conceded he cannot wait for Palace to arrive on the south coast. 'This is definitely the biggest game of my life,' Orlu said. 'I'm an Arsenal fan actually, even though Palace are my local team. 'I've got friends who are Palace fans and I knew a lot of people who went through their youth system growing up. 'It's the biggest club around where I come from, so if you're one of the best players where I'm from, you play for Palace. 'I was never amongst that to be honest, I never played for them. Dover entertain Crystal Palace at The Crabble Athletic Ground in the FA Cup third round on Sunday . Eagles midfielder James McArthur (right) is a doubt for the match after injuring himself at Villa . 'So it will be a bit weird to be on the same pitch as them. 'It hasn't really sunk in yet, and it probably won't until after the game. 'I know Jason Puncheon a little, he's very friendly; he's a really nice guy and I don't think anyone has a bad word to say about him. 'He's an excellent player as well, he's got great feet and he's a huge threat for them.' Dover have already fended off two League Two clubs in Morecambe and Cheltenham to reach the FA Cup's third round. The Crabble Athletic Ground outfit were paired with Tottenham away in the rehearsal for the third-round drawn, but are more excited to play host to Palace. Caretaker boss Keith Millen took charge of Palace's 0-0 draw at Aston Villa on New Year's Day . Dover could net as much as £250,000 from their cup exploits once television revenue is accounted, with chairman Jim Parmenter guiding the club away from the brink of administration on taking charge 10 years ago. Orlu leads a cast of hard-working semi-professionals who hold down day jobs while training three evenings a week with Dover. 'We've got a far greater chance of winning it here,' he said. 'I'd rather have more chance of winning than to play at Selhurst Park.' Dover assistant Mark Newson doubles as an academy coach at Palace, and embarked on an improbable Intertoto Cup campaign with Alan Pardew at Tottenham in 1995. Pardew will lead his first game with Palace after they agreed a £3.5million compensation deal with Newcastle . Pardew is expected to complete his move from Newcastle to the managerial hotseat at Palace in time to direct operations from the dugout on Sunday. Newson and Pardew were drafted into the Spurs set-up on loan from lower leagues for that unlikely European sojourn, and will now link up again at Palace. Newson admitted a Dover win this weekend may place his Selhurst Park position in jeopardy next week. 'I haven't seen Alan at Palace this week myself, but I'm just hoping that if we beat them on Sunday I'm still in a job on Monday!' Newson said. 'Alan's done a terrific job at Newcastle even though he's taken a lot of stick. 'I think he'll have more control and more say at Palace, which will be different from Newcastle.' Pardew was at Palace's training ground on Friday for just under 12 hours as he started life at his new club . | Dover Athletic host Crystal Palace in FA Cup third round on Sunday .
Richard Orlu plays in defence for Dover but is also a van driver .
Orlu admits match at The Crabble Athletic Ground will be biggest of his life .
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Alexis Sanchez's arrival has left the Arsenal squad 'buzzing' ahead of the new campaign, according to defender Carl Jenkinson - with more new signings expected before the Community Shield against Manchester City at Wembley. Arsene Wenger is set to return from his media duties at the World Cup this week, as the Gunners step up pre-season preparations which will see many players rejoin the group following international duty ahead of the friendly against the New York Red Bulls at the end of the month. German trio Per Mertesacker, Lukas Podolski and Mesut Ozil, however, will be given some extra-time off following their success in Rio, with a full three weeks' break scheduled. Scroll down for video . Optimistic: Carl Jenkinson is excited by the arrival of Alexis Sanchez and is looking forward to the new season . Arsenal are also intent on bringing in Sami Khedira from Real Madrid, while compatriot Lars Bender, who missed the World Cup through injury, is another reported target. Arsenal, though, did move swiftly to close out the transfer of Chile forward Sanchez in what is said to be a £30million deal from Barcelona. Sanchez arrives with a reputation as a top quality striker and Jenkinson believes he can help the FA Cup winners target more success. 'He is world class and they are the sort of players you want to see at the club. The squad are buzzing as much as the fans, because if you are going to push on as a club and really compete for things, you need to sign top players,' Jenkinson said on www.Arsenal.com. Statement: Arsenal splashed £30million to bring Sanchez to north London from Barcelona . Bow: The Chile international could make his first Arsenal appearance in the Emirates Cup on August 2/3 . 'We have done that with him for sure - it is a fantastic addition. He's quick and direct, he can play up front and on the wing, and he is very dynamic. He will definitely fit the Arsenal style of play.' Jenkinson added: 'Once you have got one (trophy), you want to experience it again, so fingers crossed we can compete on all fronts this season. We have the squad and we are signing players like Sanchez, so I don't see why we can't.' Arsenal are expected to confirm the arrival of France defender Mathieu Debuchy once Newcastle have been able to bring in a replacement, with Holland full-back Daryl Janmaat said to be in talks over a move from Feyenoord to Tyneside. Target: Arsenal are closing in on a £23million deal for Real Madrid's German international Sami Khedira . VIDEO One trophy not enough - Arteta . Atletico Madrid right-back Javi Manquillo is another player on Wenger's radar, along with 19-year-old Southampton right-back Calum Chambers as Arsenal look to cover off the departure of Bacary Sagna, who earlier this summer joined Manchester City on a lucrative free transfer. Egypt international centre-back Ahmed Fathi has, meanwhile, travelled to London for a trial, the defender's club Al Ahly announced. Arsenal also need a goalkeeper, and have been linked with Norwich's John Ruddy, the England international. The Gunners will take a select side to Boreham Wood on Saturday, where Jenkinson and others who were not involved at the World Cup could get a first run-out in a side likely to include goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny, Mikel Arteta and Wales midfielder Aaron Ramsey. Run out: Both Jenkinson and Aaron Ramsey (right) could feature in the upcoming friendly at Boreham Wood . England midfielder Jack Wilshere, meanwhile, may find himself with some explaining to do when he returns to London after photos were posted online of the 22-year-old appearing to smoke while on holiday in Las Vegas. In October last year, Wilshere issued an apology after being photographed smoking outside a London nightclub. Nine months ago, he said: 'I made a mistake. Players make mistakes. I am not a smoker, so I think that will be my last one.' Follwing their trip to the United States, Arsenal host the Emirates Cup on August 2/3, which is likely to present a debut for Sanchez. Arsenal play Premier League champions Manchester City in the Community Shield August 10 before starting the new domestic campaign at home to Crystal Palace. VIDEO Debuchy confirms Gunners move . | Arsenal signed Alexis Sanchez from Barcelona in deal worth £30m .
Arsene Wenger set to make more signings with Mathieu Debuchy and Sami Khedira both targets .
Carl Jenkinson and Aaron Ramsey could feature in friendly at Boreham Wood .
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By . Katy Winter . Prince William today joined forces with sporting royalty David Beckham to launch a United For Wildlife Campaign. The Duke of Cambridge, who is the president of United for Wildlife, launched #WhoseSideAreYouOn, a new campaign which harnesses the power of sport to raise awareness of conservation issues around the world. William was joined by David Beckham, . who heads a team of high-profile sporting stars backing this campaign to . engage young people's support on social networks to combat the illegal . trade in wildlife products. Scroll down for video . Old friends: David Beckham and Prince William are the two main names behind #WhoseSideAreYouOn . Top signings: The pair posed with a signed shirt carrying the campaign social media tag at the event . Good mates: David Beckham and Prince William looked very chummy at the charity launch . Working together: Becks and William also combined on England's unsuccessful World Cup bid in 2010 . Thoughtful: The pair were sombre as they watched a short film on protecting endangered species . The pair, . who both looked dapper in tailored suits, appeared together at Google . Town Hall (the brand's HQ) in London to speak about the dangers of illegal hunting. The . Duke, who sat beside Beckham on the stage at the central London event, . also gave a short speech in which he spoke of how the 'illegal wildlife . trade thrives because it is hidden, often invisible, making it easy for . criminals'. Beckham, . who addressed the specially invited audience of conservationists and . campaigners after William prince, said he had been 'honoured' to be . asked to get involved by the royal. Speaking of the illegal wildlife trade, the former England captain said: 'It's devastating. It really is devastating. 'And . we're in a world where our generation, and the younger generation can . really, really make a difference and we really need to do it now. 'Are . we on side of the criminals? Or are we on the side of the animals? I . know what side we're all on and I'm sure you know what side you're all . on.' Beckham, . who worked closely with William on England's World Cup bid and attended . his wedding, heads a team of sporting stars backing the campaign . including Wimbledon champion Andy Murray, India's former batsman Rahul . Dravid and retired South African rugby captain Francois Pienaar. Serious aims: Despite their joking and smiles, the pair both are passionate about the charity . Beckham, who addressed the specially invited audience of conservationists and campaigners (left) after William, said he had been 'honoured' to be asked to get involved by the royal (pictured arriving, right) Speaking out: Both men made speeches about conservation at the launch in London . The Duke described United for Wildlife as a 'powerful global alliance of seven of the most influential conservation organisations, while Beckham said he was proud to be part of an 'amazing team' Beckham added: 'It's something that we all feel very passionate about. 'As lead ambassador I'm very proud to also be part of an amazing team - an amazing array of famous faces that are very important to this organisation and very important to this cause.' Speaking to reporters afterwards, Beckham said: 'I want to make a change, I want to make a difference and If I can do that by just shining a light on something as important as this then it's a good thing." Asked if he expected to able to influence the parts of the world that drive the illegal wildlife trade, he said: 'Obviously I have quite a big following throughout Asia and especially in China and if it can shine a light on something as important as this then it's job done. 'But obviously having the Duke, the future king of England involved in something like this - there's nothing better.' During the event, William stood with his hands clasped in front of him as a short film was played highlighting the issues facing park rangers who must face the ever present threat of poachers and risk their own lives in doing so. The Duke described United for Wildlife as a 'powerful global alliance of seven of the most influential conservation organisations'. William is also involved through the Royal Foundation of The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry. Well wishers and fans waited to greet the Prince as he arrived at the event today at Google Town Hall in London . William, who is also involved through the Royal Foundation of The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry, waves at the waiting crowd upon his arrival . William headed inside where he joined David on stage and watched a film on the issues facing park rangers . The second in line to the throne went on: 'In February we set out our commitments to improve protection and enforcement, reduce demand and to help the business community to tackle international trafficking. 'That was our first step, but we knew we needed to do more to bring this trade into the open. The illegal wildlife trade thrives because it is hidden, often invisible, making it easy for criminals to build and expand. 'We wanted to find a way to show the world what was happening. Join us and help stop illegal poaching.' It is hoped the #WhoseSideAreYouOn debate will gather pace on social networking via Twitter, Facebook, Google Plus and YouTube to raise the profile of the issue. In the run up to the launch, William and his brother Prince Harry posed side by side for a photo for United for Wildlife's Twitter account, each holding a sign bearing the start date '9th June 2014' and their own signature. In the run-up to the launch, William and Harry posed side by side for a photo for United for Wildlife's Twitter account, each holding a sign bearing the start date '9th June 2014' and their own signature . Also . speaking at the event at Google Town Hall in Soho was Emmanuel De . Merode, the director of Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic . of Congo, who spoke of the dangers faced by rangers from poachers. Two . rangers are killed every week and he was shot himself earlier this year. He . said the issue was about more than just conservation. 'You have to . picture wildlife crime in the context of the overall damage that's being . done to people's resources, and in Congo there is perhaps no greater . example than that, no more extreme example, because it has provoked a . war, and this war has seen the death of over six million innocent . people,' he said. 'This is a war that's driven by the illegal exploitation of natural resources, of which wildlife crime is a part." Mr . De Merode, who is a Belgian prince, said he would he able to return to . Virunga and tell his rangers they were 'in incredibly good company now'. He was shot in the stomach and legs by unidentified gunmen in April and . is thought to have been targeted because of his conservation work. Beckham, who worked closely with the Duke on England's World Cup bid and attended his wedding, heads a team of sporting stars backing the campaign including Wimbledon champion Andy Murray, India's former batsman Rahul Dravid and retired South African rugby captain Francois Pienaar. Last September, William and Beckham teamed up when they recorded two video campaigns against illegal wildlife products for WildAid. Beckham said at the time: 'When I learned of the current poaching levels in Africa, I immediately agreed to help get this message out. BBC presenter Kate Silverton also attended the event which is being supported by celebrities and sporting stars including Wimbledon champion Andy Murray . 'It is shocking to think that we could lose these animals from the wild in our lifetimes.' The fight against illegal wildlife trade is close to William's heart. In February, he hailed a major international conference in London on the trafficking of endangered wildlife as the 'beginning of the end of this despicable trade'. World leaders agreed concrete steps to help safeguard endangered animals from poachers - putting their signatures to a declaration of intent. William attended the event with Harry and their father the Prince of Wales, who gave the keynote speech, as politicians gathered to discuss how best to combat the illegal trade in rhino horn, tiger parts and elephant tusks which fuels criminal activity worth more than an estimated £11.5 billion each year. United for Wildlife is a collaboration between seven conservation organisations and the Royal Foundation of The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry. | Prince William and David Beckham launched United For Wildlife Campaign .
Campaign fights against illegal trade in wildlife products .
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Washington (CNN) -- The Federal Aviation Administration is changing a generations-old policy banning pilots from taking antidepressants, saying the new policy will improve safety by bringing to the surface pilots who either ignore signs of depression or lie about their use of medication for fear of losing their licenses to fly. Beginning Monday, pilots with mild to moderate depression will be allowed to fly while taking antidepressants if they can demonstrate they have been satisfactorily treated for at least 12 months. The FAA also will begin a six-month amnesty period, during which pilots who use antidepressants can step forward without fear of penalties. The pilots will be grounded until they can demonstrate they have been stable for a year, although those who can prove a history of successful medical treatment should be able to fly "within a few months," the FAA said. The new policy will "absolutely" improve safety, said Randy Babbitt, head of the FAA and a former airline pilot and union chief. "The concern that we have today is we have people who are either self-medicating or not seeking a diagnosis. Either of those is unacceptable," Babbitt said. "This change ... will allow those people to get the treatment, allow us to monitor and return them to the cockpit [as] safer, better pilots." FAA officials said that they do not know the extent of depression among pilots but that pilots are probably representative of the larger population, in which 10 percent are believed to suffer from depression. Nor does the FAA know how many pilots have removed themselves from flying status because they suffer from depression, a condition that now bars them from flying. Nor do they know how many take antidepressants in violation of FAA policy. Commercial pilots under the age of 40 are required to undergo a medical exam by an FAA-certified physician every year; those over 40, every six months. But the examination focuses largely on the pilots' physical health, and there is no formal assessment of the pilots' mental health. The FAA says pilots have a regulatory duty and professional responsibility to not fly if they know they have a physical or mental condition that makes them unsafe to fly. But the FAA concedes pilots aren't always forthcoming, especially if honesty could cost them their job. "We know that there are people out there who are not taking antidepressants because they know they would be grounded if they are. We know there are people out there who are taking them and lying to us about that," said Dr. Fred Tilton, the FAA's federal air surgeon. "We think it's safer to [make sure pilots are treated for depression] than to continue to drive it underground," he said. Under the new policy, the FAA will, on a case-by-case basis, issue special medical certificates to pilots who take one of four antidepressants: fluoxetine (Prozac), sertraline (Zoloft), citalopram (Celexa) and escitalopram (Lexapro). All four drugs can be used safely without side effects, the FAA said, and other medications will be considered as the agency gains experience and data under its new policy. FAA officials say that they have been studying the issue for a decade, and that the change comes with improvements in medication and as the stigma of depression has diminished. One of the concerns is the risk of suicide by airplane. Between 1993 and 2002, there were 16 "aircraft-assisted suicides," according to a National Transportation Safety Board report, as recounted in a recent FAA medical bulletin. All involved smaller aircraft. In addition, the NTSB ruled that in 1999, the pilot caused the crash of EgyptAir Flight 990 by forcing the plane into the Atlantic Ocean, although the board could not determine the pilot's motives and did not use the term "suicide." The pilot's medical certificate had been renewed 10 days before the crash. All 217 on board were killed. "Depression is a disease, and it's treatable just like any other disease. And there is a stigma out there that we want to remove. We want to make the skies safer, and we believe that this change in the policy will benefit that and achieve that," Babbitt said. Said Tilton: "We believe it's the right thing to do. We also have support from all of the scientific organizations that understand the treatment of depression and the safety of the airspace." The new policy is consistent with recommendations from a host of aviation and medical organizations, including the Aerospace Medical Association, the International Civil Aviation Organization, the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association and the Air Line Pilots Association, the FAA said. Babbitt acknowledged that pilots face some risk by stepping forward, but he said they also face risk if they don't. "If it [unauthorized use of medication] was ever discovered, it would be the end of their license and their career, period," he said. The FAA said the policy is being posted on the Federal Register, where the public can make comments until May 3. Officials said because it is changing a policy, and not a rule, pre-publication in the Federal Register was not necessary. | FAA cites safety concerns, says policy applies to pilots with mild to moderate depression .
To fly while on antidepressants, pilots must have been treated for at least 12 months .
FAA says policy will expose pilots who ignore depression or lie about medication use .
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(CNN) -- For better or for worse, at almost every major event in the history of modern Israel, Ariel Sharon, the man his countrymen turned to when they thought they had no other choice, was there. "I can talk and look in the eyes of the citizens of Israel and convince them to make painful compromises," he declared in August 2001. "I saw my friend being killed, I was myself badly injured in battles. I had to take decisions of life or death for others as well as myself and believe me I understand the importance of peace better than many of the politicians who talk about peace." READ MORE: Ariel Sharon, giant of modern Israel, dies at 85 . Israelis called him the "Bulldozer," a fearless leader to his supporters who got things done. "He always worried about the destiny of the Jewish people and it was clear for the Jewish people to survive in this world you have to stand up and fight," said his senior adviser Raanan Gissin. To his opponents though, like Palestinian legislator Hanan Ashrawi, he was merely a bulldozer in a china shop. "Sharon was the most bloodiest of Israel's leaders. No scruples, no compunction -- killing people, men women children, destroying homes, destroying trees and crops, stealing land." Born on a farm outside Tel Aviv on February 26, 1928, the son of Russian immigrants, Sharon took the lessons from working the land to the highest office in Israel. "When my father saw that I was tired," Sharon recalled in 2001, "he would stop for a minute and say 'Look how much we have done already.' So from time to time I try and think how much we have done already." He served bravely during Israel's war of Independence and the dashing paratrooper quickly rose through the ranks, well liked by Israel's founding fathers. "He was tall, he was handsome, he was blonde, and he was thin at the time," said historian Michael Oren "and they looked at him: 'This is what we have produced in this land, this new Jew.'" READ MORE: 5 things to know about Ariel Sharon . But controversy was never far away. In 1953, after a wave of terrorist attacks from Jordan, he established and commanded the infamous Unit 101, assigned to carry out reprisals. One of those missions was a raid on the border town of Kibya, in which 45 houses were blown up and 69 Arab villagers killed. Sharon said he thought the houses were empty. By June 1967, he was back at war, now a general, leading his tank battalion to a crushing victory over the Egyptians in the Sinai during the Six Day War. But what he considered his greatest military achievement came during the 1973 Yom Kippur War when a surprise attack by a coalition of Arab states led by Egypt and Syria prompted Sharon to defy his command by surrounding Egypt's Third Army and leading his troops over the Suez Canal. It was a turning point in the war. "He was the kind of commander when the going was tough -- uncertainty and casualties -- soldiers always looked up to him to give guidance, to be like their guiding light in the dark," observed Gissin. "He was against all those notions of command from the rear. He said the commander must be on top of it with his troops on the front line." Retiring from the army, he turned to politics. As a member of the conservative Likud party, he served in several Israeli administrations. He was the father of the settlements -- Jewish communities built on occupied Palestinian land -- condemned internationally, and seen as an obstacle to peace by many within Israel. "That is the land of Israel and we are going to stay there forever," Sharon declared defiantly. As defense minister he was the architect of Israel's disastrous 1982 war in Lebanon, ordering the invasion to stop the Palestine Liberation Organization from using Lebanon as a base for attacks on Israel. "This was a misadventure, an ill-fated invasion," commented political analyst David Horovitz. "Sharon was trying to play superpower here and re-arrange the region in a way that would help Israel." And in 1983, an Israeli tribunal found him indirectly responsible for the massacre of hundreds of Palestinians at Sabra and Shatila refugee camps in Lebanon. It was carried out by the Christian Phalangist militia group, Israel's allies, and Sharon was found to have done nothing to stop it. He was forced to resign and was banned from ever being defense minister, a punishment that rankled even with the thick-skinned Sharon. "He felt betrayed, he felt betrayed by government," said Gissin. In the Arab world they called him the Butcher of Beirut. "He was resented, hated, he had not only blood on his hands he had a trail of blood everywhere he went," said Ashrawi. "Sharon was the most bloodiest of Israeli leaders." The 1990s would see his political rehabilitation, eventually becoming leader of his party in 1999. In September of that year came his notorious visit to the Temple Mount -- the holiest site for Jews, also claimed by Muslims as Haram al-Sharif, the "Noble Sanctuary." Violence soon erupted; Palestinians claim it was the spark that brought about the Second Intifada or uprising. "You don't bring thousands of border guards and police onto the Haram al-Sharif ground at a time when it is clear that the situation was simmering ... was a powder keg ready to erupt," said Ashrawi. But historian Michael Oren said there was more to the move than met the eye. "Sharon's visit to the Temple Mount had been co-ordinated with the Palestinian Authority at the time. They knew about it, there was no surprise about it; they were simply waiting for him to go up to intiate their terrorist war." In the violence that followed, Sharon was elected prime minister; and Israelis again turned to the Bulldozer, who promised to bring peace and security. Later he was asked how he managed such a remarkable comeback from the political grave. "Maybe they try to bury me too early," he told CNN, laughing, "and ah, maybe not deep enough -- what can I tell you?" As a wave of suicide bombings rocked Israel, Sharon unleashed the Israeli military, sending tanks and troops into Palestinian towns, ordering assassinations of Palestinian militant leaders. "And believe me, we show restraint. I am under heavy pressure to act differently." Palestinians of course, had a different view. "I think Sharon will be seen in history as the one who has perpetrated the must cruelty on the Palestinians," said Ashrawi. Sharon ordered the construction of the barrier through the West Bank and confined Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat to his compound in Ramallah -- accusing him of encouraging attacks on Israel. In 2001, he told CNN, "no doubt Arafat is a terrorist." Previously he had said he always regretted not killing his old foe when he had the chance. But Horovitz said Sharon's decision was made out of fear of what might have happened. "I think Sharon only refrained from killing Arafat reluctantly only because of a promise he made to the American government that he wouldn't kill him and because of an assessment by some in the Israeli intelligence community that more Jews would die if Arafat was killed." As the violence continued, Israelis overwhelmingly re-elected him for a second term in January 2003. Not long after Sharon made an historic announcement: Israel would give up Jewish settlements in Gaza and part of the West Bank. Sharon sent in the police and army to drag settlers from their homes, a move that earned him plaudits overseas, but derision and death threats from the settlers who once saw him as their champion. A small group of political rebels stirred up trouble within Likud, and by the end of 2005, Sharon had had enough. He bolted from his party, and established a new centrist group, called Kadima, Hebrew for "forward." Early opinion polls showed Sharon on track for a third term in office, but the man who many had thought was unstoppable, unexpectedly suffered a mild stroke in December 18, 2005. Characteristically, he tried to brush over his illness. "He felt he had to come as quickly as he could smiling on his own two feet," commented analyst Horovitz, "otherwise he would be a political lame duck." Two weeks later, he was back in the same intensive care unit at Hadassah University Hospital in Jerusalem, after suffering a second stroke -- but this time it was more serious. He underwent three emergency operations in 24 hours when doctors later tried to wake him from the medically induced coma. There were some signs of life -- slight movement of his hands and legs -- but little else. He has remained in a coma ever since. Questions were asked: did the prime minister receive the best medical treatment, why did he rush back to work after the first stroke? Eventually though, well-wishers and news crews left the hospital, the business of government resumed, and Israelis accepted that Sharon was not coming back. | Sharon was a force in Israel for decades .
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By . Leesa Smith . A little boy found wandering the streets alone and knocking on doors in western Sydney at 4.15am has been reunited with his parents. The boy was found knocking on doors in Regent Street in Fairfield at about 4.15am on Sunday. The little boy, believed to be three or four years old, was wearing only a blue sweater and a nappy when found. Scroll down for video . Francis street in Fairfield where a small boy was found knocking on doors at 4.15am today . The toddler's long black hair initially had police thinking the child was a girl, but the mistake was realised and the boy's family were found nearly five hours after he was first discovered by neighbours. 'The exact circumstances of how he went missing are still not clear,' a NSW Police spokesman said, but no further police action is expected to be taken. The boy had only made it a block away from his home. Although the toddler could speak to police officers, they were not been able to identify him. After more than four hours of canvassing the area, the officers found the parents, who were unaware that their son, when they knocked on their door on Olive Street at about 8.50am. The boy's parents were unaware their son was wandering the streets of Fairfield until police knocked on their door almost five hours later . | A boy was found knocking on doors on Francis St in Fairfield at 4.15am today .
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By . Daily Mail Reporter and Associated Press Reporter . PUBLISHED: . 17:23 EST, 3 October 2012 . | . UPDATED: . 17:24 EST, 3 October 2012 . A Texas businessman is accused of working as a Russian agent and selling $50million in sensitive military technology to the Russian government. Alexander Fishenko and ten of his employees were indicted by federal prosecutors on Wednesday on charges they used a Houston-based company to funnel cutting-edge microelectronics out of the country. Fishenko 46, is a Cold War-era story -- an immigrant from the former Soviet republic of Kazakhstan who worked for Soviet military intelligence in the 1980s. Raid: Federal agents carried boxes out of Arc Electronics Inc in Houston on Wednesday as part of an investigation into the sale of sensitive military technology . He emigrated to the United States in 1994 and became a naturalized citizen in 2003. For the last decade, prosecutors claim, he was operating his company, Arc Electronics Inc, as front to move radar and surveillance systems, weapons guidance systems, detonation triggers and other heavily-regulated technologies to Russia. He and ten others are accused of purposely evading strict export controls for cutting-edge microelectronics. Fishenko is also charged with money laundering and operating inside the United States as an unregistered agent of the Russian government. The name of Fishenko's attorney was not immediately available. His wife, Viktoria, who was identified as a co-owner of her husband's business but not charged, declined to comment Wednesday. 'I will speak when I know what's going on,' she said. Hiding in plain sight: Arc Electronics, run by Kazakh-born Alexander Fishenko, hid in sight in an unmarked warehouse in Houston . The indictment alleges that since October 2008, Fishenko and his co-defendants 'engaged in a surreptitious and systematic conspiracy' to obtain the highly regulated technology from U.S. makers and export them to Russia. U.S. authorities say the microelectronics could have a wide range of military uses, including radar and surveillance systems, weapons guidance systems and detonation triggers. They also say the charges come amid a modernization campaign by Russian military officials hungry for the restricted, American-made components. 'The defendants tried to take advantage of America's free markets to steal American technologies for the Russian government,' Loretta Lynch, U.S. Attorney in Brooklyn, said in a statement. Stephen L Morris, head of the FBI office in Houston, called the charges an example of how some countries have sought to bypass export safeguards 'to improve their defense capabilities and to modernize weapons systems at the expense of U.S. taxpayers.' According to court papers, Fishenko was born in the former Soviet Republic of Kazakhstan and graduated from a technical institute in St. Petersburg before coming to America in 1994. Indictment: Fishenko was one of 11 people charged by federal prosecutors for allegedly evading US export rules . He holds U.S. and Russian passports and has frequently traveled overseas to do business, making tens of millions of dollars on exports, authorities said. An analysis of Arc's accounting records showed a 'striking similarity between fluctuations in Arc's gross revenues and the Russian Federation's defense spending over the last several years,' the court papers say. Investigators also recovered a letter to Arc from a Russian domestic intelligence agency lab complaining that microchips supplied by the company were defective, the papers add. Phone calls and emails intercepted by U.S. investigators also 'constitute devastating evidence of Fishenko's illegal procurement for the Russian government,' the court papers say. Prosecutors said the evidence revealed repeated attempts by Fishenko to cover his tracks. In one instance in March, he 'directed an employee of a Russian procurement firm to "make sure that our guys don't discuss extra information, such as this is for our military client,"' the papers say. In an earlier conversation, Fishenko favorably referred to a business associate using 'a Russian colloquialism for "spy" or "secret agent,"' the papers add. About a dozen FBI agents in Houston executed a search warrant on Wednesday at Fishenko's firm, an unmarked business located in an industrial area in southwest Houston. They took at least 18 cardboard boxes of materials from inside the business to a large truck parked in an alley in the back of the business. Under sentencing guidelines, Fishenko faces more than 12 years in prison if convicted on all charges. | Alexander Fishenko is accused of using his Houston company, Arc Electronics, to circumvent export rules .
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The inspiration for Sherlock’s new nemesis? Well, that’s elementary. The show’s co-creator has previously gone on record criticising a certain real-life foreign Press baron who is an unashamed capitalist. So it was little surprise when Sherlock Holmes’ new enemy was unveiled in last night’s series finale – as a sinister foreign newspaper baron and unashamed capitalist. The detective describes his enemy Charles Augustus Magnussen – played by Danish actor Lars Mikkelsen – as a ‘shark’ who uncovers secrets about the great and the good which he uses to blackmail them. Scroll down for video . Villain of the piece: Lars Mikkelsen as Charles Augustus Magnussen with Martin Freeman and Benedict Cumberbatch . He adds: ‘I’ve dealt with murderers, psychopaths, terrorists, serial killers. None of them can turn my stomach like Charles Augustus Magnussen.’ As for the rest of the show, in a dramatic plot twist, Dr John Watson’s new wife, Mary, shoots Sherlock, played by Benedict Cumberbatch, after Magnussen discovers that she had a secret past as an assassin for foreign intelligence agencies. She then steals the identity of a dead woman to marry the detective’s sidekick. Luckily, she ensures the shot is not fatal, enabling Sherlock to recover and later turn a gun on the villain. The not-so-subtle depiction of the evil press baron was created by the series’ co-writer, Steven Moffat, who has previously ranted against Right-wing media and declared his dislike of the Conservatives. 'None can turn my stomach like Charles Augustus Magnussen': The show's new villain shares has similarities to another foreign press baron . In an interview with the Guardian before the last general election in March 2010, he declared: ‘I hope the Tories don’t win. Let’s not beat around the bush.’ Former teacher Mr Moffat also launched a scathing attack on James Murdoch, the son of Rupert Murdoch and the then head News International, which owns The Times, The Sunday Times and The Sun. He said: ‘Are we really going to put James Murdoch in place of [the BBC]? ‘Can you imagine how s*** everything would be? Never mind the fine and glorious things that the BBC does, imagine how s*** everything would be! Stuff would be s***! Let’s not have really good restaurants, let’s have Kentucky Fried Chicken!’ In another possible indication of the views of the show’s creators, Sherlock himself was seen reading a copy of the Guardian during last night’s episode. And is not the first time the show has . been accused of blatant Left-wing bias; the previous episode featured a . thinly veiled attack on Boris Johnson, calling the Mayor of London . ‘dithering, incoherent, and self-interested’. Mr . Johnson last week accused the BBC of bias after a spoof newspaper story . which flashed up briefly on screen during an earlier episode of . Sherlock. Shock: Dr Watson's new wife, Mary, shoots Sherlock in a rather dramatic twist in the series finale . The mock article revolved around the Mayor of London turning the Thames into a motorway. Although Mr Johnson was not mentioned by name, the article said that the plans followed a list of ‘bizarre concepts’, including a ‘recently-mocked concept of putting an airport in the middle of the estuary’ – a clear reference to the mayor’s so-called ‘Boris Island’ proposal. The page included a quote from the ‘current Mayor’ which appeared to mock Mr Johnson’s use of language, finishing with the exclamation ‘huzzar!’ It said: ‘When asked to explain how the system might move forward, or even be profitable, or perhaps even to explain the point, the Mayor, who was at a self-promotion event, was found to be dithering, incoherent, and self-interested’. Mr Johnson said afterwards: ‘It is elementary my dear Watson, I deduce a simple case of BBC bias.’ He added that spending taxpayers’ money attacking Conservative politicians was the BBC’s ‘raison d’etre’. The BBC insisted that the newspaper and Mayor featured in the episode were entirely fictional and were not named or ‘politically affiliated.’ | Holmes' enemy unveiled in series finale - a sinister newspaper baron .
Co-creator Steven Moffat previously spoken of his dislike of Conservatives .
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(CNN) -- President Barack Obama on Sunday reiterated his commitment to getting the U.S. Senate to approve the New START treaty with Russia by year's end, saying he felt "reasonably good about our prospects" for the goal. "When we look upon how important Russian support has been" on Iran sanctions and the Afghanistan supply route, Obama told reporters aboard Air Force One, "my hope is that because this is a good treaty we should get it done." Obama spoke as he was returning from a trip to Asia, where he met with Russian President Dmitri Medvedev in Japan. The president said the White House has had a "series of conversations" with Republican Senators John McCain of Arizona, Jon Kyl, also of Arizona, and Lindsey Graham of South Carolina about the nuclear arms treaty and that they "say they want to see this done." On Saturday, a senior Obama administration official said that "negotiations are under way" to spend as much as $4 billion more to modernize the U.S. nuclear arsenal as part of the effort to push through the treaty by year's end. The official's comments came after a meeting in Yokohama, Japan, between Obama and Medvedev while attending the Asia-Pacific Economic Conference. The two leaders discussed a host of issues, from Iran to Middle East. A swift resolution to the New START treaty issue regulating the two nations' nuclear arsenals, though, ranked high on their agenda. The treaty, signed by Obama and Medvedev in April, would cut each country's deployed nuclear warheads by approximately a third, limiting each side to a maximum of 1,550. Some Republicans have held up a vote, saying despite lengthy hearings in the last session, they have more questions about the agreement. If no action is taken, new Senate hearings would be required and that could set back ratification for as much as two years. While they didn't win a majority in the Senate, Republicans made major gains in November's election -- meaning they'll have more clout when the upcoming "lame-duck session" ends and a new Congress takes office in January. "We have a full-court press under way right now with the key senators," said the senior administration official. "The president has made it very clear ... that this is his highest priority in terms of foreign policy pieces of business to get done in the lame duck session." Obama has already included $80 billion over 10 years for nuclear weapons modernization in his budget, a move that experts saw as a bid to pre-empt criticism that he is not doing enough to safeguard the United States' military and nuclear strength. But Sen. Kyl, who is leading the charge against voting on the treaty in the lame-duck session, and fellow Republicans have said they are not convinced the Obama administration is committed to modernizing the nations' nuclear arsenal or to developing and deploying a robust missile defense system. For the New START treaty to go into effect, it must be ratified both by the U.S. Senate and by the lower house of the Russian legislature, the Duma. The Democratic chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, John Kerry, said Wednesday he's "very hopeful" the Senate will vote in December. The uncertainty in Washington have held up action in Moscow as well. Reacting to the midterm election, the Duma's International Affairs Committee delayed consideration by the entire Duma. "They don't want to be caught in a situation similar to the one they were in with START II, which they ratified but the United States did not," said Sharon Squassoni, director and senior fellow of the Proliferation Prevention Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. In their talks Saturday, Obama discussed with Medvedev his "legislative strategy" to getting the New START treaty ratified, and the two also talked about the political dynamic in Russia, the senior administration official said. The two leaders also discussed the "next steps" as Russia tries to join the World Trade Organization, a move that will likely happen next year, according to the senior administration official. Even with New START still in limbo, Medvedev and Obama discussed negotiating a new Conventional Armed Forces in Europe, or CFE, treaty. The pact, which was signed by 30 nations, sets limits for weapons and armament systems from the Atlantic Ocean to the Ural Mountains, the administration official said. CNN's Ed Henry contributed to this report. | NEW: Obama says key Republican Senators "say they want to see this done"
U.S. Official says talks are under way to spend billions more on nuclear arsenal .
Republicans have pushed for more money to modernize the nuclear arsenal .
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By . Sam Webb . PUBLISHED: . 13:38 EST, 17 November 2012 . | . UPDATED: . 13:39 EST, 17 November 2012 . Warrior: Ethan Owers, aged 7, with his belt and certificate after gaining a blackbelt in kick-boxing. Ethan is believed to be one of the youngest in Britain to have gained a junior first degree blackbelt in the martial art . A seven-year-old boy has the perfect antidote to bullies - a black belt in kickboxing. Ethan Owers, from Gravesend, Kent, is believed to be one of the youngest in Britain to have gained a junior first degree black belt in the martial art. During a four-hour grading session, he completed a range of exercises including 100 press ups, star jumps, sit ups and squat thrusts at Dartford's Combat Camp UK gym. His mother, Kelly, 27, said today: 'We are really chuffed with him. 'It was hard work, particularly as he's so young and so small, but he's thrilled at what he's achieved and he just hammered it. 'It wasn't easy. He had to go through a load of exercises and had to show each level that he had worked through over the last three years, all in just one day.' Ethan started training when he was three years old and gained inspiration from his mother and father, Jason, 35, who are both coaches and competitors in martial arts. Mrs Owers added: 'Ethan will go on to the next stage now and work towards his second dan in black belt and maybe take part in light contact competitions. 'We have just left the choice down to him. We don't force him to do anything. He has a real passion for kickboxing and trains four times a week. 'Kickboxing requires discipline and respect, and teaches people life skills, as well as being good for keeping fit.' Kickboxing is a group of martial arts based on kicking and punching. It is a wide term for a martial art developed from a number of disciplines, including Karate, Muay Thai and Western boxing. Combat: Kickboxing is a popular sport throughout the world and combines technique from a number of martial arts (file pic) | Ethan Owers, 7, is believed to be one of the youngest in Britain to get the accolade .
He has been training since he was just three-years-old .
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The son of IAAF president Lamine Diack has stepped down from his activities with athletics' world governing body pending an investigation into allegations of a cover-up of systematic doping in Russia. Papa Massata Diack, who works for the IAAF as a marketing consultant, joins Valentin Balakhnichev, the president of the Russian athletics federation and the IAAF's treasurer, in agreeing to step down. IAAF legal adviser Habib Cisse has also taken similar action, sources have confirmed to Press Association Sport, after German television station ARD broadcast three documentaries alleging that the IAAF officials were implicated in covering up the doping in Russia. IAAF president Lamine Diack's son has agreed to step down pending an investigation . The IAAF said in a statement: 'The IAAF appreciates the gesture of council member Valentin Balakhnichev, who has been the subject of recent media allegations, who has voluntarily decided to cease exercising his duties as IAAF treasurer and council member until the independent IAAF ethics commission's ongoing investigation has concluded. 'IAAF marketing consultant Papa Massata Diack has also written to the IAAF confirming that he will suspend his activities on behalf of the IAAF until the commission has delivered its final report.' The move comes after the IAAF's executive board met on Wednesday - the governing body's ethics committee is investigating the allegations. The latest programme by ARD involved a list of 150 athletes from 2006-2008 named as having suspicious blood results - including three Britons, one of whom was high-profile. The TV channel alleged the IAAF did not follow up the suspicious results by target-testing the athletes involved. The controversy is now set to play an interesting role in the election to succeed Lamine Diack next August. Sebastian Coe, the double Olympic 1500 metres champion and chairman of the British Olympic Association, is running for the presidency and is expected to be challenged by his fellow IAAF vice-president Sergei Bubka, from Ukraine. Coe, who is understood to have been supportive of the decision for the officials to step down from their IAAF activities pending the investigation, has been a vociferous opponent of doping. Sebastian Coe believes athletics' reputation is damaged by doping case involving a small number of countries . His manifesto calls for the IAAF's doping unit to be completely independent of the governing body - something that is likely to gain support following the latest allegations. Bubka, too, issued a statement earlier this week calling for an investigation. Balakhnichev told Russia's TASS news agency he and the federation had been subjected to 'brutal persecution' by the allegations. ARD reported that three-time Chicago Marathon winner Liliya Shobukhova paid 450,000 euros to the Russian athletics federation to avoid a doping ban - she was eventually banned for doping and she said some of the money was refunded. ARD claimed it had evidence linking the 300,000 euro refund to Balakhnichev and that the Singapore-based company that allegedly made the payment was owned by a business partner of Papa Massata Diack. The French sports daily L'Equipe has also raised questions about meetings in Moscow hotels in 2011 between Balakhnichev, Cisse and Papa Massata Diack. Balakhnichev, who has branded the claims 'a pack of lies', told TASS he had written to the IAAF president offering to 'temporarily cease to work as treasurer and as a member of the council'. Lamine Diack on Wednesday also described as 'ridiculous' a report that his son appeared to request a payment of 5million US dollars during Doha's failed bid for the 2017 World Championships. Dick Pound, the former president of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), has lambasted the IAAF for not acting on allegations of systematic Russian doping . The Guardian has reported Papa Massata Diack, who holds the organisation's marketing rights for a number of countries including Qatar, sent an email in 2011 asking for the payment. The Qatar Athletics Federation told the Guardian it did not recognise the emails and had complied with all regulations. Lamine Diack said in L'Equipe: 'The Guardian said my son had tapped up Qatar for 5million dollars for me to say we can hold the championships in September. That's very overpriced - and it's ridiculous because I had always answered 'yes' to this question anyway.' Sorry we are not currently accepting comments on this article. | Papa Massata Diack, the son of IAAF president Lamine Diack, has stepped down from his activities with athletics' world governing body .
He joins Valentin Balakhnichev, the president of the Russian athletics federation and the IAAF's treasurer, in agreeing to step down .
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(CNN) -- A blustery winter snowstorm swept into New England on Saturday night, creating hazardous highway conditions across the region and disrupting air traffic throughout the nation. The snow started falling heavily Saturday night and was expected to continue into Sunday. When Bostonians wake up Sunday morning, they may find 8 to 14 inches of snow on the ground, with the same amount forecast north and west of the city and in New Hampshire. Areas south of Boston will see 3 to 6 inches. The storm was so bad that Newark Liberty International canceled 168 outbound flights on Saturday and Chicago O'Hare, which was hit by snow earlier in the day, canceled 102, according to the website Flightaware.com. At 9:30 p.m., the website reported that 1,003 airline flights had been canceled in the United States on Saturday; Boston Logan Airport has already canceled 35 Sunday flights. Highway traffic may be treacherous, with the problem compounded by high winds. CNN affiliate WCVB-TV reported that Massachusetts expects to use 10,000 tons of salt and 2,000 vehicles during the storm. Frank DePaola of the Massachusetts Department of Transportation told CNN that speed limits on major roads had been lowered to 45 mph. Football fans shouldn't feel sorry for the New England Patriots, however. They'll play in sunny Miami against the Dolphins on Sunday. The eastward moving storm dropped snow earlier across the Midwest and western Pennsylvania, with 9 inches reported in Urbana, Illinois, and 3.9 inches at O'Hare Airport outside Chicago. Detroit reported 5.5 inches of snow, Cleveland 4.2, Toledo 5.7 and Pittsburgh 2.7. Millions of people will experience the big chill as the system drops snow on an area of more than 1,000 miles. FedEx said winter weather and high winds caused major disruptions at the company's Memphis hub that could delay shipments across the United States. Chicago has already been hit hard. The snow that fell there Saturday afternoon was wet, making it heavy and difficult to shovel. Areas south of Chicago could see 4 to 6 inches of snow. New Yorkers could see 3 to 5 inches of snow Saturday afternoon and evening, followed by sleet and freezing rain overnight. The nation's capital will see a mix of rain, snow and sleet, and further to the south, the same system will bring cold and rain. There was a slight risk of severe storms Saturday for parts of Florida, Georgia and Alabama. | A winter storm is affecting an area from Kansas to Maine .
New: More than 1000 flights canceled on Saturday .
Boston area could see 8 to 14 inches of snow .
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(CNN) -- Drew Peterson has met with a prominent divorce attorney more than a year after his wife, Stacy, disappeared, his lawyer confirmed to CNN on Tuesday. Drew Peterson's behavior after his wife disappeared deepened suspicion, but he says she ran off. Peterson, a former Bolingbrook, Illinois, police sergeant, has not filed divorce papers, said his attorney, Joel Brodsky. But Peterson told an author he would look into a divorce after Stacy had been missing for a year. He said he was considering divorce for the sake of their children. "I can confirm that Drew Peterson did have a consultation with Jeffrey Leving," Brodsky said, adding that no divorce papers have been filed. Leving, who bills himself as a father's rights lawyer, represented Cuban immigrant Elian Gonzalez's uncle and ultimately helped reunite the boy with his father. Police have said that 54-year old Peterson is a suspect in his wife's disappearance, which investigators have labeled a "potential homicide." Peterson maintains that his wife, who was 23 at the time of her disappearance, left him for someone else. In an interview in May with Derek Armstrong, author of "Drew Peterson Exposed," Peterson hinted that he planned to divorce her after she had been missing for a year. In Illinois, willful desertion or abandonment is grounds for a divorce after a year. The interview begins with Peterson expressing frustration with the media attention and negative reactions from his neighbors. "We were talking about the neighbors and how it's hard to live in the neighborhood with the media trucks around and the neighbors being so difficult," Armstrong told CNN. "I asked if he was going to move, and he said, 'Yeah, when I get a chance, but Stacy's on the title.' " After the one-year anniversary of Stacy Peterson's disappearance passed, Armstrong said he began to make some phone calls to see whether Drew Peterson was acting on his earlier plans. Armstrong said he called two other prominent divorce lawyers until he reached Leving's office, which confirmed the meeting. In a phone conversation, Peterson confirmed to Armstrong that he was "getting information" and "exploring options." Armstrong pressed Peterson, who responded, "A desertion. She deserted me." Peterson elaborated, "I've always said that I'm mad about that. But I'm looking into this for the kids. This neighborhood is not healthy for my kids because of Sharon Bychowski." Bychowski has been battling Peterson since his wife -- her friend and neighbor -- disappeared in October 2007. Peterson has accused Bychowski and other neighbors of harassing and threatening him. Armstrong asked Peterson whether he thought news of the divorce might encourage Stacy to contact him. "I have nothing more to say," the former cop shot back. Brodsky told CNN he had not been aware that news of the meeting with the divorce lawyer had become public knowledge. "We definitely didn't advertise it," he said. "That's real thorough detective work. [Armstrong] could show police a thing or two about finding someone." Drew Peterson said he awoke at his suburban Chicago home to find his wife gone October 28, 2007. He said she called him at 9 p.m. and announced that she was leaving him, Peterson said. Police confirm that there was some activity on Stacy Peterson's cell phone about 9 p.m. October 28, but her family and close friends say she would never leave her two children behind or go away without mentioning it to her family. In the days leading up to her disappearance, Stacy Peterson confided in friends and her sister. She said she was afraid of her husband and wanted to leave him, according to her sister, Cassandra Cales. "If anything happens to me, he killed me. It wasn't an accident," Cales quoted her as saying. At 10 a.m. that Sunday, Stacy Peterson failed to show up for an appointment with a friend. Worried, Cales called police Monday, October 29, and reported her sister missing. The media frenzy and police scrutiny soon revealed that Drew Peterson's third wife had died mysteriously a few years earlier during a nasty divorce. Kathleen Savio died just before the division of the marital assets was finalized, making Drew Peterson the sole beneficiary. Savio was found in the dry bathtub of her home. At the time, the death was ruled an accidental drowning. But her family continued to insist that Savio died as a result of foul play. The investigation into Stacy Peterson's disappearance brought renewed interest in Savio's death. Authorities exhumed Savio's body, further tests were conducted, and her death has now been ruled a "homicide staged to look like an accident." Some witness statements portray Drew Peterson as jealous, possessive and controlling. He was said to keep such close track of his wife that he frequently called her cell phone and appeared unannounced at social outings to take her home. This caused tension in the marriage, the witnesses told police. Police named Drew Peterson as the prime suspect in his wife's disappearance in November 2007. He has not been charged in the case, but he has been charged with illegal gun possession, which could put him behind bars for up to five years if he is convicted. | Peterson says he's looking into options since wife deserted him a year ago .
Peterson: Neighbors are making it unsafe for family to live in home .
Stacy Peterson left him October 28, 2007, husband says .
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President Barack Obama is doing his part to support small businesses. Obama and daughters Malia and Sasha dropped in Saturday at Washington's Politics and Prose bookstore and purchased what he said was a ‘long list’ of books that included The Kite Runner, Harold and the Purple Crayon, and The Sports Gene. The president said he bought a reader for every age, from 5 to 52 - his age. Shoppers and store employees were . shocked to see the president drop by in his casual clothes with his two . daughters. The president is seen laughing and talking to people in the . shop as he makes his purchase. Scroll down for video . Buying books: President Barack Obama shops with daughters Sasha and Malia at Politics and Prose Bookstore and Coffeehouse in Washington on Saturday to support small businesses . All smiles: President Barack Obama greets shoppers as he shops at the local bookstore . Did we remember to get The Kite Runner? Obama, with daughters Sasha, center, and Malia, right, pays for his purchase after buying a 'long list' of books . He paid by credit card. The total was not announced. Obama sent a tweet earlier Saturday about the importance of supporting small businesses. The Saturday after Thanksgiving has become known as ‘Small Business Saturday’. It's designed to drive business to mom and pop shops between the whirlwind of Black Friday sales offered by large retailers and Cyber Monday deals from online sellers. Big bag: The president grabs the books he just bought from the local bookstore . Wait, how much did I pay you? Obama is seen making the girl behind the counter laugh as he takes what looks to be a business card from the store . As he left the shop, the President wished everyone a "great holiday," and customers applauded. First lady Michelle . Obama, who was not with the family Saturday, held a book signing at . Politics and Prose in May to promote American Grown, a book about the . White House garden and her campaign against obesity. Last year, the Obamas shopped at a different bookstore - One More Page Books - in the Washington suburb of Arlington, Virginia. In 2011, they went to Kramerbooks and Afterwords Café in Washington. Support local shops: Obama's tweet about Small Business Saturday which he posted earlier in the day before going to the bookstore . Casual: Obama greets a store employee at the local Politics and Prose bookstore in northwest Washington on Saturday . Sorry for cutting the queue! US President Barack Obama speaks with the stunned shoppers while making his way to the cash register . Half Brother - by Kenneth OppelHeart of a Samurai - by Margi PreusFlora and Ulysses - by Kate DiCamilloJinx - by Sage BlackwoodLulu and the Brontosaurus - by Judith Viorst and Lane SmithOttoline and the Yellow Cat - by Chris RiddellMoonday - by Adam RexJourney - by Aaron BeckerThe Lowland - by Jhumpa LahiriRed Sparrow - by Jason MatthewsHarold and the Purple Crayon - by Crockett JohnsonA Constellation of Vital Phenomena - by Anthony MarraThe Sports Gene: Inside the Science of Extraordinary Athletic Performance - by David EpsteinCollision Low Crossers: A Year Inside the Turbulent World of NFL Football - by Nicholas DawidoffBallad of the Sad Cafe: And Other Stories - by Carson McCullersMy Antonia - by Willa CatherRagtime - By E.L. DoctorowThe Kite Runner - by Khaled HosseiniBuddha in the Attic - by Julie OtsukaAll That Is - by James SalterWild: From Lost to Found On the Pacific Crest Trail - by Cheryl Strayed . | President Barack Obama and his two daughters, Malia and Sasha, went Saturday to Washington's Politics and Prose bookstore .
They purchased The Kite Runner, Harold and the Purple Crayon, The Sports Gene, and many others .
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By . Gerri Peev . Former Tory MEP Stanley Johnson said it would be unreasonable if his son was not able to make a pitch . Boris Johnson must be allowed to stand in a Conservative leadership contest even if he is not an MP, his father demanded yesterday. Former Tory MEP Stanley Johnson said it would be unreasonable if his son was not able to make a pitch for the Tory party’s top job if David Cameron steps down after the 2015 general election. London Mayor Mr Johnson is not currently an MP and has said he has no plans to stand before his second term runs out in 2016. But Mr Johnson senior called on the party to change the rules so his son could stand. His father waded into the leadership speculation last night by revealing: ‘It would not be a reasonable expression of the way things are if there were to be an election in the Tory party for leader under whatever rules they have - it just wouldn’t be reasonable if Boris somehow was not able to be a candidate.’ Mr Johnson added that, if his son was still mayor, ‘it would be up to the party to find a way of making sure the proper candidates are there’. He pointed to 1963 when Alec Douglas-Home mounted a leadership campaign from the House of Lords where he was a hereditary peer before becoming an MP. ‘Alec Douglas-Home was not a member of the House of Commons. He was a peer but they found a way,’ Mr Johnson said. He added: ‘Don’t tell me it wouldn’t be possible to have a system whereby you say: OK life has moved on, there are now important elective offices. ‘Maybe even an elected MEP could stand. At the moment, it says only an MP can stand. Well how reasonable is to say we exclude the MEPs? If you say exclude the MEPs, how reasonable would it be to exclude the mayor of a major city?’ Mr Johnson is not currently an MP and has said he has no plans to stand before his second term runs out. His father says he should be able to go for the top job if David Cameron steps down after the 2015 general election . Mr Johnson has already been privately urged to make a return to the Commons before the general election by the Prime Minister and Chancellor. In theory, Mr Johnson could juggle the final year of his mayoralty while serving as an MP. There will be pressure on the Prime Minister to follow his predecessor Michael Howard and quit immediately if he fails to win a majority. Mr Howard stood down straight after losing the 2005 election, giving the relatively unknown Mr Cameron six months to prepare his campaign and emerge as a serious contender. The Mayor’s father also let slip that his son was a closet fan of Europe. Mr Johnson senior – who served as a European Commissioner twice and an MEP – said his son ‘is a very good pro-European. He basically had a perfectly good European upbringing, he went to the European School. Don’t tell me he is not. You can’t be called Alexander Boris de Pfeffel Johnson without having a European vocation.’ Yet the London Mayor just days ago told a newspaper that being in the EU was ‘not the be all and end all’. ‘Pulling out would be much less disastrous than people claim. There wouldn’t be a great implosion, just as there wasn’t when we refused to join the euro.’ His father’s candour could deter rank and file Eurosceptic Tories from backing Mr Johnson. | Stanley Johnson says party must ensure 'proper candidates are there'
Mr Johnson says he has no plans to stand for 2015 election .
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(CNN) -- Five babies in El Paso, Texas, have tested positive for tuberculosis after being exposed to the infectious disease at a local hospital, the city's health department says. Providence Memorial Hospital has identified more than 850 infants and 43 health care workers who were potentially exposed after a nurse came to work with an active case of TB some time between September 2013 and August 2014. He or she worked with infants in the nursery and in the post-partum unit at the hospital. It's important to note, health officials said, that the babies who tested positive do not have active cases of TB. Four of them received the Bacillus Calmette-Guerin vaccine for TB that may be generating false positives. Still, all will be given treatment. "I first of all want to apologize to the families that are affected by this, and let you know as CEO of Providence Memorial Hospital, I and my colleagues take absolutely ownership of our role in this," Eric Evans said at a news conference last week. "I represent today over 3,000 dedicated co-workers who get up every day dedicated to helping others in their most vulnerable moments. They're a group of people that I'm very proud of, and they're all struggling with this happening in our facility. We're going to make this right." 45 infants added to TB exposure list . The infected health care worker is no longer working and is receiving treatment, the owner of the hospital, Sierra Providence Health Network, said in a statement. Tuberculosis is an infectious disease that generally causes coughing, chest pain and difficulty breathing, according to the Mayo Clinic. An estimated 2 billion people worldwide have what's called latent TB, where the bacteria remain dormant and don't cause symptoms. "Once in the body, the bacteria usually lay dormant for months or years before they begin to grow and cause a case of active TB," the El Paso Department of Public Health said in a statement. "That is why it is so important to identify people who may have been exposed, screen them, and provide treatment." The bacteria that cause TB spread through the air when an infected patient coughs or sneezes, but it's not a highly contagious disease; close contact over a longer period of time is required before another person becomes infected, according to the Mayo Clinic. Only active TB can be spread. Patients with TB must take antibiotics for six to nine months. Some strains of TB are resistant to antibiotics, which makes them more dangerous. Without treatment, TB can be fatal, the Mayo Clinic says. | Five babies in El Paso, Texas, have tested positive for tuberculosis .
Infants exposed after nurse came to work with active TB .
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Solar flares on the Sun can knock out power and affect communications on Earth. However, Nasa has spotted something far more dangerous - the strongest, hottest, and longest-lasting sequence of stellar flares ever seen from a nearby red dwarf star. The initial blast from this record-setting series of explosions was as much as 10,000 times more powerful than the largest solar flare ever recorded. Scroll down for video . The 'superflare' came from one of the stars in a close binary system known as DG Canum Venaticorum, or DG CVn for short, located about 60 light-years away. Both stars are dim red dwarfs with masses and sizes about one-third of our sun's. They orbit each other at about three times Earth's average distance from the sun, which is too close for Swift to determine which star erupted. At its peak, the flare reached temperatures of 360 million degrees Fahrenheit (200 million Celsius), more than 12 times hotter than the center of the sun. Stars erupt with flares for the same reason the sun does. Around active regions of the star's atmosphere, magnetic fields become twisted and distorted. Much like winding up a rubber band, these allow the fields to accumulate energy. Eventually a process called magnetic reconnection destabilizes the fields, resulting in the explosive release of the stored energy we see as a flare. The outburst emits radiation across the electromagnetic spectrum, from radio waves to visible, ultraviolet and X-ray light. 'We used to think major flaring episodes from red dwarfs lasted no more than a day, but Swift detected at least seven powerful eruptions over a period of about two weeks,' said Stephen Drake, an astrophysicist at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland, who gave a presentation on the 'superflare' at the August meeting of the American Astronomical Society's High Energy Astrophysics Division. 'This was a very complex event.' At its peak, the flare reached temperatures of 360 million degrees Fahrenheit (200 million Celsius), more than 12 times hotter than the center of the sun. The 'superflare' came from one of the stars in a close binary system known as DG Canum Venaticorum, or DG CVn for short, located about 60 light-years away. Both stars are dim red dwarfs with masses and sizes about one-third of our sun's. They orbit each other at about three times Earth's average distance from the sun, which is too close for Swift to determine which star erupted. 'This system is poorly studied because it wasn't on our watch list of stars capable of producing large flares,' said Rachel Osten, an astronomer at the Space Telescope Science Institute in Baltimore and a deputy project scientist for NASA's James Webb Space Telescope, now under construction. 'We had no idea DG CVn had this in it.' Most of the stars lying within about 100 light-years of the solar system are, like the sun, middle-aged. But a thousand or so young red dwarfs born elsewhere drift through this region, and these stars give astronomers their best opportunity for detailed study of the high-energy activity that typically accompanies stellar youth. Astronomers estimate DG CVn was born about 30 million years ago, which makes it less than 0.7 percent the age of the solar system. Stars erupt with flares for the same reason the sun does. Around active regions of the star's atmosphere, magnetic fields become twisted and distorted. Much like winding up a rubber band, these allow the fields to accumulate energy. Eventually a process called magnetic reconnection destabilizes the fields, resulting in the explosive release of the stored energy we see as a flare. The outburst emits radiation across the electromagnetic spectrum, from radio waves to visible, ultraviolet and X-ray light. At 5:07 p.m. EDT on April 23, the rising tide of X-rays from DG CVn's superflare triggered Swift's Burst Alert Telescope (BAT). Within several seconds of detecting a strong burst of radiation, the BAT calculates an initial position, decides whether the activity merits investigation by other instruments and, if so, sends the position to the spacecraft. In this case, Swift turned to observe the source in greater detail, and, at the same time, notified astronomers around the globe that a powerful outburst was in progress. 'For about three minutes after the BAT trigger, the superflare's X-ray brightness was greater than the combined luminosity of both stars at all wavelengths under normal conditions,' noted Goddard's Adam Kowalski, who is leading a detailed study on the event. 'Flares this large from red dwarfs are exceedingly rare.' The star's brightness in visible and ultraviolet light, measured both by ground-based observatories and Swift's Optical/Ultraviolet Telescope, rose by 10 and 100 times, respectively. The initial flare's X-ray output, as measured by Swift's X-Ray Telescope, puts even the most intense solar activity recorded to shame. The largest solar explosions are classified as extraordinary, or X class, solar flares based on their X-ray emission. This 01 October, 2001 NASA Solar and Heliospheric Observatory (SOHO) EIT (Extreme ultraviolet Imaging Telescope) image of the Sun shows a solar flare leaping out from an active sunspot (lower-R). The largest solar explosions are classified as extraordinary, or X class, solar flares based on their X-ray emission. 'The biggest flare we've ever seen from the sun occurred in November 2003 and is rated as X 45,' explained Drake. 'The flare on DG CVn, if viewed from a planet the same distance as Earth is from the sun, would have been roughly 10,000 times greater than this, with a rating of about X 100,000.' Three hours after the initial outburst, with X-rays on the downswing, the system exploded with another flare nearly as intense as the first. Over the next 11 days, Swift detected a series of successively weaker blasts. Osten compares the dwindling series of flares to the cascade of aftershocks following a major earthquake. | Initial blast from record-setting series of explosions was as much as 10,000 times more powerful than the largest solar flare ever recorded .
At its peak, the flare reached temperatures of 360 million degrees Fahrenheit (200 million Celsius), more than 12 times hotter than the center of the sun .
'Superflare' came from one of the stars in a close binary system known as DG Canum Venaticorum located about 60 light-years away. | 040e297cf6df528defdddee17cdf84b88365eede | [
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By . Olivia Williams . PUBLISHED: . 03:08 EST, 20 June 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 03:21 EST, 20 June 2013 . GPS blunder: Reinier Hernandez-Orta 30, is accused of stealing a trailer with $500,000 of imported wine . A man who made off with $500,000 worth of expensive wine was caught when the GPS system in the trailer showed police his every move. Florida's Highway Patrol unit listened to live updates of the journey as Reinier Hernandez-Orta drove the truck along a toll road near Palm Beach. Hernandez-Orta had no idea that police could see a real-time, detailed picture of his journey. The Patrol unit who look after the 110-mile stretch of Florida's Turnpike started to follow the live location updates after the owner of American Express Lines reported a truck had disappeared on Tuesday afternoon. When Hernandez-Orta stopped off at the Lake Worth service plaza, a trooper from the Highway Patrol closed in on him. However, when he arrived at the service stop, the trailer had been abandoned and the cab and driver were nowhere to be seen. Moments later, a cab the same colour was spotted leaving the plaza, so the Highway Patrol pulled 30-year-old Hernandez-Orta over at the next exit. Hernandez-Orta was questioned immediately on the side of the road. He insisted that he owned the truck and that he was its sole driver, according to the arrest report. Hernandez-Orta then requested a lawyer. Spotted: The stolen trailer was recovered on the Florida Turnpike interchange . The original driver of the trailer came down to the service plaza to claim the trailer, telling the Highway Patrol about the imported wine inside. Hernandez-Orta now faces a charge of first-degree felony grand theft. On the same day he was booked into Palm Beach County Jail. He is being held in custody in lieu of $100,000 bail. Sorry we are unable to accept comments for legal reasons. | GPS tracker inside trailer led police straight to Reinier Hernandez-Orta .
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(CNN) -- Police drones circling overhead, ready to help search for lost children, rescue stranded boaters and capture criminals. Or drones equipped with lethal weapons, high-tech cameras able to see through clothing, and technology that monitors a person's visit to religious or political events. Those were divergent and tricky scenarios discussed at a congressional hearing on Thursday (October 25), as lawmakers contemplated a market that experts believe could grow to 10,000 unmanned aircraft in five years. Congress has ordered the Federal Aviation Administration to develop plans to integrate them into the national airspace system used by jetliners, private and military planes, helicopters and blimps by 2015. But there are challenges with safety and operations with anticipated police, homeland security, private and commercial use. Privacy, another concern, was looked at closely at the congressional field hearing in Texas. "We need to establish clear guidelines about when and for what purpose law enforcement agencies, private citizens, and businesses can use drones," said Rep. Ted Poe, a Texas Republican and chairman of the House Judiciary subcommittee on crime, terrorism, and homeland security. In many respects, privacy issues involving drones are no different than those presented by other aircraft and satellites, experts said. But traditional aircraft are costly and expensive to maintain, placing natural limits on their use. The low cost of drones will "erode that natural limit," allowing governments to conduct regular surveillance on people, said Chris Calabrese, legislative counsel for the American Civil Liberties Union. "As the number of drones rises, so, too, will the number of suspects," said Rep. Hank Johnson, a Georgia Democrat. "During the civil rights movement, would activists have left their homes if they knew" they were being monitored from cameras 30,000 feet above?" he asked. "If we take a Laissez-faire attitude towards this, we will see an erosion of our liberties," Johnson said. Experts testified that Supreme Court case law regarding police aerial surveillance relies heavily on the concept of the public's "reasonable expectation" of privacy. But those expectations will change as drones become more commonplace, said David Leebron, president of Rice University and former Dean of Columbia Law School. "As technology changes, if we take no action, so do our expectations," Leebron said. So several witnesses at the hearing said a legislative fix is needed to uphold current standards of privacy. A bill introduced by Poe would prohibit the FAA from issuing a drone permit for use by law enforcement unless it is related to a warrant for the investigation of a felony, with some exceptions. It also would prohibit individuals from conducting surveillance on private individuals or private property without the owner's consent. "We must decide now when drones can and cannot be used in order to ensure constitutional safeguards," Poe said. "Technology may change with time, but the Constitution does not." But others cautioned against action that could stifle industry. "I think we're at the birth of this technology," said David Crump, a professor at the Houston University Law Center. "It's true that it's exploding; it's a very fast growing baby," he said, "But we wouldn't want to tell Alexander Graham Bell at the birth of the telephone" to stop development because of privacy concerns. | Police, homeland security, businesses see growing market for drones domestically .
Concerns about safety, operations and privacy if drones proliferate in United States .
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By . Daily Mail Reporter . PUBLISHED: . 03:57 EST, 26 March 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 03:57 EST, 26 March 2013 . Controversy: Mark Kelly filling out paperwork at a gun shop before buying an assault rifle . Gabby Giffords' husband has had his purchase of an assault rifle cancelled after the gun shop where he bought it concluded that he only wanted the weapon as a political stunt. Mark Kelly, a leading advocate for gun control since his wife was wounded in the Tucson shooting which left six dead two years ago, bought the AR-15-style rifle three weeks ago to show how easy it is to acquire lethal weapons. Yesterday the owner of Diamondback Police Supply, in Tucson, announced that he had returned Mr Kelly's money because he was not buying the gun 'for his personal use'. Doug MacKinlay said that he plans to raffle off the gun to raise funds for law enforcement, and donate the value of the rifle to a firearms safety organisation. Mr Kelly was accused of hypocrisy for buying the same gun he is lobbying to ban, but he insisted that he was only doing so to make a point and said he would hand the weapon in to police. Because the rifle was second hand, the former astronaut had to wait 20 days to take possession of it - and during that period Mr MacKinlay decided to cancel the deal. 'While I support and respect Mark Kelly’s 2nd Amendment rights to purchase, possess, and use firearms in a safe and responsible manner, his recent statements to the media made it clear that his intent in purchasing the Sig Sauer M400 5.56mm rifle from us was for reasons other then for his personal use,' the store owner said in a statement. 'In light of this fact, I determined that it was in my company’s best interest to terminate this transaction prior to his returning to my store to complete the Federal Form 4473 and NICS background check required of Mr Kelly before he could take possession this firearm. 'A full refund was sent to Mr Kelly, via express mail, on Thursday of last week.' Couple: Kelly is pictured with his wife, former Rep Gabrielle Giffords, left, during a return to the supermarket where she was wounded in a rampage two years ago in Tucson, Arizona . Point of sale: Kelly purchased the guns at Diamondback Police Supply in Tucson, Arizona . He added that the gun would be given . to the Arizona Tactical Officers Association, who will raffle it off to . buy equipment for the state's SWAT teams. Mr MacKinlay's business will also . donate $1,295, the price of the rifle, to the Eddie Eagle GunSafe . Program, which teaches schoolchildren what to do if they come across a . weapon. Earlier this month, Mr Kelly posted a . photo on Facebook of him filling out paperwork at the gun shop, along . with a statement setting out his reasons for buying the rifle. He . said that the background check for the purchases took only a matter of . minutes to complete, and added that he dreaded to think people can buy . similar guns without background checks at gun shows or on the Internet. Husband: Kelly hangs on to his wife as the two appeared at the Tucson supermarket where she was shot two years ago . Horrific scene: Kelly and Giffords appeared at the same supermarket where she was shot on January 8, 2011 . The . AR-15 is among 157 military-style weapons that would be banned under a . bill pending before the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee. Mr . Kelly and Ms Giffords started the Americans for Responsible Solutions . gun control group amid the wave of mass shootings in recent months and . have been touring the country in recent months in support of expanded . background checks for gun purchases. Killer: Jared Lee Lougner gunned down six people when he opened fire at a Giffords event in Tucson. She was shot in the head but survived . Ms Giffords, then a U.S. Representative, was among 13 people wounded in a January 2011 shooting . as she met with constituents outside a Tucson supermarket. Six were . killed. She resigned from Congress last year as she continues to recover from her injuries. Mr MacKinlay earlier said Mr Kelly never revealed . to the store's staff why he was buying the guns and added that it would . be wrong to refuse to sell a gun to someone because of their personal . views. 'He is a U.S. citizen, an Arizona . citizen and expressing his Second Amendment right to purchase and own a . firearm,' Mr MacKinlay said. Todd Rathner, a lobbyist for the . National Rifle Association's affiliate in Arizona and a national NRA . board member, questioned the point that Mr Kelly was trying to make in . buying the guns, saying a model citizen like him should be able to . buy a gun relatively quickly. He also noted that such a purchase could have been a good investment as the value of those types of weapon soars amid heightened demand from gun owners. 'If you believe him, it's a cheap publicity stunt,' Mr Rathner said. 'If you don't, then he was speculating on the value of the rifle because he knew the prices would be inflated.' Mr Kelly told CNN that it was important for him to have firsthand information on the ease of buying guns such as the AR-15 and that he looks forward to buying a firearm at a gun show in the future. The high-profile couple have long been supporters of gun rights and owned handguns themselves. Experiments: Kelly says it was important for him to have firsthand info on the ease of buying guns like the AR-15 and that he looks forward to buying a firearm at a gun show . | Mark Kelly bought AR-15-style rifle to show how easy it is to buy weapons .
Gun rights advocates accused him of being a hypocrite over purchase .
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Overweight 11-year-olds did less well at school at 16, a new study has found (stock image) Its damage to health is well known, but obesity could also harm a child’s exam success. A study found that girls who were dangerously overweight at 11 did less well at school at 16. The effect was big enough to make the difference between gaining a C and a D at GCSE. The British researchers said that while the health effects of obesity receive a lot of attention, the problems do not end there. They also warned that the knock-on effects could be lifelong. Latest figures show that almost 20 per cent of 10 to 11 year olds in England are obese. A further 15 per cent are overweight. The researchers analysed data from a long-running study of children born in the Bristol area in the early 1990s. This included IQ at age eight, weight through the teenage years and school results. No clear effect was found for boys but crunching the figures showed that girls who were obese at 11 did less well in tests at 11 and 13. They also fared less well in maths, science and English GCSEs at 16. The study, published in the International Journal of Obesity also showed that the longer the child was obese, the bigger the effect on their schoolwork. Strikingly, the effect of obesity remained even when factors such as socio-economic status, the amount of exercise done and depression were taken into account. IQ, measured at age eight , was also factored in. Given this, the researchers aren’t entirely sure why obesity affects how a child does at school but some research has suggested it slows the development of the brain. It is also possible that the psychological scars of obesity run deep. For instance, bullying by other children may lower self-esteem and lead to youngsters taking more time off school and so missing lessons. Teachers may also treat obese children differently to their normal-weight classmates. The researchers tried to account for depression the study but say they may not have been able to factor in the full effect of the stigma of obesity on mental health. Teenage boys are thought to be less sensitive to the effects of bullying than girls, perhaps explaining why no link was found for males. Researchers analysed data from a long-running study of children born in the Bristol area in the early 1990s, including IQ at age eight, weight through the teenage years and school results (library image) With poor school grades having a knock-on effect on higher education and employment, the effects of being obese as young as 11 could be long-lasting. Lead researcher, Professor John Reilly, of the University of Strathclyde, said: ‘Further work is needed to understand why obesity is negatively related to academic attainment but it is clear that teenagers, parents and policymakers in education and public health should be aware of the lifelong educational and economic impact of obesity.’ Dundee University researcher Dr Josie Booth said: ‘The key message is that obesity has a wide-reaching impact and we need to be doing more to help children attain a healthy lifestyle.’ Dr David Haslam, chairman of the National Obesity Forum, hit out at schools for rewarding children with chocolate and punishing them by stopping them from playing football. He added: ‘It is not only academic achievement, marriage and university prospects are also lower in obese kids. ‘It is very worrying and it is another dimension to the obesity problem. ‘Everybody thinks about obesity and diabetes but when you think that success in life is affected by your weight, it is pretty serious.’ | Study found overweight 11-year-olds did less well at school at 16 .
Made the difference between gaining a C and a D at GCSE, research found .
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By . Daniel Mills for Daily Mail Australia . Levi and Nevada received treatment for their injuries . A 13-year-old boy has escaped serious injury after putting his right arm through a glass window during a failed ice bucket challenge. Victorian teenager Levi Childe was preparing to perform his nominated deed for charity when his younger brother, Nevada, distracted him during filming outside his Geelong home. Upset by his brother's attempts to foil his challenge, Levi turned and tried to punch him only to have his arm go straight through the glass pane. Paramedics were called to the Geelong home after his mother, Clare, stormed out of the shower naked when she heard a 'massive crash.' 'I didn't know whether to put clothes on, call 000 or put his arm back together,' she told 9NEWS. Reacting to the 'terror screams' she and a neighbour came running to the boy's aid after he fled screaming in horror while his brother laughed. Ms Childe said her neighbour managed to stay calm enough to follow the instructions of the Triple Zero operator. 'She heard all the screams and she fell over on the grass out the front she was running so fast,' Ms Childe said. Levi will need to wear a cast for at least six weeks after severing three tendons in his wrist and fingers . 'We both were ringing Triple zero, they managed to calm her down, so she could save the situation. Levi was operated on the next day with doctors confirming he had severed tendons in his wrist and two fingers, narrowly avoiding nerve damage. Nevada also suffered cuts to his leg from the broken glass which fell inside the room he was standing. Levi can be overheard telling his brother in the grainy footage filmed on a mobile phone that he is going to 'smack' him just moments before he puts his arm through the window. The 13-year-old will have to wear a cast for up to six weeks and is undergoing hand therapy treatment as part of his recovery. Ms Childe said she hasn't been able to bring herself to watch the footage. The 13-year-old was attempting the ALS ice bucket challenge when he was distracted by his brother behind . He reacted by turning to his brother who was standing behind a window in a room in the house . After punching the glass pane he ran off screaming while his brother laughed at him . | Levi Childe was preparing for the ALS challenge outside his Geelong home .
His brother, Nevada, 'photo bombed' him during Levi's ice challenge attempt .
Reacting angrily he turned to 'smack' his brother but put his arm through a pane of glass .
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By . Nick Mcdermott . PUBLISHED: . 20:25 EST, 4 March 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 02:52 EST, 5 March 2013 . New mothers are up to five times more likely to have the condition than other women (posed by model) Worries about the responsibilities of motherhood are making women more prone to obsessive compulsive disorder. New mothers are up to five times more likely to have the condition than other women. More than one in 10 of those who have recently given birth experience symptoms. These can include an irrational fear of accidentally injuring the baby, increased worry about germs and hygiene, and obsessive checking for mistakes. For example some women with the condition feel the need to constantly check that baby monitors are working, that cots and high chairs are secure, or that bottles are sterilised. The condition is now even more common in new mothers than post-natal depression, which affects around one in ten. Scientists believe that in many cases the two may be linked. OCD is a mental condition characterised by unwanted and repeated thoughts that create anxiety, and a compelling urge to dispel them. This can result in repetitive actions, such as constantly washing hands, or mental rituals that can include counting or avoiding ‘unlucky’ colours. In severe cases, the disorder can have a devastating effect on an individual. Some new mothers report intrusive fears that they might harm their baby. ‘It may be that certain kinds of obsessions or compulsions are adaptive and appropriate for a new parent, for example those about cleanliness and hygiene,’ said lead researcher Dr Dana Gossett, from Northwestern University in Illinois, US. ‘But when it interferes with normal day-to-day functioning and appropriate care for the baby and parent, it becomes maladaptive and pathologic.’ An estimated two to three per cent of adults have OCD, with famous sufferers including David Beckham. The former England captain has spoken of his compulsion to count clothes and place magazines in straight lines and symmetrical patterns. The condition may be triggered by stress, which could explain its association with pregnancy and childbirth, according to the researchers. The study looked at 461 women who were due to give birth and screened them for anxiety, depression and OCD. Famous OCD sufferers include David Beckham. The former England captain has spoken of his compulsion to count clothes and place magazines in straight lines and symmetrical patterns . Tests were carried out two weeks after delivery and six months after the women had gone home.The results, published in the Journal of Reproductive Medicine, showed an OCD rate among the women of 11 per cent - up to five times the risk for the general population. In about half the cases investigated, OCD behaviour began to improve after about six months. However, some women only begin to display symptoms this long after delivery and the risk remains for up to a year after giving birth. The most commonly-reported examples of OCD found in the study were concern about dirt or germs followed by compulsions to check that they did not ‘make a mistake’. Other manifestations included constantly testing baby monitors were working, washing and re-washing bottles, and constantly checking a baby is still breathing or its cot is secure. About 70 per cent of women who screened positive for OCD were also found to be suffering from depression, with the overlap suggesting post-natal OCD is a previously unrecognised mental problem. ‘There is some debate as to whether post-partum (post-natal) depression is simply a major depressive episode that happens after birth, or its own disease with its own features,’ said co-author Dr Emily Miller, also from Northwestern University. ‘Our study supports the idea that it may be its own disease with more of the anxiety and obsessive-compulsive symptoms than would be typical for a major depressive episode.’ | More than one in 10 of those who have recently given birth have symptoms .
They include fears of injuring baby, germs, and obsessing over mistakes .
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By . Reuters Reporter . PUBLISHED: . 01:05 EST, 8 September 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 01:05 EST, 8 September 2013 . A child died of a gunshot wound on Saturday at a popular campground in Yellowstone National Park, according to park officials, who said the girl's mother reported that her young daughter had shot herself with a handgun. Emergency responders were unable to resuscitate the girl after her mother called emergency dispatchers from a campsite near Yellowstone Lake, park spokesman Al Nash said in a statement. The names of the mother and girl in the incident, which is under investigation, were not released pending notification of extended family members, Nash said. Tragedy: A child died at a popular Yosemite campsite after shooting herself with her father's gun . The child's age was also not released. A U.S. law that took effect in 2010 allowed people to carry guns into national parks as long as federal, state and local firearms laws were met, according to the National Park Service. Although hunting is permitted at a handful of national parks, including Grand Teton in Wyoming, hunting or even firing a gun is unlawful in Yellowstone, according to park literature. The girl was killed in the Wyoming section of the park known as Grant Village, which features a ranger station . The forested campsite where the shooting occurred sits near a developed area in the Wyoming section of the park known as Grant Village, which features a ranger station, lodge, stores and other amenities. Yellowstone, which was the first area designated a U.S. national park and is among the country's most popular outdoor destinations, spans 2.2 million acres of pine forests, river valleys, mountain lakes and geysers in parts of Wyoming, Montana and Idaho, and attracts about 3 million visitors a year. | The shooting occurred sits near a developed area in the Wyoming section of the park known as Grant Village .
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By . Damien Gayle . PUBLISHED: . 04:16 EST, 30 April 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 06:31 EST, 30 April 2013 . Would you argue if a five-ton bully wanted to make off with your lunch? Gemunu the elephant is fast becoming notorious at his home in Yala National Park, Sri Lanka, for ambushing wide-eyed tourists and running of with their food. A recent spate of thefts where he has used his trunk to search cars as they drive through the park have left visitors alarmed by his unruly behaviour. Hey! Gemunu pushes over the driver of a car as . he scours the interior of the vehicle for any snacks its passengers . might be hiding . Gemunu makes use of his trunk: Visitors . have been left alarmed by a recent spate of thefts by Gemunu who has . targeted their vehicles as they drive through the park . Caught in the act: These pictures were taken by . wildlife photographer Aditya Singh who was at the . park earlier this month when Gemunu targeted his car . 'Regular habit': Mr Singh said it's over . the past year that Gemunu has started raiding occupied vehicles, after . learning that those inside often travelled with tasty snacks . Wildlife photographer Aditya Singh, from Rajasthan, India, was at the park earlier this month when Gemunu targeted the car he was travelling in. The 46-year-old said: 'I'm told that even as a baby, while Gemunu's mother was very wary of vehicles and visitors, he was always extremely intrigued by them. 'As soon as he left the herd he started spending most of his time at the edge of the park near the Sithulpawuwa temple. 'While he was there he was fed by the monks and soon realised that the cars parked there usually had some food inside. 'Apparently he used to just pick at the food until about a year ago when he actually started raiding cars. Now it has become a regular habit.' Notorious: Mr Singh was just learning about Gemunu's thieving ways from his friend, Mevan Piyasena, when then the 22-year-old elephant ambushed their car . Ambush! Mr Singh said all he could do during the attack was stay calm, . keep away from Gemunu's tusks, and keep the camera steady - then away as fast as they could . Mr Singh was just learning about Gemunu's thieving ways from his friend, Mevan Piyasena, when then the 22-year-old elephant ambushed their car. 'First Gemunu pushed our driver, Janaka, off his seat and then he poked his head inside the car looking for food,' he said . 'He checked each one of us with his trunk and then poked his trunk all around our Landcruiser looking for food but we didn't have any. 'All that I could think of was to stay calm, keep away from his big tusks and keep the camera steady. 'After what seemed like hours, though it was just a few minutes, he moved on to the next car. We just got out of there as fast as we could.' | Gemunu the elephant's thieving ways are making him notorious in Yala National Park .
He was caught in the act when he ambushed a car containing wildlife photographer Aditya Singh . | cadd074eefecca05996115019c467cacf36613f0 | [
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By . Associated Press Reporter . Authorities in Alaska . say they are investigating claims by a confessed Anchorage killer that . he is responsible for three additional deaths. A . news release says Joshua Wade has agreed to provide information on . three additional killings. In exchange, prosecutors will transfer him to . a federal prison outside Alaska. Wade was convicted of killing nurse Mindy Schloss and convicted of evidence tampering in the death of Della Brown. Authorities in Alaska say they are investigating claims by confessed Anchorage killer Joshua Wade that he is responsible for three additional deaths . KTVA-TV reports Wade contacted them several times last winter and told them he killed three others. Wade . says he killed someone when he was 14 and strangled someone else five . years later during a botched robbery. He says the third unrevealed . killing occurred the night Brown died. He says there was a man with Brown whom he beat and shot. Wade, 34, has admitted killing Della Brown and Mindy Schloss. Wade . was sentenced to life in prison in February 2010 in the 2007 death of . Schloss, a neighbor who worked as a nurse practitioner. 'I deserve much worse,' he tearfully said at his state court sentencing. In . a signed plea agreement for the slaying, Wade also acknowledged that he . killed Brown, another Anchorage woman, in September 2000 by hitting her . on the head with a large rock. Brown's battered, partially-nude body . was found in an abandoned shed. Wade pleaded guilty in federal court to first-degree murder and carjacking in the 2007 death of Mindy Schloss Schloss, a nurse who lived next door . Wade also admitted to killing Della Brown, an Alaska Native woman whose battered, partially-clothed body was found in an abandoned shed in Anchorage . An Anchorage . jury acquitted Wade of Brown's murder but convicted him of tampering . with evidence, for which he served 6 1/2 years in prison. In . telephone calls last winter from jail to KTVA, Wade claimed he killed . someone else when he was 14 and five years later, strangled someone in a . botched robbery. The third additional death, . he said, came the night Brown was killed. There was a man with her in . the shed. Wade told the station he knocked the man unconscious, put him . in the trunk of his car, and then went for drinks. When he returned, he heard thumping in the trunk. 'And . I opened it, nobody was around, it was dark, and pulled him out and . pretty sure that I'd killed him that time by stomping on his head,' Wade . told the station, which didn't air the interviews last winter but did . so Thursday night, after police announced the news conference. 'I drove . out to the valley, found a spot, took the guy out, took his clothes off . and shot him in the head two times with a shotgun and pretty much took . everything from the shoulders up.' Months . after his release from the evidence-tampering conviction, Wade bound, . gagged and kidnapped Schloss, shooting her in a wooded area near . Wasilla. Wade was sentenced to 99 years in . prison for the murder of Schloss. A state court judge placed a . restriction on the parole board to make Wade serve at least 66 years. If . Wade were to be released after that, at age 95, he would be turned over . to federal authorities to serve out the remainder of a life sentence . for murder committed during a carjacking. That . sentence was handed down in federal court, where Wade got into a heated . exchange with U.S. District Court Judge Ralph Beistline, who called . Wade heartless, selfish and a coward. Red-eyed with emotion, Joshua Wade is seen with defense attorneys Jim McComas, left, and Cynthia Strout, right, after an Anchorage, Alaska, jury cleared him of murder charges Wednesday, April 16, 2003 . In an angry voice, Wade told the judge, 'Don't push it, man.' Beistline responded, "I'm going to push it." Wade . repeated the threat, and the judge said the angry outburst was very . revealing and underscored what a danger Wade would be if free. Wade denied to the station that he was a serial killer. 'Absolutely not,' he responded. And his advice to people who think he is a serial killer: 'Quit reading books.' | Joshua Wade was convicted of killing nurse Mindy Schloss and evidence tampering in the death of Della Brown .
Contacted local TV station KTVA several times claiming murders .
Wade claims he killed a person when he was 14, strangled another five years later, and killed one more the night Brown died .
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By . Nick Purewal, Press Association . Sadio Mane could miss Southampton's Premier League clash with Newcastle after work permit regulations delayed his return to the south coast. Saints boss Ronald Koeman has revealed the Senegal forward had to take a detour via Ghana on his journey back to England after scoring in his national side's 2-0 victory in Botswana on Wednesday night. Mane is expected back at Southampton on Friday from African Nations Cup duty, Koeman explained. Sadio Mane's delayed return from international duty might cause him to miss the match against Newcastle . The 22-year-old transfer-window capture had to make his stop-off in Ghana to fulfil work permit requirements. Mane is still awaiting his Saints debut after joining the club from Red Bull Salzburg in an £11.8million deal. 'I hope he can still be involved,' said Koeman, ahead of Saturday's St Mary's Stadium meeting with Newcastle. 'He played on Wednesday night and then he had to travel to Ghana to get his passport stamp before coming to England. 'So hopefully he'll be back on Friday.' Sadio Mane signed for Southampton this summer from Red Bull Salzburg in a £11.8m deal . Former Dutch defender Koeman said Mane could take a seat on the bench if he makes it back in time for the Newcastle clash. The new Saints boss will most likely start Dusan Tadic and Shane Long up front, given other injuries in his forward line. 'It will be a late decision to see if he is available,' said Koeman. 'Maybe he can still play, but we have to wait until Friday. 'He won't be able to train, but he's experienced enough to play if needed and he would probably go on the bench. 'We have injuries to Lloyd Isgrove and Sam Gallagher, so we don't have too many forwards available at the moment.' Ronald Koeman lamented his lack of forwards as his side prepare to host Alan Pardew's Newcastle . Koeman has backed Mane to make a big impression at Saints, now the south coast club's squad is settled after the transfer window closure. 'Sadio brings a different quality to the team: a player who is very fast with a good threat of goals,' he said. 'We don't have a lot of forward players and with his quality he brings a little bit more to us to find space. 'He's very fast and it's difficult for players to mark that kind of player. He needs time to adapt of course, but he has the quality. 'The Premier League is a higher level than he was used to in the league with Red Bull, but he has played in the Champions League so he has already been exposed to a high quality of opponent.' Ronald Koeman also revealed loan signing Toby Alderweireld has no recall clause on his season-long deal . Koeman also revealed loan signing Toby Alderweireld has no recall clause on his season-long deal to join Saints from Atletico Madrid. The Belgium defender has replaced Liverpool capture Dejan Lovren, with Koeman holding high expectations for his new addition. 'We knew other clubs were interested in Toby, I'm very happy that he finally chose Southampton,' said Koeman. 'He knows me I know him and, okay, the adaptation is a little bit easier for Toby. 'First of all it's a quality player and we are happy. 'He shows his qualities from the highest level possible, he will bring a lot of quality in the team and competition for the defenders.' | Sadio Mane could miss Southampton's league match with Newcastle .
Ronald Koeman said he had to stop over in Ghana .
Mane had work permit issues which caused delays to his return .
Senegal forward signed from Red Bull Salzburg . | a12c8fe81ade52e1040fcdb2d4ff2674dc1e7954 | [
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As speeding tickets go it was just one of thousands handed out in the 1930's as the car took over a once provincial Germany and the autobahns opened the country up to the common man. But the man who received it was no ordinary motorist. He was Adolf Hitler, in the driving seat of the Third Reich, and definitely not amused the day he was booked for going too fast in his supercharged Mercedes limousine. But was he driving? Documents revealed Adolf Hitler had asked chauffeur Julius Schreck (pictured behind the wheel) to drive fast after he was given a speeding ticket near Igolstadt in 1931 . Hitler's long lost speeding summons has been found in a Bavarian archive. He was handed the fine in the tiny hamlet of Baar-Ebenhausen, south of the city of Ingolstadt, on September 19, 1931 - a little over two and-a-half years before he became chancellor and Fuehrer. A senior police officer called Probst . from the Bavarian gendarme station Reichertshofen put in his notebook . how a car travelling at 1.37pm on the road towards Munich was travelling . at a 'high speed'. Taking the blame: Schreck, right, stood to be banned after he was clocked driving more than twice the speed limit in Hitler's personal Mercedes . He also put down the number plate - II A – 19357 - which happened to be Hitler's personal car and sent to details to superiors in Munich to learn who the car's owner was. The incident happened long before the days of speed cameras. In his report Probst wrote: 'The speed of the vehicle was determined by two officials with two stop watches. 'The car drove over a measured distance of 200m in 13 seconds, which results in the average speed of 55.3 km per hour (34.3mph).' In a hurry: Hitler, pictured in Nuremberg in 1934, may have been rushing back to Munich after his half-niece Geli Raubal shot herself in the flat they shared . This was double the permitted speed limit on the road at that time and should have resulted in an immediate ban. Three days later Probst received the information that the car belonged to one A. Hitler, who lived at Prinzeregentstrasse 16 and he issued the speeding ticket. Hitler's former flat still exists only now it is, ironically, a police station. But it is doubtful if Hitler or his party ever had to pay a fine. Certainly no document surfaced alongside the original report stating that he had to cough up. There was, however, another document found in the archive with the word 'settled' stamped on it relating to the incident. Staff: Hitler poses for a signed photograph with members of the National Socialist German Workers' Party in 1929. (From left) adjutant Julius Schaub, Schreck, Hitler, future SS colonel Gerhard Maurer and psychiatrist Carl Schneider . Hitler said he was not at the wheel at the time but that it was being driven by his chauffeur Julius Schreck and that he had instructed him 'to drive as fast as possible' without saying why. But history records the probable reason. The day before his 23-year-old half-niece Geli Raubal, with whom he lived and who he loved madly, shot herself with Hitler's pistol at the Munich flat. It sent Hitler into a profound depression and senior Nazis on trial at Nuremberg after the war said no other single incident during the whole of the Third Reich affected him more. Historians speculate he was in something approaching a blind panic to get to Munich to begin the damage limitation exercise that he knew he must put in place to protect his burgeoning image as the saviour of Germany. As to Officer Probst, there is no indication that he ever advanced further in the police force for daring to send a summons to the future Fuehrer of Germany. | Documents reveal future Fuhrer claimed his lookalike chauffeur Julius Schreck was driving at the time .
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Police in Mexico's western state of Michoacan detained an alleged member of the Knights Templar cartel who is suspected of kidnapping children to harvest their organs, an official said on Monday. Michoacan state Public Safety Secretary Carlos Castellanos Becerra alleged that Manuel Plancarte Gaspar was part of the cartel's organ-trafficking ring. The ring would kidnap children and take them to rented homes with medical equipment where their organs were removed, Castellanos Becerra charged. The Knights Templar cartel in Mexico runs an organ-trafficking ring which has kidnapped young children . 'We have several statements in open investigations that point to a network of several suspects who would identify people with certain characteristics, especially children, and kidnap them,' he said. Castellanos Becerra said the cases go back several years, but he said he couldn't give any specific details or discuss evidence because the investigation is still open. Plancarte Gaspar, 34, was detained last week along with another suspect in a stolen car. The men were carrying cash and crystal meth, Castellanos Becerra said. He said Plancarte Gaspar is the nephew of Enrique Plancarte Solis, a top Knights Templar leader. Early in the day Castellanos Becerra sent an unusual Twitter message about the organ trafficking investigation. Mexican authorities don't normally make big announcements on Twitter. Children are taken from school and transported in refrigerated containers to have their organs removed and then sold . Plancarte Gaspar is the nephew of Enrique Plancarte Solis, pictured, a top Knights Templar leader . A leader of one of the local vigilante groups that sprang up last year in Michoacan to challenge the cartel's control told a radio station after hearing about the tweet that people in the area knew the Knights Templar gang was involved in organ trafficking because several children had been rescued in his town while being transported in a refrigerated container inside a van. 'They were inside a refrigerated box, tightly wrapped in blankets,' Dr. Jose Manuel Mireles, leader of the civilian 'self-defense' group in Tepalcatepec, said in a morning interview with MVS radio. Mireles said the van carrying the children was headed to the port city of Lazaro Cardenas and ended up in Tepalcatepec after making a wrong turn. 'They were all children from the same Mexico City school,' he said. He said the children's parents had allowed them to go on an outing to the beach when they were likely kidnapped. He said the children were turned over to their parents who traveled to Tepalcatepec. Mireles didn't say when the children were rescued and didn't answer his cellphone Monday. Mexican authorities have said drug trafficking is no longer the top source of income for the Knights Templar, which was once a top producer of crystal meth. The officials say the cartel's main sources of income are illegal mining, illegal logging and extortion. | Manuel Plancarte Gaspar, 34, is an alleged member of the Knights Templar cartel, who is suspected of kidnapping children for their organs .
He is also the nephew of Enrique Plancarte Solis, a top Knights Templar leader .
The cartel are taking more of an interest in organ harvesting as drug trafficking is no longer the top source of income .
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By . Mark Duell . PUBLISHED: . 15:06 EST, 11 December 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 15:31 EST, 11 December 2013 . Ed Balls was derided last week for his red-faced and shouted response to the Autumn Statement, as Labour MPs criticised his performance as one of the worst they have seen in the House of Commons. And today, the shadow chancellor lived up to his nickname of ‘Red Ed’ as he appeared in the Commons dressed as Father Christmas for a vote on the Government’s banking reform Bill. Mr Balls, 46, arrived in the chamber in a full Santa outfit, complete with boots, red hood and what looked like a pillow stuffed under his coat to make him fatter. Santa: Pamela Nash, Labour MP for Airdrie and Shotts, posted this photograph on Twitter of herself with Shadow Chancellor Ed Balls in the House of Commons lobby . Christmas spirit: Garry Blachere, of Christmas lights company Blachere UK, posted this picture of Mr Balls as he fulfilled his annual duty at the Commons Christmas party for the children of MPs and parliamentary staff . Fellow Labour colleagues Barry Gardiner, MP for Brent North, and Yasmin Qureshi, MP for Bolton South East, were seen patting the shadow chancellor’s stomach. They voted on Labour proposals to bring forward a cap on payday lenders from January 2015 to next October. The Labour amendments to the Financial Services (Banking Reform) Bill, both of which were defeated, would have also forced lenders to share information about customers to stop people taking out multiple loans. The dress code for MPs in the Commons is strict, especially for men. They must wear a jacket and tie at all times, except when there are votes. They are then allowed to pop into the voting lobbies in less formal attire. It has been known with late night votes for some MPs to be wearing their gym kit but this is the first time it is believed an MP has appeared in the Commons dressed as Santa. Stuart Andrew, Conservative MP for Pudsey, Horsforth & Aireborough, said on Twitter: 'Seen it all now. Division in the Commons and Ed Balls has dressed for the occasion....as Santa!' Costume change: Mr Balls (left) was pictured in the Commons earlier today with Labour party leader Ed Miliband listening during Prime Minister's Questions . Lampooned: Last week Mr Balls was ribbed online after his speech in response to the Autumn Statement which led to his name trending on Twitter and people using the #RedEd hashtag . Mr Balls, who has endured a tough week after his much-derided performance at the Autumn Statement last Thursday, was dressed as Santa as he was fulfilling his annual duty at the Commons Christmas party for the children of MPs and parliamentary staff. 'Seen it all now. Division in the Commons and Ed Balls has dressed for the occasion....as Santa!' Stuart Andrew, Conservative MP . The event is organised each year by fellow Labour MP Keith Vaz, chairman of the Commons Home Affairs Select Committee. The event in the Members’ Dining Room, which is in its 17th year, also featured a bouncy castle, face painters and a magic show, according to a press release from Mr Vaz. Proceeds from the party are going to the charity World Vision, which supports children’s education in Africa. Mr Vaz said: ‘This party is without doubt one of the most popular of the year. ‘Children of MPs and staff are coming together for an afternoon of fun. It is a chance for MPs and staff to bond with their kids and to support a good cause.’ | Ed Balls dresses as Santa for vote on Government's banking reform Bill .
Fellow Labour colleagues are seen patting shadow chancellor's stomach .
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Ahead of this weekend's Premier League action, Sportsmail will be providing you with all you need to know about every fixture, with team news, provisional squads, betting odds and Opta stats. Here is all the information you need for Liverpool's home clash with Hull... Hull have never won at Liverpool and lost 2-0 at Anfield last season with Luis Suarez (right) being congratulated on scoring the second goal five minutes after half-time by team-mate Glen Johnson . Liverpool vs Hull City (Anfield) Kick-off: Saturday 3pm . Odds (subject to change): . Liverpool 4/9 . Draw 7/2 . Hull 11/2 . Referee: Neil Swarbrick . Managers: Brendan Rodgers (Liverpool), Steve Bruce (Hull) Head-to-head league record: Liverpool wins 8, draws 3, Hull wins 1 . Team news . Liverpool . Misfiring striker Mario Balotelli is likely to keep his place for the visit of Hull as manager Brendan Rodgers has limited options up front. The 24-year-old has scored just once in 10 appearances but with Daniel Sturridge still sidelined by a calf problem the Italy international will probably start ahead of Rickie Lambert. Midfielder Adam Lallana is pushing for a starting place after impressing as a substitute in the midweek defeat to Real Madrid. Provisional squad: Mignolet, Johnson, Lovren, Skrtel, Moreno, Gerrard, Henderson, Allen, Lallana, Balotelli, Sterling, Jones, Manquillo, Toure, Enrique, Can, Markovic, Lucas, Coutinho, Lambert. Mohamed Diame (right) has been on top form since moving to Hull City from West Ham United . Hull . Injuries have hit Hull hard in the past week, meaning big changes for the trip to Liverpool on Saturday. Third-choice goalkeeper Eldin Jakupovic is in line for only his second Barclays Premier League start with Allan McGregor (shoulder) and Steve Harper (bicep) both out, while striker Nikica Jelavic (knee) and centre-back Michael Dawson (ankle) are both missing for at least a month. Left-back Andy Robertson has a knock that is set to keep him out too, but Tom Huddlestone should be fine to play through discomfort for the third game in a row. Team (provisional): Jakupovic, Watson, Davies, Rosenior, Chester, Bruce, McShane, Elmohamady, Meyler, Diame, Huddlestone, Livermore, Brady, Ramirez, Aluko, Quinn, Hernandez, Ben Arfa, Aluko, Ince. Key match stats (supplied by Opta) Liverpool have scored 10 goals in three Premier League home games against Hull City. The Tigers have only won one of their 18 meetings with the Reds in all competitions (D4 L13), with that win coming on home soil last season. Neither of Liverpool’s scorers in this fixture last season (Agger, Suarez) remain at the club. Steven Gerrard has three goals in two starts against Hull at Anfield. Hull (along with Chelsea and Everton) are one of only three teams to score in every Premier League game this season. Mario Balotelli has put more clear cut chances off target than any other Premier League player this season (3). After winning 11 Premier League games in a row between February and April, Liverpool have won just five of the subsequent 11 matches. The Reds have kept just one clean sheet in their last 14 Premier League matches. Liverpool have conceded exactly one goal in each of their last five Premier League games at Anfield. Hull’s last two away games have ended 2-2. Only two teams in Premier League history have recorded three successive 2-2s away from home (Man Utd in 1994 and Newcastle in 2003). Liverpool have both taken (129) and scored (98 – level with Chelsea) the most penalties in Premier League history. | Liverpool host Hull City at Anfield in the Premier League (Saturday 3pm)
Mario Balotelli has been heavily criticised for his performances so far .
Italian however is expected to keep his place in Liverpool starting line-up .
Hull have been hit by a raft of injuries to their goalkeepers and forwards .
Liverpool edged past QPR in a thrilling encounter last Sunday, however followed that result with a humbling 3-0 loss to Real Madrid .
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By . Victoria Woollaston . High-street chain Argos is jumping on the budget tablet bandwagon by launching its own low-cost device in a bid to undercut rivals Tesco, Amazon and Google. The 7-inch MyTablet costs just £99.99 - the same price as the Kindle Fire, £20 cheaper than Tesco's Hudl and Amazon's Kindle Fire HD, and £100 cheaper than Google's latest Nexus 7. Argos has said the device is aimed at teenagers and will come with parental controls enabled by default when it goes on sale Wednesday. Scroll down for video . Datawind's tablet is the latest cut-price device to go on sale in the run up to Christmas. Argos recently launched is 7-inch MyTablet, pictured, for £99.99. It runs Google's Android Jelly Bean and has 8GB of memory . The high-street retailer said the proportion of Argos sales via mobile devices, which include tablets, is now 15 per cent. MyTablet runs Google's Android Jelly Bean operating system and comes preloaded with apps, including Facebook and Twitter, plus games and Skype. 'Millions of people have bought . tablets during the last year but there is still around 75 per cent of . the UK population without one. 'We know that tablets will feature heavily . on Christmas lists this year,' said John Walden, managing director of . Argos. 'At just £99.99 the Argos MyTablet is . highly competitive with a great specification.' A . spokesman added the device has been designed 'with teenagers in mind . offering all the functionality of a traditional tablet with built-in . parental controls for younger users.' It is powered by a 1.6GHz dual-core . processor and has with a 1024 x 600 resolution LCD screen - giving the MyTablet a pixel density of 169. Argos claims it has a five-hour battery life. 2MP rear, 0.3MP front . 8GB . From £99.99 . *Direct from retailers. Prices may vary on third-party shops or during promotions . **Currently £99 on offer . Although this pixel density is lower than Google's 323 PPI and Tesco's 237 PPI, it is six points higher than Apple's iPad mini. MyTablet comes with 8GB of memory - half the basic storage of other 7-inch tablets on the market - but does have a MicroSD port that supports an extra 32GB. MyTablet is available in pink, pictured, and silver. It goes on sale 16 October and is powered by a 1.6GHz dual-core processor . Elsewhere, the device has a built-in 2MP rear-facing camera plus a low-resolution 0.3MP front-facing camera, and has Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. After Apple dominated the tablet market for years, Google was the first major company to challenge the iPad and, in particular, the later iPad mini with the launch of its Nexus 7 by Asus. It was a budget tablet that went on sale for £159, compared to the iPad mini's £269, without compromising on the majority of features. The search giant launched a Nexus 7 successor earlier this year that cost £199 and came with the world's highest resolution screen. Tesco then took it a step further with the launch of its Hudl tablet last month. The 7-inch Hudl costs just £119 and beats the majority of other budget tablets in terms of screen pixel density. It could even be bought for as little as £60 when purchased with Clubcard vouchers. At the launch, Tesco insisted it had not cut corners to . produce the budget tablet and claimed it would beat similarly priced . competitors ‘hands down’. The Argos MyTablet is available from 16 October from the Argos website, through the Argos app or high-street stores. Argos' plans to pitch this tablet at younger people is a growing trend in the tablet market. A survey by OnePoll, commissioned by Justin's World - apps by Justin Fletcher aimed at children - found tablets have become a must-have . accessory for toddlers, with 50 per cent of the UK’s two . and three-year-olds using one. It also found 61 per cent of three-year-olds and 38 per cent of two-year-olds play and learn on iPads. Tablet usage is often by more casual . users of technology, who are likely to be using their device for social . media, games and other lightweight means. Most people want access to . this type of technology but can't invest in a phone/tablet that gives . them much more than they need. The budget alternative may be just what . they have in mind. Commenting on the rise of budget . tablets, Stephen Ebbett, global director of gadget insurer Protect Your . Bubble, told MailOnline: 'There will always be a market for luxe tablets . like the iPad, favoured by early adopters and professionals, just as . there will always be a market for budget, child-friendly slates. 'The . average British family doesn't really care about having high-resolution . screens, as long as they keep their kids quiet on long car journeys. 'That's . why bargain-priced slates from trusted budget brands are worthy . contenders for the booming two-tier tablet market. It's likely we'll see . more sub £100 tablets emerge, but it's unlikely they'll match the . quality of Hudl and MyTablet.' While Oliver Folkard, technology expert at uSwitch.com, added: 'Following the launch of Microsoft’s pricey Surface slates and Tesco’s pocket-money priced Hudl, Argos’ effort is more evidence of how diverse the tablet market is becoming. 'With inevitable snobbery around retailer-branded devices, it's highly unlikely image-conscious teenagers will want to be seen out and about with an Argos or Tesco tablet. But young families who just want to keep kids entertained won't care. 'The Hudl and MyTablet have robust spec sheets, but are loss leaders for the retailers, so it's unlikely we'll see good quality entry-level tablets get much cheaper than £99. 'But such a low price tag could spell the end of the humble laptop for some consumers. Tablets are changing how and when we get online - and are truly portable. But it’s unlikely that cheap tablets will fully replace smartphones.' Tunde Cockshott, Creative Consultant at marketing and technology consultancy Amaze told MailOnline: 'Argos have hit the right price point. In this market the nuances of specs are less important than price. Okay, it is less powerful than the Tesco Hudl, but it is also £20 cheaper. Argos will heavily promote this through their channels and I expect TV adverts. I think they may be onto a winner.' Tony Jiang, associate strategist at digital agency TH_NK added: 'With the two devices being released at the same time and at a similar price point there's the obvious danger they could split the market opportunity. 'Tesco seems to be better placed to generate revenues from the budget tablet space with all Hudl devices coming pre loaded with its film subscription service Blinkbox. And given their marketing power it's hard to see how the Hudl won't be on everyone's gift list come Christmas.' | The 7-inch MyTablet costs £99.99 and will be on sale from 16 October .
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Daniel Sturridge has named Thierry Henry, Ronaldo and Robbie Fowler among his goalscoring idols growing up as a kid. The Liverpool and England striker took to Instagram on Thursday to upload pictures of the trio alongside a further six heroes of his. The completed list of stellar names include Dennis Bergkamp, Tino Asprilla, Rivaldo, Gianfranco Zola, Ian Wright and Nicolas Anelka. Daniel Sturridge went on Instagram to reveal his goalscoring idols, which include Thierry Henry and Rivaldo . Sturridge's hereos include Robbie Fowler, Dennis Bergkamp, Tino Asprilla (left-hand column top to bottom), Henry as well as 1994 and 2002 Brazil World Cup winner Ronaldo (right-hand column top to bottom) Rivaldo, Ian Wright (left hand column top to bottom), Gianfranco Zola and Nicolas Anelka (right-hand column top to bottom) complete the list of the 25-year-old nine goalscoring idols . Captioning the pictures Sturridge wrote: 'Long love the idols...Fowler,bergkamp,asprilla, Ronaldo,Henry, Rivaldo,Zola,wright, Anelka... Always pay homage to those who came and conquered.' The 25-year-old will be dearly hoping to emulate Kop legend Fowler at Anfield, who scored 183 goals in 369 games, after impressing already during his 20 months at the club. Sturridge has netted 36 goals in 52 appearances for Liverpool, and is currently fighting his way back to full fitness after picking up a thigh injury on international duty earlier this month. Sturridge is currently working his way back to full fitness after suffering a thigh injury . | Daniel Sturridge has revealed his goalscoring idols as a kid on Instagram .
Arsenal hero Thierry Henry and Brazil World Cup winner Rivaldo make list .
Liverpool legend Robbie Fowler also is included .
Dennis Bergkamp, Tino Asprilla, Ronaldo, Gianfranco Zola, Ian Wright and Nicolas Anelka complete the list of nine strikers .
Sturridge has scored 36 goals in 52 Liverpool appearances to date .
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By . Daily Mail Reporter . PUBLISHED: . 14:36 EST, 1 January 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 14:36 EST, 1 January 2013 . More than 1,000 'Loony Dookers' started 2013 with a splash as they took their annual dip in Scotland's Firth of Forth today. The New Year swim at South Queensferry saw brave participants take the plunge for charity dressed in costume ranging from penguins to hula dancers. The 1,100 Loony Dookers - taken from the Scottish word for bathing, dook - were paraded through the town before jumping in. These Loony Dookers took to the icy waters of the Firth of Forth as part of Edinburgh's New Year celebrations . These women dressed only in towels as they raised money for charity . Frances Sutton, spokeswoman for . Edinburgh's Hogmanay, said: 'The Loony Dookers were loving it, they . marched down the street to a pipe band and took to the water, some only . ankle-deep but others went under. 'There were people wearing wedding dresses, there was a Fred Flintstone outfit and a very small "mankini". It was brilliant.' Many took the opportunity to wash away their hangover after Edinburgh's Hogmanay 75,000-strong street party. Council staff began the big clean up today and already removed 60 to 75 tonnes of rubbish by mid-morning. One man took a dip sporting a wedding dress and veil . This man got a cold New Year's Day kiss for his troubles . Tourists from as far afield as . Australia travelled to the Scots capital for last night's party, . headlined by Scots rock band Simple Minds. After the clock struck midnight fireworks lit up the sky and revellers joined in a mass rendition of Auld Lang Syne. In Brighton bathers were able to take their a New Year's Day swim after the traditional Christmas Day swim was cancelled because of bad weather . These hardy men took the plunge for the traditional swim at Saltdean Beach, Brighton . Edinburgh councillor Steve Cardownie . said: 'It has been a truly fantastic event, bringing together 75,000 . good-natured and enthusiastic revellers from all over the world to see . in the bells in the heart of Scotland's capital.' Joanna White and a group of friends travelled from Melbourne and Adelaide to experience the event. She said: 'We love Hogmanay, we want to come back here every year. It's been awesome.' Tens of thousands of people squeezed onto the Edinburgh streets for the Hogmanay celebrations . The fireworks in front of Edinburgh Castle were the culmination of celebrations . The spectacle involved thousands of fireworks set off from 45 locations spread around Edinburgh Castle and West Princes Street Gardens. More than 20 tonnes of equipment and 7.5 miles of control cables and wires were used. The festivities continued on New Year's Day in the capital with a dog sled race at Holyrood Park and a triathlon event. | 1,100 people swam in the Firth of Forth for charity today .
Came as the clean up after Edinburgh's Hogmanay celebrations began .
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By . Steve Doughty, Social Affairs Correspondent . Ministers should spend up to £1billion of taxpayers’ money to persuade lonely older people to use the internet, an influential think-tank said yesterday. Encouraging the elderly to log on would ease the isolation of those who live alone while saving many millions for the NHS and in state-subsidised care home places, according to the Policy Exchange. The cost of internet education for the more than six million people who do not know how to use it would amount to £875million – or £141 each – said the think-tank, which has close links to David Cameron. But the savings would be almost double that. Going online: More than six million people still do not know how to use the internet (posed by models) At present, four in ten over-65s do not have access to the internet. The report said everyone in Britain should have the skills and confidence to go online by 2020. It added that one in ten patients who visit their GP do so because they are lonely rather than due to illness. Isolated people are more likely to need emergency hospital beds or admission to care homes. The number of people aged 85 or over is set to double in the next 20 years, with many living hundreds of miles from family members. Report author Eddie Copeland said: ‘In an increasingly isolated and fast moving world it is vital that everyone in society is able to use the internet and understand its benefits. ‘From alleviating social isolation, bringing together communities, paying bills and now accessing public services, online can improve lives.’ Many pensioners visit GPs or hospitals partly out of loneliness, said the think tank (picture posed by models) He added: ‘Being able to simply write an email or access a social networking site could provide older people with a way to stay connected to their friends and families, who may live hundreds of miles away. ‘Maintaining these important relationships will help an ageing society vulnerable to loneliness.' Some 29 per cent of people over 65 have still never used the internet, according to figures by the Office for National Statistics issued in the first quarter of this year. Among over-75s nearly two in three, three million people, have never used the internet. | Report was by the Policy Exchange, which has links to David Cameron .
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By . Daily Mail Reporter . PUBLISHED: . 01:03 EST, 25 June 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 01:03 EST, 25 June 2013 . Serena Williams has issued a new apology for what she called 'insensitive and misinformed comments' she made about the victim in the Steubenville, Ohio, rape case. In a Rolling Stone story posted online last week, Williams said the 16-year-old girl 'shouldn't have put herself in that position.' On Monday night, a before Williams her first-round match at Wimbledon, . she released another statement on her website, saying she also wanted to . 'extend an apology to the millions of sexual assault victims in America . whose pain could have been compounded by my inappropriate remarks.' Serena speaks: During a press conference, Williams made her first apologies for the comments she made about the Steubenville rape case in a Rolling Stone interview . Williams said in the interview, 'Do you think it was fair, what they got? They did something stupid, but I don't know. I'm not blaming the girl, but if you're a 16-year-old and you're drunk . like that, your parents should teach you - don't take drinks from other . people.' 'She's 16, why was she that drunk where she doesn't remember? It could have been much worse,' WIlliams added. 'She's lucky. Obviously I don't know, maybe she wasn't a virgin, but she shouldn't have put herself in that position, unless they slipped her something, then that's different.' Her comments caused a storm of controversy, with many upset that a woman in Williams' position would blame the teenage victim for the rape. Williams claimed on that Rolling Stone misquoted her. 'I am currently reaching out to the girl's family to let her know that I am deeply sorry for what was written in the Rolling Stone article,' she said. 'What was written - what I supposedly said - is insensitive and hurtful, and I by no means would say or insinuate that she was at all to blame.' Stick to what you know: Serena Williams is likely to be more . successful on court at Wimbledon than commenting on current affairs such . as Steubenville rapists Trent Mays and Ma'lik Richmond (right) Williams also apologized at a news conference for the comments. The new apology reads: . 'I am deeply sorry for my insensitive and misinformed comments. It was not my intention to cause the victim and her family any additional pain. But I did, and I am sorry. I am grateful to them for the opportunity to personally apologize, and I am humbled by their strength, grace, and forgiveness.'I also want to extend an apology to the millions of sexual assault victims in America whose pain could have been compounded by my inappropriate remarks. Rape and all forms of sexual assault are completely unacceptable, no matter the circumstances.' Sexual assault, Williams wrote, 'is never acceptable and never the fault of the victim.' | Tennis ace issued a second apology for her comments about the Steubenville rape case on her website .
Said 'sexual assualt is never acceptable and never the fault of the victim.'
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The majority of the American workplace is either indifferent or downright hateful about their job--and fancy perks and benefits doesn't help. Only 30 per cent of employees are engaged and inspired at their jobs, according to a survey of more than 150,000 full- and part-time workers in 2012 for Gallup's 2013 State of the American Workplace Report. While this is a 2 per cent increase from 2010, begrudging and disgruntled employees still make up 18 per cent of the workforce—and cost the U.S. up to $550 billion in lost productivity, CNBC reported. 'These employees, who have bosses from hell that make them miserable, roam the halls spreading discontent,' explains Gallup CEO Jim Clifton in the report. Frustrated: Discontented employees make up 18 per cent of the American workforce, according to a new Gallup report . The rest of workers surveyed are completely indifferent about their work or 'actively disengaged', as Clifton put it. In other terms, these employees don't hate their work, but they aren't reaching their full potential either. In an effort to boost morale, many companies offer extensive perks to their employees. Google, which has graced the top of several best companies to work for, has unlimited free food and drink, nap pods and massage chairs at its California headquarters. Management consultant Bob Nelson, author of '1,501 Ways to Reward Employees', told CNBC these benefits are alluring to new workers. 'They're often looking for things they can brag about to their peers,' Nelson said. But the Gallup report said that employee engagement has a better impact on worker's well being and productivity than these benefits. Working: Only 30 per cent of employees are engaged and inspired at their jobs, the Gallup report says . 'At the end of the day, an intrinsic connection to one's work and one’s company is what truly drives performance, inspires discretionary effort, and improves well being,' the report says. This sentiment is echoed by several experts, including Randy Allen, the associate dean of Cornell University's Samuel Curtis Johnson Graduate School of Management. 'There's a lot of research out there that says, although it depends on the employee, the perks come out as less important as job satisfaction,' Allen said. Having a satisfying job, a manager you respect and job growth opportunities is more important, Allen said. 'If you don't have those fundamentals, the perks aren't going to fix it,' he said. 'You may keep them for a while, but at some point they're going to leave.' The average Millennial or 20-something plan to stay at work for less than three years, making 'job hopping' the new normal with the younger workforce, according to Forbes. Average workers stay with a company for at least four years before moving on. Disengaged: Poor managers who fail to engage and inspire their employees cost the U.S. up to $550 billion annually . Data from Glassdoor.com, a job and career community site, showed that salary was still important in job satisfaction, along with workplace culture, CNBC reported. In it's report, Gallup notes that smaller companies and those that allow employees to work remotely have shown increased job productivity. Communication, holding managers accountable and developing further learning opportunities is key, according to Gallup. The report notes that workers in professions, such as healthcare and education, are more engaged than average workers, because their jobs reflect their interests. Americans who hate their jobs could perhaps learn something from such workers, as well as Chinese philosopher Confucius: . 'Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life.' | Gallup report shows 18% of the workplace are discontented with their jobs .
Only 30% of American employees are engaged and inspired at work .
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By . Tom Gardner . PUBLISHED: . 00:57 EST, 18 April 2012 . | . UPDATED: . 09:44 EST, 19 April 2012 . Critical: The blade was plunged into the left temple of Eder Loor, who was responding to an emergency call . An NYPD police officer stabbed in the head has been described as the ‘luckiest unlucky man ever' by surgeons after miraculously surviving the brutal attack. Officer Eder Loor, 28, was saved by a team of doctors who worked quickly and carefully to fix the wounds obtained in an altercation with a bipolar arrestee. Describing how the flick-knife blade . entered the skull, Dr Joshya Bederson said: ‘It was a millimeter from . everything; it was ridiculous. 'You don’t want to overemphasize, but he . was at death’s door. He was minutes away from crashing.' Terrence Hale, 26, plunged the three-and-a-half inch blade deep into the left temple of Eder Loor, who was responding to an emergency call placed by the man’s mother . A bewildered officer Loor, 28, pulled knife, which had enter just above his eye, out of his head, apparently unaware he had been critically injured. He was taken to Mount Sinai Medical . Center ‘at death’s door’, but heroic surgeons acted quickly to stabilize him. 'It couldn't have been closer,' Dr Bederson said. Scroll down for video . Loving couple: Eder Loor and his wife Dina (right) have a 4-year-old daughter and a son on the way . Man and wife: The first thing Officer Loor supposedly said to his partner was 'where is my wife?' The married father-of-one, whose wife is expecting a their son, is now said to be conscious and talking. Dr Bederson - who had been jogging in Central Park when he got the . emergency call and ran straight to the hospital - told a news . conference: ‘He is probably the luckiest unlucky man you could ever . have.’ Medics had to remove a bone flap seven inches wide to relive pressure from the internal bleeding. It is not yet fully known what damage may . have been done to Officer Loor's brain following the confrontation with . Hale in East Harlem on Tuesday. The blade passed half an inch below an area of the brain that controls motor functions. It was another half-inch entering a collection of nerves which control vision, according to Dr. Bederson. Too close for comfort: Doctors said that Officer Loor was 'minutes' away from death . But it is understood the nerves that . give sensation to the face were cut during the attack and a major artery . was damages, he added. Officer Loor’s wife, Dina Loor, who . sat beside the doctor during the press conference, said her husband's . first words to her from his hospital bed were: ‘Babe, I’m fine. It just . hurts,’ The New York Times reported. More details are emerging about the . incident Officer Loor and his partner Luckson Merisme were attending . before the savage attack. They were responding to a call to Franklin Plaza Apartments, a housing complex at 1945 Third Avenue, near 107th Street. The suspect's mother Vearry Hale, 51, . had told police that her son, who has a history of mental illness, was . acting irrationally and was emotionally disturbed. She said he suffered from bipolar disorder and schizophrenia and had stopped taking his medications, according to police. Weapon: The three-and-a-half inch knife, pictured, penetrated Officer Loor¿s left temple, above the eye, officials said . History: Terrence Hale's mother said her son had bipolar disorder and schizophrenia and had stopped taking his medications . The violence broke out when Loor told the suspect he would have to be taken to hospital as his mother had asked. 'They approached him and told him that they would take him to a hospital,' Mayor Bloomberg said, according to the New York Post. 'He then produced a knife and attacked Officer Loor.' The officer, who is married with a four-year-old daughter and is expecting a son, is said to be conscious and talking hours after the horrific incident. He came out of surgery at Mt. Sinai Hospital at around 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday. ‘Today is another reminder that in a split second, a police officer’s life can be placed in great jeopardy,’ Police Commissioner Ray Kelly told CBS New York. Hale was later charged with attempted aggravated murder, assault and criminal possession of a weapon, police said. He had previously been arrested in 2002 for robbery and in 2006 for assault, according to police. Hale’s mother has accused the police of mishandling the situation and said she was planning on contacting a lawyer. ‘They did not get backup, and they did not do their job right. My son was not feeling well; he was sick and said he wanted to go to the hospital,’ she told The Times. Watch video here . | Blade entered deep into policeman's brain just above eye, cutting vital artery and damaging nerves .
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(CNN) -- As Washington hurtles toward a government shutdown, the go-to move for the uninformed is to blame both sides equally. Just say, "A pox on both their houses," and you can get through any neighborhood barbecue or TV talk show. But what if you really want to know what's happening? There are three metrics you should track if you want to know who will come out ahead in a government shutdown: . Which side is more united? One of President Clinton's laws of politics is: "Democrats want to fall in love, Republicans just want to fall in line." Which is what makes the GOP fratricide so interesting. Savaging your colleagues, undermining your leaders, backbiting and backstabbing -- these are usually Democratic specialties. But not now. Credit the strong leadership of House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid with keeping a remarkably diverse Democratic Congress together. When you can keep a strong conservative like Sen. Joe Manchin of West Virginia on the same page with the powerfully progressive Rep. Keith Ellison of Minnesota, you are definitely winning. Meanwhile, the GOP, whose members range from conservative to ultraconservative, is at war with itself and its leaders. Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas led the fight on the Senate floor to block consideration of the funding bill. But after a pointless 21-hour talkathon, the majority of his GOP colleagues rejected Cruz's strategy. Senate Republicans split badly and bitterly; 25 voted against Cruz while just 19 voted with him. In the House, it is chaos. The Neanderthals are fighting the Cro-Magnons and the Homo erectus tough guys are fighting the australopithecines. Which side is more mainstream? A majority of voters don't like the Affordable Care Act -- although that's a bit misleading, because a percentage of them dislike it because they think it doesn't go far enough. I like it -- in fact, I love it -- but that's not the point of this column. Obamacare clocks in at just 29% support in a recent CNBC poll. So you'd think that the Republicans' position of repealing the ACA would be more mainstream. But you'd be wrong. That same CNBC poll shows that Americans oppose defunding Obamacare, with only a little more than one-third of voters saying they want it defunded. They want to mend it, not end it. What's worse for the Republicans, when the question shifts to whether you support shutting down the government and/or defaulting on U.S. debt in order to kill Obamacare, the GOP position loses by a crushing 59 to 19 percentage points. When you're down to just 19% of your countrymen and -women supporting your crusade, it's time (as we say in Texas) to pee on the fire and call the dogs: The hunt's over. That is, no doubt, why the House Republicans have retreated to their new position: delaying Obamacare for a year rather than outright defunding it. But health care delayed is health care denied, and it's a bit of a reach to demand a one-year delay in the president's top domestic priority in exchange for funding the government for 10 weeks. Which side is more reasonable? It is hard to seem reasonable when you are pursuing a strategy that even conservative Republicans like Sen. Richard Burr called "the dumbest idea I've ever heard of." Keep in mind this is from a man who represents North Carolina, where the Republicans proposed a law barring federal courts from interpreting the Constitution, and allowing the North Carolina Legislature to declare a state religion. (Which might have passed had they chosen the right religion for the Tarheel State: college basketball.) And yet there is hope for the GOP here. Every time the president says "I will not negotiate on the debt ceiling" -- a phrase he utters even more often than "Just pass me the ball, Joe, I'm open!" -- he risks looking unreasonable. As a matter of substance, I strongly agree with his position. But as a matter of rhetoric and positioning, he would be better served to state his position this way: "I will gladly listen to any idea to improve the Affordable Care Act, or reduce the deficit, or any other ideas my Republican friends might have. But first we have to avoid default. That means paying the bills that Congress has already incurred. Once we've done that we can negotiate on anything." Same substantive position: Negotiations on policy come only after the nation avoids default. But this formulation emphasizes the president's willingness to be flexible on improving the ACA and other Obama priorities. Of course, nothing is certain in life. But if I were a betting man, I'd bet on President Obama and the Democrats in this fight. As long as Republicans appear more divided, more extreme and more unreasonable, they are going to lose. And then they will look weak as well. The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of Paul Begala. | Paul Begala asks which party is more united, mainstream and reasonable .
Begala says that's the way to see who's winning shutdown, and Democrats win .
He says majority of American voters don't want to shut down the goverment over Obamacare .
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The reforms are part of David Cameron's scheme to promote gay equality . Same-sex couples will be able to get married in register offices or in ceremonies at stately homes or hotels under sweeping reforms of marriage law put forward by ministers yesterday. But the laws on wedding ceremonies that allow only men and women to marry in church will remain untouched in David Cameron’s scheme to promote gay equality. Equalities Minister Lynne Featherstone said: ‘I believe that if a couple love each other and want to commit to a life together, they should have the option of a civil marriage, whatever their gender. ‘Marriage is a celebration of love and should be open to everyone.’ However, the Church of England launched a fierce condemnation of the reforms. It accused the Coalition of misunderstanding the law of marriage and confusing wedding ceremonies with the institution of marriage. The reforms were published in a Home Office consultation paper that will allow three months discussion before legislation is drawn up and MPs get a free vote on whether to legalise gay marriage. For same-sex couples, the proposals will mean those who want to formalise their relationships will have choice between civil marriage and civil partnerships, which have been open to gay and lesbian couples since 2005. Civil partnerships will continue to be available, but civil partners will have the option to convert their relationships into marriages. There will be minor changes to bring civil partnerships and marriages into line in the remaining areas of legal difference between them. For example, in future civil partners will be able to end their partnership on grounds of adultery, an option for divorce currently open only to married couples. Same-sex couples will be able to get married in register offices or in ceremonies at stately homes or hotels under sweeping reforms of marriage law . The new marriage law will also allow people who undergo sex changes to stay married. At present, people who change their sex in law by taking out a Gender Recognition Certificate must divorce, but when same-sex marriage is legalised they will not be required to end their own marriage. Ministers said the new law would not affect religious marriage, which they say will become a different legal concept from civil marriage. ‘Marriages conducted through a religious ceremony and on religious premises can only be between a man and a woman,’ the Home Office paper said. The laws on wedding ceremonies that allow only men and women to marry in church will remain untouched in David Cameron's scheme to promote gay equality . But the Church of England said: ‘The issue of whether marriage should be redefined to include those of the same-sex is a more complicated picture than has been painted. ‘Arguments that suggest “religious marriage” is separate and different from “civil marriage”, and will not be affected by the proposed redefinition, misunderstand the legal nature of marriage in this country. They mistake the form of the ceremony for the institution itself.’ The CofE added that it is ‘committed to the traditional understanding of the institution of marriage as being between one man and one woman.' Earlier this week it was claimed that parents could be legally referred to as 'Progenitor A' and 'Progenitor B' under the same sex marriage plans. Leading lawyer and Labour peer Lord Brennan QC, an opponent of same sex marriage, said, if the institution of marriage is . redefined, the erosion of traditional words such as 'mother' and . 'father' from British law could have 'Orwellian' consequences. He also claimed the removal of such words from the statute books could result in legislative chaos. More than 200,000 campaigners have signed a . petition on the No 10 website in support of keeping marriage between . husbands and wives, making it the biggest active campaign in Britain. The petition was launched by the . Coalition for Marriage (C4M), with 7,500 people signing it every day. | Church of England accuses the Coalition of misunderstanding the law of marriage . | 6f68b37ffcc37882e0b28627cfd7d00bc565d119 | [
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Within seconds, my eyelashes freeze. Shortly followed by the hairs inside my nose. It's minus 30C; a punishing cold - and tonight I'll be sleeping in a room made entirely of ice. I'm not allowed to take any personal belongings with me because they'll freeze. The Ice hotel, in Jukkasjärvi in Swedish Lapland, 120 miles into the arctic circle, celebrates its 25th birthday this year. Its presence is cyclical: every March, huge blocks of ice are harvested from the town's lifeblood, the River Torne; stored in a freezing warehouse over summer and carved, mounted up and smoothed into 55 ethereal rooms, an ice bar and a chapel. Come April, the sun is strong, everything melts and the river rolls on again. Scroll down for video . The spectacular Ice Hotel, in Jukkasjärvi in Swedish Lapland, 120 miles into the arctic circle, celebrates its 25th birthday this year . Reindeer selfie, complete with frozen eyelashes; preparing for a night at -5C; and the morning after, complete with authentic bed hair . As I flounder into an arctic sleeping bag wearing the advised long johns, hat, gloves and woolen socks, I fear this will be a long night. I start to regret the generous helping of wine I had 'to warm me up' – no one needs an emergency midnight loo visit at -5C. I may be lying on several reindeer hides, but the ice bed, walls, floor, ceiling and sculptures aren't exactly lulling me to sleep. It really is cold. Cold, but the peace is immediate, I can hear my own breath. The hotel is open to guests from December to April, and sees as many as 50,000 visitors in a season. Main hall, pictured here . Aurora Borealis through the skies above the Ice Hotel; where sightings of the impressive ionisation of atmospheric particles are common . 'Don't underestimate how cold it can be. Dressing correctly in the Arctic environment, where temperatures can easily dip below -30°C, enables visitors to enjoy the pristine wilderness without exposing themselves to very real danger,' says Simply Sweden's Chris Graham. 'We offer the following advice to all customers who book a winter holiday to this region and most of our holidays include a loan of high grade warm outer clothing for activities.' 'Layer up. The first should by thin, made from synthetic fabric or wool (not cotton) and designed to wick moisture away from the body. There are some excellent technical fabrics on the market. Next, a thick middle layer, or several thin layers (make sure they fit over each other, allowing free movement) – base layers, fleeces or wool jumpers work well. Bring thermal leggings, too. 'Although we arrange for loans of clothing such as wool fleece bottoms and snowmobile suits, it's a good idea to bring a large down wind and waterproof jacket and protective trousers. If you get hot, you can always take a layer off. 'Watch the extremities. Wear thin liner gloves, then a pair of mittens, which keep hands warmer than finger gloves. Liner socks (silk are good), then one or two pairs of wool, not cotton, socks will keep feet warm and dry, as will a pair of specialist boots (try them on with all your socks). Again, guests are provided with appropriate boots, thick leather mittens and protective deerstalker hats for outdoor activities. 'Don't wash or shave just before going out into the cold – the natural oils in the skin protect against the extreme elements. And don't use water-based cosmetics or soaps because they will freeze.' Extreme weather: Temperatures in Northern Sweden can drop down to as low as minus 40 degrees in the winter months . On checking in, guests are armed with an enormous padded boiler suit, snow boots, fleece and leather mittens and a balaclava. Over the four days of my stay, temperatures drop to -37C, so despite looking like a cross between Robocop and a yeti, these warm items become my allies. It's not all freezing though. The hotel has two warm receptions and a warm restaurant dishing out reindeer meat and hot chocolate, as well as plenty of warm suites and chalets. Also, once you've been outside, the interior seems quite toasty. 'Snice' the combination of snow and ice used to build the hotel, is insulating, keeping the temperature at -5C. Cold rooms come in tiers: from bread and butter ice bed and four walls to super deluxe suites complete with a warm section with a sauna and toilet built in. But the art suites are king. Each year, the hotel pumps around £900,000 into gathering ideas from graphic designers, wood sculptors, street artists, architects –even musicians (over 50 per cent have never worked with ice before). A jury decides the best 15 and the artist then travels to Lapland to construct their design. 'We're not looking for another swan or dolphin, we want original ideas,' says Jens, one of the hotel's top designers. 'We don't want the rooms to look like ice cream and slush.' My room, Ways of Vision, designed by Swedish sculptors Lena Kristrom and Nina Hedman, entitled Rays of Vision. Inspired by the corbels of Uppsala Cathedral, statues on pillars surrounding the bed, symbolise the different ways of seeing which exist in our world. 61 cold rooms at the Ice Hotel . 72 warm rooms at the Ice hotel . 50,000 annual visitors to the Ice Hotel . 80 weddings take place each year at The Ice Hotel . 900 tonnes of ice used in its construction . Each year, the hotel gathers ideas from artists across the globe: Ro, designed by Anja Kilan and Wolfgang-A. Luchow, pictured here . Emily Payne travelled with Simply Sweden (www.simplysweden.co.uk; 01427 700115). Its three-night Traditional Icehotel break costs from £995 per person, including b&b accommodation (one night in a cold room, two nights in a warm room), flights, transfers and a guided tour of Icehotel. Activities cost extra, but often include lunch or dinner and start at £124 per person for a four-hour Northern Lights Snowmobile Excursion with evening meal. For more information on Swedish Lapland, visit www.swedishlapland.co.uk . There's an art to dressing for cold weather, especially sleeping in it. The idea is to layer, but only using the correct fabrics, if you get too warm, you'll sweat, and when the moisture freezes, so will you. Several fellow visitors don't appear to have received the memo; I see one motley lot wondering around in onesies, a woman carrying an aeroplane travel pillow and one lunatic even wearing flip flops. The cold weather clearly gets to people. 'Children often try and lick the ice,' says Paula, the guide. 'Last year a 24-year-old student try to kiss the ice and staff had to unstick him using hot water and chisels'. I'm told another member of staff walked in on a couple making the most of the double sleeping bag, too. But mostly, people just don't wear the right clothes and suffer as a consequence. I sleep surprisingly well. It takes a while to shift the 'I'm cold' voice in my head, and I manage to lose a crucial glove and my hat during the night, but I wake up feeling remarkably refreshed. I thought I'd feel shattered in the morning, but I feel cleansed; lighter; like I've spent the night inhaling the purest Swedish air. There's something quite magical about sleeping in ice. At the Ice Bar, cocktails are served up 'in ice'; while the hotel is required by law to have fire extinguishers, despite threat of fire being unlikely . The Art suite, Borderland, designed by artist Eryk Marks and interior designer Tomasz Czajkowski, uses lighting to stunning effect . Art suites Abject Beauty by Julia Gamborg Nielsen and Lotta Lampa, left, and Two as one, by Jose Carlos Cabello Millan, right . It seems ice hotel visitors are a fruity lot: Last year, one room featured a female bust made entirely of ice. Two prominent features were practically worn down to nothing by the end of the season. The hotel offers all kinds of tours, from dog sledding to snowmobiling through the Narnia-like forests, where trees wear their heavy snow like thick fur coats. But wrap up warm. A night snow mobile excursion leaves me with frostbite, and twenty minutes into my reindeer sledding experience, I am alone in a forest at minus 35. My slightly clapped out reindeer won't run for love nor money, which results in me letting out some embarrassing, desperate go faster noises. Meanwhile another member of the team falls off three times, and even the reindeers start to frost over. But the best is saved for my last night. 'The Lights, they're massive,' somebody cries in the Homestead restaurant, a listed wood clad building, offering Ice Hotel customers all manner of cockle-warming local dishes. I stumble outside as fast as is possible in my boiler suit, eight pairs of socks, two hats, and three balaclavas, and look up. The Aurora is alive. The cold has stopped burning, and I lie in a mound of snow taking photographs. My camera growls and dies. The whole black starry night is lit up in green with streaks like a UFO jet stream and burning white strands circle above. Not everything survives the cold here, but if you can, it's well worth a night at the Ice Hotel. | The Ice hotel in Jukkasarvi, northern Sweden, gets over 50,000 visitors between December and April .
It has 55 rooms, an ice bar and a chapel where 80 couples a year tie the knot – and offers double sleeping bags .
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(CNN)It started as a police chase after a teenager allegedly ignored a traffic stop by a Maryland state trooper. By the time it ended, the 16-year-old suspect was dead in a shootout with officers. During an investigation into the teen's background, police found three bodies at a Kentucky address linked to him. Authorities in both states are trying to put together a timeline of events that ended with the shootout Saturday. How did the teen, identified as Jason C. Hendrix of Corbin, Kentucky, get from his hometown to Baltimore County? Did he kill his mother, father and sister? If he did so, why? And when? Could a dispute over computer use have something to do with it, as a newspaper reported? And why did the teen head to Maryland? It was a mundane traffic stop on Valentine's Day. Hendrix, who was driving a Honda Pilot, failed to stop when a state trooper tried to pull him over on Interstate 95, according to the Baltimore County Police Department. A car chase ensued, and police cornered him after he struck another vehicle at an intersection in Woodlawn, forcing him to stop. "As officers approached the Honda Pilot, gunfire came from the vehicle, striking an officer," authorities said. "Officers then returned fire on the vehicle." Hendrix, who was alone in the car, was shot to death. The officer injured in the shootout was treated at a local hospital and released. "His ballistic vest stopped the round that struck him," police said. Authorities found a "handgun and other weapons" during a search of the suspect's car. About 500 miles away from the shootout, a grisly scene awaited. Baltimore County detectives traced the suspect's car registration to an address in Corbin. They reached out to their counterparts there, who went to the address and found the bodies of Kevin and Sarah Hendrix, and their daughter. Police are looking at Jason Hendrix as the main suspect in the deaths of his parents and sister, according to the Times Tribune newspaper. All signs point to him as the suspect, Maj. Rob Jones told CNN affiliate WLEX. "We still have to finish our investigation to definitely say if this is the guy," he added. Corbin Police Chief David Campbell told the Lexington Herald-Leader the teen "was mad at his parents over the usage of his computer. They had taken his computer rights away." The Corbin Police Department declined to comment when reached by CNN on Monday, saying it only had limited information. Campbell told the Lexington newspaper that all three victims had been shot in the head at least twice. "A pillow was used to try to muffle the gunshot used on all three individuals," he said. "The pillows were still on their faces." The coroner's office is still trying to determine when the killings happened. Based on their investigation at the crime scene, Jones said, "officers are thinking it was sometime around Wednesday," several days before the suspect was killed in the Baltimore County shootout. At Union College in Barbourville, Kentucky, where Sarah Hendrix was an associate professor of social work, officials said the community was heartbroken. "We have lost a member of our family, " they said in a Facebook post. "A wonderful educator, colleague and friend." CNN's Camille Cava, Justin Lear and Catherine E. Shoichet contributed to this report. | Report: Police chief says there was a dispute over the teen's computer use .
A teen is suspected in the deaths of his relatives in Kentucky, report says .
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By . Inderdeep Bains . PUBLISHED: . 09:16 EST, 31 October 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 07:21 EST, 1 November 2013 . A baron's son who allegedly attacked . his BBC presenter wife during a row was pepper-sprayed as he fought . with a policeman who was trying to arrest him, a court heard. The Hon Edward Charles d’Olier Gibson . is accused of punching an officer despite being sprayed twice in the . face and struck repeatedly in the shins with a baton after resisting . arrest for assaulting his wife. Police were called to the former city . financier’s £1million home after he allegedly dragged his wife of 12 . years, BBC World News presenter Tanya Beckett, by the hair as they rowed . about whether they should get a divorce. Claims: Charles Gibson, left, the son of a peer, is alleged to have fought with a policeman after a fight with his wife Tanya Beckett, right . Gibson, 45, appeared at Oxford . magistrates’ court yesterday charged with assaulting 47-year-old Mrs . Beckett and PC Aaron Walker. The Oxford-educated son of Edward Barry . Greynville Gibson, 80, fourth Baron Ashbourne, denies both charges. PC Walker told the court that Gibson . had made him fear for his well-being after the father managed to throw . him to the ground. The officer said he was called to the five-bedroom . detached home the couple shared near Watlington, Oxfordshire, in the . early hours of June 8. Mrs Beckett had reported that Gibson . had threatened her and grabbed her hair during a discussion about . getting a divorce. Strength: Gibson, pictured with his wife at a Mayfair party in 2006, carried on fighting while handcuffed and simply wiped pepper spray out of his eyes . The officer said that the couple, who have three . children, had been drinking heavily and that when he arrived, he . discovered one of Gibson’s shotguns was unaccounted for. The policeman told District Judge Tim Pattinson that this led to a search of the grounds of the home. Then, at around 2.30am, the . defendant’s car pulled into the driveway. PC Walker said Gibson ignored . his instruction to stay put. After he tried to restrain Gibson, the pair grappled for 11 minutes. PC Walker, who said he weighs . 13-and-a-half stone, told the court that even though he handcuffed one . of his hands, Gibson managed to throw him off as if he weighed . ‘nothing’. 'Dragged by the hair': Police attended after Mrs Beckett reported that Gibson had threatened her and grabbed her hair during a discussion about getting a divorce . He added: ‘At some point, he has taken . a swing at me, which I moved to avoid. He said to me, “you’re not . arresting me, I’m going home”. ‘I then reached for my capacitor . (pepper spray) and sprayed it directly into Mr Gibson’s eyes. He stood . there, wiped it from his eyes and called me a coward. 'That is the first . time I have ever had a capacitor fail on me.’ The officer said he then drew his baton and hit Gibson as hard as he could, three times on his shins, which also had no effect. He said: ‘This was an “Oh no” moment . on my part, because I have never come across a person I have not been . able to physically overpower.’ PC Walker then described being punched in . the side by Gibson as he tried to grab him again. Wife: Gibson is accused of assaulting BBC World News presenter Tanya Beckett, whom he married in 2001 . Presenter: Gibson, pictured top left with colleagues at the launch of LBC radio in 2003, is a broadcaster . The policeman claims . Gibson then told him that he was ‘nobody and did not have the power to . arrest somebody like him’. The armed response unit had to be called as back up before Gibson was eventually taken into custody, the court heard. Edmund Gritt, defending, suggested to . PC Walker that his client had never said such words and the officer had . failed to identify who he was. The officer denied this. The trial was adjourned until later this month. | Charles Gibson, 45, 'fought with wife Tanya Beckett about their divorce'
PC Aaron Walker arrived and him and Gibson 'grappled for 11 minutes'
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By . Daily Mail Reporter . PUBLISHED: . 01:02 EST, 30 September 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 01:15 EST, 30 September 2013 . TV’s newest 'Mob Wife' has shared online pictures of herself partying in Las Vegas after telling a judge she needed permission to travel so she could visit her son in West Virginia. Alicia DiMichele, 40, has posted racy images to Instagram of her living it up in Sin City with her VH1 reality TV co-stars - posing in revealing swimwear, sitting in a Ferrari and hopping on a party bus. While the terms of her $50,000 bond restrict her movements to three states, DiMichele convinced a federal judge she needed to drive her son to the University of West . Virginia 'to help him move into the dormitory'. 'Crazy at the Crazy Horse!' Alicia DiMichele (center) posted this photo three days ago of her partying with 'Mob Wives' cast members in Vegas . Pool posers: Alicia DiMichele (left) partying in Vegas at the Palms Pool with fellow 'new' Mob Wives cast member Natalie Elise . Plead guilty: Alicia DiMichele, seen leaving court, admitted she helped her husband, Edward 'Tall Guy' Garofalo Jr, to scam tens of thousands of dollars in union-pension funds while working for an alleged mob-tied construction firm . The wife of reputed Colombo-family . associate Edward Garofalo Jr is awaiting sentencing for . helping him embezzle $40,000 in Teamsters pension funds . from a Staten Island trucking company. The mother of three told the court last year she 'agreed with my husband' to participate in the scheme. Evidence against her includes recordings from two wiretaps and testimony of two witnesses. Her movements have been restricted to New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania, as part of her bond. However in June, DiMichele filed a sworn declaration stating she needed permission to travel to visit her son. Brooklyn federal Judge Sandra Townes granted her request. 'More importantly, because my son will . be in Morgantown, West Virginia, I need the ability to travel on very . short notice in the event of an emergency,' she wrote. 'I do not intend to travel regularly, except to visit with my son for brief periods.' Her lawyer John Wallenstein said: 'As far as I know, she’s home in New Jersey.' However New York Post reports DiMichele has traveled to Vegas, with very public happy snaps showing her getting behind the wheel of a Ferrari owned by Exotics Racing, which lets people drive 'supercars' at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway. DiMichele, who runs a clothing boutique called 'Addiction', faces six months in prison or house arrest. Earlier this year, New York Daily News reported DiMichele sought permission from the Brooklyn judge to travel to Los Angeles to buy clothes fore her business. Partying: Alicia DiMichele got cosy with her 'Ladyboss' Drita in Vegas . Need for speed: Alicia DiMichele posted this picture of her in a red Ferrari to Instagram three days ago. 'Exotics Racing Booth - This was amazing!!!¿¿#ferrari #fastcars #exoticracingbooth,' she posted . | TV 'Mob Wife' Alicia DiMichele, 40, freed by Brooklyn judge .
She said she needed to travel to West Virginia to visit her son at his college .
DiMichele posted pictures to Instagram of her partying with cast members in Las Vegas .
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(CNN) -- The son of a former Iranian Revolutionary Guard commander was found dead in a Dubai hotel room -- with his father's website calling the death "suspicious," though police insisted it was not. Numerous Iranian media on Sunday reported the death of Ahmad Rezaie inside Hotel Gloria, a four-star hotel in the coastal United Arab Emirates city. Khalil Ebrahim Al Mansouri, head of the Dubai police's criminal investigations department, said there is no criminal suspicion surrounding the man's death. Al Mansouri, quoting the dead man's brother, added that Ahmad suffered from epilepsy. Yet Tabnak, a website owned by the dead man's father, Mohsen Rezaie, claimed that Ahmad "was killed under suspicious circumstances." The same site noted that the death was "concurrent with the martyrdom of Mohsen Rezaie's comrades in arms" on Saturday, referring to an explosion at a military base near Tehran. At least 17 people were killed in that incident, after a munitions depot accidentally caught fire, lawmaker Hossein Garousi told state media. Lt. Gen. Ramezan Sharif reiterated Sunday that the blaze was accidental and dismissed the possibility of sabotage. The Tabnak report did not elaborate on what connection, if any, existed between Ahmad Rezaie's death and the deadly explosion. Shahram Gilabadi -- a spokesman for Iran's Expediency Council, of which Mohsen Rezaie is secretary -- told Tabnak, "The death is currently being investigated." The semi-official Mehrs News Agency reported that Ahmad Rezaie died from an electric shock. Mohsen Rezaie served for years as head of Iran's powerful Revolutionary Guard. In 2009, he ran -- unsuccessfully -- as a conservative candidate along with others against incumbent President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. He continues to play a leading role with the Expediency Council, which mediates between the parliament and the non-elected Guardian Council led by Ayatollah Khamenei. | Ahmad Rezaie was found dead inside his Hotel Gloria hotel room .
His father's website calls the death "suspicious," tying it to a deadly blast near Tehran .
A Dubai police official says that there is no criminal suspicion .
Ahmad's father, Mohsen, is head of Iran's Expediency Council and an ex-presidential hopeful . | 375509b39583d9f55f95504c78e157a0e93c6acb | [
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By . Martha Kelner . Follow @@marthakelner . Mo Farah relived the moment he collapsed unconscious in a bathroom with an illness that left him hospitalised for four days and medical professionals fearing he had a heart problem. Farah had been for a run at altitude in Park City, Utah when he was overcome by excruciating stomach pain, ultimately resulting in his withdrawal from the Commonwealth Games. On the eve of the European Championships, where he will race for only the second time since running the London marathon, the 31-year-old explained the dramatic events which led to his Glasgow no-show. Scare: Mo Farah was forced out of the Commonwealth Games after collapsing in his bathroom . Wednesday (6.50pm) — 10,000m final . Friday (9.15pm) — 5,000m round 1 . Sunday (3.30pm) — 5,000m final . ‘I had a tooth taken out because it was chipped and it got infected,’ said Farah. ‘I was in a bit of pain, but went for a run anyway, and when I came back I collapsed on the bathroom floor, completely knocked out. ‘I had my phone in my pocket, so when I woke up I called Cam (Levins), my training partner, and he came round and got me on to my bed. ‘I was in so much pain from my stomach. He called an ambulance and it took me to hospital. I then had to be airlifted to the main hospital as they thought something was going on with my heart — it was just crazy.’ Farah claimed he couldn’t bear to watch the Commonwealth Games on TV, particularly the 10,000 metres race in which Levins won bronze. Road to recovery: Farah is back to fitness following a 'crazy' illness . ‘It was just too painful,’ he said. ‘I saw the results and Cam did really well but I just wasn’t ready.’ Farah missed a block of training due to illness in July, but it was not until the opening morning of competition in Glasgow that he announced he was pulling out of the 10,000m and 5,000m. Farah hit out at Paula Radcliffe, who said she was ‘surprised (Farah didn’t) give himself a bit more time’ before withdrawing from the 10,000m and instead opted for the ‘much easier’ European Championships. ‘Paula said I’d taken the easy option, which is not fair as she’d seen me struggle,’ said Farah, who is often joined by Radcliffe on training trips. Speaking out: Paula Radcliffe criticised Farah for his Glasgow no-show . ‘I would’ve loved to have come back and continued the road to the Commonwealth Games. I didn’t want to disappoint my fans and all those who had bought tickets, but I was nowhere near ready. I did one track session and Paula was timing me and she told me I should stop. ‘Someone like Paula telling you to stop, you know there is something wrong and I just wasn’t right — she could see that. It took a lot out of me.’ Monday marked two years to the day since Farah won the second of his two gold medals at London 2012. Last year, he did the distance double again at the World Championships in Moscow. He then chose to focus on the London marathon, where he came a disappointing eighth. Flying the flag: Farah is in bullish mood ahead of the European Championships . ‘This year I need to do something,’ admitted Farah. ‘I thought I’d have done better. In track, you can get ready for 1500, 5,000, 10,000 and you can do a lot of speed but with the marathon it’s just a lot of running, a lot more miles and at the end you are pretty tired. ‘I feel I’m 100 per cent for the Europeans and I need to be. There are a lot of good athletes — Bob Tahri, a few Kenyan guys running for Turkey and a few other good Europeans.’ Farah has spent the last week at training camp in Font Romeu, France where he was visited by British Athletics performance director and sometime physiotherapist Neil Black. ‘I think he’s recovered remarkably well,’ said Black. ‘The only people that should be worried are the people who are going to be on the start line with him.’ | Farah missed Commonwealth Games after collapsing after training .
Double Olympic gold medallist was hospitalised for four days due to illness .
Farah's no-show in Glasgow drew criticism from Paula Radcliffe .
Long-distance runner is fighting fit and targeting gold in Zurich . | 083ae39750e527c6d8cf026393edd2c457180d58 | [
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Los Angeles, California (CNN) -- Rapper T.I. begins serving an 11-month sentence in an Arkansas federal prison Monday, while the drug case against his wife is set for a hearing in a Beverly Hills, California courtroom. T.I., whose real name is Clifford Harris, was on his way from Atlanta, Georgia, to the Federal Correctional Center in Forrest City, Arkansas, Monday morning, according to his lawyer's office. It's the same prison where the rapper served seven months last year on a federal weapons conviction. "Tiny" Tameka Cottle's name was on Monday's court calendar for arraignment on a drug charge, according to the judge's clerk, but it was unclear if she would travel from Atlanta to California to attend. The couple's latest legal troubles began when a Los Angeles County Sheriff's deputy stopped them on Sunset Boulevard in West Hollywood two months ago for a traffic violation. They were arrested after suspected illegal drugs were found. The district attorney decided last week not to prosecute Harris, 29, but Cottle, 35, was charged with misdemeanor drug offense. She is accused of possessing MDMA, commonly known as ecstasy, according to the court filing. The rapper's arrest and a failed drug test the next day convinced a federal judge last month to send Harris back to prison for violating his probation on a federal weapons conviction. Harris was given until Monday, November 1, to begin serving his 11-month sentence. | T.I. starts his 11-month prison term Monday .
Arraignment for the rapper's wife, "Tiny" Cottle, is also Monday .
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Wayne Rooney got involved in the' Throwback Thursday' hype on his Instagram earlier today, when he posted a picture of the moment he met controversial boxing legend Mike Tyson. The Manchester United captain has previously revealed that the former 'undisputed heavyweight champion of the world' was his all-time favourite sportsman. Rooney admitted last year that he stopped boxing at the age of 14 to concentrate on playing football on the advice of former Everton boss Colin Harvey - which appears to have paid off. Wayne Rooney posted this picture of himself and Mike Tyson on Instagram as part of 'Throwback Thursday' The Manchester United captain was a keen boxer in his youth but dropped it to concentrate on football . United welcome struggling Leicester City to Old Trafford on Saturday and with the race of fourth hotting up - the England captain knows there can be no room for error. The Red Devils will also be hoping there won't be a repeat of the meeting between the two sides earlier in the season, when Nigel Pearson's men fought back from 3-1 to win 5-3. Louis van Gaal's side recovered from a disappointing home defeat to Southampton, to pick up three points away at Queens Park Rangers before the FA Cup meant a two-week Premier League break. Rooney and his United teammates should take note of some Tyson's fighting spirit when the race for the Champions League reaches it's climax. Rooney revealed last year that the controversial boxing legend was his all-time favourite sportsman . Leicester City go to Old Trafford on Saturday and United will not want a repeat of the season's earlier game . | Wayne Rooney posted the picture of himself and Mike Tyson on Instagram .
Manchester United star revealed Tyson is his all-time favourite sportsman .
Rooney is a keen boxing fan and used to step into the ring in his youth .
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By . Associated Press . PUBLISHED: . 17:41 EST, 23 September 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 18:08 EST, 23 September 2013 . Infamous celebrity and criminal attorney Paul Bergrin was sentenced to life in prison on Monday . A defense attorney who once had a roster of celebrity clients and boasted of having tried hundreds of cases in federal court was sentenced there on Monday to life in prison without parole after his conviction on nearly two dozen counts including murder conspiracy and racketeering.Paul Bergrin, in custody since his 2009 arrest, wore khaki prison scrubs and showed little reaction as a judge read what amounted to several life sentences Monday afternoon in a federal courtroom in Newark.The 57-year-old former federal prosecutor once represented an Army reservist charged in the Abu Ghraib prison scandal in Iraq and celebrities such as Queen Latifah, the rapper Lil' Kim and the group Naughty By Nature. He also represented reputed gang members and alleged drug kingpins from his offices in Newark.Bergrin, formerly of Nutley, and several associates were arrested and charged in May 2009 with running his law business as a criminal enterprise. The U.S. attorney's office charged Bergrin with more than 30 counts including racketeering, setting up the murder of a witness, money laundering and drug offenses. His first trial, in which Bergrin represented himself, ended in a hung jury two years ago.A second trial resulted in his conviction in March on 23 counts related to operating what prosecutors said was a racketeering enterprise that engaged in drug trafficking, prostitution, bribery, plotting to murder witnesses and money laundering.One of the alleged murder plots was hatched in 2004, when Bergrin was representing a client in a drug case, prosecutors said. A potential witness, Kemo Deshawn McCray, was gunned down on a Newark street. Bergrin was alleged to have told his client's confederates, 'No Kemo, no case.' Queen Latifah (pictured) was one of lawyer Paul Bergrin's former clients . Lil' Kim (pictured) was one of attorney Paul Bergrin's former clients . Rap duo Naughty by Narure (pictured) was one of attorney Paul Bergrin's former clients . Bergrin, speaking before his sentencing on Monday, was defiant. He listed a litany of injustices he felt had been committed against him, blaming former colleagues and crooked witnesses he said had been forced to lie about him in exchange for 'get out of jail free' cards. | Lawyer Paul Bergrin represented celebs like Queen Latifah, Lil' Kim, and the group Naughty by Nature .
He is charged on more than 30 counts for racketeering, drug offenses, and setting up the murder of a witness .
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(CNN) -- Sudanese authorities ordered the Red Cross to halt its activities in the nation starting Saturday, citing technical reasons, the aid agency said. The International Committee of the Red Cross says it has worked in Sudan for 36 years. "We help people affected by the conflict in Darfur, provide seed, tools, food and water, and re-establish contact between people separated by the fighting," it says on its website. "The ICRC also promotes international humanitarian law and the protection of civilians affected by the conflict." The government in Khartoum has in the past expelled aid agencies working in the Darfur region, where rebel groups and forces loyal to President Omar al-Bashir have fought. In April, a splinter group from the largest rebel group in Darfur signed a peace agreement with Khartoum. Sudan has seen raucous protests in recent months, some met with violent force by government security forces. | The Red Cross was active in the restive Darfur region .
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(CNN) -- France's far-right National Front has won a nationwide election for the first time, as far-right parties across Europe caused a political "earthquake," with a string of victories in voting for the European Parliament. The National Front, led by Marine Le Pen, notched up 24.95% of the vote in France, according to official estimates, well ahead of mainstream parties UMP and the Socialist Party. Le Pen said the win showed that people want to see change in Europe. France's Socialist Prime Minister Manuel Valls said the result was "more than a warning. It is a shock, an earthquake." Right-wing parties also gained ground in the UK, Denmark and Austria, according to projections posted on the European Parliament's official elections website. Voters across Europe have been casting ballots for days in the parliamentary vote. There are 751 seats from 28 countries up for grabs. With most of the ballots counted, provisional results indicate that left-center and right-center parties will still hold a majority of seats in the European Parliament, which plays a key role in shaping European laws and will weigh in on who the European Commission's next President should be. But right-wing parties and other so-called Euroskeptic groups who oppose the European Union are gaining ground, said Simon Usherwood, an expert on European politics at the University of Surrey. "I think what's really changed is you're seeing a lot more groups on the edges, particularly with the far right, who are going to be much more of a feature of the next five years of the parliament," he said. So what does that mean? "They don't have enough votes to stop legislation going through," Usherwood told CNN, "but what they will get, particularly on the far right, is the time for speaking in debates, the chairmanship of certain committees, which means that they're going to have much more of a platform on which they can sell their message to voters." In France, which has 74 seats in the European Parliament, the National Front won 24.95% of votes, according to official estimates, coming in ahead of the center-right UMP, which scored 20.8%, and President Francois Hollande's Socialist Party, which came in third with 14%. Even though the vote was for a regional legislative body, the potential impact on France's national political landscape was clear on Sunday. The results sparked stunned reactions from some French politicians and triumphant victory speeches from others. PM Valls described the election as "a very serious moment for France and for Europe," noting that projections indicate that voters are skeptical of the European Union. "None of us can shirk their responsibilities," he said, according to a summary of his remarks posted on the French government's website. Meanwhile, National Front leader Marine Le Pen said the results showed that French voters wanted more control. "The sovereign people have proclaimed that they want to take back the reigns of their destiny into their hands. Our people demand one type of politics: politics of the French, for the French, with the French. They no longer want to be directed from outside," she said. She said the vote shows that President Francois Hollande should dissolve France's parliament, where most lawmakers come from mainstream political parties. Nearly 400 million Europeans were eligible to vote in the parliamentary elections. Turnout was just over 43%, slightly higher than it was during the last vote in 2009, Parliament spokesman Jaume Duch said. "The clear message here is that people are unhappy with the way mainstream political parties have handled the economic crisis, and they're giving them a good kicking," said Petros Fassoulas, chairman of the pro-Europe European Movement. Before the election, analysts predicted that protest parties were likely to triumph at the polls. Those parties are demanding tighter border controls, nationalized decision-making and a dissolution of the currency union. But they have little in common aside from a dislike of the Brussels bureaucracy, so it's difficult for them to find much common ground, Usherwood said. "They can agree they don't like the EU," Usherwood said, "but they can't agree what they like and what the answer is." CNN's Pierre Meilhan, Jim Bittermann, Ivana Kottasova, Jonathan Mann and Bryony Jones contributed to this report. | NEW: Vote shows the French "no longer want to be directed from the outside," Le Pen says .
"The result is a shock, an earthquake," French Prime Minister Manuel Valls says .
France's far-right National Front party poised to win a nationwide vote for the first time .
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By . Jill Reilly . A photographer has shared his stunning gallery of African sunrises and sunsets. Paul Goldstein says he has spent years trying to photograph the perfect beginning and ending of the Masai Mara day. And now thanks to his role as a travel guide, there have been countless opportunities to document the beautiful natural spectacle. A photographer has shared his stunning gallery of African sunrises and sunsets. Pictured: Black bellied bustard at sunset . Paul Goldstein says he has spent years trying to photograph the perfect beginning and ending of the Masai Mara day . And now thanks to his role as a travel guide, there have been countless opportunities to document the beautiful natural spectacle . Mr Goldstein, from Wimbledon, explains: 'Of all the thousands of images I have taken during sunrise and sunset around the world, 90 per cent of them have been in two Mara Conservancies in Kenya - Olare and Mara North' 'The Masai Mara is well-known for having the best photographic light in the world, but these well-managed conservancies also have the best spots for sunrise and sunset and without crowds of people,' he said . Mr . Goldstein, from Wimbledon, explains: 'Of all the thousands of images I . have taken during sunrise and sunset around the world, 90 per cent of . them have been in two Mara Conservancies in Kenya - Olare and Mara . North. 'The . Masai Mara is well-known for having the best photographic light in the . world, but these well-managed conservancies also have the best spots for . sunrise and sunset and without crowds of people. 'Most . of these images were not arrived at by accident, it makes me laugh when . people say they are up at sunrise, that is far too late; you need to be . in position by then. Wildebeest look as if they are lining up for a photograph in this stunning sunset snap in Africa . Three cheetahs at sunset. 'Most of these images were not arrived at by accident, it makes me laugh when people say they are up at sunrise, that is far too late; you need to be in position by then,' he said . An ostrich saunters past a tree against a vivid orange sunset in the Masai Mara . A pair of wildebeest form stunning silhouettes against a red sun and dark maroon sky . The colours of the Masi Mara vary greatly from hot pink to vivid yellow to a dark burnt orange . A lion looks directly at Mr Goldstein's camera as he prowls around in the dust at sunset . Mr . Goldstein says combination of capricious weather, towering escarpments . and plenty of subjects to put in the viewfinder combine to give these . dramatic canvases. 'Almost . always stormy weather gives the very best of all colours and frequently . just when you are thinking of packing up as the rain lashes down.' 'You . need to be below your subject, in position early and prepared to move . quickly, it can be hard graft but the rewards are magnificent and the . colours often better after the sun has set, or, the 'false' dawn before . it has risen. It is unpredictable, this is the nature of the beast, . literally, but it is also exciting and rewarding and frankly a drug for . me.' Mr Goldstein guides photographic safaris and expeditions for Exodus and is . co-owner of Kicheche Camps in Kenya. The Masai Mara is Kenya's best known wildlife zone, a 1530-square-kilometre expanse of grassland, savannah and scrub in the south-west of the east African country . Holidaymakers on safari breaks are increasingly used to seeing spectacular sights as expert tour guides take them deep into the heart of the animal kingdom . A pair of cheetahs look out across the vast and hot expanse of the Masai Mara . 'Almost always stormy weather gives the very best of all colours and frequently just when you are thinking of packing up as the rain lashes down,' said Mr Goldstein . Paul Goldstein guides photographic safaris and expeditions for Exodus and is co-owner of the number one rated Kicheche Camps in Kenya . Mr Goldstein says a combination of capricious weather, towering escarpments and plenty of subjects to put in the viewfinder combine are ideal to give these dramatic canvases . | Paul Goldstein says he has spent years trying to photograph the perfect beginning and ending of Masai Mara day . | a952763370ce5fa5f00c5f3d03acae9dd3ff7fed | [
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By . Camilla Canocchi . Long awaited summer holidays are here and they might not just bring relaxation and sun – they might bring you long-term love, too. And if it doesn’t turn out to be the love of your life, don’t despair - there are high chances for some romantic fun. More than one in four Britons (26 per cent) said they had a holiday romance or flirtatious experience with a stranger at least once during their life while on holiday, according to new statistics. Love is in the air: More than one in four Britons said they had a holiday romance or flirtatious experience with a stranger at least once while on holiday . And some 11 per cent of them ended up getting married with that stranger, and still are, while four per cent said they met their former spouse on vacation, travel search site momondo has found. Unsurprisingly, the majority of Britons (64 per cent) feel happier and more positive when they are not working and lying on a beach somewhere and 24 per cent become more social too, upping their chances of meeting someone. Increased sociability even translates to the bedroom for some, with many Brits stating they have an increased desire for sex on holiday. And this goes for 19 per cent of men and 14 per cent of women. ‘When people go off on their holidays they often turn off “work mode” and start enjoying life – smiling more, being more adventurous and generally feeling happy. When people are happy on the inside, they project this outwardly and, in return people are attracted to them. Not just a flirt: Some 11 per cent of those who had a holiday romance ended up married - and still are - momondo said . 'It’s no wonder more and more people are finding romance on holiday – it’s when we are at our best and projecting the very best image of ourselves,’ says romance expert Tiffany Wright. Romance or not, meeting new people while travelling is the essential ingredient for a good holiday for 23 per cent of Brits, the survey of 1,000 people has found. ‘Many single people who head on holiday do so in the hope they might have their "Shirley Valentine" moment and find the love of their lives. Perhaps they start to dress more attractively? After all, everyone knows how romantic and exciting a holiday romance can be? And what better place to find love than in paradise?’ says Wright. And after months of hard work, nearly half of Britons say they feel a holiday is good for their health. Spokesperson at momondo, Julie Pedersen, said it is important for many Brits to relax whilst away, and as a result meeting new people can play a significant role. ‘When we book a trip to another country, we automatically open our minds to new experiences. These may come by visiting different places, or indeed via meeting new people, within these places. ‘Free from the humdrum of life back home, we take more time to savour the moment on holiday, drinking in the destination, and chatting to fellow travellers or locals alike. It fits then, that romantic encounters may follow if both parties are in the mood! These can form great holiday memories or even for some long-term partnerships.’ | 26% of Britons have a holiday romance at least once in their life .
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Meet Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner and Blitzen. These eight female puppies were found dumped on the side of a highway in Houston, Texas, on Thursday morning inside a bag of dog food. They were taken to a local vet by a good Samaritan and promptly named after Santa's eight reindeer. Now they're set to fly on to new homes in time for Christmas. Dumped: Eight puppies were found abandoned in a bag of dog food in Houston, Texas, on Thursday morning . David Cradic from North Houston Veterinary Specialists told KHOU.com: 'All eight puppies are very healthy. They're happy hungry, eating well.' The dogs are thought to be Australian Shepherd and Rottweiler mixes. They were discovered near Willowbrook Mall by an unidentified man who heard them whimpering. Festive: They were taken to a local vet where they were christened Meet Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner and Blitzen . Dinner is served: Vets said that the tiny dogs were 'happy' and eating well . After staying in for overnight observation the puppies will now be transferred to the Abandoned Animal Rescue shelter. They will remain in foster care for a few weeks before being put up for adoption. Dozens of people have already expressed interest after hearing about their plight. 'They are so beautiful, momma must be missing them how can anyone do this. It's very sad and I hope they find great homes,' one commenter said. New homes for Christmas: The pups will remain in foster care for a few weeks before being adopted . | Eight puppies were discovered on the side of a highway in Houston, Texas, on Thursday morning inside a dog food bag .
They were taken to a local vet and named after Santa's eight reindeer .
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President Barack Obama will embark on a previously planned two-week vacation to Martha's Vineyard tomorrow regardless of the violence in Iraq and Gaza. Even as the first military airstrikes he authorized in northern Iraq were carried out Friday, Obama did not cancel the trip. The White House said Thursday Obama would come back . to Washington midway through the getaway to attend meetings but he will . rejoin his family at the vacation spot later that week. This Aug. 12, 2013 photo shows President Barack Obama as he steps onto a tee while golfing at Vineyard Golf Club in Edgartown, Massachusetts, on the island of Martha's Vineyard, during his vacation there last summer. The White House says the president plans to return to Martha's Vineyard tomorrow regardless of the situation in Iraq . He is scheduled to arrive on the wealthy island off the Massachusetts coast on Saturday and return to Washington a week later, on Sunday, Aug. 17. After the meetings, plans call for Obama to return to the Vineyard on Aug. 19 to resume the vacation, which ends five days later on Aug. 24. White House spokesman Josh Earnest said Obama would meet with staff, but he declined to say who else would participate or what the meetings are about. 'This is an opportunity for the president to do some in-person meetings here at the White House, just for a day or two, before he returns to Martha's Vineyard,' Earnest said Thursday. Earnest sought to contain mounting speculation about the vacation, saying the meetings aren't related to 'an emerging situation.' Later that day President Obama announced in a presidential address that the U.S. had made air drops of food and water to some 40,000 Iraqi refugees trapped on a mountain. And on Friday morning the U.S. launched an air strike against Islamic extremists threatening to eradicate them. 'When we face a situation like we do on that mountain - with innocent people facing the prospect of violence on a horrific scale . . . and when we have the unique capabilities to help avert a massacre, then I believe the United States of America cannot turn a blind eye,' Obama said Thursday night. 'We can act, carefully and responsibly, to prevent a potential act of genocide,'he said. 'That’s what we’re doing on that mountain.' President Obama appeared to be full steam ahead with his vacation on Friday. Earnest told reporters this afternoon he did not have an update on the president's meeting schedule, however, he said he wouldn't be surprised if some were about Iraq. 'But again the president had planned to return to the White House before this announcement,' he said, referring to this morning's air strikes. President Barack Obama, left, and his daughter Malia Obama ride a bike during a vacation on Martha's Vineyard last August. Obama and his family will take another two week vacation there, starting tomorrow. The president will return to Washington for a few days part of the way through, however . Outside of Iraq there are several . other issues brewing that could require Obama's urgent attention, . including fighting between Israel and Hamas militants and Russia's . buildup of troops along its border with Ukraine. A temporary ceasefire between Israel and Hamas ended this morning after Israel refused to adhere to the terror backed group's demand that it end its seven-year blockade of Gaza. Toward the close of the 72-hour window Hamas fired at least 10 rockets, ending the longest ceasefire since the fighting began a month ago. Israel retaliated with strikes of its own, hitting several 'terror sites' in Gaza. Meanwhile, Russia placed a one-year, 'full embargo' on the bulk of food imports from the West on Thursday, including beef, pork, fruit, produce, poultry, fish, cheese and milk, in response to enhanced sanctions on its country by the U.S. and its allies over Russian-backed separatists' occupation of eastern Ukraine. Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev has also threatened to ban Europe and U.S. airliners from making transit flights to the Asia-Pacific region through Russia. Even so, Obama has not cancelled his vacation. Obama rarely forgoes getaways or fundraising trips based on global or domestic crises. His . advisers often appear to take pride in resisting calls from Republicans . for the president to return to Washington or from fellow Democrats . nervous about the appearance of Obama either vacationing or tending to . what some may consider less urgent matters. 'He . travels with an array of communications equipment and national security . advisers that will allow him to perform all of the functions that are . required of America's commander in chief,' Earnest said. 'That's true of any trip that he takes, and it will be true of the trip that the president takes this week.' In 2009, Obama remained on vacation in his native of Hawaii after a man aboard a Detroit-bound flight tried to detonate a bomb on Christmas. Obama also continued on with Martha's Vineyard vacations in 2010 as rebels in Libya were on the verge of ousting their government, and last year when Egypt's military overthrew the country's first democratically elected leader. Just last month, Obama resisted calls while on a fundraising trip in Texas to visit the U.S.-Mexico border to witness the surge of unaccompanied children arriving there. Pressed about the appearance of ignoring a humanitarian crisis, Earnest declared at the time: 'We're not worried about those optics.' Obama has upended his travel plans on several occasions, however. He has canceled three trips to Asia, including one in 2013 because of the U.S. government shutdown. His late-December departures to spend Christmas in Hawaii frequently have been delayed because of late action on Capitol Hill. In 2012, he returned to Washington from a Hawaiian vacation to deal with 'fiscal cliff' negotiations. Obama's public appearances while on vacation typically are limited to stops at local merchants and dinner out with family and friends. But in another unusual twist this summer, the president plans to attend a Democratic fundraiser on Martha's Vineyard on Monday. The Obamas stay in Chilmark, on the western part of the island, and have rented a seven-bedroom, nine-bath, 8,100-square-foot house along the island's Vineyard Sound side, far off any main roads. The Martha's Vineyard Times reported earlier this month that the 17 room home sits on 10 acres of land and is worth upward of $12 million. The property also features a pool, hot tub,and a dual tennis-basketball court. Obama has vacationed on the quaint island every summer of his presidency except during the 2012 re-election campaign . | Obama is scheduled to leave tomorrow and won't return to Washington until August 17 .
After two days of meetings in D.C., Obama will return to Martha's Vineyard to finish out his family vacation .
Even as the military carried out air strikes in Iraq on Friday morning, Obama did not cancel the trip .
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It is a measure of how far Moeen Ali has come in a very short space of time that he should be chosen for the front cover of this year’s Wisden. This time last year he was just one of the many promising emerging players about to be given a chance in an England team forced to start again in the wake of their Ashes humiliation. Now he is a significant figure in cricket and culturally, having first proved to be a role model for British Muslims and then showed what an exciting cricketer he is with both bat and ball. England all-rounder Moeen Ali has been revealed as the 2015 Wisden Almanack front cover star . Ali has shot to prominence for the Three Lions since making his international debut last February . Ali appears on the cover of the Wisden Almanack . Moeen knows what it means to be highlighted by the cricket bible. It would be no surprise if Lawrence Booth, Wisden editor and Sportsmail cricket writer, selects him as one of his five cricketers of the year when the almanack is released in April. ‘It’s gone very quickly,’ said Moeen. ‘It’s been a really good year and hopefully there will be a few more for me with the England team. ‘Somebody sent me the Wisden picture and it’s really nice. It’s an honour to be on the front of it. I have a couple of copies from the past and my dad’s definitely going to get the new one.’ It would be even better received if Wisden is published on the back of a productive World Cup. Moeen is proving himself just as important to the one-day team as the Test one now, being preferred to Alex Hales as the man given licence to get England off to a flying 50-over start. He scored a hundred as opener against Sri Lanka before Christmas and he put on England’s first century opening stand for two years with Ian Bell against Australia. ‘I don’t think I played that well in Hobart,’ he said. ‘I struggled a bit early on but because Belly was going so well I didn’t have to do anything stupid — even though I did in the end! ‘I didn’t have rhythm and I tried to force it a bit. Belly said, “It’ll come, it’ll come,” but I gave it away and hopefully I can learn from it.’ Ali's spin bowling will be key if England are to do well at the World Cup held in Australia and New Zealand . Ali and Ian Bell put on 113 vs Australia - England's first three-figure ODI opening partnership for two years . Moeen’s off-spin proved far more effective in Test cricket last summer than envisaged, taking 19 wickets against India, and he is proving a quick learner in the one-day game. Now it seems that he will be first-choice spinner and James Tredwell will be consigned to the sidelines. ‘I’ve started off quite well with the ball, trying not to go for too many runs,’ said Moeen. ‘If I bowl flight to these guys they’ll murder it so I try not to give too much air. But when conditions are right with a bit more spin I’ll look to attack a bit more.’ England must beat India at the WACA on Friday to qualify for the Tri-series final against Australia. | Moeen Ali will be the front cover star for the 2015 Wisden Almanack .
Ali only played his first international game for England last February .
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(CNN) -- "When I visit Malawi, I visit my family at the graveyard," says Marie Da Silva, who knows the impact of AIDS all too well. Marie da Silva says the name for her school comes from the Jacaranda tree, which symbolizes hope. Born and bred in Malawi, in southern Africa, Da Silva lost 14 family members, including her father and two brothers, to the disease. "AIDS is like The Plague in Malawi," says Da Silva. According to UNAIDS, 14 percent of the country's adult population is infected with HIV and more than half a million children have been orphaned by the disease. "Orphans [in Malawi] are very underprivileged -- the grandparents are trying to raise them, with no money, no food, no clothes," she says. "Just poverty." But from halfway around the world, as a nanny in Los Angeles, California, Da Silva provides a place where the orphans can get away from that -- The Jacaranda School. Watch Da Silva talk about her school » . In 2002, Da Silva learned that the school in her southern Africa home town was going to close. Consumed with concern for the students, she urged her mother to let them gather and learn in their family home, with her financial support. "All the while I was doing my best for the kids here -- making sure they're doing their homework, eating well," she remembers. "I couldn't sleep just thinking about the children that need the same thing back in Malawi," says Da Silva. Thanks to Da Silva's passion, the school is now thriving in her childhood home and more than 200 children, most of whom are AIDS orphans, receive porridge every morning and education, free of charge. It is an effort that Da Silva funds almost entirely herself, sending $1,000, about one-third of her monthly paycheck, to pay the salaries of 12 teachers and the headmaster, and purchase whatever supplies she can afford. Several of her fellow nannies have even gotten involved, donating $10 a month to her foundation. Get involved: Jacaranda Foundation . While the classes are crowded and resources are few (there are only 15 books in the library, according to Da Silva), her efforts are working. "We have kids studying in our family living room, kitchen, gazebo, you name it. They're so hungry to learn," Da Silva explains. "This is their sanctuary." Watch two teachers -- in different continents -- read a story from a young student » . Da Silva named both the school and its supporting foundation after the Jacaranda tree. Not only does the tree grow both in Malawi and Los Angeles, but when her father was dying, she found solace in a blossoming Jacaranda tree that she could see from his hospital window. "For me, the Jacaranda tree symbolizes hope, and that's what I want to give to the children at the Jacaranda School," she says. "After the deaths of my family members and...seeing how everything else is suffering, the only way around this was if kids have a future." She dreams of building a new school with lab facilities and a real library one day. "I just feel that if you give them the tools, they can be somebody. And that's my mission." | Marie Da Silva is a nanny in Los Angeles .
She is president and founder of a school for orphans in Malawi .
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By . Sara Malm . PUBLISHED: . 10:28 EST, 7 May 2012 . | . UPDATED: . 03:17 EST, 8 May 2012 . A one-of-a-kind Aston Martin, built especially to cater to a Scottish laird's passion for fishing, is going on sale next week. The wealthy landowner commissioned the renowned British car company to make a special model of his favourite car so that it could accommodate his piscatorial tools. The result was the only Aston Martin DBS Estate in existence. The unique car has a bigger back and carried many a sizeable salmon catch during its years of service to the former unnamed owner. Coach-builders at the prestigious British car makers knocked up the only Aston Martin DBS Estate in existence . He bought the then ruby vehicle in 1971 and used it for fishing trips in the Scottish Highlands until he sold the extended automatic car in 1975 to the latest recipient, who is now selling it at auction after 36 years. The current, elderly vendor, from north-east England, had the Aston Martin sprayed blue and used it as a second car for family holidays and days out. Despite its age, the motor has only done 70,000 miles and passed its MoT with flying colours just two weeks ago. The current owner painted the red car and is now selling it after 36 years of faithful service as a leisure mobile . The boot of the car was enlarged to fit both the equipment and the catch and carried many a salmon caught by the Scottish gentry man . From the Scottish Highlands to Buckinghamshire: The DBS Estate has travelled a long way in its 41 years . The car is being sold by auctioneers Bonhams with a pre-sale estimate of £70,000. Tim Schofield, director of Bonhams' Motor Car department, said: 'This is a true one-off car that was commissioned for practical purposes. 'It has been with the current owner for the majority of its life. I think he is a man of advancing years and he has had his fun out of it and it is now time to pass it on to somebody else.' What it normally looked like: The 55th Motor Show at Earls Court in 1970, showcasing an Aston Martin DBS V8 with models Jenny Lowe (L) and Carol Craig sitting on the bonnet . 'It has always been used as a second car in the household for high days and holidays.' Mr Schofield added: 'Looking at it head on, it looks just like a six cylinder Aston Martin DBS and it is only when you look at it side on and from the rear you see it looks totally different.' 'The car has still retained its famous "Coke bottle" wing line shape and is seamless in appearance. 'The car was ordered new by a Scottish laird who wanted a car to use for fishing trips that could accommodate his fishing gear and with a bit of luck a sizeable catch' 'He had a leaping salmon mascot fixed to the bonnet but that is sadly long gone.' Aston Martin converted numerous DB5 and DB6 chassis into estate cars but this one is the only DBS Estate in the world. Inside, the tan leather seats at the back fold flat to create a huge space for luggage. The auction takes place in Newport Pagnell, Buckinghamshire, on May 19. Handy: The roof rack was used by the first owner to keep all the fishing gear in place during many visits to the coast to catch fish . Making a profit: The saloon which has had two previous owners is being sold after last exchanging hands in 1975 . | Enlarged boot makes it different from other DBS models .
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By . Deni Kirkova . In an industry obsessed with staying young, one fashion icon is celebrating grannies with a new book. Legendary Vogue photographer Tim Walker collaborates with illustrator Lawrence Mynott and writer Kit Hesketh-Harvey for two volumes of coffee table book The Granny Alphabet. The insightful coffee table book champions cool and fashionable older women. The coffee-table book features features photographs of ladies of a certain age in cutting-edge fashions . Book one of this two-volume collection offers an assortment of Walker's characterful portraits . Walker's photographs of ladies of a certain age in cutting-edge fashions and strutting their own poses feature alongside Mynott's playful illustrations and Hesketh-Harvey's humorous words. 'Part photographic love letter to the . elderly and part documentation of the dying breed of little old ladies . who live down the lane,' in Walker's own words. Book one of this two-volume collection offers an assortment of Walker's characterful portraits of grannies and the things dearest to them. The first page of A Is For Alphabet features an older lady with a walking stick and chic croc bag . Snaps of their most treasured possessions accompany Tim's pictures of the stylish grannies . These are arranged alphabetically and accompanied by short, gently funny verses written by Hesketh-Harvey. In . Book two, fashion illustrator Lawrence Mynott contributes his own A–Z . featuring 96 drawings of lively, fashionably fierce older ladies. Spirited, stylish, sweet - there are granny archetypes of every stripe. The . affectionate two-volume A–Z is a whimsical vision of a rose-printed, . feline-filled arcadia and will be irresistible to style-setters, . photography enthusiasts and anyone touched by its delightful tribute to . the grannies we love and admire. Kit . Hesketh-Harvey is an award-winning performer, composer, writer and . translator while Lawrence Mynott is an illustrator, designer and . portrait painter. C is for Chic (left) and M is for Mink (right) E is for Elegant (left) and X is for X-ray (right) Artist-photographer Tim Walker has . won a cult following for his flamboyant, lavishly staged and surrealist . fashion photography. Now he brings his unique brand of very British . fantasia to a subject close to his and all our hearts: grandmothers. In the book you’ll find Lucinda, whose hat addiction shows no sign of . waning (she even goes to bed in one), and Hattie, who’ll give you a . humbug if you’re helpful. The . Granny Alphabet by Tim Walker, Lawrence Mynott and Kit Hesketh-Harvey . (Thames & Hudson) comes in at £24.95 and is available to buy from . Amazon form November 11. All proceeds are being donated to Friends of the Elderly, fote.org.uk. Text 'Friends' to 70007 to donate £3. | Walker collaborates with Lawrence Mynott and Kit Hesketh-Harvey .
The Granny Alphabet comes out November 11 for £24.95 .
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Click here to read Sportsmail's Ian Ladyman on Mario Balotelli's turbulent spell as a Manchester City player. Adam Lallana's shot was parried by Alex McCarthy in Queens Park Rangers's goal and the ball fell invitingly to Mario Balotelli with an open goal in front of him. The Liverpool striker was left with a simple tap-in, went to side-foot the ball into the net but it instead flew miles over the bar. That wasn't the first open goal he has missed this season. VIDEO Scroll down to watch Head to head: Mario Balotelli vs Diego Costa . Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers barks instructions at striker Mario Balotelli during the eventual win away at Queens Park Rangers . Balotelli - pictured sat on the turf with his head slumped - endured a difficult afternoon in front of goal at Loftus Road on Sunday . Midfielder Adam Lallana has words with the Italian front man during the last-gasp 3-2 win away at the Premier League's bottom club . Balotelli blazed over the bar from eight yards and did nothing to suggest he was going to make amends after the shocking miss . It looked far easier to score from this angle while the scores were still level just after the hour-mark in the capital . Scored just one goal in his last 22 Premier League appearances, despite attempting 73 shots (incl. blocked) in these games. Has now had 30 shots this season in the Premier League (incl. blocks). Only two players (Aguero 36, Pelle 32) have had more. Has attempted more shots (30, incl. blocked) without actually scoring than any other player in the top five European leagues this season. As if a flavour of things to come, in Balotelli's debut against Tottenham he did the same, albeit from further out. Hugo Lloris rushed from his line but spooned his clearance straight to the Liverpool player, who took a touch, steadied himself, then, 25 yards from goal, horribly skewed an effort wide. Brendan Rodgers clapped on the White Hart Lane touchline with a huge grin on his face. Balotelli has no goals in six league games and just a single goal against Bulgarian side Ludogorets - the joke is beginning to wear thin. That £16million price-tag is increasing in weight with every missed chance. This is a player who in 2010 only rated Lionel Messi above him, then in 2013 was gracious enough to add Cristiano Ronaldo to that list. 'When I score, I don't celebrate because I'm only doing my job. When a postman delivers letters, does he celebrate?' Balotelli asked in 2012. Loic Remy - who eventually left QPR for Chelsea - was available at half the price Liverpool ended up paying for Balotelli . Lallana talks to the 24-year-old on Sunday (left), but Balotelli cut a frustrated figure all afternoon for Rodgers' side . The striker was easily brushed aside by QPR defender Richard Dunne and failed to assert himself on proceedings throughout . Balotelli likened himself to a postman back in 2012, but Pat (pictured above) would fancy himself to deliver more regularly than Mario . Balotelli's heat map from the win - click here for more amazing stats . But postmen nearly always manage to get their deliveries through the letterbox. Surely if Pat spent two months wildly throwing letters at doors, leaving the streets strewn with unopened envelopes, before finally getting one in, he wouldn't hold back with at least a slight fist-pump. No player in Europe's top five leagues has had more shots without scoring than Balotelli's 30 this season. He added another seven against QPR on Sunday to reach that total and there is only one other Premier League game this season where a player has had more shots on goal without putting the ball in the back of the net. And that player was Balotelli. Against Everton, where he had 10 without reward in the Merseyside derby. Loic Remy was available for around £8m in the summer, mysteriously failing a medical at Liverpool which he then passed at Chelsea. He is languishing on the Stamford Bridge bench, while Balotelli is afforded plenty of minutes by Rodgers with little to show for it. With Daniel Sturridge ruled out for possibly another four weeks, Liverpool need a goal-scorer, a skill Remy has proved he has in the Premier League. Danny Welbeck was also available for the same price as Balotelli, but moved to Arsenal instead. In fact, plenty of forwards were up for grabs in the summer. Alexis Sanchez, Radamel Falcao and Samuel Eto'o all switched clubs, while Edinson Cavani was open to ending his difficult time at Paris Saint-Germain. Liverpool instead opted for Balotelli, but the transfer smacked of desperation. 'I can categorically tell you Mario Balotelli will not be at Liverpool,' Rodgers said ahead of their pre-season friendly against Manchester United in Miami at the beginning of August. Exactly three weeks later, with no replacement found for Luis Suarez, they had bought the player from AC Milan. It was a 'no-brainer,' Rodgers said. Balotelli got away with his misses against QPR. Richard Dunne and Steven Caulker both scored in their own net for Liverpool to win 3-2. Rodgers defended him, yet again, afterwards: 'The guy is doing his best and working really hard and it is not dropping for him. I'd say he would have finished that if Caulker had not put it in.' Unfortunately for Balotelli, Caulker did put it in and along with Dunne the QPR defenders have now scored more Premier League goals for Liverpool than him so far this campaign. Liverpool legend Jimmy Case gave a more brutal assessment: 'Mario Balotelli is a waste of space at the minute.' It is hard to disagree, at the minute. Like MailOnline Sport's Facebook page. VIDEO We weren't at our best - Rodgers . | Mario Balotelli has yet to find the net for Liverpool in six Premier League games this season .
The Italian striker blazed over the bar when just eight yards out during the win against Queens Park Rangers .
Brendan Rodgers splurged £16million on Balotelli in the summer, which many thought was a bargain .
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Much will be written about the trip to Abu Dhabi in the middle of a season and the logic of landing back in the country 21 hours before a match. But was City's mid-season jaunt behind their staggering loss to Middlesbrough? It would certainly appear so. Manuel Pellegrini watches on as his Manchester City side were beaten 2-0 by Middlesbrough on Saturday . But the City boss refused to blame their week-long trip to Abu Dhabi for the FA Cup defeat . City players James Milner (left), Dedryck Boyata (centre) and Fernando look dejected after their side concede . In the first half there was little evidence of what was to follow. The hosts were probed and pressed throughout and if it was not for the heroics of Boro keeper Tomas Mejias they would have been out of sight. However, after the break it was a different story. The buoyant visitors seemed to hit a visibly tiring home side at will on the break. Had it not been for some fine stops from Willy Caballero and a post denying the effervescent Lee Tomlin a goal of the season contender, they would have made the scoreline look even worse than 2-0. At one stage a frustrated Aleksandar Kolarov seemed to just stop what he was doing. It looked as though their minds were still in Abu Dhabi. Patrick Bamford raced through to put Middlesbrough ahead early in the second half . The on-loan Chelsea striker celebrates after scoring Boro's opening goal against Manchester City . Middlesbrough substitute Kike celebrates after scoring in stoppage time to seal his side's FA Cup passage . When the board came up to tell us four minutes were to be added on we expected one final onslaught, but it simply did not come. If anything, it was the visitors who finished the stronger of the two and the game was up long before Kike sealed the deal. City may point to a lack of match fitness to key players such as Vincent Kompany and Sergio Aguero. Dedryck Boyata looked nervy as did Caballero. The City squad are put through their paces during their warm-weather training camp trip to Abu Dhabi . Manager Pellegrini and his players arrived back in Manchester at about 8pm on Friday night . David Silva and Vincent Kompany headed straight to the club's training base to prepare for Saturday's game . But this was a team that should not be beaten by Middlesbrough, as superb as Aitor Karaoke's men were. Can a seven-hour flight in business class and a four-hour time difference have such an impact? City will deny it but this, as we are told time and time again, is a game of fine margins. Defeat, and the trip to Abu Dhabi will linger. The champions' FA Cup hopes have faded before their tans. | Manchester City lost 2-0 to Middlesbrough in their FA Cup third round tie .
Goals from Patrick Bamford and Kike sealed a deserved win for Boro .
The champions went on a mid-season warm-weather training camp to Abu Dhabi during the international break .
However, they arrived back in the UK just 21 hours before the cup clash .
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By . Daily Mail Reporter . A 21-year-old motorist was arrested Sunday night on a drunken driving charge - while wearing a T-shirt emblazoned with the words 'drunk as s--t'. Ross Allan McMakin is accused of driving his 1994 Ford Ranger pickup on the sidewalk, hitting a parked car and choking his ex-girlfriend in an alcohol-fueled frenzy in Oregon. The Philomath man's blood alcohol level allegedly measured above 0.2 percent, more than twice the legal limit to drive, appearing to prove his statement T-shirt correct. Daft: Oregon's Ross Allan McMakin, 21, was wearing a shirt saying 'drunk as s**t' (pictured) when he was arrested Sunday for driving with a blood alcohol level above 0.2 percent, more than twice the legal limit . KEZI reported that McMakin dropped his ex-girlfriend off at her house following a party. She said she initially agreed to drive, but the car was a stick shift. The unidentified woman claimed her drunk ex drove on the pavement, struck a stationary vehicle and veered down the wrong lane. She said once she returned home, she grabbed McMakin's car keys and ran into the house so he couldn't drive again. However she claimed McMakin followed her inside before slapping, pushing and choking her to get the keys back. He then drove off. According to a police log published by Corvallis Gazette Times, McMakin's ex-girlfriend called cops about 3.30am. Caught: Police pulled McMakin over at the corner of Northwest Grant Avenue and Dixon Street in Oregon, Ohio (pictured) on Sunday night after his ex-girlfriend called cops . Cops tracked McMakin down at the corner of Northwest Grant Avenue and Dixon Street before charging him with strangulation, DUI, reckless driving, reckless endangerment and harassment. The woman reportedly had minor injuries but did not seek medical attention. | Ross Allan McMakin was arrested Sunday for allegedly driving with a blood alcohol level twice the legal limit .
His ex-girlfriend called cops claiming he choked and slapped her for taking his car keys .
The Oregon man was wearing a T-shirt that said 'drunk as s--t' when he was arrested .
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(CNN) -- When it comes to dealing with allergies, many sufferers rely on home remedies to ease their symptoms. iReporter Kristin Carroll says she carries a roll of toilet paper during allergy season to deal with the sniffles. IReporter Kristin Carroll, a student at Indiana University and self-described lifelong allergy sufferer, offered these hints that have worked for her over the years. CARROLL: "Every season change, I prepare for (and cope with) my inevitable mucus-fest in a variety of different ways. Aside from a trip to the doctor, I tend to up my vitamin-C intake. It's a natural antihistamine. Cayenne pepper is an older trick. iReport: Tell us your allergy remedies . I'm a singer, and in high-school, if I was sick before a competition, I would drink tea with cayenne pepper, honey, and a little lemon. Watch more of Kristin's tips » . The pepper de-sensitizes the mucosa lining your airways, so they won't secrete extra nastiness or enflame when irritated. The tea is not as disgusting as it sounds; I actually hate spicy-anything but still use the pepper trick when I'm feeling like dirt. And it never hurts to eat more green veggies -- they're a great source of bioflavonoids -- which is quite the mouthful. But when combined with vitamin-C, it proves to be an unbeatable combination for vastly reducing histamines." | iReporter Kristin Carroll offers tips on dealing with allergies .
Try cayenne pepper in a hot cup of tea with honey and a little lemon, she says .
Eat more green veggies . | c7ebc9acb6033f66f35709991e1566665c037bbf | [
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By . Hannah Roberts . The fairy-tale story of a lovelorn New Zealander, who ignited a worldwide search to track down an American he'd met once on New Year's Eve, has ground to an abrupt halt, after the girl told him she was 'flattered, but not interested' - though she kept his scarf as a memento. Reese McKee launched a Facebook campaign last month with a heartfelt plea for help in tracking down the mystery 'Katie' who he met just once on New Year's Eve in Hong Kong. His plan was successful, but student Katie Capp has now told smitten Mr McKee that she has good memories of the night, but is not interested in a relationship. Lovelorn: Reese McKee launched a Facebook campaign last month with a heartfelt plea for help in tracking down the mystery 'Katie,' left, who he met just once on New Year's Eve in Hong Kong . Sad: McKee, pictured, found his plan was successful, but student Katie Capp has now told smitten Mr McKee that she has good memories of the night, but is not interested in a relationship . He sent her a heartfelt email, but when she finally replied it was 'lukewarm,' saying only that it was 'a memorable night' for her too. The heart-breaking note read: 'At any rate, I just wanted to tell you that I'm flattered, but not interested in any relationship or whatever. It was a memorable night and I'd just like to leave it at that.' However, Ms Capp did admit to keeping a romantic souvenir from the night- the scarf Mr McKee gave her to keep her warm still hangs in her room. The pair met on New Year's Eve 2012 in Hong Kong. Mr McKee, 25, says he was wandering the city admiring the lights when he saw a girl crying at the side of the road and approached her. 'She was lost. She'd lost all her friends,' he told the New Zealand Herald. 'I just cheered her up. I sort of have this undeniably bad sense of humor that no one can resist laughing at.' Campaign: On his Facebook campaign page, pictured, McKee explained that the next morning he woke up and discovered the picture on his cell phone 'and the good memories came sweeping back' The couple spent the night dancing, . drinking and chatting until 6 a.m., when she reconnected with her . friends and they parted ways. Before she vanished into the night, she told him her name and that she lived in 'D.C'. She posed for a photograph and left him with a bold request: 'Find me.' On his Facebook campaign page, he explained that the next morning he woke up and discovered the picture on his cell phone 'and the good memories came sweeping back.' But he had few clues to track her down and when he tried to find her email address - he had some recollection of it containing the words 'kitty cat' - he had no luck. After months looking for her in vain, he launched a heartfelt appeal on Facebook. Found: The pretty brunette, pictured left and right, tracked down by MailOnline to a small town in the south of France on the Italian border, at first thought she might have feelings for him too . Um no: After thinking it over, the student, pictured, who is taking French classes at a campus of Paris' elite Sciences Po University, decided she didn't feel the same way and rejected his advances . 'I was hurt a long time ago,' he wrote. 'The hopeless romantic in me was locked away when he got hurt because it . was too much. For too long, this has affected my relationships, and . I've failed people. 'Somewhere along the line my romantic soul went silent, and this is a step towards putting that right. 'The chances are billions to one, but I like those odds,' he wrote. 'The is me putting all my chips on the table because it's go hard or go home and I am not going to give in.' He said he had no illusions and that he wouldn't be surprised if Ms Capp had another boyfriend but that he was 'foolishly optimistic.' The pretty brunette, tracked down by MailOnline to a small town in the south of France on the Italian border, at first thought she might have feelings for him too. Friendly: Mr McKee replied in a friendly way, saying he accepted her decision and just wanted to reconnect and stay in touch. But he later confided: 'I don't think I'll hear from her again' Hopeful: However, the quirky Kiwi says he is still 'romantically optimistic' Katie, pictured, center, will hahve a change of heart . Revealing she was single she said: 'I haven't made up my mind yet about whether I like him or not. I'm still waiting for him to get in touch.' But after thinking it over, the student, who is taking French classes at a campus of Paris' elite Sciences Po University, decided she didn't feel the same way and rejected his advances. Mr McKee replied in a friendly way, saying he accepted her decision and just wanted to reconnect and stay in touch. But he later confided: 'I don't think I'll hear from her again.' The quirky Kiwi says he is still 'romantically optimistic.' He added: '(There's) a lot going on for me at the moment so I don't think it's registered quite yet. But I don't regret doing this, and I never will. :)' | Reese McKee launched a Facebook campaign last month with a heartfelt plea for help in tracking down the mystery 'Katie' who he met just once on New Year's Eve in Hong Kong .
His plan was successful, but Katie Capp has now told smitten Mr McKee that while she has good memories, she is not interested in a relationship .
He sent her a heartfelt email, but when she finally replied it was 'lukewarm,' saying only that it was 'a memorable night' for her too . | f11c8c5ae0ae6deff7c3df48bc97e27c62f135a1 | [
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When Manchester United’s traumatic campaign under David Moyes shuddered to its lowest depths last season, there was a theory circulating that the on-field turmoil may have very serious ramifications for the club’s off-field credentials. There was certainly some substance to this suggestion. The sliding share prices - from just under 19p before Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement to hovering around 14p during the darkest moments of Moyes’ reign in February this year - demonstrated concrete proof of that. Without Ferguson holding the reins of power at Old Trafford, questions were asked. He was the club’s most reliable asset, a guarantee of glory. Investors lost confidence. Some season ticket holders will have privately pondered whether the yearly investment was still worth the trouble. VIDEO Scroll down to watch Manchester United unveil their new kit with Chevrolet . Final showing: Nike's ties with Manchester United will end after the coming season . Taking the reins: Louis van Gaal is to get to work with United this week ahead of the new season . The football was dire and the results were unacceptable. In six games against Manchester City, Liverpool and Everton, United’s aggregate score was 1-14. There would be no Champions League football for at least one year. So how can it be, just two months after the curtain came down on United’s worst league finish in 24 years that the club were able to announce an extraordinary, record-breaking £750million decade-long kit deal with adidas? The figures are truly remarkable. This agreement more than doubles the £31m that Real Madrid, the previous biggest recipient, are thought to receive a year from the German firm. The £75m per year that United will receive from adidas alone is only narrowly less than the £76m turnover that Sunderland posted in 2012-13 season. In the same year, Aston Villa recorded £83.7m turnover. It offers some idea of the now obscene financial might of Manchester United. This, of course, only takes into account United’s deal with adidas. United will also receive £51m annually from shirt sponsors Chevrolet for the next seven years as well as a £17m windfall per year from AON, who have purchased the rights to plaster their name across the club’s training kit, while they also sponsor the Carrington training ground. Only on Wednesday did United announce yet another sponsorship, this time with international food brand Nissin. Boost: United have already splurged cash on midfielder Ander Herrera (left) and Southampton's Luke Shaw . On and on: Sir Alex Ferguson was always a guaranteed deliverer of success as manager at Old Trafford . How much? AON pay £17m-a-year to sponsor the Carrington complex and the club's training kit . These three principal sponsorship deals will combine to provide United with an annual income in excess of £140m, dwarfing the turnover of 14 Premier League clubs. Perversely, it would seem that United’s dismal dalliance with Moyes has, if anything, only amplified the intrigue and lure that surrounds this famous football club. Last week, United launched ‘REUNITED’, essentially a glorified corporate event for the friendly match against Valencia in August that will mark Louis van Gaal’s first match at Old Trafford. This is emblematic of the brand that United are now trying to promote. A club clawing its way back to the peak of the mountain, ambitious and determined to return to the pinnacle of the sport in a brave, new era under Van Gaal. It only underlines just how important the decision to part with Moyes had become. It was not taken lightly but it was incredibly necessary. A wave of optimism, boosted by the performance of Van Gaal at the World Cup and arrivals of Luke Shaw and Ander Herrera, is now sweeping through Old Trafford. Looking bleak: The financials behind the club were on the slide with David Moyes in charge last season . United wore their poker faces and played a high-stakes game of negotiating to secure this landmark deal, holding lengthy discussions with Nike, Puma and Uniqlo - a Japanese firm - before eventually agreeing the contract with adidas. United may still come to an arrangement with Uniqlo in the coming year, further maximising their revenue potential and expanding the brand in the Far East. Even despite concerns surrounding the team’s performances, Ed Woodward had the gumption to allow the Nike deal to run down and the increasing variety of brands on show at the club’s Carrington training ground was seen by the company as a hostile act. Now, of course, he can reflect with pride. But what if? What if Moyes had been kept on? Would adidas have risked so much if Moyes had remained in charge? We may never know but nobody can deny the spectre of doom that had engulfed Old Trafford in those final, tortuous months of last season. Perception is everything in the modern world of business and companies want to be associated with clubs that evoke confidence and self-belief. Manchester United under Van Gaal has the look of a force to be reckoned with, before a ball has even be kicked. Decent move: Chief executive Ed Woodward let Nike's deal to run down in favour of a more lucrative contract . Woodward is the brains behind the commercial operation at Old Trafford, the man who, along with Richard Arnold, has worked hard to service the club’s debt by extending United’s reach to Thai beer, Indian tyres, American watches and Japanese paint, to mention four of the 28 sponsors listed on the club’s website. The majority of these are worth around £2m to United but it all adds up a remarkable annual income. Woodward, an Essex boy, is tremendously close to the Glazer family, speaking almost daily with Joel Glazer and he was one of those investment bankers - working for JP Morgan at the time - that pushed through the takeover in 2005. The Glazers will feel that their prodigy is now proving his worth in the big job at United, despite the teething issues that he suffered last summer after taking over from David Gill. Football should never be judged by the spreadsheet but if the on-field showings can mirror the rosy picture now adorning Woodward’s financial charts, then Manchester United supporters may be in for a very exciting season indeed. VIDEO Manchester United sign record shirt deal . Adidas: Record-breaking kit deal - £750m 10-year deal (75m per annum) AON: Principal sponsor of Manchester United - £136m 8-year deal (17m per annum) Chevrolet: Shirt sponsor of Manchester United - £357m 7-year deal (£51m per annum) Annual income from major sponsors: £143m . Other sponsorship deals . Singha: Official beer of Manchester United - £2m BWIN: Official online gaming and betting partner of Manchester United - £2.4m Casillero Del Diablo: Official wine partner of Manchester United - £2m The majority of these deals are undisclosed but are thought to be multi-million pound agreements... Bulova: Official timekeeper of Manchester United Aperol Spritz: Official global spirits partner of Manchester United Toshiba Medical Systems: Official medical systems partner of Manchester United STC: Official integrated telecommunications partner of Manchester United for Saudi Arabia Aeroflot: Official carrier of Manchester UnitedApollo Tyres: Official Tyre Partner of Manchester United in UK and IndiaEPSON: Official office equipment partner of Manchester United YANMAR: Official global partner TM: Official integrated telecommunications partner of Manchester United in Malaysia GLOBACOM: Official integrated telecommunications partner of Manchester United for Nigeria, Ghana, Republic of Benin Viva Kuwait: Official integrated telecommunications partner of Manchester United in Kuwait Zong: Official telecommunications partner of Manchester United in Pakistan VIVA: Official integrated telecommunications partner of Manchester United in Bahrain A.P. HONDA: Official motorcycle partner of Manchester United in ThailandBakcell: Official telecommunications and broadcast partner of Manchester United for Azerbaijan Kagome: Official soft drink partner of Manchester United for Japan Kansai: Official paint partner of Manchester UnitedHong Kong Jockey Club: Official partner of Manchester UnitedGloops: Official social gaming partner of Manchester United in JapanTrumove H: Official Mobile gaming partner of Manchester United in Thailand Truevisions: Official Manchester United broadcaster for Thailand . | Louis van Gaal will take his first training sessions this week .
United also have lucrative deals with Chevrolet and AON .
Three biggest sponsorships bring in £140m every year .
The Red Devils have already signed Ander Herrera and Luke Shaw . | 28dd6cd4b27443d1329db593d81f901bdbbe5458 | [
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(CNN) -- Maria de Villota has lost her right eye after a crash at a test event, her Formula One team, Marussia, announced Wednesday. The Spaniard, one of only two female drivers contracted to an F1 team, underwent surgery after running into a stationary truck at a British airfield on Tuesday. A statement from the Russian-owned team said that the 32-year-old had sustained "serious head and facial injuries" and that she had been in theater overnight at Addenbrooke's Hospital in the English county of Cambridgeshire. "We are grateful for the medical attention that Maria has been receiving, and her family would like to thank the Neurological and Plastics surgical teams," team principal John Booth said. Family or F1? Female driver chooses the track - for now . "However, it is with great sadness that I must report that, due to the injuries she sustained, Maria has lost her right eye. "Maria's care and the well-being of her family remain our priority at this time. Her family are at the hospital, and we are doing everything possible to support them." Tuesday's test was the first time De Villota had been behind the wheel of the MR01 car, and Booth said Marussia officials are investigating the accident. "We have embarked on a very comprehensive analysis of what happened, and this work continues for the moment," he said. "Finally, we have been overwhelmed by messages of support for Maria, her family and the team, and we would like to express our sincere gratitude for those." De Villota was recruited by UK-based Marussia -- formerly known as Virgin Racing -- in March, having driven in Spanish Formula Three, the Euroseries 3000 and the Daytona 24 Hours. The Madrid native is the daughter of former F1 driver Emilio de Villota, who raced between 1976 and 1982. Pit-lane pioneers: Women in Formula One . | Maria de Villota loses her right eye after an F1 crash on Tuesday .
The Spaniard has surgery after sustaining serious head and facial injuries .
Marussia team investigating how the accident at a British airfield occurred .
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Facebook has launched a pilot scheme selling strangers access to users' inboxes. The social networking website has introduced a fee, believed to be $1, to guarantee that messages are routed to a recipient's 'inbox' and not their 'other' folder, where they are likely to be ignored. Facebook has billed it as giving users the chance to hear from people they do not know but who have an 'important' message for them. It argues the fee will actually cut down on the amount of unwanted messages. Networking: Facebook will guarantee a message is routed to a user's inbox . But the trial, which began yesterday, . has sparked fears that businesses will be happy to pay such a low . charge and bombard people's inboxes with advertising. Facebook previously only allowed messages into an inbox if the recipient was 'friends' with the sender. It also uses algorithm . calculations to let 'relevant' messages through, such as those sent from a 'friend of a friend'. All other messages are routed to the other folder, similar to a junk or spam email filter. Social: Facebook allows friends to message each other instantly . Facebook said the US pilot involves only a 'small number' of individuals and is limited to one message a week for each inbox. A statement on its website said the 'experiment' is also limited to 'personal messages between individuals'. Experiment: The pilot is running in the US and open to a 'small number' of people . Facebook is testing a new look layout for its users' profile pages. Tabs replace the 'friends' and 'photos' thumbnails to make a cleaner looking menu towards the top of the page. The user's name is lifted into the cover photo, while the timeline has also been given an overhaul. The chronological updates appear in a single line on the left of the page, with photos and friends information running down the right. This replaces posts appearing on the left and right of the page, which often makes it difficult to follow the chronology. A Facebook spokesman told ABC News: . 'This is a new design Facebook is testing with a small percentage of . people to make navigating timeline even easier.' Users also do not have to navigate away from a profile page to view a person's friends or photos. They instead scroll down to below the 'about' information. It continued: 'Several commentators and . researchers have noted that imposing a financial cost on the sender may . be the most effective way to discourage unwanted messages and facilitate . delivery of messages that are relevant and useful.' 'If you want to send a message to . someone you heard speak at an event but are not friends with, or if you . want to message someone about a job opportunity, you can use this . feature to reach their Inbox. 'For the receiver, this test allows them to hear from people who have an important message to send them.' Writing on allthingsd.com, technology . journalist, Peter Kafka, highlighted that users cannot opt out of . receiving the paid for messages. He also said Facebook will look to 'tinker' with the $1 fee over time, but added: 'The one-message-a-week cap, combined with the $1 fee, will prevent your inbox . from filling up with spam.' Facebook has also tweaked its message settings, with users able to select a 'basic' or 'strict' filter. The latter means a person will receive 'mostly' messages from friends in their inbox. Anyone who previously selected the 'friends' setting will automatically have their messages set to 'strict'. Online: Founder Mark Zuckerberg has made billions from Facebook . | Fee will guarantee messages avoid 'spam' folder .
Pilot US scheme is limited to 'personal messages'
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Former Everton goalkeeper Neville Southall has encouraged manager Roberto Martinez to stick to his footballing principles against Liverpool on Saturday and not set up his team to defend. Martinez's side have endured a tough start to the Premier League season, and are in 14th place having won just one of their first five games. But Southall is adamant that his old club must take the game to the Reds, as they go after their first win at Anfield in 15 years. Neville Southall, pictured playing for Everton in 1990, says his old team must go for it against Liverpool . The popular keeper played at Wembley the last time Everton won a major trophy - the 1995 FA Cup . The Welshman says it's crucial Roberto Martinez does not abandon his attacking principles at Anfield . The 56-year-old former stopper said on the Paddy Power Blog: 'It's important that the players – and the fans – keep the faith with Roberto Martinez's principles and we go out there on Saturday against Liverpool and attack. 'We've had enough years of damage limitation at the club. I'd sooner us have a go and get beat 6-3 trying to win the game (like we did against Chelsea) than 'manage' a result when you go a goal down. 'Sometimes you've just got to play yourself out of a difficult patch. I'd be worried if the Toffees were putting in poor team performances. 'But recent results have been more down to individual errors. A result against our biggest rival would be a massive confidence boost.' Southall (left) with another Toffees legend, former Sunderland manager Peter Reid, pictured here in 2012 . Samuel Eto'o almost joined Liverpool this summer but he'll try to help Everton defeat the Reds on Saturday . | Former Everton goalkeeper Neville Southall insists his old team must go on the offensive against Liverpool .
The Toffees travel to Anfield for the Merseyside derby on Saturday .
Everton haven't beaten Liverpool away from home since 1999 .
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By . Ted Thornhill . PUBLISHED: . 12:01 EST, 29 January 2014 . | . UPDATED: . 12:37 EST, 29 January 2014 . A man suspected of violently kidnapping a woman from her Milwaukie workplace and forcing her into a minivan has been named by police. The suspect has been identified from CCTV footage as Kelly Vern Swoboda, 49, and is considered armed and dangerous. The victim, in her mid-20s, was kidnapped from her place of employment on Highway 99 in the Portland suburb – but amazingly managed to leap from the vehicle she had been forced into as it was moving along. 'Armed and dangerous': Suspect Kelly Vern Swoboda, 49, is wanted for questioning by police over a violent kidnapping during which a women was forced from her place of work into a van . She was found injured by the side of the road by neighbors, who called an ambulance, according to Kgw.com. Detectives were full of praise for the victim. Lt. Robert Wurpes told the site: 'She fought back. And that's admirable. It worked in this case, you know, never give up.' A worker from a nearby shop said: ‘It's really scary. I mean, my brother brought me mace today. ‘It really makes me think of going and getting my gun handlers permit. It’s just scary that it’s so close to home.’ Surveillance footage of a suspect in the alleged kidnapping of a woman in the Milwaukie . Clackamas County Sheriff's Office said that members of the public should immediately dial 911 if they spot Swoboda, who is at large. The victim was working alone when the . suspect walked into the business, physically assaulted her, and forced . her outside and into a minivan, police said. A statement described him as ‘an adult male around age 50, with gray hair, wire-rimmed glasses and a goatee or beard, wearing a dark navy-blue hooded jacket and driving a purple-colored minivan’. The statement added: ‘Stranger-on-stranger abductions are extremely rare, and detectives are taking this case very seriously. This is an open and ongoing investigation.’ | A woman was allegedly forced into a van in a violent Milwaukie kidnapping .
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By . Hayley Peterson and Daily Mail Reporter . PUBLISHED: . 08:31 EST, 21 September 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 11:26 EST, 21 September 2013 . The pressure of being related to the Vice President has made Joe Biden's niece Caroline 'unravel', a report has claimed. Miss Biden, 26, was detained by police this week after getting into a fight with her roommate, and was pictured being carried away by officers while hiding under a towel. But now her 'friend' socialite Paul Johnson Calderon has told the New York Post she has a pill and drink addiction caused by the pressure of being related to the Vice President. Caroline Biden was allegedly charged with disorderly conduct and obstructing governmental administration . He said he wasn't surprised when he heard about police being called to her luxury Tribeca apartment on Tuesday morning. 'The pressure of being Joe Biden’s niece made her totally unravel. it’s a desire for attention, a cry for help,' Mr Calderon said. He described the Georgetown University graduate as a 'hot mess' and likened her to actress Amanda Bynes. 'She’s surrounded by a lot of people who . use her because of who she is. Guys would want to date her because of . who her uncle is,' Mr Calderon told the Post from a sober-living facility. He added that he ended their friendship because he is dealing with an alcohol addiction. Miss Biden, who works at Higher Pictures gallery in New York, also went to rehab for alcohol and Adderall addiction while at university, another friend claimed. Her father paid the deposit for the luxury apartment she was renting from NYU student Anne Marie Yacopetti. Avoiding a spectacle: Caroline Biden was wrapped in a bedsheet when she was transported from the Tribeca police precinct to the awaiting ambulance on Tuesday morning . Questions remain: Police officials confirmed to MailOnline that she was transported to Beth Israel hospital but they did not have any information about what caused her to seek medical treatment following her fight with a roommate . Miss Yacopetti's mother claimed the gallery . worker would pay the rent she owed, 'when she feels like it' and added: . 'If you’re an elitist Biden, I guess you think you’re owed the world.' It . is not the first time Miss Biden has come into contact with law . officials. In 2009 she was briefly detained by Amtrak police over a . disputed train fare. At . the time she claimed she was treated unfairly because of her family's . connection to the Vice President, and said she had intended to pay for . her ticket on the train, a friend said. Police sources have confirmed to MailOnline that Miss Biden was charged with resisting arrest, harassment, and obstructing government administration on Tuesday. The . harassment charge stem from the fight with her unidentified roommate, . while The Wall Street Journal reports that the charge of obstructing . government administration comes after allegedly taking a swing at an officer. She was given a desk appearance ticket and has to . return to plea her case on October 29. Connections: Caroline is the daughter of Vice President Joe Biden's older brother James . Family ties: Caroline's father is Joe's brother James (seen at left with the vice President in 2008, and at right with his wife Sara Biden at the White House in 2011) After . she was placed in handcuffs, brought to the Tribeca police precinct and . released following the desk appearance ticket, she was then taken to . Beth Israel Hospital for undisclosed reasons. Police were called to Miss Biden's Desbrosses Street apartment around 8am over a heated argument she was having with her roommate. Miss Biden allegedly got physical when a female officer tried to intervene, Metro US reported. She had reportedly been arguing with her . roommate about rent. She was arraigned in Manhattan Criminal Court . early Tuesday afternoon. The Vice President's office has not commented on Miss Biden's arrest. | Gallery worker 'blames pressure from family ties on drink and pills problem'
Caroline Biden attended rehab while at university, friend claims .
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By . Alexandra Klausner . One bride thinks her wedding video is literally the 'worst thing in the world' and she's suing her videographer for around $50,000 in damages for making her wedding seem like 'an episode of Seinfeld.' 26-year-old Monica Nikchemny married Felix Komrash, 33, in September 2012. The Mail Online spoke with Monica and her lawyer Mikhail Usher who said the couple received a satisfactory wedding trailer a month after the wedding but one year later they were horrified with the actual video. When the family received the wedding video, Monica was brought to tears and 'almost had a nervous breakdown.' SCROLL DOWN FOR VIDEO . From the trailer: The wedding trailer montage started with a photograph of the bride's parents . From the trailer: We see the bride sending texts from the bridal suite to her soon to be husband . From the trailer: The video shows the behind the scenes of Monica getting ready for her big day . Monica and her father are suing the wedding video company Visualaz who Monica claims ruined her special day by adding in mismatched sound effects and fake applause. 'When I watched my wedding video it really sounded like I was watching an episode of 'Seinfeld,' she said. 'It really was ridiculous.' Now Monica is taking the Brooklyn based company Visualaz to court, reports mamamia.com. Visualaz is run by Igor Boshoer and his wife Valerie. Igor boasts Hollywood credits for visual effects for films such as 'The Wolf of Wall Street.' Monica told the Mail Online that Visualaz claims to be a Hollywood production company and that they kept putting off her video because they had 'too much other Hollywood work' to do. She explained that they are a new company for whom wedding videos are a 'side job' but she was willing to give them a chance after seeing other wedding trailers they'd completed. Monica said she never saw a full video of theirs before her wedding otherwise she may not have chosen them. She says her own wedding trailer makes her wedding video appear to be fun and romantic but she says in reality the trailer is a misrepresentation of what her video really is like. Monica told the Mail Online that the trouble with the company Visualaz started before they even received the video. The New York Daily News reports that when the couple asked for a short 'love story clip' to be played during the ceremony, the filmmakers suggested that Komrash should be dressed as a transvestite in a dress who falls in love with his future wife, says court papers filed Wednesday in the Brooklyn Supreme Court. Monica told the Mail Online that her husband expressed wishes for the 'love story clip' to be a scene from his favorite movie but that Visualaz rejected his ideas. From the trailer: She puts on a dress made by her very own company, 'Monica's Bridal' From The trailer: The groom, Felix Komrash, also prepares to walk down the aisle . From the trailer: Monica puts on her veil just before she is about to get married . Nikchemny said that the transvestite suggestion from Visualaz was 'very inappropriate and disrespectful' and a 'complete joke.' Nikhemny also claims that the video company only showed up with a small piece of the equipment they promised in their $13,000 contract. When the bride did receive the video after 'months of postponement' she said it lacked a 'beginning middle and an end.' 'They acted in such a way that was so extreme and outrageous,' said the family's lawyer, Mikhail Usher. 'We're asking for damages above and beyond the contract.' Usher told the Mail Online that they are asking for the $13,000 cost of the wedding video plus punitive damages for 'mistreatment' and for causing emotional distress. 'A lot of publications keep changing the amounts we are suing the company for,' said Monica's lawyer. 'We are asking for around $50,000,' he said. Nikchemny owns a third generation bridal store in Sheepshead Bay called 'Monica's Bridal' and says it was important to her that her wedding was perfect and top-notch. Nikchemny got the video when she was pregnant an says that the stress caused by the video led to 'medical complications.' Doctors checked the bride's blood sugar the same week she received the video and it was dangerously high due to her stress levels 'caused by the video.' 'How can I show my son this video?' she asked. 'These memories, I'll never be able to get back again.' Monica claims if she wanted the raw footage she'd have to sign over the rights to her own wedding video. She said the raw video was also . missing important parts of her ceremony such as the cocktail hour, . dessert table, and the signing of the Jewish wedding agreement. 'My wedding video was basically just people dancing,' said Monica. They left out key moments, she said, like the cigar bar and other parts of the ceremony. The company was surprised to hear that the couple didn't like their video. Visualaz got a positive response from fans on facebook who applauded the 14 minute trailer. Monica warns people not to be 'fooled' by the same trailer that she received one month after her wedding. The Mail Online tried contacting Visualaz but no one was available for comment. Comments from the videographer's facebook indicates friends of the filmmaker loved the video . From the trailer: Monica's mother lights up with joy . From the trailer: The couple looks as though they are having a fabulous time at the wedding . From the trailer: Monica dances with her father on her big day . From the trailer: The groom is also captured with his own father during the ceremony . Monica {+} Felix - Monica's Bridal from Visualaz on Vimeo. | 26-year-old Monica Nikchemny married Felix Komrash, 33, in September 2012 .
Monica Nikchemny received a satisfactory 14 minute wedding trailer one month after her wedding but the actual video one year later seemed 'pieced together' and was missing 'crucial parts of the ceremony'
Nikchemny claims that her wedding video was 'cheesy' and that the videographer at Visualaz used fake clapping, sound affects, and didn't use the music the couple chose for the ceremony .
The video Visualaz is displaying on their website is the trailer Nichemny approved of a month after her wedding and 'doesn't represent' the actual video .
Nikchemny was pregnant when she got the wedding video a year later and the stress from the incident dangerously spiked her blood sugar .
She with the help of her lawyer Mikhail Usher, is suing Visualaz for the price she paid for the video plus 'punitive damages' | 9cde25df2ecd0a62c849ac62da2fbe78dea1ccff | [
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Luuk de Jong scored a hat-trick and Memphis Depay netted the winner in the third minute of stoppage time as PSV Eindhoven beat Feyenoord 4-3 in a thrilling clash that put them four points clear on Wednesday. De Jong equalised twice for the hosts and then put them 3-2 ahead, before Feyenoord striker Colin Kazim-Richards seemed to have salvaged a point by heading home a cross with just a minute remaining. Depay scored a simple tap-in three minutes into stoppage time, however, to seal a victory for PSV that extended their lead at the top of the standings and put a serious dent in their opponents' title hopes. VIDEO Scroll down to watch PSV Eindhoven 4-3 Feyenoord in absolute thriller . Memphis Depay celebrates scoring the winner for PSV Eindhoven on Wednesday night . PSV have 40 points from 16 games, four clear of Ajax Amsterdam, while PEC Zwolle are third on 29 and Feyenoord remain fourth with 28. It was an extremely combative match between two teams who did not allow each other a moment on the ball. Feyenoord struck first when Elvis Manu went around goalkeeper Jeroen Zoet and directed a low shot towards goal that beat PSV defender Jeffrey Bruma who made a sliding effort to clear it off the line. Feyenoord's Luke Wilkshire (left) tangles with Eindhoven duo Andres Guardado and Jetro Willems . Forward Luuk de Jong scored a hat-trick for PSV against Feyenoord . De Jong then levelled in the 22nd minute, finishing off a wonderful team move by the hosts, but was lucky not to be penalised by referee Bjorn Kuipers for a foul on his marker Terence Kongolo seconds before the 24-year-old striker pulled the trigger. Karim El Ahmadi restored the lead with a cool finish on the stroke of halftime after a beautifully weighted through ball from skipper Jordy Clasie. De Jong tipped the score in PSV's favour on hour mark with two good headers in quick succession, before goals at the death from Kazim-Richards and Depay ended a dramatic clash. | Luuk de Jong scored a hat-trick against Feyenoord on Wednesday night .
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Great Britain's European 100 metres champion James Dasaolu insists athletes can not afford to be distracted by the doping allegations engulfing their sport. A programme broadcast by German TV station ARD revealed allegations of systematic doping and cover-ups in Russia and it was announced on Tuesday that Dick Pound, the hard-hitting former president of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), would head an independent three-man commission investigating the damaging claims. Dasaolu's event has been tainted by doping, with the fastest man in the world in 2014, Justin Gatlin, a two-time drug cheat. Tyson Gay, the second fastest man in history, returned to the track this summer after a reduced one-year suspension, while former world record holder Asafa Powell also came back to competition after his enforced absence for testing positive for a banned stimulant. James Dasaolu hopes British athletes cannot afford to be distracted by doping allegations . On Gatlin, Dasaolu said: 'The sport has allowed him back in, he's served his time and he's come back. All you can do is just get on with it and train and control what you can control as an athlete in your performances. 'I think I raced him once and I think he said, 'good luck' to me or something like that, but apart from that I didn't really converse with him.' Asked about the latest drug scandal to hit the sport, Dasaolu added: 'I'm just an athlete, I just focus on myself, focus on competing, focus on training and that's all we can do as athletes - as opposed to focusing on the politics within the sport. That's a distraction, you can only focus on yourself. 'I'm pretty sure the sport will be cleaned up and all things will be good eventually.' Dasaolu's training partner Asha Philip, one of a crop of exciting young British women sprinters, said: 'If we're worrying if (other competitors) are on drugs, that means they are affecting us, they will be draining our energy and we wouldn't be concentrating on what we came to a championships to do.' Philip has joined Dasaolu's Loughborough-based training group under Steve Fudge and both athletes will compete at the Sainsbury's Indoor Grand Prix in Birmingham in February, with the European Indoor Championships taking place in Prague the following month. Great Britain's Dasaolu wins the men's 100m final during day two of the 2014 European Athletics Championships in Zurich . The Birmingham meeting is the same one at which Dasaolu earlier this year suffered the hamstring injury which ruled him out of the World Indoors and denied him the chance to compete at the Commonwealth Games. But the 27-year-old, whose career has been hampered by injury, said he was not taking a risk with his fitness by doing another indoor season. 'There is no risk at all, I believe I am over my injuries and that's that,' said Dasaolu, who added that a decision had yet to be made over whether he would compete in Prague. '(My fitness) been very consistent this winter, I've had no hiccups.' The Londoner is also hopeful of playing a greater role in the 4x100m relay team next year, having not been part of the quartet which won gold at the European Championships in Zurich in August, despite being the individual 100m champion. Stephen Maguire has replaced Rana Reider in charge of the relay programme. 'I was always involved with the squad, I just unfortunately never got the opportunity to run, but I definitely will be involved with the relay (in 2015),' Dasaolu added. 'As a team, bringing in the additions of myself, I'm sure we'll be able to contend for global medals now.' :: Watch the world's best athletes compete at the Sainsbury's Indoor Grand Prix on Saturday 21 February. For tickets visit britishathletics.org.uk . | James Dasaolu hopes fellow British athletes will not get distracted doping allegations .
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Benjamin Wilson, from Billingham, was jailed for six years after admitting wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm . A son has been jailed for a horrific hammer attack on his father after snapping over tears of 'excessive and extreme' domestic violence. Benjamin Wilson, from Billingham, was defending his mother when he beat his father Craig with a lump hammer . The attack left his father - who was described as a 'violent nasty drunk' in court - with brain damage and holes in his head. The 22-year-old, who is a new father himself, had grown up in 'an atmosphere of violence, fear and intimidation' and was subjected to violence himself. He was jailed for six years after admitting wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, but the sentence has sparked outrage. Thousands of people have signed a petition calling for Benjamin Wilson to be freed. The 'Free Ben Wilson' e-petition has more than 20,000 signatures from around the world, and a 'Help Free Ben Wilson' Facebook page has thousands of likes. The petition, which was set up by Marie Taylor, says: 'Ben got 6 years for protecting his mother and himself from an abusive man under the influence of alcohol. 'Ben has recently become a father and is not going to be able to bring his child up and give him a better life than what he was brought up in. 'Save this boy from more years of [torture] he has suffered enough and his family.' Tammy Jones, from Portsmouth, wrote: 'He was defending his mum after years of both physical and to both mental abuse.' Anita Homer added: 'This is appalling!!! We have a wonky, unfair and non standardised jurisdiction. 'There are so many cases where a person has intentionally killed someone and only received very short sentences. 'This lad's behaviour was not intentional. He only wanted to protect his mom.' Alex Loveridge, from Christchurch in New Zealand, added: 'I'm signing because even though using a hammer to stop someone is wrong in his circumstances it's completely justifiable and my heart breaks for him.' Judge Simon Bourne-Arton QC told Teesside Crown Court that the case was a sustained attack with a 'fearsome weapon' on a defenceless man. The court heard the 22-year-old, pictured, had grown up in 'an atmosphere of violence, fear and intimidation' and was subjected to violence himself . But he said the alcoholic father, described in court as a 'violent nasty drunk' had subjected his family to domestic abuse, and the son had been the victim of such abuse and violence. Craig Wilson was described in court as a 'Jekyll and Hyde', who once served a two-year sentence for assaulting his wife. During that assault on New Year's Eve 2007, the 46-year-old put both hands around his wife's neck and pressed so hard her eyes bled and she passed out. Benjamin Wilson's sentence was reduced by the judge from 12 years to six, because of his good character and 'the degree and nature of the provocation that you've faced, not only on that occasion but on other occasions'. Teesside Ctrown Court heard Craig Wilson was like 'Jekyll and Hyde' and once served a two-year sentence for assaulting his wife . | Benjamin Wilson was defending his mother when he beat his father Craig .
22-year-old had grown up in 'an atmosphere of violence and intimidation'
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By . Daily Mail Reporter . Last updated at 2:49 AM on 23rd February 2012 . The president of the California Fish and Wildlife Commission has caused outrage after posing for photographs clutching a dead mountain lion. Daniel Richards, 59, is believed to have shot the animal in Idaho, where hunting the big cats is legal. However in California, the state where he is in charge of wildlife decisions, hunting mountain lions has been banned for two decades. Scroll down for video . Big game: Daniel Richards, president of the Californian Fish and Wildlife Commission, controversially poses with a dead mountain lion which he shot in Idaho where hunting the cats is legal . Legislation in California also makes it illegal to bring the corpses of mountain lions into the state - although it was unclear if Mr Richards had done this. The picture came to light after it was posted on the website of Western Outdoor News, the largest hunting and fishing newspaper in California. It shows Mr Richards dressed in camouflage, standing in snow-covered woodland, proudly hoisting up the creature which slumps over in his arms. In charge: Daniel Richards was pictured holding a trophy mountain lion - hunting the creature has been illegal for 20 years in his home state of California . Mr Richards, who is a lifetime member of the National Rifle Association, assumed the presidency of the Fish and Game Commission in 2008. His term ends next year. Californian congressman Jared Huffman told the San Jose Mercury News: 'He’s done something that’s a disgrace to his position and to responsible hunters in California.' The hunting of mountain lions has been illegal in California since 1990 after proposition 117 was passed. The legislation also set aside $30 million of state funding until . 2020 to buy up habitat to protect mountain lions and other species. The non-profit Mountain Lion Foundation, which fought for the law to be passed, has now called for Mr Richards to give up his role. On the MLF's website, it stated: 'While technically no laws were broken, California residents are disgusted and calling for Richards' immediate removal from the Commission. 'Since Richards proudly and openly defies the priorities of the people he was appointed to represent, clearly he can't be trusted and he needs to go.' | Daniel Richards, 59, accused of 'defying priorities' by going to Idaho on big game shoot . | abe3ba33495355312216d599d07d95798eac795f | [
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(CNN) -- On Wednesday the wrestling community and fans around the world mourned the passing of Ultimate Warrior, one of the biggest and brightest stars of the World Wrestling Federation (WWF). Born James Hellwig, before legally changing his name to Warrior in 1993, he is fondly remembered by many for his rivalries in the ring and for his trademark vivid face paint. He died aged 54 and is survived by his wife and two daughters. The cause of his death is not yet known. "WWE is shocked and deeply saddened to learn of the passing of one of the most iconic World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) superstars ever, The Ultimate Warrior," read a statement fron WWE, the modern incarnation of the WWF. "Warrior began his WWE career in 1987 and quickly went on to become one of the biggest stars in WWE history. Warrior became WWE Champion at WrestleMania VI, defeating Hulk Hogan in an epic encounter." Gallery: Best sports images of the last seven days . Ultimate Warrior's death came just days after he had been inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame. On Monday he appeared in the WWE's weekly Raw show. Tributes to the former WWF world champion poured in from throughout the wrestling world, including from his former rival Hulk Hogan. Triple H, real name Paul Michael Levesque, is one of the modern day WWE "superstars" and he also mourned the death of Ultimate. During his appearance on Raw, Ultimate gave a poignant speech. "No man becomes a legend on their own," he told the arena. "Every man's heart one day beats its final beat. His lungs breathe their final breath. "And if what that man did in his life makes the blood pulse through the body of others and makes them believe deeper in something that's larger than life, then his essence, his spirit, will be immortalized by the storytellers -- by the loyalty, by the memory of those who honor him, and make the running the man did live forever." | Former professional wrestler Ultimate Warrior dies aged 54 .
He was born James Hellwig, but changed his name to Warrior in 1993 .
The cause of his death is not yet known, he leaves a wife and two daughters .
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New York (CNN) -- The first two weeks of the NBA's regular season have been canceled, as basketball players and management have yet to reach a deal on a new labor agreement, Commissioner David Stern announced, according to NBA.com. The two sides remain far apart, Stern said from the NBA meetings. He added that no further talks are scheduled. Derek Fisher, the president of the NBA Player's Association, said the entire season may be in jeopardy. And the association's executive director, Billy Hunter, said the owners are more dug in than in the past. The commissioner had warned last week that such a cancellation may well be coming, at which time Los Angeles Lakers' guard and NBA Players Association President Derek Fisher acknowledged the stakes. "We know our backs are against the wall in terms of regular season games and what those consequences will be," he said then. The league's owners began a lockout of its players in early July. Stern has said that last season was not profitable for most of the league's 30 owners, who want cost-cutting help from players. The league lost as much as $300 million in the 2010-11 season, according to the commissioner. Less than a week ago, the NBA canceled its preseason, which meant the loss of about $200 million in revenue, Stern said. One of the battles has focused on the owners' rejection of the players union's call for an average $7 million player salary in the sixth year of a new labor deal. The current average salary is about $5 million. Other big issues include a fight over a move by owners to get a bigger share of revenues and whether the NBA will strengthen its salary cap. The last work stoppage occurred in 1998. | NEW: The Player's Association says owners are more dug in than in the past .
The commissioner says the sides are far apart, and no new talks are scheduled .
The league's owners began a lockout of its players in early July .
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By . Mark Duell . PUBLISHED: . 06:42 EST, 21 March 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 09:16 EST, 21 March 2013 . Outside court: Claire Moore booked an appointment for lip filler and three Botox jabs worth £490 . A 40-year-old wife visited a beauty salon for wrinkle-busting Botox injections in a bid to impress her husband - and then ran off without paying, a court heard. Claire Moore had booked an appointment for last October at the National Slimming and Cosmetic Clinic in Portsmouth, Hampshire, for lip filler and three Botox jabs worth a total of £490. But she asked the doctor to stop after just one dose of the wrinkle-curing treatment and dashed for the exit, Alex Dabson, prosecuting, told Portsmouth Magistrates’ Court. Moore told staff she had left her bank card in her car and would return with £180 for the treatment - but never did. She knew she had to pay ‘on the spot’ but ‘dishonestly made off’, the court heard. Mrs Dabson said: ‘She made an appointment for herself and a friend, went to the clinic, and gave her details using her maiden name. 'She was supposed to have three injections but only had the one. When it came to paying, she said she had to get her purse from the car. 'She left but came back saying she did not have her keys, and asked her friend - who was still waiting for treatment - to go. She simply ran out of the clinic and did not pay. 'In police interview, she admitted going to the clinic and having the injection. She said she intended to pay but then thought “Sod it!” and decided not to. ‘She said she gave her maiden name because she did not want her husband to find out she was having the treatment.’ Location: Moore had booked an appointment at the National Slimming and Cosmetic Clinic (left) in Portsmouth . Kate Rowe, defending, said: ‘When she . went to her car to get her card she was intending to pay. However, she . did not go back to pay. Obviously, she was under a duty to do so.’ 'She left but came back saying she did not have her keys, and asked her friend - who was still waiting for treatment - to go' Alex Dabson, prosecuting . Moore stood expressionless in the dock as she admitted one charge of making off without payment. She has previous convictions for theft and making a false statement to obtain benefit, dating back to 1993 and 2001 respectively. Magistrates gave her a one-year conditional discharge, and ordered her to pay £180 compensation, £85 court costs, and £15 into a fund for victims of crime. | Claire Moore had booked appointment at Portsmouth clinic last year .
She had asked for lip filler and three Botox jabs worth a total of £490 .
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By . Leon Watson . PUBLISHED: . 19:32 EST, 24 April 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 17:40 EST, 25 April 2013 . Murder probe: Derek Boateng died in hospital last night after being stabbed on a bus in north London on Tuesday . A 15-year old boy has been charged with the murder of a teenager stabbed to death on a bus. Derek Boateng, 16, was attacked in broad daylight on the 393 bus in Highbury New Park, north London, at around 3pm on Tuesday. He was airlifted to hospital but died yesterday. A police spokesman said: 'The 15-year-old boy from Havering will appear in custody at Highbury Corner Youth Court accused of the murder of 16-year-old Derek Boateng.' Police say Boateng, who has three older sisters, was attacked following a row with another teenager. It was the fifth stabbing of a teenager in London in the past four days. The London Air Ambulance landed on Highbury Grove School's Astro Turf pitch and airlifted the teenager to hospital in east London where he died yesterday. Today, his devastated sisters paid tribute to the little brother they described as 'always laughing' and revealed his birthday presents are still lying unopened at the family home in nearby Hackney. Derek's oldest sister Gifty, 29, said he was 'best brother in the world. She told the Evening Standard: 'I could not have had a better brother.' Earlier, she told how Derek was doing his GCSEs and wanted to be an engineer. He said: 'He just fixes stuff, like things you can't figure out he comes to do. 'He paints and plays the drums - he was very artistic. He had a lot of friends and knew a lot of people around the area and had friends from primary school still. We are completely devastated and still in shock.' Another of his siblings, Linda, 25, said: 'All we know is that he was on a bus by himself. He normally gets the train. 'From what we know, he was going to meet his friend at Highbury Grove when it happened. 'He was always laughing, everything was a joke. You can't even tell him off because he just started laughing at you. 'He was stabbed on his birthday on the 23rd and died the day after. He was coming home to his presents, he hadn't even opened them yet.' Derek Boateng died in hospital after he was . stabbed on a bus in Highbury New Park (pictured) The victim was treated at the scene, near the junction of Holmcote Gardens, by paramedics before being rushed to hospital . She added: 'You hear about this sort of thing all the time and never think this is going to come to you. 'Knives are for the kitchen. Put the knives away, just concentrate on your education. They have left the family very devastated. 'I don't think they understand what they are doing. The guy who did it is probably really scared because they don't understand what they have done. 'It's ridiculous. Killing someone and going back to your group doesn't make you cool.' More than 2,000 people have paid tribute on Facebook to a murdered teenager who died the day after being stabbed on his sixteenth birthday. Derek Boateng, who wanted to be an engineer, was fatally stabbed on a 393 bus on Tuesday afternoon. He died in hospital last night. And now more than 2,700 people have flooded a tribute page set up for the tragic youngster - known as Ddot - on Facebook. Trawling the streets: Police search gardens, bins and drains close to the scene where Derek Boateng was stabbed on a bus in Highbury, London . Building a case: A police officer scours in bushes and bins for a weapon and any other evidence . The creater of the 'R.I.P Derek - . Ddot' page wrote: 'the thing that hurts the most is that i didnt even . wish him a happy birthday 'HAPPY BIRTHDAY , R.I.P'. Rochelle 'Nunu' Mullings said: 'Extremely heartbreaking. I pray no more familes have to bury their kids because of violence. 'I pray that these youngsters start . to value their own lifes and that of others more.. Violence solves . nothing at all just creates more problems. Put the weapons down!! God . guide us this is terrible.' Sarah Rey Rey wrote: 'My taughts are with his friends and family, another young life gone, rest in peace'. Sheree Wright said: 'Rest In Perfect . Peace, I Know The Streets Are Tough But I'm Disgusted That Young Boys . & Girls In This World Think They Can Play God & Take Someones . Life! Too Many Mothers Are Burying Their Babies. 'Thoughts To All The Family & Friends For Their Loss. This Page Will Make Him Proud'. Probe: Nearby residents said the boy was stabbed by a black teenager, aged around 16, who was wearing a baseball cap . The teenager was said by locals to be a former student at Highbury Grove School. Police . were called on Tuesday afternoon and the victim was rushed to hospital . in a critical condition but he succumbed to his injuries yesterday evening. Nearby . residents said the boy was stabbed by a black teenager, aged around 16, . who was wearing a baseball cap and who also pushed a passenger to the . ground before running off through the nearby Spring Gardens Estate. Andrew Lloyd Webber had visited Highbury Grove School earlier in the day in support of the Music in Secondary Schools Trust. Councillor . Paul Convery, Islington Council's executive member for community . safety, said: said: 'This is an appalling tragedy, and my deepest . sympathies go to this young man's family and friends. 'This . shocking incident underlines the need for the police, councils, schools . and families to keep working together to stop knife crime. 'Knife crime is unacceptable in our community and we support every measure to tackle it.' Devastated: Derek's sisters said he was getting the bus home to open his birthday presents . A Scotland Yard spokesman said: 'The victim was taken by London's Air Ambulance to an east London hospital where he died late on Wednesday 24 April. Next of kin are aware. 'A . post-mortem examination will be held in due course. An incident room . has opened under Detective Chief Inspector Chris Jones of the Homicide . and Serious Crime Command.' Police confirmed a 15-year-old boy has been arrested in connection with the attack and remains in custody at a north London police station. One local resident, who did not want to . be named, said: 'I have been told that the boy that attacked him went to . the back of the bus and stabbed him. He then pushed someone over, . jumped off the bus and ran through the estate.' Miriam Zoabir, 61, was picking her 12-year-old granddaughter up from school around 3pm. She said: 'There was police and ambulances everywhere. 'I was so worried my granddaughter might have been caught up in it, but thankfully I saw her quite quickly. The road was closed on Tuesday while police carried out their investigations . Police were called just after 3pm to Highbury New Park, north London, following reports of a stabbing . 'There is never really any trouble at this school since my granddaughter started going here.' A spokesman for London Ambulance said a . helicopter ambulance landed in the playing fields of a nearby school . before taking the youngster to hospital. A woman described hearing a bus screech to a halt moments after the youngster was stabbed on board. Lucy Smith, 56, who lives in a flat overlooking the scene, said: 'I was looking out of the window. 'I saw the bus screech to a halt.' She said a boy jumped off the bus and ran down the road. She said: 'My dogs nearly had him, but I didn't see where he went. Obviously I didn't know what had happened at the time.' Paramedics attended the scene along . with a helicopter ambulance which landed in the playing fields of nearby . Highbury Grove School in Highbury Grove. One resident described seeing the teenager being given CPR as he lay in the road following the incident in Highbury New Park (pictured) One eyewitness, who did not wish to . be named, said: 'He was stabbed on the bus, at the back of the bus. He . looked about 15 years old although some people were saying he might only . be 12. 'I saw the . passengers on the bus milling around and people were giving him CPR. I . thought at first that he had had some sort of epileptic fit, they were . working on him for quite a long time. 'But then a workman said that it was a boy who had been stabbed. 'The police and then the ambulance turned up and took over. At first there was just one police car and then loads turned up. 'The next thing was the air ambulance arrived and landed in the car park of Highbury Grove school. 'They put the boy on a stretcher with a white screen around him - I don’t think it looked very good.' Elizabeth . Johnson, 33, who lives on the Highbury New Park Estate opposite the . scene, described seeing the boy being given CPR as he lay in the road. She said: 'They were doing CPR on the road. It’s a little child. He was very young only Year 1 or so. 'An air ambulance arrived and parked in the school playground and then took off about half an hour later. People are still on the bus and they are taking their details.' She added that she believed that the young stabbing victim may have been a pupil at a nearby school. Eyewitness Emma Nisse said on Twitter: . 'Stabbing on bus right outside my house - police everywhere & . paramedics trying to save his life by my garden gate.' Sorry we are unable to accept comments for legal reasons. | Victim was former student at Highbury Grove School, north London .
Teenage attacker ran off through nearby Spring Gardens Estate .
Andrew Lloyd Webber visited the school earlier in the day of attack .
15-year-old arrested in connection with attack and remains in custody . | ec24e9c4fb630a5f2f2237c0d29083829dc8d584 | [
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Bangkok (CNN) -- Ousted Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra faces impeachment by the country's Senate, following her indictment by an anti-corruption body the day after a top court removed her from office. Members of the National Anti-Corruption Committee unanimously decided to indict Yingluck for dereliction of duty over her government's controversial rice subsidy scheme, NACC member Wicha Mahakun told reporters in Bangkok Thursday. The Senate will now vote on whether to impeach her. Asked how the 46-year-old could be impeached when she had already been dismissed from the premiership, Wicha said the case still needed to be reviewed by the Senate, as Yingluck could be banned from holding political office for five years if impeached. Analysts had speculated that Yingluck's replacement as caretaker prime minister, Niwatthamrong Boonsongpaisan, may also be implicated in the affair, but Wicha did not announce any measures against the new premier. An NACC committee was also considering whether to file criminal charges against Yingluck, but had not yet found sufficient evidence, he said. The program, introduced in 2011, pledged to pay farmers well above the market rate for their rice, but has run into financial problems. Critics say it has wasted large amounts of public funds trying to please rural voters, hurting exports and leaving the government with large stockpiles of rice it can't sell without losing money. Yingluck has previously said she was only in charge of developing policy around the scheme, not its day-to-day implementation, accusing the commission of unfair treatment. READ MORE: Yingluck denies corruption allegations over rice program . 'Political freefall' The news broke as both sides of Thailand's political divide are vowing mass rallies in Bangkok in the wake of the former prime minister's ousting, with analysts warning the country faces "political freefall" and the potential resumption of violent clashes. As tensions and rhetoric escalated Thursday, officials confirmed a grenade had been thrown at the house of one of the Constitutional Court judges whose ruling Wednesday forced Yingluck Shinawatra and nine cabinet ministers from office, in what her supporters see as a "judicial coup." Lt. Gen. Paradon Patthanathabut, security advisor to the Prime Minister, said nobody was hurt in the early morning attack on the home of judge Jumpot Kaimook. "It landed on his garage," he said. The court removed Yingluck, who was elected in 2011 and had been serving as caretaker prime minister until elections could be held, after finding her guilty of violating the country's constitution for reassigning a senior security official in 2011. The official was replaced by the then national police chief, whose role in turn was given to Priewpan Damapong, a relative of Yingluck. Damapong is the brother of the ex-wife of Thaksin Shinawatra, Yingluck's brother who was overthrown as prime minister in a military coup in 2006 and has since lived in self-imposed exile to avoid a corruption conviction. 'Polarization to intensify' The dismissal of Yingluck, who has been replaced by Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Niwatthamrong, has deepened Thailand's protracted political crisis, which has occasionally spilled over into deadly violence. Analysts say the move has heightened the risk of clashes between opposing camps, and made near-term compromise solutions unlikely. "The post-Yingluck polarization is likely to deepen and intensify," said Thitinan Pongsudhirak, political scientist at Chulalongkorn University. "We are now looking at a political freefall... Much worse looks likely in the near term, before we can hope for improved circumstances in the longer term." Analyst Paul Quaglia, director at PQA Associates, a Bangkok-based risk assessment firm, said the court's removal of an elected prime minister on what he described as "fairly weak" grounds was viewed by the government's supporters as a case of politically motivated judicial overreach. "They consider it a way to usurp democratic elections," he said. Yingluck is the third Thaksin-linked prime minister to be dismissed by the Constitutional Court, which also dissolved Thaksin's Thai Rak Thai political party in 2007, raising suspicions among government supporters that the institution was biased against them. Thitinan said the appointment as caretaker prime minister of Niwatthamrong, seen as closely affiliated to Yingluck and her brother, was poor judgment, especially when another deputy prime minister, Pongthep Thepkanchana, would have been a more acceptable compromise candidate. "He lacks the stature and networks to see through an interim caretaker administration," he said. "Nevertheless, no matter who comes in as the new caretaker, the tensions will mount." Widening divide . Thailand's widening political divide pits anti-government, predominantly urban "yellow shirt" protesters against the pro-government, mainly rural and working class "red shirts." The yellow shirts, drawn mainly from Bangkok's middle class, royalist establishment, allege that Yingluck is her brother's puppet and seek to rid Thai politics of her family's influence. Led by the People's Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC), they began their protests in November, outraged by her government's botched attempt to pass an amnesty bill that would have paved the way for the return of Thaksin to the political fray in earnest. Parliament was then dissolved in December ahead of a February general election that was disrupted by anti-government protesters, and subsequently ruled invalid by the Constitutional Court. The yellow shirts are seeking a new government -- but not through elections, which the opposition Democrat Party has boycotted, arguing the alleged corruption of their political rivals makes widespread reform necessary before any meaningful vote can be held. "They claim the Thaksin clan as they call (it) is corrupt and has dominated the country's politics, and the only way forward is to remove the Thaksin influence from politics and not have elections," said Quaglia. PDRC leader Suthep Thaugsuban, a former deputy prime minister for the Democrat Party, has instead called for power to be transferred to an unelected "people's council." But Quaglia said the opposition's real motivation for avoiding elections was clear. "The Democrat Party say 'No, we can't have elections,' because they know they will lose those elections." In contrast, the red shirt supporters of Yingluck and her brother, many of whom hail the north and northeast of the country, accuse the court of bias against their side. Hundreds of protesters from the anti-government PDRC gathered in Bangkok Thursday as they have for six months, calling on supporters to join them for a mass rally Friday to push for a new government. PDRC spokesman Akanat Phrompan told CNN his movement did not recognize the legitimacy of the caretaker government. "Currently there is no government to govern this country, so we must find a way to appoint a new government." 'Breaking point' Meanwhile, the red shirts are planning their own rally in Bangkok Saturday to protest what Quaglia said they saw as "a judicial coup." In the wake of the court's ruling Wednesday, supporters at the red shirts' Bangkok headquarters were defiant. "This is the breaking point now, everything is leading up to the breaking point," Kanthira Ketawandee, a Bangkok piano teacher and Yingluck supporter, told CNN. "I would say Yingluck has died (in) her duty for democracy." Thida Thavornset, a red shirt leader, urged supporters to join Saturday's rally. "We won't give up until we win." Elections are scheduled for July 20, but Thitinan said he believed it was "unlikely" that a vote would proceed in the wake of recent developments. "The PDRC appears intent on pressing on for an appointment government of its preference, which can only galvanize red shirt protests," he said. "A showdown is looming." | Ousted Thai PM Yingluck Shinawatra will face impeachment proceedings .
Yingluck was dismissed by a court Wednesday over reassigning a security official .
Analysts warn of a potential resumption of political violence in response to rising tensions .
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A husband and father of three officially has the World's Widest Tongue, according to Guinness World Records. Byron Schlenker, 46, told Syracuse.com his daughter examined the width of his tongue, after she saw the previous record listed in a copy of the Guinness Book of World Records from 2012. Schlenker's tongue is 8.3cm wide - beating the record of 7.9cm, the website reported. Amazing! Byron Schlenker broke the Guinness World Record for the world's widest tongue . It's official! Schlenker and his tongue are seen inside the new edition of the Guinness Book of World Records . Schlenker told Syracuse.com he contacted Guinness, which said he was able give money for a company employee to examine his tongue in-person - but 'just let it go and forgot about the whole thing' after discovering he was able to submit pictures himself. Guinness later reached out to Schlenker and used 'a doctor and two notaries to measure his tongue using a hard, metal ruler,' according to the website. 'I would have never done it if they hadn't contacted me back,' Schlenker told Syracuse.com. 'It wasn't something I'm striving for. I don't mind if someone beats my record or not.' Speaking of his photo shoot, Schlenker told the website 'They had me licking ice cream cones and they lined up Tic Tacs across my tongue. Strange encounters: Schlenker says people who know of his tongue have asked them to lick their books . 'I had to stick out my tongue for three hours. It's a muscle like anything else, and can get bigger. If I measure, my tongue now, it's about 8.6 cm.' He told KEYE, saying 'People get excited and sometimes it catches you off guard. They're like, "Can you lick my book?" I'm like, "I'm not licking anything." But it's just fun.' Schlenker told MailOnline he saw his picture inside the book for the first time during a recent shopping trip to Target with his daughter. Schlenker told MailOnline he did not spread the news he broke the Guinness World Record until the book was published, because the company told him people would likely come forward and try to one-up him. He also said he didn't initially believe Guinness when he was told the media would eventually reach out and be interested in his story. 'I said, "I hadn't seen anybody do anything with their tongues besides Miley Cyrus and Gene Simmons,"' Schlenker said. Schlenker said he agreed with commenters on the Syracuse.com story, who have been alternately grossed out and shocked by his tongue. 'I have to agree with them; it is gross,' he told MailOnline. 'But it is funny at the same time.' Schlenker said his wife 'wasn't on board 'til Guinness [offered] to fly me to Rome for a TV special.' 'Other than that, [she thinks] this is kind of weird,' he told MailOnline. His daughters, however, think it is 'hysterical.' | Byron Schlenker, a husband and father of three, broke the Guinness World Record for the World's Widest Tongue .
His tongue is 8.3cm wide - beating the record of 7.9cm .
Schlenker's daughter reportedly examined the width of his tongue, after she saw the previous record listed in a 2012 copy of Guinness Book of World Records .
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Martin 'Mad Dog' Allen returns with the latest installment of his weekly column for MailOnline Sport. The Barnet boss does not hold back with his views on current issues in football. RICKIE LAMBERT GOT ME THE SACK . I'm so pleased for Rickie Lambert, getting a dream move to his hometown club Liverpool. What a remarkable story going from the lower leagues to playing in a World Cup and the Champions League aged 32. Dream come true: England striker Rickie Lambert is set to join hometown club Liverpool from Southampton . I remember all-too well how deadly he can be as a striker. He put a nail in my coffin as manager of Cheltenham Town back in 2009 when he grabbed a winner playing for Bristol Rovers at the Memorial Ground on a Tuesday night. Lambert had already scored once and, with the score tied at 2-2 and the game going into the final five minutes, I thought we were set for a point. But suddenly, out of nowhere, he smashed in a half-volley from around the penalty spot and won them the game. Soon after that, I watched him play for Rovers at Wycombe Wanderers and he integrated into midfield and linked up play in a similar style to what is required by Brendan Rodgers at Liverpool. He played wide, he played deep, and he played on the shoulder. Over the years I've seen him play at all levels and he is more than just an old-fashioned, six foot two, Bob Latchford-style centre forward. With Liverpool in the Champions League they will need a lot more players to cope with the games, the injuries, suspensions and general fatigue, especially in the season following a World Cup. It will be a big test for Brendan and at only £4million I think he has got a bargain. All smiles: Rickie Lambert celebrates scoring for Bristol Rovers - a goal which saw Martin Allen sacked as Cheltenham manager back in 2009 . ROY NEEDS TO DITCH ROONEY . Forget the reputation. Forget the history. The decision on Wayne Rooney has to be made on current form. People are wondering how to fit Raheem Sterling into the England team. There's no question, he needs to be playing ahead of Rooney. He should be one of the first names on the team sheet playing behind Daniel Sturridge, just as he's done so well for Liverpool. The boy is not a winger. His game has changed and for Liverpool he has been quite outstanding playing in that No 10 role with his speed, quality in the final third, willingness to track back and help defensively. Forget reputation: Wayne Rooney needs to be ditched for Raheem Sterling based on current form . He can retain possession and keep the ball moving with one and two touch play and, for me, we should start with him against the Italians who lack pace and speed at the back. Wayne has been a magnificent player but, like Fernando Torres, he started at such a young age and it looks to me as though his best days are now behind him. The pace has gone and the fuel-injection system he had in his engine is now a steady four-door family saloon. Start Sterling and anything can happen. GOOD RIDDANCE, BRUTAL DAVID LUIZ . To get £50m for David Luiz - a centre half who is a liability, trying back-heels and flicks, running out of position, charging around everywhere - is nuts. Last year, I watched a Chelsea versus Brentford FA Cup match and with Chelsea winning 4-0 there was a 50-50 on the half-way line between Luiz and a young 19-year-old called Jake Reeves who had just come on as a substitute. It was a 50-50 with the ball five yards away and both running at full speed. Good riddance: Martin Allen is glad to see David Luiz departing Chelsea after witnessing the Brazilian's challenge on young Brentford player Jake Reeves last year . It was the last minute of this London derby. The game was already over. Chelsea had won it. What did Luiz do? He lifted his elbow and smashed the young whippersnapper straight across his forehead and sparked him out, in a similar fashion to the way Carl Froch took down George Groves on Saturday, on the Stamford Bridge canvas. Incredibly the referee let him get away with it while Reeves was unconscious on the floor. That day I was doing commentary for ITV and the Mad Dog mist descended one again. I so badly wished I would have had the chance just to play one more time with him in the opposition team. GOING COMMANDO . My bags are packed with old kit and boots, my toothbrush and one set of training kit, for a week's visit to Burkino Faso in west Africa where I will be taking a coaches training programme for the charity 'Coaching for Hope.' I'm taking no clothes apart from the ones I'm travelling in. Instead my bag is filled with colouring pens, colouring books, balloons, old football kit and old trainers for when I visit the orphanages in one of the poorest countries in the world. There is not even any room for my underpants. In this Mad world of football management it helps me appreciate just how lucky we all are when you meet these people with big smiles on their faces, enjoying life. In the mornings, at half-past seven, the children walk miles to school. There are no big four-by-fours or cars running the kids about. Talent: Young Burkina Faso player Bertrand Traore signed a four-year contract with Chelsea in January . At half-one in the afternoon, in the boiling sun, they calmly walk back and then from three o'clock onwards, on every spare patch of land, you see kids, children and youths playing football everywhere. And I mean, everywhere. It's no wonder Burkino Faso won the 2011 African Under 17 Championship and that Barcelona, Real Madrid and Manchester United have set up academies to attract the best young players. When I was over there before, I once met a 15-year-old lad who was built like Mike Tyson, could run like Steve Ovett and was a machine in central midfield. It is no wonder in January the player, Bertrand Traore, now 18, signed a four-year professional contract with Chelsea. These boys are so fit, so strong. They are hungry and technically, after playing on orangey-grey shale for so many years, they are top drawer. They play football seven days a week, they have no laptops, iPads, and very few TVs.I cannot wait to see those lovely smiles once again. My week... Last Monday I went to see Fleetwood Town win promotion in the League Two play-off final against Burton Albion. I was fortunate enough to get tickets sat right behind the dugouts as a guest of the Football League. Instead of taking advantage of the hospitality, I was there five yards behind the dugout eating a hot dog as long as my arm filled with onions and tomato sauce. I'm not sure the prawn sandwich brigade and the substitutes sat on the bench appreciated the waft as I sat there munching away. At the end of the game both the ecstasy and the agony were just 10 yards away on either side. To my left it was the wives and families of the Fleetwood players taking photos, hugging, singing and dancing. They new there would be new deals offered, bonuses triggered and bigger contracts. But just 10 yards to my right, the Burton family and friends sat there dejected, proud of their partners and sons but overwhelmed, several with tears streaming down their cheeks. The players were probably wondering whether they were going to have new deals for next season. The great rise: Fleetwood have been promoted for the sixth time in nine years . Down in front of me Graham Alexander was hugged by everybody as he proudly squeezed every player and member of staff with smiles from ear-to-ear. I looked across to the Burton bench and it was handshakes and pats on the back all round. Their manager Gary Rowett has done a fantastic job on a small budget and he is definitely a manager to look out for. He stood there quietly and calmly, taking the defeat diplomatically and in the right spirit. I imagine he was probably trying to work out already which players he would be letting go on free transfers to freshen up his squad, ready for the challenge he faces next season. This is the reality of lower-level football where most players now get one-year deals and it is make or break. Fleetwood's players are now probably off on two-week holidays, with plenty of sunshine, knowing their future is firmly secured. The Burton players will be ringing their agents hoping to get a club. It's a Mad world in football. | Rickie Lambert set to sign for hometown club Liverpool .
Striker has risen through the leagues and is now an England international .
Lambert got Martin Allen the sack as Cheltenham boss by scoring for Bristol Rovers against the Robins in 2009 .
England striker Wayne Rooney should be dropped for Raheem Sterling .
Allen pleased David Luiz is set to leave Chelsea after witnessing Brazilian's nasty challenge on young Brentford player Jake Reeves last season . | d1db55ea67c91fa2290be453c2f1f48f86dc947d | [
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CLICK HERE to read the full match report with all the pictures from Wembley . Danny Welbeck cannot wait to play in the 'unbelievable' Celtic Park atmosphere as England look to continue their fine recent run against Scotland. The Three Lions travel north of the border for the first time since 1999 on Tuesday, when international football's oldest rivals meet for the 112th time. The occasion may only be a friendly but the atmosphere inside Celtic Park will be anything but. Danny Welbeck is looking forward to playing at Celtic Park after starring in England's victory over Slovenia . The Arsenal forward watches the ball into the net for his second goal in England's 3-1 victory at Wembley . The Glasgow roar is something Welbeck is looking forward to, with the Arsenal forward confident England will flourish rather than wilt in the hothouse. 'Obviously it is only a friendly but we want to win every single game,' he said. 'We can't go in thinking we are going to do anything else than that. 'It is going to be a great atmosphere. I watched the game against the Republic of Ireland the other night and the atmosphere sounded unbelievable. I just can't wait to get out there and taste it.' Welbeck's opening goal was a scuffed shot, but gave his side the lead for the first time in the game . Welbeck is congratulated by teammate Kieran Gibbs as his hot scoring streak for England continues . As well as bragging rights, Tuesday's match offers England the opportunity to maintain momentum. Emotions remain raw following the World Cup embarrassment, yet Roy Hodgson's men have responded impressively to that disappointment. Saturday's 3-1 win against Slovenia made it five wins on the bounce since Brazil, keeping their 100 per cent start to Euro 2016 qualifying intact. Welbeck's brace complemented a penalty from centurion Wayne Rooney in that win at Wembley, where England recovered impressively from falling behind to a second-half Jordan Henderson own goal. 'It was a good night all round,' Welbeck said. 'It is obviously pleasing to get the win in the end. 'The most important thing was the way the team responded to going a goal down. 'I think what we can do now obviously is play our game and make sure we are prepared for the next match. 'I can't really go back too much to the summer. We can't change anything from there now, so the most important thing is to prepare well for the next game and obviously try to get the win.' Wayne Rooney is presented with a commemorative gold cap to mark his 100th appearance for England . Rooney celebrates after scoring England's equaliser from the penalty spot to mark his landmark . Welbeck may have scored twice but he is all too aware that he was never going to outshine Rooney on such a momentous occasion. The 29-year-old became the youngest-ever English centurion on Saturday, leading the comeback against Slovenia by earning the penalty from which he then levelled. 'Obviously everyone is very pleased for Wayne,' his former Manchester United team-mate Welbeck said. England have moved six points clear in Euro 2016 qualifying Group E . 'In a way it was kind of inevitable he was going to score that goal. 'Once the penalty came around, you just knew he was going to stick it in the back of the net. 'It was great for him to get the goal on his 100th cap, captaining the team.' The win against Slovenia continues England's seemingly unstoppable march towards Euro 2016. Despite only being four games into Group E, their 12-point haul is twice as much as Slovenia, Switzerland and Lithuania in joint-second place. England are virtually guaranteed of reaching the Euro finals after going six points clear in their group . Roy Hodgson applauds after seeing his side continue their impressive response to failure at the World Cup . The top two automatically qualify for the finals and the third-placed side can also progress, yet Welbeck insists qualification is not a formality. 'No, I think we've got to obviously prepare for each and every single game,' he said. 'Every team is going to come to Wembley and try to make it difficult for us. 'Slovenia did that in the first half and we had to kind of change up the tactics a little bit. 'We worked on that throughout the week and in the second half we created some decent chances and put them away.' | England travel to Scotland for an international friendly on Tuesday .
Three Lions are six points clear in their Euro 2016 qualifying group after defeating Slovenia 3-1 at Wembley on Saturday .
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By . Ruth Lythe . PUBLISHED: . 21:06 EST, 5 December 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 21:20 EST, 5 December 2013 . Families who build ‘granny flats’ for elderly relatives or house grown-up children in converted garages are to be given a lucrative tax break. From April, tens of thousands of households who have an annexe lived in by a family member will get a 50 per cent discount off their current council tax bill. At present, these self-contained buildings are classed as individual properties so homeowners pay a full rate of council tax on them – on top of what they pay for their own residence. Reforms: From April, tens of thousands of households who have an annexe lived in by a family member will get a 50 per cent discount off their current council tax bill (file picture) Currently a typical home would have a council tax of £2,427 for both properties, but the tax break is expected to knock £500 a year off this. There are an estimated 24,150 family annexes in England, plus many more in Wales and Scotland. The Government hopes that by giving such granny flats a tax break it will encourage more families to build them and help elderly relatives and older children to live independently. It is also expected to give a huge boost to the construction industry. Paul Green, of over-50s firm Saga, said: ‘It’s great to see that the double taxation faced by families that want to house family members has been addressed. ‘A 50 per cent council tax discount on an annexe could encourage more families to have a ‘‘granny flat’’ for older relatives so that they can remain independent, whilst still being close enough in case help is needed. ‘It could also offer a cost-effective alternative for grown-up children whilst they save for a deposit to get their foot on the property ladder.’ The taxman is to increase its use of debt collectors to target households that refuse to pay their bills. In a drive to claw back £2.3billion from tax fraud, errors and debts, the Chancellor revealed the Government would use more private sector agencies with ‘specialist recovery skills’. Although they will not be able to call at people’s homes, they will be allowed to write letters, phone and send texts and emails. The debt agencies will be paid by results. In most cases, the targets are families who were overpaid tax credits after failing to tell HMRC about a change in circumstances. A blitz on tax avoidance and fraud is set to raise £9billion over the next five years, the Chancellor said. George Osborne unveiled a crackdown on aggressive tax dodging schemes, saying it was unacceptable for firms or individuals to ‘avoid paying their fair share’. Hedge funds and other partnerships will have to pay another £2.2billion in tax, as he announced an end to murky arrangements whereby fund managers are treated as self-employed and avoid paying National Insurance. They will also be stopped from delaying income tax payments to earn interest. Whitehall officials will also get better systems to help them claw back £2.3bn paid out in benefits and tax credits because of fraud and error. The double council tax bill has been . dubbed a penalty for families because it particularly affects . generations who want to live together. For . a local authority to class an annexe as a separate property it must . usually be self-contained and constructed or adapted for use as separate . living accommodation. It will usually include a kitchen area, a bathroom or shower-room and toilet. Tens of thousands of expats who claim the state pension will have to prove they are still alive. Every two years, many Britons who live overseas will be obliged to get a certificate signed by their doctor, a lawyer or a Government official if they want to keep claiming state payouts. It is thought up to 500,000 expats living in countries that do not automatically share information with the UK may be affected. The new rules are to crack down on the number of people who continue to pocket a pension for a partner who has died. The fraud is estimated to cost the taxpayer up to £25million a year. The typical council tax bill for a band D home in England is £1,456. On top of this an annexe, which would be classed as band A, would incur a bill of £971. Families will now get a 50 per cent discount off this second tax, which will save them a total of £5.3million in 2014/15. The plans do not go as far as when they were first mooted by Communities Minister Eric Pickles last year. At that time the Government suggested it could axe council tax completely on such annexes. There is already an exemption from council tax for annexes lived in by relatives who are classed as dependent – such as frail older relatives or the disabled. This will remain unchanged. But the new rules will particularly help relatives who want to live independently and annexes used by any other family members. It will not apply if the annexe is lived in by someone who is not family. A levy on self-built homes, including all extensions and home improvements will also be lifted. Alex Ingram, of My Ageing Parent which advises families how to care for older relatives, said: ‘Everyone can benefit from this. ‘It could make life much easier for thousands of families who are forced to travel hundreds of miles to look after elderly relatives and end up feeling guilty they don’t see them enough. ‘At the same time it allows elderly people to live independently.’ But Neil Duncan-Jordan, of the National Pensioners Convention, suggested the proposals were not sufficient in helping elderly people. He said: ‘Putting a shed on the side of the house is not the long-term answer to solving the housing issues for older people. | Changes will see a dramatic cut in tax bill for thousands from next April .
A typical home has a council tax of £2,427 for both properties .
There are an estimated 24,150 family annexes in England, plus many more in Wales and Scotland . | 06d5c8bfc20cfbe1418a1852f3fc107ee216bdfa | [
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(CNN) -- EasyJet's no-frills aircraft seem an unlikely choice for cabin connoisseurs, but the airline says its customers do have preferences. After polling 10,000 passengers from across Europe and analyzing its own sales data, the UK-based airline claims to have identified the continent's favorite seat: 7F. EasyJet says nationality, age and travel companion all influence the cabin position of choice, but clear trends emerge, with one seen as the most highly desired. It says window seats are generally the most coveted, with 59% preferring to gawp out of a lightly frosted lozenge of perspex than confront the reality of flying super economy. EasyJet says seventh row seats on its short haul routes are typically offered at rock-bottom rates of just a few dollars, hence their popularity. "Sales also reveal the right-hand side of the plane is more popular than the left and rows 6-7 sell out fastest," it says in a statement. End of the undignified scramble . The most unpopular seat is identified as 19C. Other stats offer insight into national preferences. Portuguese passengers apparently covet the window the most, while Dutch and Germans are more tolerant of aisle seating. Nervous fliers also prefer the window, while older passengers are more likely to choose the aisle. "The window versus aisle debate is one of the most frequently overheard conversations while flying," says Peter Duffy, group commercial director for EasyJet. EasyJet notably introduced selective seating for all passengers only two years ago. Prior to 2012, non-premium paying customers faced an undignified scramble to find somewhere to park themselves. The survey isn't the first attempt to crunch the numbers on the perfect place to savor the joys of pressurized air and over-stewed dinners. A 2012 study of passengers on 40-row Boeing 757 by Skyscanner said 6A beat the rest, probably because it offered easier disembarking and was away from the toilets. Opinion: How cool is the airplane of the future? See-through cabins and passenger pods: Is this the future of flight? Do you have a favorite cabin seat? Let us know below. | Budget airline EasyJet says it's identified Europe's favorite passenger aircraft seat .
Carrier says 7F is most popular, being in typically cheap row and closest to right-hand window .
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By . Jonny Singer . Follow @@Jonny_Singer . Besiktas are keen on Chelsea striker Demba Ba after cooling interest in Samuel Eto’o. Senegalese striker Ba has been frustrated by his lack of playing time this season, with Eto'o and Fernando Torres often picked ahead of him. And with chelsea looking to sign Diego Costa from Atletico Madrid and Ezequiel Lavezzi from PSG, Ba's appearances next season could be even more limited. Last-gasp: Demba Ba scored a crucial goal to put Chelsea into the Champions League semi-final . Limited: The striker celebrated that goal wildly but has been frustrated with a lack of playing time . Options: Jose Mourinho would like to hold on to Ba having already seen Samuel Eto'o leave the club . Replacements: Chelsea have had talks with Diego Costa (left) and enquired about Lavezzi's availability . However it is understood that Jose Mourinho is still keen to hold on to the forward, despite seemingly preferring his other striking options last eason. Striker Ba netted just five times in the Premier League this season, although he did score the vital Champions League goal which saw Chelsea knock out PSG and reach the semi-finals. Besiktas are looking to boost their striking options after finishing third in the Turkish league. | Turkish side want Senegalese striker .
Jose Mourinho keen to keep hold of the forward .
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Her wardrobe was the envy of millions of women across the globe. And it seems the appetite for Princess Diana's glamorous dresses has not subsided. Five dresses designed for and worn by the late British royal have gone under the hammer in Los Angeles for a total of nearly half a million dollars. Scroll down for video . Glamorous: Five dresses designed for Princess Diana have sold for $500,000, 17 years after she sold them . For bidders on a lower budget, letters, crockery and a pair of cuff-links commemorating Diana and Prince Charles's wedding were also up for auction. Three of the gowns were made by British dressmaker Catherine Walker, Diana's personal couturier and close friend for 16 years. A cream lace dress designed by Zandra Rhodes and worn by Diana in 1987 to the Birthright Benefit at the London Palladium was also up for grabs. And the surprise of the night came from a Caroline Charles burgundy wool coat dress, which was expected to go for $20-40,000 but scored a total of $125,000. The collection was originally sold in Paris in 1997 - a month before Diana's death in the French capital at the age of 36. Under the hammer: This cream lace dress designed by Zandra Rhodes (left) and worn by Diana in 1987 to the Birthright Benefit at the London Palladium (right) fetched $100,000 at Julien's Auctions on Friday in Los Angeles . Now, 20 years later, the anonymous winners decided to hand the lucrative gowns to Julien's Auctions. The Zandra Rhodes evening gown created for Diana, which was estimated to sell for $80-100,000, went for $100,000. The Catherine Walker dresses all fetched within or just above their estimated price of between $60,000 and $80,000. An off-the-shoulder petal pink gown embellished with bands of simulated pearls, faceted glass and beadwork, worn by Diana in 1993 to the Savoy Theatre in London, went for $75,000. Also on offer was a strapless ivory silk crepe dress which went for $76,800, while a chartreuse silk georgette gown worn by Diana in 1993 fetched $81,250. Emerald: A vivid green silk gown by Catherine Walker (left), which Diana wore in 1993 to a banquet at the Dorchester Hotel, London, (right) was expected to fetch between $60,000 and $80,000 but went for $81,250 . Princess pink: A Catherine Walker dress, embellished with beads and mock pearls (left) was worn by Diana in 1993 to the Savoy Theatre in London (right) and sold for $75,000 . Black and white delight: This strapless monochrome number, also designed by Catherine Walker and worn by Diana to a private event, is also up for auction . Ms Walker, who died in 2012 after a long battle with cancer, worked tirelessly to create over 1,000 outfits for Diana; from right after her 1981 wedding to Prince Charles, to until her death in 1997. According to a friend of Miss Walker, journalist Alison Jane Reid - who wrote an in-depth story about her for MailOnline in 2010 - the Princess and the designer were close, and their relationship founded on 'loyalty and total discretion.' Reid wrote: 'After Diana’s separation from Prince Charles in 1992, clothes became even more important to her. 'Together, the two women devised a joint strategy of ‘defiant’ frocks - body-conscious but without vulgarity - that Diana wore in separation and divorce.' Four other items which belonged to the late princess also went under the hammer in Beverly Hills. Pals: Miss Walker (left) who died in 2012 after a long battle with cancer, created over 1,000 outfits for Diana (right) during her tenure as her personal couturier. Pictured: June 1997, a month before Diana's death . Handwritten: A letter from Diana dated June 1997 (left) reads, 'The inspiration for this wonderful sale comes from just one person... our son William.' - and her signature on the auction catalog (right) A handwritten letter from Diana, using her Kensington Palace stationary and dated June 1997, reads: 'The inspiration for this wonderful sale comes from just one person... our son William'. In keeping with the royal theme at the Julien's auction, a slice of cake from the 2011 royal wedding of Diana's son Prince William, and the daughter-in-law she never met, Kate Middleton, was estimated to fetch between $1,000 and $2,000. And also under the hammer was a blank invitation to the same wedding, printed on Queen Elizabeth II's Buckingham Palace stationary. 'The Lord Chamberlain is commanded by The Queen to invite __ to the Marriage of His Royal Highness Prince William of Wales, K.G. with Miss Catherine Middleton at Westminster Abbey on Friday 29th April at 11.00 a.m.,' it reads. 'Dress: Uniform, Morning Coat or Lounge Suit.' | Princess Diana auctioned 5 dresses in Paris a month before her 1997 death .
Anonymous winners put them up for auction in LA, sold for $500,000 .
3 dresses were made by Diana's personal couturier Catherine Walker .
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By . Daniel Miller . PUBLISHED: . 13:47 EST, 16 July 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 14:29 EST, 16 July 2013 . A Dutch couple being held hostage in Yemen have made a desperate video plea for help, claiming their captors plan to kill them next week unless the Dutch government meets their demands. Journalist Judith Spiegel and her partner Boudewijn Berendsen were seized at the start of June as they left their home in the Hadda district of the capital Sana'a. In a video posted on YouTube this morning, Ms Spiegel said she and Mr Berendsen had 'addressed' their country's ambassador in Sanaa with the kidnappers' demands but nothing had been done to bring about their release. Scroll down for video . Hostages: Journalist Judith Spiegel and her partner Boudewijn Berendsen were seized at the start of June as they left their home in the Hadda district of the Yemeni capital Sana'a . 'Now there's another 10 days to do something. These people are armed. If no solution is found after 10 days, they'll shoot us dead,' Spiegel, speaking in Dutch, says in a trembling voice. She did not say how the couple had contacted the ambassador or what the kidnappers had demanded to secure their release. Her partner, Boudewijn Berendsen, said they were afraid. 'Everyone in the Netherlands should get the government and the ambassador into action,' he said, seated beside her. The Dutch embassy in Sanaa referred questions to the foreign ministry in The Hague, where no officials could be reached. A Yemeni police source said last month that Spiegel, who had been working in Yemen as a researcher, vanished with her partner after they left their home in Sanaa's Hadda district, which houses many diplomatic missions. No one has claimed responsibility for the kidnapping. Threat: The couple say they will be shot in ten days if their captors' demands are not met. The video was uploaded to YouTube on Tuesday . morning . Yemen is grappling with myriad problems, including kidnappings of foreigners and attacks on public infrastructure, as it tries to restore state authority lost in 2011 during mass protests that forced out veteran President Ali Abdullah Saleh. Several Westerners have been kidnapped this year in the impoverished Arabian Peninsula state, where a transitional government is struggling to impose law outside the main cities. Kidnapping is rife in Yemen. Disgruntled tribesmen often take hostages to press the government to free jailed relatives or improve public services. Al Qaeda-linked Islamist militants have been behind some of the kidnappings. Last month gunmen seized two South Africans in the southern city of Taiz. Three members of the Red Cross, including a Swiss citizen, were also briefly held in May. An Austrian and two Finnish men were released in May after being kidnapped in December and sold to al Qaeda. Austria and Finland both denied paying a ransom. A Swiss woman was freed in February after spending a year in captivity. | Judith Spiegel and Boudewijn Berendsen were seized at the start of June .
They say they will be shot in ten days unless Dutch government negotiates .
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By . Meghan Keneally . A Moroccan man who was plotting to fly bomb-laden toy planes into a school and a government building in Connecticut has been arrested. El Mehdi Semlali Fahti was planning on stuffing radio-controlled toy planes with explosives and flying them into different buildings in a now-thwarted terror plot. He was caught by an undercover FBI agent who had five recorded conversations with Fahti wherein the 27-year-old Moroccan explained how he researched his plan for months. He is now being held without bail at Wyatt Detention Center in Rhode Island. Dangerous plot: A man was arrested for plotting to fill up a radio-controlled toy plane like this one and then ram it into certain targets in order to wreck havoc and kill Americans . He did not specify the exact targets, but stated that he would fly at least one of the planes into a federal building in Connecticut and then fly another into an undisclosed school out of the state. Fahti has been charged with making false statements, falsely swearing under oath and falsifying immigration documents. He does not face any terrorism-specific charges yet but The Connecticut Post reports that Assistant U.S. Attorney Krishna Patel is taking the evidence to a federal grand jury which could lead to an indictment. The charge relating to his immigration documentation comes because he stayed in the United States for seven years after his student visa expired. He was originally allowed into the country to attend Virginia International University but he failed out of the school and never left. Possible target? The would-be terrorist did not name the exact spots that he planned to attack but said that it would be a federal building in Connecticut, which could include the statehouse (pictured), and a school out of the state . He was arrested twice- once in Virginia for trespassing, but those charges were dropped, and another time in California for an unspecified theft. Fahti spent time in jail in connection to that theft charge and was threatened with deportation but that is when he concocted a string of lies that helped him stay in the country. During his conversations with an undercover agent, the 27-year-old told how he researched issues in Morocco that would qualify him for refugee status and then used them to make his case to an immigration judge. He said that he was a part of the Jamaat Ansar El-Mehdi and Western Sahara freedom movements, and claimed to have been beaten and jailed by Moroccan police as a result. 'Everything he wrote in his refugee application coincided with the actual events,' FBI Special Agent Anabela Sharp wrote in the affadavit, according to The Connecticut Post. He moved to Bridgeport, Connecticut in January and had been living with a man that he met while in jail in Virginia. Police arrested him at the apartment, and found wires that they believe may be connected to the bomb plot but had not released any information about possible explosives at the residence. | A Moroccan national named El Mehdi Semlali Fahti has been arrested and is likely going to face charges from a grand jury .
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The lengths Taliban are prepared to . go to to gain access to coalition forces shown as two militants dressed in women's clothing are arrested . U.S. military commanders in Afghanistan have assigned 'guardian angels' - troops who watch over their comrades even as they sleep - as part of a series of increased security measures to protect troops against possible rogue attacks. The added protections are part of a directive issued in recent weeks by Marine General John Allen, the top U.S. commander in Afghanistan, to guard against insider threats. And they come in the wake of a spike in attacks on U.S. and coalition forces by Afghans, including the point-blank shooting deaths of two U.S. advisers in Afghanistan's Ministry of Interior. The lengths the Taliban are prepared to . go to in order to gain access to coalition forces was illustrated . yesterday when local police arrested seven men dressed in women's clothing . in Mehterlam, Laghman province, east of Kabul. Disguise: Captured Taliban militants are presented to the media in Mehterlam, east of Kabul, yesterday. Concerned by the increased threat to U.S. forces, military commanders have assigned 'guardian angels' - troops that watch over their comrades even as they sleep - as part of a series of increased security measures . Spectacle: The insurgents dressed as women show the Taliban's determination to infiltrate coalition forces . Tensions have increased in recent . weeks, most noticeably after Staff Sergeant Robert Bales wandered off a . U.S. military base in southern Afghanistan and allegedly killed eight . Afghan adults and nine children. Some of the security changes have been subtle, others not so much. In . several Afghan ministries, Americans are now allowed to carry weapons. And they have been instructed to rearrange their office desks there to . face the door, so they can see who is coming in, said a senior military . official, who spoke on condition of anonymity. While . General Allen did not detail the new measures in a briefing earlier . this week, he acknowledged that changes had been made. He . said: 'We have taken steps necessary on our side to protect ourselves . with respect to, in fact, sleeping arrangements, internal defences . associated with those small bases in which we operate.' He added that now someone is 'always over-watching our forces'. The . security measures came after the U.S. military mistakenly burned Qurans . and other religious materials in February, triggering anti-American . demonstrations and riots. Taking no chances: The coffin of Sergeant William R Wilson III arrives at Dover Air Force Base, Delaware, yesterday. U.S. military commanders in Afghanistan have assigned 'guardian angels' - troops that watch over their comrades even as they sleep - as part of a series of increased security measures . The added protections are part of a directive issued by Marine General John Allen, pictured here during a press conference at the Pentagon on Monday, to guard against insider threats . That same month, two U.S. military . advisers were gunned down at their desks in one of the most heavily . guarded ministry buildings in Kabul. As . a result of the shootings, more than 300 advisers were pulled out of . the Afghan ministries. So far, several dozen have returned, but many . will not go back until additional security measures are put in place by . the Afghans. That would include better vetting procedures, background checks and physical security measures at the ministries. The military official also said some advisers may not return, since commanders have determined that some may no longer be needed in the jobs. The military official said Allen issued the directive 'to get every single troop in the war zone to read it and think' - and to emphasise that troops should be aware of their surroundings as they go about their jobs. Increased tensions: U.S. officials say Staff Sergeant Ribert Bales wandered off base in southern Afghanistan earlier this month and killed eight Afghan adults and nine children . U.S. commanders and Defense Secretary Leon Panetta said the killings do not represent a trend, and that less than half of the killings have been by Afghans associated with the Taliban. Instead, General Allen said these types of attacks come with fighting an insurgency and happened in Iraq and Vietnam. The enemy, he said, will do what it can to disrupt efforts to train and grow a nation's indigenous security force. Still, the recent spike in Afghans gunning down troops they are serving alongside reflects increased tensions between the two countries just as the coalition escalates efforts to train Afghans to take over their own security so that most Nato forces can leave by the end of 2014. Officials insist the killings have not hampered the U.S. mission in Afghanistan. But they come at a time when new, small advisory teams are heading into Afghanistan to beef up the training program, requiring them to work closely with Afghan military units. So far this year, 16 Nato service members have been shot and killed by Afghan soldiers and policemen or militants disguised in their uniforms. That equals 18 per cent of the 84 foreign troops killed this year in Afghanistan. Of the approximately 80 Nato service members killed since 2007 by Afghan security forces, more than 75 per cent were in the past two years. In two separate incidents on Monday, Afghan security forces shot and killed one American and two British troops. In one incident, two British service members were killed by an Afghan soldier in front of the main gate of a joint civilian-military base in southern Afghanistan, the coalition said. And in the second, a U.S. service member was shot and killed at a checkpoint in Paktika province in eastern Afghanistan by a man who was believed to be a member of a village-level fighting force the U.S. is fostering in hopes of countering the Taliban insurgency. According to the military official, the so-called guardian angels provide an extra layer of security, watching over the troops as they sleep, when they are exercising, and going about their day. General Allen noted that the Afghans have also taken some similar steps to provide guards for their own forces. The Afghans have also inserted their own intelligence officers into their units to help try and ferret out possible insurgents or rogue soldiers. Since the ministry shooting, the Afghans have taken a number of steps to increase building security in the ministries and to improve the vetting of their workers. General Allen said: 'They are helping the troops to understand how to recognise radicalisation or the emergence of extremism in some of those, in individuals who may in fact be suspect.' He noted that there have also been some arrests by Afghan forces when they identified possible attackers within their ranks. | 'Guardian angels' are troops who watch over comrades even as they sleep .
The lengths Taliban are prepared to .
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