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By . Dan Bloom . A motorist tried to drive home from a court which had just banned him from driving. A stunned police officer saw 29-year-old Kieron Pemberton getting into his car moments after magistrates in Wigan, Greater Manchester, had revoked his licence. He chased Pemberton, pulled him over and arrested him, hauling him back before the same court - where he was promptly jailed for 12 weeks. 'Stupid': Kieron Pemberton, 29, tried to drive home from a court which had just banned him from driving . Wigan and Leigh Magistrates' Court had previously banned Pemberton for 14 months for failing to provide a breath sample to police. Driving ban hearings usually include a direct warning to motorists not to take their cars home. But after the short hearing, a police officer who had been in court saw Pemberton leave the building, get into his car and start the engine. Mike Ardern, prosecuting, told magistrates: 'When he left the court, the officer was . exiting the nearby supermarket and saw him walking and holding a car . key. 'Mr Pemberton opened the driver’s door and drove. 'The officer pulled in front of him, got out and pointed out to him he had just been disqualified and then arrested him.' No escape: Pemberton was promptly hauled back before Wigan and Leigh Magistrates' Court and jailed . Defence: Pemberton's lawyer insisted he was only trying to take the car home so he could put it up for sale . Yesterday Pemberton, from Wigan, was jailed for 12 weeks after he admitted driving while disqualified. Andrew Stock, defending, said Pemberton, from Wigan, got behind the wheel to take the car back to his address where it would be sold. 'If he could take that decision back he would do,' said Mr Stock. 'It was a foolish and stupid thing to do. It is something that with the benefit of hindsight would never have happened. 'There was a complete lack of foresight which led to a decision he wishes he could take back.' Pemberton will serve half of the sentence in prison and half on supervision.

Kieron Pemberton, 29, had just had licence revoked by Wigan magistrates . A stunned police officer then saw him get into his car and drive off . He was duly hauled back before magistrates who jailed him for 12 weeks . Pemberton, from Wigan, admitted it was 'a foolish and stupid thing to do'

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By . Sara Smyth . PUBLISHED: . 05:32 EST, 25 April 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 10:52 EST, 29 April 2013 . A professional dancer who had part of her leg amputated after being injured in the Boston bombings is to appear on Dancing With The Stars. Adrianne Haslet, who has become a symbol of American resilience after the attacks, said she is 'honored' to make a guest appearance on the show. Details of her guest appearance and role on the primetime dance competition are yet to be revealed. But the ballroom dancer - who is said to be a fan of the programme- said 'dancing is my life' and vowed to start training as soon as possible. Scroll down for video . Adrianne Haslet exercises her bandaged leg as part of her rehab programme . Haslet takes her first tentative steps towards recovery. The professional ballroom dancer is said to be a fan of DWTS and counts Derek Hough as her favourite professional performer . DWTS host Tom Bergeron last night promised viewers that Mrs Haslet will appear in next week's episode. He said: 'We were all very moved by her inspirational outlook. We’ll tell you how we hope to be part of her recovery'. Mrs Haslet messaged a friend saying 'OHMUGOD!!!!!!!!! I loooove Derek!!!!!!' when she learned that DWTS favourite Derek Hough wants to dance with her. Hough told the Boston Herald: 'It’s . hard for anyone to really quite understand what she must be going . through and what she’s going to go through with rehab and getting her . balance back' 'But if she . has the determination and she has the passion — and it sounds like she . does — she’s going to run that marathon and she’s going to be dancing . again. It’s not going to slow her down.' Adrianne . Haslet has become the face of a host of amputees who are struggling to recover from the Boston bombings. Beth Roche wakes up knowing she can’t feel sorry for herself, that she has to focus on rehabbing her ravaged left leg. But despite life-changing injuries, . both women have vowed that the Boston Marathon bombings that killed . three people and left them among the ranks of more than 260 injured will . not define their lives. Parts of them may be broken, but both patients at Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital said in separate interviews yesterday that their spirits are intact and their thoughts are positive. 'I absolutely want to dance again and I also want to run the marathon next year,' said Haslet. 'I will crawl across the finish line, literally crawl, if it means I finish it.' Roche, a 59-year-old medical office manager from Highland, Ind., who ran Chicago’s marathon last year, said she’s concentrating on more than just walking again. 'I want to do another marathon by the time I’m 65,' she said. Adrianne Haslet has become a symbol of bravery int he aftermath of the Boston bombings . Roche said the first bomb at the . marathon peeled her leg open “like a sardine can.” It happened right . after she saw her daughter, Rebecca Roche, a 33-year-old Boston . pharmacist, cross the race’s finish line. The mother has had one surgery in which doctors implanted pins and plates in her leg, and has another surgery in her future. Adrianne Haslet pictured with husband, Air Force Capt. Adam Davis. She said dancing made her feel alive: 'Like I'm floating... When I'm dancing, I don't feel the need to be doing anything else. My joy is complete' The . first blast left bones poking out of her leg, and made her unable to . run for cover. She said a first responder tried to shield her as the . second bomb exploded. Roche . ended up at Tufts Medical Center, and begged staffers before she went . into surgery to find her family and let them know she was alive. The blast from the second explosion knocked Haslet off her feet from about four feet away. The . Boston woman, an Arthur Murray Dance Studio employee, thought she was . going to die when she looked down and saw how her body had been . mutilated. She’s had one surgery to amputate her left foot, and another in which doctors amputated more of the same leg below her knee. In the hours before terror struck . Boylston Street, Haslet was basking in the joy of having her husband . home again. Two weeks earlier, the Air Force captain had returned from a . four-month deployment in Afghanistan. On . Patriots’ Day morning, they were walking near the marathon’s finish . line when the second explosion left them tangled in a heap on the ground . and Haslet saw something was wrong with her foot. 'I remember thinking, "That’s so gross," and being terrified that this is the moment I was going to die,' she said. Haslet . crawled toward a restaurant door, before someone dragged her toward a . staircase. Her husband, although also injured, took off his belt to make . a tourniquet for her. Then others arrived to help and soon she was in a . triage area where someone wrote a number on her forehead. 'I just prayed that I had a number that was high enough to get help,' she said. 'I just kept screaming out, "I’m a ballroom dancer! I’m a ballroom dancer! Just save my foot"' Adrianne Haslet during a dance competition. She was injured in the second explosion while walking with her husband. Haslet said she thought she was going to die . The next day, she woke up at Boston Medical Center and saw her mother. 'I told my mom "My foot feels like it’s asleep." And she said, "Adrianne, you don’t have a foot anymore.”' Nine days after the attack, neither Haslet nor Roche has thought much about the Russian-born brothers, one dead, one alive, whom authorities said are responsible for the attack. As she recovers, Haslet said she trusts law-enforcement officials will do what’s best. She’s hoping to get a prosthetic device in the next two months. Roche cannot bend her left leg, as a grid of metal rods that’s meant to help her heal protrudes into it. She said she isn’t sure if authorities should seek the death penalty for the remaining bombing suspect, but says everyone should move forward without fear. 'If we’re afraid, the enemy wins,' she said.

Adrianne Haslet, 32, to make guest appearance on next week's DWTS . Competition to follow her progress as she begins rehab in Boston hospital . Producers say her role on show will be reveled in segment on next episode .

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By . Chris Wheeler . Follow @@ChrisWheelerDM . Blood smeared across his face from his nose to his left ear, it was a fitting image to mark Nemanja Vidic’s last game for Manchester United. This is one warrior who was always likely to go out on his shield. The flailing arm from Southampton’s Rickie Lambert was far from the first time Vidic has taken one for the team, nor will it be the last as he changes colours and heads for Inter Milan after more than eight years at Old Trafford. In a country known for tough defenders, Italy is about to inherit one of the toughest. Brave: Vidic fittingly bowed out with a bloodied nose after United's draw at Southampton . United have had their fair share of them down the years: think Gordon McQueen, Kevin Moran, Steve Bruce and Jaap Stam. The Serbian has raised the bar even higher. ‘He puts his head where people are scared to put their feet,’ said teammate Robin van Persie after Vidic played his last game at Old Trafford. ‘That’s Nemanja. He wants to die for the cause, in a good way. He is very brave, a great player and he’s won everything at Manchester United.’ From the moment Vidic arrived for £7million in the 2006 January transfer window, the first signing of the Glazer era, it was clear that United had found themselves a true leader – someone who had captained Red Star Belgrade to the Serbian title at a young age before enhancing his fearsome reputation at Spartak Moscow. Flying high: Vidic chipped in with more than his fair share of goals for United over the years . There were childhood tales of growing up in Uzice, a town one hundred miles from Belgrade that was targeted for American and NATO bombing raids. United fans embraced the legend, even though heir tribute song to Vidic might not be the most politically correct in English football. Back then: Vidic joined United in January 2006, signed by Sir Alex Ferguson . It was sung in full cry last Tuesday when Vidic made his farewell appearance at Old Trafford against Hull City before taking the microphone to say his goodbyes on the pitch afterwards and thank them ‘from the bottom of my heart’. In the match programme that night, he tried to play down the importance of him leaving United. ‘It shouldn’t be so dramatic,’ said Vidic. ‘A lot of players leave the club and a lot come here. United will always be the same and will always attract good, big-name players. I don’t think it will be any different when the transfer market starts. ‘Last year Paul Scholes retired. Before that, it was Gary Neville. That’s life and yet you still see these players around the club and supporting the club. I will be no different.’ History will show his contribution to be rather more significant, however. It is hard to think of a better central defensive partnership in the Premier League era than that forged by Vidic and Rio Ferdinand. It saw the Serbian win the title in five of the eight full seasons that he played at Old Trafford, not to mention a Champions League, FIFA Club World Cup and three League Cups. Vidic was the proverbial rock at the heart of defence, while Ferdinand was the ball player. It felt like the perfect combination. Very few players got the better of Vidic, even though United fans were right to get nervous every time he came up against Liverpool, and Fernando Torres and then Luis Suarez in particular. Double act: Vidic joined alongside Patrice Evra - both have enjoyed good careers at the club . He was a gladiator, fearsome and fearless in equal measure. Images of Vidic holding his head after another juddering collision while a physio sponged the blood of his face or asked him to count the fingers in front of his eyes like a punch-drunk boxer will live on. Some believe that he was never quite the same after badly damaging the ligaments in his right knee during a Champions League game against Basle in December 2011, but Vidic soldiered on. Saturday’s final appearance at St Mary’s was his 300th for United. Only 10 of those have come off the bench. His leaving present was an elbow to the nose from Lambert. Vidic wouldn’t have it any other way. Head where it hurts: A bloodied Nemanja Vidic leaves the field for treatment on Sunday .

Serbian played his final game for Manchester United against Southampton . Defender was left with a bloody nose after being caught by Rickie Lambert . He joined United for £7million in 2006 and has made his mark as one of the toughest and bravest the Premier League has seen . Vidic will move to Inter Milan this summer after eight years at Old Trafford .

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By . Anthony Bond . PUBLISHED: . 03:30 EST, 11 June 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 06:13 EST, 11 June 2013 . Locked up: Exeter university cleaner Szczepan Majcherczyk has been jailed after groping students and shoppers over a four-day period - and then blaming it on his upbringing in rural Poland . A university cleaner has been jailed after groping students and shoppers over a four-day period - and then blaming it on his upbringing in rural Poland. Szczepan Majcherczyk worked as a cleaner at . Exeter University and used his pass to get into the library where he . spent an hour staring at a female student before offering her a condom and asking for sex. The 32-year-old also approached a first-year . student near St James Park station in Exeter, putting his hand onto her . bottom and inside her shorts, and groped a . 17-year-old girl through her leggings in a separate attack. CCTV cameras also captured the father-of-one touching a young customer at Exeter’s Royal Albert Memorial Museum and approaching a complete stranger in Tesco to ask her for sex. At Exeter Crown Court, Majcherczyk, from Exeter, admitted three sexual assaults and two offences of threatening behaviour. Judge Francis Gilbert, who jailed Majcherczyk for 21 months, told him he should be deported back to Poland. 'The Home Office will look at deportation. If it was up to me I would deport you' Judge Gilbert said. 'The suggestion there may be a cultural background to these offences due to your upbringing in rural Poland is one I reject utterly. 'These offences were alarming and shocking and totally unexpected by the victims. You told the student in the University library in pretty blunt terms you wanted to have sex with her and offered her a condom. 'In Tesco you propositioned another young lady and in lewd terms which were bound to embarrass and distress her.' Mr Gareth Evans, prosecuting, said Majcherczyk’s crime spree started on February 16 when he approached a woman at the museum in Exeter and asked for a date, telling her there were a lot of nice women there. She refused but then felt him standing uncomfortable close to him before he touched her on her bottom, forcing her to grab his hand and move it away. The next assault happened just hours later on the same evening when he approached an 18-year-old first year student near St James Park station and put his hand onto her bottom and inside her shorts, touching intimate areas through her thick leggings. Convicted: Szczepan Majcherczyk worked as a cleaner at Exeter University and used his pass to get into the library where he offered a female student a condom and asked her for sex. This is one of the university buildings . Two days later another student was working in the library and became alarmed to see him staring at her across a table for an hour. He then asked her for sex and pulled out the condom which he left on her chair. The next assault happened as a 17-year-old girl was walking home in Exeter and was approached from behind and groped through her leggings. The final incident happened at Tesco where he approached a young woman shopper and offered to carry her bags before asking to take her home so they could spend the night together. He was caught on CCTV and identified by staff because he had worked as a cleaner at the High Street store before moving to the university. Mr Warren Robinson, defending, said Majcherczyk has lived in Britain for eight years and has a five-year-old child but his relationship had broken down and he was depressed and drinking too much at the time of the offences. He said: 'During these few days he was relying on alcohol too much and perhaps fell back to older and inappropriate cultural values from his childhood in rural Poland.' Majcherczyk was also put on the sex offenders’ register and told to pay a £100 victim surcharge.

Szczepan Majcherczyk worked as a cleaner at Exeter University . He offered student studying in library a condom and asked for sex . Father-of-one approached 18-year-old and put his hand inside her shorts . Judge jailed Majcherczyk for 21 months and said he should be deported . Court told he 'fell back to inappropriate cultural values' from rural Poland .

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(EW.com) -- Optimus Prime is back in full force. Michael Bay's Transformers: Age of Extinction (A- Cinema Score) earned an estimated $100 million across the weekend, making it the top debut of the year. It's also a career high for star Mark Wahlberg, who leads a new cast in telling the story of what happened five years after Chicago was nearly destroyed in the last film. Paramount's $200 million film may not have charmed the critics, but audiences didn't seem to take that, or the daunting run time, into account this weekend. Moviegoers were predominately male, accounting for 64 percent of audiences. Also of note: IMAX screens made up $10.7 million of the weekend grosses. But, the domestic business isn't the only good news. Internationally, Transformers is doing, well, Transformer-sized business, too. T4 earned a staggering $201.3 million from 37 territories, or 10,152 locations — a 35 percent uplift over Transformers: Dark of the Moon. Early estimates put its China earnings in the $90 million range, which is the best opening ever for a foreign film there. The 150 IMAX screens also made up a huge part of the weekend earnings accounting for a record-breaking $10 million. It's also the biggest opening of all time in Hong Kong and Indonesia and the second biggest opening of all time in Russia. Sony's 22 Jump Street snagged the No. 2 spot and inched past the first movie's domestic total ($138.4 million) this weekend with $15.4 million from 3,426 locations, down 44 percent from last. Meanwhile, DreamWorks Animation's How to Train Your Dragon 2 fell another 47 percent and brought in an estimated $13.1 million in weekend three. The $145 million animated pic now has a domestic total of $121.8 million. The first film had made $133.4 million by this point in 2010. It'll be interesting to see what changes in preparation for the June 2016 release of the third film. Sony and Screen Gems' Think Like a Man Too plummeted 64 percent in weekend two with $10.4 million. Star Kevin Hart is still beating the social media drum, retweeting dozens of fans who mention the movie, but the energy at the theaters seems to have cooled off. The first film opened higher in 2012 and fell only 48 percent in its second weekend, going on to gross $91.5 million after 12 weeks in theaters. Hart's About Last Night, heavily marketed as a Valentine's Day pic, fell a steep 71 percent at the same point in the cycle and capped out with $48.6 million. Rounding out the top five is Disney's Maleficent, which crossed the $200 million mark domestically this weekend. The gothic fantasy took in an estimated $8.2 million from 3,073 locations in its fifth weekend in theaters, bringing its domestic cume to a staggering $201.9 million and its global take to $585.6 million (it's playing in 54 territories and has yet to open in Japan). Not only is this a live-action career high for Angelina Jolie on all fronts, but Disney now has two of the top four 2014 global releases to date, including Captain America: The Winter Soldier. Cap 2 may have lost the title of the highest opener, but it just passed The Lego Movie to become the highest grossing domestic release of 2014. 1. Transformers: Age of Extinction—$100 million . 2. 22 Jump Street—$15.4 million (domestic total: $139.8 million) 3. How to Train Your Dragon 2—$13.1 million (domestic total: $121.8 million) 4. Think Like a Man Too—$10.4 million (domestic total: $48.2 million) 5. Maleficent—$8.23 million (domestic total: $201.9 million) In the speciality box office world, Begin Again, starring Keira Knightley as an aspiring musician in New York, took in an estimated $148K from five locations, while Snowpiercer, Bong Joon-ho's sci-fi actioner starring Chris Evans and Tilda Swinton, made $162K from eight locations. "There's no stopping this train. With some of the best reviews of the year and incredibly strong word-of-mouth, we're looking forward to a robust holiday expansion," said RADiUS-TWC Co-President Tom Quinn in a statement. Finally, Dinesh D'Souza's America took in $39K from three locations. Distributor Lionsgate is rolling the pic out to roughly 1,000 theaters on Wednesday. And in landmarks, The Amazing Spider-Man 2 crossed the $200 million mark this weekend, as well. Next weekend is a genre grab bag: Sony and Screen Gems release the horror pic Deliver Us From Evil, Relativity debuts its E.T.-like Earth to Echo. Warner Bros.' Melissa McCarthy comedy Tammy opens too. Plus, the Roger Ebert doc Life Itself hits theaters in limited release. Check back in on Thursday for the full preview. See the original story at EW.com. CLICK HERE to Try 2 RISK FREE issues of Entertainment Weekly . © 2011 Entertainment Weekly and Time Inc. All rights reserved.

'Transformers' fans were predominately male . "22 Jump Street" snagged the no. 2 spot . "The Amazing Spider-Man 2" crossed the $200 million .

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Southampton striker Graziano Pelle scored on his debut as Italy maintained their 100 per cent start in qualifying for Euro 2016. Pelle put Italy ahead in the 24th minute when he poked the ball home after Pasqual's header had sparked a goalmouth scramble. Both Malta and Italy ended with 10 men. Malta captain Michael Mifsud was shown a controversial direct red card for a foul on Alessandro Florenzi in the 27th minute even though TV replays showed there was a minimal contact. Graziano Pelle (second right) scores the winner for Italy in the Euro 2016 Group H qualifier against Malta . Southampton striker Pelle celebrates after scoring on his debut for the Azzurri on Monday night . Malta: Hogg, Zach Muscat, Agius, Camilleri, Mintoff (Baldacchino 72), Rowen Muscat,Failla (Bezzina 90), Briffa,Paul Fenech, Mifsud, Schembri (Cohen 85) Subs Not Used: Haber, Grioli, Scicluna, Ryan Fenech, Kristensen, Pisani, Terence Vella, Farrugia, Nicholas Vella . Sent Off: Mifsud (27) Booked: Briffa. Italy: Buffon, Darmian, Bonucci, Chiellini, Candreva, Verratti, Pasqual, Florenzi (Aquilani 59), Marchisio, Immobile (Giovinco 65), Pelle (Ogbonna 76) Subs Not Used: Sirigu, De Sciglio, Poli, Parolo, Pirlo, Zaza, Destro,Perin . Sent Off: Bonucci (73) Booked: Darmian . Goals: Pelle 24. Att: 16,942 . Ref: Ovidiu Alin Hategan (Romania) Minnows Malta, 155 in the FIFA rankings, put up stiff defensive resistance the rest of the way and Italy defender Leonardo Bonucci was sent off for foul on Andre Schembri whehn he was last man in the 73rd minute. Bonucci will have to miss Italy's next Euro 2016 qualifier against Croatia on November 16 in Milan. Croatia and Italy lead with nine points each after three games. 'Having points in the table should give us confidence,' Italy coach Antonio Conte said. 'We won but we could have been more decisive in front of the goal. There's margin for improvement.' Italy has won all four of its matches - including a friendly against the Netherlands - under Conte, who is yet to call up Mario Balotelli. 'We need to improve and we can improve,' Conte said. 'But four wins give us confidence.' The top two finishers from the nine groups qualify automatically. The best third-placed team also qualifies automatically, and the other eight can qualify through a playoff. Italy also struggled somewhat against Malta in their last two meetings, needing an injury-time goal to close out a 2-0 win in 2012 and saving a penalty in a win by the same score last year - both in World Cup qualifying. This match was similar, and Malta nearly went ahead when Clayton Failla shot wide in the 15th. That threat seemed to wake up the Azzurri, though, and Pelle and Giorgio Chiellini hit the crossbar and goal frame seconds apart in the 18th. Then came Pelle's goal. The 29-year-old also has five goals in eight matches for Southampton this season and, at 6 ft 4 in gives Conte a physical presence inside the area. Last season, Pelle scored 23 goals in 28 matches for Feyenoord in the Dutch league but was ignored by then-Italy coach Cesare Prandelli, who resigned after the Azzurri's first-round elimination from the World Cup in Brazil. Antonio Candreva and substitute Sebastian Giovinco hit the goal frame in the second half. The Azzurri sorely missed midfield maestro Andrea Pirlo, who was rested. Malta are managed by Pietro Ghedin, an Italian who was formerly an assistant coach with Italy. Pelle (17) celebrates scoring in the 24th minute against Malta at the National Stadium in Ta' Qali, near Valletta . Italy striker Pelle gets in front of Malta goalkeeper Andrew Hogg but this header went wide . Italy coach and former Juventus midfielder Antonio Conte shows he still has it during the Euro 2016 tie . Italy's Leonardo Bonucci received a straight red card from referee Alexandru Tudor . VIDEO Conte picks Pelle as Balotelli ignored for Italy .

Graziano Pelle poked the ball home in the 24th minute following a goalmouth scramble . Malta captain Michael Mifsud was sent off for a foul on Alessandro Florenzi . Italy maintained 100 per cent start in group H of European Championship qualifying .

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Los Angeles (CNN) -- Chris Brown was booted from a rehab facility this month after smashing his mother's car window during a family session, his probation officer reported Wednesday. The judge overseeing Brown's probation in his Rihanna beating case ordered the singer to immediately enter another rehab program and stay for 90 days. Brown, who was arrested on an assault charge in Washington, D.C., last month, still faces a possibly probation violation charge that could send him to prison. "There is much concern with the probationer's new arrest and his violent outburst that resulted in his discharge from a treatment facility," the probation report said. The singer sat nervously in a Los Angeles County courtroom, holding girlfriend Karrueche Tran's hand as he waited while his lawyer, Mark Geragos, met privately with the judge and prosecutor before his hearing began Wednesday afternoon. Brown's freedom has been in question since he was arrested on a sidewalk near the White House after allegedly punching a man. The probation imposed when he pleaded guilty to a felony charge in the 2009 attack on Rihanna -- his girlfriend at the time -- requires that he stay out of legal trouble. The lawyers and judge emerged from chambers with a deal, which required Brown to spend the next 90 days in a court-approved treatment facility. Los Angeles County Deputy District Attorney Mary Murray told the judge she still reserved the right to ask for Brown's probation to be revoked on the D.C. arrest. Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge James Brandlin ordered the probation officer to provide a detailed report about that incident, with that report expected to be presented when Brown returns to court on December 16. Brown voluntarily entered a rehab center on October 28, a day after he was released from a Washington jail. "His goal is to gain focus and insight into his past and recent behavior, enabling him to continue the pursuit of his life and his career from a healthier vantage point," representative Nicole Perna said when he entered. When he checked out on November 10 his representative said he would continue in the program as an outpatient. However, the probation report given to the judge Wednesday disputed that, saying he was kicked out of the program. It quoted a center official saying he was ordered out for "breaking programs rules by acting violently." The violence involved Brown "throwing a rock through his mother's car window" after a family session at the center in which she said she wanted him to stay in the treatment. "Mr. Brown preceded to walk outside and pick up a rock and threw it through his mother's car window and it shattered," according to letter from the rehab center included in the probation report. Brown's "prognosis is very guarded" unless he gets professional help, the letter said, . Brown will leave the new rehab center three days a week to work eight-hour shifts of community labor so that he can complete the 1,000 hours of work still remaining in his punishment for the attack on Rihanna. The report estimated he will have to work on community labor three days of every week until next August to meet his deadline. He may also travel to Washington for a court hearing Monday in the assault case there, the judge said. His lawyer said he would try to get the hearing delayed. Secret Service report could help Chris Brown's defense .

Chris Brown must spend the next 90 days in a rehab facility, judge says . The rehab is part of a deal Brown's lawyer reached with the prosecutor . Brown's probation officer recommended the singer be ordered to rehab . His arrest in Washington still threatens Brown's freedom .

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WAXAHATCHIE, Texas (CNN) -- Julie Quiroz clutches her teddy bear crying. "Mommy," she says softly, as her mother wraps her arms around her and rubs her back. One of her brothers tries to console her. "You're going to come back," he says. Julie Quiroz, a 13-year-old U.S. citizen, went back to Mexico when her mom was deported. The 13-year-old Quiroz begins to walk away to catch an airplane from Mexico to the United States. Within moments, she rushes back to her mother's arms. "Mommy," she says again, tears streaming down her face. Quiroz is one of an estimated 3 million American children who have at least one parent who entered the United States illegally, according to the Urban Institute, which researches and evaluates U.S. social and economic issues. In Quiroz's case, she was born in Washington state, lived there her entire life and went to school there. But her mother, Ana Reyes, entered the United States illegally before Quiroz was born and U.S. immigration officials caught up with her last year on her birthday. Watch how deportation separates family » . "I was there when they handcuffed her," Quiroz says. "I was there when they took her down." Two of her brothers, who had come with their mother to the United States when they were young children, also were taken into custody. It was the start of a downward spiral for Quiroz. When her mother and brothers were deported, Quiroz and her 6-year-old, American-born sister had no choice but to return to Mexico City with them. Her seventh-grade year was spent in a classroom where she didn't understand the language. "I never belonged there," she says. "I'd just come home, sit down, cry. I'd say, 'Mom, I can't do it.' ... I can't read or write Spanish." She adds, "I felt like there were no dreams for me." Stories like these are becoming more common, immigration analysts say, with American children caught in the middle of their mother or father's illegal status. A report last month in the Journal of the American Medical Association said these children face "increasing risk of family separation, economic hardship and psychological trauma." "It's really hard to imagine something that can be more traumatic than to be forcibly separated from their caregiver. That's the enforcement climate that we're operating in now," says Miriam Calderon, the associate director for education and children's policy at the National Council of La Raza, the largest Hispanic advocacy group in the United States. Calderon says the nation needs to enforce immigration laws, but currently there is a lack of a "consistent and comprehensive standard to ensure that children will be protected" when undocumented parents are taken into custody. "Until a major immigration reform is enacted, the country will continue to cope with challenges resulting from the presence of roughly 12 million undocumented immigrants in our workforce and in our communities," said Janet Murguia, the president of NCLR, before Congress in May. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement says it's simply enforcing the laws on the books. "ICE agents and officers are sworn to uphold all of our nation's immigration and customs laws," ICE press secretary Kelly Nantel said in a written statement. "We cannot pick and choose the laws we enforce. Parents make decisions that affect their families everyday. "There are known consequences for violating our nation's immigration laws. It's unfortunate that parents choose to place their children in these difficult situations." For Quiroz, her journey from America to Mexico City took an unexpected turn when her plight caught the attention of Joe Kennard, a land developer and Christian philanthropist. Kennard reached out to Quiroz's mother and told her the teen could live with his family in Texas and enroll in school there. "You can make all the arguments that [the mother] deserved what she got because she was an adult, she made the choice, she was here illegally," Kennard says. "But why [punish] the children? They're innocent and they're born here and they're U.S. citizens." His group, Organization to Help Citizen Children, works with churches along the U.S.-Mexico border to provide support for children whose mother or father is deported to Mexico. Kennard hired a private tutor to get Quiroz up to speed for missing a year of schooling. "She's conflicted because she knows that she's got to get an education and this is the only way to do it. But she also feels the love for her mother and that's the torture." Quiroz's mother then made the incredibly painful decision to implore her daughter to go to Texas, an unbearable decision for the teen to leave her family for her country and her future. Her older brother, Carlos Quiroz, was about 3 years old when his mom took him to the United States last decade. He misses his sister, but knows he can't return. "I have to accept that ... and try to make it work," he says. Watch why Carlos Quiroz feels like an American » . He's working to get a job and hopes to enter college in Mexico. But his mind is still in the land he grew up in. "I don't feel like I belong here. I feel like I was taken out of somewhere where I belonged," he says. "My whole life is over there." His sister is now living in Texas, adjusting to eighth grade and all the changes around her. When she's alone, she says it still hurts. "I want to be in my mom's arms," she says, choking back tears. The dream that keeps her going? She's determined to become a lawyer to fight for kids who are forced to endure painful separations. "My mom only came here to make a better life," she says. "I want to be a lawyer to help people in the same situation as me." CNN's Gregg Canes and Traci Tamura contributed to this report.

3 million U.S. citizen children are believed to have one undocumented parent . Julie Quiroz, 13, was born in the U.S. but had to return to Mexico with her mom . "I never belonged there ... I'd just come home, sit down, cry," she says . Thanks to a philanthropist, Quiroz was able to come back to study; but without mother .

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(CNN) -- President Obama finally did it. Through an executive order, the President intends to grant up to 5 million undocumented immigrants relief from deportation. Will the angry bulls rise up? Has the well been poisoned? Will Republicans follow through on their threats of government shutdowns because they consider this an "impeachable offense"? Republicans, who now have a responsibility to prove that they can govern, should take a step back and see what the President is trying to achieve and then decide whether it's worth expending political capital to battle over. The President's Executive Action on deferring deportations for noncriminal undocumented immigrants who have been in the country for many years and contributed to our society will achieve three major goals: . 1. Boost the American economy . Studies show that passing comprehensive immigration reform will increase our economic gain by more than $1.5 trillion over 10 years, decrease our deficit by almost a trillion dollars in the next 20 years, and boost GDP growth by more than 5 percentage points. While the President's action is not the permanent legislative reform we ultimately need to gain all these benefits, starting out by letting a large group of people legally work and holding them accountable by ensuring they pay their fair share of taxes will put us on a more prosperous path. 2. Strengthen our national security . Millions of undocumented immigrants will now be allowed to come out of the shadows, be identified, given background checks and legal work permits. This will help us understand who they are and if any are here to do us harm. 3. Help keep families together . America was built on the labor of generations of immigrants. Our strength as a country comes also from the strength of families. Instead of deporting grandmothers and fathers and children, the President will use our precious resources to deport gang members instead. This priority will reduce the tragic loss that occurs when families are torn apart by senseless deportations. For a political party that prides itself in standing for a strong economy, strong national security and strong family values, please tell me -- which of these values are Republicans so adamantly against? The President's detractors say he has no constitutional authority to give relief to so many people. While the courts may ultimately decide this, as someone who has worked in what was formerly known as the Immigration and Naturalization Service, I can tell you without question, the President indeed has prosecutorial discretion to decide which limited resources to dedicate to which undocumented immigrants he wants to deport. In fact, immigration officials, district attorneys and other law enforcement personnel exercise prosecutorial discretion every single day. Moreover, Presidents Reagan, Bush I, Clinton and Bush II, each in their own ways, used executive authorities derived from this notion of prosecutorial discretion to grant relief to whole populations of undocumented immigrants for many reasons. Conservatives who oppose the President might also say that an executive order on immigration will poison the well and that he should work with Congress to pass a legitimate and permanent reform the way it should be passed: in Congress. I would be the first one to advise President Obama to wait in favor of congressional action. And by the way, it is the preferred way to go. There is just one problem. We have already seen this movie and we know how it ends. The President has been trying for years to get Congress on the same page. But Republicans have looked for excuses, continued to move the goalposts and voted several times to deport DREAMers. Republicans must understand just how ridiculous they sound when they say President Obama should wait until the new Congress is sworn in and work with them to pass real reform. Who in their right minds -- no pun intended -- thinks that with both houses of Congress controlled by more conservative Republicans who ran on a platform to oppose anything President Obama does, we can get a bill out of Congress that the President can sign? Republicans will point out that the American people are not on the side of the President on the immigration issue by pointing to a recent USA Today poll indicating that 46% preferred waiting for a Republican Congress to take action, while 42% approved of the President taking unilateral action now. However, perhaps a better reflection is the Washington Post September 2014 poll that asked whether Americans would support presidential action in the absence of any congressional action. Support rose to 52%. The absence of congressional action is exactly what we have had for the past year and half. As such, the American people cannot now let Republicans off the hook to get comprehensive immigration reform done legislatively, no matter how upset the GOP may be that the President acted. Temper tantrums are not an excuse for no action. So, the President delivered on his executive action and he, the Democrats and the immigration advocacy community will now have to work diligently to explain to the American people that the well is not poisoned, and that this is the right thing to do for our economy, national security and above all, it is consistent with our American values. For Republicans, it is not too late. They can make what the President announced moot and irrelevant. How? House Speaker John Boehner could bring the current bipartisan Senate immigration bill to the House floor for a vote on Friday -- and it would pass. Done. So when the Republicans get it together, if they can get it together to pass something the President can sign, the President's unilateral action would be stopped, the angry bulls will calm down, and showdowns, shutdowns and impeachment hearings can be left for another day. Most importantly, the American people would finally see their elected leaders put politics aside and do what is best for the country.

President grants 5 million undocumented immigrants relief from deportation . Maria Cardona: President's executive order will help America in three keys ways . Presidents Reagan, Bush I, Clinton and Bush II have also helped undocumented . Cardona: Republicans should help the cause rather than fight over this issue .

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By . Daily Mail Reporter . PUBLISHED: . 18:09 EST, 27 January 2014 . | . UPDATED: . 20:41 EST, 27 January 2014 . Backlash: Account holders are outraged to discover they have been paying up to £300 a year for perks . Banks are suffering a customer backlash over claims they widely mis-sold fee-paying packaged accounts, official figures reveal today. There have been thousands of complaints from account holders who say they have paid up to £300 a year for perks which they never knew existed…and did not want. In the worst cases, consumers claim they were unwittingly signed up to these ‘rip-off’ deals and the fees automatically docked from their account. Many were sold the accounts by pushy staff at the high street banks who were paid commissions for meeting sales targets. Figures show how the Financial Ombudsman Service has seen complaints about packaged accounts soar by 155 per cent in the past nine months. It is now receiving dozens every day. And it is finding in favour of customers in eight out of ten cases. The Ombudsman says most of the complaints are about the way the account was sold. Many did not even realise they were paying for a packaged account as they had been ‘upgraded’ without being told. Some had been misled into believing a fee-charging account was their only option or were told they had to take it out to get the loan or mortgage they wanted. Others were lured into forking out for insurance policies only to later discover they were ineligible to claim on the cover they were paying for. The banks are now being forced to pay out thousands of pounds in compensation in the latest scandal to engulf them. They have already shelled out £13.3billion in compensation for mis-sold payment protection insurance. An estimated one in five adults has an expensive packaged account, such as Lloyds Bank’s Premier, which costs £25 a month, the Barclays Additions Active account at £15 a month, and Halifax’s Ultimate Reward account at £12.50 a month. Complaints: Customers claim 'pushy' staff who get commission for sales encourage them to buy certain deals . Typical perks include travel insurance, breakdown cover, mobile phone insurance and even home contents insurance. Customers may also be offered low-cost loans and bigger overdrafts. But a report by the financial regulator estimated a third of these account holders fail to use the benefits for which they are paying up to £300 a year. It also found many were unable to claim when they needed to. Pensioners would not be covered by the travel insurance policy because they were too old or had a medical condition, or households without a car were paying for a useless breakdown policy. Rules brought in by the Financial Conduct Authority last March mean all banks must ensure the bolt-on insurance policies are suitable for the customer – and are clear and simple to understand. On top of this banks must send out a letter to all customers every year reminding them they have the account, and to check they are still eligible to claim. Which? executive director Richard Lloyd, said: . Lloyds Bank's Premier, £25 a month, Barclays Additions Active account, £15 a month, and Halifax's Ultimate Reward account, £12.50 a month, are among the deals that were raised with the Financial Ombudsman Service . ‘It’s extremely worrying to see an increase in complaints about packaged accounts when new rules were introduced last year to protect consumers from being sold products that they don’t need or can’t use. ‘The Financial Conduct Authority must rigorously enforce the rules to prevent mis-selling and take action against any bank that links staff bonuses to the sale of these products.’ A year ago the Ombudsman received barely 40 complaints a week about packaged accounts. But in the past nine months it has dealt with 3,107 – 155 per cent more than the rate in the previous financial year. And these are only those that have been rejected by the banks. This could mean the true number of complaints and compensation payouts is much higher. A spokesman for the Ombudsman says: ‘The good news is banks are reacting differently to how they did with PPI, when they fought us every step of the way.’

Account holders paid up to £300 a year for perks they did not know about . Most sold by 'pushy staff who were paid commissions for sales targets . Complaints to Financial Ombudsman Service soared by 155 per cent .

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ATLANTA, Georgia (CNN) -- The Rev. Martin Luther King is looking down on the United States, smiling, Otis Sutton said Wednesday. Otis Sutton, 78, recalls how times have changed since he grew up in the segregated South. "That's what he wanted. He'd been preaching that all along," Sutton, 78, said of the nation electing its first African-American president. Sutton, who has worked on and off at the historic Busy Bee Cafe in Atlanta, Georgia, since it opened in 1947, was baptized by the civil rights icon's father, King Sr. He remembers playing pick-up football games in a dirt lot with King Jr. when they were both youngsters in Atlanta. Asked if King Jr. was any good at football, Sutton chuckled. "He liked to read and study," he said with a reverence that prohibited him from disparaging King Jr. in any way, "but he loved the game." Walk around Atlanta and you'll find plenty of African-Americans who hope Sen. Barack Obama will inspire young people to reach for a book rather than a football. "As young, black Americans our society and our communities had told us that the only way we could make it out is if we entertain," said Cortez Tarver, 28, who cuts hair at the University Barbershop, just down the street from the historically black Morehouse College and Clark Atlanta University. Hear Tarver talk about Obama's win » . "They want us to be funny. They want us to cook their food, entertain them and play their sports -- and we do all that, we're just going to fit in." The media reinforce the erroneous notion that successful black men exist only in the realms of hip hop, football and basketball, Tarver said. The result is that fewer and fewer African-American children aspire to occupations like doctor and lawyer, he said. All that changed after Obama locked up the Electoral College vote on Tuesday night. "Now, they can say they want to be president," Tarver said of young blacks. "This shows us, hey, if we go to college, we study hard, we help out our communities, we can become president, we can become something great -- other than shucking and jiving, other than putting on a show." Sutton likens Obama's rise through the political ranks to Tiger Woods' rise through professional golf. Until about 12 years ago, when Woods turned pro, it was rare to find black youngsters swinging clubs at their local links. Even if they had the natural skills, they did not believe the game belonged to them, he said. "You never seen black children playing golf till [Woods] started playing," said Sutton, explaining that even his 7-year-old grandson, Josh, now enjoys playing golf. What Woods did for golf, Sutton said, Obama has done for politics. Children across the nation were told Tuesday night that they, too, can aspire to the highest office in the land. "If he can do it, they believe they can do it," Sutton said. Back at University Barbershop, Tarver's colleague, Spot Jackson, 28, said the only thing keeping him awake was some Burger King coffee and a few doughnuts after staying up until 6 a.m. watching election news. Like Tarver and Sutton, Jackson said he believes Obama shattered the ceiling for black men and women. He joked that Obama's victory made him want to start a foundation. Its mission would be simple, he said. "We're going to eradicate the word 'can't.' We're going to try to get it out of every dictionary known to man," he said. "There's nothing you can honestly say you can't do anymore; it just changes your perception as far as what you think is possible in this country." Jackson dismissed a question about whether the change was made possible by Obama's skin color, saying it was more about the man's character and platform. "He could've been green and if the message was the same and it resonated the same way it did, then he still would've gotten the same support," he said. Jackson said he saw television footage of people in Indonesia celebrating the U.S. presidential election, something he's never seen in the 10 years he's been voting. Morgan Blanchard, 20, a junior at Clark Atlanta, said she also was impressed to see international footage from Italy and Australia of people celebrating the election. It shows Obama has broad appeal, which speaks more to his honesty and principles than to his skin color, she said. "Oh gosh, it's not even that he's African-American," she said, noting with a sly smile that Obama's mother was white. "It's the way he carries himself, the way he puts himself out there. I don't think race has anything to do with it." Her sentiments were echoed by fellow Clark Atlanta student Ashante Smith, 18. A sophomore studying music, Smith said many African-Americans voted for Obama because of his race, but she pointed out that he also snared millions of votes in white and Latino communities. "I think he was just really committed to all communities," she said. And while she thinks Obama can help improve education, unemployment and the economy in general, she concurs with many who say he can hearten generations of African-Americans to reach higher in life. "It just inspires me to go for what I want," she said. "It's like we can do anything."

African-Americans in Martin Luther King Jr.'s hometown say Obama shattered ceiling . Otis Sutton says Obama did for politics what Tiger Woods did for golf . Blacks no longer relegated to "shucking and jiving" to get ahead, barber says .

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Acclaimed Irish author Colum McCann was badly injured after being attacked while trying to break up a domestic dispute just outside the gates of a famed Ivy league school . McCann was reportedly trying to break up a fight early Saturday evening between the woman and her boyfriend at a New Haven, Connecticut hotel. Yale University calls the city home. He instead ended up with a concussion, broken cheekbone and some broken teeth from the 'shocking, cowardly attack in broad daylight on a busy street,' he told the Irish Times in a statement. Critically acclaimed: Colum McCann's 2011 novel Let the Great World Spin won him awards around the world . The assault reportedly happened when the novelist stepped in while a man and woman were fighting outside The Study at the Yale Hotel around 10.00 p.m., according to the New Haven Independent. First responders arrived to find him on the sidewalk bleeding from the head, police told the paper. He was taken to the hospital, released later that night and returned home to New York City. ‘I was trying to help someone out,’ his statement said. ‘I was cold-clocked without warning. I had a severe concussion, a broken cheekbone, some broken teeth and a spirit that has been temporarily bruised. ‘But I am recovering quickly and I’ve been overwhelmed by the generous response from friends and strangers alike.’ He credited an nearby off-duty paramedic with rushing to his aid as the attacker fled the scene. McCann told the Times he was in New Haven to attend a conference on empathy at Yale University for Narrative 4, a non-profit organization he is involved in. He was forced to pull out of a Sunday event because of the attack. Where it happened: McCann was knocked out on this sidewalk just outside The Study, a popular book store and hangout spot just off campus . ‘I suffered a few injuries but nothing that can’t be quickly healed,’ he continued. ‘If anything, I was shaken out of the ruts of my ordinary perception, and I have been struck the genuine caring nature of people asking about how they can help out.’ The award-winning author then used the opportunity to call attention to ‘others who suffer far worse violence. ‘We need to speak out against this sort of thing. The police have not yet arrested the attacker but I believe they are very close to pressing charges, using video and witness evidence,’ he added. ‘It could have happened anywhere in the world. The fact that it happened on the edge of one of the world’s foremost colleges campuses simply highlights how prevalent this sort of situation is,’ said McCann. New Haven, where Yale University is located, does have an above-average crime rate, but it is not as common for attacks like this to occur on or near the campus. Police told the Independent that an investigation remains ongoing, and that they are working under the assumption this was not a random attack. ‘What we believe happened is that the victim tried to intercede in what appeared to be a domestic dispute between a man and a woman,’  said Assistant Police Chief Archie Generoso. ‘He saw a woman pushed to the ground. He tried to assist the woman. ‘He asked the woman if she wanted him to call the police. He urged her to do so. She said she didn’t want to call the police. The guy said, ‘It’s your decision.’ He turned around, began to walk away, and he was assaulted,’ Generoso continued. McCann is home recovering and should be back to normal within a few weeks. He has written six novels, including 2011’s Let the Great World Spin – which earned him international acclaim and several awards including the International Impact Award and many other honors.

Colum McCann was attacked outside a popular bookstore/cafe just off Yale University's new Haven, Connecticut campus . He was reportedly breaking up a domestic dispute when a male assailant sucker punched him and knocked him to the sidewalk . McCann was in New Haven attending a summit on empathy .

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(CNN)A youth player for Russian club Anzhi Makhachkala was shot dead in Russia's North Caucasus in the early hours of Sunday morning. Gasan Magomedov was driving towards his family's home when his vehicle came under attack from a "volley of automatic gunfire," according to a statement on the clubs website. The 20-year-old's parents heard the gunfire and rushed to discover their wounded son who died on his way to hospital. The club added that the local police have yet to determine any motives or suspects. The attack took place in Dagestan, a region of Russia that has recently become the focus of Islamist insurgency. For years, Anzhi's leading players lived and trained in Moscow and only went to Dagestan for home games. Anzhi's general director Sergey Korablev said, "we console with Gasan`s family. I hope the law-enforcement bodies will efficiently detect the murderers, who will receive just punishment. "Despite of the efforts to destabilize the situation, we`ll keep on living and working for the only purpose -- peaceful Dagestan." Over recent years, Anzhi competed for the Russian Premier League title and attracted star players like Samuel Eto'o, Willian, and Roberto Carlos. In 2014, however, the club was relegated to the country's second tier after billionaire owner Suleman Kerimov withdrew his financial backing and many star players left.

A youth player for Russian club side Anzhi Makhachkala was shot dead Sunday . Gasan Magomedov came under "volley of automatic gunfire" outside parent's home . Dagestan has become focus of Islamist insurgency in recent years .

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(Coastal Living) -- New Orleans without music? That's like Venice without canals -- and just as hard to imagine. Music weaves New Orleans' past with its present, and the infinite jazz variations -- from the ethereal warble of classic Dixieland to the tuba-powered street funk of brass bands -- serve as a soundtrack to this storied city. The best way to keep New Orleans music alive? Visit. New Orleans music sounds sweeter today, and here's why: In the wake of Hurricane Katrina, few were certain the streets would resound as they once did. It's not that clubs flooded and venues were wiped out -- many were on high ground and survived just fine -- but the rising waters took out much of the city's affordable housing and its tourism industry. That uncertain future made it unclear whether pass-the-hat musicians and hardworking club regulars would be able to regain their footing in the city. But several groups took the lead to ensure that musicians would still have a home in New Orleans. Locally revered nightclub Tipitina's earmarks its proceeds to help musicians return to town and to put musical instruments back into the flooded schools. Harry Connick Jr. and Branford Marsalis, two New Orleans natives, partnered with Habitat for Humanity to build the Musicians' Village in the Upper Ninth Ward. Today, this cluster of colorful shotgun-style cottages, located an easy bike ride from the French Quarter, is gradually being filled by musicians (and others) as volunteers continue to travel here to build the houses. CoastalLiving.com: Beyond Bourbon Street . While some still debate whether the music scene has fully regained its pre-storm luster, there's no denying that anyone who shows up hungry for the famous New Orleans sound will leave sated. You can still stroll the French Quarter or nearby Frenchmen Street and pass dozens of clubs where languid notes wander out into the muffled, humid air, pause for a moment, and disappear into the night. The best way to keep New Orleans music alive? Visit. And bring your friends. Go to clubs. Here are four not to miss. Snug Harbor Jazz Bistro has the feel of a speakeasy -- you enter through a low-ceilinged bar into an open performance space that's at once intimate and grand. With live music nightly, this is a good spot for classic, straight-ahead jazz. Expect talents such as Ellis Marsalis (father of Branford and Wynton), Charmaine Neville (a member of New Orleans' first family of music), and powerhouse trumpet player Irvin Mayfield with his New Orleans Jazz Orchestra. CoastalLiving.com: Gulf Coast Eateries . Three decades ago, a handful of local musicians was dismayed that piano legend Professor Longhair had no place to showcase his talents. They acquired a bar Uptown (it's about a 10-minute cab ride from the French Quarter), and renamed the venue after the Professor's signature song. Today Tipitina's, a spacious, two-level club in a boxy yellow building marked by a Dixie beer sign, attracts local and touring musicians ranging from inimitable songwriter-composer Allen Toussaint to rising stars such as Troy "Trombone Shorty" Andrews. Seating is nonexistent -- assume you'll be standing the whole show --but the open space works to your advantage on Sunday evenings, when Tip's hosts a Cajun dance party, with the emphasis on dance. For the gold standard of New Orleans performance venues, visit Preservation Hall. Carved out of a 1750 Creole residence in the heart of the French Quarter, it's had the self-appointed mission of preserving local music since 1961. The audience lines up on the sidewalk, crowds in (it's one of the few places in town to enjoy music without smoke), then taps their feet along with bands schooled in the old ways of New Orleans. Great local musicians perform regularly, all linked by their devotion to traditional music. Thursdays are typically brass-band nights, where the "big" gets put in "big New Orleans sound. When people imagine a laid-back New Orleans jazz club, they're thinking of a place like Donna's Bar and Grill. Smoky and utterly un-self-conscious, the corner bar sits on a fringe of the French Quarter where few tourists happen by. Inside, it's too hot in the summer and too cold in the winter. Black-and-white photos of venerable New Orleans bands hang unevenly on the walls. But the music! It showcases a revolving cast of local greats, with Monday gigs by George French and vocalist Germaine Bazzle, and rollicking appearances by barrelhouse piano player Tom McDermott. Arrive before the show to get one of the handful of seats at the bar or in front of the low stage, grab a cold beer, then let the music take you away. It's not too early to plan a trip to New Orleans for the French Quarter Festival, featuring more than 150 musical performances on 18 stages. The event runs April 17-19, 2009. For more info, visit fqfi.org. Enter to win a monthly Room Makeover Giveaway from MyHomeIdeas.com . Copyright © Coastal Living, 2009 .

Snug Harbor Jazz Bistro is a good spot for classic, straight-ahead jazz . Tipitina's is a spacious, two-level club that attracts local and touring musicians . Donna's Bar and Grill showcases a revolving cast of local greats .

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Relative to millions: Mongol warlord Genghis Khan . Hundreds of millions of people are descended to tyrants and despots, according to a study. Laura Betzig, an evolutionary anthropologist from Michigan, has discovered that rulers such as Genghis Khan, Rameses the Great and Yangdi, the 6th-century Sui dynasty emperor systematically impregnated women, the latter fathering around 100,000 babies. It means that there are millions of people alive today with genetic traits associated with seeking power and oppressing people. Betzig explains that mass impregnations began around eight to nine thousand years ago when emperors and elites took over from hunter-gatherers. Betzig told The Sunday Times: ‘In evolutionary terms this period of human existence created an enormous selective pressure, with the guys at the top who had the least desirable traits passing on their genes to huge numbers of offspring.’ Her research covered the rulers of the first six great civilisations - Mesopotamia, Egypt, India, China, Mexico and Peru – but it was in China that mass impregnations was carried out the most systematically. Numbers game: Rameses the Great is thought to have fathered around 200 children . Yangdi: The Chinese emperor is credited with impregnating a staggering 100,000 women . One historian believes that Yangdi, the 6th-century Sui dynasty emperor, for example, had children with 100,000 women. For more than 2,000 years the system in China, said Betzig, was that women would be taken to the emperor to be impregnated when they were most fertile – and they had to be under 30 and attractive and symmetrical. The 13-century Mongol warlord Genghis Khan, meanwhile, is thought to have 16m male descendants, thanks to his habit of sleeping with scores of women. And Rameses the Great, who ruled Egypt 3,200 years ago, fathered 200 children. Some British lords also passed on their genes in a similar manner, with some having sex with hundreds of serfs, according to Betzig. Her research is published in the latest edition of Evolution & Human Behavior.

16m are thought to descend from Genghis Khan .

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Hillary Clinton's legacy as secretary of state is thin, judging from a press conference Tuesday in which the State Department's chief spokeswoman couldn't articulate any of the future presidential candidate's achievements on the job. She's not alone, with experts of all political stripes finding it difficult to bolster Clinton's resume as America's top diplomat. The former secretary of state herself had trouble articulating any lasting achievements from her tenure, during an April 3 appearance at the Women of the World Summit in New York City. SCROLL DOWN FOR VIDEOS . State Department press secretary Jen Psaki seemed blindsided by a reporter who asked her to name a Hillary Clinton achievement that stemmed from the agency's 2010 internal review . CNN?s afternoon panel erupted in laughter at Psaki's gaffe, saying the question shouldn't have come as a surprise . State Department Press Secretary Jen Psaki was flummoxed, too, when asked about a 2010 State Department Quadrennial Diplomacy and Development Review (QDDR) that summarized then-Secretary Clinton's goals and accomplishments. 'Can you, off the top of your head, identify one tangible achievement that ... resulted from the last QDDR?' asked an Associated Press reporter during the daily briefing. 'I am certain that those who were here at the time, who worked hard on that effort, could point out one,' Psaki replied through a forced smile. 'I’m sure there are a range of things that were put into place that I’m not even aware of,' she offered moments later. 'I won’t hold my breath,' the reporter shot back. Video of the exchange rocketed across the Internet and quickly found its way to network television, bringing guffaws from a CNN panel . 'Given Hillary Clinton’s obvious ambitions that we continually talk about, although she’s not giving us much to go off of, it should not have been a surprising question,' said Politico reporter Juana Summers, a guest appearing with chief national correspondent John King. The question stumped Clinton herself on April 3. 'When you look at your time as Secretary . of State, what are you most proud of?' the Women of the World Summit moderator asked. 'And what do you feel was . unfinished, and maybe have another crack at one day?' “Well, I really see – that was good – that’s why he wins prizes,' Clinton dissembled. Asked in April to name her own crowning achievement as secretary of state, Hillary Clinton talked only about the collaborative 'relay race' of setting policy . Searching for a Hillary Clinton fan: Google executive chairman Eric Schmidt thinks she was 'the most consequential secretary of state since Dean Acheson,' Harry S. Truman's legendary global emissary . Hillary Clinton will likely be back to kissing babies on the campaign trail as she prepares to run for president in 2016 -- but she suffers from an 'achievement gap' from her time as secretary of state . 'Look, I really see my role as secretary, in fact leadership in general . in a democracy, as a relay race. When you run the best race you can run, . you hand off the baton. Some of what hasn’t been finished may go on to . be finished, so when President Obama asked me to be Secretary of State I . agreed.' She ultimately took credit for vaguely 'setting the values, setting the standards' of American global leadership. Lanny Davis, the former Clinton White House counsel in Bill Clinton's administration, said Hillary has succeeded in becoming 'the most popular woman in the world' 'I just don’t want to lose that because we have a dysfunctional political situation in Washington. Then of course, a lot of particulars, but I am finishing my book so you’ll be able to read all about it.' Clinton may be left with an embarrassing bit of unfinished business to explain in 2016: a whopping $6 billion in State Department funds that went missing because of improper contracting procedures. Contract files worth $2.1 billion, according to an Inspector General report, 'could not be located at all.' 'The failure to maintain contract files adequately creates significant financial risk and demonstrates a lack of internal control over the Department’s contract actions,' the report added. Talking heads, including some Clinton partisans, have struggled to name any of her achievements at the helm of State. America Rising, a political action committee that is among the leaders of the pre-emptive anti-Hillary movement on the political right, assembled a list on Wednesday. 'You think Hillary has an "accomplishment problem" ahead of her book release?' the group jabbed. 'Yikes.' The top-ten list is ripe for GOP mocking. Lanny Davis, the White House counsel during the Bill Clinton administration, told radio host Hugh Hewitt on January 29 that the former first lady's chief accomplishment was encouraging 'goodwill around the world.' 'This is a secretary of state – is the most popular woman in the world, and restored relations with everyone,' said Davis. Politico searched in December for insiders who would echo Google executive chairman Eric Schmidt's claim that Clinton was 'the most consequential secretary of state since Dean Acheson' in the Harry S. Truman administration. But 'even many of her most ardent defenders recognize Hillary Clinton had no signal accomplishment at the State Department to her name,' the newspaper concluded, 'no indelible peace sealed with her handshake, no war averted, no nuclear crisis defused.' 'There are few Eric Schmidts out there still willing to make the case for her as an enormously consequential figure in the history of Foggy Bottom.' Politico tracked down David Gordon, who was in charge of State Department policy planning in the George W. Bush administration. He said Clinton's 'great weakness was avoiding serious diplomacy.' 'It is hard to avoid the conclusion that for Clinton, the SecState role was substantially about positioning her to run for president,' Gordon told the newspaper, 'especially in terms of looking "tough" on some of the big issues: Iran sanctions, reassuring Asian allies.' 'Not taking on the big diplomatic challenges made that toughness easier to maintain even as she devoted so much of her actual time in office to "soft" issues like education, women’s empowerment, etc.'

Jen Psaki, the State Department's chief spokesperson, seemed blindsided by a question about Clinton's accomplishments . A CNN panel erupted into laughter when Psaki's gaffe was shown . Clinton herself couldn't articulate what she was 'most proud of' during her time as America's top diplomat when asked just weeks ago . A former White House counsel from the Bill Clinton presidency defended Hillary on radio as 'the most popular woman in the world' She's likely to run for president in 2016 but faces an 'achievement gap' from her time in President Barack Obama's cabinet .

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By . Matt Blake . PUBLISHED: . 06:51 EST, 15 January 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 08:31 EST, 15 January 2013 . A Scotland Yard police officer was executed on a charity trip to Kenya after bandits ambushed his bus - and found his force ID, it has been claimed. Special Constable Jamal Moghe, 26, was travelling to a rural school, about 150 miles north of Nairobi, where he was arranging to send old UK laptops to pupils when the ruthless hijackers struck. The mob of 12 gunmen stormed through the coach demanding that each of the 70 passengers on board empty their luggage and hand over their valuables. But when they got to SPC Moghe, they were startled to see his Met identification card fall out of his bag and opened fire, his heartbroken family claim. Nobody else on the bus was hurt in the raid. Ambushed: Special Constable Jamal Moghe, 26, was travelling to a rural school, about 150 miles north of Nairobi, where he was arranging to send old UK laptops to pupils when the ruthless hijackers struck . They also stole an expensive camera and and a bag of clothes from him before riddling him with bullets. His best friend Shil Abdiaziz, who pulled out of the trip at the last minute, told The Sun: 'We believe they found his Met Police ID card - it spooked them and that’s why he was the only one shot and killed.' Kenyan police say they have tracked down and killed six of the bandits, believed to be from neighbouring Ethiopia. Pc Moghe, who worked as a only married sweetheart Sudi in London a year ago, moved to the UK from war-torn Somalia when he was in his teens. This was said to be his first trip back to Africa since he fled the continent more than a decade ago. His uncle Abdullah Ali told The Sun that SPC Moghe idolised double Olympic gold medalist and fellow Somali-born Brit Mo Farah and was elated to work on traffic duty at the Olympic Park during the Games. SPC Moghe, a criminal exhibits office who also worked as a special constable in Brent, north London, . His distraught widow, Sudi, who ran a children's charity with him near their home in Wembley, North London, said said: 'Being a policeman and doing charity work was his dream.' His funeral was held in Nairobi yesterday, as is custom in Islam to bury a body within a day of death. Today, a colleague paid tribute to Jamal on a police website. They wrote: 'I am a colleague of Jamal and have worked with him. 'He put a lot of effort in helping combat Gun and Knife crime, by providing talks and physically hitting the streets. 'He worked with the youth and provided a positive role model to the Somali community. 'RIP Jamal.' Ealing borough commander Andy Rowell . paid tribute to the exhibits officer, saying: 'We were all shocked and . saddened to hear of Jamal's death. 'He was a popular member of the team at Ealing borough, and he also chose to serve his community by volunteering as a special. 'Our thoughts are with his wife and family at this time.' A Scotland Yard spokesman said: 'The MPS is saddened to hear of the death of a Special Constable on a visit to Africa. 'Jamal was a member of police staff at a west London police station, and also worked as a Special on Brent Borough. 'We understand he was shot and killed in Kenya on January 12.'

Jamal Moghe, 26, was a Special Constable from Wembley, north London . He was heading to a rural school to provide old UK laptops for pupils . He was the only one killed of 70 passengers in the hijacking by 12 men . Kenyan police have already killed 6 of the bandits, thought to be Ethiopian . Best friend: 'We believe Met ID spooked them so they killed him . Wife Sudi: 'Being a policeman and doing charity work was his dream'

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Jamaal Charles returned from an ankle injury and scored three touchdowns to guide the Kansas City Chiefs to a thumping 41-14 win over the New England Patriots on Monday. The running back, who missed last week's win in Miami with a sprained ankle, rushed for 92 yards and a score and also caught two touchdown passes from quarterback Alex Smith. Smith finished with 248 passing yards and three touchdowns at Arrowhead Stadium, but his opposite number Tom Brady was picked off twice on a miserable night for the Patriots. 'Coach said he was going to look for me, and see how it feels during the game,' Charles said, 'and I guess I started feeling like myself. He didn't want to take me out.' Jamaal Charles scored three touchdowns as the Kansas City Chiefs smashed the New England Patriots . Jamaal Charles (25) returned from injury and ran the Patriots defense ragged at Arrowhead Stadium . The Chiefs (2-2) ended a four-game losing streak at their Arrowhead Stadium home dating to last season. Patriots quarterback Brady saw one of his two interceptions returned for a touchdown and finished 14 of 23 for 159 yards and a touchdown. 'It was just a bad performance by everybody,' Brady said. 'We need to make sure we never have this feeling again. We've got to figure out what we have to do better.' With the game out of hand, the Patriots gave rookie quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo a chance to play. He threw a late touchdown pass to Rob Gronkowski to complete the scoring. 'Just wanted to play everybody,' Patriots coach Bill Belichick said. The Chiefs forced the Patriots to air it out by stuffing running backs Shane Vereen and Stevan Ridley. And when Brady dropped back, their front seven ran roughshod over New England's suspect offensive line. Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Alex Smith finished with 248 passing yards and three touchdowns . It hardly helped the Patriots' offense that it was trying to operate on the same night Chiefs fans were trying to reclaim the record for loudest outdoor sports venue. The record was set in the first half, when Guinness World Records noted a noise level of 142.2 decibels — breaking the mark of 137.6 that the Seattle Seahawks' fans had set last season. 'My ears are still ringing,' Reid said with a smile. The crowd included several members of the Royals, who made the walk across the parking lot from Kauffman Stadium to watch the start of the game on the sidelines. The Royals will play their first postseason game since 1985 against the Oakland Athletics on Tuesday night. Knile Davis added 107 yards rushing for Kansas City, forming a potent one-two punch with Charles in the backfield. Tight end Travis Kelce had eight catches for 93 yards and a score. 'Some nights things come together,' Smith said. 'Guys execute and you take advantage.' Tom Brady was sacked twice on a miserable Monday night for the New England Patriots . The Kansas City Chiefs cheerleaders perform for the crowd gathered at Arrowhead Stadium . Charles was executing right from the start, giving the Chiefs a lead with his first-quarter touchdown plunge. He then extended the lead with a 5-yard TD catch in the second quarter. Cairo Santos added a 22-yard field goal just before halftime for a 17-0 lead. The field goal came after the Chiefs were bailed out by a defensive penalty. They had been stopped short on a pass play with 8 seconds left, but the penalty gave them a second chance. Kansas City had 303 yards of first-half offense, the most against any Belichick-coached team. Charles added his third touchdown of the game early in the second half, taking a short pass in the flat and stumbling into the end zone. He appeared to grab his hamstring on the way down and was met by trainers as he exited the field. After a brief trip to the locker room, Charles logged a few more carries before his night was done. By that point, the game was pretty much done, too. Brady threw a 44-yard touchdown pass in the third quarter to Brandon LaFell, who slipped the grasp of cornerback Marcus Cooper to reach the end zone. But he was picked off by Husain Abdullah later in the half, and Abdullah returned the interception 39 yards for a touchdown. Abdullah was flagged afterward for unsportsmanlike conduct, but the devout Muslim said it had nothing to do with dropping to his knees in prayer. He said the penalty came because he slid to his knees. The lesson learned? 'Stop before you drop,' Abdullah said. VIDEO Ross Tucker: Which coach is on the hottest seat after Week 4?

Kansas City Chiefs beat New England Patriots 41-14 . Jamaal Charles returns from injury with three touchdowns for Chiefs . Alex Smith throws three touchdown passes for Kansas City . Patriots quarterback Tom Brady intercepted twice on disastrous night .

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Iker Casillas made a mess of a first half free-kick and Diego Costa made it six games without scoring for Spain as the European champions were beaten by Slovakia in their first defeat in qualifying for eight years. Casillas’ clanger allowed Juraj Kucka to give the hosts the lead and with Liverpool defender Martin Skrtel getting the better of Costa it always looked as if Vicente del Bosque’s side would leave empty-handed. Spain substitute Paco Alcacer equalised with eight minutes left to make it two goals in two games for him but Michal Duris' cross was headed home by former Chelsea midfielder Miroslav Stoch three minutes from time and Slovakia took all three points. VIDEO Scroll down to watch under-pressure Iker Casillas get skinned by Diego Costa in training . Miroslav Stoch celebrates by taking his top off after scoring Slovakia's winning goal in the 87th minute . Spain's Paco Alcacer, pictured with Martin Skrtel, levelled the scoring with eight minutes left on the clock . Spain goalkeeper Iker Casillas missed the ball to allow Slovakia to score in the 17th minute . Slovakia's Juraj Kucka celebrates with team-mates after scoring during the Group C Euro 2016 qualifying win . Genoa midfielder Kucka (pictured celebrating with his team-mates) scored the opening goal of the match . Kucka and his team-mates look ecstatic after the opening goal, while Diego Costa (right foreground) looks on . Slovakia: Kozacik, Pekarik, Skrtel, Durica, Hubocan, Mak (Stoch 61), Pecovsky, Gyomber, Kucka (Kiss 83), Weiss (Duris 54), Hamsik. Subs not used: Michalik, Guede, Sestak, Nemec, Novota, Sabo, Mucha, Jakubko. Goals: Kucka 17, Stoch 87 . Spain: Casillas, Juanfran (Cazorla 81), Pique, Albiol (Pedro 58), Jordi Alba, David Silva (Alcacer 71), Busquets, Fabregas, Koke, Iniesta, Diego Costa. Subs not used: Azpilicueta, Bartra, Raul Garcia, De Gea, Iturraspe, Casilla, Carvajal, Bernat, Rdorigo. Goal: Alcacer 82 . Costa’s international goal drought looked like coming to an end in the first half as his combination with Cesc Fabregas almost broke the deadlock inside the first 10 minutes. The midfielder crossed from the right and Costa’s header went fractionally wide. He was coming into the game having failed to score in his first six matches for his adopted country, in stark contrast to nine goals in nine games for Chelsea. The Brazilian-born striker had started brightly and was seeing plenty of the ball. Unfortunately Casillas did not see the ball at all at the other end of the pitch when he handed Slovakia a shock lead. The Spain keeper had made a brilliant save moments earlier from Robert Mak. Peter Pekarik crossed from the right, and with Casillas wrong-footed, PAOK striker Mak thought he had scored but the Real Madrid keeper changed direction and turned the shot away for a corner. But on 18 minutes Kucka drove a free-kick through a less than convincing Spain wall and with a slight swerve the driven shot seemed to confuse Casillas. Had he not moved he would have caught the ball but he had already gone right and when he readjusted his position, his fumbling block could not prevent the ball hitting the back of the net. It should have been a special night for Casillas, moving into second place for all-time international appearances for a European player, with only Latvia’s Vitalijs Astafjevs on 165 having played more. Spain and Barcelona defender Gerard Pique looks in dismay during his side's shock defeat by Slovakia . Vicente del Bosque named a strong team against Slovakia - with the likes of David Silva, Costa and Andres Iniesta all starting for La Roja . Chelsea midfielder Cesc Fabregas also featured for La Roja against European rivals Slovakia . Costa, pictured on the receiving end of a tackle by Liverpool's Skrtel, played the full 90 minutes against Slovakia . Slovakia's match-winner spent four years as a Chelsea player, although he never started a Premier League game for the club. In 2010 the winger was sold to Turkish side Fenerbache, where he looked to have revitalised his career, scoring 14 times in his first two seasons. But no goals in 17 games in the 2012/13 season saw him fall out of favour, and Stoch was loaned to PAOK in Greece. After a decent spell he returned to Turkey, only to be loaned out again, this time to Al Ain in UAE, where he plays alongside former Sunderland striker Asamoah Gyan. So far this season he has scored twice in three games, as well as making two appearances off the bench for Slovakia, including Thursday's crucial cameo. But Casillas’ 158th game had been ruined by an error that now put Spain on the back foot. Fabregas and Costa led the charge to get back into the match and Costa in particular was everywhere, including in the face of Skrtel. The two clashed off the ball and were both spoken to by the referee. Ten minutes before the break Costa so nearly had his first goal for Spain when he headed Fabregas’ corner goalwards. Matus Kozacik pulled off a fine save and then saved Sergio Busquet’s acrobatic volley from the rebound. Costa was denied at the start of the second half and Fabregas also went close but the Chelsea pairing were unable to get Spain back into the game. It was in Slovakia nine years ago that Spain’s record goalscorer David Villa netted the first of his 59 goals and the reigning European champions had hoped Costa – the man they see as the heir to Villa’s throne – would also get off the mark here. But the curse continues. Despite his blistering form for Chelsea he played in a disappointing 1-0 friendly defeat by France last month and then missed their 5-1 win over Macedonia a few days later. Some Spanish fans even wanted that team – with Valencia youngster Alcacer leading the line – to be used again for this game. Alcacer replaced Manchester City’s David Silva with 20 minutes left and scored the equaliser from Jordi Alba’s cross. It seemed that would set-up a grandstand finish and give Costa the opportunity to break his duck with the winner. Slovakia had other ideas though and from Duris’ cross Stoch got the winner. Valencia striker Alcacer came off the substitutes' bench to score his second goal for his country . Costa congratulated his fellow striker after Alcacer scored past Slovakia goalkeeper Matus Kozacik . Chelsea striker Costa was unable to add to his personal goal tally for the season as he was kept quiet all evening . Casillas could lose his first team spot to Manchester United's David de Gea as he was at fault for Slovakia's first goal . Stoch was mobbed by his international team-mates after scoring what turned out to be the winning goal . Del Bosque saw his side fall to their first defeat in a qualifying campaign for eight years . Spain full back Jordi Alba tries to rally his team-mates after conceding to Slovakia in the Euro 2016 qualifying match . Chelsea duo Costa and Fabregas react to conceding a late winner against Slovakia in their European Championship qualifier . VIDEO Mexico v Honduras highlights .

Slovakia ace Miroslav Stoch scored in the 87th minute to give his side all three points . Real Madrid goalkeeper Iker Casillas was at fault for Slovakia's opening goal . Spain's No 1 appeared to misjudge Juraj Kucka's 17th-minute opener . Substitute Paco Alcacer put Spain on level terms before Stoch's late winner . Spain recorded their first defeat in a qualifying campaign for eight years . Diego Costa's international goal drought continued on Thursday night .

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(CNN) -- Murder charges against two Maryland doctors over abortions they performed on late-term fetuses have been dropped, prosecutors said Wednesday. "We have exercised our discretion to dismiss them at this point," said Cecil County State's Attorney Ellis Rollins. The doctors, Steven Brigham and Nicola Riley, had faced identical charges: five counts each of first-degree murder, five of second-degree murder and one of conspiracy to commit first-degree murder. The investigation began August 13, 2010, when Riley brought a woman into an Elkton hospital due to a "complication resulting from a medical procedure," police said. The woman had driven from New Jersey to Maryland for an abortion, investigators later determined. Days later, Elkton police searched the abortion clinic where Brigham and Riley work and found several fetuses "in a freezer chest." The fetuses were taken to a medical examiner's office in Baltimore, according a police news release. Maryland is one of 38 states that have fetal homicide laws, often supported by anti-abortion advocates, which advocates say are intended to protect the lives of both the pregnant woman and the fetus.

Murder charges are dropped against two doctors over late-term abortions they performed . The doctors, Steven Brigham and Nicola Riley, had each faced various counts of murder . Maryland is one of 38 states with fetal homicide laws .

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A young boy wanders through the high grass, looking lost after attending church services in Kakata, Liberia. The child, Moses Kallie, wears a black T-shirt that's too big for him. It reads "Trouble is my middle name." Trouble has certainly come into his life. He's lost 13 of his relatives recently -- his parents among them. They were all killed by Ebola. His village is a hotspot for the virus. So far 1,578 people are believed to have died from Ebola in Liberia alone, according to the latest numbers from the World Health Organization. The country has seen a 52% of increases in cases in just the past three weeks. That's in large part because there is little or no outside medical help for residents who get sick there. Searching for the answers: Can the world stop Ebola? In Monrovia, the country's crowded capital, doors to hospitals and clinics are shut tight, locked with thick padlocks. Many health care workers in West Africa have lost their lives due to the way the virus spreads -- through contact with bodily fluids from those who are infected. On Monday, the World Health Organization urged the affected countries to give health care workers both the adequate security and safety equipment they need, as well as appropriate education and training on infection control. A new Ebola clinic opened in Monrovia this week, but bodies lay on the ground outside its walls. Ambulances filled with Ebola patients, some that have traveled seven hours to get there, are not unloaded. Without help to get them inside, the patients fall in the dirt, mere feet away from treatment. Without help, family members must care for these Ebola patients. And without the proper safety equipment, they too fall sick and Ebola continues to spread. The virus forces the local dead body management teams to work 12 hours a day, six days a week. All for a paycheck of $300 to $500 a month. Why I became a human guinea pig for Ebola . Dressed from head to toe in white protective suits and thick goggles, the burial teams try to stay safe, but nothing can shield them from the unspeakable horrors they've seen when they make their regular rounds. On Friday, Kiyee described what he saw when he entered a home: . "I took the key and opened the door and went in and saw a 6-month-old child licking on the mother's skin," said Kiyee. The mother was lying on her stomach. She had died from Ebola. The baby was searching for the mother's milk. "Right away I started shedding tears." WHO said on Monday the overall death toll in the Ebola outbreak has risen to 2,803 in the five countries at the heart of the epidemic: Sierra Leone, Liberia, Guinea, Nigeria and Senegal. When people go out in public, they are encouraged to take whatever precautions they can. In Monrovia, people get their temperatures taken wherever they go -- at the grocery store, the office and at church. A fever is one of the early symptoms of the disease. At the little boy's church in Kakata, the pastor is both practical and philosophical about Ebola. He has spent his career thinking deeply about death and what happens afterward. When his congregation asked the Rev. Victor King if he's afraid of death he said "No," but "I don't want to die from Ebola." Ebola outbreak: How to help . At his church, he's called off the part of the service where congregation members shake hands. He tells them not to hug when they see each other, and no one takes communion wine from the same chalice any more. Many in his congregation were at first displeased when he ended that practice, he said. Communion is the high point of the church service and it is central to their tradition of worship. But he believes the congregation, like many in Liberia, are starting to better understand the disease and how it spreads. After services, the congregation files out the door and stops at a container the pastor has placed right outside. The container looks like it should hold a sports drink. Instead, it contains bleach for them to wash their hands. To a person the congregation stops and takes their time to wash up thoroughly. Anthony Kallah, a teacher, is one of them. "We are all afraid," Kallah said. "This is a threatening disease."

At least 1,578 people in Liberia have died from Ebola, according to the World Health Organization . Liberia has seen a 52% of increases in cases in just the past three weeks. WHO says two of the countries at the heart of the epidemic have made progress .

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(CNN) -- Citizens of South Korea chose their 18th president this week -- Park Geun-hye, who will be the nation's first female leader. Park, 60, was the candidate of the ruling conservative New Frontier Party, also known as Saenuri. To some observers' surprise, Park's campaign had repeatedly highlighted her gender as a marker of her superiority to her rival, Moon Jae-in, a 59-year-old candidate of the opposition Democratic United Party, who is currently a member of the National Assembly. For example, her television advertisements promoted Park as a prepped woman president who understands feminine leadership that is responsible and subtle. Park also made pledges appealing to women in workplace and family. She even equated the birth of a woman president with political cleanup and innovation in South Korea. Looking at Park's future presidency from afar without considering its historical and social context, it is rather tempting to celebrate it as a sign of positive social change in the conservative Asian country -- women have finally arrived. Or have they? Certainly, there is an affirmative note in the conservative party's calculation that they need to woo women voters and promote feminine leadership as a positive alternative to a male leadership soiled by corruption and power struggle. We can appreciate its significance even more when this change is juxtaposed with the 1990s when many pregnant women in South Korea aborted female fetuses to ensure that they would have at least one son among one or two children they were willing to bear. The positive meaning of feminine leadership is also a step forward from older generations of women leaders in South Korea and elsewhere, who either downplayed their gender or ignored it altogether to avoid any negative consequence for their political career. However, looking into it, the gender politics of Park's candidacy is replete with contradictions and ironies. Here are a few examples. First, her political career, including her prominence in national politics since the 2002 presidential election, has been propelled and maintained by her father's posthumous political fortune. She is the daughter of Park Chung-hee who ruled the country with a repressive iron fist from 1961 to 1979. Her father came to power through a military coup d état and his rule ended when he was assassinated by his own Korean CIA director. In the aftermath of the Asian financial crisis (1997-1998) and disillusionment with civilian presidents who were democratically elected, a growing number of Koreans became nostalgic about her late father whose collective memory had been largely negative. In multiple national surveys conducted at the turn of the second millennia, an increasing number of respondents chose her father as "one of the greatest leaders" or even the greatest leader in Korean history. Park began her political career in 1998 when she was elected to be a National Assembly member representing the city of Daegu through a special election. Conservative Koreans have adored her as the daughter of the national hero. In fact, during the later years of her father's presidency, known as Yushin Dictatorship (1972-1979), young Park played the role of the first lady because her mother was assassinated in 1974 by a North Korean agent who intended to kill her father. This experience shaped her views on major historical and current issues in South Korea that often echo her father's. To progressive Koreans, her father's specter looms too large to consider Park as a symbol of new feminine leadership. Second, evaluating her record as a politician in her own right without reducing her to her political pedigree, there is little to celebrate. She lacks a track record of practicing such positive feminine leadership and supporting policies to promote gender equality and empower social minorities in general. On the contrary, she is known for her inability to communicate with people spontaneously and her lack of empathy for difficult lives of grassroots populace because of her privileged position throughout her life. Her admirers praise Park for her composure and discipline, but these positive qualities are not specifically related to her feminine leadership and commitment to empowering women and other social minorities. Therefore, the vociferous emphasis on these issues in her presidential campaign was nothing but expedient rhetoric to win the presidential race. Third, comparatively speaking, the rise of Park's political star echoes the ironic situation of women politicians elsewhere (such as Margaret Thatcher, Golda Meir, Megawati Sukarnoputri and Sarah Palin), promoted by conservative or leftist parties that have rarely prioritized or supported gender equality in their policy making and implementation. Park also conforms to the recurring model of female political leader who is a daughter, a wife, or a sister of a powerful male leader. This reveals that high social status overrides female gender in many societies and especially in a patriarchal society. Women politicians in such situation may conjure up a powerful illusion that women are also individuals (like men) with equal right to run for public offices at all levels. Their presence also reflects a popular sentiment for gender equality that has spread globally in recent decades. Yet such women politicians are more likely to be window dressing to garner public support than agents of progressive social change toward equality and empowerment of women and other social minorities. The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of Seungsook Moon.

Park Geun-hye to become 18th president of South Korea -- its first female leader . Moon writes it's easy to look at Park's future presidency as sign of social change . Park's father's legacy has propelled her political career, writes Moon . Moon: Park's political record lacks support of policies promoting gender equality .

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By . Helen Pow and David Mccormack . PUBLISHED: . 13:51 EST, 8 March 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 14:12 EST, 8 March 2013 . Tabitha Gentry was arrested late Thursday and charged with aggravated burglary, criminal trespassing and theft of property over $60,000 . The family of the young mother arrested on Thursday evening after illegally squatting for the past week inside a $2.7million Memphis mansion, have spoken out about how she became radicalized after falling under the influence of the anti-government group known as the Moorish National Movement. Tabitha Gentry, 32, and two of her six children moved into the mansion in the exclusive Shady Grove neighborhood of Memphis on Monday. Family members say Gentry, from the Memphis suburb of Horn Lake, has undergone a radical change of personality since falling under the influence of the Moorish and that she was once an honor student and high school basketball player with a promising future. ‘Very smart. They said she was on the dean's list at school,’ cousin Trenisha Gentry told Myfoxmemphis. ‘She never went without making the honor roll or principal's list.’ But Tabitha’s life changed radically after she met and fell in love with Darrin Fleming, who introduced her to the Moorish National Movement. Since then she has undergone a metamorphosis which has seen her change her appearance and assume the name Abka Re Bey. ‘She has never had braids and she was never part of no Moorish Nation or something like that,’ said Trenisha. ‘Ever since she met him she's changed. She really has. We noticed she started having more things like she's got a huge truck, an Excursion.’ A group of squatters, pictured, broke into the $3million mansion in Memphis, Tennessee earlier this week and had refused to leave . Foreclosed: The decadent four acre residence, complete with a home theater and swimming pool, was foreclosed in August 2011 and has been sitting empty for 18 months . Gentry pictured at the time of her arrest last November when she was charged with aggravated assault for trying to run over a police officer . Gentry, who has six children aged between 11 years and 14 months, was arrested late on Thursday evening and charged with aggravated burglary, criminal trespassing and theft of property over $60,000. She claims to be a sovereign citizen . of the Moorish National Movement, who believes the law does not apply to . her. Gentry filed paperwork with the Shelby County Register of Deeds on . February 25, claiming to seize the property on the 600-block of S Shady . Grove 'in the name of Allah, the Most High, Creator of the Heavens and . Earth.' On Thursday night a judge signed a . warrant for police to raid the house after a grandparent of one . of the children inside asked them to intervene. Within five minutes a SWAT . team had arrived in an armored vehicle full of officers . armed with assault rifles and they quickly gained entry by smashing through the gates. Gentry was caught driving . away from the scene at 11.30pm on Thursday in a white Jaguar, which also contained a 13-year-old . child. She was promptly arrested and charged with burglary. Tabitha Gentry was booked at the . Shelby County Jail at 2:45 a.m. on Friday, March 8. She is being held on . a $2 million bond, and is scheduled to appear in court March 11. Forcing entry: SWAT teams used welding equipment to gain access to the house on Thursday night . Chain: The group, who claim to be Moorish American Nationals, padlocked the gate of the $3million home . Two juveniles were also removed from . the home; one child has been released into her aunt's custody, and the . second child is still in the custody of the Department of Child . Services. The case is still under . investigation. The Shelby County Sheriff's Public Information Officer, . Chip Washington, stated additional suspects and charges are likely, reports ABC. This isn't Gentry's first tangle with . the law. Last November she was charged with aggravated assault for trying . to run over a police officer during a traffic stop in south Memphis. At . the time she provided police with a sovereign citizen identification . card. That case could be headed toward a Shelby County grand jury for indictment. The 10,000 square foot home is owned by Renesant Bank after . going into foreclosure in August 2011. Claim: The squatters wrote a note on the gate claiming that the bank cannot own property and that the home, which was valued last year at $3.2 million, was theirs . The squatters broke into the home on Monday and chained the gate. On Wednesday they ignored a . bank-imposed deadline to vacate the property. They were first discovered on . Monday by Daniel Brown who visits the property on Shady Grove Road, a high-end neighborhood, every week to clean the pool. He said he arrived to find the gate padlocked with 'no trespassing' signs posted to it. The . squatters, who were captured laughing in the window in local TV . footage, even wrote a note on the gate claiming that the bank couldn't own . property and that the home, which was valued last year at $3.2 million, . was theirs. 'The signage said the bank cannot own property, and that they had the original deed to the house and that they were taking them to court and there were eight other properties,' Brown told WMCTV.com. The inhabitants, who were contacted by email, said their indigenous ancestry granted them ownership of the mansion. They added that they believe in 'love, truth, peace, freedom and justice.' Expensive: In 2006, the residence, pictured in real estate photos, was bought for $3.9 million by Richard and April Rice . Repossessed: Renasant Bank assumed ownership in August 2011 and the home had been empty for more than a year . Power: The home still had utilities but no furniture according to neighbors . Neighbors were outraged that the squatters had bedded into their exclusive neighborhood. 'Well, I'm stunned really,' David Peck told WMCTV.com. 'I know the two former owners. And I knew the house was on the market, but I've never heard of anything like this.' Another neighbor, Vallie Jo Bell, said: 'We were just really surprised. I hope they'll get out and maybe find another place to live.' The home and property, totaling almost four acres, were valued at $3.2 million in 2012. Ancestry: The inhabitants claimed in an email that their indigenous ancestry granted them ownership of the mansion . Angry: Neighbors are outraged that the squatters bedded in on their well-to-do street . The bank had ordered the illegal tenants to move out of the home by 2:30pm on Wednesday but they refused . In 2006, Richard and April Rice bought the residence for $3.9 million but Renasant Bank assumed ownership in August 2011. The mansion still has working utilities, but neighbors said it doesn't have any furniture. The bank had ordered the Moors to leave by 2:30p.m. on Wednesday, but they had ignored the order.

Tabitha Gentry claimed rights to the Memphis mansion as part of a group known as 'Moorish American . Nationals' Gentry was arrested while attempting to drive away from mansion on Thursday . Her family say her personality has changed dramatically since she got involved with the anti-government group . She has been charged with aggravated burglary, criminal trespassing and theft of property over $60,000 .

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Atlanta (CNN) -- Former NBA guard Javaris Crittenton is wanted in connection with the murder of an Atlanta woman, authorities said Monday. Crittenton, 23, of Fayetteville, Georgia, faces murder charges from the August 19 shooting of 22-year-old Julian Jones in Atlanta. Jones suffered multiple gunshot wounds and was pronounced dead at a hospital, the FBI said. Authorities believe Jones was killed in a drive-by shooting involving a dark-colored SUV and an assault rifle. The FBI said Crittenton probably is in Los Angeles with family and friends. He purchased a one-way plane ticket to Los Angeles five days after the shooting. He is also named in a federal arrest warrant for unlawful flight to avoid prosecution. Crittenton, who played for Georgia Tech before going pro, was drafted by the Los Angeles Lakers in 2007 and then traded to the Memphis Grizzlies. He was picked up by the Washington Wizards in December 2008 but was suspended and later released by the NBA in 2010 after a gun-related incident involving teammate Gilbert Arenas. Crittenton's representatives could not be immediately reached for comment Monday.

Crittenton is accused of murdering a 22-year-old woman . The FBI says the former NBA player has fled to avoid prosecution . He is believed to be in Los Angeles .

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Thanksgiving at the Margolies house is going to be awkward this year. Marjorie Margolies, a former congresswoman and mother-in-law to former first daughter Chelsea Clinton, crashed and burned in a bid to return to the House of Representatives on Tuesday, losing her Democratic primary in a landslide. Her epic Pennsylvania loss to state Rep. Brendan Boyle came despite campaign fundraising appearances by both Bill and Hillary Clinton, who couldn't push her above a 27 per cent showing in a four-way race. Margolies has courted controversy since 1993 when, in her first and only term in Congress, she cast the deciding vote in favor of then-President Bill Clinton's tax-raising 1993 budget. Marjorie Margolies conceded the election for the Democratic nomination in Pennsylvania's 13th Congressional District on Tuesday, losing in a landslide despite endorsements and fundraising help from Bill and Hillary Clinton . Happy couple: Chelsea Clinton and Marc Mezvinsky merged the two political families with troubled pasts, and Marc's mother's political flame-out will add new tensions . Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton turned an April fundraiser for Margolies into a mini campaign launch for herself, raising $200,000 for her son-in-law's mother but test-ballooning 2016 campaign issues at the same time . Republicans chanted 'Bye bye Marjorie' on the House floor, knowing her political life would take a hit since she had promised her constituents that she would never raise their taxes. Shortly after she lost her seat in the 1994 midterm election that swept Newt Gingrich and more than 50 other conservatives into power, she got a consolation prize in the form of a $600,000 grant for her charity, Women's Campaign International, from Bill Clinton's USAID. Part of Margolies' political baggage was linked to that charity. In 2001 after her husband, former Democratic Rep. Ed Mezvinsky, was indicted for investor fraud, Margolies lost everything – her property was liquidated to reimburse her husband's victims more than $10 million, and a judge refused to let her declare bankruptcy. She then doubled her own salary into six-figure territory, made a move to pay for a mansion for her to live in and billed it for a leased car. She also reportedly forced the charity's staffers to double as personal assistants to help her at a university where she taught. A pregnant Chelsea Clinton showed off her baby bump as she arrived in Los Angeles on Wednesday; her mother-in-law lost a congressional primary bid on Tuesday . Bill and Hillary Clinton both personally headlined fundraisers for Margolies, and they appeared together in a campaign commercial made near the end of the primary run. Hillary's appearance in April, however, appeared less focused on Margolies than on herself. The candidate didn't show up, and Mrs. Clinton road-tested campaign themes for the 2016 presidential election. In contrast, the power couple made nearly a dozen appearances last year in Virginia to help former Democratic National Committee chair Terry McAuliffe win a hotly contested governor's race. A handful of other marquee November races took shape Tuesday night as Republicans seek a six-seat flip this year to retake the U.S. Senate . Kentucky . Senate . Minority Leader Mitch McConnell cruised to victory over tea party . challenger Matt Bevin, a political neophyte who never had a chance after . he was caught speaking to a pro-cockfightnig rally. McConnell . was a gracious winner: He needs to be. Facing popular state Attorney . General Alison Lundergan Grimes in November will force the five-term . incumbent to unite a fractured GOP, many of whose voters see him as a . flexible moderate with limited conservative credentials. Grimes . hopes to unseat the Republicans' most powerful senator, even if it's a . consolation prize in an otherwise dismal year for Democrats. Chelsea Clinton and Marc Mezvinsky wed in 2010; his mother Marjorie Margolies (L) lost her bid to return to Congress in a dramatic primary drubbing on Tuesday . Oregon Republican Monica Wehby (2nd L) won her Senate nomination despite separate domestic harassment accusations leveled against her in the past by an ex-husband and a former boyfriend; early voting by mail helped her collect support before the scandal broke . Georgia . In a hyper-competitive Senate race, businessman . David Perdue topped the field of seven Republicans and a more . conservative House member, Jack Kingston, finished a close second. The . two will meet in a July runoff for the GOP nomination. McConnell cruises: The Senate minority leader, shown voting with nis wife -- former Labor Secretary Elaine Chao -- made easy work of his tea party challenger, and then quickly called for party unity in order to hold on to his seat in November . Tea party-supported candidates Paul Broun and Phil Gingrey, both members of the House who sought to leap to the North side of the U.S. Capitol, finished at the bottom of the heap and will likely exit Congress entirely. The winner of July’s runoff election will face Democratic nominee Michelle Nunn, whose father Sam Nunn was a popular U.S. senator who often won re-elections by landslide margins. Oregon . Dr. Monica Wehby overcame late-stage accusations about past domestic disputes to capture the GOP Senate nomination. Police reports surfaced this month showing that her ex-husband and a former boyfriend both called police with claims that she had harassed them. The boyfriend, a timber company executive who later funded a super PAC attacking Wehby's main challenger, state Rep. Jason Conger, and later said he regretted blowing the whistle on her, and that his claims at the time were heat-of-passion exaggerations . Oregon voters participate heavily in early mail-in voting, raising the possibility that Wehby's victory was significantly aided by voters who cast ballots before her scandal broke in the news. But now the issue threatens to damage her chances against incumbent Democratic Sen. Jeff Merkley in November.

Marjorie Margolis captured just 27 per cent of votes in a Pennsylvania congressional primary, despite endorsements from the Clintons . Her son Marc Mezvinsky is married to former first daughter Chelsea Clinton . Margolies served one term in Congress during the 1990s but was famously bounced from office after a single term following her deciding vote in favor of Bill Clinton's 1993 national tax increase . Key Senate primary races in Oregon, Kentucky, Georgia and elsewhere have clarified the November races that will determine who controls Congress during President Barack Obama's final two years in office .

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By . Tracey Cox . Half-term and holidays make for happy times - but also high levels of tension in relationships. Being together 24/7 with no respite from each other or the children isn’t easy - which is why I thought it timely to write about how to have love that lasts. These are the things that I think really count: . Don’t try to control each other. They aren’t you and you aren’t them so stop trying to turn them into you by controlling what they do or trying to influence how they think. Be tactful, be kind and hold back the really nasty stuff you're desperate to blurt out in the middle of a an argument . Don’t take everything personally Your partner’s behaving like a right so-and-so? It could be they just got off the phone from their mother having a rant or they’re worried about work. You’re not the only person and thing influencing your partner’s moods. Talk about the happy times. Especially when you’re going through a rough patch. Remind yourselves of how good you are together when things are normal. Do lots together, no matter how mundane. Whether it’s the weekly shop, washing the dog, eating dinner on your laps in front of the telly, it all counts. Quality ‘’you two’ time is important but one ‘date’ a week isn’t going to beat spending time together frequently, no matter how routine it might be. Watch your language There’s a reason why this is mentioned in every relationship article. Say ‘I feel this way’ not ‘You made me feel this way’. Don’t make sweeping generalizations like ‘You never do this or that’ or “You’re always late’. Tracey Cox says half-term and holidays make for high levels of tension in relationships . Touch each other constantly. Both sexually and affectionately – and make sure you know the difference. Know each other’s ‘raw’ spots. Be sensitive to vulnerabilities, rather than use them to score points. If your partner’s down, be extra nice and they’ll return the favour when you’re not feeling so chipper. Don’t always assume the worst. He didn’t make the effort to come and see your Mum in hospital? Instead of assuming they did it deliberately ask why. Perhaps they didn’t realise how important it was to you. Spell out your needs very clearly and don’t expect your partner to mind-read. Honesty isn’t the best policy. To be 100% honest, you would have to express every fleeting sexual thought you have about others and every negative thing you think about your partner. Neither are wise. Be tactful, be kind and hold back the really nasty stuff you’re desperate to blurt out in the middle of a an argument. Don’t try to change the other person. Don’t play the ‘if only’ game. If only they were kinder, richer, happier, had more hair. We can’t change other people. All we can change is our reaction to them. Put yourself in their shoes. Before you react defensively, see it from their point of view. Then speak. Don’t do all the work in the relationship. If you’re always the one who steps in to solve things, you don’t give your partner the chance to try. You feel resentful for doing all the fixing, they feel controlled. Treat your partner the way you treat your friends. We wouldn’t dream of speaking to friends the way we do our partners. Have some manners. Silence is deadly. Fine to shut up until you’ve calmed down but not speaking for days on end is incredibly damaging. The longer you don’t get on, the bigger the argument becomes. Make your own rules. You’re unique, so is your partner and so is your relationship. People like me can rattle on all they want but only you two know what works for you. For more advice on sex and love and great products, visit www.traceycox.com. Read more advice on Tracey's Mail Online blog. Follow Tracey on twitter .

Sex expert Tracey Cox gives advice on how to deal with holidays . Talk about happy times and do things together- no matter how small . Don't take everything personally and remember your manners . Make your own rules for your unique relationship .

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When Eric Barrett was born his mother was devastated as she was told he might not survive, and would be imprisoned in his own body - unable to walk or talk. He was put in intensive care for a couple of months before eventually being diagnosed with cerebral palsy, a physical disability that affects movement and posture. But on Monday the 16-year-old surprised everyone when he climbed 1,437 steps to the summit of Sydney's iconic Harbour Bridge. Thanks to sheer determination and years spent learning to walk from scratch, Eric stood 134m above sea level with 30 of his closest friends and family, with his achievement screened live on national TV by Channel 10. 'It felt surreal and amazing to reach the top,’ Eric told Daily Mail Australia after walking for the longest time in his life so far. Scroll down for video . Eric Barrett (front left) climbed the Sydney Harbour Bridge with Studio 10 reporter David Robinson (back right) on Monday after his mum Karen (front right) was told when he was born he would never be able to walk . His mother Karen was by his side for every one of the remarkable steps over the two and a half hours. 'It was absolutely exhilarating, it was just a bit surreal that we got there to be honest,’ she added. ‘I didn’t think he would ever walk. I had no thought about it all because I didn’t want to disappoint him at all or myself. ‘He’s exhausted now and he’s not saying much. You know Eric is tired when he stops talking,’ she laughed, as they drove back to their home inTerrigal, a suburb on the Central Coast region of New South Wales. Doctors told Karen that her son would be imprisoned in his own body after he was born . Eric was diagnosed with cerebral palsy - a physical disability that affects movement and posture . Karen came up with the idea for Eric to climb the Harbour Bridge around six months ago, four years after he took his first step, because she wanted do 'something that was a bit of challenge for him and also give back to the community’.  Network Ten's morning show Studio 10 helped make his dream a reality. Karen doesn't get treatment for Eric from the doctors who once told her that her son would never walk, instead opting to use alternative treatments and therapist Luke Waters - who started working with him many years ago. She says doctors are amazed when Eric returns for his yearly X-rays and shows them just how far he has come. Eric trained with Luke for six days a week, in the gym and walking up stairs, to climb the bridge. ‘He put in a lot of hard work,’ Karen said. Karen said her son always had a sparkle in his eye even as a baby . While growing up, Eric had to learn how to crawl properly before he could even contemplate learning to walk . However, the teen has essentially been training his whole life - since he had to learn how to crawl properly again and eventually take his first steps just four years ago. ‘We went left off field and right back to the basics, retraining the brain pathways and repeating movements over and over again. He used to bunny hop when he crawled around and we had to teach him to crawl properly,’ Karen explained. ‘With every bit he got he had to learn the next step… He built on everything he did every step of the way,’ she added. Eric climbed the bridge with 30 of his friends and family. Here he is shown with his younger sister Presley and a younger brother Tommie . The 16-year-old has a passion for sports, especially basketball, and wanted to raise money for young athletes . Eric's mum (second left) says 'he put in a lot of hard work' to learn to walk . Eric spent 12 years of his life in a wheelchair and now that wheelchair is stowed away in the garage gathering dust. Surgery and therapy helped him along the way but Karen points out 'there is no magic pill'. She attributes his unbelievable achievement to his determination and strong character. ‘He never complains about training sessions, he looks forward to them and wants to do it. If he had a personality that whinged he wouldn't be up on his feet – he’s the one that’s done it.' Eric was joined on the Harbour Bridge by Studio 10 reporter David 'Robbo' Robinson. He told Robbo 'the views are amazing' and therapist Luke said 'the smile on his face says enough'. All funds raised by the walk will go to the Donnica Clarke Foundation, which offers financial and moral support to young athletes, across all sports from the Central Coast region of New South Wales. To donate please visit the website Eric Gives Back. All funds raised by Eric's bridge walk will go to the Donnica Clarke Foundation .

Eric Barrett, from the Central Coast, was in a wheelchair for 12 years . He was diagnosed with cerebral palsy while in intensive care as a baby . Doctors told his mother Karen he would never walk or talk . But four years ago he took his first step after years of retraining his brain . On Monday he climbed 1,437 steps to raise money for a local charity . 'It felt surreal and amazing to reach the top,' Eric told Daily Mail Australia .

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By . Alisdair Glennie . Give him a patch of grass and a football and he has total mastery of his surroundings. But send David Beckham into the Amazon rainforest and he turns from sporting hero ... into a big wimp. Well, that’s what veteran explorer Michael Palin called him at the launch of a BBC documentary about the former footballer’s journey deep into the Brazilian jungle. Scroll down for video . David Beckham was pictured at the weekend with a greying beard, pictured left. On Monday, after his interview with Michael Palin, the silver had all but disappeared, shown right - suggesting he had resorted to dyeing it . And perhaps he wasn’t joking, considering the list of things that got Beckham’s skin crawling, including snakes, spiders and frogs. But the real horrors were the uncomfortable hammocks and lack of showers. The Armani underwear model told Palin, who interviewed him at the launch, that the greatest challenge was going without running water for days. Becks was jokingly labelled as a 'wimp' by veteran explorer Michael Palin at the launch of his BBC documentary about his journey into the Brazilian jungle . David Beckham: Into the Unknown shows the footballer and three friends venturing 800 miles into the Amazon by motorbike, canoe and plane . He said: ‘Showers and baths were clearly at a premium. That was the toughest part. As everyone knows, I like my cleanliness.’ He added: ‘Sleeping in a hammock was terrible. I couldn’t work out how to do it at first.’ Beckham, 39, admitted he found the wildlife especially creepy, saying: ‘On this trip I was like, “Snakes, not a big fan of, spiders, also not a big fan of”. 'But frogs were the thing I was kind of not sure I wanted to come across. And one of the first animals that we saw was a bright orange frog which unnerved me even more.’ The Armani underwear model spoke about his experiences with . Michael Palin, shown above. When Becks whimpered at the sight of a . frog, Palin said: 'You are a wimp really. David Attenborough would've interviewed it' Watching footage of Beckham whimpering at the sight of a frog climbing onto his hammock, Palin joked: ‘You are a wimp really. David Attenborough would have interviewed it.’ David Beckham: Into the Unknown, shows Beckham and three friends venturing 800 miles into the Amazon by motorbike, canoe and plane. He also admitted he found the steep dirt tracks they had to travel on ‘quite terrifying’, while the machetes used by guides to cut a path through the jungle made him nervous. But he said he was delighted when he met members of the Yanomami tribe deep in the jungle who had no idea who he was, or even what football is. He joked: ‘It is the first time I have ever had to explain what soccer is to anybody apart from Victoria.’

Explorer Michael Palin called the footballer a 'wimp' for being afraid of a frog . He interviewed Becks about his journey in the Amazon jungle for BBC show . Days before the show's launch, Becks was spotted with a greying beard . But at the launch the grey had disappeared, suggesting it could be dyed . David Beckham: Into the Unknown is on BBC1 on Monday, June 9 at 8.30pm.

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By . Matt Blake . PUBLISHED: . 04:44 EST, 1 October 2012 . | . UPDATED: . 09:14 EST, 1 October 2012 . Starving scavengers forced to the brink by the recession are targeting sheep in a remote beauty spot and butchering them in fields for their meat, livestock protection officers fear. Experts have reported that animals are being dismembered on Dartmoor, Devon - or stolen alive to be killed later. Karla McKechnie, Dartmoor Livestock Protection Officer, said: 'We’ve found sheep where joints like the leg and shoulder have been carefully cut away. They’re the sort of joints you’d have in a roast dinner. In danger: Experts have reported that sheep are being dismembered on Dartmoor, Devon - or stolen alive to be killed later . 'I saw another killed which had all its legs removed. 'I don’t know where this is going - but there are people out there who will do this for the meat.' She said people in nearby Plymouth have also reported waking up and finding sheep in their back garden. Gory: Karla McKechnie, Livestock Protection Officer, Dartmoor Livestock Protection Society found carcasses with joints, such as the leg and shoulder, carefully cut away - 'the sort of joints you¿d have in a roast dinner' 'We think they’ve been taken home so that people can butcher them there - and then have lost heart and don’t fancy doing it - or the sheep are getting away,' said Mrs McKechnie. 'Maybe it’s because times are hard. 'It’s very worrying - we will watch this space.' The main thrust of the livestock protection officer’s work on Dartmoor is to prevent pet dogs from making a nuisance of themselves - and Mrs McKechnie has witnessed some horrific scenes during her first year in the job. 'There’s a pretty serious problem with dogs on the moors,' she says. 'This year alone there were 41 recorded dog attacks - 20 of those logged with the police. 'Some of the time dog owners say "It’s only playing - it doesn’t mean any harm," after it has chased a sheep half a mile leaving its lamb behind. 'Dogs don’t actually have to attack the animal - abortions are high in sheep. 'And even if it’s only slightly got hold of a sheep, dog bites are nasty and the wounds will go septic.' Gruesome: Many of the sheep were relieved of their best meat joints with butcher-like precission . Earlier this year Dartmoor Livestock Protection Society gave evidence to the House of Commons Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee - and the organisation is pressing for the national park authority to take a much greater role in patrolling hot-spot areas, particularly near Plymouth, and prosecuting dog owners whose pets are out of control.

Experts have reported animals are being dismembered on Dartmoor, Devon, or stolen alive . Homeowners in Portsmouth also report finding abandoned sheep in their gardens after thieves don't have the heart to butcher them . Carcasses left in fields with 'the sort of joints you’d have in a roast dinner' carefully removed .

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(CNN) -- California's Supreme Court on Tuesday denied the San Diego County clerk's request to immediately halt same-sex marriages in the state, the latest, if not necessarily last, key ruling in a years-long legal fight. The decision was announced in a brief ruling, which said: "The request for an immediate temporary stay or injunctive relief is denied." Kamala Harris, California's attorney general, also tweeted the news. She is among the state officials who have supported same-sex marriage and opposed the implementation of Proposition 8, a referendum that limited marriages in the state to those between a man and a woman. The U.S. Supreme Court paved the way last month for gay and lesbian couples to resume marrying in the state. In a lengthy court document filed last Friday with California's Supreme Court, San Diego County Clerk Ernest Dronenburg asked the court to order Gov. Jerry Brown, Harris and other state officials to abide by an "immediate temporary stay" to once again halt same-sex marriages. "Petitioner has been placed in an unsustainable position because, among other things, he has been threatened with legal action by the attorney general for exercising his public duties consistent with state law defining marriage as the union between one man and one woman," Dronenburg argued. Earlier Tuesday -- before the state high court's decision came down -- same-sex marriage supporters gathered in San Diego to decry the efforts by Dronenburg and his supporters to continue their fight. "Your religion, I respect it, I don't agree with it," LGBT rights activist Sean Sala said. "But my religion and your religion do not run this land. The Constitution of the United States runs this land." At one point, Dronenburg himself came out to make his case, addressing reporters as his opponents stood around him. The clerk said he wanted California's Supreme Court to halt same-sex marriages because of what had happened once before: such weddings took place only to be later ruled to be against state law. "I asked for a stay because it's cruel to set up people," the county clerk said. The back-and-forth over same-sex marriage in California has been playing out in the courts and in political forums for years. Fast Facts: Same-sex marriage . In May 2008, California's Supreme Court struck down the state's ban on same-sex marriage, ruling that the state's constitution gives "this basic civil right to (marry to) all Californians, whether gay or heterosexual, and to same-sex couples as well as to opposite-sex couples." The tide turned a few months later, when 52% of voters backed Proposition 8 to halt gay and lesbian marriages. Yet state officials declined to stand behind the prohibition, even if private parties did. A federal appeals court subsequently ruled that Proposition 8 was unconstitutional, though it still issued a stay on same-sex marriages until the U.S. Supreme Court could weigh in. That happened June 26, when the nation's high court -- in a 5-4 decision -- dismissed an appeal of the earlier lower court ruling on narrow, jurisdictional grounds. High court lets same-sex marriages in California continue . Two days later, the Ninth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals officially lifted the previous injunction and same-sex weddings took place very soon thereafter. Proposition 8 backers tried to get the U.S. Supreme Court to again intervene, but Justice Anthony Kennedy refused to do so. Since filing his petition, Dronenburg has become a champion for those who favor restricting marriage to heterosexuals. In a tweet several days ago, for instance, the American Family Association's Bryan Fischer compared the county clerk to civil rights icon Rosa Parks for refusing "to violate CA constitution on wedding licenses." Gay rights groups, like Marriage Equality USA, cheered Tuesday's decision denying Dronenburg's request. Still, San Diego Gay and Lesbian News reported that the long, winding legal battle hasn't necessarily come to an end. "It's not over!" tweeted that organization, which describes itself as "a proud member of the San Diego LGBT community." "California Supreme Court still has to has to hear petitions to halt same-gender marriage in August."

NEW: A county clerk says he asked for a stay "because it's cruel to set up people" NEW: Gay rights groups cheer the ruling, while adding the legal battle isn't necessarily over . California's Supreme Court declines to immediately halt same-sex marriages in state . The U.S. Supreme Court paved the way for such marriages in a key ruling last month .

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(CNN) -- A fire that claimed the lives of 44 children at a day-care center in Hermosillo, Mexico, started Friday in an air-conditioning unit in an adjacent warehouse, the attorney general of Sonora said Monday. Maria Jesus Coronado Padilla mourns her daughter, Paulette Daniela Coronado Padilla, 2, on Sunday. Investigators have not determined whether the fire was caused by an overheated motor or deficiencies in its installation, said Abel Murrieta Gutierrez, according to the state-run news agency Notimex. However it started, there's no doubt it moved toward papers in bookshelves on the wall shared with the building housing ABC Day Care, where 141 children and day-care workers were, he said. The two buildings also shared a roof, which contained a false bottom made of polyurethane, which overheated, emitting highly toxic fumes, he said. He blamed all 44 of the deaths on the fumes. The general director of the Mexican Institute of Social Security vowed investigators will pursue the case wherever the evidence takes them. Daniel Karam Toumeh had said Sunday that the building had passed an inspection on May 26. "Here, I want to be very emphatic, in the sense that in Social Security we don't cover for anyone, don't defend anyone, we are the most interested in finding out what it was that happened," he said. As of Monday morning, 20 children ages 1-5 were hospitalized in Hermosillo, and 13 had been taken to other hospitals, including three to Sacramento Shriners Hospital in California, where pediatric burn treatment is a specialty. Watch parents gather at the site of the fire » . Hermosillo, the capital of the state of Sonora, is about 200 miles (320 kilometers) south of the U.S. border in northwestern Mexico. On a radio show, a firefighter said Monday that many of the children were napping at the time of the fire and died in their sleep. Jose Jesus Diaz, the first firefighter to enter the day-care center, told Radio Los Cheros that he arrived to find some people ramming the building with their vehicles in an effort to reach the children. Inside, Diaz said, he saw children in sleeping positions on the floor. "They never knew what happened," Diaz told the radio station. The scene was one of people crying, calling out names and running with babies, he said. "There's an image that I will carry for the rest of my life: a shirtless man walking outside holding a young boy, yelling 'fireman, fireman, save my son,' but the boy was already dead," Diaz said. Watch a town in deep shock » . Of the 20 children hospitalized in Hermosillo, 12 were in serious condition. The children taken to Children's Hospital in Sacramento are a 2-year-old boy in serious condition with burns over 20 percent of his body, a 3-year-old boy in critical condition with burns over 50 percent of his body, and a 3-year-old girl in critical condition with burns over 80 percent of her body, a hospital spokeswoman said. CNN's Mariano Castillo in Atlanta and CNN en Español's Rey Rodriguez in Hermosillo contributed to this story.

Deadly fire at Mexican day-care center began at nearby warehouse, state official says . 44 children killed in blaze; 30-plus kids hospitalized, some in serious condition . Official: Fire started with air conditioner; warehouse, day care shared wall . Firefighter found children in sleeping positions: "They never knew what happened"

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RAMALLAH, West Bank (CNN) -- The harsh reality of life and death in Gaza is a common theme for Palestinian filmmakers. A still from "Fatenah," the first commerical animation to come out of the Palestinian Territories. But it was the 2004 death of a young Palestinian woman -- not at the hands of a militant attack or an Israeli incursion -- that struck a note with two filmmakers. Their animated film, "Fatenah," is inspired by her struggle with breast cancer, which is still a sensitive subject in the Palestinian territories. "The amount of trouble she has to go to just to survive, you feel somehow committed to be part of that project, it is so strong and so emotional," director Ahmad Habash told CNN. Fatenah, which tells the fictional story of a young seamstress from a Gaza refugee camp, is the first commercial Palestinian animation film ever made. The heart-wrenching tale follows Fatenah's pain and humiliation as she struggles to leave Gaza for treatment after finding few Palestinian doctors willing to help. At first, one doctor suggests she loosen her bra, while another says her condition will probably go away once she marries. It takes six months for Palestinian doctors to treat her concerns seriously and diagnose her with breast cancer. Fatenah becomes tied up in Israeli and Palestinian bureaucracy, denied treatment until it is too late. It is a devastating tale that Habash said is not unique. "The Shata refugee camp, which exists in Gaza ... represents any refugee camp and [Fatenah] could be any woman," he said. "The story could happen again." The film's executive producer Saed Andoni said it was a gamble telling such a tragic story using animation. But he believes that bet has paid off. "I think the animation has softened the harshness of the topic," he said. "Breast cancer and illness and death and Gaza and the siege, it's all heavy stuff, it's all harsh stuff. Put it in an animation style, give it a new dimension, give it a new perspective." At a screening in the West Bank city of Ramallah, audience members wept after hearing Fatenah's story, saying they related to her plight. One scene shows Fatenah checking her breast for lumps. The filmmakers hope this will help to break down barriers around a subject that is still very hidden in the region. "It's very taboo to speak about the woman's body in Palestinian society, but in the film it happens and nobody criticizes and nobody says anything about it," Andoni said. "They accept it." The film breaks new ground by dealing with matters often swept under the carpet in Palestinian society. Andoni said the film's greatest endorsement came from the father of the woman whose real-life story inspired the film. The woman's father said he cried when he watched it. "It's a very human story and if it can touch the real family, it is a great moment," Andoni said.

Young Palestinian's death from breast cancer inspires first commercial animation . "Fatenah" is based on life of Gaza seamstress who died of the disease aged 28 . It took doctors six months to diagnose cancer; they told her to loosen her bra . Filmmakers hope it will help break down barriers around subject taboo in the region .

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LONDON, England (CNN) -- As Hollywood stars such as Gwyneth Paltrow and Penelope Cruz grace the red carpet at the 52nd London Film Festival, the UK's capital city shows it has become a thriving, creative hub for filmmaking. American actor, singer and drag-performer Rue Paul at the 22nd Lesbian and Gay Film festival. There are no fewer than 12 film festivals in London, ranging from the London Korean Film Festival to a films showcase from lesbian and gay directors. "The Screening Room" takes a look at some of the festivals making waves in and around London. Canary Wharf Film Festival (CWFF) Since his film appeared at this little known London festival, director Charles Duke has gained prominence and his film was accepted at the Cannes Film Festival. Duke shot his comedic short "Caution, Wet Paint" in just two days. He had never been to film school and had never been taught to use a camera. "It wasn't meant to be for a festival," Duke told CNN. But his sister convinced him to submit his short to CWFF. The film's quirky silent scenes portraying, amongst others, two Londoners fighting over a pint of milk, amused festival goers and critics, and later the judges at the prestigious Cannes festival. "When Cannes accepted my film, I suddenly got full access to the film festival, including the benefit of services such as free lawyers," says Duke. From there he obtained sponsorship for his next project -- a follow-up to "Caution, Wet Paint," in which the same two Londoners get kidnapped by alien bottles of milk. "London is a hub for film, especially in the short film category." says Duke. "And I could not have done it without the CWFF who were willing to accept something completely different." Canary Wharf Film Festival director Olivia Bellas says she was motivated to start the festival as she wanted to show the creative side of Canary Wharf, an area that is famed for being London's banking hub. The annual festival, which takes place in the summer, has just celebrated its second anniversary and attracted films from as far afield as Australia and United States. Raindance Film Festival . The ultimate indie cinematographic happening, Raindance Film Festival started in 1993 and just hosted its 16th edition this October. Together with the British Independent Film Awards, the festival is brought to life each year by Raindance, an organization that offers support to independent filmmakers. Raindance Film Festival describes itself as "too contemporary for most established stars," and cultivates a reputation for discovering new talent. Leonardo DiCaprio had his first screening at the festival, at the age of 14, with the iconic movie "What's Eating Gilbert Grape." Raindance say part of the magic of their festival is: "You can end up buying a stranger in the bar a drink only to realize they are the filmmaker of the film playing at the moment." Rushes Soho Shorts Festival . Rushes Soho, a festival that takes place every summer for a week, is in its tenth consecutive festival year. A non-profit organization, Soho Rushes focuses on short films. The festival was created in 1999 when a group of friends, inspired by Tropfest in Australia, conceived the idea "in a pub in Soho over a few pints of beer." Famous names such as Dita von Teese and Michael Sheen, to name a few, have acted in movies shown at Rushes -- often for free. Past presenters have included actors Joseph Fiennes and Damian Lewis. Awards at the festival include best documentary, animation, music video, broadcast design and newcomer. Lesbian and Gay Film Festival . The Lesbian and Gay Film Festival, organized every year in March by the British Film Institute, has been in existence since 1977. It is the third largest film festival in the UK, touring in almost 40 different UK locations after London, showing to an audience of approximately 250,000 people each year. The festival was created to cater to the homosexual and transgender community, with most films addressing some of the issues faced by them. "You won't get to see films like that anywhere else," says Claire O'Brien, BFI's spokeswoman, "It is precisely for that reason that our festival focuses on films impacting the lesbian and gay community as they are otherwise not catered for." Portobello Film Festival . The Portobello Film Festival was created in 1996 as a "reaction to the moribund state of the British film industry, to provide a forum for new filmmakers and give exposure to movies on different formats." Dubbed "London's biggest filmic free-for-all," by the capital's listings bible, Time Out magazine, the event takes each August. Because the festival does not own its own cinema, it screens films in diverse venues like parks, theaters, clubs and bars. The festival's master classes give young filmmakers a chance to speak to movie insiders. In 2000, the festival expanded abroad, screening films at Cannes, Macau and Venice. Portobello festival is popular with celebrities such as Kelly Osborne and Courtney Love, who have attended the festival's screenings and premieres. Korean Film Festival . The Korean Film Festival will start its third edition on November 6 at London's arts hub, the Barbican. The opening night movie will be Kimchi Western, "The Good, the Bad and the Weird," by director Kim Jee Woon, who will introduce the film. The festival runs over nine days and will then move on the Liverpool for three extra days of screenings. In addition to the new Korean films, the festival will also feature some Korean classics, such as "The Aimless Bullet" (1960).

Buzzing with film talent, London has almost a dozen festivals . They are often a good starting point for movies to get wider recognition . Charles Duke's "Caution, Wet Paint" premiered at Canary Wharf and then Cannes . "The Screening Room" picks six of the best film festivals making creative waves .

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Champions League winner Paul Scholes believes Liverpool could be a good outside bet to win this season’s competition. Liverpool, the five-times European champions, are returning to the elite event this season after a five-year absence. The Merseysiders begin their campaign on Tuesday by hosting Bulgarian champions Ludogorets and will also play holders Real Madrid and Swiss side Basle in Group B. Brendan Rodgers talks tactics with his Liverpool squad ahead of their Group B clash . Scholes, a member of the Manchester United side that won the 2008 final, expects Anfield to be a tough place for visiting sides. The 39-year-old, speaking in his role as a pundit for ITV’s Champions League coverage, said: ‘Liverpool are the dark horse of the competition this year. ‘Brendan Rodgers has done a fantastic job. The style of play he’s adopted is exciting to watch and the players seem to have taken to him. I feel they will do well with the players they have. ‘The big advantage they have is a home crowd. Anfield is always a hostile place to go, which is something Manchester City lack.’ Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers will be looking to use the Anfield crowd to his advantage . Liverpool qualified for the Champions League after a superb 2013-14 campaign in which they finished close runners-up to Manchester City in the Barclays Premier League. Since then they have lost their talisman Luis Suarez to Barcelona, but Scholes thinks Mario Balotelli could prove a good replacement. Speaking about Suarez, Scholes said: ‘He’s a great player, but don’t forget they’ve signed Balotelli who, on his day, can be a match winner too.’ City are hoping to make a greater impression in Europe this season after reclaiming the Premier League crown. Liverpool striker Mario Balotelli has been backed to fill Luis Suarez's shoes . They reached the knockout stages for the first time last term and Scholes believes going further will be manager Manuel Pellegrini’s top priority. City begin their campaign against 2013 winners Bayern Munich on Wednesday and also face CSKA Moscow and Roma. He said: ‘Champions League will be their main focus for the season. Their owners will want to see them push on in the Champions League. ‘They have a tough group this year, but with the players they have they need to go on to win it, and there’s really little excuse not to do well.’ Paul Scholes believes Liverpool are a good outside bet for the Champions League . Scholes doubts whether Arsenal, who face Borussia Dortmund, Anderlecht and Galatasaray, will have the fortitude to seriously challenge for the trophy. He said: ‘They always qualify and always seem to get through the group. The only problem with Arsenal is when they meet top teams, they don’t seem to have the consistent level of mental strength to get through it.’ Chelsea have made a strong start to the season in the Premier League and Scholes thinks the domestic title might be Jose Mourinho’s priority. He said: ‘Whilst The Champions League is the ultimate trophy for any club team, I believe Chelsea’s main objective is winning the Premier League this season. Paul Scholes says winning the Premier League title will be Jose Mourinho's priority . ‘If you ask Jose Mourinho what you’d rather win now, I think the answer would be the Premier League.’ United failed to qualify for the Champions League this season and, despite their stature, Scholes is not sure the competition will miss his former club. He said: ‘Maybe, but there’s still a lot of major clubs in it. ‘Let’s just hope it’s one year, you have to earn the right to be in it and they haven’t done that for this season.’

Former Manchester United midfielder reckons Reds are good outside bet . Scholes says Liverpool must use Anfield crowd to their advantage . ITV pundit believes Manchester City also pose a big threat for crown .

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Anti-discrimination campaigners Kick It Out have criticised Wigan for appointing Malky Mackay as manager before the Football Association have finished their investigation into his conduct and have called on the governing body to reveal their findings. Sportsmail broke the news that the FA had been handed a dossier of evidence accusing Mackay and Iain Moody of sending a shocking series of racist, anti-semitic, sexist and homophobic text messages in August. But Mackay, the former Cardiff manager, has been handed a route back into football just three months later after he was appointed as Wigan manager – while the FA's investigation is still on-going. VIDEO Scroll down to see Dave Whelan defend the appointment of Malky Mackay . Anti-discrimination campaigners Kick It Out have criticised Malky Mackay's appointment as Wigan boss . Mackay (left) is unveiled as the new manager at the DW Stadium by club chairman Dave Whelan . Malky Mackay will be a controversial appointment at Wigan, definitely, but he does have a proven track record as a manager at Championship level. He took Watford into the Premier League through the play-offs and was promoted with Cardiff too, as well as taking them to the League Cup final when they were unlucky to lose to Liverpool. Mackay is a big manager for Wigan and I’m sure he won’t give us a bad name. We are a small team and we’ve always punched above our weight. I think he deserved a second chance and it’s a good appointment. I don’t think there will be any protests by our fans on Saturday. There may be some chants from the away end but no complaints from us. A Kick It Out spokesman said: 'The Football Association began investigating in August alleged racist, anti-semitic, sexist and homophobic comments made by Malky Mackay and Iain Moody, and we are still yet to hear whether this is near to reaching its conclusion almost three months on. 'Where does the case now lie and how close are we to seeing whether The FA will take the appropriate action? 'Wigan Athletic have disregarded the on-going investigation being undertaken by The FA, and any potential punishment Mackay may face, by taking the decision to appoint him. 'We need to see leadership, and a respect for the processes in place, shown by football club owners to demonstrate how seriously they take tackling issues of exclusion, prejudice and discrimination.' The scandal cost Moody his job as Crystal Palace's director of football and caused Mackay to pull out of the running for the Palace managers job. Mackay is under investigation by the Football Association over alleged offensive text messages sent to Iain Moody (left) when they worked together at Cardiff City . Wigan chairman Dave Whelan (right) said he believes Mackay 'deserves a fair hearing' But Kick It Out have been left bemused by Wigan owner Dave Whelan's decision to put Mackay in charge of the club. 'It remains to be seen if Wigan’s position is one which the FA and all of football’s so-called ‘family’ are happy with,' the spokesman added. 'The FA now needs to move swiftly to let everybody know whether they agree with Wigan’s position or whether they will reinforce their own zero-tolerance stance on all such matters of equality and diversity. We await The FA’s response before commenting further.'

Kick It Out criticised Wigan after Malky Mackay announced as manager . Sportsmail broke news of alleged offensive text messages exchanged by Malky Mackay and former Cardiff head of recruitment Iain Moody . Findings of a Football Association investigation yet to be revealed . Anti-discrimination campaigners Kick It Out say appointment should not have been finalised before FA investigation findings are revealed . Wigan fan Brian Platt told Sportsmail supporters will back Mackay .

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A cattle farmer claimed today that the badger cull had ended his bovine tuberculosis nightmare that lasted more than ten years. James Griffiths - whose land in Tibberton, Gloucestershire, lies within the controversial pilot area - said his dairy herd was free of TB for the first time since 2004. The 48-year-old father-of-two claimed that this was because badgers carrying the disease had been killed in his area during culls over the past two years. Scroll down for video . End of the nightmare: James Griffiths - whose land in Tibberton, Gloucestershire, lies within the controversial badger cull pilot area - said his dairy herd was free of TB for the first time since 2004 . Farm: Mr Griffiths said being branded a ‘dirty herd’ for 11 years had cost his family farm ‘hundreds of thousands of pounds’ - and placed his family and staff under intolerable strain . The National Farmers’ Union insisted Mr Griffiths’s experience was being mirrored across Gloucestershire and Somerset as the number of TB cases start to fall in the badger cull areas. But animal rights activists have disputed the claims made by NFU president Meurig Raymond at the organisation’s annual conference in Birmingham yesterday. And the badger issue looks set to become a major political issue, with Environment Secretary Liz Truss telling farmers at the event that the Conservatives would extend the cull if re-elected. Mr Raymond urged politicians not to make the cull 'a party political issue' in the run-up to the general election, and criticised Labour for pledging to give up on culling. Moving forward: Mr Griffiths said his 1,700 strong herd was given a negative test for TB shortly after the second cull ended in November and the final all clear last Friday . Big issue: Environment Secretary Liz Truss (left) said at the National Farmers' Union conference that the Conservatives would extend the cull if re-elected. NFU president Meurig Raymond is also pictured (right) Cattle: Mr Griffiths’s farm was one of those in the 132 sq mile Gloscon pilot badger cull, where disruption was blamed for only 274 badgers being killed . Yesterday Mr Griffiths said his 1,700 strong herd was given a negative test for TB shortly after the second cull ended in November and the final all-clear last Friday. Mr Griffiths said being branded a ‘dirty herd’ for 11 years had cost his family farm ‘hundreds of thousands of pounds’ - and placed his family and staff under huge strain. He added: ‘I could hardly believe the results because I was starting to think we’d never get out of it. After all those years of frustration I can finally see light at the end of the tunnel. ‘It’s been a completely debilitating and disheartening experience that really grinds you down. Because I’ve been living under the shadow of TB for so long now, I’m not sure exactly what it will mean. I’m still coming blinking into the bright daylight.’ Demonstration: A file photograph of anti-badger cull activists mounting patrols during the controversial trial . On patrol: Campaigners believe the cull 'fails our wildlife by subjecting badgers to inhumane shooting' and 'fails farmers by promising a solution to TB that simply doesn't work' Cull: Mr Griffiths said it was 'clear the reservoir of infection was outside the herd in the badger population' Mr Griffiths has had to manage the disease since taking over the family farm, which is in a TB hotspot along the border between Gloucestershire and Herefordshire. Ministers and farmers insist culling is vital to tackle TB, which can be spread from badgers to livestock - with more than 26,000 cattle slaughtered in England last year and multimillion-pound losses. But opponents say badger-culling is inhumane and ineffective, and alternatives such as vaccination should be pursued. An independent expert panel found that controlled shooting of badgers in the cull's first year was not effective or humane. In Gloucestershire just 274 badgers were culled in the second year of the pilot, falling far short of the minimum 615 estimated to be needed to deliver reductions in TB in livestock, leading the chief vet to admit the benefits of the cull might not be realised there. The Government claimed the low numbers in Gloucestershire reflected the 'challenges of extensive unlawful protest and intimidation' by anti-cull campaigners. In Somerset, the location of the other pilot cull, a sufficient number of badgers were killed this year to lead to expected reductions in TB in cattle, with 341 culled, in a required range of 316 to 785. In both of the pilot areas, a significant proportion were killed by the more expensive cage trapping and shooting method - rather than 'controlled shooting' of free-running badgers. He added: ‘I don’t know if we were the longest down, but at 11 years we must have been one of the longest. They tested every two months and every time they tested we would lose a few animals, seven or eight on average. ‘We just couldn’t seem to get free of it. I know Defra (the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs) were concerned because they carried out expensive blood tests on every animal to find out if there was a reservoir of disease in the herd. There wasn’t. 'It was quite clear that the reservoir of infection was outside the herd in the badger population.’ Mr Griffiths’s farm was one of those in the 132 sq mile Gloscon pilot badger cull, where disruption was blamed for only 274 badgers being killed - instead of the minimum 615 estimated to be needed to deliver reductions in TB. He alleged that balaclava-wearing saboteurs posted negative messages on Facebook, followed his 19-year-old daughter home and frightened his 88-year-old mother Cynthia. ‘It’s was all pretty low level intimidation but it’s one thing being nose to nose with somebody in a balaclava shouting at you, another when it affects your kids and your family,’ Mr Griffiths added. Mr Raymond yesterday claimed incidents of TB had decreased in Somerset and Mr Griffiths’s case showed similar results could be expected in Gloucestershire. But campaigners were not convinced - and Claire Bass, Humane Society International/UK’s executive director, called the cull an ‘very expensive, cruel and ineffective farce’. She said: 'This cull fails our wildlife by subjecting badgers to inhumane shooting; it fails farmers by promising a solution to TB that simply doesn't work; and it fails the public by wasting millions of pounds of taxpayers' money.’

James Griffiths says dairy herd is free of TB for first time since 2004 . Father claims it's because badgers carrying disease have been killed . NFU insists his experience is being mirrored across Gloucestershire . But animal rights activists say cull fails wildlife, farmers and public .

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Tie the knot: Adele Vellacott and Dave Cobain became the first Take Me Out couple to get married on Saturday . Adele Vellacott and Dave Cobain have become the first Take Me Out couple to get married. The couple, who live in London, met on the hit dating show but ended up going on dates to the show's fictional date destination - the Isle of Fernando's - with other people. Two years later they have a one year old baby, and on Saturday tied the knot in an intimate ceremony at Cwrt Bleddyn Hotel in Monmouthshire, South Wales. Adele, 34, and Dave, 30, appeared on the second series of the ITV show in 2012. Each . episode sees single men trying to impress 30 single girls, eventually . selecting their favourites from those who still have their lights left . on. But it wasn't love at first sight as Dave picked Lucy Evans - and Adele ended up going out with someone else. When they were in Fernando's, however, they didn't end up hitting it off with their respective dates, and love slowly blossomed. Adele confesses to MailOnline that pined after Dave for months, but he kept spurning her advances. 'It was between me and another girl at the end, we were both from Wales, and he ended up on the date with the other girl. We all got flown over to Fernando's but our dates didn't work out, and Dave and I ended up building up a great friendship. 'He's lovely. Something about him pulled me towards him. 'In . the months that followed we ended up meeting at parties and reunions... he made me chase him for quite a while, playing hard to get. I really . liked him, he's a cheeky chappy. 'I liked . him from the start but didn't realise they were these strong . relationship feelings. I thought I wasn't his cup of tea because he kept . blowing me out when I'd ask him out on a date. 'I hadn't been in a serious relationship . for five years before I got with Dave. I lost my confidence a lot... so . for me to start chasing somebody. I couldn't carry on. Match made on TV: Adele, 34, and Dave, 30, appeared on the second series of the ITV show in 2012 . Didn't work out: The decision was between Adele and another girl at the end, and he ended up on the date with the other girl. 'We all got flown over to Fernando's but our dates didn't work out, and Dave and I ended up building up a great friendship,' she said . Love at second sight? The couple, who live in London, met on the hit dating show but ended up going on dates to the Isle of Fernando's with other people . 'Eventually I thought, I cant keep asking him out. I just told him outright that I had feelings for him... 'He had no idea. He actually said he thought I was out of his league.' Soon after, the couple got together, and by June 2013 they had their beautiful boy, Freddie, Take Me Out's first baby. He was even page boy at the big day yesterday and 'stole the show'. Just 100 close family, friends and fellow ­contestants were in attendance, including Take Me Out's Natalie Booth, a red-haired burlesque performer, and blonde, tattooed Kate McGann. No likey, no lighty: Adele pictured with Paddy on the show. She didn't win the date but things worked out in the end . Parents: Two years after their appearance on the show, the couple have a one-year-old son Freddie . Special role: Little Freddie was a page boy at his parents' wedding . But the show's presenter Paddy ­McGuinness, 40, was absent. 'I met . Paddy again a while back when I did a pilot for another show. He joked . about being invited to the wedding but we didn't think he'd want to come . all the way to Wales. 'We keep in touch with some of the production team and they tell us he often asks how we are,' Adele tells the Star. 'We love telling people how we met. It's . such a lovely story. People say to Dave "I bet you never live it down . that you turned her light off". Sealed with a kiss: The couple are setting sail on a cruise around the Canary Islands, including Tenerife - the real home to the fictional Isle of ­Fernando's where Take Me Out couples have their first dates . Cupid? Adele said: 'I met Paddy again a while back when I did a pilot for another show. He joked about being invited to the wedding but we didn't think he'd want to come all the way to Wales' Wrong choice? It wasn't love at first sight as Dave picked Lucy Evans - and Adele ended up going out with someone else . Hit show: Presenter Paddy McGuinness had joked about being invited to the wedding, but the couple did not think he would want to go to Wales . In a week's time the newlyweds are off on honeymoon to - where else - the Isle of Fernando's. They will take a cruise around . the Canary Islands, including Tenerife - the real home to the fictional . Isle of ­Fernando's where Take Me Out couples have their first dates. The Welsh presenter for Psychic TV, who has lived in London for ten years, has now relocated back to Wales with her new family.

Adele Vellacott and Dave Cobain married in Monmouthshire, South Wales . Couple met on ITV show in 2012 - but ended up on dates with other people . Adele, 34, and Dave, 30, also have a one-year-old son, Freddie .

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(CNN) -- For more than 50 years, the United States has had an embargo against the island of Cuba, all because we supposedly hate communism and believe the nation 90 miles from our borders should institute democracy. As the GOP candidates battle it out for votes in Florida's primary election on Tuesday, the subject of Cuba has come up in a couple of debates. Nearly all the candidates, except for Texas Rep. Ron Paul, have sounded ridiculous trying to defend what is clearly a failed policy, all in an effort to curry favor among the large population of Cuban voters in the state. Take, for instance, Newt Gingrich. The former speaker of the House was his usual fire-breathing self in the NBC-National Journal debate when he called on the United States to authorize regime change to get Fidel and Raul Castro out of their positions as leaders of the country. "I would suggest to you the policy of the United States should be aggressively to overthrow the regime and to do everything we can to support those Cubans who want freedom," Gingrich said. "You know, Obama is very infatuated with an Arab Spring. He doesn't seem to be able to look 90 miles south of the United States to have a Cuban Spring. "So I would try to put in place a very aggressive policy of reaching out to every single Cuban who would like to be free, helping network them together, reaching out to the younger generation inside the dictatorship, and indicating they don't have a future as a dictatorship because a Gingrich presidency will not tolerate four more years of this dictatorship." In what was the most ridiculous comment of the night, former Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum said that if Cuba were China in terms of its geographical proximity to the United States, he would be just as against the country. "This is an important doctrine of the United States to make sure that our hemisphere and those who are close to us are — are folks that we can and should deal with," Santorum said. "And right now, we have and have had for 50 years a dictatorship in Cuba. We've had sanctions on them. They should continue. They should continue until the Castros are dead, and then we should make it very clear that if you want mountains of aid, if you want normal relationships, if you want to improve your economy, if you want to have the opportunity for freedom, that the United States stands ready now to embrace you now that you've gotten rid of these tyrants who — who have controlled you for these 50-plus years. That's why the sanctions have to stay in place, because we need to have a — a very solid offer to come forward and help the Cuban people." Seriously? Is it possible for us to have a grown-folks conversation here? There is no logical reason that candidates should deplore normalizing relations with Cuba, while we do whatever we can to help China. Hmmm, let's see. Cuba is a communist country. China is a communist country. The people of Cuba aren't living in a democratic system. The people of China aren't living in a democratic system. Yet China has been granted most favored nation status, allowing the free flow of goods back and forth. Sorry, Rick, that has nothing to do with proximity. It's all about China being a great outpost for U.S. businesses, and the fact that the communist country is essentially the banker of America, owning hundreds of billions of dollars of our debt. Santorum wants to suggest that Cuba is in bed with Nicaragua and Venezuela, and they are in alignment with Iran, helping potential terrorists. Last I checked, we have relations with Russia, and they do huge business with Iran. We despise North Korea, yet China does a lot of business with North Korea. Folks, I'm fully supportive of democracy, and we should be preaching that gospel wherever we go. But there is no way I can believe that thawing our relationship with Cuba will somehow harm America. The Cuban-American community is loud, has major political clout and writes big checks, mainly to the GOP. But surely it's time for the adults to admit that the embargo has not forced Castro out of office, and all it has done is give him the best bogeyman he could get when talking to Cuban citizens. The United States should step up and end the embargo against Cuba and recognize that having real and substantive relationships with the nation could spur the democracy we say we want. "I think it's time ... to quit this isolation business of not talking to people," Paul said. "We talked to the Soviets. We talk to the Chinese. And we opened up trade, and we're not killing each other now. We fought with the Vietnamese for a long time. We finally gave up, started talking to them, now we trade with them. I don't know why — why the Cuban people should be so intimidating. "I think we're living in the dark ages when we can't even talk to the Cuban people. I think it's not 1962 anymore. And we don't have to use force and intimidation and overthrow of a — in governments. I just don't think that's going to work." It's time that the GOP candidates and officials in both parties stop the political pandering to Cuban Americans and say that if we want a free Cuba, it can begin with ending a senseless and failed embargo. The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of Roland S. Martin.

Roland Martin notes Cuba has come up as issue in Florida GOP primary race . The candidates have looked silly defending America's failed Cuba policy, he says . Martin says only Ron Paul has the right idea about Cuba .

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After members of the North Miami Beach Police Department were caught using photos of black teenagers for target practice earlier this month, Lutheran pastors and others have used social media to fire back. Clergy members were discussing the situation in North Miami Beach on the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Facebook group and decided they 'ought it make it harder to pull the trigger.' They created the 'North Miami Beach Police, use our pictures for your target practice' event and began inviting both clergy and non-clergy members to post pictures of themselves. People also began using the hashtag #UseMeInstead on Twitter. Scroll down for video . Lutheran pastors were 'outraged' to hear what was happening in Miami so they created the 'North Miami Beach Police, use our pictures for your target practice' event on Facebook . Powerful statement: The event was created after a discussion on the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Facebook group page . Rabbis (right), young white men and even animals (left) are all taking parts in the #UseMeInstead effort . The campaign has 'snowballed' and people of all different faiths have been uploading their photos on Twitter . 'We acknowledge the need for a police force that is trained in the use of their firearms.' the group wrote on the event page. 'We feel that, if pictures of human targets are used for target practice, great care should be taken in not allowing the selection of these targets to allow for the dehumanization of those most vulnerable to police violence. 'To the members of the North Miami Beach Police: If you must use pictures of real humans for your target practice, we request that you use ours.' The campaign began to spread and the pictures have been flooding in ever since. The photos have begun to stack up and members of the NMBPD will soon have copies of their own because the group plans on mailing them to the department. 'We initially started thinking if a whole lot of us, in our clergy collar and worship attire, sent our photos to them, it would make a really powerful statement,' Rev. Kris Totzke told the Washington Post.. 'Then, it really snowballed, and we got people all over the country and of all different faiths.' People from all over the country have used Twitter (pictured) to plead with officers from North Miami Beach . Clergy and non-clergy members alike have been posting photos with the hashtag #UseMeInstead . North Miami Beach police officers used mugshots of black men and teenagers (above) for shooting practice . North Miami Beach Police Chief J. Scott Dennis defended the practice earlier this month. 'Our policies were not violated,' he said. 'There is no discipline forthcoming from the individuals who were involved with this.' He has since apologized for the department’s use of the mugshots and the practice has been banned. After is was revealed that a photo of Woody Deant (right) from when he was 18 was used by North Miami officers as one of their targets, Chief J. Scott Dennis (left) defended the practice, then apologized for it .

It was revealed earlier this month that North Miami Beach police officers were using photos of black teenagers for target practice . Lutheran pastors were 'outraged' to hear what was happening in Florida . The 'North Miami Beach Police, use our pictures for your target practice' event was created on Facebook and #UseMeInstead was used on Twitter . North Miami chief initially defended the practice but has apologized for it .

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(CNN) -- Once a fixture on the red carpet and a staple of the daily news cycle, Paris Hilton has recently all but disappeared from the American consciousness. Has the socialite who became famous simply for being famous ceded her throne to a new set of up-and-coming reality stars and party fixtures, or has she gone purposely dark in order to resurrect her brand like a phoenix rising from the ashes? "She built the ultimate how-to guide on building a celebrity brand. Now she is in the second phase of the program, the disappearing act," said Samantha Yanks, editor-in-chief of Gotham and Hamptons magazines, two publications which often featured content about Hilton. "Phase one was the ascension, seemingly out of nowhere," Yanks said. "That came with a media frenzy, the antics, the partying, the music, the babe-like status and of course, the fashion label. Phase two, she disappears." Paris Hilton broke onto the New York City socialite scene in 2001, more famous for her late-night partying than for the small modeling jobs she had started taking. But her fame factor really began to take off when she starred in the Fox reality television series "The Simple Life," with her childhood best friend Nicole Richie, in 2003. Hilton leveraged her fame from "The Simple Life" by pushing the Paris Hilton brand into books, perfumes, shoes and nightclubs. She landed a minor role in the film "House of Wax" and a leading role in the straight-to-DVD movies, "National Lampoons' Pledge This" and "Bottoms Up." Despite bad movie reviews, Hilton managed to make news whether it was for a leaked sex tape, a bad breakup with a slew of less famous boyfriends or for appearing in public without underwear. She was so pervasive that in 2004 New York Daily News gossip columnist Lloyd Grove banned her from his page and in 2007 The Associated Press conducted an experiment to try not reporting on Hilton for a week. Grove was successful for two years. The AP made it through its weeklong blackout and then reported on Hilton's arrest for driving with a suspended license nine days after the blackout began. Now, two years later, most news outlets would be hard pressed to find a recent story about Hilton that they had to report. The gossip and tabloid news cycle typically responds to what the public wants. The absence of Hilton in public life could merely be a response to a new generation of tabloid consumers' lack of interest in her. "Paris just doesn't nearly have the mass appeal she had a few years ago. She shows up at events, but people are much more concerned with whether Robert Pattinson's going to show up with his secret girlfriend Kristen Stewart," explained Star magazine's Suzanne Rozdeba, a senior editor. "She's not working on a scandalous reality show, or groundbreaking project, or starring in a horror movie, or dating hunky Taylor Lautner, so people are honestly just tired of hearing about her partying. Maybe people are just simply tired of her." It is hard to believe that after years of honing her ability to exploit herself and her name, Hilton has simply let the media forget about her. Perhaps dipping below the radar is exactly what Hilton is looking to do in order to rebuild her brand. "Paris invented it all -- the whole famous-for-being-famous act," said Jared Shapiro, executive editor of Life & Style magazine. "And since then others have taken the torch. But it's not like she's done. She knows she hit oversaturation and she's taking a breather, working on a second album and developing some TV. I still firmly believe she's one of the more famous people in 'Celebrity-ville.' The second she's pregnant, has a baby, or gets married, major interest will peak." Hilton, who has never been known to do anything discretely, did just that last week by quietly launching her line of hair styling products. The line includes the "Celebrity Styler" and the "Ultimate Styling Brush," in Hilton's signature pink. The launch at the Thompson Hotel in Beverly Hills, California, lacked the typical Hilton entourage of paparazzi, media scrum and celebrity friends. The guest list was kept to Hilton's friends and family, including her sister Nicky Hilton and her boyfriend Doug Reinhardt. But in addition to her hair products, Hilton has also been in the studio recording her second album. "It's smart for Paris to keep a low profile until she is ready to come back with a more defined and sophisticated brand," said branding expert Rebecca Brooks, president of The Brooks Group. "Americans have proven to be extremely forgiving when it comes to stars and their shenanigans and I think they will be receptive."

Industry insiders and gossip watchers have noticed a sudden drop in Paris Hilton sightings . Some experts believe that Hilton is quietly plotting a comeback through an upcoming record release . A recent beauty launch in Beverly Hills was a relatively low-key affair for the reality TV star .

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Would you enjoy social media more without all those pesky 99-percenters complaining about their mortgage payments and high cable bills? For a mere $9,000, Netropolitan is here to help. Launched Tuesday, Netropolitan bills itself as "the online country club for people with more money than time." Seriously. To join, users must pony up $9,000 for dues and a membership fee, then another $3,000 per year after that. If it all seems like a joke -- an elaborate ruse in an age when Facebook, Twitter and a host of other social networks are free -- the man behind the idea assures you it is not. "This is 100% real, and I believe there is a need and an audience for this service," said James Touchi-Peters, Netropolitan's founder. Touchi-Peters, 48, a composer and former conductor of the Minnesota Philharmonic Orchestra, said he had trouble finding people to whom he could relate on other social sites. "I saw a need for an environment where you could talk about the finer things in life without backlash -- an environment where people could share similar likes and experiences," he said. The hefty initiation fee, he said, "ensures that our membership remains exclusive, but also private." Members must be at least 21 years old and must register using their real names. Once in, they may form groups around common interests, but will have access to posts and status updates by all other users. There are no ads, the site is not indexed by search engines, and moderators are active at all times to police bad behavior (like spamming ads for your own business). Clicking an ever-present button will call up a "Member Service Associate" to provide help with the site at any time. That's a nicety that the folks at Netropolitan want to make sure isn't abused by its anticipated clientele, though. "Please understand that Netropolitan is NOT a concierge service," the site's FAQ section reads. "Our Member Service Associates will not book you a charter jet, or find you tickets to a sold-out Broadway show. They exist solely to help members technically navigate and find their way around the social club." Touchi-Peters declined to say how big he hopes the site's user base will grow. It has been seeded with "a select group of pre-qualified members" and will always be exclusive, he said. And if it all comes off as just so elitist, Touchi-Peters notes that it's an online, and mobile, idea with plenty of real-word precedent. "We view Netropolitan.club in the same light as any country club out there," he said. "They have initiation fees and yearly dues for members. Netropolitan is an online country club, focused on connecting members around the world. We believe there is a need for a community like this, and we are filling the need."

New social site, Netropolitan, targets the wealthy . The site costs $9,000 to join, then $3,000 per year . It's founded by James Touchi-Peters, a composer and conductor . He says it's basically an online country club .

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(CNN) -- A decade-long civil war wrecked Sierra Leone's economy, but now a juice business could provide a blueprint of how to add value to the country's exports. Although the civil war in Sierra Leone ended nine years ago, it is only now that the country's first significant value-added export has emerged. Africa Felix Juice produces juice concentrate from mango and pineapple farmed throughout Sierra Leone and exports it internationally. The company is working from a special economic zone, in the form of a 54-acre low-tax industrial park, built just outside of the capital Freetown. It is designed to attract foreign interest and although similar zones exist in other parts of Africa, this project is a first for Sierra Leone. The zone was set up by First Step -- a commercial subsidiary of the American NGO World Hope International. First Step discovered that many farmers in Sierra Leone struggle to turn their fresh produce into money and that a lot of fruit ends up unsold or left rotting on the ground. Sierra Leone's Deputy Minister of Information Sheka Tarawalie admits: "We have fruits like mangos, pineapples all over the country, but they are being wasted, and there is not much value added to these resources." First Step's industrial park is intended to house factories that can process Sierra Leone's natural resources, rather than simply exporting them. Richard Schroeder, First Step's CEO, sees the industrial park as a logical solution to help develop new business in the country. He says: "We're just making it possible for businesses to easily establish and employ people to start processing resources locally instead of what always happens in Africa, which is, it's seen as a source of natural resources. "Natural resources are dug up, brought some place else, cut down or taken out of the water, and processed and sent back to Africa or other places in the world, when the real value addition is, where jobs are created, where income is created -- where an economy can really find its engine." There are stringent selection criteria for potential tenants to obtain a plot in the industrial park. "There has to be a commitment to not only the financial bottom line," says Schroeder. "We're looking for tenants that also are passionate and care about their impact in terms of social impact and environmental impact." Africa Felix Juice is now the first tenant and enjoys a three-year tax holiday, along with security, electricity and water supplies. Majority-owned by First Step, Africa Felix was founded by Claudio Scotto. Its mission is, "to become a pioneer and leader in the Fairtrade tropical fruit juice concentrate market in the EU." It pays farmers about $250 to $300 for each tree harvest--- a substantial jump from the $15 they would get at the local market. Africa Felix Juice eventually plans to directly employ close to 100 Sierra Leoneans and provide a market for nearly 1,000 small farmers throughout the country. "We're targeting the fair-trade niche of the business, obviously, because Sierra Leone has a difficult past," says Claudio. "A fruit juice coming from Sierra Leone, we think, will have a very good impact into European consumers that can now choose something tangible coming from a place that they were thinking is only war, famine and death," he added. Although special economic zones have been successful in Asia, some analysts have voiced concern that they won't work in countries without a well-developed labor force or infrastructure. But with Africa Felix Juice up and running, and farmers receiving increased profits, the success of the project has not gone unnoticed. "First Step is doing something that is historic, is unheard of in contemporary history in our country," says Tarawalie. "And they're changing the lives of people in the sense that they can see development taking place in our own lifetime." He says he hopes Africa Felix Juice and the special economic zone will act as a catalyst for potential investors, demonstrating that, "we have created an enabling environment for companies to come in and do their business without hindrance."

Special economic zone is a first for Sierra Leone . It is intended to house factories that can process Sierra Leone's natural resources . Africa Felix Juice is the first tenant and enjoys a three-year tax holiday .

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Men who smoked marijuana heavily at age 18 are more likely to end up registered as disabled by the time they reach 60, researchers have warned. However, scientists say it Is unclear whether the pot use in adolescence may have led to more severe substance abuse - or was an early sign of psychiatric or social factors that contributed to later disability. The researchers behind the long-term study of Swedish men warned the increase in use could lead to problems among an aging population. Marijuana is one of the most commonly used illicit drugs in the world . Marijuana is one of the most commonly used illicit drugs in the world, with 77 million Europeans reporting having tried it in a recent study. Pot use in the U.S. has been on the rise since 2007, possibly due in part to a perception of diminishing risks. Colorado and Washington became the first states to legalize the possession and use of recreational marijuana by adults in 2012. 'There is reason to believe that the associations found in our study develop over a long period of time and are intertwined with problems in the labor market, in the social security system, and with the individual,' said study leader Anna‐Karin Danielsson of the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm. The researchers found that men who used marijuana more than 50 times before the age of 18 were 30 percent more likely to go on disability sometime between the ages of 40 and 59. A similar pattern was seen for young men who used pot less frequently, with the chance of being on disability in middle age rising with increasing pot use at age 18. However, when the study team adjusted for other factors, including socioeconomic background, other substance use by age 18, psychiatric diagnoses and other health problems, the link remained statistically significant – meaning it could not have been due to chance – only for the heaviest users who had smoked pot more than 50 times as young men. That group already had a number of problems in their teens, the researchers note in the journal Drug and Alcohol Dependence. Of the 654 heaviest pot users at age 18, 80 percent also reported using other drugs, 47 percent reported risky alcohol use and 55 percent had a psychiatric diagnosis. Danielsson said that smoking marijuana at a young age may increase the risk of negative social consequences later on in life, and that prior studies have shown frequent marijuana use increases the risk of using other illicit drugs. 'It may be the case that adolescent cannabis use may lead to a series of negative life events such as, for example, subsequent illicit drug use, illness (e.g., dependence) and associated disability pensions,' she said. The study cannot prove that pot use in the teen years caused the men to end up on disability later in life, the researchers acknowledge. They don't know how much marijuana the men used after they entered the military or many other details of their lives after age 18. Despite the study's limitations, the findings highlight the need for further studies on marijuana and other illicit drug use in relation to possible health and social consequences, the study authors conclude. Pot use in the U.S. has been on the rise since 2007, possibly due in part to a perception of diminishing risks. Studies continue to link cannabis with a variety of psychiatric and health problems as well as adverse social consequences, Danielsson said. The research is limited, though, by short follow-up times and small study samples, she told Reuters Health in an email. 'With our unique Swedish cohort of men comprising 98 percent of the male population at baseline and a 39-year long follow-up time, we had the opportunity to expand on existing knowledge,' Danielsson said. She and her colleagues analyzed data from a large study that included almost 50,000 men born between 1949 and 1951 and conscripted into compulsory military service in 1969 and 1970. When the men entered the military, they were asked about their drug, tobacco and alcohol use, as well as questions about their family and social backgrounds, school performance, behavior, psychological issues and general health. Danielsson's team was specifically interested in the frequency of marijuana use at age 18, when the men were conscripted. The young men were grouped according to how often they had ever used pot at that point: never, 1‐10 times, 11‐50 times or more than 50 times. Next, the study team looked at data from the Swedish national social insurance agency, the education registry and labor market statistics to see how many were granted disability pensions through 2008. About 9 percent of the teens reported having used marijuana when they entered the military, and 1.5 percent said they had used it more than 50 times.

Men who used marijuana more than 50 times before the age of 18 were 30% more likely to go on disability sometime between the ages of 40 and 59 . Long-term study of Swedish men warned the increase in use could lead to problems among an aging population .

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By . John Drayton . Robin van Persie is making the most of a three-week break afforded to him by new Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal. Van Persie was given a significant rest period after helping Van Gaal's Holland to third place in the World Cup. VIDEO Scroll down for Van Persie relaxes with daughter Dina after training . Life's a beach: Robin van Persie is back abroad within days of touching down in Holland . Canoe believe it: The Dutch striker takes his children for a paddle in a kayak . Making a splash: Van Persie's wife Bouchra watches on has her family go in the sea . Thumbs up: Van Persie has been given three weeks' holiday by Louis van Gaal . And the 30-year-striker was pictured relaxing with his children at the beach in Barbados on Tuesday, just two days after the squad flew back to Holland. Van Gaal, who has stepped down as Holland manager, is not taking a holiday himself, preferring to fly with his new team to the United States for their tour starting on Friday. The touring party includes Wayne Rooney and other England squad members after the Three Lions were eliminated at the group stage of the World Cup. Van Persie scored four goals as Holland were eliminated at the semi-final stage before beating hosts Brazil in the third-place play-off. High five: Van Persie celebrates with Van Gaal after his flying header in the 5-1 win over Spain . Reunited: Van Gaal starts work as Manchester United manager this week . VIDEO Van Gaal to work this week at United .

Robin van Persie on holiday with his family in Barbados . Van Persie was given three weeks off after the World Cup . Holland captain helped Louis van Gaal's side to third place . Van Gaal starts work as Manchester United manager this week .

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By . James Chapman And Tim Shipman . PUBLISHED: . 09:45 EST, 11 June 2012 . | . UPDATED: . 05:44 EST, 12 June 2012 . George Osborne yesterday admitted he played a key part in the ‘risky’ appointment of former News of the World boss Andy Coulson as the Tories’ chief spin doctor. The Chancellor said he had accepted an assurance from Mr Coulson, who had resigned from the newspaper in the wake of the phone hacking allegations, that there were no more revelations to come. In evidence to the Leveson Inquiry, Mr Osborne revealed that around a third of his meetings with media owners and editors since 2005 were with News International – including one meeting with the Murdochs at a ski chalet in Davos, Switzerland, in early 2009. No secret pact: Mr Osborne denied that a meeting with the Murdochs, him and David Cameron to seal election backing never happened . Pals: Mr Osborne said he remained friends with Andy Coulson but 'sadly' had not been able to talk to him for more than a year . Mr Osborne also said he had been at a crucial No 10 meeting where it was decided to remove responsibility for deciding the BSkyB bid from Business Secretary Vince Cable and handing it to Culture Secretary Jeremy Hunt. That idea, he said, had come from Sir Jeremy Heywood, then No 10’s Permanent Secretary and now the Cabinet Secretary. The Chancellor said his main concern when Mr Cable was caught boasting he had ‘declared war’ on the Murdoch empire in 2010 was to come up with a solution that would not mean the Business Secretary being sacked or having to resign. Mr Osborne suggested that would have threatened the Coalition. Claims: Former Prime Minister Gordon Brown, leaving the Leveson Inquiry and his wife Sarah today said the Tories had done a deal with News Corp, which Mr Osborne said was nonsense . Mr Osborne dismissed the idea that the Tories entered into some sort of deal, either explicit or implied, with Rupert Murdoch to hand him full ownership of BSkyB in return for the support of his papers. In an apparent reference to Gordon Brown, who suggested in evidence to the inquiry that he believed such an arrangement had been made, Mr Osborne said only a ‘real fantastist’ could believe such a ‘vast conspiracy theory’. Controversy: Leveson heard that Mr Osborne had fought to save Vince Cable's job despite his going to war with Murdoch comments . He said the Conservatives would have had to have somehow arranged for Mr Cable to be ‘secretly recorded’ by a newspaper saying he had declared war on the Murdochs so that responsibility could then be handed to Mr Hunt. ‘It is complete nonsense and the facts simply don’t bear it out,’ he said. Mr Osborne insisted he had not had a strong view about the merits of the Murdochs’ £8billion takeover bid for BSkyB, adding: ‘As far as I could see it was just going to cause us trouble one way or the other.’ The Chancellor said it had been clear that if the deal was approved by the Government, it would offend one set of newspapers and broadcasters who were opposing the takeover, while if it was blocked it would offend the Murdoch camp. Pressed on his own attitude to the proposed takeover, the Chancellor replied: ‘As far as I could see, it was about increasing the shareholding in a company that most people would think they ran anyway.’ On Mr Coulson’s appointment, Mr Osborne said the former editor denied knowing anything about phone hacking at the News of the World going beyond one single reporter. As shadow chancellor, he said he briefly asked Mr Coulson about phone hacking in March 2007, when he was attempting to recruit him for the job of director of communications for the Conservative Party. Links: Lobbyist Fred Michel gave evidence to Leveson last month and had sent hundreds of texts and e-mails to the Government about the BSkyB bid . He said he had asked Mr Coulson ‘in a general sense, as you might do in a social encounter, whether there was more in the phone hacking story that was going to come out, that was not already public, that we needed to know about – and he said no’. He said he had been aware of the ‘risks’ and potential controversy that would be generated by hiring Mr Coulson, but recommended to David Cameron that he should get the job. ‘It was not a consideration: let’s hire the ex-News International man. It was: let’s hire this very experienced ex-newspaper editor,’ Mr Osborne added. He said he still regarded Mr Coulson as a ‘personal friend’, but added: ‘Sadly I’ve not been able to speak to him for a year.’ Big Day: The Chancellor pictured arriving at the Royal Courts of Justice to appear after former Prime Minister Gordon Brown . The Chancellor yesterday sent the strongest signal yet that the Government will not adopt plans for regulating the Press that stifle freedom of speech. George Osborne rejected proposals to separate news and comment, the ‘kitemarking’ of newspapers or allowing ‘class action’ complaints by offended groups. He also warned against attempting to draw up a code that defined what was in the national interest. Mr Osborne said that if the Leveson Inquiry came up with proposals that target print media but exclude the internet, everyone involved would have been wasting their time. His remarks echoed those of Education Secretary Michael Gove, who insisted press freedoms must be preserved at all costs and warned Lord Justice Leveson that any cure could prove ‘worse than the disease’. They suggest an emerging consensus among Tory ministers appearing at the inquiry. On Thursday, David Cameron is also expected to ‘put down a marker’ that the Government will not accept over-the-top proposals on press regulation. Lord Leveson said he had heard evidence from groups who felt ‘very disadvantaged’ by how they were portrayed in the Press, mentioning the disabled, migrants and those who change gender. Asked if he agreed there should be some mechanism for such groups to complain about or prevent negative coverage, Mr Osborne replied: ‘There are laws to prevent racial discrimination or sexual orientation discrimination. 'You mention immigrant groups – they are obviously some of the most vulnerable people in our society. Equally there’s a huge concern out there ... about immigration controls. ‘If that’s not allowed to be aired, then I think we stifle public debate.’ He insisted it was vital that the Press could air views that were not fashionable or shared by the Establishment – citing the example of Eurosceptic opinion. He said that a decade ago it was regarded as ‘faintly eccentric’ to be against British membership of the euro, with such views disparaged by the BBC. But newspapers including the Daily Mail, the Daily Telegraph and The Sun had campaigned against euro membership and contributed to what ‘in hindsight was one of the most important economic and political decisions’ ever made by Britain. However, Mr Osborne said the Press Complaints Commission required a ‘complete overhaul’ and that victims of press mistreatment needed ‘better redress’.

Andy Coulson was 'the best man for the job,' he told the Inquiry, discussing why he appointed him as No. 10 spin doctor . He added that he wanted Vince Cable to keep his job despite saying he had 'declared war' on Murdoch . Any conspiracy to hand the decision to Jeremy Hunt was nonsense, he added .

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Celtic are in talks with Cardiff City over a deal for South Korea international Kim Bo-Kyung. The 24-year-old midfielder was a target for the Bhoys prior to joining Cardiff in 2012. Bo-Kyung has made nearly 60 league appearances for the Bluebirds since signing from Cerezo Osaka two years ago. VIDEO Scroll down to see Deila preview the Champions League qualifier against Maribor . Wanted man: Celtic are in talks with Cardiff over a move for South Korea midfielder Kim Bo-Kyung .

Celtic are in talks with Cardiff over a deal for Kim Bo-Kyung . South Korean midfielder was a target prior to joining the Bluebirds in 2012 .

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The headmaster of one of Britain's leading public schools has said the Education Secretary needs to be more radical if she wants to help the have-nots. In a piece published yesterday, Sir Anthony Seldon, the headmaster of Wellington College where fees are more than £30,000 a year, also said of Conservative MP Nicky Morgan: 'She came to the job knowing little about schools and with no great interest in education.' He went on to write: 'Unlike Michael Gove, she is busy nursing a marginal seat. A big ask for anyone, let alone with only nine months in post before a probable departure at the general election.' Education Secretary Nicky Morgan (right) has been accused of 'knowing little about schools' by Wellington College headmaster, Sir Anthony Seldon (left). He has also claimed she has 'no great interest in education' Sir Anthony, 61, who has led the co-educational school in Berkshire for eight years, described Mrs Morgan as 'a practising Christian' who 'came to her job believing morality is essential in schools.' The piece comes after the Education Secretary pledged this week to spend £5million on soldiers visiting schools to teach children about 'grit' and 'determination'. Mrs Morgan replaced Michael Gove in the Prime Minister's cabinet reshuffle in July. In a comment piece written for The Times newspaper, Sir Anthony went on to recommend that funds should instead be spent on 'providing the means for all independent schools to sponsor academies'. Sir Anthony, who is one of Britain's most well-known headmasters, also said that Mrs Morgan should 'charge the well-off too for places at top state schools'. He added that a quarter of places at independent and top state schools should be kept for children from deprived backgrounds. Sir Anthony was knighted in June for services to education after he introduced his own curriculum, which includes lessons in happiness at the £33,000 a year co-educational school. Sir Anthony is headmaster of Wellington College, Berkshire (above), where annual fees are more than £30,000 . He also founded Wellington Academy in 2009 with the aim of providing 'quality education to people who can't afford to pay fees'. In the piece, Sir Anthony expressed a concern that Britain is 'heading into the 2015 election with none of the three major political parties having any serious policies to tackle the deep social divide in Britain's education'. In a foreboding warning to the Government, he wrote: 'We will never see social mobility rise in Britain until young people from disadvantaged backgrounds acquire the confidence and character skills of independent school leavers.' He called for Mrs Morgan and Tristram Hunt, the Shadow Education Secretary, to 'embrace radical solutions if we are to make any progress'.

Education Secretary accused of 'knowing little about schools' and being busy 'nursing a marginal seat', says head of Wellington College . Sir Anthony Seldon said the MP had 'no great interest' in education . Nicky Morgan only became Education Secretary in the July cabinet shuffle . Follows her pledge to spend £5m on soldiers visiting schools to teach 'grit'

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(CNN) -- On Monday night, CNN's Larry King had an exclusive interview with actor George Clooney, who returned from the strife-torn Darfur region of Sudan and just finished meeting with Vice President Joe Biden. George Clooney, left, talks with Vice President Joe Biden at the White House on Monday. King spoke with the activist actor live from the White House on the humanitarian crisis Clooney says we must confront, along with getting a couple of tidbits about what's next for Clooney's acting career. The following is a partial transcript, edited for brevity and clarity: . Larry King: We begin with George Clooney, the Oscar-winning actor and activist. He's traveled to Darfur at the refugee camps near the Sudan/Chad border last week and met with Vice President [Joe] Biden today. He's standing, as you see, in front of the White House, where it's 12 degrees. And we thank him for doing this, because he's freezing to death. George Clooney: I should have worn an overcoat tonight. King: You have no coat on? Clooney: No -- and no pants either ... King: Well, you've always been a little strange, George. Anyway, you met with the vice president today about Darfur. What did you tell him? Clooney: Basically, we were just talking about coming back from Chad, right on the border of Darfur. And we were talking about there's a moment coming up relatively soon, probably by the middle of next week, where the International Criminal Court is going to indict the president of Sudan for war crimes, which has never happened before -- a sitting president. And we talked about this being an opportunity, perhaps, not just for the United States, but all of us together to work with the international community in a real diplomatic effort to try and bring some sort of peace to this region. King: What scale of interest did Biden show? Clooney: Vice President Biden has been incredibly vocal on the issue. We had a long talk about the idea of, first and foremost, appointing a high level, full-time envoy that reports directly to the White House so that it's not just temporary. We need somebody working on this, you know, every day -- getting up every morning with their sole job to find peace in the area. King: What did you see last week? Clooney: It was rough. You know, it's always rough over there. You feel terrible for them. They're hanging on by a thread. We saw an awful lot of fear. There was [also] a tremendous amount of hope. You know, there was a lot of hope that these indictments and this new administration are going to be able to help move the international community toward toward a real peace. King: How do you handle just meeting with these people and seeing this tragedy? Personally, how do you handle it? Clooney: I could tell you a million stories about how it actually affects you personally. But I don't think people should be going there and coming back and saying how it affected them. I think somehow we should all know that these people are hanging on by the skin of their teeth. King: Was your safety in jeopardy? Clooney: Oh, you're talking about the U.N. story. King: Yes. What, they pulled your security, right? Clooney: I was never in jeopardy. I was with journalists who wanted to go into some areas that weren't particularly safe. And we decided that we would go. And that wasn't necessarily part of what the U.N. was looking to do. And so we just went on our own. It was fine. I wanted to say something, also, Larry, which I forgot to say about what I just did today. I delivered 250,000 postcards signed by people all across the country who wanted to help give some political capital to and remind this administration of how important this issue is. It was from the Save Darfur people. But it's from all across the country. And we're probably going to have another 700,000 by the end of the week. King: What specifically, George, do you want Secretary of State Clinton and the administration to do? Clooney: It doesn't appear that the United States is going to send troops in or that the U.N. Is going to send in an army to do this. What it really means is that we're going to need diplomacy. And diplomacy has to start and it has to be aggressive and it has to start soon. We have an opportunity here. King: One other quick thing. Are you going to be in the final presentation of "E.R. ?" Clooney: Actually, I'm doing a remake of "Friends," which -- I didn't want to break the news. King: Oh, my gosh. Clooney: I'm going be playing the Jennifer Aniston role. King: I'm thrilled for you, George. Clooney: Thank you. It's a career move. It's a choice. King: Are you going to be in "E.R.?" Clooney: I am. I'm in the last episode with Susan Sarandon and Julianna Margulies. So it should be fun. King: Thanks, George. Get out of the cold. Clooney: Thank you. It's good to talk to you.

CNN's Larry King talks with George Clooney about his trip to see Darfur refugees . Clooney meets with Vice President Joe Biden, urges aggressive U.S. diplomacy . Actor on Darfur refugees: "They're hanging on by a thread" Clooney says he'll be back on "E.R." for final episode of long-running series .

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For Antonio Conti, time stopped on the evening of May 29, 1985. He had taken his Juventus-supporting daughter Giusy to watch the Italian club play English team Liverpool in the 1985 European Cup final in Brussels at the Heysel Stadium. It should have been a time for celebration. Father and daughter watching the most prestigious club game in European football in the traditional climax to the season. Instead, Conti's memories of Heysel are of mayhem and death. "It was 19:25 CET when everything happened," Conti told CNN. "When I woke up half an hour later I was among dead people, and at that moment I remembered where I was. "I looked for my daughter until I saw a shoe under a blanket and I understood that she was dead." For the modern European football fan used to watching matches in bright, shiny all-seater stadiums, it is almost impossible to imagine attending a football game and dying there. But in the space of four years in the 1980s, nearly 200 people lost their lives in three horrific European stadium tragedies. First, on May 11 1985, just over two weeks before the Heysel stampede, came a devastating fire at the Bradford City Stadium fire on May 11, and then there was a deadly crush at another English ground -- Hillsborough -- in 1989. It is only in the last few months that Britain's political and civil institutions have begun to be held to account for the reasons behind the death of 96 people during an FA Cup match at Hillsborough, which has long cast a shadow over the city of Liverpool. Four years earlier at Heysel, Liverpool had been involved in another stadium tragedy as 39 fans -- 32 from Italy, four from Belgium, two from France, one from Northern Ireland, the youngest just 11 years old -- were killed in a stampede before the European Cup final against Juventus. "For me that cup will always be covered in death," wrote Juve defender Antonio Cabrini in his autobiography "Io Antonio." "The cup of death". Forgotten story . Heysel is a story of "incompetence, violence, cover-up, shame and lies," writes Professor John Foot -- the author of the authoritative history of Italian football, "Calcio." "It's also a story of forgetting," adds Foot. "Many people have an interest in not remembering what happened that night: the players, many fans, the Belgian politicians and police forces." Foot's analysis is shared by Rosalina Vannini Gonnelli, who lost her husband in the tragedy and whose 18-year-old daughter was injured that night 27 years ago. "Is there anyone who gives a damn?" questioned Gonnelli. "News has to be on the front page, then everyone forgets. My daughter will carry that with her for her whole life. "I'm happy that sometimes there is someone who remembers the tragedy. "Many, many years have passed. People had forgotten soon after it happened, so now there's no way. The 39 angels will always be in the memories of their loved ones." Journalist Francesco Caremani was an Italian who cared, and in 2003 he wrote a book about the tragedy -- "The Truths of Heysel -- Chronicle of a Tragedy Foretold." Caremani was a friend of Otello Lorentini, who was head of the now disbanded Association for the Victims of Heysel. Lorentini's son Roberto was a doctor who died at Heysel. Roberto had resuscitated a boy before being crushed to death, an act that saw him posthumously awarded a civic medal for his bravery. "Before my book nobody had listened to the victims. It was the first chance that they had had to speak about the night of the Heysel disaster, of the process and the battle for justice," said Caremani. When Roberto Lorentini died in 1985, his son Andrea, who is now a sports journalist, was just three. "I'm angry and bitter because it's impossible to die for a football match," said Andrea. "There isn't logic for what happened in Brussels." Sector Z . There are close parallels between Hillsborough and Heysel -- disasters waiting to happen at two dilapidated stadiums, which hosted major games with poor ticketing arrangements and "negligent policing." Heysel Stadium's Sector Z terrace had grass poking through the crumbling concrete. Flimsy wire-netting separated the Liverpool and Juve fans while a minimal police force battled to keep control of thousands of fans. A police force whose walkie-talkies had no batteries. "I felt a lot of anger and bitterness towards UEFA that allowed such an important match to be played in an inadequate stadium," said Conti. "The curved sector where we were should not have been open to the public, because it wasn't up to hosting 15,000 people. "In that sector there were hooligans as well and the police weren't able to keep order." Then came the charge of the Liverpool fans. "There are dozens of points that are usually offered to explain the context, but the context does not begin to excuse anything," writes Liverpool fan Tony Evans, football editor of British newspaper The Times. "No amount of context could. That stampede might have been considered standard terrace fare, a token act of territorialism and intimidation, but it led innocent fans to flee in terror. "Some tried to climb a wall to escape. The wall crumbled. Thirty-nine people were crushed to death. The world was appalled. Turin went into mourning. Liverpool and their supporters were left with the stigma and the stain." With corpses lying in the stadium car park, UEFA ordered the game to go ahead for the sake of public safety. Juventus won the final 1-0 thanks to a penalty from Michel Platini, who is now president of the European governing body. "I was at home watching the match on television, but I had the feeling that something terrible had happened to my loved ones," said Gonnelli. " I spent the whole night at Pisa airport waiting for them to come back." Platini's celebration after scoring the penalty was widely criticized, though he justified playing the game by arguing that if it had not gone ahead, it "would have been the end of football." Another relative told CNN that Juventus had always wanted to put a veil over Heysel to forget this page in the club's history and that the Serie A side's then president Giampiero Boniperti should have handed the European Cup back. Juventus insist that the club has never forgotten the suffering of the family victims and that the disaster's anniversary is always religiously marked. A commemorative monument was unveiled in the main courtyard of the club's headquarters shortly after the disaster, and there was a dedication to the victims at the opening of Juve's new stadium last year. "The families of the victims are always welcome at the club, our museum and the stadium and they can come for free," said a Juve spokeswoman. Liverpool FC also marks the anniversary of the tragedy, with flowers placed on the memorial plaque and flags flown at half-mast, while its website features stories of remembrance. The right punishments? In the aftermath of Heysel, then UEFA president Jacques Georges and general secretary Hans Bangerter were threatened with imprisonment, before being given conditional discharges. Albert Roosens, the former secretary-general of the Belgian Football Union (BFU) and Johan Mahieu -- who was in charge of policing the stands at Heysel despite having never supervised a football match before -- were given six-month suspended prison sentences for negligence. "Heysel is the tragedy of the century," said Caremani. "UEFA and Belgian institutions are the guilty ones -- they chose that stadium and it was the worst stadium in Europe for a final of the European Cup. "UEFA, the Belgian institutions, England and Italy try to forget about it. They don't care about the victims. It is only after Heysel that UEFA took responsibility for stadium safety." Conti added: "The Italian state, the Italian Football Federation and Juventus took little interest in the case." That critique of establishment inertia might strike a chord with those relatives of the Hillsborough tragedy who have campaigned so tirelessly for the true story of their family members' deaths to be told. In the aftermath of Heysel, 25 Liverpool fans were subsequently extradited from the United Kingdom and, after a five-month trial, 14 were found guilty of voluntary manslaughter in April 1989 -- the same month of the Hillsborough disaster -- with each of them serving a year in jail . English clubs were excluded from Europe for five years, with Liverpool handed an extra year's ban. "The anger at the hooligans of Liverpool is still very strong, unspoken, but very strong, both among the relatives of the victims -- who know the history very well -- and especially among the Juventus 'ultras' -- who know it a little 'less well,' " said Caremani, before adding: "but everyone knows very well UEFA and Belgian institutions' responsibilities." Lasting shadow . Last month the family of victims of the Hillsborough disaster received an apology from British Prime Minister David Cameron for the long delay in giving answers to all those affected by "one of the greatest peacetime tragedies of the last century." Cameron's apology and the publication of an independent panel's report revealing serious failings by police and emergency services was a major breakthrough for the Hillsborough campaigners after their many years of battling to get to the truth. "I feel solidarity with the Hillsborough victims -- only those who experienced it can understand,' said Gonnelli. The truth about Hillsborough might have taken 23 years to finally seep out but in the interim, English football fans saw vast improvements to the stadia in England as a direct result of the disaster. All-seater grounds in the top leagues were enforced on the back of recommendations made in Lord Taylor's report of 1989. No longer would fans go to a football match in fear of their lives. But was that the case in Italy? Caremani's concern is that stadium organization in Italy still remains a problem. 'Italy has not learnt the lessons in the way England did," he said. "Italian hooligans are very fascinated about English hooligans. It was the model for Italy. English stadiums are really the best in the world, or most of them are. "We have not learnt the lessons of stadium safety and organization -- the Taylor report is a totem for me. But it came after Hillsborough. Why not after Heysel?"

Nearly 200 people died in three horrific stadium tragedies in the 1980s . Some say that the one at Heysel in 1985 has been largely forgotten . Thirty-nine fans died at the Belgian stadium before European Cup final . Juventus insist the club still honors the relatives of Heysel victims .

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By . Daily Mail Reporter . PUBLISHED: . 00:00 EST, 12 December 2012 . | . UPDATED: . 13:42 EST, 18 December 2012 . A Nevada mother who was trapped is a terrifying snowstorm for six days has described her horror at finding her boyfriend's dead body after he went looking for help. Paula Lane, 46, was crawling towards a nearby highway when she found her partner, Roderick Clifton, dead and frozen in the road. The couple's jeep had got stuck in the snow on November 29 after they decided to go off-roading near the Sierra Nevada mountains. Lane is still recovering from serious frostbite but she said the most excruciating pain is from losing Clifton, who she is hailing a hero for risking his life to save hers. SCROLL DOWN FOR VIDEO . Heartbroken: Paula Lane, pictured, who survived six days in snow recounts her horror of finding her boyfriend's dead body . 'He died trying to save my life,' the mother of twin boys told Fox 40 News, breaking into sobs. She said she discovered Clifton's body days after the couple's jeep got stuck in the freezing wilderness and promised that she wouldn't let him be forgotten. 'I literally came across where he was laying in the middle of the road. He looked peaceful,' she explained, tears flowing. 'I wanted to kiss him but I didn't know if that would be right or not. So I just sat there for about a half hour and I talked to him and thanked him for trying to save my life and told him I would make sure he wasn't forgotten.' My hero: Lane, pictured, wanted to tell people how Roderick Clifton was a hero . Frostbite: Lane, pictured, is still recovering from severe frostbite . The couple got lost when they took a detour through the Sierra Nevada mountains on their way home from Lane's mother's home in California. The next morning, Clifton went to get help, leaving Lane in his Jeep, which was stranded on a secluded forest road. Lane survived six days in the freezing wilderness by sleeping in a hollowed out tree and eating green tomatoes. She was found by her brother, Gary, almost a week after she and Clifton set off on November 29. Lane is now safe at home in Gardnerville, recovering from severe frostbite. She can barely walk because of her injuries and remains in excruciating pain but wanted people to know that her boyfriend was a hero. 'I want people to know what a good person he was and that he would have done anything for anybody and he did not purposefully put me in danger and he risked his life to keep me out of it,' she said. Video: Lane, 46, left a tearful video for her twin 11-year-old sons, whom she feared she would never see again . Family: Lane's twin 11-year-old boys visited her in the hospital as she recovers from the ordeal . Clifton's funeral is being held on Friday, but his family are still struggling to cover the cost of it. While she was trapped in the . terrifying snowstorm, Lane left a tearful video for her twin 11-year-old . sons, whom she feared she would never see again. 'I’m so sorry this has happened,' the . shaking, shivering mother said into the camera as she sat huddled in . Clifton's stranded Jeep. 'I just want to come home. As soon as . the sun comes out, I’m going to have to try to make it. It’s seven . miles in six feet of snow. Nobody’s ever going to find me here at . Burnside Lake.' Lane watched the video she recorded during the ordeal on the TODAY Show last week alongside her brother and his friend, Brian Roff. 'It’s really hard,' Lane said about viewing her sheer terror on the video. 'That’s only the fourth time that I’ve seen it. When . I first made the tape, I wanted it to be more of a happy goodbye. I . knew it was going to be a goodbye, I felt. Once I started talking, I . almost felt like somebody else was there with me, and I’m getting to . release to somebody. It was the first time I cried since the ordeal had . begun, and to watch it now, it’s surreal.' Key tool: Paula's brother Gary and his friend borrowed this front loader to help them search for her when the roads were blocked due to a snowstorm . Gone: Lane found Roderick Clifton, 44, dead miles from his Jeep after they went off-roading in the Sierra Nevada mountains and were trapped by a snowstorm . Lane recalled the emotional moment . when her boyfriend, Roderick Clifton left the car to get help, saying . that she warned him not to head out into the storm but he dismissed her . pleas. 'It's 9.09 in the morning, I remember . looking at my watch and I said please just wait, let's ride this out . together. It's the smarter (thing), and he just went like this with his hand and . that's the last time I saw him,' she said during an appearance on The Today Show, gesturing as Clifton did when . he headed out for help. 'I knew I was never going to see him again.' Lane remained in the vehicle for two more days, surviving on a package of . green tomatoes and snow. She was not dressed for cold weather and had to . use tissues and tape to make socks. She also huddled in a hollow tree for warmth at night. Lane was finally discovered by her brother when he heard her whistling loudly . as she was crawling towards the highway for help. 'I'd seen her in many different looks in her life and that look right there, that's the best one I'd ever seen,' her brother Gary Lane said of when he finally found his younger sister. Gary and his friend borrowed a front loader that is typically used on construction sites, and they searched throughout the wooded Sierra Nevadas near a campground that Lane used to frequent. The couple spent the first stranded night together in their car, but Clifton insisted on leaving for help the next morning. Lucky to be alive: Paula Lane was missing for six days before she was found crawling along a road in the Sierra Nevada Mountains . Mystery: Authorities are still unsure of Clifton's cause of death . It is believed the couple took their Jeep off-roading when they became stranded in the Sierra Nevada mountains somewhere off Highway 88/89 on November 29. Because of limited cell service in the high altitudes, authorities were unable to track their phones. 'We were told they were off four-wheel driving up that road and got . stuck,' said Citrus Heights spokesman Officer Bryan G. Fritsch. Clifton left the jeep on November 30 in an effort to seek help but he never returned. His body was discovered on Wednesday, several miles away from the highway. He is survived by three daughters. Survivor: It was Paula Lane's brother Gary, left, who found her. She is still recovering from frostbite at home . When her boyfriend failed to return, Lane waited in the vehicle until Monday when she decided to set out to look for him. She told rescuers she found his body as she tried to make her way to the highway. A massive manhunt had been launched on December 1 to search for the pair and her brother, Gary Lane, had rented a front loader and was patrolling the roadway. 'It's been a rough haul, waiting all those days, trying to know if she'd made it or not,' Lane's older sister, Linda Hathaway, said at a news conference at Carson Tahoe Regional Hospital, where Lane was admitted for first-degree frostbite and malnourishment, according to ABC News. Hathaway said they had prepared her sons for the worst. 'She is mighty and she's a survivor and loves life,' Hathaway said about her sister's strength amidst the terrifying ordeal. Location: Clifton and Lane were traveling to their Gardnerville, Nevada, home from Clifton's mother's house in Citrus Heights, California . Searching: After spending a day in the Jeep, Clifton went off on his own to find help . VIDEO: 'I'm so sorry this has happened': Paula Lane's heartbreaking message to her sons .

Paula Lane, 46, of Nevada found her dead boyfriend, Roderick Clifton, 44, in the snow after he went for help . Mother made emotional goodbye video for twin sons . Lane was discovered by her brother after spending six days in the wilderness . She is still recovering from first-degree frostbite and malnourishment . 'He died trying to save my life,' Lane said of her boyfriend .

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There are certain events in my life that I know never would have happened if I’d been born ugly. Real life-changing events to which I entirely owe my looks. I am not being conceited or boastful; it’s a simple fact that had I not been quite so lucky in the great DNA lottery many doors would have remained shut to me. The first example is winning my first column on a newspaper in 2003 — which in turn led to my first book. Scroll down for video . 'Had I not been quite so lucky in the great DNA lottery many doors would have remained shut to me' says Helena who, at 45, says she sees good bone structure and skin that has only a sprinkling of fine lines, a figure that has remained the size it was at university and good, thick hair . ‘We have to give her a column,’ said the editor to his section head after our meeting. ‘She’s so pretty.’ This proclamation was given to the team out of my earshot, I should say, but relayed to me by one of them over lunch afterwards. It left me torn between being offended that I didn’t get the job because of my ability to write and thrilled to have a column. But in the cut-throat world of journalism there is no room for the feminist moral high ground. A column is a column, whatever it takes to get it. I should think acting is even more competitive. So I was rather surprised to read recently that Keira Knightley laments the fact that she misses out on roles because she is too pretty. I would wager she has won many more roles than she’s lost due to her good looks. Keira Knightley laments the fact that she misses out on roles because she is too pretty. 'I would wager she has won many more roles than she's lost due to her good looks,' says Helena . And would you rather be cast as Beauty or the Beast? Do you hear George Clooney moaning about the fact that he could have become an accountant if he hadn’t been so darned handsome? I am not doing a Samantha Brick. She famously triggered a storm of abuse in April 2012 for saying how gorgeous she was, and that other women hated her because she was so beautiful. I don’t think I’m so stunning other women loathe me en masse. And I’m not so pleased with myself that every time I look in the mirror I think ‘yippee’. Quite the contrary. I used to loathe the way I looked. My legs were so thin when I was a teenager I used to wear two pairs of trousers to make them look more shapely. I was so flat-chested I was nick-named ‘the plank’. But now I am thankful for those legs and, at least, I don’t have droopy boobs. At 45, I see good bone structure and skin that has only a sprinkling of fine lines thanks to rigorous application of suncream. My figure has remained the size it was at university thanks to yoga and tennis and a disciplined attitude to food, and I still have a head of thick dark hair, though that I owe to my mother. When I look in the mirror, I see a woman who has aged relatively well, in part due to the effort I’ve put into staying fit and healthy. One of the things my chic Italian aunt taught me was that taking care of your appearance is good manners and shows respect for those around you, as opposed to something to be ashamed of, which is the usual attitude in Britain. Here, the prevailing view is that if you spend time on yourself, you’re vain and superficial. Vain and superficial? Possibly. But also smart. Because good looks work and anyone who tries to tell you otherwise is lying. Keira’s argument is that she wants to be treated as a serious actress and not a sex symbol. Which is fair enough. But I don’t agree with her that beauty and gravitas are mutually exclusive. She is a great example of a woman who has achieved both. On the whole, you’re better off being nice-looking than not. I think Keira is being disingenuous if she says the disadvantages outweigh the advantages. Helena argues that while Keira's good looks will undoubtedly have opened doors for her in the industry, it's her talent that has kept them open . I can’t see how good looks are in any way a barrier to a career. They’re rarely a barrier to anything as far as I can tell. I probably wouldn’t have a driving licence if I hadn’t worn a mini-skirt to my test. Yes, you read that correctly. I was at Durham University. I had failed my test five times. Finally, a friend said he would buy me an intensive driving course, two lessons a day for a week in Harrogate at the end of which I would take my test. My test was a disaster. I rolled backwards on the hill start and went the wrong way down a one-way street, almost crashing the car in the process. At the end, we pulled over and I prepared myself for the usual ‘I’m sorry to say Miss Frith Powell, you have failed.’ Incredibly the dour Yorkshire-man next to me told me I had passed. ‘Really?’ I exclaimed. ‘Well,’ he said, glancing at my legs. ‘Only just.’ For living proof that good looks help your job prospects, you only have to compare the careers of Paul Scholes (left) and David Beckham(right), says Helena. Both were very talented football players but only one of them looked good in underwear . My husband only hired me because he thought I was pretty. We met when he interviewed me for a job on Trade Finance magazine. I knew less than nothing about trade finance, but I got the job. Years later, he admitted his hiring policy. ‘Interviews are such a lottery,’ he told me. ‘So you may as well hire the pretty one.’ I am not saying that looks alone will keep you in a job (I did eventually get fired from that magazine, thank God. I was hopeless at it, a stark fact no number of charming smiles could disguise) but they will present you with opportunities to get in the door, spoken to and remembered. I suspect Keira might have got her first role in Pirates Of The Caribbean in part because she is such a stunner, but they wouldn’t have cast her again and again if she’d been useless. Her looks will undoubtedly have opened doors for her in the industry, but her talent has kept them open. My daughters are now 13 and 15. I, of course, think they are stunning. ‘Have you any idea what an advantage you have already, before you’ve even said or done anything at all?’ I keep telling them. Helena says her figure has remained the size it was at university thanks to yoga and tennis and a disciplined attitude to food, and she still has a head of thick dark hair, though that she owes to my mother . It may be unfair and it may not be right, but the truth is that if you walk into a situation as a pretty girl, 9.9 times out of ten, your looks will work in your favour. According to a study carried out by the University of Luneburg, Germany, in 2011, good looks are the single most important factor for a successful career. The study found that being beautiful is as important as having a degree. Beautiful women — and men — will come up against some people (usually ugly ones) who discriminate against them because they don’t want nice-looking people around them. But on the whole, if you look good, you’re going to be more successful in life. For living proof that good looks help your job prospects, you only have to compare the careers of Paul Scholes and David Beckham. Helena says her husband only hired her on his trade magazine because he thought she was pretty . Both were very talented football players. In fact, some say Scholes was the more talented of the two. But only one of them looked good in underwear. I predict that Scholes could wander down the King’s Road unmolested (even in his underwear) and no one would give him a second glance. Becks would be mobbed before he took his jacket off. Daniel Hamermesh the U.S. economist has coined the term the ‘beauty premium’, which means that attractive CEOs benefit their companies in various ways. For example, the share price rises when they have made a television appearance. Of course, especially for women, looks can determine what paths our lives take. As the writer Nora Ephron once said: ‘I honestly believe that if I’d had bigger breasts my life would have been different.’ Though it’s fair to say her achievements as a writer and director hardly make her one of life’s under-achievers. Maybe the point Keira is trying to get across is that if you look like Marilyn Monroe you are unlikely to become a tax inspector. Or even get to play one in a film. Some women do rebel against their lot. For example, Brigitte Bardot, who was once the most beautiful woman in the world, decided to give up on looking after herself and look after donkeys instead. And then she ended up looking like one. I guess if Keira is seriously disgruntled about being too pretty she could follow Brigitte’s lead and opt out. But, somehow, I doubt she will. Because being beautiful is not something any woman will give up on easily. There are too many advantages to be gained. Helena Frith Powell is the author of The Ex-Factor (Gibson Square, £7.99).

Helena, 45, says she has good bone structure and a sprinkling of fine lines . She says her figure has remained the same size thanks to yoga and tennis . Had she not been lucky with her looks she would not have had opportunities . Her husband hired her for his magazine because he thought she was pretty . Keira Knightley laments that she misses out on roles because she is pretty .

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By . Gerri Peev . PUBLISHED: . 19:06 EST, 15 September 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 09:21 EST, 16 September 2013 . Lib Dem member Natasha Chapman described how she was groped and leered at by older men . Fresh sex harassment claims against senior Lib Dems emerged last night. Both male and female members told a meeting they were pestered or groped by party figures, while others claimed there remained a ‘cultural problem’ with sexism. One female activist described how older men would often hug her, but then put their hands on her lower back before letting them ‘slip’ to her bottom. Others felt they just ‘had to put up with’ abuse and claimed their concerns were still not being taken seriously, despite Nick Clegg vowing to tackle the problem following disputed allegations involving Lib Dem peer Lord Rennard. Activists said the police probe into the former chief executive was being used as an ‘excuse’ to sweep other sexual harassment claims under the carpet. The latest revelations came yesterday at a fringe event at the Lib Dem conference in Glasgow. Natasha Chapman, a 22-year-old student from Lincoln, described how she was groped and leered at by older men at regional conferences and other events. She said: ‘A few times people’s hands are on your lower back and then you feel the slip. ‘You feel annoyed, but then you do not want to start an argument on the spot. It’s not really very pleasant and it does destroy your confidence.’ She declined to identify the culprits, but claimed the attacks were not made by MPs because they had ‘too much to lose’. ‘It does make me wonder though how many good women candidates we have lost out on since the Rennard claims,’ she added after the meeting. A male Lib Dem councillor – who did not give his name – said he had been sexually harassed by a woman councillor but was told not to risk a by-election by complaining. ‘It wasn’t politically convenient’ to get rid of the councillor, he said. Yesterday’s meeting, organised by a protest group against harassment within the party called Rock the Boat, was not attended by a single senior Lib Dem. Founder James Shaddock said many were using the police probe into Lord Rennard as ‘an excuse to avoid the issue’. Nick Clegg vowing to tackle the problem following disputed allegations involving Lib Dem peer Lord Rennard . Chris White, a councillor in St Albans, Hertfordshire, told the group there was a ‘cultural problem’ in the party. He described how a female councillor said women who dress provocatively ‘are asking for it’ and claimed that older people in the party tolerated sexual harassment because they felt they ‘had to put up with it’. ‘Older people feel if you are robust this problem will go away, he said. ‘That is not an attitude that is acceptable at all. We have to have zero tolerance.’ A Lib Dem spokesman acknowledged there were ‘failings in the past’ which led to an independent inquiry into the party’s culture and practices. Party leader Nick Clegg later said he had ‘no idea’ why there were no senior figures at the event in Glasgow. ‘We have always taken issues like that very seriously and we will continue to do so,’ he said.

Both male and female members told a meeting they were pestered or groped by party figures . One female activist described how older men would often hug her, but then put their hands on her lower back before letting them ‘slip’ The latest revelations came yesterday at a fringe event at the Lib Dem conference in Glasgow . Natasha Chapman, 22, described how she was groped and leered at by older men at regional conferences and other events .

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(CNN) -- The evidence, and the claims: . The knife . Prosecution says: A knife found in co-defendant Raffaele Sollecito's house has the DNA of Amanda Knox on the handle and of victim Meredith Kercher on the blade, suggesting it's the murder weapon. Defense says: The knife doesn't match the shape and size of wounds on Kercher's body or an outline of the knife left on her bed. The defense also presented experts who said DNA on the blade was too small to be definitive. DNA on Kercher's bra clasp . Prosecution says: A bra clasp that was ripped from Kercher's bra and found on the floor of her room has DNA of Raffaele Sollecito on it, proving he was in the room when she was killed. Defense says: The bra clasp is contaminated and essentially tainted evidence because it was moved around the crime scene and left there for more than six weeks before it was picked up as evidence. Knox's confession . Prosecution says: During her interrogation, Knox said she could hear Kercher screaming. She also pointed the finger early on at Patrick Lumumba, who was eventually released. The prosecution said Knox's false statement proves she is lying and was at the home when Kercher was killed. Defense says: Knox's statements were made when she was asked to imagine what would have happened that night in her apartment. The defense maintains Knox pointed the finger at Lumumba because she was confused and pressured. Eventually the confession was thrown out because Knox was not questioned with a lawyer present. Bloody footprint on bathroom rug . Prosecution says: The prosecution attributed a bloody footprint on a rug in the bathroom to Sollecito, which they say proves he was there at the time of the murder. Defense says: Sollecito's lawyers presented forensic experts who said the print is in no way a match to Sollecito, but instead a match to Rudy Guede, who was convicted separately in the case. The defense focused on Sollecito's hammer toe, which they say wouldn't leave an imprint like the print found on the mat. The window . Prosecution says: A broken window in the home Knox shared with Kercher was an attempt by the American to stage a break-in as a cover for the murder. The prosecution maintains it would be impossible for someone to break the window and climb through the window as proposed by the defense. Defense says: The window was broken by Guede, a known drifter who had broken into homes before. Defense expert Francesco Pasquali simulated how glass would break if a rock were thrown from the outside. His testimony included that he believes a burglar could have thrown a rock that way, not from the inside (to stage a robbery) as the prosecution maintains. Allegations of crime scene contamination . Defense says: The defense has argued that several pieces of key DNA were contaminated at the scene. Crime scene video shows investigators sometimes not wearing gloves or hair coverings, prodding their fingers in Kercher's wounds, leaving key pieces of evidence at the scene for weeks and moving them around, and at one point breaking a window for no reason. Prosecution says: The prosecution has argued that all the evidence was indeed properly handled and that it isn't their job to prove the crime scene work was good enough. Instead, they say, that's the job of the defense. Bloody shoe print in Kercher's room . Prosecution says: The bloody shoe print found next to Kercher's body belonged to Sollecito and placed him in Kercher's room when she was murdered. Defense says: After Guede, a man from the Ivory Coast who was convicted in a separate trial for murdering Kercher, was found to have a shoe box for shoes matching the print, they argued for a re-examination of the print. Francesco Vinci, a coroner and forensic specialist for Sollecito, testified he believes it was wrongly attributed to Sollecito and belongs to Guede.

The verdict in Amanda Knox's appeal will be heard after the defendant statements next week . American is charged with the murder of British exchange student Meredith Kercher . Kercher had her throat cut in the house she shared with Knox in Italy in 2007 . Knox and her former boyfriend Raffaele Sollecito are fighting to overturn their 2009 convictions .

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The father of Sierra Lamar, the 15-year-old who vanished on the way to her school bus stop in Morgan Hill, California, revealed that he is a registered sex offender. However, Steve Lamar said he loves his daughter and had nothing to do with her disappearance Friday morning. Police, frantically searching for the teen, have been questioning her classmates and teachers after an examination of her phone, which was discovered a mile from her bus stop, gave no new leads. Scroll down for video . Search: Both the teen's cell phone and laptop are now undergoing forensic studies for any further clues . 'I understand the stigma associated with this in my background, and I assure everyone it is not connected in any way to my daughter's disappearance,' Steve Lamar said in a statement to the San Fransisco Chronicle. According to court records, he was charged in March 2009 with 12 felony counts of committing lewd or lascivious acts with three children younger than 14. In September 2009, he pleaded guilty to a single charge of committing lewd or lascivious acts with a child younger than 14 and was sentenced to a year in jail, the Chronicle reported. His daughter was not one of the victims. Police have said they have spoken with Lamar and he has been fully cooperative throughout the investigation. Sex offender: The California sex offender registry entry for Steve Lamar, Sierra's father . Clues: Her mother snapped this photo of her the morning she disappeared, appearing playful which followed her parents and friends' perception of nothing out of the ordinary . 'Please understand, I am a dad, and I want nothing more than to find my missing daughter,' he told the newspaper. After conducting a sweep of registered sex offenders in the area, police have moved on to speaking with Sierra's classmates and searching Sobrato High School, where she transferred this year, for clues. Deputies had suspended their search of the grounds near her home due to a lack of evidence. 'We have exhausted our search efforts in that area. We have investigators . talking to kids hoping they can lead us in the right direction as far as where . she could be. We are looking for any information period,' Sgt. Jose Cordoza told ABC News. A case of a teenage runaway or an abduction, the investigators say they still are not sure. 'I talked to Sierra on the phone Thursday night,' her father Steve LaMar told ABC News saying there was nothing out of the ordinary. 'She was happy, talking to me . about homework. She was asking me to make an appointment so she could dye her . hair. She was happy,' he said. School: In April sheriffs investigators visited Miss Lamar's school of Sobrato High, suspending their ground search for interviews with her classmates and friends . Miss Lamar's mother, Marlene Lamar, who is divorced from her father but said to be equally cooperating with police, confirmed the same view about her daughter. On Sunday police discovered her cell phone a few miles from her home by its electronic ping. Its charger was found in her bedroom. Her mother had initially called it when her school reported her as not having attended classes but she found that it was turned off, prompting her to notify police that evening. Friends: Agreeing with her parents, her friends said that Miss Lamar showed no clues of running away . Without a trace: While police dogs lost her scene at her mother's driveway her cell phone was recovered the Sunday after she disappeared in a field nearby . According to reports from the sheriff's . department her mother is the last one known to have seen her at their . home she moved into last October. She took a photo of her daughter on her cell phone before she left Friday morning, capturing her smiling with her tongue out at the camera. That photo has been submitted to police in help of finding her. At 6am, Miss Lamar had a half-mile walk to the school bus stop ahead of her, but the bus driver claims to have never seen her, nor fellow students. Police dogs also lost her scent at the driveway of her home. Evidence: With that field close to this road, pictured, police suspect it may have been tossed there from a passing car . Mystery: Sierra Lamar, 15, disappeared on the walk to her school's bus stop last Friday morning in Morgan Hill, California . 'We're hoping she's alive and that's . the most important thing right now,' her mother told KTVU while saying . she doesn't believe her daughter would have run away. Her cell phone as well as her laptop are currently undergoing a forensic search. As both of her high schools circulate her picture, posting and distributing flyers, they hope her friends will have more clues toward her disappearance. Suspended: The choice to suspend their ground search was decided by a lack of evidence police said . 'I hung out with her last week and . she was happy,' her best friend Channah Foreman told KTVU. 'We . celebrated my birthday. We don't understand what's going on. It . doesn't make sense.' Authorities said there was no indication she planned to run away, unlike in the cases of most fugitive children. Her sister Danielle claimed that Miss Lamar would never abandon her loved ones, saying: 'She's always in contact with family and friends. She wouldn't leave everyone out of the loop.' Description: Miss Lamar is 5ft 2inches, slim, with long dark hair and was last seen carrying a black and pink bag made by Juicy . Police previously told the San Jose Mercury News . that Miss Lamar did not appear to have a troubled home life . and no witnesses have reported anything suspicious from the time or . location of her disappearance. Miss Lamar is 5ft 2inches, slim, with long dark hair and was last seen carrying a black and pink bag made by Juicy. Her father issued an emotional appeal this weekend for her to return, saying: 'Come home, baby, please come home. You're not in trouble. Everyone wants to see you.' Anyone with information as to the girl's whereabouts was asked to contact the Santa Clara police department on 408-299-2311. Watch the video here: . View more videos at: http://nbcbayarea.com.

Police turn to girl's high school after exhausting search near home . Last seen Friday morning by mother before heading to the school bus . Teenager's cell phone found in a field a mile from her California home . Phone yielded no new information for investigators .

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LONDON, England (CNN) -- A U.S. company is offering a rare chance to holiday on a mega-yacht once used by a Hollywood star and her husband -- and thanks to the recession it's actually affordable. The 100 foot Katania was chartered by Hollywood star Hilary Swank and her husband Chad Lowe. Seattle-based mega-yacht rental business CEO Expeditions usually charges around $100,000 a week to charter their 100+ foot yachts, however, they have introduced a deal waiving the charter fees -- so guests will only need to pay for the running of the vessel. The move to make such vessels more affordable comes as the recession continues to put pressure on the luxury holiday and mega-yacht industries. Although the costs of crew and luxury food aren't extremely cheap, it is expected this move will open up the recession-hit market to many more potential holiday-makers. One of the company's mega-yachts, Katania -- a 100 foot vessel which Hollywood actress Hilary Swank once chartered, now costs less than $3000 per day. Normally it would attract an additional $49,500 charter fee for a week's use. At the $2950 per day special rate four people can stay on the Katania -- but with the maximum six on board ($450 extra per person), the cost per person is a slightly more achievable $642. The price includes full crew, premium wines, gourmet food prepared by a private chef, amenities such as kayaks, hot tub, fishing/crabbing/shrimping equipment, and even a 30' Whaler for guest use. According to the company, Swank said of her charter holiday: "We had an absolutely enchanted time aboard the Katania. A more beautiful yacht does not exist." There is one small catch with the deal -- the boat is based in the San Juan islands, and any cruises to other destinations will attract an additional charge to cover fuel costs. The company's owner, Bruce Milne, said in a statement that the deal was largely due to the impact of the recession. "Travel is down, agents and brokers need deals, so rather than just a few full price charters, we decided to stay busy, put more people to work, and help island tourism by doing charters at cost. "Since we started chartering 10 years ago, we have been looking for a chance to provide our 'Expeditions to the Extraordinary' in the San Juan Islands at a price any luxury traveler can afford - this recession provides that opportunity," he said. Tim Wiltshire, director and sales broker at international yacht company Burgess Yachts, said the charter market wasn't a complete disaster, so he was surprised to see such a discount. "I wouldn't have expected to see that. We are seeing discounts on average of about 25 percent. Although, some people are trying interesting gimmicks to inspire new business," he said . Wiltshire said that CEO Expedition's fleet isn't among the biggest or most luxurious on the market, and that this deal appeared to be clever marketing stunt. He felt that other larger vessels still warranted their greater price tags.

U.S. mega-yacht charter company waives massive $50,000 charter fees . The impact of the recession is reason given for the discounted deal . A yacht chartered by Hilary Swank can now be rented for under $3000 a day .

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By . Sophie Jane Evans . PUBLISHED: . 10:47 EST, 10 March 2014 . | . UPDATED: . 10:55 EST, 10 March 2014 . A three-foot sturgeon which escaped from an aquatic centre during the flooding has been found four weeks later - in a puddle at a car wash one mile away. The fish, named Steve, went missing from Romsey World of Water in Hampshire after the nearby River Test burst its banks last month. He was swept away by three feet of water, before swimming across a main road, fields and a petrol station forecourt. Found: This sturgeon, named Steve, escaped from Romsey World of Water in Hampshire during the flooding . Floods: He was swept away from the centre (pictured) after the nearby River Test burst its banks last month . Scene: Now, four weeks later, Steve has been discovered in a puddle at this car wash (pictured) - a staggering one mile away from the aquatic centre. But despite his plight, the fish has been safely returned to the centre . Now, four weeks later, he has been discovered in a puddle at a car wash - a staggering one mile away from the aquatic centre. But despite his plight, Steve has been safely returned to the centre - and is making good progress. General manager, Mark Bradbury, said: 'We have a lot of display gardens and big ponds outside the centre, featuring fish that are not for sale. 'Steve lives in one of those ponds and he escaped, along with his friend - a large koi carp fish named Chadwick - when we were flooded. Journey: During his one-mile trip, Steve swam across a main road, flooded fields and a petrol station forecourt . Pleased: Mark Bradbury, general manager of the aquatic centre, said staff at the car wash had been shocked by Steve. 'The staff were a bit taken aback because sturgeons look quite shark-like,' said Mr Bradbury . 'As the weeks passed, eventually the water began to subside, and then we got a call from staff at a car wash about one mile away. 'They said they thought they’d found one of our fish in a puddle and they were a bit taken aback because sturgeons look quite shark-like. 'But sure enough, there he was alive and well. He’d been living in the deep puddle at the car wash.' Mr Bradbury said that Steve had been 'a bit worse for wear' with several 'bumps and scratches' when he was found. Underwater: Steve, who lived in a big pond outside Romsey World of Water, escaped with his friend - a large koi carp fish named Chadwick - when the centre was flooded. Above, the centre is pictured during the heavy floods . Path: The three-foot sturgeon swam down this main road at some point during his journey to the car wash . Another sight: He also made his way across this petrol station forecourt, before ending up in a puddle at the car wash. The fish was later discovered in 'a bit worse for wear' state, sporting several bumps and scratches' 'We couldn’t believe he had got so far, because his route would have included travelling across fields, a main road and around the petrol station,' he said. 'We don’t know if he went through the car wash, but medics say he is making a good recovery back with his friends at the centre. He has had an incredible adventure, but I think he’s glad to be back home.' But while Steve has been reunited with the aquatic centre, Chadwick has not yet been so lucky. Not so lucky: While Steve has been reunited with the aquatic centre (pictured today), Chadwick is still missing . The 15-year-old koi carp - which is also three-foot long and weighs about 25 pounds - is still missing. 'We are delighted that Steve is back with us, but we are still really keen to find Chad,' said Mr Bradbury. 'They are both pond or lake fish, so Chad will have headed for flooded fields and places like that. 'He is a very big fish, so we hope that someone will spot him and that we can reunite him with Steve at the centre soon.'

Steve the sturgeon escaped from Romsey World of Water during flooding . Swam across main road, fields and petrol station forecourt and car wash . Discovered four weeks later in puddle - one mile away from aquatic centre . Fish was 'bit worse for wear' with 'bumps and scratches' following journey . Despite his plight, he is now back at centre - and is making good progress .

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A fan has spent hours painstakingly recreating the new Star Wars trailer shot-for-shot... with Lego. The first official glimpse of the highly anticipated Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens was released yesterday. And YouTube user Snooperking, a self-taught video editor, worked round the clock to build the sets and props, including the Millennium Falcon, uploading his version just 14 hours after the 88-second teaser was released. Scroll down for video . Mimic: A fan has spent hours painstakingly recreating the new Star Wars trailer shot-for-shot on YouTube... with Lego. Pictured, new cast member John Boyega races across a desert landscape as a Stormtrooper . Spot the difference: The enthusiast built a desert set using yellow lego and a figurine to replicate Boyega . Accompanying his clip the U.S. fan, who has created several similar videos, said he was 'excited for the movie'. He wrote: 'I had nothing to do yesterday so I started once the trailer came out. 'I built the Falcon, The X-Wing, the speeder bike thingy, a mini tie fighter, tried to build all the sets, and get all my mini figures put together. 'Then just filming took forever especially the special effects. 'I tried stop motion in front of the green screen and that was hard and by this time it was 3am so like more than 12 hours (I took a three hour break somewhere) and then finally gave up and used sewing string for the X-Wing and just kind of moved my camera around the Falcon. 'I wasn't as happy with the Falcon shot but I cant work on it at all today, so I had to finish it like four hours ago. 'Now you know everything about how it was made!' On the move: A futuristic robot, similar to the one featured in Abrams' Bad Robot production company logo, urgently races across the desert . Uncanny: A ball is rolled to imitate the robot and Lego bricks have been substituted for background machines . Here they come: The Stormtroopers are on the attack in the forthcoming seventh instalment of the franchise . Copy: Luckily, Lego sell Stormtrooper figurines - which were lined up to recreate this shot . Opening some 30 years after Return of the Jedi, the teaser kicks off with British actor John Boyega racing across a desert landscape dressed in full Stormtrooper regalia. While returning cast members Harrison Ford, Mark Hamill and Carrie Fisher are absent from the montage, fans are given a first look at the younger generation of cast members to feature in this, the first of three planned sequels. A parched, disembodied voice tells us of an 'awakening' and reminds us of the dual energies that are 'the dark side... and the light.' British actress Daisy Ridley is the next new star to appear as she drives a hover vehicle towards a desert town, while Oscar Isaac is seen as a fighter pilot, looking rather like a young Luke Skywalker when he's headed for the Death Star. The trailer also delivers what was initially suggested during the forthcoming film's development - a clear departure from the over-indulgent use of CGI that blighted parts one, two and three of the science fiction saga. New face: Brit Daisy Ridley - a virtual unknown prior to her casting - also features in the new trailer . Lady Lego: A female figure is used as Daisy Ridley's character, who is rumoured to play Han Solo and Princess Leia's adult daughter in the new film . Remote: Ridley races across a desolate homestead on what appears to be desert planet Tattoine . Sandy: The yellow set makes a reappearance for this shot of Ridley racing off in a hovering contraption . It also confirms the welcome return of the iconic Millennium Falcon, and it is seen dodging laser blasts in a brief battle sequence. A new lightsaber makes its debut, complete with a sword-like hilt, as an ominous cloaked figure marauds through a dark, snow-layered forest setting. With a fresh outlook, a young, visionary director and the return of its original stars, anticipation has been steadily building since wheels started turning on plans to add three further Star Wars films. The result of an ambitious $4.05 billion buyout that saw Disney acquire complete autonomy over the franchise from LucasFilm in November 2012, the JJ Abrams-directed Episode VII is their first offering as they endeavour to build on the universe originally devised by George Lucas in the mid-70s. The coup followed similar buyouts from Pixar ($7.4bn) and Marvel ($4.2bn) with Disney unveiling plans to release a further three episodic films and an additional standalone film every two or three years - a reaction to 'pent-up demand' from fans. Ready for take off: Oscar Isaac is seen in an X-Wing pilot jumpsuit as he prepares for battle . Identical: The Lego version mimics Isaac's appearance in the teaser, complete with hand movements . Thrilling: X-Wings race past a mountainous backdrop in another brief action shot from JJ Abrams' new film . 'Snooperking' confessed the special effects took forever and he wasn't completely happy with the results . With a proven pedigree in TV and film, Lost creator Abrams signed up to direct the first after initially ruling himself out. Directly responsible for redefining and reinvigorating the Star Trek franchise, Abrams' decision made him the first director to work across two rival universes. A further coup, the return of original cast-members Harrison Ford, Mark Hamill and Carrie Fisher in their respective career-defining roles as Han Solo, Luke Skywalker and Princess Leia further whetted the appetite. Anthony Daniels (C3PO), Kenny Baker (R2D2) and Peter Mayhew (Chewbacca) were also confirmed, with all three having previously featured in the Lucas directed prequel series depicting the rise of Darth Vader and ultimate fall of the Jedi counsel. New additions include Oscar Isaac, Andy Serkis, Domnhall Gleeson, Daisy Ridley, Adam Driver and legendary Swedish actor Max Van Sydow – best known for his role as Father Lankester Merrin in 1973 shocker The Exorcist. Something new: A striking. sword shaped lightsaber emerges as the cloaked figure prepares to do battle . Brightly lit: Despite the lack of darkness, the enthusiast built an imitation of the new lighsaber . Welcome back: The Millennium Falcon makes a fleeting return in the maddeningly short first teaser trailer . Painstaking: And it was quickly built by Snooperking, who moved his camera around it to recreate the shot . The old enemy: While Han Solo is absent from the new trailer, his beloved Falcon is at the heart of the action . New replica: The enthusiast said he 'wasn't as happy with the Falcon shot but I cant work on it at all today' Actress Lupita Nyong’o also signed up for a role in the forthcoming film after winning praise for her Academy Award winning role in 12 Years A Slave, telling fans: ‘I’m going to a galaxy far, far away.’ Meanwhile Girls star Adam Driver hinted that he is poised to play a villain in episode VII after co-star Lena Dunham told him to ‘rip a hole in da force’ in a congratulatory tweet posted shortly after his casting. Much like the original trilogy, released between 1977 and 1983, the bulk of principal photography took place at Buckinghamshire’s Pinewood Studios, with additional location shoots taking place in Ireland and Abu Dhabi - where filming began in June. The dusty set suggested desert planet Tattooine was set to feature, and early shots indicated that Abrams was keen to move away from the heavily digitised prequels that provided a back story to the original trilogy, opting instead move away from the blue screen techniques favoured by Lucas in favour of traditional sets. The new trailer will play in 30 selected cinemas across the United States from Friday until Sunday November 30 - after which it will screen in cinemas across the globe. Star Wars: Episode VII: The Force Awakens goes on general release nationwide on December 15, 2015. On board: Lost creator JJ Abrams directs the seventh Star Wars film after originally turning down the offer . A welcome return: A bearded Mark Hamill, pictured outside Pinewood Studios in Buckinghamshire, reprises his career-defining role as Luke Skywalker . Read through: A shot of the principal cast members reading their lines suggested Ridley would play Solo and Leia's daughter. The actress (third right) was seated between Harrison Ford and Carrie Fisher . How it was: Stars Wars helped define the careers of Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher and Harrison Ford. All three actors return for new movie Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens . As Star Wars fans eagerly prepared for the release of Abrams' 88-second trailer the internet became awash with spoof teasers. Ranging from the authentic to the downright absurd, each is reliant on clever editing techniques, computer graphics and a fast-paced montage of shots from the first six films. Bold graphics, a clear narrative and the use of Abrams' own Bad Robot production company logo make this one of the more believable teasers to emerge in the build up to Friday's release. It had many fooled, but the 90 second teaser is a cleverly constructed montage comprised of footage from the previous six films and spin off games. Somewhat less plausible, this fake once again draws from existing footage, but also cheekily steals a shot of Harrison Ford from 2013 science fiction adventure Enders Game. It's impressive, but not particularly convincing. Poorly executed and awash with rich animation commonly associated with the prequels released by LucasFilm between 1999 and 2005. Whatever narrative it attempts to convey is undermined by  the use of old fashioned graphics. Crumbling planets, vengeful Jedi warriors and a galaxy at war makes this another engaging addition to the array of fakes finding their way onto the internet in the run up to Friday's official trailer release.

Fan uploaded his version just 14 hours after 88-second clip was released . He said he had to build the set and figures, including Millennium Falcon . Added: 'Then just filming took forever especially the the special effects'

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(CNN) -- Ever since the Cuban Revolution more than 50 years ago, athletes on the communist island have been able to garner gold medals and glory, but not big paychecks. In a shift, the Cuban government says it will allow its athletes to play professionally abroad, ostensibly to shore up the competitiveness of its national teams. But it cannot be overlooked that lucrative contracts for Cuban athletes abroad would benefit the state through taxation. Whether the new policy, announced through state media on Friday, will open a floodgate of talented Cuban athletes to the United States will have to be seen. Several obstacles stand to limit how much freedom athletes will actually have. The new policy will be implemented in the coming months, the state-run Granma newspaper reported. It follows an earlier opening by the Cuban government to let its boxers compete in the World Series of Boxing, a semipro league. Pugilistic passions stir in Cuba . Limits faced by athletes . Until now, defection has been the common path for Cuban athletes who want to compete abroad. Los Angeles Dodgers' star Yasiel Puig, for instance, defected from Cuba in 2012 and signed a seven-year, $42 million contract. There are others in Cuban sports history who have left millions on the table to remain loyal and compete for their government. The late boxer Teofilo Stevenson, a three-time Olympic gold medal winner, passed up a rich offer to fight Muhammad Ali. But Stevenson did not appear to have any regrets about his decision to turn down a big payday by staying amateur. "What is $1 million compared to the love of 8 million Cubans?" he famously declared. Top Cuban athletes can make a few hundred dollars a month on the island. They stand to make much more with the coming changes. Cuban travel reform a home run for baseball star who defected . New policy . The opening of opportunities to make money abroad seems like a recognition of the lucrative market for athletes, but Granma explained it as an affirmation of Karl Marx's slogan: "From each according to his ability, to each according to his need." Whatever foreign pro-sports contracts athletes may sign, they will still be required to be in Cuba for the key national team competitions, according to Granma. Cuba has traditionally produced strong boxers and baseball players, and even though this policy will open doors to competing anywhere abroad, the United States stands to be the biggest attraction. There is no guarantee, however, that the Cuban players who take advantage of this policy will see that sought-after American contract. The first problem is the U.S. embargo on Cuba, a policy that isolates Cuba economically and financially. The Cuban government envisions its athletes paying taxes on money earned anywhere abroad, but if that money is made in the United States, sending it to the communist nation would violate a longstanding economic embargo, a U.S. official familiar with its enforcement told CNN. In practice, Cuban athletes are more likely to end up in leagues in countries other than the United States. Baseball is king in Cuba, and Major League Baseball would be a coveted destination for many Cuban athletes. The league is aware of reports about the new Cuban policy, but said in a statement that "given that we do not have any details of this change in policy, it would be premature for us to speculate what effect it may have." Major League Baseball "and its clubs have and will continue to act in accordance with the laws and policies of the United States Government," the statement said. Another hurdle for athletes is the migration reform that went into effect in Cuba this year that still requires athletes to seek government approval to travel abroad. With this restriction in place, the government maintains control over which athletes it trusts to seek contracts abroad. Still, initial reaction was positive. "If that happened, it's good for the people of Cuba," Osvaldo Alonso of the Major League Soccer team Sounders FC told The Seattle Times. Alonso defected from Cuba in 2007. "They can play anywhere and show they have good (athletes)," Alonso told the Times. "I'm very happy for them that they're giving them opportunities to play in other countries and to be professionals in other leagues." In 2012: The secrets to Cuba's boxing success .

Cuba says it will allow athletes to play professionally abroad . Before, Cuban athletes were not allowed to go pro . It could allow for big paydays for some, but challenges may prevent that .

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(CNN) -- With arrow straight driving, big hitting Dustin Johnson powered his way clear of the field at the WGC-HSBC Champions in Shanghai Friday while first round leader Rory McIlroy paid the price for wayward play from tee to green on his back nine. Texan Johnson overpowered the Sheshan International course with a nine-under 63 to go five clear of McIlroy and fellow Americans Bubba Watson and Boo Weekley on 12-under 132 after two rounds. Johnson's playing partner Graeme McDowell -- still in the hunt on six-under -- could only look on in wonder. "I've probably seen 18 of the best drives I've seen all year in the last two days," he remarked during their round. "I really drove the ball well," Johnson told the official PGA Tour website. "For me, that's a big key." He picked up six birdies in his opening seven holes and after completing a front nine of 30 held it together to come home in 33. McIlroy, hunting his first tournament win of 2013, also made a fast start with three birdies on the front nine to build on his first round 65. But coming home it all went wrong for the 24-year-old Northern Irishman -- let down by errant tee shots and approach play to give up three shots to par. Finding the water on the par-five 18th with his approach shot, McIlroy made a disappointing bogey to finish on level par 72. "I just hit a couple of bad shots, and then I guess I let it affect me a little bit, and then I started to doubt myself sometimes," McIlroy said. "I didn't hit a lot of quality shots on the back nine." He was joined in joint second place by Weekley (67) and Watson (69), the 2012 Masters champion a crowd pleaser on his first trip to China. "Everything about the trip has been beautiful. Malaysia last week (CIMB Classic) and then here. It's perfect," he said. McDowell, second in the European Tour's Race to Dubai, shot a second straight 69 to share fifth with England's Tommy Fleetwood and Ian Poulter, Spanish pair Sergio Garcia and Gonzalo Fernandez-Castano and South African great Ernie Els. British Open champion Phil Mickelson was back on five under with U.S. Open winner Justin Rose. "I'm making a lot of birdies," Mickelson said. "But I've had too many mistakes," he admitted. Swede Henrik Stenson, who is leading the Race to Dubai, was completely out of sorts and shot a four-over 76 to stand six-over and in 70th out of the 78-man field.

Dustin Johnson takes halfway lead at HSBC Champions in Shanghai . Shoots course record equaling 63 at Sheshan International . First round leader Rory McIlroy falls back into tie for second . British Open champion Phil Mickelson seven shots adrift .

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(CNN) -- A move is afoot to make the oil-rich province of Basra a more potent political and economic power in Iraq. Along with provincial elections in Iraq, residents in Basra may also be voting to become an autonomous region. Lawmakers have started a drive that would give the Shiite-dominated province the status of a federal region -- the same legal power as the multi-province autonomous region of Kurdistan in northern Iraq. The move would usher in self-government and could boost oil income in Basra, although the organizers of the drive have indicated they would be more cooperative with the central Iraqi government than Kurdistan is on oil matters. Iraqi affairs scholar Reidar Visser suggests the autonomy initiative -- which he notes is the first of its kind outside the Kurdish areas -- "shows that the inhabitants in Basra may care more for their local patriotism than for their religious identity as Shiites." "Basra holds perhaps 60 percent of Iraq's oil reserves, whereas most of the other Shiite areas of Iraq have only insignificant amounts of oil," said Visser, a research fellow at the Norwegian Institute for International Affairs. Wail Abd al-Latif -- a Basra member of parliament and a former Basra provincial governor -- is leading the drive and has hinted that he wants the region to receive its own share of the oil income generated there, Visser said. The effort is also backed by a powerful local movement called the Fadhila Party. Iraq is a collection of ethnicities and religions, and there has been a tug of war between a central government attempting to tie the country together and various groups pursuing their own interests. The Kurds have had their three-province autonomous region in the north for years, and the central government and the Kurds have had their disagreements: The Kurds have used their autonomy to pursue oil contracts that aren't recognized by Iraq's central government. But al-Latif said his Basra initiative is not seeking "to interfere with the central government when it comes to the administration of the oil sector and the signing of contracts." "The federalists in Basra appear to be more prepared to work with Baghdad than the Kurds have been so far," Visser said. A monthlong petition drive started Monday for a Basra region referendum -- which would be held if at least 10 percent of the more than 1.4 million registered voters in the province sign up, said the U.N. Assistance Mission for Iraq, or UNAMI, which is helping Iraq with its electoral process. Residents have until January 14 to go to 34 locations in the province to submit their signatures. A referendum could be held two to three months after Iraqi election officials certify that the required number of signatures was gathered, a UNAMI source told CNN. The voting age in Iraq is 18, but anybody born in 1991 will be allowed to register and submit signatures after January 1. Under the country's constitution, any of Iraq's 18 provinces may form federal regions, either alone or as a group. Regions have the right to create their own constitutions, have separate executive, legislative, and judicial branches of government, and have security forces under their control. "In the case of a contradiction between regional and national legislation in respect to a matter outside the exclusive authorities of the federal government, the regional power shall have the right to amend the application of the national legislation within that region," the constitution says. "What rights the regions will have with regard to the oil sector remains controversial," said Visser, also the editor of historiae.org -- where he posts scholarly papers about Iraq, including one on Monday about the Basra region. Another idea for an autonomous region has emerged from the Islamic Supreme Council of Iraq, one of the parties in the ruling United Iraq Alliance. It is looking at a nine-province federal region in the south. Basra is the only Iraqi province that borders a body of water -- the Shatt al Arab waterway near the Persian Gulf. The province also borders Kuwait and Iran. Cities in the province include Basra city, Umm Qasr and Zubayr.

Petition drive under way for a Basra region referendum . Referendum to be held if 10 percent of 1.4 million registered voters sign up . Regions have right to form constitutions, government branches, security forces . Basra province produces a lot of oil and is next to body of water .

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By . John Hall . Components originating from Britain are being used inside North Korean missiles, a UN report has claimed. Temperature gauges, pressure gauges and generic resistors manufactured by unidentified companies based in Britain were found among debris recovered from the sea after a North Korea missile test in December 2012, the UN Panel of Experts concluded in an 127-page report. The discovery has led to questions over how British parts found their way into North Korea's illegal programme to manufacture intercontinental ballistic missiles - especially as the country is currently under UN sanctions banning the delivery of military goods. Scroll down for video . Launch: Gauges and resistors manufactured by British companies were found in among the debris of an Unha-3 rocket (right) that North Korea's leader Kim Jong-un (left) ordered to be test fired in December 2012 . As well as the British equipment, parts made in the U.S., Switzerland, and China were discovered among the debris of an Unha-3 rocket that crashed after an event Pyongyang described as a satellite launch. The U.S. said the satellite claims were nonsense however, adding that North Korea had in fact been testing intercontinental ballistic missiles. The Panel of Experts described all the British parts found in the missile as 'off-the-shelf items that do not meet any of the specifications in the lists of prohibited items, in particular the ballistic missile-related list.' The report said that all the British items had entered North Korea through third party countries - including Taiwan - with some of them arriving as recently as 2011. The report did not name the manufacturers of the items. Dispute: The U.S. said Pyongyang's claims that the Unha-3 rocket was a satellite were nonsense, adding that North Korea was in fact continuing to test military weapons (pictured) Evidence: Although the foreign parts may have found their way into North Korea innocently, the UN report said they proved Kim Jong-un's ability 'to assemble complex systems with globally sourced components' Only one foreign item found among the debris met some but not all of the criteria defined by the list of items banned from being exported into North Korea under the current UN sanctions. These were radial ball bearings found inside the turbo pumps of the four rocket motors. However the report said these items were likely to have been made in the 1980s in the former Soviet Union, so could easily have passed into North Korea long before the UN restrictions were installed. Although the foreign parts may have found their way into North Korea innocently, the UN report said they proved Pyongyang's ability 'to assemble complex systems with globally sourced components'. 'The acquisition of components abroad for its prohibited programmes despite its Juche philosophy of self-reliance points to the limitations of its own industrial production capabilities,' the report added. Ready for action: Earlier this week it was reported that North Korean leader Kim Jong-un told his military chiefs to prepare the nation's soldiers (pictured) for war against South Korea in 2015 . Within the report, a number of Taiwanese companies and individuals were named as being suspected of purchasing dual-use components on behalf of North Korea. The UN said this aspect of the report would need further investigation. This is not the first time dual-use components have found their way an international debate about military sanctions. In 1998 Iraq's then leader Saddam Hussein launched 'Project Babylon' - a campaign with objectives that remain unclear to this day but involved plans to build a series of 'superguns'. Dual-use components have long been part of the debate about military sanctions. In 1988 Saddam Hussein launched a campaign to assemble 'superguns' using metal tubes built in Britain (pictured) Many of the parts for the weapons were made from dual-use items made by various companies in Europe - including metal tubes for the barrels and gun cradles purchased from Sheffield Forgemasters in South Yorkshire and Walter Somers in Worcestershire. The majority of the parts were seized in transit and destroyed, but the resulting debate over the export of dual-use items led to more stringent restrictions on what could be exported to countries that were under sanctions. Earlier this week it was reported that North Korean leader Kim Jong-un told his military chiefs to prepare for war against South Korea in 2015. According to South Korea's largest daily newspaper, a source has revealed that the dictator plans to invade and has ordered the army to remain 'combat-ready'.

British gauges and resistors found among debris of Unha-3 rocket . The parts entered the country through Taiwan as recently as 2011 . Components from U.S., Switzerland and China were also discovered .

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(CNN) -- A Virginia judge on Tuesday approved an $11 million settlement from the state to the families of victims killed or injured in last year's Virginia Tech shootings. Parents of wounded Virginia Tech students comfort each other on Tuesday. The 24 victims included in the settlement were among the 32 killed by Seung-Hui Cho's April 16, 2007, shooting rampage. The settlement also compensates 18 people injured. "The commonwealth has endeavored to meet the needs and concerns of the victims, including family members, through both monetary and non-monetary provisions," said Chief Deputy Attorney General William C. Mims. Of the remaining eight deceased victims, families of two chose not to file claims and two other claims are unresolved. The other four will be brought forward at a later date, Mims said. The settlement also includes provisions that allow the families to occasionally meet with the governor and Virginia Tech officials to review legislation and improvements made at the campus in response to the tragedy. The families had pursued wrongful death and personal injury claims against the state after an August 2007 report by an independent panel concluded that more timely and more specific information from university officials might have saved lives. University officials were criticized for not immediately warning students and staff after two students were found dead in a dormitory at 7 a.m. on the day of the killings. Police said they initially believed the two had been involved in a romantic dispute, but later determined they were Cho's first victims. It was almost 9:30 a.m. before authorities sent an e-mail to students and staff notifying them of the shootings and warning them to be cautious. About 9:50 a.m., Cho, 23, began shooting people in Norris Hall, an engineering and classroom building. While criticizing the university response, the panel -- which included former Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge -- also said quicker action by school officials may not have made a difference. The report also noted that campus and state agencies might have taken a different approach to Cho had his middle- and high-school records followed him to Virginia Tech. Problems with Cho reportedly began to surface well before the shootings. The records detailed his mental health issues, including a tendency to react to depression with violence.

24 victims included in settlement were among 32 Seung-Hui Cho killed in April 2007 . Of the other 8 victims, families of two chose not to file claims; two are unresolved . Agreement allows families to be updated on campus security improvements .

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By . Mark Prigg . PUBLISHED: . 05:35 EST, 31 July 2012 . | . UPDATED: . 11:37 EST, 31 July 2012 . If you have only just managed to switch your TV to digital, bad news - you may soon have to buy yet another box. A parliamentary inquiry today forecast a second wave of switchover as TV moves online. The House of Lords says the government should begin planning for every channel to be available online to free up spectrum for services like high speed mobile phone services. The 219 metre tall Crystal Palace broadcast tower. Experts say it could soon be replaced by online TV services. 'Eventually the case for transferring the carriage of broadcast content, including public service broadcasting, from spectrum to the internet altogether will become overwhelming,' the Lords communications committee said in its report on internet infrastructure. It comes as gadget makers around the world are turning their attention to the living room. Last week YouView boxes, which combine freeview digital TV services with on demand internet services such as iPlayer, went on sale in the UK. Apple is also rumoured to be developing a fully integrated TV, while Google already sells its own Google TV box. For consumers, however, the choices can be overwhelming, especially  just months after the country's 26m television households had to retune their sets from analogue to digital, a process that started in Cumbria over four years ago and reached London in April. Digit Al during the digital switch over in Whitehaven. The Cumbrian town was the first in the UK to to switched off from the analogue transmitter. The Olympics has also seen a big increase in the number of people watching TV online. However, the report also warned that broadband would need to be improved in rural areas. 'If broadcast services move to be delivered via the internet,' said committee chair Lord Inglewood, 'then key moments in national life such as the Olympics could be inaccessible to communities lacking a better communications infrastructure.' Services such as YouView require a connection of at least 3 megabits per second. With an estimated 14% of UK homes . unable to get even 2Mbps, according to telecoms watchdog Ofcom, large . swathes of the population could be left out of the next phase of the TV . revolution. Government targets promise only that everyone will be able to get 2Mbps by 2015, with 90% getting 24Mbps. Ed Vaizey defended the government's plans to improve speed. 'We have set ourselves a target that 90% of the country will have superfast broadband by 2015,' he told the Today programme.'We spend more money and more time online and have a big marketplace between BT and Virgin covering two thirds of the country. 'Government intervention is needed to reach the rest. 50million will support this. 'We don't just want high speeds but a competitive market and Europe look to us as leaders in this.'

Plan could see internet only TV service across the UK . Report warns broadband speeds in rural areas will need to be improved before the move .

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London (CNN) -- Margaret Thatcher was a giant in late 20th century British politics, in large part due to her revolutionary approach to the economy. It is no accident that her economic strategy and policies became known as "Thatcherism." Her policies revolutionized the domestic economy and also had huge influence abroad -- not least of all in the countries of Central and Eastern Europe, freed from Soviet control in the early 1990s. To get an idea of the enormity of her influence it is vital to understand the parlous state Britain was in the 1960s and 1970s. OBITUARY: Britain's "Iron Lady" dies at 87 . It was a country that, in the words of former U.S. Secretary of State Dean Acheson, had "lost an empire and has not yet found a role" and it was a country that was persistently underperforming its European neighbors. Indeed it was the feeling that the six of the European Economic Communities (EEC) were leaving Britain behind economically that was one of the main reasons for its membership in 1973. But, EEC membership did not solve Britain's problems. Britain's problems, including the appalling industrial relations, were only tackled when Thatcher became prime minister in 1979. When I was a young civil servant in the 1970s in the Treasury, I was told that government in Britain was all about "managing decline." Defeatism was endemic. Share your memories, tributes and thoughts on Thatcher's death on iReport . Both the major parties (Labour and Conservative) had adopted a quasi-consensus, Keynesian interventionist approach to the economy post WWII, in which large parts of the productive economy, including the utilities, were state monopolies. Competition was a foreign, if not a dirty, word. And high taxes blunted entrepreneurial spirits and business activity. Under these circumstances it should have been of no surprise to anyone, that Britain's future was indeed was all about managing decline. The image of an aristocratic family down on its luck, wearing threadbare jackets and scuffed shoes, comes to mind. Enterprise, profit, low taxes and risk-taking were concepts that were foreign (and especially American) in Britain. It is absolutely no exaggeration to say that Thatcher changed the whole approach to the economy and business. "Managing decline" was not for her. She was determined to implement the policies, however uncomfortable and unpalatable they were at the time, to inject energy, enterprise and competition into business and into the economy. Tinkering interventionism was out and union reform (long overdue), privatization, competition, sound public finances and low taxes were in. All in all, her polices amounted to a "supply side" revolution. And it was a revolution. Businesses and entrepreneurs were now to be seen as the drivers of economic growth and not interfering governments. The default mechanism of post-war British economic policy was reset. It was a staggering success. After a rocky start -- there was a nasty recession in the early 1980s from which parts of manufacturing did not recover -- the British economy began to perform significantly better. Allied with canny policies to free up the City of London and attract inward investment, Britain became the number one destination for overseas investment. The sense of defeatism was consigned, at least at the time, to history. In the late 1980s and early 1990s I well remember my Japanese colleagues' admiration for her and all that she had done for Britain's standing in the international business world, and their sheer bemusement when she was forced out of office. Thatcher was a politician of enormous skill, determination, courage and, above all else, conviction. And she was ably assisted by, amongst others, Lord (Geoffrey) Howe, Lord (Nigel) Lawson, Lord (David) Young and Lord (Norman) Tebbit. They helped her push through her vision against the most appalling opposition from the unions to the economics profession and the CBI. Sadly, much of her excellent work was destroyed under the Tony Blair government when chancellor Gordon Brown's profligacy wrecked the public finances and his ill-advised changes to banking supervision severely damaged the financial system. Speaking as one who saw the Thatcherite revolution "in action," I find it immensely saddening. We need a new Margaret Thatcher, one with the vision to correct the country's horrendous problems, as she did in the 1980s. The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of Ruth Lea .

Thatcher was a giant in British politics, in large part due to her revolutionary approach to the economy . Thatcher changed Britain's whole approach to the economy and business . Thatcher was a politician of enormous skill and, above all else, conviction . Lea argues we need a new Thatcher with the vision to correct the country's problems .

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By . Daily Mail Reporter . PUBLISHED: . 09:56 EST, 5 February 2014 . | . UPDATED: . 13:23 EST, 5 February 2014 . A Southern California man has been arrested after federal authorities say he sent pornographic images of his 3-month-old son to England. Robert Schrader, 33, of Littlerock, was apprehended Monday and remains jailed on federal charges of producing child pornography. Prosecutors say British authorities alerted a U.S. diplomat last month that someone had sent the X-rated images to an undercover investigator. Scroll down for video . 'Pervert': Robert Schrader (not pictured), 33, has been charged with producing child pornography after he allegedly sent X-rated images of his infant son to a British undercover officer . Authorities say data embedded in the images showed they were taken in the area of Schrader's one-story home in Littlerock. Investigators searched the home and determined the boy in the pictures is his son, Los Angeles Daily News reported. . A Homeland Security official says the baby is one of the youngest child pornography victims ever identified in the Los Angeles area, if not the youngest. The allegations against Schrader, a landscaper,  first came to light January 29 when a British official contacted a Homeland Security attache in London about an American national who was caught using a Yahoo email account to send explicit images featuring an infant to an undercover officer in the UK. Law enactment in California searched Schrader’s home after identifying him as the user of the Yahoo account and found his 3-month-old son, who was removed the same day by the Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services. House of horrors: Officials searched Schrader's home in Littlerock, California, and discovered a cache of exploits images, among them some featuring his 3-month-old son . Officers armed with a search warrant also seized baby clothing from the suspect's home along with computer equipment. They also allegedly uncovered hundreds of explicit images and a video showing children, among them the suspect’s son. Schrader had sole custody of the infant. It remains unknown what has become of the child's mother. According to court documents cited by CBS Los Angeles, Schrader discussed with the undercover officer his sexual interest in young boys. ‘I have a 3mo boy. Do u like boy? If so, Tell me what u want me to do to him,’ Schrader allegedly wrote in an email. The nine-page criminal complaint states that the 33-year-old landscaper ‘got caught up in the moment for the purpose of sexual gratification. He would communicate with people online sexually abusing children…and stated that it was just a game.’ Schrader has been charged with two counts of producing child pornography. If convicted, he could face up to 60 years in prison.

Robert Schrader, 33, charged with producing child pornography after he allegedly sent X-rated images to British undercover officer . Homeland Security official says Schrader's infant son is possible the the youngest victim of child pornography ever in Los Angeles . The 33-year-old landscaper stated in criminal complaint he 'got caught up in a moment' and said it was just a game .

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A young woman is traumatised after a man ejaculated on her back in the middle of a mosh pit at a music festival. The 20-year-old woman, only known as Emma, was enjoying listening to the band Thundamentals in a crowded mosh pit at the St Kilda Festival in Melbourne on Sunday February 8 at about 8.20pm when a man standing behind her performed the lewd act and then 'calmly' disappeared into the crowd. The disgusted woman immediately took her top off, which is being forensically analysed by police, and asked a stranger to hold her wallet and phone while she went off to change her clothes. Scroll down for video . The digital image of the man who allegedly ejaculated on a woman's back at a festival in Melbourne . Emma, 20, was enjoying listening to the band Thundamentals in a crowded mosh pit at the St Kilda Festival . 'Everyone was jumping up and down on the ground along with the music so it was hard to tell if he was sort of going along with it or sort of doing something else, she told The Age. 'I just felt something on me and turned around and saw him doing up his fly.' Detective Senior Constable Carin Wood said it was disturbing that someone would have the courage and desire to do such an inappropriate act in public. Emma admitted to being really appalled by the bizarre incident. 'It's really gross, pretty disgusting, he must be sick in the head to do something like that,' she said. Moorabbin Sexual Offences and Child Abuse Investigation Team detectives are investigating the incident and have released a FACE image of a man they believe may be able to assist with their investigation. He is described as being Indian of appearance and aged between 18-30, with a dark brown complexion, average build, short black hair and brown eyes with acne scars on his cheeks. Detectives would also like to speak to a woman who held the victim's wallet for her while she changed her clothes. Anyone with any information about the incident or the man responsible is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential crime report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au . The man standing behind Emma performed the lewd act and then 'calmly' disappeared into the crowd . Emma immediately took her top off in disgust and asked a stranger to hold her wallet and phone while she went off to change her clothes .

Man ejaculated on woman's back in mosh pit at St Kilda music festival . Woman in 20s was watching Thundamentals perform on February 8 . Known as Emma - she took her top off which will be forensically analysed . He is described as being of Indian appearance aged 18-30 with dark skin . Average build, short black hair and brown eyes with acne scars on cheeks .

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New York (CNN) -- The suspect in a hit-and-run crash that killed a Brooklyn couple and their baby has now been charged with second-degree vehicular manslaughter, the Kings County District Attorney's office announced Tuesday. "While we knew it was a snowy evening and the defendant was speeding, our investigation has developed additional information concerning the nature of Mr. Acevedo's conduct leading up to the fatal crash," said District Attorney Charles J. Hynes. Julio Acevedo, 44, was indicted last week, accused of hitting a livery cab carrying Nathan and Raizy Glauber, both 21, on March 3. According to police, Raizy Glauber was pregnant, and the couple's son was delivered prematurely by cesarean but died the next day. An investigation found that Acevedo was traveling at almost 70 mph, more than twice the legal speed limit for where the accident happened, and fled after the collision, the district attorney's office said. Acevedo was arrested after a friend helped facilitate his surrender in the parking lot of a convenience store in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, according to New York Deputy Police Commissioner Paul Browne. Acevedo has already been charged with leaving the scene of an incident, the district attorney's office said, and he pleaded not guilty. Acevedo could face up to life in prison if convicted.

Suspect in fatal crash charged with vehicular manslaughter . Julio Acevedo is accused in a wreck that killed Nathan and Raizy Glauber and their son . Raizy Glauber was pregnant, and the baby was delivered by cesarean but died . Acevedo was driving at nearly 70 mph, twice the speed limit, authorities say .

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By . Tim Shipman . PUBLISHED: . 17:49 EST, 14 February 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 02:52 EST, 15 February 2013 . Tougher rules: David Cameron, speaking at the headquarters of B&Q in Eastleigh, Hampshire, said he wanted tougher rules to ensure visitors to the UK do not 'take advantage' of public services . David Cameron signalled a crackdown on foreigners using public services yesterday, saying Britain should not be a ‘soft touch’ for welfare tourists. The Prime Minister, who wants tougher rules to ensure visitors do not ‘take advantage’ of British generosity, said those from outside the EU should pay when they use our hospitals. Officials should also do more to reclaim the costs of NHS treatment from EU countries whose nationals take ill here. Mr Cameron confirmed he has asked officials to draw up plans to withhold welfare payments, housing benefit and legal aid from Romanians and Bulgarians expected to flock to the UK in January when restrictions on their travel here are lifted. He spoke out during his first campaign visit to Eastleigh, where the Tories are locked in a by-election battle with their Liberal Democrat Coalition partners after the resignation of disgraced MP Chris Huhne. Speaking at the headquarters of the DIY retailer B&Q, Mr Cameron told voters: ‘There’s a lot more to do to make sure we are not a soft touch and while we are a welcoming, open country, we don’t allow people to come here to take advantage of us, which happens too often today. ‘We are not tough enough about people coming from the other side of the world who decide to use our health service. They have not contributed through their taxes... When people come from outside the EU, they should pay for the NHS. ‘Within the EU, there are forms you have to fill in to make sure you get access to healthcare, but we haven’t been very good at charging back and getting the money for the work we carry out, so we need to do that better. Recoup the costs: Mr Cameron told the audience that officials should do more to reclaim the costs of NHS treatment from EU countries whose nationals take ill here . Immigration minister Mark Harper revealed last night that to prevent welfare tourism, the Government is considering forcing Romanians, Bulgarians and other EU nationals to register for residency permits if they intend to stay in the UK longer than three months. He told ITV News: ‘One of the things we’re looking at – other European countries do it – is insist that people register. Tightening the belt: The Prime Minister said he has asked officials to draw up plans to withhold benefits from Romanians and Bulgarians expected to flock to the UK next year when travel restrictions are lifted . ‘If you look at other countries, they have a mandatory registration for all citizens from all other EU countries. 'Before they can access services, they insist on them registering. We’re looking to see what the costs will be, what the benefits will be.’ In a clear admission the Government has no idea how many Romanians and Bulgarians will come to the UK next year, Mr Harper confirmed ministers have not sought to publish an estimate because the range of possibilities is too wide. On Tuesday Mr Cameron chaired a cabinet sub-committee of ministers who have been asked to find ways of reducing the UK’s ‘pull factors’ for immigrants. Yesterday he said he had set up a unit to look at ‘all benefits people can get from coming here and asking whether it’s fair’. The group is examining whether the UK can restrict benefits for migrants from Romania and Bulgaria when travel restrictions are lifted in January. But last night EU Commissioner Viviane Reding said they must be treated the same way as citizens of other member states who have the right to work and settle in the UK. During his visit to Eastleigh, Mr Cameron took a pot shot at the Lib Dems, reminding voters the by-election was called because Huhne has pleaded guilty to perverting the course of justice.

PM wants tougher rules to ensure visitors do not 'take advantage' Said officials should do more to reclaim costs from other EU countries . Asked for plans to be drawn limiting benefits for Romanians and Bulgarians . Thousands are expected to flock to UK when travel restrictions are lifted .

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By . Associated Press Reporter . and Zoe Szathmary . A Turkish man who beat a New York City woman to death with a rock last year has been sentenced to life in prison by a Turkish court. Ziya Tasali, 47, was additionally sentenced by the Istanbul court on Tuesday to eight years in prison for sexual assault and theft. Sarai Sierra, a 33-year-old married mother to two sons, was found dead on February 2, 2013 amid Istanbul's ancient city walls, days after her family reported her missing in January during a solo trip to take photographs. Authorities said Sierra was killed by a blow to the head. Sentenced: Ziya Tasali, pictured, has been sentenced to life in prison killing Sarai Sierra - plus an additional eight years for sexual assault and theft . Victim: Sarai Sierra, pictured, is seen at a NYC subway stop wearing the leather jacket she was wearing on the day she died-- which police say Ziya Tasali then sold at a nearby Bazaar . Tasali, a scrap-paper collector, has been on trial for Sierra's death since September. Sierra travelled to Istanbul alone after her friend dropped out because of financial reasons. Tasali admitted to killing Sierra in September during the trial but denied accusations that he had sexually assaulted her, the private Dogan news agency reported. Tasali was arrested near the Syrian border in March, and had been on the run since Sierra's body was found and was believed to be in hiding in Syria. During the trial, Tasali described himself as a scrap-paper collector with no fixed address. He admitted fatally hitting Sierra with a rock but disputed charges of sexual assault. 'I was sitting beneath the walls. I had sniffed paint thinner (vapors) and was high,' Dogan quoted him as telling the court in Istanbul. Deadly struggle: Surveillance footage shows Sierra and Tasali struggling next to train tracks . Last seen: This is the last image of Sarai Sierra, and was captured on CCTV on January 21 . 'I approached her and wanted to kiss her. But she hit me with her phone between my two eyebrows. I pushed her and she fell on the ground,' he said. Tasali said Sierra fought him back and hit him in the face with a rock, which made him 'totally lose control.' He said he then struck Sierra with a rock. Questioned about traces of his sperm found over the victim and some of her belongings, Tasali denied rape. Crime scene: Sierra's bludgeoned body was found in this spot . Husband: Steven Sierra is seen in this file photo . A defense lawyer said he did not believe his client was 'capable of grasping the meaning and results' of his actions. Judges hearing the case at the time ordered state forensic medical experts to place Tasali under observation and report back on his mental health, the news agency said. Sierra's husband Steven, who went to Istanbul last year during the hunt for his wife's killer, spoke to the New York Times on Tuesday about Tasali's verdict. 'I don't hold any ill will towards him,' he said. 'I've always had an inner peace that I can't really explain apart from the Lord Jesus in my life.' 'I don't know what to believe, but it doesn't matter whether [Tasali] is lying or not,' Mr Sierra also said. 'The truth is that Sarai's life was taken and that is all that matters.' Mr Sierra remarried this year, the New York Daily News reported.

Ziya Tasali, 47, was sentenced to life in prison for killing Sarai Sierra, a 33-year-old mother of two . Tasali was additionally sentenced to eight years in prison for sexual assault and theft . Sierra was found dead in February 2013 amid Istanbul's ancient city walls and went missing during a solo vacation . Tasali had admitted killing Sierra and said he had been high on paint thinner at the time .

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By . Daily Mail Reporter . PUBLISHED: . 02:59 EST, 3 June 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 03:08 EST, 3 June 2013 . Rebecca Leighton is attempting to sue Greater Manchester Police over allegations they gave the public access to her Facebook account and leaked her name to the press . A nurse cleared of poisoning patients is attempting to sue the police for £100,000 after officers allegedly leaked her name to the Press and made her private Facebook account available to the public. Rebecca Leighton spent six weeks in custody as police investigated the deaths of several patients from suspected saline drip contamination. After being charged with contaminating saline fluids with insulin, Ms Leighton was refused bail for her own protection. But the Crown Prosecution Service dropped the charges because of a lack of sufficient evidence against her. The Times has now reported that in a High Court writ the nurse has alleged officers asked for her Facebook password following her arrest so it could be closed down 'to minimise the potentially damaging intrusion into her private life and avoid prejudicing public opinion towards her'. But it is alleged an officer reset the password and deactivated then reactivated the account, which meant her previously private page was made available to all internet users. Ms Leighton's family and solicitor were also allegedly unable to shut the page down because the password had been changed. The nurse has claimed officers gave her name to the media, who obtained messages and pictures from her Facebook account, while 'highly abusive and distressing' messages were also posted by members of the public. It is also alleged officers obtained confidential information from her Hotmail account after she gave her password so it could be shut down. She is now seeking compensation of up to £100,000 for aggravated damages for breach of confidence, misuse of private information, negligence and breach of a statutory duty and her legal costs. The 29-year-old says the publicity resulted in her being remanded in custody and has left her unable to find work. She alleges she has also had to abandon a business venture which has lost her £22,157. In February she was suspended for three months by a Nursing and Midwifery Council panel after she admitted stealing drugs. The panel found her fitness to practice impaired following a disciplinary hearing in which she suggested staff habitually took medication from the premises. Ms Leighton sobbed gently as the . panel, sitting in London, said the 'relatively short' suspension would . be the best course of action as she had shown remorse, had done the best . to atone for actions and was unlikely to repeat her misconduct. Colleagues also had confidence in her as a nurse, it noted. Panel . chairman Susan Hurds said: 'We are satisfied that Ms Leighton has . learned a tremendous amount from the experience and we are satisfied she . would not repeat her actions.' Probe: A police investigation into deaths at Stepping Hill (above) led to the arrest of Ms Leighton. Charges against her were subsequently dropped due to lack of sufficient evidence . The disciplinary panel found that she was 'not fundamentally dishonest' and had worked hard to mediate her conduct since the incident. Ms Hurds said she had sought no intentional financial benefit and had a 'previously unblemished nursing career'. In September 2011, following her release from jail, Ms Leighton told ITV's This Morning how she was too frightened to walk down the street alone. She said she had been portrayed as an 'Angel of Death' following her arrest. She said the ‘normal life’ she enjoyed before she was arrested had been destroyed. Sorry we are unable to accept comments for legal reasons.

Rebecca Leighton spent six weeks in custody after being arrested . Charges were dropped due to lack of sufficient evidence . She is now suing police over claims they leaked her name to press . She also alleges officers gave the public access to her Facebook account .

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CLICK HERE for Craig Hope's match report from the Stadium of Light . Gareth Barry has escaped a broken leg but could have suffered ankle-ligament damage during the 1-1 draw at Sunderland. The former England midfielder was forced off after just 13 minutes when Jordi Gomez landed his studs on his ankle. There were fears that Barry had broken his tibia, but boss Roberto Martinez said: ‘I am happy to confirm that it's not the broken leg we were worried about. There is damage to the ankle we must assess. VIDEO Scroll down for Roberto Martinez: Gareth Barry is in hospital . Sunderland's Jordi Gomez catches Gareth Barry as the midfielder looks to get away from him . Gomez apologises after his challenge leaves Barry screaming in agony . Barry is renowned for being an honest player who would not go down unless the problem was serious . The former England player was forced off the field, although it's been confirmed that his leg is not broken . ‘The tackle [from Gomez] is an early one in the game, there is a lot of energy and it is unfortunate. As he is falling, he stretches his leg. There is no intention whatsoever – it is just unfortunate. ‘Gareth Barry is not the sort of player to simulate. We knew he was in trouble the minute he went down.’ Meanwhile, the Blues will also assess midfielder James McCarthy, who indicated a problem with his hamstring late in the game. Barry could still be ruled out for a spell if tests show that he has damaged ligaments . Barry screams in agony as medical staff arrive to transport him off the pitch . Everton manager Roberto Martinez watches as Barry is taken off on a stretcher at the Stadium of Light . ‘We are going to assess James,’ said Martinez. ‘He was feeling his hamstring towards the end of the game but he wanted to stay on the pitch because we had used all three subs. ‘It is a bit of a concern because he had the same injury a few weeks back when he missed the game against Manchester United and it is in that area. We are hoping that it is more fatigue than a soft tissue problem.’ Leon Osman (R) helps up James McCarthy after the Everton midfielder injured a hamstring .

Sunderland earned a 1-1 draw with Everton at the Stadium of Light . Gareth Barry was forced off injured after a tackle from Jordi Gomez . Roberto Martinez confirmed midfielder's leg is not broken, although he may have suffered ligament damage .

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Argentina coach Gerardo Martino has backed Sergio Aguero and Angel di Maria to deal with the expectation at their respective Manchester clubs. The South American nation take on Croatia at Upton Park on Wednesday night, with the Premier League duo key members of a star-studded side. Mainly talking about Aguero's fortunes, Martino insisted the striker, who has 12 goals so far this season, has what it takes to get Man City out of their rut. Angel di Maria (left) and Sergio Aguero (right) have swapped Manchester for the East End for a friendly . Gerardo Martino (left) has backed Aguero to cope with the expectation with the out-of-form Man City . The Argentina boss also says Di Maria is adapting well, and that Man United will improve . 'They are players that have a lot of expectations on them, but they are used to it,' Martino told the media, published by the Daily Mirror. 'Maybe the situation changes a little when the team is doing well or not so well. But I am sure Sergio can cope with those expectations, and that he is accustomed to having that pressure on him.' United are behind City in the table and were in fact beaten last week at the Etihad Stadium, but £60m Di Maria has better players surrounding him, according to the former Barcelona boss. Martino said that the winger does carry the burden, and backed United to improve as the team get used to each other. Aguero celebrates scoring against QPR on Saturday, his 12th goal in the Premier League this season . Martino was speaking at a media conference at the Rush Green Stadium in Romford . Lionel Messi will also line up for Argentina against Croatia at Upton Park on Wednesday night . 'It is hard to compare any team with Real Madrid, the best team in Europe and the most recent champions of Europe. 'Di Maria does carry the burden of being a top player, but the impression I have is that United have other players of high quality, whether it is Robin van Persie or Wayne Rooney. 'He is not isolated, he is playing in a team with other stars - top players. But they need time to get to know each other, and then they will all improve.' VIDEO Martino to experiment in Croatia friendly .

Gerardo Martino believes Sergio Aguero can deal with expectation at City . Manuel Pellegrini's side are out of form but Aguero has 12 league goals . Argentina coach claims Manchester United will improve . Says Angel di Maria is a star player who can carry the burden .

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By . Ruth Styles . PUBLISHED: . 06:37 EST, 17 July 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 09:38 EST, 18 July 2013 . The single supplement has long been the bane of the solo traveller's life. But now an accommodation website has come up with an unusual solution that allows singletons to save money while seeing the world. Easynest offers travellers the chance to split the cost of their hotel bill - providing they are prepared to share with a total stranger. Holiday heaven...or hell? Easynest allows you to split the cost of a hotel room by sharing with a stranger . Globetrotters set up a profile on the site, indicating their preferred destination and travel date. 'Hosts' - fellow solo travellers who have already booked a room - can then get in touch to see whether they would like to share. Users of the site are encouraged to create interesting and colourful profiles in order to ensure a timely response, and must pay the host directly for their share of the room. According to the website, the service provides 'the opportunity to meet new friends, build your network, create new opportunities, exchange on the city and learn.' But it would seem that not everyone is convinced, including Mail On Sunday Travel Editor, Frank Barrett. 'The idea of making friends on the internet in the interests of thrift has all the appeal of sharing a shower with Psycho's Norman Bates in order to cut down on the water bill,' he said. 'It would be nice to think that the internet was a friendly community of benevolent people keen to help you out. But we know from experience that it's as likely to be populated with people as mad as a French mini-roundabout.' Saving: The website could be the difference between having to plump for a tent (left) instead of a luxury hotel . The new trend for sharing hotel rooms is the latest in a line of purse-friendly solutions for travellers. Couchsurfing, where hosts offer their sofas and spare beds to travellers, has become increasingly popular among younger travellers - and according to Couchsurfing.org, was used by 10.4 million globetrotters last year. Other popular ways to save cash on accommodation include home swapping, where travellers switch homes for a week, and trips based in hostels, monasteries and even pub gardens. Home swapping: If your pied-a-terre is in a lovely enough location, there is a whole world of choice out there for you. Sign up to a swapping website such as Home Base Holidays, and they will put you in touch with a traveller willing to trade their home for yours. You pay an upfront fee of around £30 to use the site, but after that, everything except flights and food is free. Pub camping: Don't expect luxury yurts or private pools - this is camping of the most basic sort. That said, you do get to use all of the pub facilities and you won't have to go far in search of a pie and a pint. UKCampsite.co.uk lists hundreds of pubs which offer camping - many of which are to be found in the UK's most popular holiday spots. Farm B&Bs: Thanks to increasing competition from abroad and rafts of smothering legislation, many farms have been forced to diversify, with many throwing open their doors to travellers. Farmstay.co.uk lists some of the nicest - all of which cost less than a hotel stay. A recent study from network operator EE found that Brits would . consider sharing personal, everyday items if it meant it would . save them some money. From a study of 1,000 Britons, 12 per cent said they'd be willing to share their toothbrush with a friend or family member, and 62 per cent would share deodrant. The research also found that 47 per cent of men would share a towel and 33 per cent would even share a razor. Of the female population, 44 per cent would be happy to . share their hairbrush, and over half, 53 per cent, said they’d willingly share . make-up if it meant they could conserve some cash. On average, women in the UK . could save over £200 a year if they shared clothes, beauty products and . toiletries with friends and family, according to EE.

Easynest lets solo travellers share hotel rooms with fellow globetrotters . According to the site, this can save singletons at least half of the costs . Move comes as couchsurfing becomes increasingly popular .

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(CNN) -- The Taliban have met with U.S. officials to discuss possible peace talks, but do not want to negotiate with Afghan President Hamid Karzai's government, a Taliban spokesman said Tuesday. The spokesman's comments, rejecting a key American condition, could potentially derail American efforts for Afghans to reach a negotiated end to the decade-long war. In an e-mail response to questions from CNN, Taliban spokesman Zabiullah Mujahid denied previous reports that the Taliban had been invited to meet with the Karzai government in Saudi Arabia, saying that talks with what he called a "puppet" government would be pointless. "We have never been asked to attend talks with Karzai administration officials in Saudi Arabia, but even if we are asked to attend, we won't because (the) Karzai government is a puppet and unauthorized, and meeting with them will not be beneficial in solving the issue," Mujahid wrote in a message from an e-mail account regularly used by the Taliban to issue statements. The spokesman, in answers that he said had taken some time to consider, said the Taliban wants direct discussions with the Americans. "The issue is ... who is powerful and has got the power to make a decision, and who hasn't, and everyone around the world knows that the one who has got the authority in opposition to the Mujahideen (the Taliban) is America," he wrote. The e-mail also contained the Taliban's first open recognition that they have met with U.S. officials in Qatar -- talks that senior American officials also confirmed. The talks with the Taliban are aimed at establishing what the senior U.S. officials called "confidence-building measures" to lay the groundwork for negotiations between the Afghan government and the Taliban, with the United States possibly serving in a mediation role. U.S. officials have been trying to jump-start peace talks between the Taliban and Afghan officials through discussions over the past year. The nascent process has been marred by dissatisfaction from Afghan government officials that they were not included at the start. Karzai's advisers have complained that U.S. officials were going behind Kabul's back in talking to the Taliban. After initially opposing U.S.-Taliban talks, Karzai has since given his blessing, paving the way for a meeting last month between U.S. envoy Marc Grossman and Taliban representatives in Doha, Qatar, senior U.S. officials said. The Taliban's demand to talk with U.S. officials and not the Karzai administration could throw a wrench in the U.S. State Department's demand that all talks be Afghan-led and Afghan-owned. Another meeting between U.S. officials and Taliban representatives could happen this month, the senior U.S. officials said. The officials said the likelihood of reaching a deal between the Afghan government and the Taliban is slim. The talks could sow discord in the Taliban ranks, between those who want to negotiate and those who don't, the senior U.S. officials said. On Tuesday, Mujahid said that the Taliban sought confidence-building measures from the Americans for talks to proceed. "The trust-building phase is totally up to Americans," the spokesman wrote, "and they have to take measures and our conditions are as follows: Exchange of Guantanamo prisoners, the establishment of political office (in Qatar), removing the sanction lists of the UN (against Taliban figures)." American demands for the Taliban include requiring them to renounce terrorism and to distance themselves from al Qaeda, senior U.S. officials said. Taliban representatives seemed organized, professional and willing to meet those demands during the Qatar talks, according to the senior U.S. officials. CNN's Elise Labott contributed to this report.

NEW: Senior U.S. officials: The United States and the Taliban may hold new talks this month . A Taliban spokesman says they will not meet with Afghanistan's "puppet" government . Zabiullah Mujahid writes in an e-mail that the Taliban want direct talks with Americans . The rejection of a key American condition could derail negotiating efforts .

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By . Rob Cooper . Last updated at 9:50 PM on 13th February 2012 . Legal high: Methoxetamine was linked to two deaths in Leicestershire at the weekend . A new legal high billed as a safe alternative to ketamine is flooding on to Britain's streets, a charity has said. Methoxetamine - which can easily be bought online - has seen a surge in popularity in Britain and across northern Europe in recent months. The drug, also known as MXE or mexxy, is described as having the same effect as ketamine without the side effects. However, police are linking it to the . deaths of a 59-year-old woman and a 32-year-old man in Leicester and . Melton Mowbray over the weekend. It is believed to be the first time the new high has been linked to fatalities in Britain. Detective Inspector Rob Widdowson, of . Leicestershire Police, said: 'We are investigating the circumstances . leading to the deaths of these two people in order to prepare files for . the coroner. 'One of our lines of inquiry is that . prior to their deaths both people may have taken a form of the drug . ketamine, known medically as methoxetamine, which may have been . purchased over the internet.' Party drug: Methoxetamine has been billed as a safe alternative to ketamine - although there is no evidence the claims are true . However, MXE has become popular because unlike ketamine it is claimed it does not cause severe bladder cramps. Methoxetamine is just the latest legal high to appear on Britain's streets. Many of the concoctions are dangerous - but because the authorities know so little about them they can be taken without fear of prosecution. The number of legal highs on sale hit 40 last year, up from just 13 in 2008. Doctors believe that these drugs could lead to psychosis, liver damage and even death — warnings which are going unheeded by ­consumers, and the Government. As these drugs are legal, it means premium prices - and profits. For instance, a small packet of Blast Off - a herbal marijuana substitute - costs £30, more than four times the price of the same amount of marijuana. However, far from being a benign, risk-free way of taking drugs, the growing army of British users are risking their lives by ingesting potentially lethal ­cocktails of chemicals, often concocted by corrupt pharmacists working in China and India. The legal high Mephedrone - or meow meow - was banned in 2010 after being linked to up to 100 deaths. However, it was rapidly replaced by MDMA. Ivory Cove is another popular 'legal high' which is yet to be banned. Also, as ketamine is an illegal Class C drug, anyone taking the legal high is not at risk of prosecution. But despite claims that MXE is 'safer' than the illegal alternative there is no evidence that it is true - and experts say that it can cause mental health problems. It is sold online as plant feeder or bath salt in the same way as mephedrone was before it was banned. It is marked as 'not fit for human consumption'. The authors of a Druglink Street Drug Trends 2011 report wrote: 'As with the former legal high drug mephedrone, which mimicked ecstasy and cocaine, ketamine now has its legal doppelganger – in the form of methoxetamine (MXE). 'The drug is sometimes advertised online as a "bladder-friendly" ketamine substitute, has similar effects to its illegal counterpart and according to one expert has "an expanding fan-base".' The drug is sold online for around £17 per gram. The line between illegal and legal recreational drugs has become blurred in recent years with a number of legal substitutes flooding the market. Fiona Measham, a researcher for the Independent Scientific Committee on Drugs, told the Independent: 'The new kid on the block seems to be methoxetamine. 'It is growing in popularity, not just in the UK but in northern Europe. It's so similar in chemical structure to ketamine there is no evidence to suggest that it doesn't carry the same risks, or that it is bladder-friendly'.

Methoxetamine may have killed two people at the weekend, police say . It is sold as 'not fit for human consumption' Drug can be easily purchased online for £17 per gram .

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They say the devil is in the detail. But one horrified Christian mom was left reeling after she saw, what she describes, as a detailed 'Satanic symbol' in the break lights of a school bus while driving through Cordova, Tennessee. Robyn Wilkins from Memphis said she was stuck behind the bus in traffic when she was cursed with the sight of the star-shaped red break lights in a circle which looked like a Satanic pentagram. Devilish? This is the school bus which had the 'evil' Satanic pentagram symbol in its brake lights . Close up: The lights were caught on camera by a worried woman after she saw them while stuck in traffic . Symbol: The 'Pentagram' is a symbol used by witches and Satanists for their own style of worship . Worried that she was being shown an evil sign as she drove through town, Wilkins snapped a picture of it and shared it with her local news station. She told WMC Action News: 'Anyone who fears a God, if not God and Jesus Christ, should be outraged. If you can't put a cross on there, you cannot put a pentagram on it.' The 'Pentagram' is a symbol used by witches, Wiccans and Satanists. Some Satanists and occultists have adopted it as their holy symbol, but other faiths use it as well. Since her discovery, Wilkins has been joined by other local parents who believe that something sinister could be happening in the area - culminating in the takeover of taillights on school buses. They have all taken to social media to protest against the 'evil' brake lights on a government vehicle. They're now calling for the lights to be removed from the buses and replaced with a single red bulb so that they can rest easily at nights knowing that they're no longer in use. Robyn Wilkins from Memphis, was driving in traffic when she caught sight of the star-shaped red break light . Wiccan: Jo Applewhite, pictured, said people needed to 'find out what it really means before getting riled up' But one practicing Wiccan said that there is nothing to fear and everyone needs to calm down. Jo Applewhite, a practicing Wiccan told WMC: 'Find out what it really means before you start getting riled up and all worked up about something.' Others argue that it was not a Pagan sign and was simply a red brake light. Durham School Services and The Shelby County School District declined to comment.

Robyn Wilkins from Memphis was driving in traffic when she saw the lights . She immediately thought they looked like an evil Satanic pentagram . Satanists use the pentagram as a symbol of worship along with others . Wilkins and other local parents think it could signal something sinister . They want the lights to be removed so that their faith can be restored .

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A Royal Marine who took his own life on his return from Afghanistan was one of 90 per cent of troops who did not have a welfare interview within the 12-week guideline, an inquest was told today. Dylan Kemp, a 28-year-old member of 42 Commando Royal Marines, wrote in a suicide note that he had 'too much anger'. He was found dead in his flat in Croydon, south London in September 2009, two days after being charged with assaulting his girlfriend. Dylan Kemp, a 28-year-old member of 42 Commando Royal Marines, wrote in a suicide note that he had 'too much anger' Since returning home he was also arrested over an alleged road-rage attack. Patrick Roche, representing Mne Kemp's mother, Mary Kemp, told Croydon Coroner's Court that despite leaving Afghanistan in April 2009, he had not gone through a Post-Operational Stress Management interview before his death. Mr Roche asked Warrant Officer Andrew MacFarlane, the discipline warrant officer for 42 Commando, why Mne Kemp had not been interviewed five months after his return. He replied: 'Possibly because no-one knew where he was.' Mne Kemp had joined the Armed Forces Careers Office and was based in London. WO MacFarlane said in his evidence that at the time 90 per cent of marines missed the 12-week mark. 'I'd say it's a guideline,' he said. Royal Marines leaving Croydon Coroners Court after giving evidence. Mne Kemp had not gone through a Post-Operational Stress Management interview . 'We try to interview - to capture - everyone within that 12-week period. Unfortunately we weren't able to do it.' He agreed with Mr Roche's suggestion that it had been a 'fairly dismal failure'. Kate Bex, representing Mne Kemp's girlfriend, Philippa Roscoe, read out extracts of a note he left before taking his life. He wrote: 'I had too much anger and only want to be out there. 'Royal Marine staff are excellent so do not let this be a pitfall for them that I slipped through the net, and I'm sure many will follow.' The inquest had previously heard evidence from Ms Roscoe and a colleague that Mne Kemp had described to them that he had recovered human remains as part of his tour in Afghanistan. But Warrant Officer Russell Taylor told today's hearing: 'At no point was a member of J Company asked to pick up body parts.' A file picture of British Royal Marines on patrol in Helmand Province, Afghanistan. The inquest had heard evidence that Mne Kemp had described to them that he had recovered human remains as part of his tour in Afghanistan . When questioned about evidence that Mne Kemp had talked of 'having to pick up his mate's body parts', he replied: 'I'm sorry but that is a fabrication.' Acting Lieutenant Colonel Reginald Turner told the hearing he was 'unaware of him being involved in any sort of incident'. He said: 'Picking up body parts was a significant incident. It is something which we would have been all aware.' He added: 'We would appropriately debrief individuals afterwards.' Mne Kemp was deployed to Afghanistan in September 2008 until April 2009, with a two-week break in the UK over Christmas. He was found dead in his home on Nottingham Road, Croydon. He had a ligature bruise on his neck which pathologist Peter Walker had previously described in evidence as 'consistent with death by hanging'. The inquest was adjourned until tomorrow.

Dylan Kemp was found dead two days after being charged with assaulting his girlfriend .

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Brendan Rodgers has brought Mario Balotelli crashing back down to earth with a warning he must improve his work rate to become a success at Anfield. Liverpool's manager yesterday clarified the controversy around Balotelli's spot-kick against Besiktas, insisting the Italy striker was justified in taking the responsibility off Jordan Henderson as he is No 2 penalty taker to Steven Gerrard, who was not on the pitch. Rodgers was unhappy with the bickering that took place after the penalty had been awarded but of far greater concern to him was the way Balotelli played after he had given Liverpool a lead to take to Istanbul. Maverick striker Mario Balotelli joined Liverpool from Milan last summer for a £16 million fee . Brendan Rodgers insists that Balotelli must improve his work-rate if he is to be a success at Anfield . Balotelli has scored just four goals in 22 games for Liverpool so far this season . The 24-year-old has garnered a reputation throughout his career for poor discipline and attitude . This was the former Manchester City player's third big contribution in 10 days, following his goal against Tottenham that secured three points and a free-kick that created Adam Lallana's winner at Crystal Palace. But Rodgers is still looking for much more from his £16 million summer signing. Balotelli has been the subject of public criticism from Rodgers before, notably on Boxing Day when he explained that the 24-year-old's qualities did not fit Liverpool's system. When asked if he had been happy with Balotelli's cameo against Besiktas, Rodgers replied: 'No. Not really. No. We need to ensure that we have everyone working as a team and once we got the penalty he stops working. 'He needs to improve on that facet of his game — to play in his position rather than standing on the side of the football field. He has contributed. He has got the penalty and scored the goal but that is what he is paid to do. 'So he needs to keep that efficiency in his game and show that he can affect the team whether he is asked to play from the bench or from the start. If he works harder than when he came on, he will (become an influence).' Balotelli insists to Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson that he should take the penalty against Besiktas . When all is said and done though, Balotelli does have a very good penalty taking record . Liverpool beat Besiktas 1-0 in the first-leg of their Europa League round of 32 tie on Thursday . One of the main qualities Rodgers looks for in a forward is an ability to relentlessly press and put opponents on the back foot. 'In a different country and a different style of football (scoring goals) would be all that matters,' said Rodgers. 'But in this team it is more than that.' Balotelli was roundly condemned for his behaviour before Thursday night's winning spot-kick and former Liverpool midfielder and Sportsmail columnist Jamie Redknapp believes the Italian is coming to the end of his time at Anfield. He said: 'The problem with Mario is I don't think he has got a lot of respect for anybody. 'He has worked with some of the best managers in Cesare Prandelli, Jose Mourinho, Roberto Mancini — everybody has tried with this man but nobody seems to get to the bottom of it. 'The objective is to put the ball into the back of the net, thankfully that is what he did, but it is not nice to see players arguing like that on the field. 'He is an incredibly confident penalty taker and very good at it, but it is that lack of respect that he has.' Balotelli has been prone to high-profile controversies at all of his former clubs . Explaining the penalty situation, Rodgers continued: 'Steven and Mario are the top two penalty takers, but neither of them were on the pitch at the start so Jordan was nominated. 'But when we had a penalty Mario had come on to the field so Jordan, being someone with responsibility and trust, gave the penalty to Mario so there was no issue. There was a little bit of a kerfuffle around it because he wanted to make sure Mario was happy to take it, but that was it really. 'If you are the vice-captain and the captain is on the bench and then he comes on, it is the etiquette to give him the armband. It is a similar thing with the penalty. 'Mario has scored nearly 30 penalties in big games and he is an outstanding penalty taker. Jordan was happy enough to take it, but he gave it to Mario. There is no drama.' Rodgers, whose side travel to Southampton tomorrow, stressed that no decision has been made about whether Henderson will take over the captaincy when Gerrard eventually moves to LA Galaxy. 'Jordan showed what a team player he is,' said Rodgers. 'People see him as that automatic next captain but that's not necessarily the case. People are trying to catapult him into the next Steven Gerrard but he is a totally different player. He is working his role very well.' Jordan Henderson has been praised by his manager as a 'team player' after Liverpool's win over Besiktas . The Reds will take that slender one-goal lead into the second leg in Turkey on Thursday February 26 .

Brendan Rodgers has warned striker Mario Balotelli to improve his work-rate . The Italian joined Liverpool from Milan last summer for a £16m fee . His performance so far, however, has been underwhelming . Balotelli was recently involved in an argument over penalty taking duties . Rodgers has praised Jordan Henderson as a 'team player'

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By . David Kent . Kevin-Prince Boateng will never want to play for Ghana again after being sent home from the World Cup, according to Shalke chief. The 27-year-old was expelled from the tournament after a heated exchange with Ghana coach James Kwesi Appiah - shortly after another player Sulley Muntari had been sent home for an alleged 'unprovoked physical attack' on a team official. Boateng was 'suspended indefinitely' by the Ghana  Football Association (GFA) on Friday - the same day that the team were eliminated from the World Cup after losing their final group game 2-1 to Portugal. Snub! Kevin Prince Boateng will not play for Ghana again, claims Schalke director . Out! Boateng was expelled from the World Cup after an argument with head coach James Kwesi Appiah . Schalke director of sport Horst Heldt is convinced their player - who returned to Ghana for the World Cup after previously retiring from international football three years earlier - will never reprsent his counry again. 'I cannot really imagine him playing for Ghana again," Heldt told Germany newspaper Bild. Partners in crime: Ghana midfielder Sulley Muntari was also sent home from Brazil . However, Heldt is confident that the incident will not adversely affect Boateng's performances for Schalke next season. 'I'm certain this World Cup and his suspension is not going to burden him,' he added. 'In fact, anybody who knows Boateng will know that he will actually be even more motivated by the whole thing.'

Kevin Prince-Boateng will never play for Ghana again, says Schalke director of sport Horst Heldt . Ghana midfielder was sent home from the World Cup after a row with head coach James Kwesi Appiah . Sulley Muntari was aslo sent home for allegedly attacking a team official .

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Primary school children have been banned from playing a new break time game they called 'the raping game'. The playground activity had been named after a violent video game which depicts violent sexual assaults on a mother and two daughters. More than a dozen boys, some as young as nine, were caught playing the 'the raping game' at Stanford Junior School in Brighton, East Sussex. The school confirmed it had been taking place and headteacher Gina Hutchins said she had spoken to children about the vile name. It has now been called 'the survival game' following the head's intervention. Shock: Pupils have been banned from playing 'the raping game' - a playground activity that Stanford Junior School in Brighton (pictured) has stepped in to stop . Mrs Hutchins said: 'As soon as we found out that this inappropriate word was being used, we spoke to the children concerned and they now no longer use it.' The game has been played mainly by boys in Year 5 at the school for the past two to three weeks. It involves one person being 'on' who has to catch others until only one is left uncaught and that person is the winner. About 13 boys, aged nine and ten, played the game in the school playground but have since changed the title. One concerned parent said: 'I was horrified that my son had learnt that word. 'He is only nine. Thankfully he did not know what it meant but it was that horrible thought he might use it elsewhere. 'Most people assume children learn these words at home.' The parent added she did not blame the school saying it is almost impossible to stop children bringing words into the playground. They commended the headteacher for her swift actions in taking decisive action and stamping out the use of the word. It is unsure what video game led to the naming of the game, but several on the market contain scenes of rape. One game called Rapelay sees the main character try to rape a mother and two daughters.

The head at Stanford Junior School in Brighton has been forced to step in . 'As soon as we found out this . inappropriate word was being used, we spoke to the children concerned . and they now no longer use it,' Gina Hutchins said .

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By . Matt Blake . PUBLISHED: . 06:10 EST, 21 May 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 12:32 EST, 21 May 2013 . Snuggling tenderly on the sofa, Oscar Pistorius and Reeva Steenkamp could not seem more in love as they share a laugh over their pet monkey - in their final photograph together before he shot her dead. The photo provides a moving insight into the life of the lovers, who friends claim appeared every inch South Africa's golden couple. But four days after it was taken, Reeva would be dead and Pistorius in court accused of murder. Golden couple: The photo provides a moving insight into the life of the lovers, who friends claim appeared every inch South Africa's perfect couple . 'He was tickling her,' Pistorius' best friend Christo Menelaou, who took the picture, told South Africa's You magazine. 'They were lovers and also real friends.' Christo, 34, who said Pistorius had grown a thick beard since his girlfriend's death, added: 'He cries a lot and says over and over, "I’m sorry".' Pistorius denies murder, claiming he shot his model girlfriend by accident because he believed a burglar had entered their home while they slept. It comes as it was today reported detectives investigating Reeva's death have questioned a blonde socialite over her relationship with the Blade Runner amid claims the two shared flirty text messages and canoodled at a party. Junior PR executive Erin Stear, 25, gave a statement to police under oath in which she denied having an affair with Pistorius, according to The Sun. A source told the paper: 'Erin met Oscar when Reeva was his girlfriend. They hit it off and met up again after messaging each other. She was really excited about getting to know him.' Also today, Pistorius' brother Carl appeared in court . charged with killing a woman with his 4x4 in a road . accident in 2008. The brother: The picture was revealed by You magazine today - the same day Pistorius' brother Carl appeared in court charged with killing a woman on a motorbike with his 4x4 in a road accident 2008 . Prosecutors say Carl Pistorius was . driving an SUV in March 2008 when he collided with a female . motorcyclist. The woman, Marietjie Barnard, died in a hospital. Although . the culpable homicide charge against Carl was initially dropped, it was . reinstated this year after forensic evidence and reports from the . accident scene became available, according to prosecutors. The Pistorius family said last month that Carl deeply regretted the incident, but insisted it was a 'tragic accident.' He was not under the influence of alcohol, the family said. In the dock: Pistorius denies murder, claiming he shot his model girlfriend, believing a burglar had entered their home while they slept . Tragedy: Reeva Steenkamp died after being shot in the bathroom at Pistorius' home . Blade Runner: Pistorius' coach claims the South African is not ready to head back into action . It comes days after Oscar Pistorius revealed he will not return to the track for the rest of the year so he can focus on his looming court case. Pistorius . stands accused of premeditated murder after the death of his girlfriend . Reeva Steenkamp, who was shot dead on Valentine's Day at his Pretoria . home. The 'Blade Runner', . who was released on bail in February, will be back in court on June 4 . and is likely to stand trial before the end of 2013. But the Paralympian’s coach Ampie Louw . revealed Pistorius has turned down invitations to take part in major . international athletic events and will stay away from the track. Louw said: 'We have decided as a team we are not talking [about] any training or athletics. 'We have postponed [races] for the whole year.'

Four days later, Reeva would be dead and Pistorius accused of her murder . Friend Christo Menelaou said: 'He was tickling her. They were best friends' Says the Paralympian has grown thick beard and cries a lot saying 'I'm sorry' Comes as Pistorius' brother Carl appears in court charged with homicide .

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A teenage cancer patient out on a special day at the mall after four months in the hospital was turned away from a nail salon because she was in a wheelchair. Patricia Moore, 13, was finally home after undergoing 12 rounds of radiation and six rounds of chemotherapy for a tumor in her nervous system. Shannon planned a special day at the mall for her daughter, complete with a shopping trip and a manicure, but before the day could even begin things didn't go as planned. Cancer patient Patricia Moore, 13, was turned away from a nail salon in Palmdale, California because she was in a wheelchair . Shannon Moore had planned a special shopping spree and manicure to celebrate her daughter coming home after spending four months in the hospital. But Queen's Nail (pictured) immediately turned them away . When Patricia and Shannon arrived at Queen's Nails in Palmdale, California, they were immediately turned away. The nail technicians took one look at Patricia and said no, Shannon told CBS Los Angeles. One employee later said he could not give Patricia a manicure because she 'cannot stand'. 'I cannot do it, because she lie down like that, I cannot do that,' he told CBS. Patricia, who was diagnosed with cancer last year, said she tried to explain that she could use one of her pillows to help her sit up in the manicure chair - but the salon didn't budge. Shannon said the nail technicians took one look at Patricia and said no. Patricia was put in a wheelchair last year after a tumor developed on her nervous system . Shannon Moore wiped away tears as she recalled seeing her daughter 'come out crying and sad' from the salon after the incident . Shannon wiped away tears as she recalled seeing her daughter so upset after the incident. 'That someone would tell her no based on her wheelchair, seeing her go into the mall smiling and then come out crying and sad.' Queen's Nail employee Long Nguyen personally apologized to Patricia and told her she was welcome at the salon 'anytime', and that he would personally take care of her. Nguyen said the salon never intended to hurt Patricia's feelings and that they hoped they could have a 'positive relationship with this 'amazing young lady'. He added that the salon is now working on being more aware and compassionate, as well as more accommodating. Employee Long Nguyen personally apologized to Patricia and said she was welcome at the salon 'anytime'. He added that the salon is now working on being more accommodating and compassionate .

Patricia Moore was finally home after four months in the hospital . Her mother Shannon had planned a special shopping spree and manicure . But Queen's Nail, in Palmdale, California, immediately turned her away . Patricia said she could use her pillow to help her sit in the salon chair, but they later said they couldn't work on her because she 'cannot stand' The salon has since personally apologized and said they are working to become more aware and accommodating .

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By . Shari Miller . PUBLISHED: . 08:32 EST, 6 January 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 18:43 EST, 6 January 2013 . As a former KGB chief, Vladimir Putin is used to dealing with defectors. Maybe that’s why he was so happy to greet French tax rebel Gerard Depardieu yesterday after granting him Russian citizenship. The actor, 64, has been accused of betrayal after quitting his homeland to avoid a new 75 per cent tax rate for millionaires. Warm welcome: Depardieu was offered citizenship and a passport by the Russian President . Open arms: Russian President Vladimir Putin greets French actor Gerard Depardieu . Welcomed: French actor Gerard Depardieu poses with his new Russian passport on a theatre stage, wearing a traditional folk outfit, after he arrived in the city of Saransk, 435 miles east of Moscow, Russia, on Sunday . Putin said last month that Depardieu . would be welcome in Russia, which has a flat income tax rate of 13 . percent, compared to the tax on income over 1 million euros . ($1.3million) that Hollande wants to levy in France. He also offered Depardieu a Russian passport, . saying he had a close, special relationship with France and had . developed warm ties with the actor, even though they had rarely met. The Russian president and Depardieu were . shown on state-run Channel One shaking hands and hugging each other . early as they met at Putin's residence in the Black Sea town of Sochi, during what the Kremlin said was a private visit by the . actor to Russia. 'A brief meeting between the president . and Depardieu took place,' said Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov. “On the . occasion of his visit to Russia, he was handed a Russian passport.” Peskov did not say whether Putin personally gave Depardieu the passport or if he picked it up through standard procedures. He said the actor also told Putin about his career plans. Depardieu, who has made more than 150 films including Cyrano de Bergerac and Green Card, which is about a man who enters into a marriage of convenience to get US residency, is a popular figure in Russia. The 64-year-old actor has appeared in many advertising campaigns, including for Sovietsky Bank's credit card and is . prominently featured on the bank's home page. He also worked in Russia in 2011 on a film about the eccentric monk Grigory Rasputin. Putin asked Depardieu whether he was pleased with his work in the movie, with the French actor saying he had already sent Putin some excerpts from it. Dinner talk: The actor enjoyed an evening meal with President Putin at his residence in Sochi . Lively debate: Depardieu gestures during his meeting with Putin . Table talk: The actor has decided to leave his native France over a proposed tax hike for millionaires . The actor's decision to quit France follows his revelation that last year he paid taxes amounting to 85 per cent of his income. In an open letter . published in mid-December, Depardieu said he had been 'insulted' by France's prime . minister Jean-Marc Ayrault and planned to turn over his passport and . French social security card. Ayrault called him pathetic for wanting to leave France, initially for tax-friendly Belgium, to avoid the new top rate. In an angry letter, published in Le . Journal du Dimanche newspaper, Depardieu wrote: 'I was born in 1948. I . started working aged 14, as a printer, as a warehouseman, then as an . actor, and I’ve always paid my taxes.' Over 45 years, Depardieu said, he had . paid €145million euros in tax, and to this day employs 80 people. Last . year he paid taxes amounting to 85 per cent of his income. 'I am neither worthy of pity nor admirable, but I shall not be called 'pathetic', he concluded. 'I'm a true European, a citizen of the world.' New document: Gerard Depardieu shows off his Russian passport on Sunday at Mordovia airport in Saransk . Russian appeal: Depardieu is well-known in Russia, where he is attached to a number of advertising campaigns . Widespread fame: The French actor is a popular figure in Russia . The tax on millionaires was struck . down by France's highest court on December 29, but the government . intends to resubmit the law in a slightly different form soon. Depardieu's decision to quit France has prompted accusations of national betrayal, but some have backed the actor's move. Sixties sex symbol Brigitte Bardot, 78, said the actor had been the 'victim of extremely unfair prosecution'. The animal rights campaigner has also now threatened to leave France and move to Russia amid plans to put down two elephants after they contracted tuberculosis at a Lyon zoo. Meanwhile in Russia, critics of Putin said the granting of a passport to Depardieu was a stunt and pointed out the president announced a campaign only last month to prevent rich Russians from keeping their money offshore.

Star of Green Card quit homeland over proposed 75 percent income tax . Depardieu given a warm welcome by President Vladimir Putin . Actor has been accused of national betrayal by critics in France . Brigitte Bardot claims he was a 'victim of extremely unfair persecution'

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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 QPR's home clash with Manchester City... Queens Park Rangers vs Manchester City (Loftus Road) Kick-off: Saturday 5.30pm - Sky Sports 1 . Odds (subject to change): . QPR 15/2 . Draw 10/3 . Manchester City 2/5 . Referee: Mike Dean . Managers: Harry Redknapp (QPR), Manuel Pellegrini (Manchester City) Head-to-head league record: QPR wins 12, draws 15, Manchester City wins 17 . Team news . QPR . Joey Barton and Nedum Onuoha could both return to face their former club when Rangers host Manchester City in the Premier League on Saturday. Barton and Onuoha are available again to Harry Redknapp as is midfielder Jordon Mutch. All three missed last weekend's 2-1 defeat at Chelsea with hamstring problems. Rio Ferdinand is serving a three-match ban for comments made on Twitter while Alejandro Faurlin is a long-term absentee with a cruciate ligament injury. Provisional squad: Green, McCarthy, Traore, Onuoha, Dunne, Caulker, Yun, Hill, Isla, Henry, Sandro, Barton, Fer, Mutch, Taarabt, Zamora, Vargas, Austin, Phillips, Kranjcar, Murphy, Hoilett. Joey Barton could face former club Manchester City after returning from injury for QPR . Manchester City . Captain Vincent Kompany has been ruled out of the champions' Premier League trip to QPR on Saturday with a calf injury. The defender took a blow to the leg in the midweek Champions League loss to CSKA Moscow. The problem is not thought serious but it could put Kompany's participation in Belgium's upcoming Euro 2016 qualifier with Wales in doubt. Former England midfielder Frank Lampard has recovered from a thigh injury but playmaker David Silva (knee) and left-back Aleksandar Kolarov (calf) are out. Provisional squad: Hart, Caballero, Zabaleta, Sagna, Clichy, Demichelis, Mangala, Boyata, Nasri, Navas, Milner, Toure, Lampard, Fernando, Fernandinho, Aguero, Jovetic, Dzeko. Vincent Kompany will miss the trip to QPR after suffering a calf injury in the Champions League . Key match stats (supplied by Opta) Charlie Austin has scored 24 league goals for QPR since the start of last season (incl. play-offs); 18 more than anyone else. Sergio Aguero has scored 11 goals in his last 12 Premier League appearances. Edin Dzeko has scored in three of his four Premier League appearances against Queens Park Rangers. There have been five red cards in the last eight Premier League meetings between Man City and QPR. QPR ended a four-match losing streak against Manchester City in their last meeting, as the Hoops' Nedum Onuoha (left) closes down City's Edin Dzeko in a 0-0 draw at Loftus Road in January 2013 . Man City have won four and lost none of the last five meetings in all competitions with Rangers. Manuel Pellegrini’s side have scored seven goals in the final 15 minutes of matches this season, more than any other team in the top division. Defeat last time on the road at West Ham ended a run of 17 games where City lost just once and won 12 (D4). Man City have lost just one of their last six Premier League away games in London (W3 D2 L1). QPR’s Richard Dunne has scored a record 10 Premier League own goals. Six of them came while playing for Manchester City. Manchester City have not lost any of the last eight Premier League games David Silva has missed (W6 D2).

Joey Barton and Nedum Onuoha set to face former club Manchester City . QPR defender Rio Ferdinand still serving his three-match ban . Vincent Kompany ruled out of the match for Man City with a calf injury . Sergio Aguero has scored 11 in his last 12 Premier League appearances .

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By . Associated Press . A flight carrying 59 women and  children arrived Friday in Honduras from New Mexico, the second group of migrants from the Central American country to be deported from the United States this week. Nun Valdette Willeman welcomed the 33 children and 26 women at San Pedro Sula airport's Center for Returned Migrants. 'All the children came accompanied by their mother, none of them traveled alone,' Willeman said. She said there is a playground for the children and a place for their parents to clean up and get ready before continuing to their hometowns by bus. Each child received a small backpack with crayons, and their mothers about $24 for travel expenses. Scroll down for video . Return: Immigration and Custom officials standby as a woman and child, who were deported from the United States, deplane at the San Pedro Sula airport in Honduras . A girl, deported from the United States, walks to board a bus that will take her to the Center for Migrants Returned, upon her arrival at the airport in San Pedro Sula on Friday . Several of the women said they had mixed emotions about failing to stay in the United States and that they now worry about paying back the thousands of dollars they borrowed to travel north. 'Part of my heart stayed in the U.S. because I missed a chance to get ahead in life,' said Isabel Rodriguez, who was deported along with her 2-year-old boy and 8-year-old daughter. 'The most important thing is that I'm with my children,' she added. Another woman who wouldn't give her name said she still owes about $7,200 she borrowed to pay the smuggler. On Monday, about 40 Honduran migrants detained in New Mexico were deported to their home country. The U.S. Border Patrol has detained fewer unaccompanied children entering South Texas illegally in the past 10 days, agency officials said Thursday. In recent months, the Border Patrol's facilities in South Texas have been overwhelmed by a surge in the number of children entering the country without their parents. More than 57,000 children have been arrested since October, more than double the number compared to a year earlier. The Border Patrol's Rio Grande Valley sector Chief Kevin Oaks made the comment about declining child arrests following a media tour of a new processing facility for them in McAllen. The 55,000-square-foot converted warehouse is scheduled to open Friday and temporarily house as many as 1,000 children until they can be turned over to the Health and Human Services Department and sent to shelters. 'We arrested 80 juveniles yesterday, so within the last 10 days we've seen a decrease in the number of juveniles arrested,' Oaks said. Later, Roel Rodriguez, the agent who will head the new processing facility, said that daily arrest tally was down from 200 to 300 unaccompanied children at the surge's height. Children arrested after entering the U.S. without their parents posed a challenge for the Border Patrol. Its stations are equipped only with simple holding cells and not intended for extended stays. When agents began arresting more children than could be quickly processed they backed up stations in the Rio Grande Valley, forcing the agency to bus and fly detainees to other parts of Texas and out of state. Protection: A woman, holding her daughter, wears a cloth over her head to protect her identity from waiting news media, as she deplanes . Oaks' comments jibe with a general drop in total immigrant arrests in South Texas in the final week of June. The Border Patrol has not released such data for July, but weekly arrest totals included in law enforcement intelligence reports obtained by The Associated Press in May and June show that arrests dropped in the final week of June to a level not seen since mid-May. Weekly arrest totals in the Rio Grande Valley during those months peaked in mid-June at more than 9,000. The factors contributing to the drop are unclear and it is unknown if it will continue. Oaks said that with the opening of the McAllen facility, the Border Patrol was winding down a similar processing center in Nogales, Arizona, and he expected it to close within a week. The vast majority of the children enter the U.S. in South Texas and the new processing facility is just around the corner from the region's busiest Border Patrol station. Law requires the Border Patrol to turn the children over to HHS within 72 hours of their arrest. He said his sector now had fewer than 200 unaccompanied children in custody, compared to as many as 1,200 on any given day during the peak. Deported: A woman and her son walk on the tarmac after disembarking from a plane with deportees from the U.S., at the Ramon Villeda international airport in San Pedro Sula . Families: Two women and their children, who were deported from the United States, walk on the tarmac after deplaning . The children, mostly from Honduras, Guatemala and El Salvador, are fleeing widespread gang violence and poverty in their home countries. Some come to reunite with parents already in the U.S., while others flee for their lives. Some parents have said they've heard rumors that the children will be allowed to remain in the U.S. and the government tries to reunite children with relatives in the U.S. while they wait for their cases to be heard. Generally, the children have been turning themselves in to the first official in a uniform they see after crossing the Rio Grande. President Barack Obama has requested $3.7 billion in emergency spending to deal with what he termed 'an urgent humanitarian situation.' That request increasingly appears in jeopardy as Democrats and Republicans clash over how to remedy the situation. The new McAllen facility was set up inside a leased warehouse. Tall chain-link fences divide it into four 'pods,' each capable of holding up to 250 children. Children will sleep on small green mattresses, receive medical screenings and have common areas to watch television. 'The issue is very complex. We're not talking about criminals or anything,' Oaks said. 'These are innocent children fleeing desperate times whether it's poverty, whether it's violence, whether it's the draw of a better life the United States, whether it's family reunification.'

33 children and 26 women were welcomed at San Pedro Sula airport's Center for Returned Migrants in Honduras . Each child received a small backpack with crayons, and their mothers about $24 for travel expenses . The U.S. Border Patrol has detained fewer unaccompanied children entering South Texas illegally in the past 10 days . In recent months, the Border Patrol's . facilities have been overwhelmed by a surge in the number . of children entering the country without their parents . The children, mostly from Honduras, . Guatemala and El Salvador, are fleeing widespread gang violence and . poverty in their home countries . Some come to reunite with parents already in the U.S., while others flee for their lives . More than 57,000 children have been arrested since October, more than double the number compared to a year earlier .

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Menelik Watson always harboured dreams of playing at Wembley Stadium when he was growing up in Manchester, but he never believed he would be appear there today as an NFL player. The League’s International Series returns to the capital as the Oakland Raiders ‘host’ the Miami Dolphins in the ninth fixture to be played in London since 2007, when Sunday’s ‘away’ side first ventured to the UK to play a regular-season game against the New York Giants. Seven years ago the idea of a career in American Football was completely alien to Watson, who grew up in impoverished conditions in Longsight wanting to play for his beloved Manchester City only to see those hopes — along with his aspirations of playing professional basketball — dashed. Menelik Watson is over the moon to realise one of his childhood dreams and play at Wembley this weekend . Oakland Raiders offensive tackle Watson greets New England Patriots defensive tackle Vince Wilfork . Now, after just three seasons in his new sport, he is back home in England hoping to help the Raiders kick-start their season with their first victory in front of his mum and daughter, who have never seen Watson (left) play live before. ‘As a kid, we all had dreams to play in the Premier League and that sort of stuff,’ he said. ‘Playing in the FA Cup at Wembley was always something you dreamed of as a kid. But American Football-wise, no. Not even after I got drafted. ‘I watched the Pittsburgh Steelers out here last year versus Minnesota Vikings and then I didn’t really think about it until the schedule came out. It’s like a dream, really.’

Menelik Watson admits it is a dream come true to play at Wembley after thinking the opportunity had passed him by . The Oakland Raiders offensive tackle grew up in a tough area of Longsight where his dreams of playing professional football for Manchester City were ultimately never achieved . However he has finally realised the dream through his NFL career . His side Oakland Raiders take on the Miami Dolphins at the national stadium on Sunday evening .

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Philadelphia (CNN) -- A Philadelphia judge threw out three of the seven first-degree murder charges against Dr. Kermit Gosnell, the abortion clinic doctor accused of performing illegal late-term abortions at a bedraggled facility. Common Pleas Court Judge Jeffery P. Minehart also tossed all five abuse of corpse charges levied against the 72-year-old physician for storing the feet of aborted fetuses in plastic containers in his defunct Women's Medical Society clinic in West Philadelphia. Minehart also dismissed one count of infanticide, the intentional killing of an infant. Gosnell originally faced eight counts of murder for the deaths of seven babies and a 41-year-old Virginia woman, Karnamaya Mongar, who died of an anesthetic overdose during a second-trimester abortion. He has pleaded not guilty. Authorities allege that some of the infants were born viable and alive during the sixth, seventh and eighth months of pregnancy and then were killed with scissors, which were used to cut their spinal cords. In Pennsylvania, abortions past 24 weeks are illegal unless the health of the mother is at stake. Victim's daughter offers emotional testimony in trial of abortion doctor . Defense attorney Jack McMahon has maintained that none of the infants was killed; rather, he said, they were already deceased as a result of Gosnell previously administering the drug Digoxin, which can cause abortion. "Digoxin, fetal demise, no heartbeat," barked McMahon, his mouth pressed in a flat line as he stood next to his client with a hand on his hip. "Everybody wants it to be something else, but that's the evidence." McMahon also argued that Gosnell was saving the jars containing fetal remains for DNA testing in possible rape cases and other study, he said. Along with an examination chair with stirrups facing the jury box, a sonogram machine and other medical devices are on display in the center of the courtroom. During the afternoon session, the courtroom swelled with onlookers, including members of a law class from nearby Drexel University and anti-abortion supporters who traveled from across the eastern seaboard. After Tuesday's proceedings, a priest and other spectators offered words of encouragement to prosecutors Joanne Pescatore and Edward Cameron. Day Gardner, founder and president of the National Black Pro-Life Union, who attended several days of the trial, said she is "disappointed" about the tossed charges. "The judge made his decision based on what he thinks they (prosecutors) can prove. That's the only thing we can hold onto," said Gardner, who traveled from Washington. "I'm here because this man preyed on poor women in the black community. He thinks no one should care, but I do." A grand jury investigation determined that health and licensing officials had received reports about Gosnell's practices for two decades but had taken no action, Philadelphia District Attorney Seth Williams said. When authorities searched Gosnell's office, they found bags and bottles holding aborted fetuses scattered throughout the building. Jars containing the severed feet of babies lined a shelf. Furniture and equipment was bloodstained, dusty and broken. The city's Chief Medical Examiner Sam Gulino told jurors this month that he had to examine the remains of 47 aborted fetuses that were stored in water jugs, pet food containers and a freezer inside the abortion clinic as part of the investigation into the charges against Gosnell. Medical examiner had to thaw fetal remains in Philly abortion doctor case . Minehart also dismissed six of the nine counts of theft by deception against Gosnell co-defendant Eileen O'Neill, 56, a medical school graduate who worked as a doctor at the Women's Medical Society. O'Neill, who did not have a medical license, is not charged with performing abortions but with participating in the operation of a "corrupt organization." Meanwhile, a gag order remains in place preventing attorneys or the jury from speaking to the media. If found guilty, Gosnell could be sentenced to death.

Dr. Kermit Gosnell accused of performing illegal abortions in Philadelphia . He still faces four charges of first-degree murder . Authorities say some infants were born viable and alive . Defense attorney says doctor administered abortion drug .

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Hull manager Steve Bruce believes owner Assem Allam will ultimately be successful in his attempt to change the club's name to Hull Tigers. Allam revealed this week that he put Hull up for sale in April, within a day of the Football Association Council decision to reject his proposed rebrand. But the outspoken Egyptian has kept his options open by beginning a process of arbitration with the FA - not the Court of Arbitration for Sport as originally stated - and will remain at the helm his plans are upheld. Bruce has long played the pragmatist in the ongoing stand-off between Allam and disgruntled sections of the fan-base, but has always been adamant that the local businessman is a positive influence on the club. Assem Allam announced that he is trying to sell Hull City after the FA rejected his attempted name change . He is desperate to maintain what has thus far been a productive relationship - last season brought their highest-ever league finish and a first FA Cup final appearance - and expects arbitration to eventually yield a change from Hull City AFC to Hull Tigers. 'I think there will be a positive outcome. That means he will stay and he will win his case. I genuinely believe that will be the case,' said Bruce. 'Those are my thoughts. We have seen change before. One club (Wimbledon) went from London to Milton Keynes. Arsenal left Highbury...I never thought that would have happened back in the day. 'Or Manchester City leaving Maine Road. The fans even sang 'Maine Road till we die'. 'But they moved into a nice new stadium and everyone forgot about it. 'If he was looking to leave the KC and move to Sheffield, then I can understand there would be all sorts of arguments raging. It is business as usual for Steve Bruce who says the owner's views must be respected . 'But when you talk about a name change, there is an 'AFC' in there. 'Does that have to stay? For me, can we find a middle ground? I think we know now what the situation is so let's see what the Court of Arbitration says. 'But I think it has a long course to play.' Allam's son Ehab, the acting chief executive and vice-chairman, told Radio Humberside on Friday that he expected a resolution to the FA arbitration process by November. Allam senior has pledged his full commitment in the meantime, at least in the absence of a suitable buyer, and handed Bruce a bumper transfer kitty in the summer to prove the point. And should his appeal be thrown out again and he ultimately leaves the club, Bruce would expect his own future to be doubtful too. 'If he leaves and a new man comes in, then what will he want? They'll want their own man,' he said. Many Hull City fans oppose the name change but Allam is adamant that it must happen of he will leave . 'Of course, I don't want him to leave and I don't think the vast majority of the supporters do either. 'Like any good football club, the relationship the manager has with his chief executive or owner has to be strong. 'If it's not, then you can't work. I've got on well with him over the last couple of years because he's let me get on and manage. 'I'm fortunate enough to know that I never have any interference at all. Not in buying of players, team selection. He's never questioned why I played 4-3-3 or three at the back. Never. 'He's let me manage and that for me is a breath of fresh air when I hear about the madness that goes on around the world. 'I really genuinely feel like he doesn't want to sell but he feels that strongly on it (the Tigers issue). 'When you see him come out and tell the world, there is no turning back. 'I think he genuinely means what he says. That there is no grey area. But, as far as I am concerned, he has no real intention to sell. He doesn't want to sell but will do if forced into a corner.'

Allam says he will give the club away if he cannot find a buyer . But Bruce maintains 'he doesn't really want to sell' Decision over name will go to Court of Arbitration for Sport . Supporters' group City Till We Die continue to oppose the change . CTWD say they support Allam's leadership and hope he stays but insist the name should stay .

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By . Steve Nolan . PUBLISHED: . 13:40 EST, 6 April 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 13:40 EST, 6 April 2013 . Defence: Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg has attacked Labour for trying to 'pull the wool over people's eyes' about sweeping tax changes that came into effect today . Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg has attacked Labour for trying to 'pull the wool over people's eyes' about sweeping tax changes that came into effect today. As the new financial year began, Labour launched a campaign highlighting the impact of reforms, which includes a cut in the top rate of income tax, launching a poster with the tagline 'Who Wants to Bung a Millionaire? Dave Does'. Labour said that 'millions are paying more while millionaires pay less' and claimed a one earner family with children will be £4,000 worse off on average in the next 12 months as a result of changes introduced since the coalition took power. Reducing the 50p top rate of tax to 45p will save 13,000 people with an income of more than £1 million an average of £100,000, it added. But Mr Clegg insisted ministers had fixed a 'gross unfairness' in the system left by the previous government that allowed the rich to pay less tax than the poor. In a letter he told Lib Dem supporters: 'Of course, the new 45p upper tax rate - down from 50p - is also coming into effect. 'But don't let Labour pull the wool over people's eyes. They may complain now, but of the 13 years they were in power, the 50p rate was in place for just 36 days. 'In fact, for most of the time their top tax rate was 40p. Not 50p. Not 45p. But 40p - 5p less than now. 'And under Labour a cleaner would pay a higher rate of tax on their wages than a hedge fund manager selling their shares - a gross unfairness we have fixed.' Among a raft of changes that came in today is the largest rise in the personal allowance, which means that no one pays any tax until they earn more than £9,440. Prime Minister David Cameron took to Twitter to highlight change. He wrote: 'From today 24 million people will be paying £600 less income tax than in 2010.' But shadow chancellor Ed Balls said the personal allowance increase was effectively swept away by the coalition's other benefit and tax reforms. Attack: Labour's poster hitting out at the coalition financial reforms . 'Families with children are being hit hardest of all,' he said. 'For example, a one earner family with children will be a staggering £4,000 worse off on average this year because of tax and benefit changes since 2010. 'And this is on top of the income squeeze we have seen over the last three years as a flatlining economy has seen prices rise faster than wages. 'These figures show the full picture David Cameron and George Osborne do not want you to see. 'They reveal that any gains ministers boast about from the rise in the personal allowance are swamped by higher VAT, cuts to tax credits and child benefit. 'People in work, people looking for work, stay at home mums and pensioners hit by the granny tax are all being squeezed like never before. Millions are paying more while millionaires pay less.' Criticism: Shadow chancellor Ed Balls is pictured unveiling Labour's poster campaign today . Unite union general secretary Len McCluskey said: 'Millionaires will be raising a glass of champagne to George Osborne this weekend as he slashes the incomes of people struggling to get by to give handouts to the rich. 'But ordinary people - taxpayers - will be furious that George Osborne has chosen to give away £1 billion to the super-rich while their fuel and food costs rise and wages are falling.' TUC general secretary Frances O'Grady said: 'Cutting taxes for the richest in our society is a huge slap in the face for the millions of hard-working families struggling to make ends meet. 'This move, which will lead to the loss of vital revenues, comes at a time when low-income households are seeing a huge range of vital benefits and tax credits mercilessly cut back. 'It says a lot about this government's priorities that it is forever coming up with new ways to take money away from those at the bottom, whilst handing out tax breaks to those at the top.'

Labour launched a campaign hitting out at financial reforms . But Mr Clegg said ministers had fixed a 'gross unfairness in the system'

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(CNN) -- The world of football has rallied around Jonas Gutierrez as the Argentine fights testicular cancer. A midfielder with Newcastle and Argentina, Gutierrez made the announcement during a television interview earlier this week. The 31-year-old underwent an operation to remove his left testicle last October after the discovery of a tumor. But after an inflammation of the groin was spotted by doctors at the end of last season, he returned to Argentina to undergo chemotherapy. "When I was told I had cancer, I went home in tears," he said in an interview with Argentine television show Indirecto on TyC Sports. "In May 2013, I felt very tough pains on my testicle. After some wrong diagnosis, an ultrasound detected the tumor. "I came here and I assumed the costs despite having a contract with Newcastle. "Money is not important. What is important is my health. I had to start chemotherapy." Gutierrez recalls the final day of the 2012-13 Premier League season where he first felt pain following a tackle with Bacary Sagna, then of Arsenal. "I had a very hard collision with Sagna in the area of the pubic bone and the genitals," he added. "From then I had a lot of pain that wouldn't go away. I spoke with the doctor straight after and he said: 'If it doesn't hurt then don't worry.' '"Then it was holiday time and I felt the pain more in the testicle. The season started and in September and October I noticed that the testicle started to become inflamed. I felt a pain when I put my underpants on, it was uncomfortable. "I went back to the doctor and they told me to have an ultrasound scan and they detected a tumor and told me I needed an operation. I left the clinic crying and went home and told my dad who was there. "I spoke to the club and said because of the delicate nature of the problem and because in Argentina I was going to understand everything being told to me better, I wanted to be treated there." Gutierrez, who won 22 caps for Argentina, made his international debut in 2007 and played at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. He says that his teammates have been supportive, particularly Fabricio Coloccini, who Gutierrez played with at Newcastle as well as Argentina. "This is the most difficult match I've every played. You start thinking about important things when you have problems like this one. "Some guys like (Gabriel) Heinze gave me strength," said Gutierrez, referring to the former Argentina defender, who played for a number of Europe's leading clubs, including Real Madrid and Manchester United. Heinze is not the only Argentine footballer to have contacted Gutierrez. "After surgery, I told (Ezequiel) Lavezzi, (Martin) Demichelis and Coloccini, who is very close to me. We've played together at Newcastle for six years and he calls me. He is almost a member of my family. "I decided to reveal all this because I think this is a difficult moment, but there is nothing wrong with this. These things may help other people." Gutierrez, who was on loan at Norwich last season, scored 10 goals in 177 league appearances for the Magpies. He was nicknamed 'Spider-Man' by Newcastle fans after pulling out a mask to celebrate his goals. Gutierrez, who has one-year remaining on his current deal at Newcastle, has one more session of chemotherapy remaining. While he has kept the matter private for some time, it was after receiving an email about an actress who is also battling cancer that he felt compelled to share his story. "She was showing photographs of when she had hair and when she lost her hair and what she was going through," he said of the email. "i think there is nothing bad in telling your story; it can even help people and encourage them to fight. "It removes some of the pressure talking about it and I also think it can help a lot of people who are passing through a similar situation to be strong and to fight and to see that these are situations that you can overcome and emerge stronger from." Gutierrez is not the first football player in the English game to be diagnosed with the illness. Neil Harris, who played for Millwall, Northampton's Matt Duke and former Tottenham defender Jason Cundy all returned to action following successful recoveries. According to figures provided by the United Kingdom's National Health Service (NHS), testicular cancer usually affects men between the ages of 15 and 49. It accounts for just 1% of cancers suffered by men with more than 96% making a full recovery if it is caught in the early stages.

Jonas Gutierrez has been diagnosed with testicular cancer . Former Argentina midfielder had left testicle removed in operation . The 31-year-old played at the 2010 World Cup . Played in England with Newcastle and Norwich .

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(Rolling Stone) -- "I got nowhere to go ever since I came back," Chris Cornell growls over a warped-alloy guitar charge on "Been Away Too Long," the lead single from the first Soundgarden album since 1996. He's singing about Seattle, about coming home after years away and feeling out of place in his own hometown. He's also talking about a sound: the grunge his band helped define, and which once dominated rock's mainstream. Now, there isn't much of a rock mainstream left to dominate; big, heavy, high-protein bands like Soundgarden are all but extinct. Which is exactly why "King Animal" is a weirdly cool beast to encounter in 2012 -- like running into a mastodon in a Melvins T-shirt. The band's sound manages to be as ageless as it is anachronistic. Soundgarden were the crusty hard-rock true believers amid alt-rock's self-appointed revolutionaries: If Nirvana wanted to shred your world and Pearl Jam strove to redeem it, Cornell, guitarist Kim Thayil, bassist Ben Shepherd and drummer Matt Cameron wanted to take you out in the woods with a six-pack and headbang to Sabbath Bloody Sabbath. King Animal shows they haven't forgotten how to stomp out the jams: Thayil is still a warlock guitar conjurer of the first order, and Cornell rolls around his multi-octave vocal range like some kind of backwoods metal-Mariah. The album follows their root sound down all kinds of mossy paths -- from the South Asia-meets-New Orleans blues burn of "Black Saturday" to "A Thousand Days Before," a snake-hipped meditation on the impermanence of life. Naturally, its centerpiece moment is its heaviest: "Blood on the Valley Floor," where sumptuously evil riffs fall like redwoods as Cornell spools out images of war as mindless decadence. "The blood dries while we spill," he sings. "Endless summer." Peter Travers Ranks All 24 James Bond Movies . It's a quintessentially Soundgarden moment: overpowering but self-loathing. What made them "grunge" and not just a new kind of old metal was their dire, brutal despair. The band's greatest songs -- miasmic punishers like "Black Hole Sun" or "Fell on Black Days," from their 1994 watershed, Superunknown -- undercut massive music with lyrics about helplessness and depression. Being Seattle in the Nineties, that helplessness suggested drug abuse. But "King Animal" was recorded by sober dudes in their forties -- the hymnlike "Bones of Birds" is about the challenges of parenting, and "Halfway There" is a matter-of-fact take on class stagnation: "Something to eat?/I would say you're doing better than most, though maybe not as well as some," Cornell observes. The Best Aerosmith Songs of All Time . That line could describe Cornell's years post-Soundgarden: supergroup success with Tom Morello in Audioslave, then a decade wandering the post-alt-rock solo wilderness, complete with a Timbaland-produced electro-rock puzzler (2009's Scream). After years of failed reinvention, the guy on King Animal sounds content to be himself. "Don't know where I'm going/I just keep on rowing," he moans like a mantra, awash in black swirls of industrial-strength murk on the album's closing track. It's that old-time sludge that carries him home. Review: Neil Young and Crazy Horse . Copyright © 2011 Rolling Stone.

"Been Away Too Long" is the lead single from the first Soundgarden album since 1996 . The band's sound manages to be as ageless as it is anachronistic . The album follows their root sound down all kinds of mossy paths .

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Corey Curtis, 44, owes about $90,000 in back child support and interest to the mothers of his children . A judge ordered him to curb his excessive breeding as a condition of a three-year probation term . By . Daily Mail Reporter . PUBLISHED: . 18:21 EST, 4 December 2012 . | . UPDATED: . 18:23 EST, 4 December 2012 . A Wisconsin man who has fathered nine children with six different women was ordered to stop having babies until he can support his existing dependents. Corey Curtis, 44, of Racine, Wisconsin, owes about $90,000 in back child support and interest to the mothers of his children. At his December 3 sentencing for bail jumping and failure to pay child support, a circuit court judge ordered Curtis to curb his excessive breeding as a condition of a three-year probation term. Deadbeat dad: Corey Curtis, 44, of Racine, Wisconsin, owes about $90,000 in back child support and interest to the six mothers of his nine children . The judge said Curtis will need to clear his debt before he can have his tenth child, the Smoking Gun reports. Curtis has been arrested and charged with failure to pay child support on numerous occasions over the past 11 years, court records show. Curtis’ record includes convictions for passing bad checks, criminal damage and burglary. Other deadbeat dads have been given similar demands in the past.In March 2002, a judge ordered Luther Crawford of Kentucky, who had 12 children with 11 women, to stop having sex in an effort to keep him from having his 13th child. Deadbeat dad: Luther Crawford of Kentucky, who had 12 children with 11 women, was ordered to stop having sex in an effort to keep him from having his 13th child . Desmond Hatchett of Tennessee, America’s most infamous baby machine, has fathered more than 20 children with 11 women, according to Knoxville News. Hatchett has been locked up for the last three years and his sentence won't expire until November 2014. Deadbeat dad: Desmond Hatchett of Tennessee, who has fathered more than 20 children with 11 women, has been locked up for the last three years .

Corey Curtis, 44, owes about $90,000 in back child support and interest to the mothers of his children . A judge ordered him to curb his excessive breeding as a condition of a three-year probation term . America’s most infamous baby machine, Desmond Hatchett of Tennessee, has fathered more than 20 children with 11 women .

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(CNN) -- Iran's atomic energy chief said Wednesday that no deal has been struck to export uranium for enrichment abroad, a demand of Western nations worried that Tehran plans to use its program to build nuclear weapons. "The discussions are still being conducted, and we will inform the nation of any final agreements," said Ali Akbar Salehi, director of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran, according to the state-run Iranian Labour News Agency. Asked what countries in addition to France and Brazil were under consideration, he cited an Asian country, but would not specify which one. Salehi's remarks came a day after President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad told state-run Press TV that Iran would have "no problem" turning over most of its low-enriched uranium to the West for further enrichment. Iranian diplomats had initially accepted the idea, which was proposed by the West, but then rejected a plan put forth by the International Atomic Energy Agency, the atomic watchdog of the United Nations. "In our opinion, there are no issues with the exchange" of 3-to-5 percent enriched uranium for 20 percent enriched uranium, Ahmadinejad said. He added that, if the West were to refuse to return the enriched fuel, world opinion would shift. "If they don't live up to their agreement, the international atmosphere will change in our favor," he said. They [Western countries] can come and build 20 nuclear power plants for us; Russia, France and the United States can come and sign contracts and build the power plants. It serves our interests as well as theirs. Of course if they don't come to do this, we will reach a point to build our own power plants." Iran insists its nuclear program is intended solely for peaceful purposes.

Iran's atomic energy chief says no deal struck to export uranium for enrichment abroad . This is a demand of Western nations worried that Iran plans to build nuclear weapons . President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad says Iran has "no problem" turning over uranium . Iran insists its nuclear program is intended solely for peaceful purposes .

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The number of unaccompanied minors entering the United States via Mexico has now exceeded 60,0000. According to Homeland Security figures, the number of young Central Americans who have crossed into the U.S. reached 62,000 at the end of last week. The flood of unaccompanied children crossing the border illegally, mostly from Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador, has caused a humanitarian crisis for the Obama administration. Scroll down for video . Flood: 62,000 unaccompanied minors have crossed into the U.S. this fiscal year so far. Here, Honduran immigrants Maria Celeste Castro and her daughter Melida Patricio, two, wait as a Border Patrol vehicle arrives to transport their group to a processing center after they crossed the Rio Grande into Texas on July 24 . It's also caused a budget dilemma, with the number of unaccompanied minors likely to reach 90,000, a significant increase on the 38,293 of the previous two years combined. reports CNN. Housing so many children, some as young as three, has caused overcrowding at federal facilities and now taxpayer-funded private facilities are being used to care for the children pending the determination of their immigration status. The Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR), an arm of the Health and Human Service Department, is responsible for the care of the children after they are apprehended, but with state shelters full, private facilities are receiving millions in taxpayer dollars to take on the overflow. Ebb: According to officials, the tide of immigrants is beginning to slow. Here, Honduran undocumented immigrant Laura Fabio, two, waits for her mother after they crossed the Rio Grande illegally into the United States on July 24 . CBS reports that Southwest Key is one such company. It operates 25 shelters in 15 cities in Texas, Arizona and California that provide legal and medical services as well as schooling. The ORR aims to resolve a child's immigration status within 45 days. On Friday, House Republicans managed to pass two bills to force the White House to deal with the child migrant surge more speedily. The bills would provide emergency funding, faster deportations and rescind President Obama's authority to decide the fate of certain illegal immigrants. The bills, strongly opposed by the White House and most Democrats, is unlikely to become law, reports the Washington Post. According to the White House, the flood of unaccompanied minors has recently begun to slow.

The number of undocumented minors who have crossed into the U.S. is now 62,000 . The immigrants are mostly from Honduras, Guatemala and El Salvador . Federal facilities are full and now state-funded private facilities are taking on the overflow . House Republicans passed two bills Friday to speed the processing and deportation of immigrants . They are unlikely to become law .

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(CNN) -- He's won virtually everything on offer in the world of tennis, and Roger Federer took a step closer to a complete collection as he saved Switzerland from an embarrassing defeat in the Davis Cup quarterfinals on Sunday. Staring down the barrel against unfancied Kazakhstan following Saturday's doubles loss, the 17-time grand slam champion wasn't even sure he'd get to take the court in Geneva. However, his 2008 Olympics gold-medal-winning partner Stanislas Wawrinka bounced back for his first victory of the weekend to level the scores at 2-2. The Australian Open champion came from a set down to beat Mikhail Kukushkin 6-7 (4-7) 6-4 6-4 6-4 and set up a decider. "I was hoping so much I was going to get a chance to play and not just watch Stan play," Federer said. "I got the opportunity and I'm happy I lived up to the hype and the expectations, and I was able to get the boys through so very happy for them." Federer's 7-6 (7-0) 6-2 6-3 victory over Andrey Golubev -- previously unbeaten in the competition this season -- gave him the record for most Davis Cup wins by a Swiss player, putting him past the 34 recorded by Jakob Hlasek. Hlasek was part of the only Swiss team to reach the final, losing to a star-studded U.S. team in 1992. "I knew Stan was going to play better than Friday and I thought as well that he was going to do a better job with rhythm and against the type of player Kukushkin was, he'd find a way. That's what happened. It was tough for him for a long time," Federer said. "Then personally for me, I just felt I was playing such great tennis the last six months that I would find a way as well and I did. It's a relief but it was a great feeling." The Swiss will next play Italy, who also came from 2-1 down to end Britain's hopes of a first semifinal appearance since the World Group concept was introduced in 1981. Fabio Fognini handed two-time grand slam champion Andy Murray his first singles defeat in 19 Davis Cup matches, a run stretching back to 2005, winning 6-3 6-3 6-4 to delight the home crowd in Naples. Andreas Seppi then defeated James Ward 6-4 6-3 6-4 on the red clay to give the Italians a first semifinal appearance since 1998. France managed an even more impressive comeback, rallying from 2-0 down against Germany to set up a semifinal against two-time defending champions the Czech Republic in Nancy. Jo-Wilfried Tsonga leveled the tie by beating Tobias Kamke 6-3 6-2 6-4, then Gael Monfils completed a memorable victory as he won 6-1 7-6 (7-0) 6-2 against Peter Gowjowczyk. "I'm just so proud of my players, because coming from 2-0 down on the first day was not easy," said France captain Arnaud Clement, who played in the team's 2010 final defeat against Serbia. It clinched another home tie, against a Czech side which completed a 5-0 whitewash of Japan in Tokyo. Lukas Rosol led the way in the absence of No. 1 Tomas Berdych, winning both singles matches and his doubles rubber.

Roger Federer gives Switzerland a 3-2 victory over Kazakhstan in Davis Cup . The Swiss come from 2-1 down to earn semifinal clash with Italy . Italians also rally from a point behind to deny Britain a place in last four . France come from 2-0 down against Germany to secure semi against Czech Republic .

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The number of people who say that acts of terrorism are likely to occur around the anniversary of 9/11 has significantly increased from three years ago. A new CNN/ORC International survey indicates that 53% of Americans believe it's likely for acts of terrorism to take place at this time, up from 39% in 2011 during the 10th anniversary of the attacks that killed nearly 3,000 people. "It's likely that the change is due to newfound concerns over ISIS, which seven in 10 Americans believe has operatives within the U.S. able to commit an act of terrorism at any time," said CNN Polling Director Keating Holland. The poll results come as President Barack Obama addresses the public Wednesday night on the threat of ISIS and lays out his strategy to combat the militant group in Syria and Iraq. 10 questions for Obama on ISIS . His prime-time speech falls on the eve of the 13th anniversary of the attacks. September 11 also is the anniversary of the 2012 deadly attack against a U.S. compound in Benghazi, leaving four Americans dead, including the U.S. ambassador. Al Qaeda battles ISIS for global jihadist leadership . Most Americans, however, don't feel personally threatened by terrorism. Just over four in 10 say it's likely that they themselves or a family member will become a victim of terrorism -- not a significant change from most previous years. Women (49%) and senior citizens (48%) are most worried about terrorism, while men and younger Americans express much less worry, according to the poll. For the survey, 1,014 adult Americans were interviewed by telephone from September 5-7. The sampling error is plus or minus 3 percentage points. Are we overspending on stopping terrorism?

A majority of Americans say it's likely for terrorism to take place this week . Thursday marks the 13th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks . Rise in concern is likely due to the emerging threat of ISIS .

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Police in North Carolina say they will not bring any charges against a 14-year-old boy who shot an intruder three times, killing him, believing the teen was protecting his home and his sick grandmother inside. The boy, whose father was murdered during a robbery at his auto shop six years ago, was looking after his his grandmother in Mint Hill, near Charlotte, on Tuesday after she recently underwent a hip replacement. The teen, who was sick with bronchitis, was fixing something for his grandmother in the kitchen about 5pm when he heard a window break at the back of the home. Two men - later identified as brothers Isai Delcid, 18, and Carlos Delcid, 22 - were trying to get into the house, police said. Scene: The attempted break-in occurred at this home in Mint Hill, just outside of Charlotte, on Tuesday night . Smashed: This is the window of the house the burglars broke and tried to climb through . Evidence: Police marked a piece a wood on the balcony where a bullet was lodged in the shooting . Proud: George Wyant, the 14-year-old's grandfather, said he is grateful his wife not alone in the house . The boy then ran and grabbed a loaded Glock pistol he knew his grandfather kept for protection. He fired three times at the window, killing Isai Delcid. Shot dead: Isai Delcid, 18, was killed by the teen as he attempted to break into the house . The man is believed to have been outside the home when he was shot. His brother then fled the scene. Moments later the grandmother, Anna Marie Wyant, 73, called 911. 'The man was breaking into the window,' she told the operator, according to The Charlotte Observer. 'He was halfway in the window. 'My grandson told him to stop and get out of here and he didn't so my grandson shot him. 'Somebody just broke in the house and we shot him.' Police who arrived at the scene found the body of Isai Delcid at the back of the house. Carlos Delcid was arrested nearby and has been charged first-degree burglary. The boy's grandfather, George Wyant, said while the situation was unfortunate, he is glad his grandson was home at the time of the attempted break-in and that his wife was not alone. 'Who knows what could have happened,' he told The Observer. Wyant said the boy was familiar with guns. 'I took him to a shooting range,' he said. Investigation: A huge police presence can be seen at the home on Rolling Fields Road on Tuesday . Police: Investigators check out the scene as they prepare to remove the body from the back of the home . 'All the boys, I wanted them to learn gun safety. 'That's what all of us should have for protection. 'These are different ages, and you have to protect yourself.' Sadly the family are no strangers to tragedy. In April, 2008, the Wyants' son-in-law and the 14-year-old's father, Gregorio 'Greg' Hernandez, was shot to death at his automotive shop. 'He was a mechanic,' George Wyant said. 'It was his garage. Someone came in and shot him to death.' Two years later, a jury found Victor Vasquez guilty of first-degree murder for the killing. Vasquez was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. Another man, Alfonzo Caballero, pleaded guilty in connection with the crime.

Two brothers - 18 and 22 - tried to break into home in Charlotte Tuesday . Teen and his 73-year-old grandmother were in the house and both were ill . Boy threatened he had a gun before shooting one of the men three times . The other fled but was later arrested . Police say the shooting was justified and will not lay charges . The boys father was murdered at his automotive shop in 2008 .

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Forget a draughty horse box or a muddy field. You’re more likely to find this little chap warming his flanks by the fire or nuzzling the crumbs under the kitchen table. At 22 inches tall, Acer is perfect house pet size, and barely as big as his best friend, his owner’s black labrador, Demon. As a result he enjoys all the comforts of home. Acer, now aged three, was born with dwarfism, caused by a recessive gene which only affects a foal when it is carried by both of the parents. Scroll down for video . Standing tall: Little Acer stands next to a normal-sized horse in the field next to the Miniature Horse Farm . Run of the house: The horse's small size means that he makes the perfect house pet for owner Maureen . Best friends: Owner Maureen O'Sullivan with Acer and Demon the labrador - who is inches taller than the horse . Most dwarfism foals are put down because of health problems but his owner, Maureen O’Sullivan, who runs the Miniature Horse Farm in Corringham, Essex, couldn’t bear to part with him. She said: ‘We imported his dad from America and put him with our American mare and they must both have been carrying the dwarf gene – he was the result. ‘Due to dwarves having various health issues most breeders would have put him down, but little Acer was so full of life and otherwise healthy, it was never an option. ‘One day we were in the living room and he just wandered in, we were really surprised. My little pony: Maureen with Acer, who she couldn't bear to put down - despite his potential health problems . Walkies! Thanks to his size, Maureen can simply take Acer for a walk on his lead in the nearby fields . Horse power: The horse, believed to be Britain's smallest, can even fit into the family car for a run out . Stable of pals: Acer sniffs at a treat with his best friend, Demon the black labrador in Maureen's kitchen . ‘When he comes in he loves to watch the television, he just stands there staring at it. He likes to walk around and sniff everything so now we let him come and go when he wants.’ Although he is more than welcome to wander around the house, Acer does have his own traditional stable at the farm. But it does cater for his size with the tiniest of stable doors so he can see out onto the yard. Miss O’Sullivan said: ‘We had the door specially made for him so he can put his head over and see all the other horses.’ Pampered: Though Acer has the run of the house, he also has his own traditional stable at the farm . Cuddles: Acer gets close to Maureen as she takes him for a spin on the back of a golf buggy around the farm . Wait for me! The diminutive horse has to trot to keep up with Maureen as she takes him for a walk on his lead . Unusual: Acer, now aged three, was born with dwarfism, caused by a recessive gene carried by both parents .

Three-year-old Acer was born with dwarfism, caused by a recessive gene . The tiny horse is barely as big as his best friend - a labrador named Demon . Most dwarfism foals are put down because of health problems . But owner Maureen, who runs a horse farm, couldn't bear to part with him . Now he lives with her and Demon at the farm in Corringham, Essex .

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(CNN) -- This is the time of the year when everyone can channel their inner Dick Vitale. Just make sure not to startle your co-workers if you start yelling, "Awesome, baby!" Everyone in the entire country, starting on Selection Sunday when the NCAA Tournament brackets are revealed, becomes a college basketball expert. From President Obama to that annoying woman in accounting who lets her corgie make the picks (and still somehow wins the office pool), we're all about to pretend we know more about Cinderella than the prince himself. So if you're just now beginning to pay attention, here is an A-to-Z primer of what you're going to find in your brackets. A is for Antonio, which is the real first name for dynamic Syracuse guard Scoop Jardine. He averages 4.9 assists for the Orange, which went 30-1 in the regular season to become one of the favorites this month. B is for Bourbon Street, which is where a few thousand fans will converge during the Final Four (the games are March 31 and April 2). This is the fifth time New Orleans has hosted the event, and if you believe geography has anything to do with a team's success, you might pick North Carolina (the winners there in 1982 and 1993), Indiana (1987) or Syracuse (2003). C is for Connecticut, the defending national champions who have had anything but a smooth season wearing the crown. The Huskies underachieved to start the season, then watched their iconic head coach, Jim Calhoun, sidelined with back problems. But now Calhoun is back, and there's no doubting his team has talent. "It's been a different kind of season," he said at the Big East Tournament. "But through it all, somewhat by separation, I realized how much I care about these kids." D is for Draymond, and if you like watching college basketball to see a player develop, you like Draymond Green. The forward averaged just 3.3 points and 3.3 rebounds as a freshman at Michigan State, but four years later, he was named Big Ten Player of the Year in leading the Spartans to a share of the league title. E is for emergency room, which is where Seton Hall center Herb Pope was rushed on April 28, 2010, after his heart stopped. His condition was so serious the school prepared a press release to announce his death, but two years later with Pope as the key player up front, the Pirates are potentially one of 10 Big East teams that could make the tournament field. F is for Frank Haith, the head coach at Missouri. You want a successful first season on the job? Try Haith leading the Tigers to a 27-4 record in the regular season. But now comes the real goal: Getting Missouri, which will be making its 25th NCAA Tournament appearance, into its first Final Four. SI.com: See where your team stands for March Madness . G is for Gaels, the nickname for West Coast Conference champion St. Mary's. If you're from Down Under (or just enjoy Foster's beer), you'll like the Gaels: They've built their program on a pipeline from Australia that now includes conference player of the year Matthew Dellavedova. As fans chant during their games, "Aussie! Aussie! Aussie! Oi! Oi! Oi!" H is for Harvard, which is getting as much attention for its basketball team these days as its business school. Not only are the Crimson back in the tournament for the first time since the Truman administration (that's 1946), but their former star Jeremy Lin has quickly become a worldwide superstar for his surprising play for the Knicks. I is for Indiana, back in the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2008. If that doesn't seem like a long drought, consider: The Hoosiers were a tournament fixture every year from 1986 to 2003 and have won five titles (1940, 1953, 1976, 1981 and 1987). J is for Jackrabbits, the unique mascot for first-time tournament participant South Dakota State. The origin is believed to be an early 1900s newspaper article that described the team "as quick as jackrabbits." And they better be, since they're likely headed to a first-round matchup with one of the top programs in the country. K is for Krzyzewski -- or, if you prefer, Coach K. Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski has won this tournament four times, more than any coach in the tournament (just one man in the history of college basketball, John Wooden with 10, has more). Do the Blue Devils have what it takes to deliver No. 5? They'll have to count on emerging freshman star Austin Rivers if they do. L is for Loyola (Maryland), where the colorful Jimmy Patsos is the head coach. When Patsos was a graduate assistant at Maryland, he worked a side job as a bartender in the Georgetown section of D.C. -- and his reputation for courtside theatrics means the TV cameras will spend plenty of time watching him during the Greyhounds' first-round game. M is for Murray State, which is the best team most casual college fans have never heard of. Only a four-point loss to Tennessee State kept the Racers from rural Murray, Kentucky, from entering the tournament at a perfect 31-0, and with junior guard Isaiah Canaan (19.2 points per game), there's no telling how far they'll go this month. N is for Northwestern, and that'll be one of the biggest questions heading into Selection Sunday: Will the Wildcats finally earn their first ever berth in the NCAA Tournament? "The stats are out there," is all head coach Bill Carmody would say when asked if his team belonged this week, so don't expect much lobbying from Chicago. O is for office pools, on which the FBI estimates more than $2.5 billion is gambled each year. That's a lot of people who think they know which No. 12 seed is going to advance to the Sweet 16. Take the CNN bracket challenge . P is for proud papa, which is how Detroit Mercy coach Ray McCallum is feeling this week. Not only are his Titans back in the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 1999, but they're in the field because his son, Ray Jr., carried them there. Ray Jr., who scored 21 points in the Horizon League championship game, could have played on a bigger stage but decided to stick with dad. "This is the greatest feeling in world!" he said. Q is for Quinnipiac, which did not make the tournament. But doing an A to Z would be much easier if it finally did. R is for regionals, or the round of the tournament that determines which teams reach the Final Four. If you live in Boston, Phoenix, St. Louis or Atlanta, you might notice some folks wearing their team colors and milling around downtown bars and restaurants in a few weeks. S is for Shockers, the nickname for Wichita State. Looking for the next George Mason, that unexpected team to make a run to the Final Four? The Shockers are deep and talented enough, with point guard Joe Ragland and 7-foot center Garrett Stutz, that it wouldn't be, uh, shocking if they went on a run. T is for Tinkle, as in Montana coach Wayne Tinkle, who has the Grizzlies back in the tournament with their best record in 20 years. Can they pull off a first-round upset? "We have achieved our No. 1 goal now and that was winning the tournament championship to go to the NCAAs," Tinkle said. "We are not out of our goals yet." U is for UCLA, and don't bother looking for them in your brackets. The team with more NCAA Tournament victories than any other is not in the field. Neither is Butler, the surprising team from Indianapolis that reached back-to-back national championship games. V is for VCU, back in the tournament field after pulling off perhaps the most unlikely Final Four run in history last season. The Rams went all the way from the "First Four" -- the matchups played in Dayton, Ohio, on the Tuesday before the full tournament gets under way -- to the Final Four under head coach Shaka Smart. Can they do it again? It's unlikely, of course, but the Rams are one of the hottest teams in the nation, winning 17 of their last 18 games. W is for Western Kentucky, which started the season at 5-14 but managed to win the Sun Belt Tournament to lock up its automatic bid. Do the 15-18 Hilltoppers belong in the field? As long as that means their cuddly amorphous mascot Big Red gets a chance to dance in the Dance, who cares? X is for Xavier, which has reached 10 of the last 11 tournaments but is sitting squarely on the tournament bubble this year. Will the Musketeers and senior guard Tu Holloway make it? It'll be one of the biggest questions when the field is revealed. Y is for youth, and Kentucky is among the favorites to win the national title because of it. Two freshmen have led the way for the Wildcats -- Anthony Davis, the 6-10 shot-blocking specialist from Chicago, and Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, the intense forward from New Jersey. Enjoy them while you can: Both are likely NBA lottery picks if they enter the draft at the end of the season. Z is for Zeller, as in Tyler Zeller, the ACC Player of Year at North Carolina. The Tar Heels are arguably the most talented team in the country, but do they have what it takes to win six games in the tournament? Of course, if anyone could answer that question, it wouldn't be March Madness.

NCAA Tournament brackets revealed on Selection Sunday, March 11 . To kickoff March Madness 2012, this primer will explain what you'll find in your brackets . The Indiana Hoosiers are back in the tournament for the first time since 2008 . Reigning UConn Huskies hope to defend their title despite a rocky season .

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By . Neil Sears, David Wilkes and Francesca Infante . PUBLISHED: . 16:09 EST, 5 April 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 04:24 EST, 7 April 2013 . The Queen’s racing manager is to be interviewed by police investigating a suspected suicide apparently sparked by a Twitter row. John Warren, a leading figure in the horse racing world who oversees all of the Queen’s racing and horse breeding interests, will be spoken to by officers following the death of a stud farm assistant manager. Derek Larkin, 32, was found hanged on Wednesday. The married father of a one-year-old daughter had been accused a week ago of being the creator of a spoof Twitter account called Lord John Warren. John Warren (left), a leading figure in the horse racing world who oversees all of the Queen's racing and horse breeding interests, will be spoken to by officers following the death of a stud farm assistant manager . For the past eight months, the parody account had posted regular jokes about the racing world, along with sometimes smutty quips about celebrities such as Jordan and jokes about the Royal Family. It poked fun at the supposed pomposity of Mr Warren, who entertains the Queen at his Highclere Stud in Berkshire, in the shadow of Highclere Castle where Downton Abbey is filmed. Last Saturday, several figures in the racing world received an anonymous email claiming that Mr Larkin, originally from Ireland but living in Wiltshire with his wife Laura, 39, and daughter Niamh, was the author of the Lord John Warren account. That was the last day on which tweets were sent out either in his own name or from the spoof  account. On Wednesday, Mr Larkin was found hanging in a farm outbuilding. Last night, Wiltshire police confirmed they were investigating the apparent suicide and preparing a report for the coroner. Derek Larkin (above), 32, was found hanged on Wednesday. The married father of one had been accused a week ago of being the creator of a spoof Twitter account called Lord John Warren . Mr Warren will be interviewed by officers helping to compile this report and not as part of any criminal inquiry. A police spokesman declined to discuss the Twitter allegations. A source in the racing world said there was widespread shock that such a trivial matter seemed to have contributed to Mr Larkin taking his own life. The source said: ‘People used to joke about the Lord John Warren account in the bar at races – and at first some thought that the real John Warren must be pretty annoyed about it. ‘But it was obviously a spoof – it even said “parody” on it – and we assumed his wealthy clients wouldn’t be reading it so he probably wasn’t bothered. ‘Last Saturday I, along with a lot of other people in the racing world, got this anonymous email from someone who obviously didn’t like the Twitter parody, saying they wanted it stopped, and naming Derek Larkin as the author. 'He wasn’t very well known, so no one even exposed him on Twitter. ‘The next thing we knew was that he had apparently killed himself. I can’t understand it. He might have been worried he would lose his job but for a young man with a little girl it should not have been something to kill yourself over.’ Mr Warren, 56, runs the Highclere Stud with his wife Carolyn, 51, daughter of Lord Carnarvon. They live in a manor house on the estate, which the Queen visits regularly to follow the breeding and training of her horses. Mr Warren, a greengrocer’s son from Essex, is the first man without a title or a military rank to become the Queen’s official racing adviser and bloodstock manager. His pride at his royal links is evident from his stud website – which features a photograph of him with the Queen at a race. Last night, the curtains remained drawn at Mr Larkin’s family home in Biddestone, Wiltshire. His mother-in-law said the family did not wish to comment on the tragedy. At the Biddestone Stud next to his home, where Mr Larkin worked, his employer Tim Bostwick and manager Ian Bradbury also refused to comment. Mr Warren did not respond to requests for comment. Police said Mr Larkin’s death was not being treated as suspicious. Asked whether the spoof Twitter account was a factor death, a spokesman said: ‘Wiltshire Police is still investigating this incident and so it would be inappropriate to comment further at this stage.’ The account poked fun at the supposed pomposity of Mr Warren, who entertains the Queen at his Highclere Stud in Berkshire, in the shadow of Highclere Castle (above) where Downton Abbey is filmed . Sorry we are unable to accept comments for legal reasons.

John Warren oversees the Queen’s racing and horse . breeding interests . He will be spoken to by officers following the death of . Derek Larkin, 32 . Mr Larkin was accused a week ago of being the creator of a spoof Twitter account called Lord John Warren .

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