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Amateur video shows police pin down 20-year-old disabled man . He was resisting arrest at a Brisbane shopping centre on Saturday . His 18-year-old female companion yells 'I care for him he's disabled' The incident took place during the heightened G20 police operation . Police were responding to reports of a liquor store robbery . The man and woman, from Albion, will appear in court on December 4 .
Footage shows the moment a police officer pins down and repeatedly punches a disabled man as he resists arrest in a Brisbane shopping centre on the weekend. The amateur video shows two police officers hold down the 20-year-old man – who has no legs - and his 18-year-old female companion as they apprehend them. The incident took place on Saturday at Sunnybank Plaza in the Queensland capital during the city's major police operation over the G20 summit weekend. A Queensland Police spokeswoman told Daily Mail Australia that police responded to a report of a theft at a liquor store at the shopping centre. Scroll down for video . Police pin down and repeatedly punch a disabled man, 20, as he resists arrest in a Brisbane shopping centre . The incident took place on Saturday at Sunnybank Plaza during the city's major police operation for G20 . 'As a result they chased a man and a woman for a short time in the shopping centre before apprehending them,' she said. The spokeswoman said police were still chasing details about the rest of the incident and will be providing a statement later on Tuesday. The 20-year-old man, from Albion north of the CBD, has been charged with two counts of serious assault on a police officer, one count of common assault, one count of stealing and one count of enter premises, Nine News reported. The 18-year-old woman, also from Albion, was charged with one count of enter premises, one count of stealing, one count of serious assault on a police officer and one count of hindering police. Police say they responded to reports a liquor store had been robbed and a chase ensued . Both will appear in court on December 4. The five-minute video shows the disabled man swearing and resisting arrest. At one point the police officer holding him down appears to punch him in the ribs, while onlookers can be heard screaming. 'Oh my god, what the hell?' one woman said. 'You guys are fwits,' another onlooker said. The 18-year-old woman is also seen resisting arrest, knocking into chairs and tables and crying . The 18-year-old woman is also seen resisting arrest, knocking into chairs and tables and crying. 'I'm his carer, I care for him he's disabled,' she told officers. Later when she is pinned down she tells police: 'You are hurting me'. At one point more backup arrives and there are six officers arresting the two people. Sunnybank Plaza, south of the CBD, was not included in the G20 'secure zone'. Sorry we are not currently accepting comments on this article.
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Geoffrey Lederman crashed his powerful Mercedes into two women . He killed Desreen Brooks, 33,  and left another woman with brain damage . Lederman, 83, lost control of Mercedes as he drove through Hampstead . He deliberately steered into garden wall and pavement to stop car . But he failed to see pedestrians and ploughed into mother Mrs Brooks . Blackfriars Crown Court heard he 'floored' car before crash and didn't once hit the brake, and may have confused the two pedals in Mercedes . Lederman denies causing death by dangerous driving after 2012 crash .
A mother was killed on the pavement in front of her husband and two-year-old son after a pensioner ploughed into her in his Mercedes because he mistook the accelerator pedal for the brake. Geoffrey Lederman, 83, killed Desreen Brooks and almost crashed into the whole family as he ploughed into a wall and mounted a pavement in West Hampstead in north London at 50mph. The pensioner had been driving home from a bridge game when he realised he had lost control of the powerful 3.8 litre V8 engine Mercedes and deliberately steered it into a garden wall in a bid to stop it, Blackfriars Crown Court heard. But Lederman had failed to spot there were pedestrians on the pavement. He clipped the toddler's pushchair before he crashed into Mrs Brooks, 33, who was killed. Desreen Brooks, 33, was walking home with husband Ben Brooks-Dutton in West Hampstead when she was hit by a mercedes driven by Geoffrey Lederman, 83, who had lost control of the car and appeared to have confused the brake and accelerator pedals as he steered it into a garden wall at 50mph in a bid to stop it . The powerful classic car also hit a young woman who suffered brain damage and lost an eye. Lederman has been accused of causing death by dangerous driving and grievous bodily harm, which he denies. The court heard Mrs Brooks had been walking home with her husband, Ben Brooks-Dutton, the boss of Mischief PR, and their son Jackson from a friend's house at the time of the accident in November 2012. Witnesses described seeing Lederman's car 'screaming' along the lane, amid a cloud of smoke before it hurtled along the footpath in West End Lane at speed. Lederman ploughed into Mrs Brooks, 33, and also struck 23-year-old American student Amy Werner, who was left with permanent brain damage. Lederman, who had impaired eyesight and had previously suffered a stroke, floored the powerful car and didn't brake once before hitting the women, the court heard. Tom Kark QC, prosecuting, said: 'Over a period of just under 20 seconds it seems he accidentally put his foot on the accelerator instead of the brake. 'The car was very powerful and when he realised his car was out of control, not understanding why, Mr Lederman deliberately steered it onto the pavement and into the front garden wall of a house.' Widower Ben Brooks-Dutton arrived at Blackfriars Crown Court for the trial of Geoffrey Lederman . Jurors were shown CCTV footage of the blue Mercedes travelling at high speed before crossing onto the wrong side of the road, onto the path and into the women, at around 8.30pm. Mr Kark added: 'The first was Desreen Brooks who was walking down the road with her husband and two-year-old who was in a pushchair. 'The car scraped the pushchair but struck Mrs Brooks killing her. 'The car continued on its journey and struck a young American student named Amy Werner and she was severely injured. 'She suffered brain injuries and lost sight in one eye.' Lederman had spent the day at a bridge conference in Barnet, north London, before setting off for his west London home. He suffered minor injuries in the crash and had to be cut from the wreckage of his automatic Mercedes 380SL. Tests showed he had not been drinking and had a clean driver's licence. Investigators also found no mechanical faults with the car which he had bought second-hand in 1982. Mr Kark said: 'There is no evidence to suggest that vehicle defects caused or contributed to the accident and neither victim caused or contributed to the collision in any way.' Moments before the crash he had stopped to check his car after 'nudging' a pizza delivery man before carrying on his way, the court heard. Mr Kark said: 'He said he lost control soon after that, within seconds he seemed to be on the wrong side of the road going at almost racing car speed. 'He was tugging on the handbrake with no effect.' In the minutes before the crash Lederman's Mercedes was seen revving loudly for up to ten seconds as it sat stationary outside West Hampstead Underground Station. Lederman deliberately steered his Mercedes into a garden wall, but failed to see pedestrians on the pavement . The pensioner crashed into the wall at 50mph and may have confused accelerator and brake, the court heard . Investigators found he had mistakenly kept his foot on the car's accelerator when he thought it was the brake before careering off, the court heard. London Underground staff told police that they had heard a 'loud crunching sound' seconds before. Unlike modern automatic cars, the classic Mercedes did not require the brake to be pressed before engaging drive. Mr Kark said: 'It may be that when Geoffery Lederman engaged the drive gear when he believed he was pressing the brake or hadn't realised the car had slipped into neutral.' Richard Savours, a bridge partner of Geoffrey Lederman, told the court he found Mr Brooks-Dutton standing over his wife, Desreen, who was lying on the pavement, as she shouted for help. Mr Savours had taken part in a six hour bridge tournament with Lederman in Barnet when he overtook them on the pavement in his classic Mercedes. He told the court: 'I heard a scraping noise. The car overtook us on the right hand side and was on the pavement scraping along walls of gardens, which is what the noise was. 'Coming up to junction with Dynham Road, the car went over the junction, crashed into a wall and came to a stop. 'My wife stopped the car as the car went past us. 'I got out of the car and immediately saw a man standing directly opposite where I was standing shouting 'Please help us, won't somebody help me?' 'I first thought he was hurt and then I saw a woman lying on the pavement and he was standing over her. She was lying completely still. My first thought was she might be dead. Paramedics in a passing ambulance then got out to help and Mr Savours said it was impossible to get Lederman out of the car by the door as the handle had been sheered off by scraping along the wall. Lederman claimed he felt 'fine' throughout the day and had undergone an eye test in April 2012, adding that he didn't think he had to wear glasses as a condition of his licence but wore a contact lens in his left eye. He said he 'saw a gap' where he could crash the car and had not seen any pedestrians, believing he had 'done the right thing'. He told police he hadn't suffered any 'medical episode' that day and there is no evidence of a medical cause, the court heard. Mr Kark said lawyers acting for Lederman were expected to claim he had suffered 'some sort of seizure' before the accident. Lederman, of Maida Vale, who has been excused from attending the trial on health grounds, denies causing death by dangerous driving and grievous bodily harm. The trial continues. Sorry we are not currently accepting comments on this article.
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Suppliers had long feared Amazon would eventually elbow them aside . Amazon Elements is a new line of Amazon-branded 'everyday essentials' available exclusively to Prime subscribers . Amazon's pack of 40 diapers will sell for $7.99 - 19 cents a diaper compared to national brands like Huggies and Pampers that go for about 24 to 34 cents . New diapers are up to 40 cents cheaper than name brand competitors .
Online retailing giant Amazon has launched its own brand of diapers, opening a new front in retail battles - and a direct challenge to name-brands already selling on the site. Amazon said the first offerings in its new Amazon Elements line of consumer products would be diapers and baby wipes, and that other competitively priced, 'premium' everyday consumer products would soon follow. But the Elements line is only available to members of Amazon's Prime $99-a-year subscription club, with the lowest prices available for those who are also members of its Amazon Mom group, as the company seeks to push more shoppers into its membership programs. Time for change: Amazon is launching the line of diapers and baby wipes exclusively for its Prime members to get more shoppers to sign up for the $99 annual program . Expanding: The launch comes a year after Amazon reported it was recruiting people to help create its own brand of products in the larger category known as consumables . Amazon highlighted that the Elements line would provide quality-conscious shoppers 'an unprecedented level of information' on product origins and materials. 'The two things customers told us they want are premium products that meet their high standards, and access to information so they can make informed decisions,' said Sunny Jain, Amazon.com Consumables Vice President, in a statement. Entering the market: The first offerings in the new Amazon Elements line of consumer products will be diapers and baby wipes . The initial prices, including discounts to Prime members and the Amazon Mom club, put a size 4 diaper 10 percent more expensive than the popular Huggies brand. But it was about 27 percent cheaper than the premium Seventh Generation brand, popular with health and environmentally-conscious consumers, in the Prime and Amazon Mom pricing. Amazon has been seeking to push shoppers into Prime, originally a subscription service for free shipping aimed at frequent buyers on its website. A Prime subscription now gives members unlimited video and music streaming as Amazon takes on powerful media groups like Netflix and Spotify. In some areas, Prime is now offering same day delivery on groceries as well.
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Tax will once again be fixed at its current level in April next year . Move hailed by motorist groups including RAC, AA and FairFuelUK . But duty rises could return in September 2015 and continue to 2019 .
Motorists were spared fuel price rises as the Chancellor confirmed a freeze on petrol and diesel duty would go ahead as planned from April 2015. George Osborne announced he was scrapping the ‘trigger-point’ for automatically putting up duty if oil prices drop below a set level, as they did recently. But yesterday’s parallel report by the Office for Budget Responsibility suggested that duty rises could return in September 2015 and rise in line with inflation from 2016 to 2019. Relief: George Osborne announced he was scrapping the ‘trigger-point’ for automatically putting up duty . AA president Edmund King welcomed the confirmed April 2015 freeze but said the OBR report appeared to confirm the fears of 84 per cent of AA members in a recent poll who said they were concerned that motoring taxes would increase after next May’s general election. Mr Osborne said he was ‘freezing fuel duty to help hardworking people be more financially secure’. He added: ‘Action on fuel duty since 2011 will save a typical motorist £675 by the end of 2015-16.’ However, the OBR report said: ‘The next duty rate rise, planned for September 2015, means that receipts are expected to increase by 0.3 per cent in 2015-16. Sceptical: Motorists fear rises in duty in the future . 'From April 2016 onwards duty rate rises are assumed to be in line with RPI inflation, leading to receipts growth of 2.5 per cent on average between 2016-17 and 2019-20.’ Mr King said: ‘Today’s re-confirmation of a £15billion investment in UK roads and the continuing fuel duty freeze puts drivers on a “highway to hope” after some hellish years of high fuel prices, potholed roads and only patchy investment. 'But our members were right to be sceptical about future taxes.’ RAC Foundation director Professor Stephen Glaister said: ‘The Chancellor is pushing for more transparency in the pricing of airline tickets, so now he should also back our call for pump receipts to show how much of the price of petrol and diesel is tax. 'Currently well over 60 per cent goes to the Exchequer in the form of fuel duty and VAT.’ RAC chief engineer David Bizley said: ‘The negative impact of fuel duty on economic growth is now acknowledged by the Treasury. 'With fuel duty already frozen until May 2015, we had feared an early return to the fuel duty escalator system – a deeply unpopular practice which led to a series of fuel duty hikes. 'But, for now, it appears that is not going to be the case.’ Howard Cox, founder of the FairFuelUK Campaign, said the government should investigate why pump price falls are not keeping pace with plummeting oil prices: ‘There should be 7p less showing at the pumps. Who is holding onto this profit?’ Motorway filling stations will soon have to post their prices in advance on roadside signs so motorists can see if there is cheaper fuel ahead. Ministers were inspired by the system used in France where motorists can see the price of fuel at a variety of outlets on signposts miles before they reach each service station. It is hoped the move will promote competition and lower fuel prices. The signs will be tested at five service stations on the M5 between Bristol and Exeter, with a view to being introduced UK-wide by the end of 2015. The RAC last month found motorway service stations charge 10p more a litre of petrol than the national average.
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Angela Stoldt, 42, confessed to killing limo driver James Sheaffer, 36, in April 2013 by stabbing him in the face and strangling him with a cord . She then dismembered the slain man with a hacksaw and knife and tried to dispose of remains by cooking some of them in pots . Stoldt's lawyer claimed in September that she killed Sheaffer in self-defense because he attacked her and threatened to kill her . The prosecution say it was premeditated and followed a money dispute . Only 56 of Sheaffer's 206 bones were recovered . Police never found his head or torso . Stoldt's sister turned her into police .
Further grisly details have come out in court at the trial of a Florida mother accused of stabbing and choking her neighbor to death before hacking the victim's body into pieces and cooking them on her stove in a brutal, premeditated murder. A medical examiner has now revealed that the head and torso of limousine driver James Sheaffer was never found, and that only 56 of his 206 bones were recovered following his slaying in April 2013. Angela Stoldt, 42, of Deltona, sat motionless this week at her first-degree murder trial as details of the killing were laid out for the jury. It was also revealed that, after boiling some of the body parts in her kitchen - including a foot, a leg and both arms - Stoldt allegedly had her two teenage children help dump the remains in different spots around Volusia County, telling them she had hit a deer with her car. The prosecution say Stoldt drugged her neighbor Sheaffer before driving him to Osteen Cemetery in Deltona, stabbing him in both eyes with an ice pick, and choking him with a cord. Gruesome: Angela Stoldt, 42, of Deltona, sat motionless in court this week as the jury was told the details of her alleged murder of neighbor James Sheaffer, following a dispute about money . Gruesome murder: Angela Stoldt, 42 , allegedly stabbed neighbor James Sheaffer, 36 , with an ice pick, strangled him and then tried to dispose of his body by hacking it to pieces and cooking the remains . Crime scene: Stoldt got into an argument with Sheaffer while sitting in her car at the Osteen Cemetery in Deltona in April 2013 . Prosecutors said they will not be seeking the death penalty in Stoldt's case. In September, Stold's attorney filed a motion claiming self defense under Florida's controversial 'stand your ground' law, but Judge Randell Rowe III rejected the motion. Court documents obtained by Daytona News-Journal previously showed Sheaffer, a married father of three, had asked Stoldt to act as the payee on his Social Security disability benefits, but the 36-year-old kept overdrawing their joint account. The limo driver also wanted Stoldt to ask her father for a $4,000 loan. On the morning of April 3, 2013, Stoldt, with her two children in tow, picked up her neighbor from his work at Blue Diamond Limousines and drove to her home on Horseshoe Terrace, where the two drank vodka and peach schnapps cocktails. But according to court filings, the mother of two spiked her neighbor's beverage with a prescription pain medication, which she had stolen from her father knowing that it causes drowsiness, especially when mixed with alcohol. Stoldt then allegedly loaded the drugged man into her car and drove to the Osteen Cemetery after dropping the kids off at her parents'. Husband and father: Sheaffer, who was married with three kids, was stabbed in the eye and then strangled; police were never able to locate all of his remains . While Stoldt had previously claimed Sheaffer 'came at her and said that he was going to kill Ms. Stoldt as well as her children', according to her strand-your-ground, Prosecutor Ryan Will told the jury she had planned to kill Sheaffer all along. She reached to the backseat for the ice pick and stabbed Sheaffer in the right eye. She then grabbed a cord with two handles and used it to strangle Sheaffer by wrapping it tightly around his neck, Will said. After the man stopped moving, the mother grabbed the ice pick again and drove it through Sheaffer's left eye. She then wrapped the man's head in Saran Wrap to keep him from bleeding all over the car interior. The News-Journal reported that Stoldt had bought the plastic, as well as rubber gloves, from Wal-Mart just hours before the killing. She then drove home, with Sheaffer's corpse propped up in the passenger seat, the ice pick still protruding from his face. Will said Stoldt then drove to her home and parked in the garage, where she cut up Sheaffer's body using a knife and a saw. She then moved the body parts one by one into her kitchen. Life and death situation: Stoldt's attorney filed a motion claiming that the woman was in fear for her life because Sheaffer was threatening to kill her and her two children . 'She took him into the house piece by piece. ... The very same house she shares with her two teenage children and she cooked him in her oven and stove. She started with the oven but when the smoke and smell became unbearable she realized that she might get caught,' Will told the court. Thats when Stoldt allegedly began boiling some parts on the stove. Sheaffer's head and torso were not found, testified Dr. Marie Herrmann, the medical examiner for Volusia County. However a soup pot was recovered that contained Sheaffer's thigh bone, knee cap and some soft tissue, Hermann testified. Stoldt dumped other mutilated body parts in trash bags and disposed of them with the help of her teenage son, who was led to believe that they were getting rid of a deer his mother had killed with her car the night before. To cover up the murder, Miss Stoldt then buried her neighbor's cellphone and driver’s license in different parks, and got rid of the pots and pans used to boil human flesh. When Stoldt's daughter, who is now 16 years old, asked her about the foul smell lingering in the house, the 42-year-old woman initially lied that a rat had gotten trapped inside the oven. But she eventually came clean to the girl, telling her that she had drugged and killed James Sheaffer after he threatened to kill her. However, it was not until three weeks later that Angela Stoldt confessed to the rest of her family, prompting her sister to call 911 on April 21 because she was afraid the distraught, sleep-deprived woman might commit suicide. In the course of her questioning, Miss Stoldt spoke without hesitation of her attempts to dispose of her neighbor's corpse. 'Thursday is when I was cooking him. Friday is when I was dumping him,' she was quoted as saying. The woman showed little remorse for her actions, telling police she believed at the time Sheaffer was going to ruin her life. ‘I’m sorry, but I put Jimmie where he belonged, in my opinion at the time,’ she told detectives. Ms Stoldt eventually led sheriff's deputies to various locations around Volusia County to help recover James Sheaffer's remains, but officials said they were never able to locate all of Sheaffer's body parts. Confrontation: Sheaffer, a limo driver, allegedly attacked Stoldt while sitting in her car and would not let go of her until she wrapped a cord around his neck . Investigators who canvassed Sheaffer’s Deltona neighborhood looking for the missing man before Stoldt’s confession had talked to the woman on more than one occasion. She acknowledged being friends with Sheaffer and said she handled some of his financial affairs for him. She told investigators that she last saw Sheaffer on April 5 and 15, even though family members hadn’t seen him since April 2. The investigation took a turn April 20 when Stoldt’s sister called 911 saying that the mother of two was acting suicidal and had admitted to killing James Sheaffer. The caller told the Sheriff’s office that Stoldt was hugging her children and saying goodbye. ‘Why’s she hugging her kids goodbye?’ the emergency dispatcher asked. ‘Because she came to the house and she told my parents that she committed a crime and that she’s being investigated for it,’ the woman’s sister replied. Ms Stoldt initially declined to talk to investigators and was taken in for a mental health evaluation. But officials were able to obtain a search warrant to enter her house, where they came upon evidence indicating a crime had been committed there. A short time later, Angela Stoldt confessed to stabbing and strangling Sheaffer, and then disposing of his body. Stoldt then led investigators to a location where human remains were recovered. Ms Stoldt is being held without bail.
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Results out in 24th edition of Harden's London Restaurants guide . The Ledbury in Notting Hill crowned London's best restaurant . Hammersmith's The River Cafe is London's most overpriced eatery .
It is one of London's most iconic venues, but Southbank's Oxo Tower restaurant has been voted to have the 'most disappointing cooking' in the 2015 edition of Harden's London Restaurants guide. And Hammersmith's much-loved River Cafe didn't fare much better, dubbed an 'overcrowded' and 'impersonal place' where 'uneventful' dishes come at 'merciless prices'. While celebrity favourite Chiltern Firehouse - frequented by Cara Delevingne and Lindsay Lohan - may be an 'amazing' room, the Hardenʼs survey found the food at Andre Balazsʼs hotel where 'poseurs and paparazzi abound' actually 'meh'. Scroll down for video . The Ledbury in Notting Hill was named London's best restaurant after coming first in the Top Gastronomic Experience, Highest Rated Restaurant and Highest Rated Restaurant lists . Cara Delevingne and Lindsay Lohan have been seen at Chiltern Firehouse. The food at the restaurant was described as 'meh' by the guide's reporters . But it's not all doom and gloom in the capital's dining scene. The Ledbury in Notting Hill was named London's best restaurant after coming first in the Top Gastronomic Experience, Highest Rated Restaurant and Highest Rated Restaurant lists. Neighbourhood restaurant Chez Bruce in Wandsworth Common was – for the 10th year running – voted Londonʼs Favourite Restaurant, marking an incredible double for restaurateur Nigel Platts-Marin who is also the backer of The Ledbury. Simon Roganʼs relaunch of Claridgeʼs dining room – Fera at Claridgeʼs – didn't go unnoticed, claiming the accolade for being the highest rated newcomer of the year. £85+ . 1. The Ledbury, Notting Hill . 2. Rasoi, Chelsea . 3. Pied à Terre, Fitzrovia . 4. Le Gavroche, Mayfair . 5 One-O-One, Knightsbridge . £65-£84 . 1. The Five Fields, Chelsea . 2. Hedone, Chiswick . 3. Chez Bruce, Wandsworth Common . 4. Zuma, Knightsbridge . 5. HKK, Broadgate West, East London . £50-£64 . 1. Sushi Tetsu, Clerkenwell . 2. Moro, Exmouth Market . 3. Dinings, Marylebone . 4. Sukho Fine Thai Cuisine, Fulham . 5. Gauthier Soho, Soho . £40-£49 . 1. Sushi-Say, Willesden Green . 2. Lamberts, Balham . 3. Jin Kichi, Hampstead . 4. Brawn, Bethnal Green . 5. Donostia, Marylebone . £39 or less . 1. Pitt Cue Co, Carnaby Street . 2. Ragam, Fitzrovia . 3. Mangal 1, Dalston . 4. Santa Maria, Ealing . 5. Silk Road, Camberwell . The restaurant also placed fourth in the overall rankings for food, service and ambience, winning high praise for its 'phenomenal' meals – which are 'so different' to the usual dining scene – and 'gloriously attentive' service. Gymkhana had a great year as Harden's reporters heaped praise on the modern Indian eaterie. The yearling is already Londonʼs 12th most talked about restaurant thanks to its 'sensationally subtle' cuisine. £85+ . 1. The Ledbury, Notting Hill . 2. Bubbledogs, Fitzrovia . 3. Le Gavroche, Mayfair . 4. Fera at Claridgeʼs, . 5. Pied à Terre, Fitzrovia . £65-£84 . 1. The Five Fields, Chelsea . 2. The Goring Hotel, Victoria . 3. Chez Bruce, Wandsworth Common . 4. Scottʼs, Mayfair . 5. Galvin La Chapelle, Spitalfields . £50-£64 . 1. Sushi Tetsu, Clerkenwell . 2. Clos Maggiore, Covent Garden . 3. LʼAventure, St John's Wood . 4. Randall & Aubin, Soho . 5. J Sheekey Oyster Bar, West End . £40-£49 . 1. Lamberts, Balham . 2. Donostia, Marble Arch . 3. Brawn, Bethnall Green . 4. Sushi-Say. Willesden Green . 5. José, Bermondsey . £39 or less . 1. Carom at Meza, Soho . 2. The Begging Bowl, Peckham . 3. Pitt Cue Co, Carnaby Street . 4. Paradise Hampstead, South End Green . 5. Meat Mission, Hoxton Market . Celeb favourite Chiltern Firehouse was deemed a place where 'poseurs and paparazzi abound' Gordon Ramsey's Royal Hospital Road restaurant in Chelsea is back in the Top Gastronomic Experience list . After his disappearance from the Top 10 gastronomic experience list last year, Gordon Ramsay mounted something of a comeback. His flagship Royal Hospital Road restaurant (helmed by Clare Smyth)has returned to the list. The Anchor & Hope in Waterloo nabbed top stop for the ninth year in the Best Bar/Pub Food list with reviewers heaping praise on the 'convivial' South Bank boozer – with its 'hearty' but 'superbly precise' British cooking. By contrast, appearing on the Most Disappointing Cooking list for the first time is Ollie Dabbousʼs eponymous flagship, Dabbous in Fitzrovia. It appears alongside Marcus Wareingʼs relaunched Marcus at the Berkeley and Heston Blumenthalʼs hotel dining room, Dinner at the Mandarin Oriental. Gymkhana had a great year as Harden's reporters heaped praise on its 'sensationally subtle' cuisine . 1. The Ledbury, Notting Hill . 2. Le Gavroche, Mayfair . 3. Dinner, Knightsbridge . 4. Chez Bruce, Wandsworth Common . 5. Pollen Street Social, Soho . 6. Pied à Terre, . 7. Royal Hospital Road restaurant, Chelsea . 8. The Square, Mayfair . 9. Marcus, Knightsbridge . 10. Medlar, Chelsea . 1. The Anchor & Hope, Waterloo . 2. Bull & Last, Hampstead . 3. Harwood Arms, Fulham . 4. The Jugged Hare, City of London . 5. Canton Arms, Vauxhall . 6. The Gun, Docklands . 7. Ladbroke Arms, Notting Hill . 8. Pig & Butcher, Angel . 9. Truscott Arms, Maida Vale . 10.Thomas Cubitt, Belgravia . Once again Oxo Tower retains its unenviable status as the home of Londonʼs Most Disappointing Cooking with Harden's reporters saying the 'lazy' tourist trap remains 'as awful as ever' But for the first time in 15 years it has escaped a double on the 'lists of shame' giving up the crown to The River Cafe which had the dubious honour of appearing on top of the Most Overpriced Restaurant List. The 24th edition of Harden's London Restaurants also recorded the highest ever rate of net new restaurant openings in the capital, with a whopping 148 new eateries popping up in the last year. The figure for closings, 47, was the lowest this millennium, resulting in net openings this year of 101 – nearly a third higher than the previous record of 75 (noted in the guide's 2006 edition). 1. Oxo Tower Restaurant, South Bank . 2. Dinner by Heston Blumenthal, Mandarin Oriental, Knightsbridge . 3. Colbert, Sloane Square . 4. The Ivy, West End . 5. Royal Hospital Road Restaurant, Chelsea . 6. Le Gavroche, Mayfair . 7. Balthazar, Covent Garden . 8. Marcus, Knightsbridge . 9. Alain Ducasse, Dorchester, Park Lane . 10. Dabbous, Fitzrovia . 1. The River Café, Hammersmith . 2. Oxo Tower Restaurant, South Bank . 3. Dinner by Heston Blumenthal, Mandarin Oriental, Knightsbridge . 4. Royal Hospital Road Restaurant, Chelsea . 5. Marcus, Knightsbridge . 6. Alain Ducasse, Dorchester, Park Lane . 7. Le Gavroche, Mayfair . 8. Cut, Dorchester, Park Lane . 9. Balthazar, Covent Garden . 10. Pollen Street Social, Soho . The guide's co-founder, Peter Harden said: 'This exceptional level of growth is a fabulous achievement for the capital, but raises questions about its sustainability. 'It underlines London's continued emergence as the greatest restaurant city on the planet, but – in the 24 years in which we have tracked openings – such highpoints have also often heralded more competitive times ahead.' The guide collated scores from more than 65,000 reviews posted by over 6,000 'ordinary diners' to compile the rankings. Hardenʼs London Restaurants 2015 (£12.99) is out now in Waterstoneʼs and Amazon.com, and from www.hardens.com.
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The Velcro Brand Holiday Hackshop has declared Monday December 15 its 'Social Currency Day' Products, which usually cost $5 apiece, can be purchased with retweets and posts that mention the Velcro brand . Items customers can buy include garland ties, holiday decor wrap and adhesive fabric strips .
A new pop-up store in Manhattan will sell its products for the price of a post to any social media account. The Velcro Brand Holiday Hackshop has declared Monday, December 15, its 'Social Currency Day,' when customers can pay for select items with 'retweets, posts and more' in which the brand is mentioned. Though the company is still determining exactly what they will be 'selling' based on stock, a representative told MailOnline the products will be worth around $5 each. Welcome to the Hackshop! Velcro Brand is hoping to get more followers on social media sites by running a holiday pop-up shop in lower Manhattan where customers are encouraged to post about their experience . Will you Tweet for these? On Monday, December 15, customers can pay for select Velcro Brand products by posting to social media sites like Facebook, Instagram and Twitter . Items customers can potentially buy include garland ties, holiday decor wrap and adhesive fabric strips. To further encourage social media activity, the store is offering daily giveaways for customers who post about it on Instagram, with prizes like eBooks, one-night stays at resorts and kitchen appliances. The shop will also be offering free gift wrapping and photos with Santa, DIY craft stations and special events throughout its run. The boutique, which is located at 199 Lafayette Street in New York's trendy Soho neighborhood, will be open every day through December 19 from 8 am to 8 pm. Enter to win! The brand is giving away a prize every day to one lucky winner who posts about the brand on Instagram . This is made of what? All of the decor at the pop-up shop - including these lamps - was made using Velcro Brand products. Velcro, which was invented in 1948, is hoping to shed its image as a product strictly for fastening, according to the company's publicist. To ramp up its efforts, Velcro Brand recently enlisted HGTV star Sabrina Soto as its spokesperson for the next two years. Though the product has been a household fixture since it was introduced commercially in the 1950s, the company didn't launch its first e-store until earlier this year.
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Coldest temperatures since last year were recorded last night as the mercury plunged to -5.1C in Cumbria . Throughout the country temperatures hovered around freezing or just below, while in London 2.5C was recorded . Forecasters predict snow could fall by end of the week with temperatures to plummet overnight on Thursday . But grapes and daffodils have been spotted growing around the UK, following unseasonably warm autumn . This year is on course to be the warmest ever after every month except August was above average temperature .
Britain saw its coldest evening since last winter's cold snap as temperatures plunged to -5C overnight, with more freezing temperatures forecast for today. Forecasters said temperatures are likely to remain cold this week, with a chance snow could fall in parts of the North and South West by Friday as Britain is set to become even colder. However evidence of the mild weather of the last few months, which has put 2014 on course to be the warmest ever, still remain after daffodils were spotted growing in the UK and grapes were seen on the vine as winter officially started. Scroll down for video . A heavy frost was seen in the Lake District this morning after the coldest temperatures since last winter were recorded overnight in Cumbria . There were snowy scenes along the River Brathay in Cumbria today as walkers braced themselves for more cold and possible snow on Friday . Despite temperatures plunging to below zero in Scotland this week, grapes were found growing on the side of a house in Edinburgh. While in Lincolnshire the official start of winter was marked by a daffodil blooming in a garden. The mercury plunged to -5.1C (22.6F) in Shap in Cumbria last night - the coldest temperature of this year's autumn and winter season, which officially started on December 1. It was even colder than in Scotland, which saw -4.1C recorded in Aboyne, a village on the edge if the Scottish highlands, overnight, and saw walkers enjoy the first deep snow of winter in the Cairngorms in the east Highlands yesterday. Elsewhere in the country extra blankets and hats were needed to deal with the cold snap, with -2.6C recorded in Bala in North Wales and -1.3C in Okehampton in West Devon overnight. London was substantially warmer, with temperatures of around 2.5C overnight, with similar expected this evening. However Thursday night is expected to be even colder for much of the country, and forecasters said there was a 'slim chance' snow could fall in parts of the Pennines and North Wales by the end of this week. There is also a possibility of wintry showers in exposed areas of the south as the mercury is expected to dip to as low as -2C during the day in Bristol on Friday. And a minimum temperature of -5C is forecast for the Oxfordshire village of Benson overnight, according to the Met Office. As the mercury plunged to -2C in Scotland, grapes were spotted growing on the side of a house where philosopher Thomas Carlyle once lived . Mike Williamson said he was shocked to discover grapes, which he planted 15 years ago, were growing up the side of his Edinburgh home . In Lincolnshire Marilyn Fenn found a daffodil blooming in her garden three months earlier and just after the official start of winter for the UK . Temperatures fell on Tuesday night after a warm weekend which saw giant cobwebs emerge in fields across Jersey. Warm temperatures on Saturday led to millions of spiders taking advantage of the mild conditions to move from one place to another using huge gossamer webs . Environmentalists said the appearance of the large webs was 'incredibly rare' and had been spun by millions of money spiders on Saturday . Nicola Maxey, a forecaster for the Met Office, said: 'On higher ground in the South there's a chance that we might see some sleet, and a slim chance of snow on Friday.' Cloudy and breezy weather is forecast today, with a chance of showers throughout the day as a weak weather front moves across the country. Tomorrow is expected to be much more cloudy and grey, with a chance of showers in the South East and Midlands which may turn to sleet by Friday. Ms Maxey added: 'These showers could turn a bit wintry in exposed areas such as in Newcastle and the Pennines, but accumulations are unlikely. There is also a risk of fog patches.' After a heavy frost there were snowy scenes this morning as photographers beat the cold temperatures and wrapped up warm in Cumbria . Last night's cold snap made way for clear and calm skies this morning and a stunning early morning sunrise over River Brathay in Cumbria . As Cumbria is bracing itself for temperatures well below freezing, the heavy frost this morning was reflected in Elterwater in the Lake District . Picture postcard scenes of snow covered trees were seen in the Lake District after Shap in Cumbria recorded winter's coldest temperature . However traces of the mild months of 2014 remain after Mike Williamson discovered huge bunches of white grapes flourishing on the side of his Edinburgh home, where Thomas Carlyle lived in the 1820s. Mr Williamson planted the grapes 15 years ago and only discovered they were growing when a window cleaner visited the home he shares with his wife Hil, 64, this week. He said: 'We do have grapes on it every year as the wall is south facing and there is good soil so it grows very well especially in this beautiful year we've had. The grapevines are mostly just in our garden for decoration and, I must admit, we don't really pay too much attention to it.' Experts said the appearance of the grapes was unusual, but can be explained following our warm summer and unseasonably mild autumn. A car in the Peak District was covered with frost this morning and motorists are being warned to be careful as more cold weather is expected . The cold snap made for clear skies and picturesque sunrises in the Peak District, but people are being warned to brace themselves tonight . Gritters were out on the A66 Trans Pennine route tonight as temperatures are expected to dip further, making driving conditions dangerous . In Lincolnshire, where temperatures have also plunged this week, grandmother Marilyn Fenn spotted a lone daffodil growing in her garden in Woodhall Spa. The daffodil, traditionally seen in Spring, has appeared three months early despite the freezing temperatures of this week. Others have also reported seeing snowdrops in their garden, which also usually appear in spring. This year is set to be the warmest on record after every month so far except August was warmer than the average. Warm temperatures at the weekend also saw thousands of spider webs cover the countryside in Jersey. As unseasonably high temperatures of hit 16C money spiders spun thousands of webs - called gossamers - to migrate from one place to another. Local environmentalist Mike Stentiford said is was extremely rare to see the webs appear over such a wide area. Last night's freezing night in the Peak District made for pink skies as the son rose and fields covered with frost as winter gets off to a cold start . Thursday is expected to be a particularly wet day, with cooler temperatures meaning showers could turn into sleet and light snow showers . People in Cumbria are to prepare for another freezing evening tonight, while sheep were in frosty fields near Roseberry Topping, a hill on the border between North Yorkshire and Redcar and Cleveland , where temperatures dropped to -2C overnight on Tuesday . He said: 'It is just literally squillions of tiny money spiders and it is their way of moving from one place to another. We normally get it in one or two fields but it seemed to me that the whole of the island was absolutely covered with it. It was absolutely amazing.' However a cold December could threaten that record, as forecasters say frost is expected this week. Friday is expected to be a wetter and windier day, with stronger winds forecast for the North West. In the South East milder conditions are expected, with temperatures back to the average for December. Walkers in the Cairngorms, dubbed the snowiest place in Britain in a recent Met Office survey, enjoyed the first snow of winter yesterday as they trudged through deep snow, leading to hopes of a white Christmas for the UK this year. People in Edinburgh woke up to a crisp morning and a pretty sun rise from Arthur's Seat to Edinburgh Castle after the mercury plunged to -4C . The sunrise in Edinburgh this morning created a perfect silhouette for Edinburgh's skyline as people woke after a freezing cold night . In Leeds light frost covered Roundhay Park this morning after the mercury plunged to below zero overnight and another cold night is forecast . A supply vessel moved past Aberdeen Harbour this morning, the only movement among the clear skies of a freezing early morning . People in Aberdeen this morning woke up to a bright red sunrise, accompanied by freezing temperatures as the mercury is set to fall . The snow in Scotland led to warnings being issued by police about the dangers of driving on the A939 in the Cairngorms because of the recent snow and ice. And with forecasts of snow for the rest of England, comes a warning about the dangers and health risks of plunging temperatures. The onset of the colder weather has led Public Health England to think about their health during the cold snap - 25,000 extra people usually die in England during winter, with the elderly particularly vulnerable. The sunrise over Aberdeen harbour showed clear skies as earlier risers walked their dogs and caught the sight along the coast this morning . Aberdeen is set to become even colder as the Cairngorms saw the first snow of winter yesterday, and temperatures plunged to -4C overnight . A recent study by the Met Office found that snow has fallen 38 times in the last 52 years - meaning we can expect around half of our Christmases to be 'white.' However the traditional festive image of trees dusted in white, is more likely to be confined to Christmas cards. Snow settling on the ground is much rarer, and has happened just four times in the last 51 years. Commuters will also be hopeful that the Christmas season will not be a repeat of last year, when parts of England were drenched by heavy rain - leaving large parts of the Somerset Levels submerged for months.
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Opposition leader Bill Shorten was unable to reveal how his party was going to deal with Australia's economic challenges . He told Leigh Sales on ABC's 7.30 program he will unveil his party's policies next year . Mr Shorten was quick to criticise the Abbott government's wrongdoings .
While opposition leader Bill Shorten continues to criticise the Abbott government's policies, he was unable to reveal how his party plans on dealing with Australia's economic challenges. Mr Shorten declined to go into specifics, in an interview on Wednesday night with Leigh Sales on ABC's 7.30 program, saying he couldn't provide 'a three-word slogan' just yet. Despite this, he reiterated his one solution for the nation as: 'go for growth' but failed to further elaborate. Although he admits there is an 'appetite' among Australians to hear some of Labor's policies, he was adamant they were not going to be unveiled until 2015. He further agreed with Sales when she said the 'jury's still out' on him and his policies, saying 'if there was an election next Saturday, then you might be right'. Scroll down for video . Bill Shorten admits there is an 'appetite' among Australians to hear some of Labor's policies but was adamant that they were not going to be unveiled until 2015 . Mr Shorten was quick to address the current government's wrongdoings, saying its budget has problems. But when Sales questioned how the opposition leader planned on addressing some of these issue, he did not express any specifics. 'I just can't give you a three-word slogan,' he told Sales. 'In good time before the next election, we'll detail all of our policies. I know you're not going to be particularly surprised if I don't reveal our full election manifesto tonight.' While opposition leader Bill Shorten continues to criticise the policies of the current government - run by Prime Minister Tony Abbott - he was unable to reveal how his party plans on dealing with Australia's economic challenges . When Sales put it to Mr Shorten this may cause uncertainty among Australians on their alternative prime minister, he responded: . 'Well our challenge - if there was an election next Saturday, then you might be right, but there isn't. I would like there to be an election sooner than three years. I don't think this country can afford three years of Tony Abbott.' He continued to say his party is working hard on its policies which will be announced throughout 2015.
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Student Tim Barrass on his way to morning lectures when he spotted swan . Bird appears to have fallen from sky and smashed into car with force . Mr Barrass initially thought the swan was dead - until it started honking . But injuries were so severe RSPCA vets decided to put the bird down .
This is the shocking scene that confronted a student when he discovered a car windscreen smashed to pieces by a swan. University of Hull undergraduate Tim Barrass, 20, was on his way to morning lectures when he noticed the car had been damaged. The windscreen was smashed and had buckled slightly and there was a prostrate swan lying next to it on the pavement. University of Hull undergraduate Tim Barrass was on his way into lectures when he noticed his neighbour's car had been damaged - and spotted a swan lying next to it . Mr Barrass immediately called the RSPCA who soon arrived at the scene and took the swan to a rescue centre, but so far vets have been unable to work out how the swan managed to smash into the car. They believe the swan could have collapsed mid-flight - or may even have flown straight into the windshield. The black Renault Clio was parked on a residential street in the student area of the city. Mr Barrass, a third-year History student, told student newspaper The Tab: 'I'd only been awake for ten minutes so I rubbed my eyes to double check it [the swan] was real. 'I presumed it was dead, but then it started honking and that's when I noticed the car next to it with the windscreen smashed in. Mr Barrass said his friend Vicky Price was gutted it shattered her windscreen. He said: 'It could have thought it was a river and when it's coming down, it must be pretty hard for a big bird like that to stop. 'It must have been a pretty hard impact, it was a big thing too. I know you get birds flying into windows but it shouldn't have hit a car. 'When I saw the damage I went round ringing on all the houses to see whose car it was because the owner might have thought someone had vandalised their car. 'When I realised it was Vicky's car, I told her. She was gutted.' He added: 'She lives on the next street over but parked on our road because there were no spaces. 'She said the windscreen is a total right off - it's just bad luck.' RSPCA vets put the swan down because its injuries were so severe- they have not been able to find out out if the bird fell or flew into the car (pictured are the RSPCA headquarters in Horsham, West Sussex) 'Trying to be Sherlock I deduced it must have fallen onto the car and bounced off.' An RSPCA spokesman said: 'We were called to an incident in Hull where an adult swan had fallen from the sky and crashed in to a car windscreen on Tuesday morning.' The swan's chest injuries were so severe vets were unable to find the original reason for the swan's collapse. The representative added: 'Sadly the injuries the swan sustained in the fall were very severe and on vets advice he was put to sleep. 'It is a mystery as to why this happened and the only thing we can put it down to is exhaustion.' The Queen's swan keeper said the may have mistaken the wet road for a river in the sun's early morning glint. Professor Chris Perrins, who has been Her Majesty's Warden of the Swans since 1993, said: 'Especially in dawn and dusk they mistake the wet road for a river and try and land on it. 'At this time of year when the sun's low and the roads are wet the RSPCA and swan rescuers get called out quite regularly to roads where they have crashed. 'They shouldn't fly into cars but it can happen.' As the first person to be the Warden of the Swans he has met the Queen several times and is in charge of the annual Swan Upping, where the birds are counted in a census. The former Oxford researcher added: 'They are at the top end of the limits for a flying bird they can only take off really slowly and they don't have much ability for sudden manoeuvres. 'When the sun's coming up or going down and it's wet, the road can have a glint. That's my bet for what happened.' Mr Barass, who shares his home with five other students, added: 'I rang my flatmates after the RPSCA, they don't usually get out of bed until ten but they woke up straight away when they got the phone call from me. 'They saw the photo and thought it was totally bizarre.'
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Keen golf fan Sir Alex Ferguson attended day two of the Ryder Cup at Gleneagles . Europe captain Paul McGinley asked the former Manchester United boss to give a motivational pep talk earlier in the week . Europe looking to build on their 5-3 lead over USA . His appearance comes a day after attending the funeral of Sandy Busby, son of legendary Manchester United boss Sir Matt Busby .
Sir Alex Ferguson was a keen spectator as the second day of the Ryder Cup got into full swing. The former football manager and proud Scot cheered Europe on as they looked to extend their 5-3 advantage over USA. Sir Alex, famous for his motivational abilities during 26 hugely successful years in charge of Manchester United, was called in by Europe captain Paul McGinley to gee up his troops with an inspired pep talk. Sir Alex Ferguson watches on during the morning fourballs at Gleneagles . The former football manager gave an inspirational speech to Europe's players before the start of the Ryder Cup . In a more sombre setting Sir Alex Ferguson attended the funeral of Sandy Busby with Sir Bobby Charlton . World no.1 Rory McIlroy revealed the 72-year-old told the players how to deal with expectation and to embrace the favourites tag. Sir Alex showed up at Gleneagles a day after attending the funeral of Sandy Busby, son of legendary former Manchester United boss Sir Matt Busby. The 76-year-old passed away on Monday evening.
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Vince Cable's attack on Tories will further strain Coalition relations . He agreed with Labour about borrowing and tax cuts . Meanwhile, Clegg shunned Autumn statement yesterday .
the Lib Dem Business Secretary attacked the Tories’ economic plans, which involve slicing another £24billion from public spending . Vince Cable has publicly denounced George Osborne’s plans to slash the budget deficit within four years, and urged his party to oppose ‘brutal’ spending cuts. In an extraordinary intervention which puts further strain on the Coalition, the Lib Dem Business Secretary attacked the Tories’ economic plans, which involve slicing another £24billion from public spending during the next Parliament. He claimed whichever party is in power next year will have to raise taxes, and even said he agreed with Labour that the next government should borrow more. Mr Cable said he ‘did not recognise’ the Chancellor’s plan to eliminate the deficit and run a surplus by 2018-19. He also said: ‘We do have differences in emphasis. The Tories would like to cut spending rather more brutally than we think is necessary or desirable.’ His attack came as his party’s leader Nick Clegg shunned the Autumn Statement yesterday. In a highly unusual move, the Deputy Prime Minister chose to stay away – and instead flew 300 miles to Penzance to talk to locals about flood defences. Senior Lib Dems have warned him that he needs to distance himself from the Tories in the run up to the General Election – though Mr Clegg insisted his decision was not a snub. Mr Cable confirmed he had asked the Office for Budget Responsibility to map out a different forecast for the Lib Dems which contained fewer spending cuts. He added ‘all parties will have to increase taxation whether they say so or not’. On eliminating the deficit, he told LBC Radio: ‘I’m not sure I recognise the figures and the dates you are talking about. The budget deficit also includes borrowing for capital investment. ‘We think if there are good capital investments … for infrastructure and the government earns a proper return for the taxpayer, we should invest in it.’ Asked if this meant he agreed with Labour’s Ed Balls, he replied: ‘We do agree with them on that particular issue, and we differ from the Tories.’ Government sources said Mr Cable had ‘erupted’ yesterday morning and told fellow Lib Dems, including Chief Treasury Secretary Danny Alexander, that they had not signed up to the Conservatives’ spending plans beyond the general election. Mr Cable said he ‘did not recognise’ Chancellor George Osborne’s plan to eliminate the deficit and run a surplus by 2018-19. On air, Mr Cable said the Lib Dems were committed to the deficit reduction plans until May. He denied he had ordered his civil servants not to co-operate with Treasury officials. Tory backbencher Andrew Rosindell said: ‘I don’t think any sensible person believes borrowing more money is the right approach for the country.’ Mr Alexander also distanced himself, saying: ‘It’s not the job of the Office for Budget Responsibility to set out the differences between parties.’ Mr Clegg said his decision to stay away from the Chancellor’s speech was ‘not a snub’, but ‘a nice change to get out of the Westminster bubble and say what this Autumn Statement means to people’.
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A minor earthquake was recorded on Thursday morning in the Melbourne suburbs of Pakenham and Berwick, 56 kilometeres outside the CBD . The 3.2 magnitude earthquake was the second in two days, with a 3.4 magnitude earthquake in Gippsland on Wednesday . Social media users were quick to dub the experience #Melbournequake2014, posting photos of minor inconveniences such as overturned lawn chairs and spilled coffee . A 'we will rebuild' campaign started on Twitter, with many users tweeting that they had 'lived through' or were 'multiple earthquake survivors' Geoscience Australia said there had been over 700 reports of the earthquake from residents but no damage .
After a week of wild weather experienced throughout the country, Victorian residents have taken to social media to mock the overturned lawn chairs and rattling windows caused by two minor earthquakes felt in Melbourne. After two people were struck by lightning in Sydney as ferocious storms swept through NSW, Victorians had their own spate of natural phenomena, dubbed by locals as 'MelbourneQuake2014'. The underwhelming experience of the 3.2 magnitude earthquake just after 6am on Thursday prompted social media users to declare a 'We will rebuild' campaign, posting pictures of minor inconveniences caused by the quake. Scroll down for video . The underwhelming experience of the 3.2 magnitude earthquake just after 6am on Thursday prompted social media users to declare a 'We will rebuild' campaign . After two people were struck by lightning in Sydney as ferocious storms swept through NSW, Victorians had their own spate of natural phenomena, dubbed by locals as 'MelbourneQuake2014' Geoscience Australia seismologists confirmed that the quake struck the Melbourne suburbs of Pakenham and Berwick, 56 kilometers from the CBD, with some residents woken up by the shake, but many more residents reported thinking the earthquake was thunder. Many residents living right in the epicentre reported sleeping through the incident or barely registering that a seismological current was running through their suburb. One resident posted a picture on Facebook of an overturned lawn chair with the caption 'we will rebuild', with other users accusing friends' movements for making the ground shake, or suggesting the quake was caused by a resident sending out 'good vibes'. Other social media users suggested that the rumble may have been a result of locals sexual activity, 'rocking beds' and 'shaking the suburb'. Social media users were quick to claim that they had 'been part of Quake Wake 2014', posting sarcastic comments about 'living through' the Thursday morning earthquake . Many residents living right in the epicentre reported sleeping through the incident or barely registering that a seismological current was running through their suburb . An 'I survived the Berwick earthquake' Facebook page was reportedly started, using a photograph of an overturned lawn chair captured in a similarly minor earthquake from 2012 . Social media users were quick to claim that they had 'been part of Quake Wake 2014', posting sarcastic comments about 'living through' the Thursday morning earthquake. 'Horrific tales of lattes being spilt in Pakenham, stay strong Melbourne we'll get through this together' said one Twitter user. An 'I survived the Berwick earthquake' Facebook page was reportedly started, using a photograph of an overturned lawn chair captured in a similarly minor earthquake from 2012. Duty seismologist Marco Naldomi from Geoscience Australia said that there had been in excess of 700 reports from those living around the epicentre, but that no one had been hurt or recorded any property breakages. 'There have been no reports of damage, but people have reported couches shaking or chairs falling over,' Mr Naldomi said. 'Some residents reported hearing a bang or a loud rumble, of windows rattling, but given the population in the area it's not surprising that we've had so many reports.' The interest in the quake continued with social media users in New Zealand ridiculing the minor earthquake, commenting that Australians complaining about earthquakes was akin to Kiwi's complaining of heat waves. 'Where were you when the earthquake hit!? You know, the one that happened the day after that other one,' asked one social media user . Victorian residents have flocked to social media to mock the overturned lawn chairs and rattling windows caused by two minor earthquakes felt in Melbourne . On Wednesday morning Victoria experienced another earthquake, hitting the Gippsland suburb of Korumburra, which the seismologist said experiences quakes much more frequently. 'Where were you when the earthquake hit!? You know, the one that happened the day after that other one,' asked one social media user. Mr Naldomi said that the area of Pakenham does not often experience earthquakes, with only eight on record including the quake on Thursday morning. 'Earthquakes happen along faultlines, cracks in the earth's crust. That stress is released every now and then in form of earthquake along weaker part of faultlines,' Mr Nadomi said . 'The immediate area outside the epicentre is very seismically quiet, and today's earthquake was the largest on record,' Mr Naldomi said. 'Earthquakes happen along faultlines, cracks in the earth's crust. That stress is released every now and then in form of earthquake along weaker part of faultlines,' he said. 'From this we could infer that that there may well be a faultlines in the area but that it is minor, outside of the ring of fire in the state's south which is a much larger faultline.' 'There are much more active faultlines in the Gipsland area, but it's unlikely the two earthquakes are related.' Lightning strikes at Sydney Harbour on Wednesday afternoon as a severe thunderstorm warning is issued for a number of areas across New South Wales . Firefighters finally put out the fire about 9pm, almost three hours after it started . Earlier in the week, two people were struck by lightning as severe thunderstorms swept through Sydney causing flight chaos and traffic delays. Luckily only minor cases, a man in his 20s was hit by lightning in Hazelbrook, in the Blue Mountains while another person was struck in Cabramatta in Sydney's southwest, said an ambulance spokeswoman. The Bureau of Meteorology issued a severe thunderstorm warning on Wednesday afternoon for areas near Parramatta, Sydney Olympic Park and Richmond. The bureau warned the storm was moving towards the north east and was forecast to hit Hornsby, Sydney city, the Harbour Bridge and the northern beaches. The New South Wales capital was plunged into darkness by 5.30pm but by 7pm the worse of the storm seemed to have passed although at least 13,000 homes in the Blue Mountains, Hawkesbury, Southern Highlands and Western Sydney regions were still without power. The fire broke out just after 6.30pm on Wednesday after being struck by lightning . Dark smoke is seen billowing over the inner-city of Sydney, covering the Harbour Bridge from view . Firefighters evacuated 40 units near the substations as they waited for the power to be shut off . The commute home for many Sydneysiders was thrown into disarray with ferries stranded as they were unable to dock and traffic was brought to a standstill on the Harbour Bridge. One driver described the scene on the bridge as a 'car park'. Lightning also wreaked havoc in Pyrmont - in Sydney's inner-city - with an electrical substation catching alight after it was hit. Large amounts of dark smoke was seen billowing out of the building just after 6.30pm, but it has since been extinguished. It took 20 firefighters around two hours to put out the fire and while authorities aren't sure what caused it, they think it may have been due to lightning. The fire proved tricky for firefighters who were prevented from using water to extinguish the substation blaze as it had about 11,000 volts of electricity running through it, Superintendent Ian Krimmer said. Storms stopped traffic on the Harbour Bridge as the east coast was pelted by wild weather . Lightning strikes were seen all over Sydney as the skies fell dark across the city . In this picture, a lightning strike looks to just miss a playing flying over the city . NSW SES is currently working at Mittagong, in the Southern Highlands of NSW, where 40 requests for assistance have been received after the area was flooded with 30mm of rain in only 20 minutes . Social media users captured images of storm clouds rolling in and lighting strikes in the distance . Captured footage of a lightning strike hitting Sydney during Wednesday's storm . This one struck near the inner-city near Sydney Harbour Bridge . Instead, they worked to protect surrounding buildings, which included a five-level residential block, until the energy provider isolated power to the site. Fire and Rescue NSW evacuated 40 units as they waited for the power to be shut off, fortunately there were no reports of injury. Emergency crews have received more than 80 phone calls about fallen trees and power lines by across the Sydney area, sending out more than 80 fire trucks and 300 firefighters to various jobs. NSW SES is currently working at Mittagong, in the Southern Highlands of NSW, where 40 requests for assistance have been received after the area was flooded with 30mm of rain in only 20 minutes. According to Live Traffic NSW, five roads were flooded by 6pm, including the Great Western Highway Springwood, Old Windsor Road and Seven Hills Road. Train services were closed on the T1 Western Line between Richmond and Clarendon, 'due to lightning strikes at Clarendon affecting signalling,' Transport NSW stated. Fire and Rescue NSW had received more than 50 phone calls about fallen trees and power lines by 5:30pm . Large amounts of dark smoke was spotted billowing out of a building at Pyrmont in Sydney's centre during the storm, after lightning struck an electrical sub station and sparked a fire . Social media users instantly took to sharing photographs of the storm's affect in their area . Buses operated as a replacement service between stations, however heavy traffic in the Richmond area caused delays. There was also heavy traffic delays in Strathfield due to flooding. The storms also caused some delays to flights out of Sydney Airport with Qantas and Virgin confirming that its domestic and international runways had been closed since 5.15pm. Qantas said about 10 flights had been affected, some by up to two hours. By 7pm, a Virgin spokeswoman said its flights had returned to normal with the runways reopening. Social media users instantly took to sharing phot
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Alonso paid Brit Hamilton a surprise visit in the Mercedes motorhome . The former McLaren team-mates embraced following Hamilton's victory . Alonso also congratulated Anthony Hamilton and Nicole Scherzinger . He will re-join McLaren next term after ending his relationship with Ferrari .
Fernando Alonso's relationship with Lewis Hamilton appears to be back to full strength after behind-the-scenes footage emerged of the pair embracing following the final race of the season in Abu Dhabi. Alonso left McLaren under a cloud at the end of the 2007 campaign after falling out with the British team and Hamilton as they battled for the title in the Briton's debut year. But Alonso, who will re-join McLaren next season after ending his five-year relationship with Ferrari, congratulated Hamilton, his father Anthony and girlfriend Nicole Scherzinger in the Mercedes motorhome following the Briton's world championship triumph in the desert. Fernando Alonso congratulates Lewis Hamilton after the Briton sealed this year's F1 title in Abu Dhabi . Alonso kisses Nicole Scherzinger in the Mercedes motorhome after Hamilton clinched the championship . Hamilton poses with Rihanna and his girlfriend Nicole Scherzinger in London earlier this week . Hamilton won the final race of the season to beat Mercedes team-mate Nico Rosberg to the Formula One crown and join Alonso as a double world champion. Alonso and Hamilton are seen entering into a conversation during the brief video before his popstar girlfriend Nicole pays tribute to Alonso's beard. The McLaren hierarchy will meet on Thursday to discuss the identity of Alonso's team-mate next season with Danish driver Kevin Magnussen likely to be retained in favour of Jenson Button. Hamilton crosses the start-finish line to win the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix and seal his second Formula One title . And Hamilton believes Alonso will be better prepared to work under McLaren boss Ron Dennis after his acrimonious exit from the team seven years ago. 'It is an interesting decision with the team, but I wish him all the best,' said Hamilton. 'Fernando has grown a huge amount over the years, both as a driver and maturity wise as well. 'And, having the experience previously with Ron, he will definitely have a much better handle on it and won't be in a tricky situation like last time.'
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David Miller and Hannah Witheridge murdered on Koh Tao on Sept. 15 . Migrant workers Zaw Lin and Win Zaw Htun have been charged . Thai police claim they confessed and their DNA was found at the scene . Lin and Htun claim they were beaten before admitting to the crime . Neither man attended court to hear the charges against them .
A pair of Burmese migrant workers have been charged in connection with the brutal murder of two British tourists at a luxury Thai beach resort. David Miller, 24, and Hannah Witheridge, 23, were found mutilated on Sairee beach on the after attending a party on the island of Koh Tao in September. Autopsies showed both had suffered severe head wounds and Witheridge had been raped, before their bodies were discovered near the resort known for world-class scuba diving. Scroll down for video . Hannah Witheridge and David Miller were brutally murdered on the island of Koh Tao in Thailand this summer . Burmese migrant workers Zaw Lin and Win Zaw Htun, both 21, have been charged with the murders. They claim they were tortured by Thai police before they confessed to the crime. The pair were working in the country illegally . Burmese bar workers Zaw Lin and Win Zaw Htun, who were working in the country illegally, have now been charged by Thai prosecutors with with conspiracy to murder, conspiracy to rape and robbery, according to deputy police chief spokesman Colonel Kissana Phathanacharoen. Neither man appeared at the Provincial Court on the island of Ko Samui and they will have an opportunity to enter a plea at the next hearing, he added. They are also entitled to request bail at any time, he said. Police claimed the men confessed to the killings in October, adding that the DNA evidence matched that of the two suspects. Prosecutors have said other evidence includes close-circuit television footage linking the two to the crime. But there has been international concern about the way the case has been handled by the Thai authorities. The pair, both 21, have admitted they were drinking beer and playing guitar near the scene where Witheridge from Great Yarmouth and Miller from Jersey were found on September. They could be sentenced to die by lethal injection if they are convicted. The backpackers' bodies were found in the surf on Sairee Beach in the early hours of the morning . But they claim that their initial confessions were extracted by beatings and threats and it was reported that a Burmese embassy official later formally retracted their statements to police. Amnesty International has called for an investigation into the allegations, citing a lawyer from the Burmese embassy legal team who said he had been told that police had beaten one suspect and 'threatened him with electrocution.' The Foreign Office has also expressed concern to Thai authorities about whether the investigation was conducted properly and British detectives also flew to the country to observe and assist the Thai investigators with the case, last month. Along with the torture allegations, police have also been criticised for failing to secure the crime scene and releasing several names and pictures of suspects who turned out to be innocent. They were also condemned after they paraded Lin and Htun in front of cameras shortly after the had made their confessions. A lawyer for the pair also said key witnesses are too afraid to come forward, hampering his clients' defence as they prepare to enter a plea. 'This case is not fair,' Nakhon Chomphuchat, head of their Thai legal team told the AFP. 'They were migrant workers so witnesses do not dare to testify (for the defence). 'We have many disadvantages ... we still have not seen the prosecutors' evidence, we just have to fight as best as we can,' he added. Royal Thai Police Major General Suwat Jaengyodsuk defended the investigation before the country's Human Rights Commission yesterday, according the Bangkok Post. Insisting the DNA tests and arrests had been handled by the book he said there had been no torture at any time during the investigation, the paper reported. Witheridge, a student at the University of Essex, was described by her family as 'a beautiful, intelligent, loving young woman who poured joy into the lives of all who knew her'. Mr Miller finished studying civil and structural engineering at Leeds University in June, where he was on course to achieve a first-class degree. His family said he was a 'hard-working, bright and conscientious' young man who would be 'sorely, sorely missed.' Sorry we are not currently accepting comments on this article.
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Officer from St Louis County police posted on Twitter and Facebook about death of unarmed Cleveland, Ohio, boy shot and killed by officers . Tamir Rice had airsoft pistol in his waistband when police answered 911 call and shot him within two seconds of arriving . Officer Aaron Dilks posted 'warning' on official St Louis County Police Facebook page and Twitter account telling parents of dangers of airsoft . He was accused of 'victim blaming'  and posting was deleted by St Louis County Police . Force was first to investigate officer Darren Wilson over death of Michael Brown and has been involved in policing protests after shooting . Police chief apologizes for message and says he is praying for Tamar . He admits: 'The post conveyed the message that my officers respond to calls involving a child with a gun with indiscretion and little regard for life.'
Shot and killed: Tamir Rice, 12, who was holding an airsoft pistol in a park in Cleveland, Ohio . St Louis County Police is mired in fresh killer cop controversy after a post on the force's official facebook page appeared to blame a 12-year-old black boy for the police shooting that killed him. Tamir Rice was playing with a toy gun when he was shot dead by a white officer in Cleveland last week. The tragic incident further fueled the anger and protests that have raged in the wake first of a Grand Jury's failure to indict Ferguson officer Darren Wilson for the shooting of Michael Brown and, now, a second Grand Jury's failure to indict the NYPD officer Daniel Pantaleo for his fatal chokehold arrest of Eric Garner. Today, the St Louis force has been slammed for the posting titled, 'Kids will be Kids?' which warned parents, 'Your children should have rules for a toy gun that mirror the rules for a real gun.' Scroll down for video . Weapon: Tamir Rice was captured on CCTV with an airsoft pistol which had no orange muzzle guard . 'Gun': The airsoft replica of a Colt handgun which was taken from Tamir Rice after he was shot . Official account: This was the message posted by Officer Dilks on St Louis County Police's official Twitter today . lengthy: The Facebook posting by the officer which has now been deleted. It said was not about 'whether it was a justified shooting' but was accused of 'victim blaming' The Facebook posting which was tweeted on the department's official feed continued, 'Warn them that these 'toys' do look like real guns and could result in getting the police called on them. The police may get called to respond to a 'child with a gun'…If the type of gun is in question by the witness the Police will respond as though it is a real gun.' The post read by many as victim-blaming went onto provide 'tips' for how a child should behave in such a situation. 'Do not run away. They need to no longer have the gun in their hands, throw it away from them. They need to comply with officers instructions. They may be ordered to lie down on the ground.' Within minutes of tweeting this posting at 7.59am the St Louis County Police City of Fenton Precinct department whose officer wrote the post was facing demands to have their twitter account closed down. Critics dammed the post as 'heartless' and 'victim blaming' and described the officers as 'psychopaths.' Later in the day Chief Jon Belmar used the same page to apologize for the post. 'The post conveyed the message that my officers respond to calls involving a child with a gun with indiscretion and little regard for life,' he admitted. 'The intention of the post was to inform citizens about the potential danger of airsoft or pellet guns resembling real guns. 'However, the post was a misguided communication strategy and was offensive to many people. 'As Chief of Police, I apologize to Tamir’s family and anyone who was offended by the post. 'While the post did not originate from the Chief’s Office and I was unaware of its presence prior to its release, I realize the message was insensitive to Tamir’s family and the sorrow they are currently experiencing.' But the Fenton officer who wrote the post has defended his actions. Neighborhood cop Aaron Dilks said 'I too was a kid, and I would have done the same thing as Tamir Rice did. Officer Aaron Dilks, who used the official St Louis County Police Twitter and Facebook accounts to post on the shooting of Tamir Rice . Profuse apology: Chief Jon Belmar used Facebook to repudiate the earlier post and admit that it suggested his officers do not care about young lives . Mourned: 12-year-old Tamir Rice was buried yesterday after being shot by officers last weekend . Fatal moment: CCTV shows the 12-year-old reaching towards the airsoft gun in his waistband . 'I was allowed to go play with guns and have BB guns - we didn't have Airsofts at the time. The point of 'kids will be kids' is that's what kids will do… . 'The point of putting [the post] out was to educate and make sure something like this doesn't happen in the city of Fenton or in our area.' As for Rice, Dilks added, 'It's a tragedy. It's a shame that a child got shot. I guess that's all I should probably say about it.' The post has now been removed from the facebook page and the link deleted from the force's official twitter feed. A spokesman for St Louis County Police disowned the posting and described it as unauthorized. The force was preparing to issue a statement at time of writing.
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Jean de Villiers dislocated his kneecap against Wales on Saturday . De Villiers looked set to be out for eight months . South Africa captain aiming for World Cup return next year .
South Africa captain Jean de Villiers says he is hopeful of being fit for the World Cup in England in September after having reconstructive surgery on his left knee on Thursday. De Villiers, 33, dislocated his kneecap in the 12-6 defeat by Wales in Cardiff on Saturday and early estimates suggested he would be out of action for at least eight months. 'The procedure went well but at this stage it is difficult to determine an exact return in terms of time frame,' team doctor Craig Roberts said in a statement. Jean de Villiers is hopeful of being fit for the World Cup following reconstructive surgery on his left knee . De Villiers dislocated his kneecap in the 12-6 defeat by Wales in Cardiff on Saturday . 'The use of an artificial graft should speed up his rehabilitation and hopefully increase his chances of making a successful return.' De Villiers said his sights were set on getting back in time for the World Cup. 'My focus will now be on the arrival of our third child in the coming days,' he added. 'Thereafter it will be about recovering as soon as possible so I can start with my rehabilitation. I will do everything in my power to get to England.' The 33-year-old is hoping the use of an artificial graft will speed up his rehabilitation .
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Nikola Zigic has scored 36 goals in 148 appearances for Birmingham City . The Serbian striker has resigned for the club until the end of season . He was released in July but will return to squad once he gets work permit .
Nikola Zigic has rejoined Birmingham City five months after leaving the club. The 6ft 8in striker has been granted a work permit and has signed until the end of the season to provide Gary Rowett with another attacking option. Zigic, whose contract worth £65,000 per week was a burden as Birmingham struggled last season, left in July but remains popular with club staff and is now on vastly reduced terms. Nikola Zigic, pictured scoring against Stoke City, has resigned for Birmingham City . The Serbian striker left Birmingham at the end of last season after his contract expired at the club . Zigic cost £6million when he signed from Valencia in 2010 and was on wages of £65,000 a week . Age: 34 . Clubs: AIK Backa Topola (1998-2002), Mornar (2001-02), FK Kolubara (2002-03), Spartak Subotica , Red Star Belgrade (2003-07), Racing Santander (2006-07), Valencia (2007-10), Birmingham City (2010-14, 2014-) Club appearances: 470 . Club goals: 241 . Birmingham appearances: 148 . Birmingham goals: 36 . Serbia caps: 57 . International goals: 20 . The 34-year-old, originally signed for £6million from Valencia in 2010, will not be available for Saturday’s Championship match at Blackpool, however, as he needs to attain a working visa. He will fly to his native Serbia on Thursday to have his application processed in Belgrade. This can take up to a week. It is hoped he will be available for the Championship match against Reading at St Andrew's on December 13. Zigic, part of the 2011 League Cup-winning side, had been training with Birmingham since November and the club are delighted he has re-signed. Director Panos Pavlakis said: 'We welcome him back home. We know how happy he is to be here again and enthusiastic about making a contribution.' Rowett had said previously: 'I think he will bring something different to us, that’s what we are looking at - we want different players in the building and not similar players to what we have got.' Zigic, scoring against Ipswich Town, has returned to his native Serbia in order to get a work permit .
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Thierry Henry could return to Arsenal in a coaching capacity . Wenger is keen to add the striker to his backroom team . Arsenal announced he was New York Red Bulls on Monday . Henry has not yet revealed his future plans after leaving New York .
Former Arsenal midfielder Ray Parlour has backed Thierry Henry to replace Arsene Wenger as manager at the Emirates one day. The Frenchman’s future is uncertain after he left New York Red Bulls at the end of the MLS season and has been linked with a return to Arsenal in a coaching capacity and Parlour has backed him to take the top job in the future. Henry is Arsenal’s record goalscorer and Wenger is keen to add him to Arsenal’s backroom team. Thierry Henry has left New York Red Bulls and could return to Arsenal in a coaching capacity . Henry is Arsenal's all-time record goalscorer with 228 goals for the club . Parlour told talkSPORT: ‘I think he will definitely get involved with Arsenal. I certainly believe, one day, if he really wants to be a manager, he will be manager of Arsenal. ‘He was such an intelligent player. Arsene Wenger used to have a meeting on a Monday with the players after a game and Thierry would always have his say. He would make some great points, not just about forwards, but about defending and how we defend as a team. ‘He always had that charisma to be a manager. And look at his name around the world. People would want to play for him and he would attract big players.’ Arsene Wenger is keen to add Henry to his backroom team . Ray Parlour believes that Henry is a future Arsenal manager .
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Mile Jedinak was sent off by referee Phil Dowd for two bookable offences during Crystal Palace's 3-1 home loss to Sunderland on Monday night . The defeat saw Palace drop to 17th in the Premier League table . Sunderland won on a Monday for the first time since April 2002 . Eagles boss Neil Warnock revealed after the match that Jedinak had apologised for his sending off during the game . Australia midfielder Jedinak is now ruled out of Saturday's trip to Manchester United .
Mile Jedinak admits it is becoming difficult for Crystal Palace players to come to terms with recent refereeing decisions which have gone against the club. The Eagles' skipper was sent off in the 3-1 reverse to Sunderland on Monday night after seeing his side have two legitimate penalty claims turned away by referee Phil Dowd. Santiago Vergini was lucky to avoid conceding a first-minute penalty when he brought down Fraizer Campbell, with Patrick van Aanholt tangling with Wilfried Zaha in what could have been easily given as a spot-kick. VIDEO: Scroll down for Neil Warnock's views on his side's penalty claims on Monday night . Mile Jedinak was shown a second yellow card for a challenge on Jordi Gomez late in the match . Jedinak is sent off by referee Phil Dowd for his second bookable offence of the night . The Crystal Palace skipper leaves the pitch at Selhurst Park on what was a miserable night for the home night . As it turned out neither were given and Steven Fletcher put the Black Cats ahead before the break and, despite Palace drawing level courtesy of a Wes Brown own goal, Jordi Gomez and Fletcher struck either side of Jedinak's red card to seal a second Barclays Premier League win of the campaign. 'I think we gave them two soft goals,' said Jedinak. 'Apart from that I thought we were really good. 'I think they (the penalty claims) were both pretty clear to be honest with you, so, there's not a lot I'm going to comment on in that sense, but he made both decisions and we have taken the brunt of them. It was unfortunate - both times. Fraizer Campbell goes down under a challenge by Santiago Vergini but the home side did not get a penalty . Neil Warnock was unhappy with the decision not to award a penalty and made his feelings known to Dowd . 'It's disappointing when you don't receive the decisions and particularly so early on, particularly when you're on top. You're not going to cry over that, but when they are that obvious it's a little bit difficult.' The defeat saw Palace drop to 17th in the table, with only a better goal record keeping Neil Warnock's side outside of the relegation zone. The 65-year-old revealed after the match that Jedinak had apologised for his sending off and labelled the two bookings as 'silly' - with the Australia midfielder now ruled out of Saturday's trip to Manchester United. 'He decided to give me a yellow on the first one which for whatever reason, the second one I got caught in him it looked like he was right behind me and he's deemed it a yellow card,' Jedinak added. 'I've got to accept that now, I'm disappointed within myself to be missing the game and not being a part (of it) with the boys on Saturday. Sunderland manager Gus Poyet congratulates two-goal hero Steven Fletcher after the Black Cats victory . 'We've got a game in five days' time, everybody has got to be ready and prepared. It's an opportunity for somebody else to step in and whoever is fit and available to be ready and I think the boys are going to give a good account of themselves. I have no doubt about that.' The win at Selhurst Park was Sunderland's second of the season and manager Gus Poyet will be hoping the result banishes the embarrassment of an 8-0 thrashing at Southampton two weeks ago. Gomez grabbed his first league goal for the Wearsiders since his summer move from Wigan and the Spaniard is hoping to build on the victory when they welcome Everton to the Stadium of Light on Sunday. 'It's a very good result for us,' he said. 'It was much needed and it's an important three points on the board. I'm very happy to get my goal but more so with the team performance and final result. 'We're now looking forward to playing at home on Sunday in front of the fans, turn in another performance and get another three points. 'Our fans were brilliant. It has been tough for them lately after the last two results but they backed us in their numbers and they deserve to enjoy this result, they are very important for us and did us proud here.' One downside on the evening for Sunderland was a shoulder injury suffered by Van Aanholt during his challenge with Zaha. The former Chelsea full-back was taken straight to hospital and Poyet confirmed after the match that the Dutchman had suffered a dislocation.
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Supplement GOPO contains rose hip which helps ease joint pain . Actor Larry Lamb told MailOnline the capsules have 'changed my life' Father-of-four began suffering hip and knee pain when he started running . Keen to stay fit and healthy, 67-year-old was eager to exercise regularly . But suffered painful twinges and a burning sensation he'd never had before . After taking GOPO for three months he claims he's not had any pain at all . He told MailOnline: 'It really is incredible. It's changed my life'
Actor Larry Lamb claims the GOPO supplement has banished the surging pain he felt in his knees and hips when running . Determined to stay fit and healthy, actor Larry Lamb turned to running. Entering his sixth decade, the star of EastEnders and Gavin and Stacey fame, laced up his trainers once more. Having suffered painful back ache in his younger years, the now 67-year-old has for the last decade religiously performed half-an-hour of stomach crunches every day to ensure his core was taught to relieve any strain on his back. But at the age of 60, with his back pain 'well and truly under control', he began to suffer twinges and burning sensations surging through his knees and hips. Refusing to give in to the pain. he experimented to try and ease his discomfort. Despite shelling out for proper running shoes and enduring daily doses of raw cod liver oil, the pain persisted. It wasn't until Larry happened upon an article outlining a new drug-free supplement, that he found his answer. GOPO is a supplement, containing a unique part of a rose hip, which helps tackle joint pain. It claims to be the only product of its kind to contain a high level of GOPO - a key component of the rose hip, which is thought to play a valuable role in the care of joints and joint tissues. And the supplement contains high levels of vitamin C, which is thought to boost the immune system and help the body form collagen, which aids joints. Larry told MailOnline: 'It has changed my life. I have to say, it's just incredible.' Around 26 million people across the UK suffer back pain, with many more afflicted by joint inflammation and damage. A recent survey found 90 per cent of people suffering back pain rely on paracetamol to ease their agony. It comes as another piece of research, published in The Lancet, concluded the painkiller is no better than a placebo at speeding recovery. It has prompted experts to call for a change in the advice given, to consider whether it is appropriate to recommend paracetamol as a treatment for back pain. Scroll down for video . Having been active throughout his life to combat back pain, when he took up running again in his early 60s, Larry started to suffer sharp pain in his knees and hips. 'In my early 60s I started to notice problems with my hips – just the occasional twinge here and there – and like most, I ignored the pains and got on with it,' he said. 'However, my left foot, back and knees also started to give me gyp - especially my back, which was becoming increasingly painful and stiff. I've always lived a very active life and I put my aches and pains down to my age and the travelling I do for work.' Larry recently toured around Europe and Tunisia for a Channel 5 programme exploring and telling the story of the birth of the Roman Republic. The 67-year-old star of Gavin and Stacey took up running again in his early 60s determined to stay fit and healthy. But for the first time in his life he was struck by niggling joint ache . Larry, who played Archie Mitchell in Eastenders, told MailOnline that after trying proper running shoes and various supplements, including daily doses of raw cod liver oil, he discovered GOPO, made from rosehip . Determined not to slow down, the father-of-four, who revealed he does stomach crunches for an half-an-hour every day to keep his abs in shape, said he realised he needed to invest more time and care looking after himself. After buying hi-tech running shoes, but still suffering the pain, he turned to various supplements. He said: 'I'm conscientious about my health, as an older father (his youngest daughters are 11 and 15) it is your job to run around after your children even if your body is telling you otherwise. 'I've never been one for extreme sports, but I did start running six years ago in a bid to look after myself a bit better. 'However, I had to put it to one side as my knees worsened and the pain became unbearable.It was a pain I have never felt before. Larry said the rose hip supplement has 'changed my life' and since taking it he has suffered no pain at all . 'It dawned on me that a hip or joint replacement at my age was a possibility, but it was something I desperately wanted to avoid.' The 67-year-old first tried cod liver oil, taking it in its raw form, but admitted: 'there's no charm in cod liver oil'. But after reading an article by Arlene Phillips, a past judge on Strictly Come Dancing, Larry said he learned of the supplement GOPO. The clinically-proven supplement is specially cultivated from natural rose hip. It also claims to be the only product of its kind to contain high levels of GOPO - the key rose hip component which is thought to play a valuable role in the care of joints and joint tissues. Larry said: 'It has changed my life. I have to say, it's just incredible.' Since starting the supplement three months ago, he said he has not felt one twinge or shooting pain, 'not even one', he added. 'I started taking GOPO after hearing that rose hip works wonders for joint pain – and I can honestly say I have never felt better. 'Within six weeks I noticed a difference, and it definitely helped me scramble across the Roman Ruins. 'Not only has GOPO eradicated the pain I had in my hips and knees, it has also improved my overall wellbeing; I now feel ready to take on my next physical challenge. 'Now my joints are so supple, if I didn't have two left feet, I'd put my name down for Strictly Come Dancing!' And his are sentiments backed up by the professionals. Dr Rod Hughes, consultant rheumatologist at St Peter's Hospital in Surrey, said drug-free alternatives to painkillers are effective in treating back pain. He told MailOnline: 'There is a large body of evidence supporting the use of GOPO - a compound derived from rose hip - in musculoskeletal conditions, with research indicating that it can effectively relieve acute exacerbations of chronic back pain. 'The natural anti-inflammatory properties of GOPO make it a viable replacement to paracetamol in cases of non-specific lower back pain, without the risk of harmful side effects.' GOPO Joint Health is the only product of its kind to contain GOPO - a key component of the rose hip, which is thought to ease joint pain . GOPO is made from 100 per cent specially cultivated natural rose hip. It is the only product of its kind to contain a high level of GOPO - a key component of the rose hip, which is thought to play a valuable role in the care of joints and joint tissues. Rosehip contains a high concentration of Vitamin C - 50 per cent more than oranges. It makes rose hip very effective at boosting the immune system, is commonly used to help treat colds. Vitamin C is also essential for the normal collagen formation, needed to promote health bones and cartilage. It contains powerful antioxidants which act to combat free radicals in the body, which trigger damage to the hips, joints and other areas of the body. The herbal medication is thought to have anti-inflammatory properties. It contains polyphenols and anthocyanins, which are thought to ease joint inflammation and prevent joint damage. GOPO was discovered more than 20 years ago in Denmark, and significant levels can only be gathered if the rose hips are dried using a special patented process. It has been available in Denmark for 10 years, and this year was launched in the UK. A pack of 120 5g tablets costs £17.99. Patients take four a day. And Professor Andrew Moore, a leading researcher in pain at the Churchill Hospital in Oxford, added: 'Paracetamol is far from an innocuous drug. 'There may be some patients who will benefit from its use, but they will be very few in number. 'Risk of harm will outweigh the benefit for those patients who are not getting pain relief.' Osteopath at Physical Balance Hampshire, Ian Harrison, added that GOPO helps reduce swelling, which causes joint pain. He said: 'While there are all sorts of back problems, pain is always the common denominator - if people can manage their pain, it will help them keep moving and that is key to breaking the back pain cycle. 'GOPO works to reduce swelling and the pain associated with it. 'We see a lot of patients with back pain but in many instances it may only be mild pain or it could be a reoccurring problem that could be self-managed. 'People should always check serious problems with a healthcare professional, but there are steps they can take on their own to avoid falling into the back pain trap.' A study published in The Lancet found paracetamol is no better than placebo in the treatment of low-back pain . A recent study published in The Lancet concluded that paracetamol is no better than a placebo at speeding recovery. The research questioned the universal endorsement of paracetamol as the first choice painkiller for low-back pain. Low-back pain is the leading cause of disability worldwide. National clinical guidelines universally recommend the painkiller as the first choice analgesic. The Paracetamol for Low-Back Pain study randomly assigned 1,652 people, with an average age of 45 and suffering acute low-back pain, to receive four weeks of paracetamol. One group was assigned a regular dose, three times a day, another took the drug as needed, while a third group received a placebo. All participants were followed up after three months. No difference in the length of time it took participants to recover was found between the three groups. The study authors, said: 'Paracetamol also had no effect on short-term pain levels, disability, function, sleep quality, or quality of life.' Dr Christopher Williams, from the George Institute for Global Health at the University of Sydney, in Australia, said: 'Simple analgesics such as paracetamol might not be of primary importance in the management of acute lower back pain. 'The results suggest we need to reconsider the universal recommendation to provide paracetamol as a first-line treatment for low-back pain, although understanding why paracetamol works for o
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The Edelweiss chalet in Courchevel is the world's most expensive chalet . It costs a staggering £431,000-a-week to hire and has its own nightclub . A seven-night stay at Sir Richard Branson's Swiss chalet costs £112,000 . The luxury chalets features swimming pools, saunas, and private chefs .
The start of the ski season is about to get underway. But if you thought all the action happened out on the slopes, you can think again. For a minority of super-rich holiday makers, the real entertainment is to be found back in the palatial chalets that dot the world’s most exclusive resorts. Scroll down for video . A week at the sprawling nine-bedroom Swiss chalet owned by billionaire businessman Sir Richard Branson will set you back an eye-watering £112,000-a-week . The stunning accommodation on offer at rental company Ultimate Luxury Chalets feature swimming pools, saunas, cinemas, hot tubs and even nightclubs. Other include wine cellars, state of the art spas and fully-equipped gyms. But if you want to hire the most exclusive properties at destinations including Verbier in Switzerland and Val D’Isere in France, you’ll need to be among the world’s highest earners. A week at the sprawling nine-bedroom Swiss chalet owned by billionaire businessman Sir Richard Branson will set you back an eye-watering £112,000-a-week. Chalet N, located in the Austrian ski resort of Lech, is said to ‘set the benchmark for true Alpine over-indulgence’ One of the most impressive properties in the ski chalet rental market worldwide, it is an opulent chalet that comes complete with a team of chefs and butlers . As well as its own spa and ‘wellness centre’, Chalet N features massage beds, a private hair stylist, steam showers, indoor swimming pool, a library, dual outdoor hot tubs, its own bar and a billiard room . Situated on a quiet road just 250m from the main ski lifts and backing onto one of the returning pistes, The Lodge is in a perfect location for the slopes. Guests are attended to by a team of 12 staff. The property features a mini ice rink, indoor swimming pool, outdoor Jacuzzis and a luxury spa. The Lodge can accommodate up to 18 adults in nine bedrooms and up to six children and young adults in a specially designed bunkroom. Chalet N, located in the Austrian ski resort of Lech, is said to ‘set the benchmark for true Alpine over-indulgence’. Sir Richard Branson's luxurious Swiss Chalet features swimming pools, saunas, cinemas, hot tubs and even discos . Guests at The Lodge chalet are attended to by a team of 12 staff, while the property features a mini ice rink, indoor swimming pool, outdoor Jacuzzis and a luxury spa . Undoubtedly one of the most impressive properties in the ski chalet rental market worldwide, it is an opulent chalet that comes complete with a team of chefs and butlers. As well as its own spa and ‘wellness centre’, it features massage beds, a private hair stylist, steam showers, indoor swimming pool, a library, dual outdoor hot tubs, its own bar and a billiard room. The property costs up to £384,000-a-week to hire. The Edelweiss chalet in the Courchevel 1850 resort is a towering eight-bedroom property that has become one of the most sought after Alpine retreats. The Edelweiss chalet in the Courchevel 1850 resort is a towering eight-bedroom property that has become one of the most sought after Alpine retreats . Able to sleep 16 people, the Edelweiss chalet was only built in 2012 and is located next to the Bellecote piste. Guests will need to splash more than £400,000-a-week for a seven night stay . The £79,000-per-week Marco Polo chalet in Val D’Isere is described as offering guests ‘700sq meters of Alpine chic’ It features a vast balcony complete with panoramic views of La Face piste, a bbq and outdoor heated seating . Able to sleep 16 people, it was only built in 2012 and is located next to the Bellecote piste. Each bedroom has its own en suite bathroom and the two master suites measure 100sq meters each and come complete with private dressing rooms. Its spa area takes up a whole floor and includes a state of the art gym, a double massage room and a swimming pool. There is a 50m² ski room opening directly onto the Bellecote piste, while the chalet is so big it even has a lift to take guests between floors. Zermatt Peak, situated in the Swiss resort of Zermatt, is said to ‘set a new precedent in luxury chalet accommodation’ The 4.5 metre floor to ceiling windows in the lounge offer spectacular views, while the interiors ‘ooze style, luxury and panache’ The Courchevel 1850 resort also features the stunning six-floor Le Petit Palais chalet . Guests can use the beauty salon and sprawling spa, with the chalet costing £188,000 for a seven-night stay . On the ground floor there is a 130sq meter nightclub with a DJ booth, dancefloor and bar, which can fit 100 people. The chalet costs a staggering £431,000-a-week to rent. The Marco Polo chalet in Val D’Isere is described as offering guests ‘700sq meters of Alpine chic’. The property can accommodate 12 guests in its six en suite bedrooms. It features a vast balcony complete with panoramic views of La Face piste, a bbq and outdoor heated seating. The price is not surprisingly out of the reach of many Val D’Isere visitors, costing £79,000 per week. Zermatt Peak, situated in the Swiss resort of Zermatt, is said to ‘set a new precedent in luxury chalet accommodation’. Sleeping 18 people, the Chalet Truffe Blance in Verbier, Switzerland, is referred to as a ‘vision of grandeur and elegance’ Based on an 17th century Italian residence, it spreads over 3,000sq meters, while its spa is said to have been inspired a the Roman Empire. It also has a 15m indoor pool . The 4.5 metre floor to ceiling windows in the lounge offer spectacular views, while the interiors ‘ooze style, luxury and panache’. It features its own masseuse, steam room, sauna and Jacuzzi. It also has a cinema, library and and a private chef. It can accommodate up to 15 guests and comes at a cost of up to £113,000 for seven night’s hire. The Courchevel 1850 resort also features the stunning six-floor Le Petit Palais chalet. It has a total of seven bedrooms and again includes its own nightclub and cinema room, while the master suite measures 855sq ft, and takes up an entire floor of the property. Guests can also use the beauty salon and sprawling spa and costs £188,000 for a seven night stay. Sleeping 18 people, the Chalet Truffe Blance in Verbier, Switzerland, is referred to as a ‘vision of grandeur and elegance’. Based on an 17th century Italian residence, it spreads over 3,000sq meters, while its spa is said to have been inspired a the Roman Empire. It also has a 15m indoor pool. An exotic Turkish hammam displays extravagant domes derived from the Ottoman architecture. Surrounding the hammam, pool and relaxation area are nine treatment rooms, a Finnish sauna, 20-seat home cinema, sushi and vodka bar, private nightclub and pool table. The wine cellar has underwater windows looking out into the pool. But such luxury does not come cheap, and guests will need to spend up to £172,000 per week to hire the property. www.ultimateluxurychalets.com .
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The alleged assault took place at 6:22am at a security checkpoint inside Boston's Logan International Airport . Eric Brandhorst allegedly hit the woman with his backpack after she indicated a place where he could check it . Both the woman's left eye and left side of her face were bruised, and she told authorities she had hip, knee and shoulder pain .
An airport employee was allegedly assaulted by a man with his backpack Tuesday morning. The incident took place at 6:22am at a security checkpoint inside Boston's Logan International Airport, Massachusetts State Police said. The 74-year-old victim - who has not been publicly identified by authorities - talked to 53-year-old Eric S. Brandhorst as he kneeled on the ground, state police said in a release. Brandhorst's backpack 'was too large to fit inside a guide rack for appropriately-sized carry-on luggage,' it stated. Confrontation: Eric Brandhorst allegedly assaulted an airport worker after she told him his backpack was too big and pointed out a place where he could check it instead . Assault: State police say this photo shows Brandhorst walking away after striking the 74-year-old woman . The woman indicated a place where Brandhorst could check his backpack instead after he got on his feet, Massachusetts State Police said. 'Suddenly, and with no further conversation, the approximately 6-foot, 200-pound [Brandhorst] swung the backpack with both hands from his right shoulder into the left side of the victim’s face, knocking her down,' the release said. Nearby Trooper Dana Cresta saw the assault took place and got Brandhorst down on the ground, according to Massachusetts State Police. Brandhorst faces assault and battery with a dangerous weapon on a person age 60 or older charges, the release said. He reportedly said he had been 'aggravated' and 'made a mistake' while speaking to state police at his booking. Both the woman's left eye and left side or her face were bruised, and she told authorities she had hip, knee and shoulder pain, Massachusetts State Police said. Massport firefighters looked at the woman before she was taken to a hospital. Stopped: Nearby Trooper Dana Cresta saw the assault took place and got Brandhorst down on the ground .
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Wales drew 0-0 with Bosnia in European Championship qualifying tie . Ashley Williams frustrated after wasting one of his side's best chances . Gareth Bale's shot was brilliantly saved by Asmir Begovic at the end . Manager Chris Coleman pleased with the development of his player .
Wales manager Chris Coleman feels his players have 'grown up' after going top of their European Championship qualifying group. Coleman's side held talented Bosnia and Herzegovina to a goalless draw at the Cardiff City Stadium on Friday night to make it four points from two games as Belgium and Israel won their first games elsewhere in Group B. Wales now welcome Cyprus to Cardiff on Monday night and Coleman says it will have been a productive camp if they win that game and make it seven points from nine. Wales manager Chris Coleman reacts from the sidelines at the Cardiff City Stadium . Wales forward Gareth Bale races past Bosnia's Miralem Pjanic at Cardiff City Stadium . 'These players have grown up,' Coleman said about a team missing influential midfielders Aaron Ramsey and Joe Allen through injury but who almost grabbed a winner through Gareth Bale in the final seconds. 'They're not scared of it, they've accepted the compliment of being called the 'golden generation'. 'That's a huge compliment, I've told them they've got to earn it and they knew the pressure going into the game. 'There was a big crowd for a reason but they didn't disappoint. If we beat Cyprus I think it will have been a productive camp.' Over 30,000 turned up on the night as fans appeared to fall in love with their team again after several years where apathy has reigned in Welsh football. They saw Wales having to hold on for long periods as the Bosnians dominated midfield and goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey was forced to produce several outstanding saves to prevent the hosts from falling behind. But Wales rallied at the end and Bale - who was brilliantly denied by Stoke's Bosnian goalkeeper Asmir Begovic - Hal Robson-Kanu and Ashley Williams all had late chances to score. 'Gareth's chance was Scotland all over again, when he scored that fantastic late winner,' Coleman said, recalling a World Cup qualifier two years ago. Wales' Simon Church and Bosnia and Herzegovina's Toni Sunjic battle for the ball . Wales goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey dives to make a save from Bosnia and Herzegovina's Haris Medunjanin . 'I thought he would get a chance but I didn't expect it to be from the same place, but it was a great save. 'We had other chances and it was a good point and a great performance. 'We had to ride our luck a little bit because they're a good team. 'You know against teams like that you have to do that because they have enough quality when they're on their game to hurt anybody. 'We had to stand up to the challenge and we matched them. Wayne pulled off some great saves and we had some chances at their end. 'They kicked us, we kicked them and it was a good old-fashioned international match. 'We never played our best football but we dug deep. In terms of putting it on the line, I felt our players didn't have anything more to give.' Coleman felt Bosnia midfielder Miralem Pjanic was fortunate to stay on the field after picking up a first-half booking for felling Jonathan Williams. Moments later Pjanic fouled Williams again but he escaped with only a lecture from the Russian referee Vladislav Bezborodov. 'We thought he could have been sent off,' Coleman said. 'On another day maybe, because he kicked him again seconds after the first challenge. Bosnia and Herzegovina's striker Edin Dzeko runs with the ball during the Euro 2016 qualifier . Wales defender Ashley Williams (2nd left) went close with a header in the second half . 'It was a shame because he's a fantastic player, when you look at him from afar he's good but when you see him close he's even better.' Bosnia coach Safet Susic said he was not disappointed with a point and insisted everything was all to play for in the group. 'The game was as I expected. It was a difficult game,' Susic said. 'We came here to get three points and we took some risks. 'The score is not bad for either team because they are our direct opponents for second place. 'But I think the best players on the pitch were the two goalkeepers.'
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Liverpool host Sunderland at Anfield on Saturday, kick-off 3pm . Brendan Rodgers put his players through their paces in training . Mamadou Sakho, Philippe Coutinho and Jose Enrique all fit . But Mario Balotelli is still ruled out with a troublesome groin injury .
Liverpool's players were back in training on Thursday as they aim for their third consecutive Premier League win against Sunderland at Anfield. Brendan Rodgers' side host the Black Cats on Saturday, four days after goals from Adam Lallana, Steven Gerrard and Jordan Henderson gave them three points away at Leicester. Reds stars including the fit-again Mamadou Sakho and Rickie Lambert were among those to take part in Thursday morning's session at Melwood. Defender Mamadou Sakho tussles with youngster Seyi Ojo during training on Thursday . Dejan Lovren holds off a challenge from Harry Wilson as Liverpool prepare to face Sunderland . Brendan Rodgers watches his squad in training with coaches Mike Marsh and Colin Pascoe . Dejan Lovren, who was dropped for the victories against Stoke and Nigel Pearson's side, appeared in good spirits as he enjoyed a laugh despite being out of favour. The Croatian and Rodgers' first-team stars were also joined by a number of the club's youth players, with Jerome Sinclair, Lloyd Jones and Jordan Rossiter among those to get a chance to impress. One player still missing from training is Mario Balotelli, who has missed Liverpool's last three Premier League games with a groin problem. Speaking at his pre-match press conference, Rodgers said of Balotelli: 'He's working with the medical team on a daily basis. I trust the team of people here that look after the injuries. Hopefully he'll be available sooner rather than later.' Balotelli has been the subject of controversy this week after he appeared to delete an Instagram post which included an anti-Semitic message, something Rodgers wasn't interested in discussing. Raheem Sterling, Martin Skrtel and Rickie Lamber (from left to right) warm up at chilly Melwood . Under pressure goalkeeper Simon Mignolet makes a save as he gets puts through his paces . Rodgers watches on as Jose Enrique runs with the ball during a drill on Thursday morning . 'He's still very much a Liverpool player but he's injured at the moment and there's nothing more to add, ' said the former Swansea boss. 'He's not fit to play and my concentration is on players who are fit and available to play and that's my only thinking at the moment.' There was better news on the fitness on Philippe Coutinho and Jose Enrique, who should both be available for the visit of Gus Poyet's men. Rodgers added: 'Philippe Coutinho had a slight issue with his knee during the week but he should be OK for the weekend. 'Jose Enrique is back in. We are having to manage Jose and his games, but he has trained and should be available for the weekend. Everyone else, it is as it was.' Summer signing Lovren enjoys a laugh as he moves a training aid during the Reds' session . Mignolet leaps into the air to punch a ball clear while under pressure from Spanish defender Enrique . Alberto Moreno will be hoping to start against the Black Cats after coming off the bench against Leicester .
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Tuilagi pleaded guilty to attacking a reveller outside a Dublin nightclub . Incident happened after his then club Leicester lost to Leinster in 2011 . The Samoan winger punched a man in the face in 'lapse of judgement' Judge Anthony Halpin struck case out at Dublin District Court . Tuilagi had earlier paid the victim around £30,000 in a settlement .
Rugby star Alesana Tuilagi has escaped a jail term after pleading guilty to a drink-fuelled attack on a reveller outside a Dublin nightclub three years ago. The Samoan winger, who is the brother of England star Manu, paid the victim around £30,000 several months ago. Tuilagi had been out drinking after his then club Leicester Tigers lost to Leinster in a European Cup quarter-final and punched the man in what his defence lawyer described as a ‘pent-up lapse of judgement.’ Alesana Tuilagi has escaped a one-year jail sentence for an assault in Dublin back in April 2011 . Tuilagi was playing for Leicester Tigers at the time and was drinking after a defeat to Leinster in April 2011 . The 33-year-old, who now plays for Newcastle Falcons, pleaded guilty at Dublin District Court to assault causing harm following the incident on Harcourt Street on April 4, 2011. Judge Anthony Halpin struck the case out, saying Tuilagi could face trouble travelling if convicted. He noted that the victim suffered no lasting damage from the punch and ‘was more than generously compensated.’ His verdict spared Tuilagi a possible one-year jail sentence and a criminal record.
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The duo ran 2.2km along the South Bank of the Thames River on Nov 3 . To beat the river boat, the pair had to reach Bankside Pier in 8 min, 30 secs . The path included 5 bridges and countless pedestrians to contend with .
After successfully racing the tube, James Heptonstall and Noel Carroll are back and ready to amaze us with their next stunt. On November 3, 2014 at 10:08 am, the two men decided to RacetheBoat - from the London Eye to Bankside Pier. The 1.3-mile (2.2km) journey included five bridges and countless pedestrians to dodge as the athletic pair ran along the South Bank of the River Thames in London. On your mark, get set, go! James Heptonstall and Noel Carroll attempt to race a boat along the River Thames . The two men raced from the London Eye to Bankside Pier in just over 8 minutes . In order to successfully beat the river boat, the men had to run the length of the path in eight minutes and 30 seconds. James is a 30-year-old England touch-rugby player and Noel is a strength and conditioning coach at Arsenal Academy. The duo recorded their Race the Tube video in September of this year. Noel recorded the video while James raced the Circle Line train from the Mansion House stop to Cannon Street, successfully completing the 415-yard platform to platform sprint in 1min 18secs. The 2.2 km journey on foot included five bridges and countless pedestrians to contend with . Earlier this year, the pair successfully completed the Race the Tube challenge on the Circle Line route . Two for two! James and Noel also succeeded in beating the river boat - on their first attempt, no less!
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Both sisters married their respective partners earlier this year . In the family's biography, Jana Duggar, 24, admitted to regularly fighting with Jessa when they were children .
19 Kids and Counting stars Jessa and Jill Duggar are reported to be in the midst of a bitter fight, after it was revealed that mother-to-be Jill, 23, had unfollowed her younger sister - and her new husband Ben Seewald - on Twitter. According to The Inquisitr, Jill, who is expecting her first child, a son, with husband Derick Dillard in March, is linked with all of her other Twitter-using family members, however Jessa and Ben's accounts are noticeably absent from her 16-strong follow list, which also includes Walmart and Fox News. It seems the resentment might not be mutual however; newly-wed Jessa follows both Jill and Derick, who is also listed as one of her followers. Scroll down for video . Squabbling sisters? Rumors have surfaced of a rift between the Duggar siblings after Jill unfollowed Jessa on Twitter . Happy families: Both sisters, pictured here with their parents Jim Bob and Michelle and their respective partners, were married earlier this year . The reports will no doubt come as a shock to fans of the Duggar's hit reality series, who are used to seeing the siblings getting on incredibly well - particularly while helping each other to prepare for their respective wedding ceremonies, which both took place this year. While the reason behind the feud is not known, it is thought that the feud could have something to do with the girls' respective engagements and wedding ceremonies being so close together - and it has been speculated that Jessa felt her courtship with Ben was slightly overshadowed by the announcement of Jill's pregnancy. And it is not the first time that rumors of tension between Jessa and her siblings have surfaced. Earlier this year, eldest Duggar daughter Jana, 24, revealed in the family's tell-all biography Growing Up Duggar: It’s All About Relationships that she and Jessa regularly fought throughout much of their childhood. According to Jana, her parents Jim Bob and Michelle tried to end the sisters' constant fighting by making them share a bunk bed, which only resulted in Jessa continuing to torment her sibling by kicking her bunk every night and then laughing when she became upset. Twitter spat: Jessa's Twitter account is noticeably absent from her sister's 16-strong follow list . Wedded bliss: Jessa married Ben Seewald (pictured toghether, right) on November 1, while Jill and Derick (pictured together, left) wed in June . But while Jessa and and Jana seem to have repaired their relationship, it remains to be seen whether the same will be said of Jessa and Jill and their husbands, both of whom were welcomed into the family fold by patriarch Jim Bob earlier this year. In June, Jill married 25-year-old accountant Derick, sharing her first kiss with her new husband in front of 1,000 of their closest friends and family members during the ceremony, which was later broadcast in a special episode of 19 Kids and Counting. 'It was so cute - I thought Jill almost dove right into the moment,' the Duggar matriarch Michelle later said of the couple's first kiss. 'I was really surprised, but on the other hand, I'm not. I just think Jill is quite the enthusiastic person.' Interestingly, Jessa, who wed 19-year-old Ben on November 1, chose to wait until after the ceremony before enjoying her first kiss with her new husband so the couple could share the moment in private. 'They wanted their very first kiss ever to be in private,' Pastor Mike Schadt told People. 'It was important to the both of them.' Smiling sisters: The Duggar siblings are thought to be incredibly close . Big brood: Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar have 19 children and have admitted they would be open to having more in the future . When it came to preparing for their special days, mother Michelle revealed on her blog that both sisters received huge amounts of support from their siblings. 'Jill had so much help from her siblings to make the transition, helping her pack up her stuff at our house, moving and unpacking at her new home,' she wrote. 'They have their schedule already - they get up and off to work or Jill works on her studies.' In an earlier post, the mother-of-19 also discussed the difficulties involved in saying farewell to two of her children within such a short space of time. 'Change can be difficult for all of us, but it is such a good reason to have change. It's a joyful time,' she explained. '[Jim Bob] is so excited, too, for Derick and Jill, and for Ben and Jessa. 'When he talks about the girls getting married, he gets a little teary-eyed; it's a big deal for a dad to let go of his girls. He's handing them over, but he's handing them over to some really great guys.'
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Sami Khedira's Real Madrid contract expires at the end of the season . Germany star has been linked with Chelsea, Arsenal and Bayern Munich . World Cup winner has even hinted that he could extend Bernabeu contract .
Premier League target Sami Khedira says he is 'curious' to see where he will be playing next season as uncertainty continues to surround the Real Madrid midfielder's future. The World Cup winner's contract expires at the end of the season while a host of European clubs including Chelsea, Arsenal and Bayern Munich have been linked with his signature. However, the Germany international insisted that no clubs have been in contact with him and even hinted that he could sign a contract extension at the Bernabeu - despite having to compete with the likes of Luka Modric, Toni Kroos and Asier Illarramendi for a place. Real Madrid midfielder Sami Khedira is not sure where he will be playing next season . The World Cup-winner has been linked with clubs including Arsenal, Chelsea and Bayern Munich . Speaking to reporters in Stuttgart, he said: 'It is a known fact that my contract expires. [The club and I] are always in good contact. 'I feel very comfortable in Madrid. I am not averse to staying. There are no talks with other clubs. I am curious myself to see where I will end up.' The 27-year-old also admits he was not sure if he was going to make the World Cup Finals in Brazil - and said that the three-way tussle for the Ballon d'Or between Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Manuel Neuer is too close to call. Khedira says Real team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo is a frontrunner for the Ballon d'Or . 'It was a year full of events for me. I did not know whether I would be fit for the Champions League final and the World Cup again,' he said. 'The three nominees embody world class and are great personalities. For me, there are two favourites: Cristiano Ronaldo and Manuel Neuer. Both raised the level of their positions to a new dimension. 'I am glad I do not have to vote. If I were [FIFA president] Sepp Blatter, I'd hand out golden balls.'
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Involves sliding chocolate down face into mouth without using hands . Have to do it in quickest time possible, donate money and nominate others . Nicky Byrne of Westlife fame holds the record - just 2.88 seconds . David Beckham, Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer nominated . Started by Kenny Dalglish and wife to raise funds for breast cancer care .
Just about recovered from the Ice Bucket Challenge? Prepare yourself to take on the latest charity challenge that's sweeping social media. The After Eight challenge sees participants attempt to slide a chocolate down their face and into their mouth without the use of their hands in the quickest time possible. They are then encouraged to donate money to charity and nominate three more people to try to beat their time. The concept is the brainchild of Liverpool legend, Kenny Dalglish, who has been using his connections in the sporting world to get stars to undertake the charity challenge. Scroll down for video . Jack Whitehall, left, and Jamie Redknapp, right, have both taken part in the After Eight Challenge . He is asking participants to donate money to the Marina Dalglish appeal - a cause he set up in his wife's honour after she was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2003. As of Thursday, ex-Westlife singer Nicky Byrne has smashed the record after he managed to get the chocolate from his forehead into his mouth in just 2.88 seconds. Kenny himself held the crown until Monday, with a time of 5.44 seconds, but was also beaten by Coleen Rooney and Jamie Redknapp with 3.0 seconds and 3.5 seconds respectively. Footballing heroes Matt le Tissier, Alan Hansen and Ian Ayre (CEO of LFC) are also showing their support to Kenny and Marina by participating and donating to the appeal. And it looks set to spread even further afield after footballers Adam Lallana, Gary Lineker, Alan Shearer and Brendan Rogers were nominated. David Beckham has even been nominated by his ex-England teammate from the 90s, Matt Le Tissier. A blurred Coleen Rooney, left, and Matt Le Tissier, who nominated David Beckham, also tried the challenge . Are these two next? David Beckham has been nominated - so will he take part and nominate his wife Victoria? Speaking about the appeal, Kenny said: 'It's fantastic to see the support from all these stars spreading. Nicky Byrne has done a great job of stealing the current challenge crown. 'The challenge is really fun and the appeal is so important for helping women affected by breast cancer. Don't forget to donate when you take part.' Marina Dalglish added: 'It is fantastic to see people are getting behind the charity and having such a lot of fun doing it. But we mustn't forget the real reason for this challenge, to raise money for those affected by breast cancer. The contribution is incredibly important to those affected, so please donate generously.' The couple, whose services to charity have been recognised with many awards, have raised £1.5m for a Chemotherapy Centre at Aintree and Fazekerley Hospital, £3.1m towards a Radiotherapy Centre at Aintree and £500,000 towards a new Chemotherapy Centre at Southport and Formby Hospital. Their new challenge is to raise £2m for an MRI scanner to treat brain tumours. Charitable: Marina Dalglish, right, the wife of Liverpool legend Kenny Dalglish, left, received an MBE for services to breast cancer patients in Merseyside. She was given the all clear from the disease but fundraises tirelessly for the cause . Have a go: These tips advise participants on how to nail the challenge . Upload yours with the hashtag after8challenge. To make a donation to the Marina Dalglish Appeal please visit www.justgiving.com/marinadalglish or text MINT08£ and the amount you would like to donate to 70070 .
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Legislation impedes President Barack Obama from using executive actions to 'exempt' categories of illegal immigrants from deportation . It passed 219-197 in the House but has no chance of seeing daylight in the Democratically-controlled Senate . House GOP leadership offered up the vote as a consolation prize to Tea Party members who want to attach stronger language to a spending bill . Republicans now plan to pass a bill funding the government - except immigration agencies - through the end of the fiscal year . Department of Homeland Security would only receive money through March - giving conservatives another shot at stopping Obama .
House Republicans took a symbolic vote today to impede President Barack Obama from using executive actions to 'exempt' categories of illegal immigrants from deportation. The House voted 219-197 to approve the legislation authored by Florida Rep. Ted Yoho. At a press conference before the vote, House Speaker John Boehner said the lower chamber would pass the bill to make it clear to Obama it was 'rejecting his unilateral actions.' While it's success was assured in the GOP-run chamber, it has no chance of seeing daylight in the Democratically-controlled Senate. House GOP leadership offered the vote as a consolation prize to their right-wing counterparts in Congress who want to use a critical spending bill as a cudgel against the Democratic president. Scroll down for video . 'This course of action is based on numerous conversations with our members,' House Speaker John Boehner said today of the GOP's current strategy to take on the president while funding the government, adding that he too thinks it's the best plan . As soon as the votes were tallied this afternoon Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid said, as predicted, that he would not take up the House's bill to restrict Obama's actions. 'Unfortunately for anyone who wants to see Congress fix our broken immigration system, the Republican approach is being dictated by the most extreme voices in their party,' Reid said in a statement. 'Republicans’ knee-jerk resistance to working with Democrats to fix this problem left the President with no option but to take action to protect families from being separated.' Reid encouraged Republicans to 'put aside their partisan political games' and instead 'focus their efforts on passing a permanent, common-sense solution to fix our broken immigration.' With just four work days left until Congress lets out until early January, and a Dec. 11 deadline to extend government funding or shut its doors, comprehensive immigration reform is nowhere near the top of Republicans' year-end to-do list. Fearing a government shutdown just as the current legislative session comes to a close ahead of the holidays, establishment Republicans are asking conservatives to wait until after the party takes control of the Senate next year to brawl with the president. Instead, they plan to proceed with a continuing resolution to fund the entire government except the Department of Homeland Security through the end of the current fiscal year. The immigration management agency would only be funded through the first quarter of 2015. At that time, Republicans would have the opportunity to push through an appropriations bill with more teeth. On Capitol Hill the legislation is creatively being referred to as the CRomnibus - a combination of CR, the shortened version of continuing resolution, and omnibus, a term to describe an overarching spending bill. Boehner said today that the the spending bill would allow the GOP to keep the government open while 'keeping our leverage' so that when they get 'reinforcements' in the Senate in January they can take on Obama. 'This course of action was based on numerous conversations with our members, and I frankly think it gives us the best chance for success,' Boehner told reporters. 'We think this is the most practical way to fight the president's action,' he said minutes later, noting again that leadership had extensive talks with members of it's caucus before going down this path. 'We listened to some members who were frankly griping the most,' he said. 'This was their idea of how to proceed.' But conservatives in Congress have vocally argued that by March of next year, when funding for DHS would run out under the current plan, the president will have already begun to issue work permits and green cards to as many as 5 million immigrants. Therefore, prohibitive legislation must be passed as soon as possible, they say, preferably just after the new Congress convenes in January. 'The president is already printing work permits as we speak. Why do we want to give him another 2-3 months? We could vote on this the day we get back,' Louisiana Rep. John Fleming told Breitbart news earlier this week. Alabama Sen. Jeff Sessions, the ranking member on the Senate Budget committee, exploded on House leadership on Tuesday evening in a statement, arguing that they were reneging on Republican National Committee Chairman Reince Priebus' promise that the party would do 'everything we can' to stop Obama's directives from taking effect. 'Unfortunately, the plan now being circulated in the House fails to meet that test,' Sessions said. 'The executive amnesty language is substantially weaker than the language the House adopted this summer, and does not reject the central tenets of the President’s plan: work permits, Social Security, and Medicare to 5 million illegal immigrants—reducing wages, jobs, and benefits for Americans,' he added. Sessions claimed that Obama is demanding that 'Congress fund his imperial decree and declare its own irrelevance.' 'That is why Congress must respond to the President’s unlawful action by funding the government but not funding illegal amnesty,' he said. 'Such a plan would put the focus where it belongs: on Senate Democrats. They are the ones who should be made to choose sides—save Obama’s amnesty or save Americans’ jobs and borders.' In a statement sent out the same night Louisiana Sen. David Vitter blasted his colleagues in the House for caving to Reid before they even took a vote on conservatives' preferred legislation. 'Make no mistake, sending a bill to the Senate without first making an attempt to include defund language is telling the American people that you support Obama’s executive amnesty,' he said. 'That would be a slap in the face to the voters who sent a message last month by electing Republican majorities in Congress.' Retiring Congresswoman Michele Bachmann of Minnesota made a similar point on Wednesday during a press conference with Iowa Rep. Steve King and Texas Sen. Ted Cruz. 'Will we be a people who decide that we are going to go with the freight train of what Washington, D.C., wants or will we listen and harken to the voice of the American people that was stated unmistakingly on Nov. 4?' Bachmann said, according to the National Journal. Cruz told Republicans who ran on their opposition to unilateral immigration in their recent campaigns 'do what you said you would do.' 'Doing what you promise doesn't mean, as it so often does in Washington, sending a really stern letter and having a meaningless show vote. Why do you think people are so frustrated with Washington? Because they recognize there are a whole lot of politicians who say one thing at home and do something different here,' Cruz said. Senator Ted Cruz speaks to the press about the need 'To Defund the President's Executive, Unconstitutional Amnesty' on Capitol Hill in Washington on Wednesday with Reps. Steve King, left, and Michele Bachmann, right. Cruz told Republicans who ran for reelection on their opposition to unilateral immigration in their recent campaigns 'do what you said you would do' The probable 2016 presidential candidate warned that 'the same folks who are saying, "Gosh, we cannot do anything now," are the same folks who in January are going to say, "Gosh, we don't have 60 votes in the Senate." ' 'It's like Charlie Brown and Lucy where consistently the same voices pull the football aside and say, "You know what, you can never ever ever do anything to stop a lawless president," ' he contended. Even after Republicans ascend to the majority in the Senate, they will still be at least six votes shy of being able to overcome a Democratic filibuster on prized legislation, unless incoming Majority Leader Mitch McConnell decides to adopt the so-called 'nuclear option' of governing that allows bills to advance with a simple majority of votes. When Reid introduced the nuclear option, McConnell and other Republican legislators railed against it. But now that it's their turn in the driver's seat, they're considering making it part of their lawmaking practices, as well. In the meantime, conservative hardliners are hoping they can still convince their caucus to vote down the plan currently under consideration by the House, paving the way for one that funds DHS for a shorter time period to come to the floor. 'I’m probably leaning no [on the current House plan],' North Carolina Rep. Mark Meadows told Politico on Tuesday night. 'I think in terms of the CR omnibus, without a limitation language, there are not enough votes. I’m not on the whip team but listening to a number of my colleagues, there is more than enough concern.' If the short-term legislation funding Homeland Security through March does pass in the House, Reid has committed to bringing it for a vote in the upper chamber, calling the potential deal a 'big accomplishment' on Tuesday. 'The American people certainly will not want to face another year being governed by crisis,' Reid said. 'No one wants the kind of cliffhanger fights we’ve had again and again in recent years.' Boehner told reporters today, 'I expect that we'll have bipartisan support to pass the omnimbus spending bill.' Yoho said this week he was satisfied, for now, that his own legislation to reign in the president's authority would be given its day in the House. 'My hat's off to the leadership,' Yoho, an ally of conservative lawmakers, told the National Journal. 'I commend leadership for saying, 'You know what, this sounds like a commonsense bill.'
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Emails sent to government departments involved in hunt for missing jet . Attachment contained news report claiming Boeing 777 had been found . When opened, malwire virus sent sensitive data to a computer in China . Came at time when Malaysia was criticised for not releasing information . Expert: 'Sophisticated attack that anti-virus programs couldn't detect'
Chinese hackers stole classified information from Malaysian officials involved in the search for MH370 a day after the plane disappeared, it was claimed today. Government departments were sent e-mails containing a virus disguised as a hoax news report saying the Malaysian Airlines jet had been found. When the attachment was opened, the virus - known as malware - began extracting sensitive data and sending it to a computer in China. The attack came at a time when Malaysian . officials in charge of the search were being heavily criticised - . particularly by the Chinese - for not releasing crucial information. Scroll down for video . 'Targeted': Chinese hackers have been accused of stealing classified information from Malaysian officials involved in the search for missing Malaysian Airlines flight MH370 a day after it disappeared on March 8 . Were these men hacked? Malaysian Airlines chief Ahmad Jauhari Yahya (second l) and Department of Civil Aviation boss Datuk Azharuddin Abdul Rahman (second r) address the media after MH370 disappeared . It was spotted by CyberSecurity Malaysia – a Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation agency - which blocked the transmissions and shut down the infected machines. But by then around 30 computers in the Department of Civil Aviation, the National Security Council and Malaysia Airlines had been infected and an unknown amount of information stolen, a source said. CyberSecurity Malaysia chief executive Dr Amirudin Abdul Wahab told Nicholas Cheng from the Malaysia Star: 'We received reports from the administrators of the agencies telling us that their network was congested with e-mail going out of their servers. 'Those e-mails contained confidential data from the officials' computers, including the minutes of meetings and classified documents. Some of these were related to the MH370 investigation. 'This was well-crafted malware that anti-virus programs couldn't detect. It was a very sophisticated attack.' Desperate for information: Malaysia Airlines commercial director Hugh Dunleavy speaks to journalists in China. The cyber attack came at a time when officials were criticised for their handling of the search . The breach was traced to an IP address - a unique number assigned to each computer on a network - in China, but no further details have been given. Interpol are reportedly working with the agencies with the investigation. Flight MH370 vanished inexplicably en route from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing on March 8, and there has been no sign since of the aircraft or the 239 people onboard. Reports of the hack come as Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott said A new underwater hunt for missing Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370 had a 'reasonable chance' of finding the plane. It is believed to have crashed into the southern Indian Ocean far off the west coast of Australia, but a massive air and sea search failed to find any wreckage while an underwater probe gave no answers. Experts have now used technical data to finalise the most likely resting place of the plane deep on the ocean seabed and are preparing for a more intense underwater search to find it. 'They are now going to search the entire probable impact zone which is, from memory, something like 60,000 square kilometres (23,000 square miles) of the ocean floor, off the coast of Western Australia,' Abbott told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation. 'If the plane is down there - and the best expert advice is that it did go into the water somewhere in this arc off the coast of Western Australia - if the plane is down there, there is a reasonable chance that we'll find it because we are using the best possible technology.'
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Aerobatic stunts filmed during an airshow near Neuquen, Argentina . In a unique twist, the propeller planes were tethered together by chains . Still, the pilots put on an impressive show, complete with loops and dives .
The job of a stunt pilot is already dangerous enough, but these thrillseekers took their job to even more extremes by performing tricks while their planes were chained together. The impressive video shows three stunt planes flying while chained wing-to-wing above an airfield near Neuquen, Argentina. The pilots perform incredible manoeuvres despite the heavy chains tethering them to one another. An impressive video has emerged of three stunt planes flying while chained wing-to-wing above an airfield near Neuquen, Argentina . The show was put on by members of the Escuadrilla Argentina de Acrobacia Aerea aerobatic team. The video begins with the planes lined up on the runway, the tethers dragging along on the ground between them. But as the propeller planes take off toward the skies, the pilots fan out and extend the chains to their maximum length. Flying in formation, the pilots put on a breathtaking show – complete with steep dives and whirlwind loops. The video begins with the planes lined up on the runway, chains dragging along on the ground between them . As the propeller planes take off toward the skies, the pilots fan out and extend the tethers to their maximum . Flying in formation, the pilots put on a breathtaking show – complete with steep dives and whirlwind loops . Although the video was filmed in April this year, it has just recently emerged online .
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NYC Patrolmen's Benevolent Association President said: 'Unequivocally, police officers feel like they have been thrown under the bus' President Patrick Lynch also described Officer Daniel Pantaleo as 'a model of what we want a police officer to be' De Blasio gave emotional speech on Wednesday in which he did not back Officer Pantaleo and called Garner's death a 'national moment of pain' Dozens of comment on popular law enforcement website, Policeone, backed NYPD Officer Daniel Pantaleo and criticized public anger . Unarmed Eric Garner died on July 17 after arrest by NYPD officers on Staten Island where Pantaleo placed him in a chokehold .
A police union chief slammed New York Mayor Bill de Blasio on Thursday for his failure to support city cops following the grand jury decision in the chokehold death of Eric Garner. New York City Patrolmen's Benevolent Association President Patrick Lynch criticized de Blasio, saying: 'Unequivocally, police officers feel like they have been thrown under the bus.' Lynch also defended white Officer Daniel Pantaleo's role in the death of unarmed, black father-of-six Mr Garner - even as protesters planned a new round of demonstrations tonight. The union chief said Pantaleo had acted properly in restraining Eric Garner during an arrest attempt in the borough of Staten Island on July 17. 'He's a model of what we want a police officer to be,' Lynch said. Scroll down for video . New York City Patrolmen's Benevolent Association President Patrick Lynch said on Thursday that 'police officers feel like they have been thrown under the bus' after Mayor Bill de Blasio failed to support city cops following the grand jury decision in the chokehold death of Eric Garner . New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio and NYPD Commissioner Bill Bratton on Thursday review new police guidelines that will be taught to officers at the Police Academy in Queens, New York . The police spokesman's staunch remarks came hours after commenters on a popular police blog angrily hit back at the widespread public protests and condemnation by political figures over the decision not to indict. The backlash on site, Policeone, came from some claiming police backgrounds and other law-enforcement supporters. The anonymous comments attacked outraged protesters, New York Mayor Bill de Blasio, President Obama, Attorney-General Eric Holder and the media for their opposition to the grand jury decision. One post from VON1 read: 'Have you heard the mayor of NY press release. Wow! 35,000 cops just got bslapped.' Another comment read: 'Stay safe, brothers. You're in for another set of riots.' The blog Policeone, which is dedicated to law enforcement, had a barrage of comments in support of the grand jury decision not to indict Officer Daniel Pantaleo . Black lives matter: More protests were arranged for Thursday as outrage swept across the country following the lack of indictment for New York cop Daniel Pantaleo. Pictured today are students protesting at Emory . New York City erupted in protests on Wednesday after a grand jury decision not to indict Officer Daniel Pantaleo, 29, who grabbed Mr Garner and put him in a chokehold which led to his death on July 17 in Staten Island. In a direct and sometimes passionate speech from Staten Island on Wednesday, Mayor Bill de Blasio made his dismay clear about a jury's decision not to charge Officer Daniel Pantaleo. De Blasio was among several prominent political figures to address the decision. President Obama himself went so far as to concede police racial bias does exist. Obama also revealed he'd spoken with Attorney General Eric Holder about the case. Holder on Wednesday evening announced the Department of Justice's civil rights wing had launched an investigation into the death of 43-year-old father-of-six. Protesters in Minneapolis shut down the Northbound lanes of I-35W amid more demonstrations on Thursday following the failure to indict the cop who put Eric Garner in a chokehold shortly before he died . Protesters rally against police brutality and racism by marching and laying down in the streets in downtown Pittsburgh on Thursday . An emotional de Blasio said the decision of a grand jury not to indict the officer who who put Eric Garner into a fatal chokehold was 'a very painful day for so many New Yorkers'. On the Policeone blog, which primarily covers law enforcement issues, the comments came thick and fast beneath an article which reported there would be no indictment for Officer Pantaleo. The comments came from police supporters or those claiming to be employed in law enforcement. Esu5 wrote: 'Every now and then we win one. Horrible situation, man lost his life, but like in the Ferguson case he controlled his own destiny.' office1149 posted: 'If you can shout ''I can't breath'' [sic] you can probably breath [sic]!' The comment referred to the numerous times that 43-year-old Mr Garner cried out that he couldn't breathe as officers pinned him to the ground during the video-taped attack before he lost consciousness. Other comments specifically attacked Mayor de Blasio. wasafuzz wrote: 'New York City Mayor and the entire New York City Council sided with criminal of 31 prior arrests Eric Gardner.' Another anonymous comment from, 1661, said: 'Isn't it great how the press minimizes what the criminal did, and vilifies the evil "White NYC police officer" portraying him killing a harmless "unarmed black man." Here comes Eric Holder with an NYPD consent decree!' A protester faces off with a NYPD officer in New York Cityduring a protest against the grand jury decision in the Eric Garner case . Garner's death was officially ruled a homicide by the Medical Examiner's Office in August. The 43-year-old is pictured here with four of his six children . SAPDMAS wrote: 'People are sick and tired of thugs. Certain people better wake the hell up and stop supporting the thugs. 2 years 1 month before the head thug gets thrown out and hopefully a real POTUS gets elected.' rbpd1176 simply put it: 'Damn glad I'm retired.' In a deeply personal and heartfelt address, Mayor de Blasion, whose wife Chirlane McCray is African American, said that when he spoke to Eric Garner's bereaved father: 'I couldn't help but immediately think of what it would mean to me to lose (his son) Dante.' With barely a word of support for the NYPD or their cleared officer, de Blasio's used his own son to explain that he knows the struggle and frustration that black people feel when dealing with police in New York City. 'We've had to talk to Dante for years about dangers he may face,' said de Blasio about the infamous 'talk' many parents of African American or mixed-race children have nationwide. 'I've had to worry over the years..Is my child safe? And not just from harsh realities…crimes and violence…are they safe from the people they want to have faith in ?' Calling it a 'national moment of pain', the mayor said that racial profiling and distrust between African Americans and the police is 'a problem for all New Yorkers, it is a problem for all Americans. It's all our problem.' The mayor also said that he had spoken with NYPD Commissioner Bratton about retraining the entire police force. 'It should be self-evident, our history requires us to say 'black lives matter'. The short address at times felt like a line in the sand being drawn by de Blasio, especially when he quoted his commissioner, Bill Bratton on weeding out those who do not belong in law enforcement. 'The department will act aggressively to ensure that any officer who is not meant to be in this work no longer is.' Indeed, he left the air hanging with the question of whether Officer Pantaleo will remain with the NYPD. Earlier, the widow of Eric Garner had exclaimed 'Oh my God, are you serious?' when she discovered the verdict, while de Blasio issued an earlier, equally emotional statement and declared that 'Today's outcome is one that many in our city did not want.' President Obama broke off from a planned speech to address the verdict saying, 'Police brutality is an American problem.' New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio speaks to the media during a news conference in Staten Island after a grand jury decided not to charge white police officer Daniel Pantaleo who killed unarmed black man Eric Garner with a chokehol . After the decision was released it was announced the NYPD was recalling all officers from non-essential court business in anticipation of potential city-wide disturbances. Staten Island District Attorney Daniel Donovan said the grand jury found 'no reasonable cause' to bring charges against Garner, who was selling loose, un-taxed cigarettes. In the neighborhood where father-of-six Garner died, people reacted with shouts, chants of 'Eric Garner' and expressions of angry disbelief. Garner's father, Benjamin Carr, urged calm and said the ruling made no sense. The grand jury could have considered a range of charges, from murder to a lesser offense such as reckless endangerment. 'I am actually astonished based on the evidence of the videotape, and the medical examiner, that this grand jury at this time wouldn't indict for anything,' said a lawyer for Garner's family, Jonathan Moore. The decision, which comes nine days after the Ferguson grand jury declined to indict Officer Darren Wilson, threatens to increase already fraught racial tensions nationwide and lead to more protests. The death of the father-of-six sparked national outrage just weeks before the fatal shooting of Michael Brown amid accusations of police brutality against African Americans. The decision by the grand jury panel means that a majority of them did not think there was probable cause a crime was committed by Pantaleo, who was the only NYPD officer facing indictment. Two other officers at the scene were offered immunity if they testified before the grand jury. The Medical Examiner's Office ruled his death a homicide but police union members have always denied Pantaleo used a chokehold. The medical examiner concluded the chokehold was the cause of death. Officer Pantaleo issued a statement following the announcement of the grand jury decision to say he felt 'very bad.' 'I became a police officer to help people and to protect those who can't protect themselves,' said Pantaleo. 'It is never my intention to harm anyone and I feel very bad about the death of Mr. Garner. 'My family and I include him and his family in our prayers and I hope that they will accept my personal condolences for their loss.' Cuffed: Througout his physical distress Eric Garner was kept in handcuffs and it is possible to see them in this sc
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The TV star appears to be posing alongside a lion on the cover of her magazine - but it was later revealed the two were shot separately and then Photoshopped together for safety reasons . Oprah asked set designer George DeLacy to dress up in a lion costume and pose alongside her during her shoot . In the January edition of O, The Oprah Magazine, the 60-year-old encourages readers to embrace a 'brave new you' in 2015 .
Oprah Winfrey Photoshopped the front cover of the latest issue of her eponymous magazine, which appears to show her lounging alongside an African lion, despite telling her readers they must learn to be braver in the New Year. According to the Huffington Post, Oprah and her cover co-star Beast never actually got the chance to meet due to fears over the 60-year-old's safety. Instead, the 10-year-old lion was photographed the day before the glamorous TV host and was accompanied by his caretaker, who remained on-set throughout the shoot to ensure his every need was catered for. Scroll down for video . Not so brave after all: Oprah and her cover co-star, 10-year-old lion Beast, never actually met and were instead Photoshopped together . Plan b: The 60-year-old TV presenter called on the services of set designer George DeLacy, who dressed up in a lion suit and posed alongside Oprah during her shoot . Eager to ensure the cover shoot was as realistic as possible however, Oprah roped in the help of set designer George DeLacy, who gamely suited up in a full lion costume and posed alongside her so she could get her positioning just right. Speaking about the cover, Oprah, who has previously shared the cover of O, The Oprah Magazine, with the likes of Michelle Obama, Ellen DeGeneres and Rosie O'Donnell, joked that it was one of the most bizarre shoots she has ever done. 'I can honestly say I've never done this before,' she joked, while reclining next to Mr DeLacy. And while Oprah managed to avoid a confrontation with the majestic animal, photographer Ruven Afanador was not so lucky, however he did shoot Beast from inside a reinforced protective cage, to ensure his safety throughout the day. Thus far, Oprah's decision to Photoshop her cover has been met with mixed feelings from readers, some of whom have applauded her 'sensible' choice to respect the animal's natural strength and aggression. Discussing the cover on entertainment forum Nairaland, one Oprah fan said: 'Good for her,' while another added: 'Think it's better that she didn't actually pose with the lion!' The finished product: While the end result looks fantastic, Oprah has faced criticism from some who believe her Photoshop trickery contradicts the theme of the magazine . Caged: Photographer Ruven Afanador shot Beast from inside a reinforced metal structure . There are some, however, who feel Oprah's Photoshop trickery contradicts the overall theme of the January issue, which sees readers urged to 'tame your fears and start living your happiest year yet'. 'Although the theme of the issue is "Brave New You", Oprah wasn't actually [brave enough] when it came to posing for the cover,' Refinery 29's Lauren Le Vine wrote. 'See, she and Beast, her 10-year-old African lion cover costar, posed separately. Beast was photographed one day earlier, and his caretaker was on the site to make sure everything went smoothly.' New York Magazine's The Cut's Allison P Davis added: 'Because this cover is meant to inspire a "Brave New You" who will conquer 2015 as fearlessly as Oprah lounges next to a ferocious animal while wearing a sophisticated green velvet gown. 'Except not. As these "behind the scenes" photos reveal, Oprah only posed with a big stuffed animal, NOT A REAL LION AT ALL. 'Her bravery was a mere Photoshop manipulation because of "safety concerns" and also because nothing is real and hope is dead.'
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Biologists examined the stickiness of live and dead geckos in a lab . They discovered that the sticking power of their toes is effortless - and even dead geckos can adhere to smooth surfaces . Study proves creatures don't have to actively use their muscles or strength to engage the sticky pads on their feet to climb walls . Toe pads on gecko feet contain tiny hair-like structures called setae . They use friction caused by van der Waals forces to stick to surfaces .
Biologists have proved that the gecko's ability to climb and hang from slippery surfaces is effortless. A Tokay gecko is pictured . You may think Spiderman’s ability to scale vertical walls is pretty neat, but the superheroes abilities are nothing compared to a gecko’s. After years of wondering whether the lizards have to exert energy to stick to walls, biologists have proved their talent is effortless. Researchers found that the adhesive power comes purely from the adhesive toe pads on the underside of gecko feet. And they came to this conclusion by sticking dead geckos to slippery surfaces. The lizards, which are found in places with warm climates, can cling to even shiny vertical surfaces with the most remarkable strength. The tests were carried out by biologists at the University of California, Riverside. ‘With regards to geckos, being sticky doesn't require effort,’ Timothy Higham, an assistant professor of biology at the university said. Together with William Stewart, a postdoctoral researcher in his lab, Assistant Professor Higham found that ‘dead geckos maintain the ability to adhere with the same force as living animals, eliminating the idea that strong adhesion requires active control.’ ‘Death affects neither the motion nor the posture of clinging gecko feet. ‘We found no difference in the adhesive force or the motion of clinging digits between our before- and after-death experiments.’ For years, it has been presumed that the ability to stick to surfaces has required muscle activity instigated by a gecko to push its foot and toes onto a surface to enhance adhesion. Researchers proved the sticking power simply comes from the adhesive toe pads on the underside of gecko feet, by proving that even dead geckos can stick to walls. For years, it was presumed the ability required muscle activity instigated by a gecko to push its foot and toes onto a surface to enhance adhesion . Geckos climb on a wide variety of surfaces, including smooth surfaces such as glass. They have adhesive pressures of 15 to 30 pounds (6.8kg to 13.6kg) per square inch for each limb, meaning a gecko can hang its entire body by one toe. A gecko's toe consists of a microscopic hierarchical structure of stalk-like setae - 100 microns in length, 2 microns in radius. From individual setae, a bundle of hundreds of terminal tips called spatulae - approximately 200 nanometers in diameter at their widest - branch out and contact the climbing surface. These hairs create an electrostatic force known as Van der Waals. It causes neighbouring molecules to be attracted to each other. Although very weak, the effect is multiplied by thousands of tiny hairs that cover a gecko's toes, allowing them to stick firmly to surfaces. To test the well-held belief, the biologists used a device involving a controlled pulling system. This device applied increasing pulling forces to a gecko foot and measured ‘clings’ by pulling it in a controlled manner along a vertical acrylic sheet. It also recorded adhesion with video cameras. The experiments showed that the adhesive force, or motion, of a gecko foot when pulled along a vertical surface was similarly high and variable when the gecko was alive and immediately - within 30 minutes - after death. Geckos can climb a variety of surfaces, including smooth glass. Their sticky toes have even inspired climbing devices, such as so-called Spider-Man gloves. The toe pads on the underside of gecko feet contain tiny hair-like structures called setae, which stick to surfaces through frictional forces as well as forces between molecules, called van der Waals. These tiny structures are so strong that the setae on a single foot can support 20 times the gecko's body weight. The controlled experiments are the first to show that dead animals maintain the ability to adhere with the same force as living animals. The results refute the notion that actions by a living gecko, such as muscle recruitment or neural activity, are required for gecko feet to generate forces. ‘With regards to geckos, being sticky doesn't require effort,’ Timothy Higham, an assistant professor of biology at the university said. A live Tokay gecko is shown . ‘The idea that adhesion can be entirely passive could apply to many different kinds of adhesion, Professor Higham said. ‘This is clearly a cost-effective way of remaining stationary in a habitat. For example, geckos could perch on a smooth vertical surface and sleep for the night - or day - without using any energy.’ The new work suggests that the ‘active’ component of gecko adhesion is actually a reduction of adhesion force when the gecko lifts its feet by curling up the tips of the digits, while the rest of the foot remains on the surface. Dr Stewart explained: ‘We found that the dead animals were more likely to experience damage to their adhesive system, which suggests that the active control may actually prevent injury. ‘In other words, when the forces become too high, the gecko likely releases the system using its muscles.’ The study, which was published in the journal Biology Letters, may now be used to develop new robots. A climbing system inspired by geckos has turned Spider-Man fiction into fact by making it possible for a human to scale vertical glass. During tests, an 11-stone volunteer crawled up a 12ft (3.6 metre) pane using just sticky attachments on his hands and feet. The gadgets employ the same natural molecular forces that allow gecko lizards to scurry around on ceilings. A climbing system inspired by geckos has turned Spider-Man fiction into fact by making it possible for a human to scale vertical glass. During tests, an 11-stone volunteer crawled up a 12ft (3.6 metre) pane using just sticky attachments on his hands and feet Hair-like setae on a gecko's toe pads create an electrostatic forces known as Van der Waals, which causes neighbouring moleules to be attracted to each other. Although very weak, the effect is multiplied by thousands of tiny hairs that cover a gecko's toes, allowing them to stick firmly to surfaces. Scientists created tiny tiles called 'microwedges' to generate Van der Waals forces and produce a dry adhesive even more efficient than the gecko's. During the experiment, the volunteer testing these microwedge attachments simply peeled them on and off the glass. The US team led by Dr Elliot Hawkes, from Stanford University, wrote in the Journal of the Royal Society Interface: 'Using this system, a human of mass 70 kilograms (11 stone) successfully ascended a 3.6-metre (11 ft) vertical glass wall with 140 square centimetres of gecko-inspired dry adhesives in each hand. 'The synthetic adhesion system creates a nearly uniform load distribution across the whole adhesive area, improving upon the adhesive-bearing structures of a gecko's toe and enabling a human to climb vertical glass using an area of adhesive no larger than the area of a human hand.' The demonstration was reminiscent of the way Spiderman scales skyscrapers in the Marvel comics and films, (illustrated left), as well as the way Tom Cruise clings to the Burj Khalifa in Dubai during Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol (pictured right)
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The Army completed its probe into Bergdahl last week, but the Pentagon said Tuesday it doesn't know when the report will be released . Republicans and former platoon mates of Bergdahl's are wondering what's taking so long . 'We explained exactly what happened. He deserted his post...and we're now still sitting here waiting for answers,' Bergdahl's former platoon leader said . If the Army doesn't release its finished review to the public, a member of Bergdahl's platoon said he may file a Freedom of Information Act request .
The Army completed its investigation last week into Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl's disappearance from a base in Afghanistan five years ago, but the Pentagon said Tuesday that it doesn't know when the report will be released. 'The investigating officer has done his work, but now that work is moving through the Army system, and at each stop ... there will ... be questions, requirements for clarification,' Army Colonel Steve Warren told reporters. 'So it's working its way through the system as would any other investigation.' The results of the Army's probe into whether Bergdahl deserted his post will most certainly be withheld from the public until after November's elections, if it discloses its findings at all. SCROLL DOWN FOR VIDEO . Army Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl was freed from captivity in May after Obama traded him for five Taliban commanders. Platoon mates of Bergdahl say he deserted but the Army is yet to release its formal report . The Pentagon's announcement has Republicans and former platoon mates of Bergdahl's wondering what's taking so long, as the facts of the case appear fairly cut and dried on the surface. According to soldiers who served with Bergdahl, the 28-year-old willingly abandoned his base several days before he was kidnapped by the Taliban and taken hostage in June of 2009. For nearly five years he was held captive by the terrorist organization until President Barack Obama and the Pentagon negotiated his release last May. Acting on his own authority, Obama traded five Taliban commanders who were being held in detention at Guantanamo Bay for the release of Bergdahl, who is now living and working at a base in San Antonio, Texas. Bergdahl has not spoken out publicly since his return to the U.S. and has reportedly refused to meet with his family in person. In June the Army announced that Maj. Gen. Kenneth Dahl, a veteran of two tours in Afghanistan, would lead it's official review of Bergdahl's conduct. The two-star general, who also serves as the deputy commanding general of 1st Corps at Joint Base Lewis McChord in Washington state, interviewed Bergdahl in August. If cleared of wrong doing, Sgt. Bergdahl stands to receive $200,000 in back pay and $150,000 compensation for his troubles. The Army said on Friday that it had received Dahl's report and its 'reviewing it,' but it has no timeline for the completion of its audit. 'As we stressed at on the onset, this will be a lengthy process conducted in accordance with applicable laws, regulation and policy,' Army officials said in a statement. 'We recognize the importance of the media and the public understanding of our investigative process, and look forward to future discussions on this issue. The statement went on to say that 'the Army's priority is ensuring that our process is thorough, factually accurate, impartial, and legally correct.' 'Consequently, at this time, it would be inappropriate to speculate on the potential results or the amount of time the review process will take to complete.' Reuters says that Colonel Warren, the Pentagon's spokesperson, denied on Tuesday that the military was postponing the release of the report until after Election Day in order to give the president and his his political party cover from the potentially damning details of the probe. Watch the latest video at <a href="http://video.foxnews.com">video.foxnews.com</a>Watch the latest video at <a href="http://video.foxnews.com">video.foxnews.com</a> . Bergdahl's former platoon leader, Sgt. Evan Buetow, and Army Lieutenant Colonel Ralph Peters, a frequent Fox guest, joined Fox News' Sean Hannity to discuss the Army's announcement that it had not reached a verdict yet, even though the general conducting the investigation has finished his report . 'There's no way that they can conclude this investigation without the truth,' Buetow told Hannity. The truth, he said, is that Bergdahl deserted. 'There's not one person [from his platoon] who disagrees,' Buetow claimed . But members of Bergdahl's unit say they don't understand why the Army's assessment is taking so long. Bergdahl's former platoon leader, Sgt. Evan Buetow, has said on numerous occasions that after Bergdahl, then a private in the army, went missing, soldiers in his unit learned from locals they were observing over the radio that an American was wandering around town, looking for someone who spoke English so that he could communicate with the Taliban. 'We've come out when he first got released, and we explained exactly what happened. He deserted his post, all on his own, and we're now still sitting here waiting for answers,' Buetow told Fox News host Sean Hannity on Tuesday evening. Buetow said he was interviewed Gen. Dahl and had a 'lengthy' conversation with him about the details of Bergdahl's disappearance, including the chatter the platoon heard over the radio. 'I have a list of the people that the general spoke to during this investigation,' Buetow told Hannity. 'It's everyone from the platoon, and I know exactly what they said. 'There's no way that they can conclude this investigation without the truth.' The truth, Buetow said, is that Bergdahl deserted. 'There's not one person [from his platoon] who disagrees,' Buetow said. Another former platoon mate of Bergdahl's, Sgt. Jordan Vaughn, said Wednesday on Fox and Friends that he's also suspicious of delay, given that the military had 'five years to investigate this, talk to everyone who was there, who was involved, talk to the family, check the emails, look at the facts.' 'The only thing that was missing here, the only piece, is Bergdahl himself talking to him,' he said. Vaughn suggested that part of the problem is that Dahl is not qualified to conduct the probe. 'I really want to see the line of questioning presented by Major General Dahl given that he is not an army investigator,' Vaughn said. Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl is pictured here in an undated photo provided to reporters by the Army. If Bergdahl is cleared of desertion charges, he'll receive $200,000 in back pay and stands to gain another $150,000 in compensation for his ordeal . He later referred to Dahl as a 'general that has no experience' leading 'a line of questioning in a criminal investigation.' 'What are Gen. Dahl's credentials?' he asked. Vaughn said if the Army doesn't release its finished review to the public, he and other members of Bergdahl's platoon would 'look into filing a Freedom of Information Act' to obtain the report. Fox's Kimberly Guilfoyle, who was filling in this morning for regular Fox and Friends host Elisabeth Hasselbeck, commented that it seemed 'very politically expedient' that the Army is delaying the release of its report until after the election. On Tuesday night, Hannity noted that 'the Army says politics has nothing to do with' the protracted wait. 'I'm not sold,' he said. Army Lieutenant Colonel Ralph Peters, a frequent Fox guest, told Hannity later in the show that he, too, believes the Obama administration may have asked the Army to sit on the verdict of its investigation until after Nov. 4. 'When it comes to why it's being withheld, it's obvious. It's gotta be withheld until after the election because no matter which way the report goes, Obama loses,' he said. 'If the White House was able to exert sufficient pressure on the chain of command in the Pentagon to whitewash Bergdahl's actions, then there's gonna be this huge outcry from those serving in uniform, from veterans from conservatives,' he noted. On the other hand, he said, 'if it turns out that the Army got some backbone and really looked at what Bergdahl did, listened to people like Sgt. Buetow and his platoon mates, and finds that, yes, he should be charged with desertion, well then the Rose Garden ceremony looks like an even greater debacle.' 'So Obama has dug himself into a very deep hole, and he can't stop digging,' he said, referring to a news conference the president held at the White House on the day of Bergdahl's release with the sergeant's parents. Peters claimed that he has 'nothing personal' against Sgt. Bergdahl and that he's never met him. 'This is about a much greater issue than one individual who appears to have deserted from his post and left his comrades behind in war time,' he explained. 'The principle is this: the Obama administration really despises our military, in my view. And they understand why Bergdahl would desert, they just don't understand why anybody would join the military. Returning back to the topic at hand, Peters said that 'if there's a whitewash, and Bergdahl walks with all his back pay and stuff, the travesty, the precedent it sets for all future wars is that, "Hey dude, it's OK, man. You don't like what's going on, walk away, we'll cover for you." 'That's profoundly wrong,' he concluded.
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Dani Alves dresses up in studded leather jacket and sunglasses . Barcelona star is a throwback to rock 'n' roll star Elvis Presley . Alves' Barcelona currently two points behind Real Madrid in La Liga .
Dani Alves' fashion sense has always been suspect, but the Barcelona star has pleased fans of the old fashioned American rock 'n' roll with a throwback to pop legend Elvis Presley. The Brazilian right-back posted a picture on Instagram dressed with a studded leather jacket and sunglasses on Thursday. It's not the first time Alves has attempted to impress his followers. Barcelona star Dani Alves posted this picture of him dressed like Elvis Presley on Thursday . Last month Alves showed potential Barclays Premier League suitors that he is fighting fit. The 31-year-old posted a video of himself lifting weights in the gym during the international break and left some words of wisdom for his fans. Alves, wanted by Liverpool and both Manchester clubs, wrote 'in life there are those who think they want something... but do not fight for what they want'. Alves tackles Valencia's Rodrigo Moreno during Barcelona's 1-0 win at the Mestalla on Sunday . Alves posted a video of himself lifting weights in the gym with some words of wisdom .
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Daniel Sturridge has not played for Liverpool since the end of August . The striker initially injured his thigh on international duty . Before injuring his other thigh, ruling him out for the rest of the year . It is understood Sturridge will undergo warm weather training and rehabilitation in Los Angeles .
Liverpool have sent striker Daniel Sturridge to Los Angeles to continue his rehabilitation from the thigh injury which has sidelined him for most of the season. The 25-year-old has not played for the club since August 31 after he initially strained a thigh on international duty with England. On the eve of his comeback he pulled a calf muscle in his first full training session back with the first team and just when he appeared to have got over that he sustained another, different, thigh injury which has ruled him out until the new year. 25-year-old Daniel Sturridge has not played for Liverpool since August and will be out until next year . The striker first injured his thigh while on international duty with England earlier this season . Ankle ligaments - England v Republic of Ireland May 2013, returned for pre-season. Ankle ligaments - December 2013. Missed nine games. Thigh - during England training, September 2014. Missed six weeks. Calf - during Liverpool training, October 2014. Missed three weeks. Thigh - during Liverpool training, November 2014. Out for six weeks. Reds manager Brendan Rodgers said last month that the club may have to look even deeper into the root of Sturridge's problems, of which this is the ninth separate but similar injury has had in his career, with the player suggesting the issue may be hereditary as his father, a trainee at Birmingham, and two uncles Dean and Simon - both professional footballers - also suffered the same problems. It is understood the striker has travelled to America to undergo warm-weather training and rehabilitation to help with his recovery for a fortnight. He has not gone to the United States to have any medical treatment or procedure. Sturridge scores for Liverpool during their 2-1 victory over Southampton on the first day of the season . 'He has gone away to get some specific work in with some of our staff and he is coming along well,' said Rodgers. Sturridge's absence has been compounded by the failure of £16million summer signing Mario Balotelli to pick up the slack having yet to score a Premier League goal. He too came back injured from the last international break and has not been available since because of a groin problem, forcing Rodgers to pick Rickie Lambert who has responded with two goals in his first two matches leading the line and has put in good performances in the two games since then. With Balotelli facing a possible Football Association charge for posting an apparently anti-Semetic and racist graphic on social media - for which he has until 6pm on Friday to give his explanation to the FA - the spotlight has only intensified on the troubled Italy international. Rodgers insists, however, that until the 24-year-old is available to play he cannot waste much time thinking about him. Mario Balotelli is facing a possible FA charge for posting an allegedly anti-Semitic graphic on Instagram . 'He is a very much a Liverpool player but he is injured at the moment and there is not much more to add from me,' he said. 'He is not fit to play, my concentration at this moment is on players who are fit and available to play and that is my only thinking at the moment. 'He is working with the medical team on a daily basis and I trust the team of people here to look after injuries. 'At this moment in time the team is doing well and whenever he is back fit then we will see where he is at. 'Hopefully he will be available sooner rather than later.' Balotelli, laughing in the stands, has struggled to fill the void left by Sturridge's injury . While the debate continues over Steven Gerrard's future in light of the club's contract offer, which he has not yet accepted, Rodgers has to concern himself with the more immediate issue associated with the midfielder. Having previously admitted the 34-year-old cannot play three matches in a week, effectively the Reds boss has to decide whether to retain his captain in the starting line-up to face Sunderland on Saturday or hold him back for Tuesday's must-win Champions League tie at home to Basle, which is followed by a trip to Manchester United the following Sunday. 'The only focus is our next game but of course you are having to plan forward and look at one or two teams down the line,' said Rodgers, who this week had to quash reports there had been a disagreement between him and Gerrard. 'If you rest someone they are rotated, if they are rotated they are dropped, if he is dropped he is left out so you can't win as a manager. 'I'll always pick a team which I think can win the game.'
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Fukushima Prefecture decimated by nuclear disaster back in 2011 . Government tour guides now educate tourists about the disaster . Locals hope one day the prefecture can be inhabitable and rebuilt .
The Fukushima site, the scene of the worst nuclear disaster since Chernobyl, has become a tourist attraction. Local government tour guides are now escorting buses of people through the area, explaining what has become of the disaster zone. Back in 2011, three of the Fukushima Nuclear Plant's six reactors blew up following a tsunami, releasing radioactive gases that meant the whole area had to be evacuated. Fukushima Prefecture has been abandoned since the nuclear blow-up back in 2011 . Locals hope opening the area up as a tourist attraction can stimulate a mass rebuild . However, with contamination levels said to be 'low', people are being permitted on whistle-stop tours to view the desolate and abandoned place. Although there were no fatalities from radiation exposure, 300,000 residents were moved from a 20-mile radius of the nuclear plant. In total there were nearly 16,000 deaths reported from the natural disaster and subsequent devastation. Three of the six reactors blew up when a tsunami measuring 9 on the Richter scale hit the region. Clean-up expected to take decades, and cost more than £18 billion. An investigation panel deduced the disaster had major elements of being 'man-made,' and there was a ''culture of complacency about nuclear safety and poor crisis management.' When asked what people say when they see the area for the first time, tour organiser Yusuke Kato told CNN: 'At first, they say unbelievable.' With soil and water contaminated, nobody can live there yet, and it is unknown when the clean-up mission will be completed. Former residents like Kenichi Bamba are optimistic that Fukushima Prefecture can be rebuilt, but the pain of what happened is still raw. 'Actually I've come here several times but still… I cannot say anything. Just sad. Just sad.' The nuclear plant is still being taken apart, and it is estimated it will take decades to make the area safe, as well as cost billions of pounds. Surveys show only a fifth of former residents want to return to living in the area. However, tour guides hope by educating tourists and sharing their experiences of what Fukushima once was, people can be inspired and help rebuild the prefecture. Kato added: 'We want to encourage local people for the revitilisation of Fukushima.' Contamination levels are low, which means people can, for a limited time, view the destruction site . A tsunami led to a terrible chain of events that still sees Fukushima uninhabitable to this day . The plant has six reactors, three of which were offline when disaster struck on March 11, 2011. A magnitude-9.0 earthquake triggered a huge tsunami which swept into the plant and knocked out its backup power and cooling systems, leading to meltdowns at the three active reactors. Decommissioning and dismantling all six reactors is a delicate, time-consuming process that includes removing the melted fuel from a highly radioactive environment, as well as all the extra fuel rods, which sit in cooling pools at the top of the reactor buildings. Workers, who wear protective suits when dismantling the plant, must determine the exact condition of the melted fuel debris and develop remote-controlled and radiation-resistant robotics to deal with it. The process is expected to take at least 40 years.
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Staggering 87% will book a ski trip to France this winter . Rising charges have hit Swiss and Austrian bookings this year . Morzine is the most popular singular destination - up 16% .
France is the most popular ski destination for Brits this winter accounting for a staggering 87 per cent of all enquiries. Austria and Switzerland remain popular, although demand for both is down on last year while Andorra has seen a significant hike in popularity with enquiries up 32 per cent on last season. Morzine is the number one choice for Brits and demand for this resort is up 16 per cent on last year, in research by Owners Direct. Morzine in France will be the most popular ski resort for Brits when booking a winter trip . Val Thorens, Meribel and La Plagne have also experienced a big leap in demand versus last season, whereas Chamonix has seen demand fall by 23 per cent and it has dropped from position four to position nine in the 'top 10'. 'France is the clear winner among British skiers this season,' says Erica Chang, Senior Regional Director, Owners Direct. 'Demand for ski accommodation in France has risen year-on-year and our top ten ski resorts are all French.' Most popular countries for a ski holiday based on no. of enquiries between January and October 2014 for travel between December 2014 and March 2015 . Top 10 most popular ski resorts, based on number of enquiries received between January and October 2014 for travel between December 2014 and March 2015, compared with the same period in the previous year . Figures from the holiday home specialist and currency provider, Caxton FX, have revealed that demand for ski holidays is climbing high, reporting that the volume of currency purchased for ski-related trips is up 59 per cent on last year. 'British skiers are opting for the more affordable eurozone resorts, over the US and Switzerland, with the number of US dollars purchased for ski this year down on 2013,' said James Hickman, managing director of Caxton FX. Figures for US Dollars are reportedly down 73 per cent on last year and the number of Swiss Francs bought this year is down 58 per cent since 2012. 'In contrast, the volume of Euros purchased for ski-related trips is up 64 per cent, year on year. Brits really are making the most of being closer to home where the pound has significantly strengthened against the Euro, adds Mr Hickman.' Chamonix has fallen from position four to nine and a 23 per cent drop in bookings for 2015 . Owners Direct is putting the heightened demand for snowy escapes down to the balmy temperatures that the UK has enjoyed this year, particularly during the hazy autumn, which has made holidaymakers crave the crisp chill of the slopes even more than usual. Its figures have also revealed that December is the most popular month for travellers to take a ski holiday, accounting for almost half of the total enquiries for the 2014/15 season, followed by February4, with many opting to take their ski break during the school holidays. 'Holiday homes are particularly appealing for families, whose travel dates are often restricted to the Christmas and February half-term school holidays, because they offer a more affordable way to enjoy a ski holiday than a hotel or catered chalet and allow the whole family to stay together,' added Ms Chang. Owners Direct has more than 3,400 ski properties to rent this season, spanning France, Austria, Switzerland, Bulgaria, Andorra, Italy and Finland.
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'Uni' case uses a camera and Leap Motion technology to read hand signs . It translates gestures into text shown on a tablet in real-time . Gadget was developed by deaf entrepreneurs based in San Francisco . Uni is available to pre-order on Indiegogo for $198 (£124)
While 70 million deaf people use sign language as their mother tongue, not everyone has knowledge of the language so communicating can still be challenging. Now a team of entrepreneurs who are all deaf have come up with a tablet case called Uni that can translate sign language into text that is shown on a tablet, to bridge the gap between deaf people and those who can hear. They describe it as a ‘revolutionary two-way communication tool for the deaf and hearing.’ Scroll down for video . A team of entrepreneurs who are all deaf have come up with a tablet case called Uni that can translate sign language on a tablet into text (shown left), to bridge the gap between deaf people and those who can hear. It can also detect speech and translate it into text to help deaf people when lip reading is difficult . Ryan Hait-Campbell, CEO of San Francisco-based start-up MotionSavvy led the development of the translation software that powers the Uni tablet case. It’s designed to fit a Dell Venue 8 Pro tablet, which retails for around $320 (£200), but versions for Android devices and iOS devices are in the works. The case contains motion-sensing technology that reads sign language and translates it into text that appears on the tablet’s screen in real-time, allowing non-deaf people to interpret sign language and deaf people to make themselves more easily understood. Uni case is designed to fit a Dell Venue 8 Pro tablet (both pictured) which retails for around $320 (£200), but versions for Android devices and iOS devices are in the works. The case uses Leap Motion technology togethr with a camera to sense hands and fingers . Uni case is designed to fit a Dell Venue Pro 8 tablet. It contains motion-sensing technology that reads sign language and translates it into text that appears on the tablet’s screen in real-time. Uni uses Leap Motion’s motion-sensing technology, which enables a camera to sense hand movements up to one foot away. Its American Sign Language recognition software interprets signs and matches them with a database of signs to translate them into the correct word. Uni also uses a microphone to detect speech and display it on the tablet’s screen for deaf people to read, which may be useful in situations where lip reading is difficult. It’s available to pre-order on Indiegogo for $198 (£124) plus a monthly subscription and is expected to ship in September 2015. Uni uses Leap Motion’s motion-sensing technology, which enables a camera to sense hand movements up to one foot away. The entrepreneurs' American Sign Language recognition software interprets signs and matches them with a database of signs to translate them into the correct word. Every time someone signs, Uni's software remembers their movements and improves its translation. It gets smarter to learn a user’s personal signing style. The tool also allows ASL users to add their own signs that are saved to a dictionary. Their hand movements are shown on the screen in real-time so users can see if the software is misinterpreting their signs. Uni also uses a microphone to detect speech and display it on the tablet’s screen for deaf people to read, which may be useful in situations where lip reading is difficult. The entrepreneurs, from the Rochester Institute of Technology, National Technical Institute for the Deaf, are raising money on Indiegogo to put their device into production. Uni is available to pre-order for $198 (£124). It's expected to ship in September 2015. A $20-a-month subscription is needed for software updates and crowd signing functions. The case's American Sign Language recognition software interprets signs in real-time, showing what the camera sees on screen . It matches them with a database of signs to translate them into the correct word, which is displayed on the tablet .
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Dodge Boarding Kennel owner Maria Faricellie, 53, and facility operator Sheila Meli, 49, were each charged with five counts of animal cruelty . The SPCA said it removed 77 live animals and amphibians from the facility . 72 dead animals were also discovered in freezers, the group said .
Two women have been charged with animal cruelty, one month after a raid on a suburban Buffalo, New York, kennel. Authorities found dozens of animals at the Dodge Boarding Kennel living in deplorable conditions - and nearly as many dead ones stored in freezers at the Getzville facility. Maria Faricellie, 53, and Sheila Meli, 49, were each charged with five counts of animal cruelty. Faricellie owns the kennel and Meli ran the facility. Scroll down for video . Authorities found dozens of animals at the Dodge Boarding Kennel living in deplorable conditions - and nearly as many dead ones stored in freezers at the Getzville facility . Gruesome: 72 dead animals were found in freezers - some of which were raccoons, rabbits, sugar gliders, guinea pigs and turtles - the SPCA said. A rescued cat is seen being led away during the raid . The five counts come from the number of animal species discovered at the time of the November 7 kennel raid: cats, dogs, reptiles, birds and small exotics. The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals said it removed 77 live animals and amphibians from the facility. The SPCA said it also discovered 72 dead animals in freezers, some of which were raccoons, rabbits, sugar gliders, guinea pigs and turtles. WIVB reported last month that the animals were in bags with labels on them. Officials said many of the cats and dogs were malnourished and had matted hair. A turtle showed 'shell rot', and there was a 'severely underweight chinchilla,' the SPCA said. The animal's overgrown teeth may have hindered its ability to eat. The SPCA said the raid took place after officials earlier went to the property on October 27, October 28 and November 4 and observed poor conditions, including the smell of urine. Sickly: Officials said many of the cats and dogs were malnourished and had matted hair . Care: The animals rescued from the Dodge Boarding Kennel are seen being tended to after the raid . Busted: The raid took place after officials earlier went to the property, where they observed poor conditions . Both the Amherst Police Department and New York's Department of Environmental Conservation were involved in the raid, Buffalo News reported. The charges against Faricellie and Meli were served Friday afternoon by peace officer Aaron Kandefer, SPCA spokeswoman Gina Browning said in a release. The two women are due in court next month, Browning said. Browning told Buffalo News that the six live amphibians went to New York's Department of Conservation since the creatures are not legally pets. The other animals stayed at the Tonawanda SPCA.
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Amy Hawkins, 43, has been in a wheelchair since the tornado ripped apart her North Carolina home in 2006 . As it hit the house she went down to her basement and laid down on top of her sons Jair and Cole, who were aged six and three at the time . Her vertebrae and ribs were crushed, her lungs were punctured and she received serious head wounds . She is to undergo surgery this week in California to ease pain in her back .
A mother whose spine was severed when she used her body to shield her sons from a tornado is undergoing an operation in an attempt to walk again. Amy Hawkins, 43, has been in a wheelchair since the F-3 tornado ripped apart her Hendersonville, North Carolina, home in 2006. As it hit the house she went down to her basement and laid down on top of her sons Jair and Cole, who were aged six and three at the time. But bricks rained down on the trio, leaving Mrs Hawkins critically injured - her vertebrae and ribs were crushed, her lungs were punctured and she received serious head wounds. Hope: Amy Hawkins' spine was severed when she used her body to shield her sons from a tornado. Pictured: Mrs Hawkins with her sons at their home . Tragic: Mrs Hawkins, 43 (seen left before the accident and right now), has been in a wheelchair since the F-3 tornado ripped apart her Hendersonville, North Carolina, home in 2006 . Her husband, Jerrod who is a firefighter, was at work when the tornado hit and could only watch from his fire station as it completely destroyed his home, reports the Tennessean. Their sons were released from hospital unharmed, but Mrs Hawkins was left paralyzed from the waist down and is now in a wheelchair. 'I remember bricks hitting me,' Mrs Hawkins told the ABC show Extreme Makeover: Home Edition who made her home more accessible following the accident. 'They weren't sure how to tell me I was going to be paralyzed. 'You don't really think about it until the time comes,' she said of using her body to shield her sons who are now aged 12 and 14. Recovery: As it hit her home she went down to her basement and laid down on top of her sons Jair and Cole, who were aged six and three at the time. Pictured: Mrs Hawkins leaves hospital after the accident in 2006 . Terrifying: Her husband, Jerrod (pictured with the family) who is a firefighter, was at work when the tornado hit and could only watch the storm from his fire station as the tornado completely destroyed his home . 'You know that you'd put your life on the line for the kids. You do what needs to be done.' This week she is undergoing surgery in California on her spine. It was originally scheduled for October, but after the mother-of-two contracted pneumonia it was delayed. Mrs Hawkins said in a phone interview with the Tennessean that she is hopeful of what results the surgery will bring. Family time: Mrs Hawkins cooks with her young son. Her sons were not harmed, but Mrs Hawkins was left needing a wheelchair . Hope: This week she is undergoing surgery in California on her spine. Although paralyzed from the waist down, she does feel pain in her back and often tingling down her legs, she said . Adjustment: Mrs Hawkins in her home which was redesigned by Extreme Makeover: Home Edition to make it more accessible for her wheelchair . She said sometimes she does feel pain in her back and often tingling down her legs which she hopes the surgery will relieve. 'I think it will make everything easier to go through the therapy that I need to be able to walk,' she said. 'I still have the dream of walking again one day,' Mrs Hawkins added.
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Circular feature is nearly 2 kilometers (1.2 miles) wide on the Athabasca region of the red planet . Experts say it is most likely to be a circular island surrounded by a 'sea' of smooth-looking lava flows . The Athabasca region contains some of the youngest lava flows on the martian surface .
At first glance, it looks uncannily like a human brain. However, in fact this could be proof of the volcanoes that once flowed across the Marian surface. The huge circular area is nearly 2 kilometers (1.2 miles) wide, and is described as a 'circular island' by Nasa. Scroll down for video . The huge circular area spotted by Nasa is nearly 2 kilometers (1.2 miles) wide, and is in the Athabasca region of the red planet . The Athabasca Valles is an outflow channel on Mars, cut into its surface by catastrophic flooding. The very high spatial resolution images from the HiRISE camera on board the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter have revealed that all the flood features are draped by lava flows. This flow, near Athabasca Valles, could be the youngest lava flow on Mars. 'It looks like a circular island surrounded by a 'sea' of smooth-looking lava flows,' Nasa said. The Athabasca region where the unique shape was spotted contains some of the youngest lava flows on Mars. 'Therefore, it is highly possible that volcanism played a role in creating this feature,' Nasa's experts claim. 'Perhaps lava has intruded underneath this mound and pushed it up from beneath. 'It looks as if material is missing from the mound, so it is also possible that there was a significant amount of ice in the mound that was driven out by the heat of the lava. There are an array of features like this in the region that continue to puzzle scientists. 'We hope that close inspection of this HiRISE image, and others around it, will provide some clues regarding its formation,' they say. The Athabasca Valles is an outflow channel on Mars, cut into its surface by catastrophic flooding. The very high spatial resolution images from the HiRISE camera on board the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter have revealed that all the flood features are draped by lava flows. HiRISE is one of six instruments on NASA's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter. The 65 kg (143 lb), $40 million instrument was built under the direction of the University of Arizona's Lunar and Planetary Laboratory by Ball Aerospace & Technologies Corp. It consists of a 0.5 m (19.7 in) aperture reflecting telescope, the largest so far of any deep space mission, which allows it to take pictures of Mars with resolutions of 0.3 m/pixel (about 1 foot), resolving objects below a meter across. Research published in January 2010, described the discovery of a vast single lava flow, the size of the state of Oregon, that 'was put in place turbulently over the span of several weeks at most.' The Athabasca region where the unique shape was spotted contains some of the youngest lava flows on Mars . This flow, near Athabasca Valles, is the youngest lava flow on Mars. It is thought to be of Late Amazonian Age. The floor of Athabasca Valles is peppered with thousands of small cones and rings formed as steam exploded through the lava flow. Because the flood-carved surface is now covered by lava, it is no longer easy to determine the age of the water floods that passed through Athabasca Valles. It is plausible that the flood was triggered by rising magma. Around 80% of the craters in Athabasca Valles are secondary craters from the impact that created Zunil crater.
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Sony was the target of a large-scale communications breach last week, and it's believed a group tied to North Korea is responsible . North Korean officials have previously threatened action if the company releases upcoming film The Interview . The movie stars Seth Rogen and James Franco as undercover CIA operatives on a mission to assassinate North Korean leader Kim Jong-un . Among the documents leaked in the hack were the film's budget, including the salaries of the stars and producers . Sony has continued to promote the film and are expected to release The Interview as scheduled on December 25 .
More embarrassing details about Sony are coming to light a week after a group with ties to North Korea hacked the production company's internal servers and released hundreds of documents ranging from never-released movies to employee evaluations. Hidden among the documents never meant to be seen by the public include the budget for upcoming film The Interview, starring Seth Rogen and James Franco as a TV producer and talk show host recruited by the CIA to assassinate North Korean President Kim Jong-un. The leaked records show Rogen, who also directed and wrote the script, was paid $8.4million for the film, compared to co-star James Franco who made $6.5million. The budget also revealed a pretty important plot point: that Britney Spears' ex-husband Kevin Federline makes a cameo, for which he was paid $5,000. Scroll down for video . Paydays: Seth Rogen took home $8.4million working on The Interview, compared to the $6.5million his co-star James Franco made , according to information revealed in the recent cyber attack on Sony . Responsible? Sources close to the internal investigation of the hack at Sony say they believe a North Korean group is behind the attack. Officials in North Korea previously threatened action . Compared to A-list actors like Leonardo DiCaprio, Robert Downey Jr and Jennifer Lawrence, who can take home more than $20million per film, the salaries revealed in the hack show the Rogen and Franco took home relatively average to low pay. Overall the film cost $44million for Sony to make. Meanwhile, Michael Lynton, the CEO of Sony Pictures Entertainment and Amy Pascal, the co-chairman of the company were both revealed to be making a $3million annual salary. Among the more entertaining details revealed in the budget were how much the production company paid for small items like props. Millionaires: Sony Pictures Entertainment Co-Chairman Amy Pascal and Sony Pictures CEO Michael Lynton both make $3million a year, according to the leaked documents . One part of the script calls for a 'table of weed, coke, pills and panties' which was budgeted at $250. Thanks to some thrifty production assistants, the cost was brought down to $241. The hackers also uploaded five yet-to-be-released films to file-sharing websites, including the Brad Pitt film Fury, still in theaters, and Annie, the much-anticipated remake set for a December 19 release. The company has been trying to take the videos off the internet with cease-and-desist orders. Pay information for more than 31,000 employees at Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Ltd, a financial firm hired by Sony, were taken in the hack as well. The pay information from 2005 revealed that there are far more men than women with high-paying salaries. The list was leaked to a reporter at news and pop culture site Fusion. Kevin Roose, reporting for Fusion, who was sent a link to the data by an anonymous source, said: 'When I sorted the list by 'annual rate,' I noticed something notable: a stark homogeneity among the people earning the most. 'Based on the spreadsheet ... the employees of Sony Pictures with the highest annual rates appear to be nearly entirely white men.' Buzzfeed reviewed almost 40GB of leaked internal data and reported it included 'employee criminal background checks, salary negotiations, and doctors' letters explaining the medical rationale for leaves of absence.' It reported the files also included a script for an unreleased pilot written by Breaking Bad creator Vince Gilligan as well as 'email exchanges with employees regarding specific medical treatments they are undergoing, while one disciplinary letter details a manager's romantic relationship and business travel history with a subordinate.' The leaked information even includes an email about the breastfeeding diet of a senior executive. One aspect of the leak, which probably has the Sony IT team reeling, is the several spreadsheet and text documents where employees stored their passwords...under the name 'password'. And then there's the hilarious slideshow written by Sony CFO David Hendler, negatively reviewing the company's own films. In one slide, he draws attention to the movies the company put out in 2005, the worst year in the company's history. Those films include Zorro, Bewitched and Zathura. Hendler follows that up with a slide about the movies distributed in 2010 like Burlesque, How Do You Know and Just Go With It, commenting: 'Not as bad as 2005, but still not something to write home about'. Those on Sony's marketing teams devised equally entertaining slides, revealed in the breach. A few of the slides take different movies, and explain the concept, and strengths and weaknesses to highlight. For movies with a patriotic element, like White House Down and Captain Phillips, executives warn to 'avoid American-centrism' and focus instead on special effects and star actors. Presentation: In this leaked slideshow, Sony CFO David Hendler calls out the movies that made for the company's worst financial year on record . Critic: He follows the 2005 slide up with the movies distributed in 2010, commenting: 'Not as bad as 2005, but still not something to write home about' Company secrets: Another leaked slideshow shows how the company tries to downplay American themes in films with a patriotic theme . The hack is thought to be carried out by those allied with the North Korean regime, unhappy with the country's portrayal in the film. In June, a North Korean official appeared on the state-run news station to say the country would pursue 'a strong and merciless countermeasure' if Sony released the film. Despite the threat, Sony has continued to roll out promotion for the movie ahead of it's December 25 release date. Exactly one month before it was set to be released, Sony confirmed that the company had been hacked, and that the mysterious group behind the cyber attack released hundreds of company documents online. The day before, an alleged warning posted to Reddit read: 'This is just the beginning'. Sony has yet to officially name North Korea as the source of the cyber attack, but sources close to the internal investigation spoke out on Wednesday to say they believe a group known as DarkSeoul is to blame. Cars enter Sony Pictures Entertainment headquarters in Culver City, California. The company is still conducting an internal investigation on the hack . The group associated with North Korea was thought to be behind the large-scale March 2013 attack on South Korean banks and broadcasters. Other evidence from the hack points to the regime, including Korean-language coding, in similarities to other attacks by DarkSeoul. The results of the internal investigation into the attack, currently being carried out by FireEye's Mandiant forensics unit, are expected to be announced later this week. Earlier this week, a North Korean spokesperson refused to deny claims that it was behind the move and would only say 'wait and see' when asked if Pyongyang was involved. Staff at Sony are growing increasingly disgruntled about the never-ending slew of Adam Sandler movies the company is producing . Staff at Sony are growing increasingly disgruntled about the never-ending slew of Adam Sandler movies the company is producing, according to information released following last week’s cyber attack. An un-encrypted text file titled ‘Sony_2012_Comments’ has been released which features a long list of negative employee feedback – and Sandler’s name is a reoccurring theme. The comedian’s company, Happy Madison Productions, has been responsible for 25 films released by Sony over the past 15 years including Click, I Now Pronounce You Chuck And Larry, You Don’t Mess With The Zohan, Grown Ups and 50 First Dates. These movies turn a profit but are shown little love from the critics and from Sony staff it would appear. Here are some of the comments featured in the leaked document: . Other criticism from staff was equally as cutting even if the target wasn't quite so specific: . Sandler movies such as I Now Pronounce You Chuck And Larry regularly turn a profit for Sony but rarely win over the critics or staff a leaked memo has revealed . 'The hostile forces are relating everything to the DPRK (North Korea). I kindly advise you to just wait and see,' a spokesman for North Korea's U.N. mission. North Korea routinely refers to the United States and South Korea as hostile forces. The U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation is also investigating the incident. North Korea complained to the United Nations in June about The Interview, accusing the United States of sponsoring terrorism and committing an act of war by allowing production of the movie. The Pyongyang government denounced the film as 'undisguised sponsoring of terrorism, as well as an act of war' in a letter to U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon. 'I personally don't care if (the movie's) disrespectful to Kim because he's evil. But that's not the intent,' tweeted Rogen on Sunday. 'North Korea has produced tons of propaganda films that portray America's destruction.' But cybersecurity expert Hemanshu Nigam has told the Hollywood Reporter that he finds it hard to believe that North Korea is the perpetrator and instead thinks it is more probable that it was the actions of an employee or ex-employee with administrative access privileges. For the studio - which has laid off hundreds of employees over the past year in an effort to contain costs - the possibility of a disgruntled employee wreaking havoc is very real. 'If terabytes of data left the Sony networks, their network detection systems would have noticed easily,' said Nigam. 'It would also take months for a hacker to figure out the topography of the Sony networks to know where critical assets are stored and to have access to the decryption keys needed to open up the screeners that have been leaked.' Scary: Sony workers saw a message appear on computer screens saying 'Hacked by GOP' - understood to be the initials of a group call
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PM made quip before trip to Rome for dinner with his Italian counterpart . Graffiti artist Ben Eine was in Number 10 when the PM cracked the joke . First meeting with Berlusconi came as Italian faced prostitute allegations .
David Cameron told his wife she did not need to worry about him going for dinner with Silvio Berlusconi – because he would get an aide to pull him out of the Jacuzzi before the ‘whores’ turned up. Mr Cameron made the quip before heading to Rome for a state dinner with his Italian counterpart, it was revealed today. Graffiti artist Ben Eine was in Downing Street when the PM cracked the joke after being invited for tea and biscuits. Italy's former Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi and David Cameron met for dinner in 2010 . Mr Cameron joked to his wife that she did not need to worry about him meeting the billionaire former Italian PM . Earlier this year, Mr Berlusconi was unexpectedly cleared of paying for sex with a minor at a series of sordid 'bunga bunga' sex parties. The court said the billionaire media tycoon had paid for sex with a 17-year-old prostitute known as 'Ruby the Heartstealer'. But they said there was no proof he knew her age. Mr Berlusconi, now aged 78, quit as Italy's prime minister in 2011 during a serious escalation of the euro zone crisis but remains politically active and still leads his centre-right Forza Italia party. He is currently banned from holding public office after being convicted of tax fraud, and has been doing community service at a care home as part of his sentence. Mr Eine’s painting Twenty First Century City was presented to Barack Obama in 2010 on Mr Cameron’s first trip to Washington in 2010. Shortly after ward the artist was invited to Number 10 – just before Mr Cameron was due in Rome for his first meeting with the then Italian leader. Mr Cameron jokingly reassured his wife that he would not be sharing jacuzzis, Mr Eine told a told a conference in London. The artist, a self-confessed former graffiti vandal, revealed Mr Cameron’s unguarded remarks during a filmed interview to mark the start of three-day conference on graffiti at London’s South Bank centre. Mr Eine said the PM had to leave early to travel to Rome. He said: ‘We were sitting there chatting away and his PA or assistant came in and said: “David, we’ve got to go”. ‘And he jumped up and said “Samantha I’ve got to go off to Italy – dinner with Berlusconi. Don’t worry I’ll get so-and-so to pull me out of the jacuzzi before the whores turn up”. ‘And then he walked out the door. And I was like, that’s great, prime ministers aren’t meant to say that in front of bods like me, just in case I do this and repeat the story in front of a video camera. ‘I started off tagging stuff – I’m not meant to be having tea and biscuits with the prime minister.’ Street artist Ben Eines photographed in front of his work on Middlesex Street, in east London was invited for tea and biscuits with the Camerons . Mr Eine's painting was one of the official gifts given to Barack Obama from David Cameron on his first trip to Washington as Prime Minister in 2010 . Mr Eine praised the Prime Minister but said he would never vote for him, the Guardian reported. He said: ‘I have never voted in my life and I would never vote Tory. ‘[But] I really enjoyed talking to him. He was interesting, he was funny. He’s obviously a really smart and on the ball man.’ Mr Cameron’s first meeting with Berlusconi came after a 38-year-old prostitute, Maria Teresa De Nicolo, described how she and a host of other women enjoyed a meal with Italy’s prime minister before she and a couple of the others joined him in bed. A No 10 spokesman said Downing Street never comments on private conversations.
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Nailah Winkfield hasn't been heard from in over a month . On Wednesday she sent a note to an Oakland TV station thanking supporters of her daughter . 13-year-old Jahi McMath was declared brain dead after a tonsil surgery . The girl's case set off a debate over patients' rights .
The mother of an Oakland teen who was declared brain dead after having tonsil surgery in December - and then became the focus of a struggle between her family and the hospital over whether to keep her on life support - is speaking out for the first time in over a month. In the letter, sent via-Facebook to KTVU Channel 2 news anchor Frank Somerville, 13-year-old Jahi McMath's mother, Nailah Winkfield, thanked those who have supported her during her struggle to keep her daughter alive. Additionally, she says that her daughter is alive and not suffering - now that she's been moved from the Children's Hospital Oakland to a long-term care facility. SCROLL DOWN FOR THE FULL TEXT OF WINKFIELD'S LETTER . Wedding: This photograph shows Jahi McMath at the wedding of her step-father Marvin Winkfield (2nd right) to her mother Naliah (not pictured) - also in this photograph are Mariana Winkfield and her grandmother Sandra Chatman (2nd left) 'I have been surrounded by the love, . support and prayers of so many kind people,' Winkfield says in the letter. 'Despite what people say . about my daughter being dead and how I must be ignorant not to get that, . I can tell you that she is much better physically since she has left . Children's Hospital and I see changes that give me hope.' McMath was declared brain dead following a tonsil surgery intended to help the girl's sleep apnea on December 9. Following the surgery, the girl suffered tremendous blood loss and went into cardiac arrest. The poor circulation as a result of the severe blood loss caused injuries to her brain that doctors considered to be fatal. Brief relief: Nailah Winkfield has an emotional moment Monday after learning her daughter Jahi McMath will be kept on life support until January 7 . Wrenching moment: Nailah Winkfield has a . moment of relief after Monday evening's news that her daughter Jahi . McMath may remain on life support until January 7 after a judge . granted a temporary halt to plans to remove the 13-year-old from life . support . It has been over a month since I have spoken about my life with Jahi to anyone outside a very small circle of family and friends. So many people have asked how we are doing and if Jahi is alive. This has and continues to be an unbelievably difficult time for me as a mother and for us as a family. I have withdrawn for reasons of safety and privacy and to focus on my daughter and my role as her mother. However, I have not been alone. I have been surrounded by the love, support and prayers of so many kind people. Despite what people say about my daughter being dead and how I mustbe ignorant not to get that, I can tell you that she is much better physically since she has left Children's Hospital and I see changes that give me hope. As I prayed today, I felt called to express to people that I am truly grateful for the amount of love and support my daughter Jahi McMath and I have received from people all over the world. We feel your prayer and support. Because of your unselfish generosity I was able to do what I was afraid I would never be able to do, move my daughter from Children's Hospital Oakland before they removed her from her ventilator and stopped her heart. This was itself a miracle. Please know that all of thesupport we received has been used towards helping Jahi. If I had it my way, I would say thank you to each and every person in their native language so they could understand how much I appreciate them for all their support and, most importantly, prayers. It is my belief that faith in God, your prayers, and the incredible kindness of good hearted medical professionals, are the main reasons my daughter is alive today. I know people are concerned and I want to make sure you know that Jahi is not suffering, she is surrounded by love. I will never let her suffer. On the long hard days when I'm feeling down, I think about all the people who are praying for me and Jahi and I feel so much better. I want you to know that I'm praying for you as well. Thank you to all of the people who view my daughter as the sweet, innocent, 13-year-old girl that she is and not a dead body or a corpse, I deeply appreciate that. Thank you to everyone who hasn't forgot how my daughter got into this situation in the first place. No one should have to go through this. I would like to thank all of the people who have reached out to me and shared their stories of their family members. Some have been heartbreaking. Some have given me hope. All have helped me feel that I am not the only person who has had this struggle. Some of you have shared how you fought for your loved ones and they got better, some of you have shared your regret with not fighting more and some shared with me the incredibly difficult decisions you made to let go. I have prayed for you as you have for me. Sadly, I can say I know how you feel. I also want to thank those who felt the need to go public with their opinions about me and my daughter, positive and even negative. It is because of you that my daughter's experience is so relevant and that people all over the world know who Jahi Mcmath is. What you may not know is that her name, Jahi, means one who is known by many. Hopefully my daughter can change some of the ways brain death is viewed in today's society. Honestly, I think she already has. Finally, thank you for all the love, support and prayers you give Jahi every day. I am certain that she knows you are praying for her. I feel the support from your prayer all the time. I don't think I or Jahi would be here today without you. May God bless all who have shown love and compassion as well as those who have expressed their contempt. All are deserving of God's grace and love. For those who believe, please, keep praying for Jahi. God can overcome all things and I believe that His will has yet to be fully revealed. I love Jahi and where there is love, there is hope. On December 12, doctors declared the . girl brain dead and sought a medical declaration of death for the . 13-year-old. Her family, however, refused to accept the doctors' decision to declare the girl dead - while technically brain dead, the . girl's organs were being kept alive by machines. The disagreement led to court proceedings to determine whether the family had the right to keep McMath on life support. The . family petitioned the Alameda County Superior Court to step in when . doctors wanted to take McMath off of life support. The court then . appointed Paul Graham Fisher, the . chief of Child Neurology at Stanford University School of Medicine, to . give a second opinion on the girl's condition. Fisher . agreed with the doctors at Children's Hospital, noting that McMath had . no activity on an electroencephalogram, no blood flow to the brain and . she was unable to breathe on her own. Winkfield . appealed the decision to take her daughter off of life support, and the . court gave her an extension that required the hospital to keep her on a . ventilator until January 7. The court, however, denied a request to give McMath a feeding tube or a tracheostomy. On January 5, the hospital released McMath's body to the county coroner, which released the body to Winkfield. McMath currently is being kept alive on life support at an undisclosed location. Family announcement: Jahi's uncle Omari Sealey spoke to reporters Monday evening just before a 5pm Pacific deadline when his brain dead niece's ventilator was due to be switched off . Hope: This is the New Beginnings Center in Medway, Long Island, where the family of Jahi McMath hope to send her by private jet by January 7 in a bid to keep her alive . Winkfield and her family are now in a renewed race against time to get their little girl transferred to a facility willing to care for a legally dead patient . 'I am just thanking God and everyone who has supported us. I am going to fight with everything I have got,' Winkfield said Monday . Fisher . agreed with the doctors at Children's Hospital, noting that McMath had . no activity on an electroencephalogram, no blood flow to the brain and . she was unable to breathe on her own. Winkfield . appealed the decision to take her daughter off of life support, and the . court gave her an extension that required the hospital to keep her on a . ventilator until January 7. The court, however, denied a request to give McMath a feeding tube or a tracheostomy. On January 5, the hospital released McMath's body to the county coroner, which released the body to Winkfield. McMath currently is being kept alive on life support at an undisclosed location. Struggle: Jahi's family is pitted against a hospital they've called uncaring in their struggle to keep the brain dead teen hooked to life support. Here, Children's Hospital of Oakland spokesman Sam Singer updates reporters on Jahi's condition December 30. Doctors contend she has no possibility of ever waking up . Precautions: Officials saw to it that the door to the Children's Hospital of Oakland was barricaded Monday in preparation for Jahi's family's press conference . Tragedy: Jahi McMath, 13, was declared legally . brain-dead after undergoing a routine tonsil removal that dosctors . suggested as a means of eliminating her sleep apnea . Last photos: Mrs Winkfield snapped this picture of daughter Jahi the morning she took her to the hospital to undergo a tonsillectomy that ended up all but ending her life . Unexpected: After coming out of surgery, Jahi . started bleeding from the mouth and was eventually ruled brain-dead. The . hospital that performed the procedure no longer wants to keep the girl . on life support . Dede Logan, of Oakland, adds red stars to a poster in support of Jahi McMath in front of Children's Hospital Oakland in Oakland, Calif., on Monday, Dec. 23, 2013 .
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Wayne Rooney pictured singing at Manchester United Christmas party . England striker has concentrated look and is clicking fingers to beat . Comes a month after he was filmed duetting with Ed Sheeran in a pub . Rooney has sung in past and claims to know words to every song in Oliver .
Wayne Rooney is no stranger to the karaoke machine, having been filmed warbling his way through Ed Sheeran's track Lego House in a Manchester pub last month. And now it seems that the England captain has been at it again, this time while celebrating with wife Coleen and his fellow Manchester United players at the team Christmas party. Rooney, who is currently having scans on a potential knee injury, posted this image on his Instagram page with the caption: 'My turn to do a song at the Manchester United Christmas party!' Scroll down for video . Wayne Rooney posted this image on his Instagram page along with the caption 'My turn to do a song at the Manchester United Christmas party!' In another image, which appears to be from the same event, the England striker can be seen watching someone else perform alongside wife Coleen and teammates Ashley Young and Darren Fletcher In the picture the forward, who is a fan of Stereophonics and Queen, can be seen with a look of concentration on his face while clicking his fingers along to the music. He is standing on stage at The Place Aparthotel, a converted former warehouse in Manchester, surrounded by the venue's house band. In a second shot, which appears to be from the same event, Rooney is standing in the crowd apparently watching someone else perform alongside his wife, her friends and teammates Ashley Young and Darren Fletcher. Rooney has also been pictured singing in the past, such as in this karaoke bar in Barbados while on holiday with Coleen and his children. He sang seven tracks, including Queen We Are The Champions . At the start of November Rooney was videoed singing along to Lego House along with musician Ed Sheeran in The Sir Ralph Abercromby pub in central Manchester. The millionaire footballer was filmed sitting on a stool with a pint of lager on the table next to him, and at times closed his eyes and clasped his hands together as he sang one of his favourite songs. The crowd joined in although at times those watching could be heard giggling as Rooney struggled to hit some of the notes. Long before his rise to international fame as England's captain and star striker, Wayne Rooney seems to have harboured an ambition to be a musician. During his days playing at Everton he was rumoured to be making a rap track with Mark Morrison, who sang 'Return of the Mack' which was UK number 1 in 1996. Rooney also claims to know all the words to every song in Oliver, and has the title of a Stereophonic album - Just Enough Education to Perform - tattooed on his arm. In 2007, he serenaded then-girlfriend Coleen McLoughlin with Lionel Richie's All Night Long after a Valentines Day meal in Manchester. Wayne, 29, later documented their late night drinks by sharing a fun post-show snap with his 10.1 million Twitter followers. The Manchester United forward is known for his love of music and has the title of the Stereophonics' album Just Enough Education to Perform tattooed on his arm. And in 2011 he took to the stage while on holiday in Barbados with his family to sing a seven-song set on a karaoke machine in a bar. He belted out Queen hit We Are The Champions and Yesterday by The Beatles after asking people for requests. He later tweeted: 'Having a great night in Barbados! In lexys piano bar with ColeenRoo and friends. Been on the mic for about 7 songs and felt like a rock star'. Rooney has long harboured musical ambitions, and during his early days of playing at Everton he was rumoured to be making a rap record with Mark Morrison - who's song 'Return of the Mack' was a UK number one single in 1996. Rooney also once revealed via his webpage that he is a fan of 50 Cent, Jay Z and the Arctic Monkeys - and claims to know every song from the musical Oliver. His musical charms also extended to his love life. In 2007 he serenaded then-girlfriend Coleen McLoughlin with Lionel Richie's All Night Long in a Manchester restaurant after a Valentine's Day meal. United and England defender Chris Smalling and his girlfriend Sam Cooke were also at the Christmas bash . Club old-guard Ryan Giggs was pictured leaving the party along with wife Stacey, who was asleep on his lap . Striker Robin van Persie was pictured alongside midfielder Marouane Fellaini , wearing a fuzzy wig which appeared to mock his signature hairstyle. The pair were joined by Anders Lindegaard After a rough start to the season under new manager Louis van Gaal, Manchester United have found their form recently, and after four consecutive wins in the Premier League finally have something to celebrate over the festive period. Also at the Christmas bash were Marouane Fellaini, the Belgian midfielder who scored yesterday in United's 2-1 win over Stoke, and striker Robin van Persie, who was pictured next to Fellaini wearing a giant fuzzy wig - mocking his teammates signature hairstyle. England and United defender Chris Smalling also put in an appearance alongside his glamorous girlfriend Sam Cooke, alongside Colombian super-star Radamel Falcao and his pregnant wife Lorelei Taron. United old-guard Ryan Giggs was also seen partying the night away before being driven away in the early hours with wife Stacey asleep on his lap.
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Alicia Gould allegedly had an argument with her boyfriend at motel in Rochester suburb of Webster on Friday . Ground fault interrupter went off, stopping any electrical current from making its way through the water . Gould, 28, is facing a second degree attempted murder charge .
Accused: Alicia Gould, 28, has been charged with attempted murder . A 28-year-old woman has been charged with attempted murder after police say she threw a plugged-in radio alarm clock into a motel bathtub while her boyfriend was in it. Police in the Rochester suburb of Webster tell local media that Alicia Gould and her boyfriend were in a room at motel early Friday when they got into an argument. It is alleged that while the man was taking a bath, Gould threw the radio alarm clock into the water in an attempt to electrocute him. Police say the room's ground fault interrupter went off, stopping any electrical current from making its way through the water. Police arrived at the Super 8 Motel at 4:32 a.m. on November 28. Webster Police Chief Gerald Pickering said: 'Officers arrived at the scene and through their investigation, found a male and a female that were in a domestic disturbance. 'It appeared that the female had attempted to murder her male counterpart. He said under New York State Law Gould was arrested immediately. 'It sounded like there was some admissions, some confessions made to the investigators and the 911 dispatchers prior to the response,' Pickering said. 'Attempted murder': Police say Gould tossed a plugged-in radio alarm clock into a motel bathtub while her boyfriend was in it . 'I'm sure that there are circumstances that may come out regarding the allegation, and perhaps in defense of the victim.' Gould is facing a second degree attempted murder charge and is being held in the Monroe County Jail on $20,000 cash bail. It was not immediately clear if she has a lawyer.
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The mother-of-one implied that the man she kissed that night was her now-husband Henry Hager .
Jenna Bush may not have lived in the White House full-time when her father was in office, but she did take advantage of it while she was there. Last night, the former First Daughter, now 33 and married to Henry Hager, admitted to Andy Cohen that she may have engaged in 'a little hanky panky' on the roof when she was younger. The mother-of-one implied that the man she kissed that night was Henry himself, who was in the audience as she spoke on the show. Scroll down for video . Confession: Former First Daughter Jenna Bush Hager, now 33 and married to Henry Hager, has admitted that she may have engaged in 'a little hanky panky' on the White House roof when she was 19 . Playing innocent: At first, Jenna remained coy when she was asked if she had ever fooled around in the White House, telling the audience: 'Am I blushing? Listen, a lady never talks!' Tell-all: Andy also asked if she ever romped around in the Lincoln bedroom. 'No, no,' she said, before conceding jokingly: 'Maybe I missed an opportunity there' At first, Jenna remained coy when she was asked if she had ever fooled around in the White House, telling the audience: 'Am I blushing? Listen, a lady never talks!' But eventually, she confessed: 'Maybe there was a little kiss on the roof.' Jenna implied that the lucky man on that fateful night was her husband-to-be, explaining: 'I was 19 years old when my dad became president... meaning I knew [my husband] for a long time. Flashback: Jenna (pictured in 2005) implied that the lucky man was her husband-to-be, explaining: 'I was 19 years old when my dad became president... meaning I knew [my husband] for a long time' 'And you know, maybe there was a little hanky panky. There was maybe a kiss on the roof,' she revealed with a sly smile. The Today show correspondent, who met her husband during father George W Bush's 2004 campaign, was also asked if she ever romped around in the Lincoln bedroom. 'No, no,' she said, before conceding jokingly: 'Maybe I missed an opportunity there.' All grown up: These days, she is happily married to Henry Hager, with whom she has a one-year-old daughter named Mila . Jenna, who welcomed daughter Mila in April 2013, also talked about being 'fiercely protective' of Malia and Sasha Obama, who were recently criticized by a GOP aide for not showing enough 'class'. 'It's not easy, and it's not a job that they wanted. And so it's hard!' said Jenna. 'I mean I, obviously, heh, had a hard time. But it's also a privilege. So I mean... they've done an incredible job.'
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Marcelo was answering fans questions via his Facebook page on Thursday . The 26-year-old said he wants to stay at Real for the rest of his career . And claims to be faster than Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale .
Marcelo has revealed that he wants to retire at Real Madrid and makes the bold claim that he is faster than both Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale. The Brazil international signed for Real Madrid in 2007 from Fluminese as an 18-year-old and has gone on to make almost 200 appearances for Los Blancos. The 26-year-old took part in a Q&A with supporters via his Facebook page on Thursday and expressed his wish to stay with Real for the rest of his career. Marcelo said on Thursday that he wanted to stay at Real Madrid for the rest of his career . Marcelo has been at Real Madrid since joining in 2007 from Brazilian side Fluminese . Marcelo pictured receiving his new car from Real Madrid sponsor Audi on Monday . Marcelo says Real team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo should win the Ballon d'Or 'without a doubt' 'I am very happy here and I want to stay here until I retire.' Marcelo replied when asked how long he wanted to spend at the club. Another fan asked the cheeky Brazilian who was faster between team-mates Ronaldo and Bale, to which he replied: 'Me, hahahah.' Marcelo also tipped Ronaldo to win the Ballon d'Or insisting the Portugal international should claim the prize 'without a doubt'.
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Kashmir musk deer has been spotted for the first time in over 60 years . Population was sighted on the forested slopes of northeast Afghanistan . Endangered makes use their fangs to attract females and fight rival males . Creatures are rare because of poachers who sell their scent glands for more money than gold - at around $45,000/kilo (£28,121) on the black market .
Hallowe'en may have passed for another year, but deer with vampire-like fangs are still haunting the hills of Afghanistan. It is the first time that rare fanged Kashmir musk deer has been spotted in over 60 years. Despite their ghoulish appearance, the endangered male creatures use their fangs during mating season to seduce females and fend off love rivals, instead of sucking blood. Fangs for the memories: Researchers have spotted Kashmir musk deer (stock image) in the hills of Afghanistan for the first time in over 60 years. The endangered male creatures use their fangs during mating season to seduce females and fend off love rivals, instead of sucking blood . One of seven similar species found in Asia, Kashmir musk deer live on the rugged forested slopes of northeast Afghanistan, according to the Wildlife Conservation Society which came across a small population when conducting a recent survey. The last scientific sighting in Nuristan province, Afghanistan, was believed to have been made by a Danish survey team traversing the region in 1948. The species is endangered due to habitat loss and poaching, according to the study published in the journal Oryx. The creature produces a musk that is used in perfumes, incense and medicine. Its scent glands are coveted by wildlife traffickers and are considered more valuable by weight than gold, fetching as much as $45,000/kilo (£28,121) on the black market. By way of comparison, the price of gold per kilo at the time of writing, is $37,624/kilo (£23,511). The last scientific sighting of the deer (stock image pictured) in Nuristan province, Afghanistan, was believed to have been made by a Danish survey team traversing the region in 1948 . One of seven similar species found in Asia, Kashmir musk deer live on the rugged forested slopes of northeast Afghanistan (marked in red). The survey team recorded five sightings of the rare deer, including a solitary male in the same area on three occasions and one female with a juvenile . The animal’s ‘fangs’ are described as tusks, because they are used during the rutting season, when males clash with each other . The animal’s ‘fangs’ are described by zoologists as tusks, because they are used during the rutting season, when males clash with each other to secure a mate. The survey team recorded five sightings of the rare deer, including a solitary male in the same area on three occasions, one female with a juvenile, and one solitary female, which may have been the same individual without her young. All sightings were in steep rocky outcrops interspersed with alpine meadows and scattered, dense high bushes of juniper and rhododendron. According to the team, the Kashmir musk deer were discrete, cryptic and difficult to spot and could not be photographed. Despite their obscurity, experts say the species and its habitat must be protected in order for it to continue to survive in Afghanistan. ‘Musk deer are one of Afghanistan's living treasures,’ said co-author Peter Zahler, WCS Deputy Director of Asia Programs. ‘This rare species, along with better known wildlife such as snow leopards, are the natural heritage of this struggling nation. We hope that conditions will stabilise soon to allow WCS and local partners to better evaluate conservation needs of this species.’ In the meantime, the society has trained local people in Nuristan to continue its research and protection of the species until security conditions improve. The Kashmir musk deer (Moschus cupreus) is an endangered species native to Afghanistan, India and Pakistan. Adults typically stand two feet tall and only the males have tusks, which they use for rutting. The deer hasn't been seen in Afghanistan since 1948. The species produces a musk that is used in perfumes, incense and medicine. Because of this its scent glands are incredibly valuable. They are coveted by wildlife traffickers and are considered more valuable by weight than gold, fetching as much as $45,000/kilo (£28,121) on the black market.
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London-based Wilson PK was approached by Lady Gaga's stylists . They asked the 23-year-old to send over his designs from an exhibition . Lady Gaga posted pictures of Wilson's work on her Instagram page . Also wore his bright orange knit suit in South Korea last week .
Fashion student Wilson PK thought he was going gaga when a superstar singer asked him to send over his designs. The 23-year-old was approached by Lady Gaga's stylists who noticed his designs on show at a New York exhibition. At the time, Wilson PK was working for designer Alexander Wang in New York. Lady Gaga then wore the fashionista's bright orange knit suit when she landed in South Korea last week. Scroll down for video . On trend: Lady Gaga noticed Wilson PK's collection at an exhibition while the fashion student was working for designer Alexander Wang in New York . The graduate of Central St Martins in London said the singer's entourage asked him to send over his entire collection. Lady Gaga later posted photos of Wilson's work on her Instagram page and wrote 'stunning young recent graduate.' Wilson, who is originally from Hong Kong but now lives in London says: 'It's a huge honour. This was the best thing that could have happened. Art pop: Wilson PK pictured at the Cambridge Centre for sixth form studies with Head of Visual Arts Charlie Ritchie (L-R), student Rarinthorn Wanavit and Fine Arts teacher Richard Swift . 'It was really incredible because she mentioned my name, which she doesn't usually do, and she called me a stunning student. I feel very lucky. 'I think she is amazing. She is doing something different and is showing a new aspect of beautiful.' Wilson explained the inspiration for this collection came from his experience of coming out to his parents. Fashion pack: Lady Gaga posted pictures of Wilson's work on her Instagram page . He added: 'They took it really hard - they almost wanted to disown me. For me this collection was very therapeutic.' Wilson's former fashion and textile teacher at Cambridge Centre for sixth form studies, Charlotte Denton-Cowell, said there was 'never a dull moment' with him in her classes. She explained: 'We always knew he would make it big, Lady Gaga wearing his recent outfits will give him fantastic exposure and most certainly give his career a major kick start.'
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Under-fire comedy legend claims Judy Huth's lawyer tried to extort him for $100,000 - then demanded $250,000, in court papers seen by MailOnline . Miss Huth is suing Cosby for a sexual assault she says happened in 1974 . Cosby calls her claims 'absolutely false' and says he has been subjected to a 'shakedown' Famed attorney Gloria Allred says: 'The public deserves to know if Mr Cosby is a saint or sexual predator'
Bill Cosby has hit back at a woman who claims he got her drunk and sexually assaulted her when she was 15 at the Playboy Mansion. The under-fire comic, now 77, is accused of attacking 19 women, and has so far remained silent amid the myriad of claims. However, today, he has chosen to file court papers against Judy Huth - who is suing him for alleged sexual assault in 1974 - an incident which may well be investigated by Los Angeles cops. Cosby calls her claims 'absolutely false' and in papers seen by MailOnline, the star claims Miss Hath's lawyer tried to extort him for $100,000 - and then raised the price to $250,000 as new women came forward to make similar claims. Lawsuit: Bill Cosby is accusing Judy Huth, who says he attacked her when she was 15, of extortion. She has launched a lawsuit against him for sexual assault . Demands: Attorney Gloria Allred is flanked by Bill Cosby accusers at her office on Wednesday, from left, Chelan Lasha, Beth Ferrier and Helen Hayes . Weeping: Chelan Lasha, now a grandmother, breaks down on Wednesday afternoon as she claims that Cosby drugged and assaulted her when she was 17 . In the court papers, Cosby says Miss Huth's lawyer approached his attorney Marty Singer last month and made 'ominous references to criminal penalties.' The lawyer, Cosby claims, demanded cash in return for silence - upping the demands as more women came forward. Cosby alleges that Miss Huth tried to sell the story to the media 10 years ago, but no-one would publish her claims. The court papers state: 'Approximately 10 years ago, plaintiff Judith Huff unsuccessfully tried to get money from a tabloid by selling the same story about Bill Cosby that is the subject of this lawsuit. 'Knowing that since she disclosed her allegations to a media outlet 10 years ago, she cannot claim to have a repressed memory.' The argument of a repressed memory would allow Miss Huth to file a civil lawsuit within three years of the time she remembered. However, if she recalled the incident a decade ago, her lawsuit is moot, Cosby's papers state. Miss Huth filed her own suit on Tuesday, alleging she has suffered 'psychological injuries and illnesses' that she only connected to the assault within the last three years. The lawsuit seeks unspecified damages for sexual battery and emotional distress. She claims she first met Cosby as a teenager with her 16-year-old friend as they wandered on to the set of his movie. He invited them to his L.A. Country tennis club the following Saturday, where they then followed him to a house where he 'served them alcohol beverages and played games of billiards' with Miss Huth, according to the lawsuit. Miss Huth was required to drink a beer every time Cosby won a game, the lawsuit said. Later, the girls followed Cosby to the Playboy Mansion, where the comedian told Huth and her friend to say they were 19 if anyone asked their ages, according to the papers. At one point, Miss Huth emerged from a bathroom to find Cosby sitting on a bed. The lawsuit states he asked her to sit down next to him and attempted to 'put his hand down her pants'. He then took her hand in his and performed a sexual act on himself 'without her consent', the lawsuit said. 'This traumatic incident, at such a tender age, has caused psychological damage and mental anguish ... that has caused her significant problems through her life,' the lawsuit said. However, Cosby claims that Miss Huth lied about playing a 'drinking game' with him where the pair drank three beers, as his lawyer says it well known that Cosby is a 'lifelong non-drinker'. Cosby's papers state: 'The drinking age in California at the time was 21.' The papers state that Miss Huth's lawyer did not even know if she was seeing a therapist, accusing her and her lawyer of 'engaging in a shakedown' Cosby is now demanding that the lawsuit is dismissed and has requested 'monetary sanctions of not less than $33,295.' Attorney Gloria Allred yesterday challenged Cosby to pay $100 million in damages to the women who claim he sexually assaulted them. The lawyer introduced three alleged victims - two who have never spoken before - and as they broke down in tears, she told Cosby he could waive the statute of limitations so all the women accusing him of assault could have their day in court. If not, she said, he could stump up $100 million - and the money would be handed out to the women by a committee of retired judges. Speaking at her California law offices, Miss Allred said she had been forced to tell many women who had contacted her to report abuse at the hands of the comic legend that they were too late to file a lawsuit due to the statute of limitations. However, she said: 'Today, I am here to propose two new solutions to this public dilemma and a away to determine if Bill Cosby is a saint of a sexual predator.' She said that if Cosby is 'confident' he has done nothing wrong, he could waive the statute of limitations, adding: 'Then his alleged victims would have an opportunity to have their allegations dealt with on their merits. The woman who started it all: Andrea Constand, a former basketball player, sued Cosby in 2005 and settled later on. Beth Ferrier was Jane Doe No 5 in Andrea's civil court case . Emotional: Former supermodel Janice Dickinson says Cosby drugged and raped her in 1982 . Alleged victims: Tamara Green and Barbara Bowman join the ranks of woman who claim Cosby assaulted them . 'Bill Cosby would have an opportunity to address there allegations in a court of law and the victims and Mr Cosby would have an opportunity to have a judge and jury decide who should be believed.' This would be similar, Miss Allred said, to the Catholic Church cases in California, which involved allegations of sexual abuse by priests. A law allowed victims to sue within a one year period. Alternatively, Miss Allred said, if Cosby did not want to waive the statute of limitations, he could pour $100 million into a fund, adding that anyone who claims to be a victim could put their case in front of a panel of retired judges, who would act as arbitrators, who would then decided if their case had merit - and how much damages they would be awarded. Cosby has an estimated fortune of $400 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth. He has made his fortune through numerous endorsements including Jell-O, Coca-Cola and Ford - and dominating TV in the 1980s with The Cosby Show. Cosby’s syndication deal in 1988 also earned him a fortune. Rights to air The Cosby Show for three years were sold to Fox for $550 million. He currently lives with his wife of 51 years, Camille, in a compound in Shelburne Falls, Massachusetts, that includes two large farmhouses. They couple moved in in 1971 and also bought several acres around the town for conservation purposes. However, Miss Allred said: 'It's time for justice and accountability and we challenge him to end this nightmare, both for him and the alleged victims by accepting either of the options that I proposed and we look forward to his response.' Chelan Lasha, from California - now believed to be a 46-year-old Grandmother - told how Cosby attacked her when she was just 17 in 1986 when she was an aspiring model. Weeping, she said her stepmother had sent pictures of her to the star and he called her at home in Las Vegas, inviting her to the Hilton Las Vegas, where he was performing and she had a job. She then went up to Elvis Presley suite to meet him and after telling him she had a cold, he gave her a blue pill, which he said was an antihistimine, with a double shot of Amaretto. She said: 'He was rubbing my neck and saying that he might have to have someone come in and give me stress therapy.' She claimed he told her to change into a Hilton bathrobe and wet her hair to see the modelling scout. Someone did briefly come up to the room, pertaining to be from the Ford Modelling Agency -telling her to she needed to lose 10 pounds - and taking some pictures. Then, Chelan said, Cosby walked her to the bedroom and gave her another shot of Amaretto, which he claimed would help her cold. No comment: Bill Cosby yesterday thanked Whoopi Goldberg and singer Jill Scott for their support on Twitter - but has made no public statement . 'I laid down,' she said: 'He laid down next to me on the bed and began pinching my left nipple and humping my leg while he was grunting. 'I could not open my eyes. I couldn't move or say anything. I felt something warm on my legs. Then I blacked out.' 'Thirteen to sixteen hours later I woke up by hearing Mr Cosby clapping his hands and saying 'Daddy says wake up'. He gave me $1500. He said the money was to buy something nice for me and my grandmother and he also invited me to go to the Temptations show with my grandmother. 'My grandmother went but I did not go because I was too sick. Then he invited us to his show. My grandmother really want to go. I did not, but I went with her and heckled him. As a result, I was fired my from job.' Chelan was joined by two other women, Helen Hayes, who claims Cosby fondled her breast after stalking her and her friends 'like a predator' after they met in the summer of 1973. Beth Ferrier, meanwhile, who has already come forward, alleges that she had an affair with Cosby, which ended in him drugging and raping her - and leaving her to come to in her car in an alleyway. She was Jane Doe 5 in the civil suit brought against Cosby by Andrea Costand, the first woman to allege he had attacked her, in 2005. Former basketball player Andrea ended up settling out of court. MailOnline has contacted Cosby's attorney for comment .
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Dawn Steckmann is suing Maxim Integrated Products of Oregon for pregnancy and gender discrimination . She claims she was fired for taking too many bathroom breaks while pregnant in 2013 . HR manager told Steckmann that for all he knew, she could be watching movies in the bathroom .
Dawn Steckmann for more than $400,000, after she was fired for taking too many bathroom breaks while pregnant . A woman in Oregon is suing her former high-tech employer for more than $400,000, contending she was fired while pregnant with her second child after being told that she took too many restroom breaks. The suit filed in Circuit Court says Dawn Steckmann and other employees had never been told they needed to clock out before using the restroom at Maxim Integrated Products. The lawsuit alleges pregnancy and gender discrimination. It says that when Steckmann was pregnant with her first child in 2011, she asked a supervisor whether she should go off the clock because she was urinating more frequently and was told that wasn't necessary. During her second pregnancy in 2013, restroom visits were more frequent because of a bladder condition caused by her first pregnancy, and 'she would not even have had time to clock out to use the restroom without an accident,' the suit says. In June 2013, Steckmann was called to a meeting with her supervisor and a human resources manager who asked why she was not clocking out for restroom breaks. Her supervisor claimed he had told Steckmann she needed to clock out, reports The Oregonian. The human resources manager told Steckmann that for all he knew, she could be watching movies in the bathroom, according to the lawsuit. Maxim Integrated Products produces wafers for wireless devices in the Portland suburb of Beaverton . Steckmann is seeking compensation for lost wages and benefits, damage to her reputation and emotional distress. Maxim Integrated Products produces wafers for wireless devices in the Portland suburb of Beaverton . Maxim lawyer Melissa Healy declined comment, citing the pending litigation. Steckmann had worked at the company for ten years. Her lawsuit is seeking up to $106,480 for lost wages, a bonus she says she wasn’t paid, lost benefits and damage to her reputation. She is also seeking up to $300,000 for emotional distress and wants her old job back as a fabrication technician making $18.76 per an hour. The suit filed in Circuit Court says Dawn Steckmann and other employees had never been told they needed to clock out before using the restroom at Maxim Integrated Products .
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Document aimed at redefining England team is the work of Dan Ashworth, the FA's director of elite development . Blueprint was presented by Ashworth, Gareth Southgate and Matt Crocker . Document is collection of ideas and information on how other football nations do things . England players will be given memory-chip wristbands to aid progress .
Three grey men in grey T-shirts delivered a grey document on Thursday aimed at redefining the England football team as something a little less bulldog and a little more greyhound. Billed as 'England DNA: Evolving. Developing. Winning', it is the product of 12 months of hiring and firing and restructuring behind the scenes by Dan Ashworth, the FA's director of elite development and will involve giving the players memory-chip wristbands which they can access back at their clubs so they can remember the work they have done with their country. Ashworth has kept his profile low since replacing Sir Trevor Brooking in this role, busily putting things in place and this was his coming out party, formalising the power-shift behind the scenes. Dan Ashworth , the FA's director of elite development, pictured with England Under 21 manager Gareth Southgate revealed the 'England DNA' blueprint on Thursday . He presented the document with U21 manager Gareth Southgate and head of player and coach development Matt Crocker, recruited from Southampton, where the prolific Academy is under the authority of Les Reed, former technical director of the FA, who once worked with Howard Wilkinson to produce a document very like this one. Ashworth has busily created a new blueprint aimed at redefining the England national team . The irony must have been lost somewhere between Wembley and St George's Park, where Ashworth will extend his DNA vision to 1,500 coaches from the FA's Licensed Coaches' Club who will gather, over the weekend. It is simply a collection of commonsense ideas committed to print after thorough research, including studies into how other nations do things - six in Europe and three in South America. It may help coaches at all levels to have a point of reference about what the international teams are striving for, and it may help players of different ages to have a memory stick on a wristband which reminds them of what playing for England is about, should they chose to plug it into their laptop or tablet. But, in truth, this is another largely underwhelming document trying to be all things to as many people as possible, without causing offence. Ashworth's team want England want to break from the traditional blood and sweat, but not forget about it. They want to work with the clubs, but want more players to be released by clubs to boost experience on an international stage. If they want the 'golden thread' to run through the youth ranks to the senior team, the release of players by the clubs is the key. We will see how Southgate gets on when he selects a squad for the U21 Euros next year. It is hoped the ideas may help coaches at all levels have a point of reference about what the international team is striving for . To increase the number of times a player samples international football, Ashworth has introduced U15, U18 and U20 age groups. At some expense, the U20s have a full programme of fixtures, but will not play a competitively until 2017 at the earliest, since they have not qualified for next year's World Cup in New Zealand. They want players to be comfortable with the ball - and without it. They want them to be tactically aware and flexible and technically adept. They want them to 'intelligently dominate possession'. They want pride and passion and they want high standards of behaviour. Who doesn't? The FA will provide a clear coaching plan – focusing on eight positions on the field and phases of play - and the best care and support. They took a teacher with the squad to the U17 Euros in Malta, this year to help four players taking GCSEs. Chelsea's Dominic Solanke even stayed in Malta to sit an exam on the day his team-mates travelled home. Chelsea's Dominic Solanke stayed in Malta to sit an exam during a trip with the England Under 17 squad . The principles are admirable. Most of it has been heard before in different guises. England boasted they were the best prepared team at the World Cup in Brazil. They were also among the first to leave for home. Ultimately, what England need to win a World Cup is more and better players. Ashworth admits 90 per cent of player development in England is done by the clubs, which leaves him addressing the final 10 per cent, which adapts them for international football. The Premier League is two years into their Elite Player Performance Plan, their own pathway to more and better home-grown footballers. They all claim to consult closely, but do they, really? Clouding the issue further is the commission launched by FA chairman Greg Dyke with a view to creating an England team capable of winning the World Cup in 2022, by recommending feeder clubs. And a Code of Conduct, introduced by Dyke's predecessor David Bernstein, to improve behaviour. Blueprints we have aplenty. And now we have another. Or is it grey?
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A New York appeals court ruled Tommy, a 26-year-old chimpanzee is not entitled to human rights . The three-judge Appellate Division panel was unanimous in denying 'legal personhood' to Tommy .
In the first case of its kind, a New York appeals court has rejected an animal rights advocate's bid to extend 'legal personhood' to chimpanzees, saying the primates are incapable of bearing the responsibilities that come with having legal rights. The unanimous ruling meant that Tommy, a 26-year-old chimpanzee is not entitled to the rights of a human and does not have to be freed by its owner . A five-judge panel of the Albany court on Thursday said attorney Steven Wise had shown that Tommy, who lives alone in a shed in upstate New York, was an autonomous creature, but that it was not possible for him to understand the social contract that binds humans together. Scroll down for video . Captive: Animal rights activist and lawyer, Steven Wise, argued that Tommy is being held against his will and deserves to be granted human rights and freed . Freedom: Attorney Steven Wise of the Nonhuman Rights Project, left, argues on behalf of Tommy, a chimpanzee, before the New York Supreme Court Appellate Division on Wednesday, in Albany. 'So far as legal theory is concerned, a person is any being whom the law regards as capable of rights and duties,' Presiding Justice Karen Peters wrote. 'Needless to say, unlike human beings, chimpanzees cannot bear any legal duties, submit to societal responsibilities or be held legally accountable for their actions,' That, they ruled, makes it 'inappropriate' to grant the rights of a human to the animal. Wise, representing The Nonhuman Rights Project, which he helped found in 2007, was seeking a ruling that Tommy had been unlawfully imprisoned by his owner, Patrick Lavery. Wise argued that the chimp should be released to a sanctuary in Florida. According to Wise and other experts, it is the first case anywhere in the world in which an appeals court has been asked to extend human rights to animals. There was no initial response to an email sent to Wise with a question about the possibility of a further appeal to the state's top court. Tommy's owner, Patrick Lavery, said Thursday he was pleased and expected the ruling. 'I just couldn't picture any court granting habeas corpus for an animal,' he said. 'If it works for one animal, it works for all animals. It would open a can of worms.' Content: Patrick Lavery, owner, interacts with Tommy a chimpanzee at his home in Gloversville, New York . Decision: Presiding Justice Karen Peters of the New York Supreme Court Appellate Division Third Department poses a question to Attorney Steven Wise of the Nonhuman Rights Project during arguments at the court . Attorney Steven Wise of the Nonhuman Rights Project talks to reporters after arguing on behalf of Tommy, a chimpanzee, at the New York Supreme Court Appellate Division. The court ruled against Tommy. Tommy is a former entertainment chimp who was placed with Lavery about 10 years ago. Lavery said Tommy is cared for under strict state and federal license rules and inspections. The court noted there have been no claims that Tommy has been mistreated or any of those rules have been violated. Lavery said Tommy lives in a seven-room enclosure in Gloversville with lots of toys and other 'enrichment.' Wise was not immediately available to comment. He has said that if he lost Tommy's case, he would ask for it to be heard by the Court of Appeals, New York's top state court. Lavery said in an interview that he agreed with the judges. Tommy, he said, received state-of-the-art care and was on a waiting list to be taken in by a sanctuary. 'It will be my decision where he goes, and not someone else's,' he said. Peters wrote for the court that while chimps could not be granted legal rights, Wise could lobby the state legislature to create new protections for chimps and other intelligent animals. The decision, which upheld a 2013 ruling by a state judge, came after Wise on Tuesday urged a separate court in Rochester to order the release of a deaf chimp named Kiko from a cement cage at his owner's home in Niagara Falls. Wise has also filed a third case on behalf of two chimps that live at a state university on Long Island.
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The FA has asked Mario Balotelli to explain an Instagram post featuring potentially racist and anti-Semitic comments . Liverpool striker deleted the post and apologised for any offence caused . Balotelli has sent examples of online discrimination to the FA . The Italian striker is still ruled out of action with a troublesome groin injury .
CLICK HERE to read Chief Sports Writer Martin Samuel's opinion on the controvesial Liverpool star . Mario Balotelli has submitted examples of the discrimination he has suffered as he seeks to avoid an FA charge over an allegedly anti-Semitic and racist message he posted on Instagram. The Liverpool striker has until 6pm on Friday to provide his observations to The FA over a picture that depicted the computer game character Super Mario which read: ‘Don’t be racist – be like Mario. He’s an Italian plumber created by Japanese people who speaks English and looks like a Mexican. But below the image, the words continue: ‘jumps like a black man and grabs coin like a Jew.’ Mario Balotelli must explain this Instagram post featuring potentailly racist and anti-Semitic comments . Responding to criticism, Balotelli tweeted: ‘My Mom is Jewish so all of you shut up please.’ He subsequently apologised on Twitter on Tuesday morning, insisting the image was meant to be ‘anti-racist with humour’. He also described reposting the image as ‘my unlucky moment’. Balotelli, walking off against Real Madrid, has struggled to find form at Liverpool this season . Charity group Show Racism the Red Card were encouraged by Balotelli's immediate apology on social media . But he wrote: ‘I apologise if I’ve offended anyone. The post was meant to be anti-racist with humour. I now understand that out of context it may have the opposite effect. ‘Not all Mexicans have a moustache, not all black people jump high and not all Jewish people love money. ‘I used a cartoon done by somebody else because it has Super Mario and I thought it was funny and not offensive. Again, I’m sorry.’ Balotelli will give his full co-operation to the FA during the course of any investigation and, in mitigation, will provide evidence of how he has been abused on social media during his career. The Liverpool striker also insisted that he meant no offence by tweeting that his mother is Jewish . The mercurial Italian striker has come under scrutiny after failing to score a Premier League goal this season .
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Manon Serrano was accidentally swapped with . another baby in July 1994 . Man she believed to be her father left his wife after paternity tests failed . Two years later, tests revealed Manon wasn't her mother's biological child . Hospital mistake was discovered and the other family involved tracked down . Both children have decided to remain with the family that raised them . Cannes-la-Bocca clinic, . in France, admits error but says both mothers should have realised the mistake .
A teenager who was accidentally switched at birth has revealed how the hospital mix-up ripped her family apart. Manon Serrano, 18, was swapped with another baby five days after being born at the Cannes-la-Bocca clinic in France on July 4, 1994. Ms Serrano and her family eventually discovered the maternity ward mistake after undergoing DNA tests eight years ago - but not before it tore her family apart. New mother: Sophie Serrano, pictured shortly after giving birth at the age of 18, discovered her daughter had been accidentally switched at birth ten years after the event . For the first time, Ms Serrano has revealed how the man she believed to be her father was convinced that she wasn't his. This was because Ms Serrano, whose real parents are from Réunion Island, in the Indian Ocean, was dark-skinned while Mr Serrano and his wife were both fair skinned. A paternity test in 2002 proved his suspicions and he left his wife believing she must have conceived the child with another man. Another test two years later revealed that Mrs Serrano was not her mother. Ms Serrano says the mistake has had a huge impact on her life and left her struggling to find her own identity. She added: 'At a period of your life when you're anyway asking questions, me, I had lost my identity.' Family torn apart: Sophie Serrano's husband left her when paternity tests proved he was not the father of their daughter Manon. Two years later, further tests showed she was not the biological mother either . Maternity ward: While the Cannes-la-Bocca Clinic, in Cannes, France, admits the error occurred, it claims the mothers should have realised their babies had been switched . The rest of her family have also struggled to come to terms with the mistake. Her 'mother' Mrs Serrano, from Thorenc, near Grasse, in southern France, told Le Parisien: 'The sky fell on my head. I had the impression that I had lost the daughter I had brought up, but I was also seized by a terrible anguish.' Mrs Serrano, who has two other children, told the newspaper she suffered from nervous depression in the aftermath of the discovery and lost her business. Trial: Mrs Serrano suffered from nervous depression after she discovered the daughter she raised from birth was not biologically hers . 'I lost everything. We had to leave our home, I have got big debts. All my children had to consult psychologists,' she admitted'. The accidental switch happened when Ms Serrano was placed in a cot with another baby for treatment for jaundice. Ms Serrano was then given back to Sophie Serrano, whose own daughter was handed to another woman. Mrs Serrano told nurses that the child did not look like her own baby, but nurses insisted that there had been no mistake. After the DNA tests eight years ago revealed that Ms Serrano was infact not her daughter, police managed to track down the other family involved in the mix-up and the two families met. Mrs Serrano said: 'There was a mixture of trouble, joy and sadness. 'I fell into the arms of my biological daughter. Instinctively I loved her. But in the long term, I was able to find a place for myself.' Despite the discovery, both girls decided to stay with the families who brought them up. Ms Serrano said: 'When my mother told me of the switch, my first thought was am I going to have to leave my family? I would have felt empty without them.' Mrs Serrano is suing the clinic, which has since become a retirement home. Maître Claude Chas, a lawyer for the clinic, admitted that an error had occurred but said the mothers should have noticed that their babies had been switched. Case: Mrs Serran, who says she lost everything because of the mistake, is suing the clinic over the mix-up .
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The summit is the largest ever held on subject of sexual violence in war . Actress welled up as she heard victims talk about their experiences . Embraced campaigner Neema Namadamu . Namadamu began campaigning when her 25-year-old daughter was attacked by a group of men metres from her own home in the Congo .
Angelina Jolie today appeared visibly moved and close to tears at the 'End Sexual Violence in Conflict' summit in London, which she is co-hosting with Foreign Secretary William Hague. The summit is the largest ever held on subject of sexual violence in war. The actress' eyes welled up as she listened to victims of sexual assault speak about their experiences and spent time with them afterwards, discussing the issues they face and embracing delegates. Clutching fellow activist and peacemaker Neema Namadamu on this, the second day of the summit, the actress struggled to contain her emotions. Scroll down for video . Angelina embraced fellow activist Neema Namadamu of the Democratic Republic of Congo, whose own daughter was attacked . Angelina held Neema who runs a campaign in the Congo which aims to empower women through technology as well as fight for their human rights . Jolie, centre, who is a Special Envoy of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, listens attentively to a speech of a delegate at the summit . The actress appeared deeply moved listening to victims of sexual assault speak about their experience . The actress spoke on BBC Radio 4's Women's Hour this morning about how affected she had been by meeting victims of sexual attack . Neema is an advocate for change in Congo, and founder of the Maman Shujaa, the 'Hero Women of the Congo’ who fight for the rights of women. She who was struck down with polio at age two, and became the first disabled woman to graduate from Congo’s national university. She began campaigning when her 25-year-old daughter was attacked by a group of men metres from her own home in the Congo. Angelina, Special Envoy of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, also embraced other delegates who spoke at the event. After the formal talks, the actress took time to look at products made by women and sold by the International Campaign to Stop Rape and Gender Violence to support victim of violence. The summit has seen diplomats, officials and non-profit representatives from more than 100 countries gather to press for the rights of victims of sexual violence — women, men and children alike. Angelina reached over the podium to embrace a delegate after she spoke to the group of diplomats and officials from around the world . Angelina talked affectionately to Neema Namadamu of the Democratic Republic of Congo . Angelina draws the outline of her hand, joining the the hand prints of others who have pledged to support the campaign . With the cameras of the world focused on her, Jolie said she wanted to dedicated the conference to a rape victim she and Hague recently met in Bosnia . William Hague and Angelina , pictured here with Congolese women's rights campaigners Carine Safari (centre left ) and Nyota Babunga (centre right) have worked together for years on the issues of women's rights and sexual abuse . With the cameras of the world focused on her, Jolie said she wanted to dedicated the conference to a rape victim she and Hague recently met in Bosnia. ‘She felt that having had no justice for her particular crime, in her particular situation, and having seen the actual man who raped her on the streets free, she really felt abandoned by the world,’ Jolie said. ‘This day is for her.’ Angelina was also interviewed on BBC Radio 4’s Women’s Hour this morning, talking about how she came to be involved in working to end sexual violence. ‘I’ve met survivors and spent time with them. I’d heard their stories and became very emotionally involved and I thought – what can I possibly do to help,’ she said. Angelina embraces delegate Esther Ruth Atim of Uganda during the emotional second day of the 'End Sexual Violence in Conflict' summit . Angelina pauses to look at a photo exhibition by photographer Pete Muller . Angelina also talked of losing her mother to breast cancer, and her decision to have a preventative double mastectomy: 'The thought of telling my children I had cancer because I didn't have the surgery was more frightening to me.' 'I am very happy that I made a decision that will enable me to be around for my children. For me it was in fact an easy choice.' Of her mother Marcheline, she said: 'Had she had the surgery she might have been around for years longer to have met my other children.' The programme also shared the harrowing accounts of two women who suffered sexual violence during conflict. One un-named women described her attack during genocide in Rwanda in these words: ‘I didn’t see their faces, I don’t know them, how can you see someone who is hitting you in the eyes? How will you know someone who is inserting a gun barrel into your mouth, and then between your legs? Then he leaves, and another one enters.’ Another woman spoke of her attack in Minova in the Democratic Republic of Congo: ‘The man said that he wanted to rape me, that if I refused he is going to kill me. Then another five men came. They all raped me. My daughter keeps asking me about her dad. When I try to reveal who her father is, it is really hard for me. Angelina, here greeting Neema Namadamu, has been key in organising the summit which is being attended by governments from over 100 countries, over 900 experts, NGOs, Faith leaders, and representatives from international organisations across the world . Neema, who is disabled after having polio as a child, sat as her and Angelina talked for some time following the speeches . ‘I fear also telling her because a lot of men raped me… it is really hard for me to tell my daughter. ‘I just feel really depressed, when I think of it I burst into tears. I feel like I am nothing. Sometimes I even feel like dying .’ A rape survivor who attended the conference today, Wangu Kanja, from Kenya, who has set up her own organization to help others, said she hoped the summit will send a message that governments cannot continue to ignore the issue. 'I'm really hoping that from this the Kenyan government will be forced to do something,' she said hours after the summit began. After the formal talks, the actress took time to look at products made by women and sold by the International Campaign to Stop Rape and Gender Violence to support victim of violence . Angelina chatted with activists from NGOs, who are selling products to support victim of violence, in the market area of the 'End Sexual Violence in Conflict' summit . Jolie, here looking at a bag made by a women in a conflict area, is set to help launch a guidance document on best practices on Wednesday to help strengthen prosecutions for rape in conflicts . British Foreign Secretary William Hague, left, and Angelina arrived together for the second day of the landmark summit . Write caption here . William Hague compared sexual violence in war zones to slavery as an injustice that demands action. 'As was said with slavery in the 18th century, now we know the facts, we cannot turn aside,' he said. Others far afield also offered support. Pope Francis, who has made combatting sex trafficking and human slavery one of his priorities, sent a tweet on Tuesday in support of the summit's work, saying 'Let us pray for all victims of sexual violence in conflict, and those working to end this crime.' Hague and Jolie are set to launch a guidance document on best practices today to help strengthen prosecutions for rape in conflicts. Hague will also host a meeting Thursday on tackling Boko Haram, the Islamic terror group that abducted more than 300 schoolgirls and young women in Nigeria in April. As well as speaking at the conference, Angelina was interviewed on BBC Radio 4's Women's Hour this morning, talking about how she came to be involved in working to end sexual violence . Angelina and Hague have been campaigning on the issue of sexual violence for two years . The pair have campaigned hard on the issue of sexual violence for two years, and on Tuesday they were welcomed with cheers from others fighting for the cause as they toured a lively fringe program featuring photo exhibitions, poetry readings, and artists performing skits. Nigerian rap and soul singers sang about rape and other problems facing young Africans, while volunteers taught Swahili folk songs in workshops similar to those performed in conflict zones to help reduce trauma. An eclectic group of charity workers and computer experts brainstormed on ways to use technology to improve reporting on sexual violence.
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Redknapp handed Ferdinand his professional debut at West Ham in 1996 . Ferdinand will take a massive pay cut to sign for the newly-promoted side . Deal is expected to be confirmed in the next 24 hours .
Click here to read Rio Ferdinand's latest blog from Brazil . Rio Ferdinand has agreed a deal to sign for newly promoted Queens Park Rangers. The 35-year-old has been persuaded to take a massive drop in wages after hearing Harry Redknapp’s plans for how he can help the London club on their return to the Premier League. It is believed his salary is less than a third of his £200,000-a-week salary at Manchester United. Ferdinand has also turned down a lucrative media career, with both BT and the BBC keen to land him. 'He just wants to play,' said a friend. Ferdinand is expected to return to London from the |World Cup in Brazil to complete the transfer soon. The deal is expected to be confirmed by the club in the next 24 hours and comes as a huge boost for QPR after winning promotion through the play-offs. VIDEO: Scroll down to see Rio Ferdinand swap football for martial arts in a UFC bout . New challenge: Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has agreed to sign for QPR . Reunited: Ferdinand was given his professional debut by Harry Redknapp at West Ham in 1996 . Making a name for himself: Ferdinand in action for West Ham with fellow BBC pundit Alan Shearer . Ferdinand, currently working for the BBC in Brazil, is a free agent after being released by Manchester United following 12 years at Old Trafford. He recently confirmed he had offers from clubs both in England and abroad, but it is the chance to be reunited with Redknapp that has come out on top. The 67-year-old was the manager who gave him his debut at West Ham in 1996, helping him develop into the world’s most expensive defender when he left to join Leeds in an £18million transfer five years later. Expert analysis: Ferdinand has been working as a BBC pundit in Brazil during the World Cup . Where it all started: Ferdinand during pre-season training with West Ham . Ferdinand, who has been writing a weekly column for the Mail on Sunday and MailOnline, won six Premier League titles and the Champions League at Old Trafford. He has proven his determination to be fit for the new season by taking his his own personal trainer with him to Brazil. He has been convinced he can enjoy a new challenge after speaking to Dutch legend Ruud Gullit. He revealed: ‘He told me the couple of years he had at Chelsea were some of the most enjoyable of his career because there wasn’t at that time the pressure of trying to win trophies.’ Rising star: A youthful Ferdinand tussles with Arsenal's Emmanuel Petit in his early years . Fresh start: Ferdinand has been weighing up his options after leaving Manchester United .
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Janelle Pflager's distraught voice could be heard on the 911 call . Pflager said Diren Dede,17, was lying face down and 'barely breathing' Homeowner Markus Kaarma allegedly shot and killed the 17-year-old . He had been burglarized twice in the days leading up to the shooting . He is charged with baiting the teenager into sneaking into his garage . Montana's 'stand your ground' law allows homeowners to use deadly force .
The girlfriend of a man who shot and killed a German exchange student in his garage broke down in tears as her 911 call was re-played to a court. Janelle Pflager's distraught voice was heard by the court during the 911 call she made after her boyfriend, Markus Kaarma, allegedly shot and killed Diren Dede, 17. She described how the teenager was lying face down 'barely breathing' and bleeding from 'everywhere' in their Missoula, Montana home. Scroll down for video . Family: Marcus Kaarma, right, is followed into Missoula District Court by his girlfriend Janelle Pflager with their child, the court heard a 911 call made by Pflager about the events that unfolded . Fear: Kaarma allegedly felt targeted and increasingly anxious for the safety of Pflager and their infant son . She told dispatchers that Kaarma didn't help her as she tried to aid the wounded high school student, who died a short time later at a Missoula hospital. Kaarma is charged with baiting the teenager into sneaking into his Missoula garage early on April 27 and killing him with four shotgun blasts after being alerted by a motion detector. Defense attorney Paul Ryan says Montana's 'stand your ground' law allows homeowners to protect their residences with deadly force when they believe they are going to be harmed. But Kaarma didn't know whether the person inside the garage was armed, Ryan said. However he had allegedly felt targeted and increasingly anxious for the safety of Pflager and their infant son after the couple had been burglarized twice in the days leading up to the shooting. On the first day of testimony, two teenagers, Mykle Martin, 17, and Trisitan Staber, 18, described how they went 'garage hopping,' or burglarizing garages, in search of alcohol and other things after dark and hit Markus Kaarma's house. 'I was the previous break-in,' Martin said, his voice at times barely audible. 'I'm the reason he was waiting for another person.' The court also heard audio tapes of Pflager's police interview after the shooting. She told officers that Dede had pleaded for his life, saying, 'No, no, no, no, no, please!' However, she later testified that Dede had not said anything and that she was 'rambling' to officers because she was traumatized. 'I did not hear those words,' she said. 'I wish I said those words.' Pflager's testimony came during the second day of Kaarma's deliberate homicide trial. Victim: Diren Dede , 17, was shot dead on April 27 after allegedly breaking into Kaarma's garage . Trial: Kaarma sits with his legal team during witness testimony in Missoula County Court in Missoula, Montana on December 5, 2014 . Pflager said Thursday that she kept a baseball bat nearby while Kaarma moved a shotgun to the first floor of their home after the previous burglaries. Testimony indicated Kaarma was upset and on edge at the time. Michael McMillan, who works for a local lawn care company told how he came to the Kaarma house on April 23 to spray for insects. While he was setting up, he said an angry Kaarma come out the front door naked, pointed a shotgun at him and asked what McMillan was doing there. 'I was scared, frozen,' McMillan said. He said Pflager started screaming at Kaarma to stop and he went back inside the house. McMillan said Pflager later apologized and told him they were on edge due to burglaries. McMillan said he did not call police. That same day, Kaarma went for a haircut, and three women from the shop testified Thursday that they heard him say he had been waiting up nights to shoot an intruder. The dead teenager's father, Celal Dede, grimaced while listening to the 911 recording and then whispered to his attorneys that accompanied him and his wife.
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Costs include £19,000 spent by council on hiring ‘motivational magician’ Arts Council splashed out £95,000 on a skip covered in yellow lights . Ministers and officials ate £3 million of biscuits . More than £20 billion lost through fraud in the public sector . Ministers and officials ate £3 million worth of biscuits in 2011-2012 and spent £45 million on taxis to move prisoners and staff around the country. More than £20 billion is lost through public sector fraud and £15 billion on duplicated procurement across Whitehall departments and councils. The Home Office spent £427,000 on rubber bullets police are not even allowed tom use. Crawley Council Spent £5,070 on 12,200 hot drinks from vending machines for employees, when the equivalent number of tea bags would have cost just £200.
Wasteful spending by the public sector on useless projects costs every British household £4,500 a year - enough to 'buy a luxury holiday for every family', a pressure group has claimed. The TaxPayers’ Alliance has identified cuts that it says could save about £120billion – effectively wiping out the UK’s budget deficit – without ‘closing a single hospital, firing a single teacher or disbanding a single regiment’. The organisation has collated a list of ‘ludicrous examples of wasteful spending’ – including the Ministry of Defence paying £22 for a light bulb and the Arts Council squandering £95,000 on an installation comprising a skip covered in yellow lights. Waste: Despite Chancellor George Osborne's austerity drive, the TaxPayers' Alliance has identified a long list of 'ludicrous examples of wasteful spending' Some £19,000 was spent by Cotswold District Council on hiring a ‘motivational magician’ to boost staff morale, while Labour-run Durham Council gave chiefs a £12,000 clothing allowance, which Prime Minister David Cameron derided as ‘Geordie Armani’. In other examples: . The alleged wasteful spending - a sixth of the total government expenditure - is more than the whole of the NHS budget and five times the amount spent by the Ministry of Defence. A spokesman for alliance said: ' This equates to a massive £4,500 for every household inn the UK - enough to give every family in the land a luxury holiday or pay their household energy bills three times over.' In its annual Big Bumper Book of Government Waste, the TaxPayers’ Alliance recommends a number of major reforms to claw back cash, including shaving £53billion off the pay and pensions packages of public sector workers. This is the amount it claims these workers are being overpaid compared with the private sector average. ‘Nearly £120billion of taxpayers’ money was wasted or spent on useless projects by the Government in 2011-12,’ the report states. ‘We have identified and listed hundreds of examples of spending by politicians and bureaucrats that can be cut without closing a single hospital, firing a single teacher or disbanding a single regiment.’ According to the research – which the pressure group said is based on official statistics, independent reports and media coverage – £25billion was wasted that year through inefficient public sector procurement and poor use of outsourcing, while £20.3billion was lost through public sector fraud. About £5billion was paid out in benefits to claimants with an income in excess of £100,000, while £1.2billion was paid out in an annual subsidy to foreign farmers through the EU’s Common Agricultural Policy. Frontline services: The TaxPayers' Alliance says it can identify cuts in government spending that would not affect any hospital, education or army expenses . Cheshire East Council spent £30,000 building two ponds for 18 newts which had been displaced by the construction of a bypass. Arts Council paid £2.5 million to decorate the side of inter-continental trucks to promote Lincolnshire Fenlands in Europe. The Government biscuit bill in 2011-2012 was £3 million. Ministry of Justice spent £4.5 million to taxi firms for moving prisoners and staff around the country. Bury Council bought £9,000 iPads for bin collectors to monitor homes that were not recycling. Home Office paid £427,000 on rubber bullets police are not even allowed to use. Cotswold Council hired a 'motivational magician' to boost staff morale at a cost of £19,000 . The TaxPayers’ Alliance suggests . £2.9billion could be saved by scrapping the Department for Business, . Innovation and Skills and Department for Culture, Media and Sport and . hiving off their essential functions to other departments. It . also questions the need for high spending on locum doctors, suggesting . there could be far fewer now that GPs work out-of hours far less . frequently than they used to. Matthew . Sinclair, chief executive of the TaxPayers’ Alliance, said: ‘George . Osborne must take the golden opportunity offered by the spending review . to get the nation’s finances under control and ease the burden on . taxpayers.’ According . to the report, tens of billions of pounds are still wasted each year and . there is an enormous amount of fat left in the public sector. 'If ministers do something about it, . they can give taxpayers a better deal and still provide the frontline . services which people depend on. ‘More . money must be left in the pockets of struggling households who need it . to support their own families and their own causes.’ The Cabinet Office insisted work was well under way to make government ‘leaner’. A spokesman added: ‘This Government has accelerated its work tackling waste and the Cabinet Office recently announced achieved savings of £10billion over 2012-13. ‘We are taking radical decisions to make Whitehall leaner and more efficient so Britain can compete in the global race, and we are pleased to see the TaxPayers’ Alliance recognises this – but we agree there is more to do.’
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Cristiano Ronaldo earns yet another honour for his sensational form . He scored 69 times last year, including 10 strikes for Portugal . Ronaldo uploaded a picture to his Instagram after receiving the honour .
Cristiano Ronaldo continues to reel in the honours due to his prolific goalscoring form. His latest accolade comes from the International Federation of Football History and Statistics after he fired 69 goals in all competitions for Real Madrid and Portugal to be the highest goalscorer of 2013. The 29-year-old received his latest award on Thursday, and swiftly shared his delight with his Instagram followers. Cristiano Ronaldo uploaded the above picture via Instagram with his award for top goalscorer of 2013 . Ronaldo celebrates scoring against Liverpool at Anfield in the Champions League in October . Ronaldo converts a penalty in El Clasico against Barcelona in October at the Santiago Bernabeu . Ronaldo posted the picture alongside the caption 'I feel honored to win the World’s Top Goalscorer 2013 award by the International Federation of Football History and Statistics. Thank you all.' The attacker is currently spearheading Real's record breaking winning streak. They reset a club record of 15 straight wins with a 2-1 victory over Malaga last weekend and could extend their run to 18 with a home victory over Celta Vigo on Saturday.
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Sheffield United fans were chanting as they played Bradford on Saturday . Ched Evans was released from Wymott Prison on Friday morning . Striker served half of a five-year sentence for raping a 19-year-old waitress .
Sheffield United fans chanted their support for convicted rapist Ched Evans on Saturday night, in the club’s first game since their former player was released from jail. Almost half the travelling fans at Bradford City’s Valley Parade voiced their support for the 25-year-old, who left Wymott Prison on Friday morning, as co-Chairmen Kevin McCabe and Jim Phipps continue to suggest he might by re-employed by the club. At Bradford’s Forster Square station, 20 fans chanted: ‘He does what he wants, he does what he wants, Chedwyn Evans, he does what he wants.’ Police took no action. Sheffield United fans show their support for Ched Evans away at Bradford on Saturday . Sheffield United's co-chairmen have continued to suggest Ched Evans might be resigned by the club . As United played out a 2-0 win supporters could be heard singing, ‘Super, super Ched, super Chedwyn Evans’. The club’s fan base is divided by Evans, who served half of a five-year sentence for raping a 19-year-old waitress. A petition against his re-signing has more than 150,000 signatures, but the overwhelming attitude of United fans at Bradford was one of support. Sheffield United patron and women’s rights campaigner Charlie Webster said she would cease her involvement with the club if he is re-signed. ‘I don’t believe it’s sending the right message to the next generation to employ a convicted rapist,’ she said. The Welsh footballer was pictured leaving Wymott Prison in the early hours of Friday morning . Sorry we are not currently accepting comments on this article.
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Four men were killed in the terrorist raid on the U.S. consulate in Benghazi . Families of the victims are divided in their reactions to the way U.S. officials dealt with the attack .
The mother of a diplomat killed during a terrorist raid on the U.S. consulate in Benghazi has blamed President Barack Obama for her son’s death. Sean Smith was killed along with ambassador Chris Stevens and security men - both former U.S. Navy SEALS - Glen Doherty and Tyrone Woods by terrorists in Libya on the 11th anniversary of 9/11 this year. The families of three of the victims are divided in their reactions to reports that American personnel were refused help, despite several requests. 'Murdered': Pat Smith , the mother of diplomat Sean Smith who was killed during a terrorist raid on the U.S. consulate in Benghazi blames President Barack Obama for her son's death . While Sean’s mother Patricia Smith has said that the president ‘murdered her son’ and Mr Woods’ father has echoed her sentiment, Mr Doherty’s brother has said that civilians could not comment on military tactics with any credibility. Mrs Smith, 72 told the U-T San Diego: ‘I believe that Obama murdered my son.’ She said that her son was a strong supporter of Obama. In an interview with Jon Stewart on Comedy Central last month Obama responded to a question about his administration's confused communication after the assault by saying: 'If four Americans get killed, it’s not optimal.' 'Not optimal': President Barack Obama, left, discussed the killing of four men in Benghazi while speaking to Jon Stewart, right, on The Daily Show said: 'If four Americans get killed, it's not optimal' 'Guilty of murder': Charles Woods , the father of Tyrone Woods , the former U.S. Navy SEAL who died in the attack, condemned U.S. officials' decisions during the incident . In response, speaking exclusively to . MailOnline last month, Mrs Smith from San Diego said: 'It was a disrespectful thing . to say and I don't think it's right. 'How . can you say somebody being killed is not very optimal? I don't think . the President has the right idea of the English language.' Charles Woods, the father of 41-year-old Mr Woods condemned U.S. officials’ decisions during the attack on Fox News. Rage: A protester hols his rifle during the assault on the Benghazi consulate . Wrong to blame Obama: Barbara Doherty , the mother of Greg Doherty who also died during the attack while working as a security contractor said it was 'wrong to use these brave men, who wanted freedom for all, to degrade Obama' He said: ‘I’m a retired attorney, and I know that these actions legally do not constitute murder but in my mind the people in the White House, all of them who have authority to send in reinforcements to prevent what they knew was going to be the death of my son, are guilty of murdering my son.’ He later told the U-T San Diego: ‘I don’t want this to become political and become dishonouring to Ty.’ Greg Doherty, the older brother of former Navy SEAL Mr Doherty, who was working as an American security contractor, said that the pair responded to the attack and that they rescued people during the assault. He said: ‘They had enough people to fight off that battle. ‘I don’t think it is civilians’ job to pick apart an actual battle and talk strategy unless you are a general.' Attack: The men were killed in the September 11 assault on the U.S. embassy in Benghazi, pictured . Killed: Ambassador Chris Stevens died along with three others in the embassy attack . Mr Doherty said people were just looking for ways to point the blame at President Obama. His mother, Barbara Doherty told Fox News: ‘It’s wrong to use these brave men, who wanted freedom for all, to degrade Obama.’ In the interview Stewart asked Obama: 'Is part of the investigation helping the communication between these divisions? Not just what happened in Benghazi, but what happened within. 'Because I would say, even you would admit, it was not the optimal response, at least to the American people, as far as all of us being on the same page.' Obama responded: 'Here's what I’ll say. If four Americans get killed, it’s not optimal.' He said: 'We’re going to fix it. All . of it. And what happens, during the course of a presidency, is that the . government is a big operation and any given time something screws up and . you make sure that you find out what’s broken and you fix it. 'Whatever . else I have done throughout the course of my presidency the one thing . that I’ve been absolutely clear about is that America’s security comes, . and the American people need to know exactly how I make decisions when . it comes to war, peace, security, and protecting Americans. 'And they will continue to get that over the next four years of my presidency.' Inferno: Armed attackers dumped cans of diesel fuel and set ablaze the consulate's exterior . Flames, grenades and gunfire: A burnt-out car in front of the U.S. consulate . Anniversary of 9/11: The embassy in Benghazi was left gutted after the attack done by terrorists in Libya on the 11th anniversary of 9/11 this year . The word 'optimal' was first used by Stewart in the question but Obama's use of it, in a sound bite that could be used to portray him as somewhat casual about the deaths, lit up conservatives on the internet after it was first reported in a White House pool report by Mike Memoli of the Los Angeles Times. It recently emerged that the U.S. government was told that the attack had been carried out by militants, not a spontaneous mob, within just 24 hours of its taking place. A diplomatic cable sent the day after the raid suggested that militants had previously planned to attack the consulate, and used the excuse of protests against the anti-Muslim video as cover for their assault. It is unclear who, if anyone, saw the cable outside the CIA at that point and how high up in the agency the information went. But the statement directly contradicts the explanation of the attack given by the administration over the following two weeks. The debate comes as the presidential election campaign heats up as Election Day, on November 6, draws closer.
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The RAF has installed the £14,000 device at RAF Cranwell in Lincolnshire . Devise is for the RAF men's and ladies' golf teams to use during winter . But it is available to all armed forces personnel for annual £20 subscription . Campaigners criticise the move saying machine 'simply isn't the priority' when it comes to defence spending .
The Royal Air Force has spent £14,000 of taxpayers' cash on a golf simulator - despite losing 10,000 staff in just four years as part of Ministry of Defence cuts. The indoor device, which enables members of the RAF's golf team to train in the winter, has been installed at RAF Cranwell in Lincolnshire. But with the salary of a new airman said to be just under £14,500 during basic training, the decision has already sparked anger. The Royal Air Force has spent £14,000 of taxpayers' cash on a golf simulator, it has been revealed (file picture) The Sunday Times reports that the simulator cost a total of £23,000 with £13,960 coming from a grant funded by the taxpayer. It is for the use of both the men's and ladies' golf teams at the RAF - but all armed forces personnel can use it for a £20 annual subscription. The newspaper quotes Flight Sergeant Jai Henderson as telling RAF News: 'It is an excellent coaching tool which will be utilised by the RAF golf team throughout the winter season to develop their players.' But the purchase of the simulator, which is of a standard used by golf professionals, has already attracted criticism. The indoor device, designed to allow members of the RAF's golf team to train in the winter, has been installed at RAF Cranwell in Lincolnshire . The Sunday Times reports that the RAF has lost more than 9,500 personnel since 2010 amid deep cuts by the MoD. The newspaper quotes Andy Silverster from the campaign group the Taxpayers' Alliance, as saying the machine 'simply isn't the priority' when it comes to defence spending. But an MoD spokesman told The Sunday Times: 'The golf facility at RAF Cranwell is open to all HM forces serving personnel and, in addition to generating interest and participation in golf, provides an excellent recreational outlet to the balance and wellbeing of our personnel.'
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Number of people in relative poverty fell by 100,000 last year to 9.7 million . 15% of people were in relative poverty, the lowest level since the 1980s . Iain Duncan Smith says poorest have been protected from impact of cuts .
Poverty levels in the UK have fallen to levels last seen more than two decades ago, new figures showed today. The number of people in relative poverty has fallen by 100,000 over the past year to 9.7 million. Overall, 15 per cent of people were in relative poverty last year, the lowest level since the 1980s. The official figures were released by the Department for Work and Pensions. They show how relative poverty - measured as living on 60 per cent of median average incomes - has been falling gradually since 2008-09 in the wake of the financial crash. Before housing costs are taken into account, the number of people living below the threshold has fallen by 100,000 over the past year to 9.7 million. In 2007-08 the figure hit 11million. Median incomes remained broadly unchanged between 2011/12 and 2012/13, up £2 to £440 a week for a couple with no children. Work and Pensions Secretary Iain Duncan Smith said: 'Despite the deepest debt-fuelled recession in living memory when £112 billion was wiped off the economy, we have protected the most vulnerable families from falling behind with 300,000 fewer children in poverty since 2010. 'Today's figures underline the need to stick to the Government's long-term economic plan of restoring a strong economy that creates jobs, and a tax and welfare system that helps people into work and makes work pay.' However, the percentage of people in absolute low income after housing costs has increased slightly to 23 per cent, the highest it has been since 2001-02. Among children, 17 per cent are in relative low income before housing costs, the lowest level since the 1980s, although it has not fallen in the last year. Labour's Rachel Reeves, shadow work and pensions secretary, said: 'These figures show the Government's child poverty strategy is failing abysmally with no progress for the millions of children still living in poverty. 'They also include extremely worrying signs that rising housing costs are set to push more children into poverty and that severe poverty is on the rise.' The Gingerbread campaign group said the statistics also showed a steep rise in child poverty for single parent households where the parent works full-time, climbing from 17 per cent of households where the single parent works full-time in poverty in 2011-12 to 22 per cent in 2012-13. Work and Pensions Secretary Iain Duncan Smith said the figures showed that the government had protected the most vulnerable families from falling behind . Almost one in four children whose single mother or father works full-time is now growing up poor, while nearly one in three with a single parent working part-time is in poverty, said the group. Gingerbread chief executive Fiona Weir said: 'It is deeply concerning that while the economy is on the up, hundreds of thousands of families remain trapped into poverty. 'For far too many single parent families, work offers no real promise of escape from hardship, as today's figures show a rise in working poverty where a single mum or dad is working full-time.' TUC general secretary Frances O'Grady said: 'Today's figures clearly show why living standards are falling. While wages have stagnated, and benefits and tax credits have been cut, prices have been rising - especially the cost of housing. 'Since the last election a million more adults and half a million more children fell into absolute poverty when housing costs are taken into account. 'Without a major affordable home building programme and action to secure fair wages, this type of poverty will continue to grow.' Julia Unwin, chief executive of the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, said: 'Today's figures show that we are not making sufficient progress into tackling high levels of poverty, despite rising employment and economic recovery. 'The return to lasting economic growth and long-term prosperity will be hampered if we fail to address the levels of poverty in the UK. We know that individual policies which tinker around the edges do not reduce poverty. 'We need a comprehensive strategy that gets to grips with low pay, the high cost of essentials and reform to the tax and benefits system to ensure work is a route out of poverty.' Prime Minister David Cameron's official spokesman said: 'Child poverty remains at its lowest level since the 1980s. It has fallen by 300,000 since 2009/10. 'Does the Government want to continue to do more in this area? Of course. 'Absolutely at the heart of improving prosperity across the country and for all is the importance of sticking to the long-term economic plan, because at the heart of dealing with poverty is work.' The spokesman added: 'In terms of wider poverty, the target established under the previous government is one of relative income, and that stands at its lowest level since 1982.'
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1000 foot wide asteroid will brush past the Earth at a distance of 30,000km . Scientists claim little chance of it hitting us - but scientists warn of 'tiny but real' likelihood it may in 2036 . Name inspired by two of the asteroid's co-discoverers favorite science fiction villain .
The European Space Agency's orbiting telescope has captured striking new images of the huge 'Doomsday' asteroid Apophis that could smash into Earth in 2036 - revealing it is larger than previously thought. Long billed as a potential cause of an Extinction Level Event for humanity, today ESA officials announced that its Herschel Space Observatory discovered that the asteroid is 1,066 feet wide, 20 percent larger than the previous estimate of 885 feet. Whizzing past Earth at the relatively close distance of nine million miles tonight, Apophis is being closely tracked because of a 2004 study that predicted the rock has a 2.7 percent chance of hitting Earth in April 2029, which was later revised to 2036. ESAs Herschel Space Observatory captured asteroid Apophis in its field of view during the approach to Earth on January, 5-6, 2013. This image shows the asteroid in Herschels three PACS wavelengths: 70, 100 and 160 microns . 'The 20 percent increase in diameter … translates into a 75 percent increase in our estimates of the asteroid's volume or mass,' study leader Thomas Müller of the Max Planck Institute for Extraterrestrial Physics in Garching, Germany, said in a statement. In addition to the latest findings two free webcasts will stream live views of the asteroid as it passes, filmed from telescopes in Italy and the Canary Islands. The video streams from Slooh Space Telescope and Virtual Telescope Project will show Apophis as a moving light streaking across the sky - although scientists have said that sadly the large space rock is too small to be seen through home telescopes. 'Alone among all these near-Earth asteroids that have passed our way in recent years, Apophis has generated the most concern worldwide because of its extremely close approach in 2029 and [chances of a] potential impact, albeit small, in 2036,' said Slooh president Patrick Paolucci. Indeed, while scientists have ruled out any possibility of a cataclysmic collision - there remains a very real chance of the asteroid Apophis smashing into Earth in 2036. 'Apophis has been one of those celestial bodies that has captured the public's interest since it was discovered in 2004,' said Steve Chesley at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California. Jan. 8, 2013: At about 36 hours from the minimum distance (9.3 million miles from Earth), potentially hazardous asteroid Apophis was imaged again with the Virtual Telescope . 'Updated computational techniques and newly available data indicate the probability of an Earth encounter on April 13, 2036, for Apophis has dropped from one-in-45,000 to about four-in-a million.' The science of predicting asteroid orbits is based on a physical model of the solar system which includes the gravitational influence of the sun, moon, other planets and the three largest asteroids. NASA detects and tracks asteroids and comets passing close to Earth using both ground and space-based telescopes. The Near Earth-Object Observations Program, commonly called 'Spaceguard,' discovers these objects, characterizes a subset of them and plots their orbits to determine if any could be potentially hazardous to our planet. This year Apophis, named after an Egyptian mythological demon, will not get closer than around nine million miles. Doomsday Asteroid? An artist's rendering of the asteroid Apophis as created by the European Space Agency . Experts say the impact if Apophis struck the Earth would generate a blast equivalent to more than 500 megatons of TNT . Scientists will use the encounter to improve their estimate of just how dangerous the space rock really is to life on Earth. In 2029, Apophis is expected to come uncomfortably close, brushing past the Earth at a distance of just 30,000 kilometres. That will put the asteroid inside the orbit of communication satellites. Current models predict a tiny but real likelihood of Apophis colliding with the Earth in 2036. When the asteroid was discovered in 2004 scientists calculated a one-in-45 chance of an impact in 2029. Improved predictions later lifted the threat. The asteroid's latest near approach will occur at midnight UK time tomorrow. Members of the public can view the event online via the Slooh web-based sky-watching service, which collects images from observatories around the world. 'We are excited to cover this asteroid live for the general public.' Scientists at the American space agency Nasa have calculated that if Apophis struck the Earth it would generate a blast equivalent to more than 500 megatons of TNT. In comparison, the most powerful hydrogen bomb ever detonated, the Soviet Tsar Bomba, released 57 megatons.
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Lyn Corderoy's trip to Africa has upset parents at Grange Primary in Essex . Headteacher is taking unpaid leave to help Ghanaian children with literacy . 65 per cent of her pupils hit national standard for grammar and spelling . Critics accused school of 'double standards' because parents face fines . Anyone who removes school child without permission will pay £60 . Essex school in county where 500 people a year are fined in this way .
Criticism: Headteacher Lyn Corderoy has flown off to Ghana to teach literacy skills to children during term time . A headteacher has been criticised for taking the 'appalling' decision to go to Africa for almost a month during term-time. Lyn Corderoy, headteacher at Grange Primary School in Wickford, Essex, has flown off to Ghana despite parents facing a £60 fine for unauthorised absence during term-time. Her school, which is rated good by Ofsted but its pupils are below average for English, is taking part in a project to help children in Africa with literacy. Last year only 65 per cent of her pupils attained the desired national standard for grammar, punctuation and spelling. Parents have turned on Miss Corderoy, who is taking the time as unpaid leave and accused of 'double standards'. In Essex, where the school is, more than 500 people a year are fined in this way. But the school have said her trip is 'vitally important'. Susan Godfrey, 46, from Wickford, said: 'I think it's absolutely appalling. 'How is the headteacher allowed to go away for such a long time during term-time? There are parents waiting on decisions she has made and she is not even there.' Charlotte Worton, 26, from Pitsea, Essex, added: 'I think it's absolutely unfair headteachers can go in term-time. 'It's unfair on the children. Their job is to look after the children during the term time. If they take time off, they're neglecting the children.' Alan Ball, local UKIP councillor, said he also had concerns about the decision. He said: 'I have not been made aware of it but it seems to be double standards. 'If you are not allowed to take children out of school and the headteacher disappears for a month, it seems to be double standards to me. 'If the head goes away for a month someone has to cover for the headteacher and it will have a knock-on effect on the pupils eventually. 'It must have, unless they are bringing in someone else at the taxpayers' cost. 'I don't know the situation, but on the face of it, I would have concerns.' Anger: Parents of children at Grange Primary School in Wickford, Essex, said the decision to let the headteacher go is 'appalling' Announcement: Miss Corderoy's time away was announced in the school newsletter last month . Wickford Ukip councillor Nigel Le Gresley said: 'It does to a certain extent smack of double standards, not least because it could perhaps have been done in term time'. Parents have accused Miss Corderoy of double standards because they can be fined for taking their children on a term-time holiday. Previously, head teachers had the discretion to allow pupils up to 10 days of leave from school each year. However, under new measures brought in by former Education Secretary Michael Gove, children can only be taken out of school in 'exceptional circumstances'. Parents who take their children out of school without authorisation, they can face a fine of £60 for every child. Those who refuse to pay can be prosecuted, fined £2,500 and even face jail. In Essex, where Miss Corderoy's school is, more than 500 people a year are fined in this way. News of the headteacher's absence was announced in last month's school newsletter under the headline 'Being a Learning School'. The short explanation stated: 'I'm sure you will agree with the governors and staff that sharing our good learning and teaching practice with other schools and students is vitally important. 'We support learning in many different ways and after half term the school governors have given Miss Corderoy an unpaid secondment to work on the Let's Read phonic project. 'This is an exciting opportunity to share our school's phonic learning skills. 'Mr Hazelgrove will be acting head for the three weeks she is away.' A spokesman for Essex County Council defended the decision saying: 'The headteacher is not on leave and this is not a personal project. 'She is on an unpaid professional secondment that will benefit the children's learning. 'Ghanaian teachers have previously visited Grange to help the children learn about other cultures.' A spokesman for the school governors added: 'The preparation cover arrangements put in place have meant that the good-quality of education and service at the school has been maintained.' Last month a headteacher was branded a 'hypocrite' after she booked a Caribbean holiday for during term time only to cave in to pressure from parents and cancel it. Jenny Winder, 53, head of Elstow Primary School near Bedford, had wanted a week off after the Christmas holidays ended for an exotic beach break. This was despite it being after the start of school term and parents being told in no uncertain terms that they cannot take their children out of lessons. After days of pressure Bedford Borough Council confirmed Mrs Winder has 'cancelled the proposed leave and will be in work from the start of the new spring term on the January 5, 2015'. Earlier parent governor Reverend Jeremy Crocker called on Mrs Winder to cancel her holiday and apologise because her proposed holiday was blatant 'double standards'. He also said she sent a letter to parents falsely claiming her holiday was 'unanimously' backed by governors like him. Her school, which she has run for 14 years, warns had parents who take their children out of school during term time facing fines of £60 per child for unauthorised absences. Mrs Winder had refused to give an explanation or apologise for trying to take the time off. She said: 'My private life is exactly what it says - private.'
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On Friday, Lydia was spotted 1,000 miles from Cornwall and Ireland . The satellite-tagged 15ft, 2,000lb great white is around 800 miles away after she crossed the Mid-Atlantic ridge found in the middle of the ocean . Today GPS tag showed she is heading west, but experts think the shark is looking for a nursery in the Mediterranean where she can raise some pups . Great white sharks typically give birth to between two and 12 pups . Lydia became the first tagged great white to cross the Mid-Atlantic Ridge . No one understands why she is taking such a strange route as great whites are usually found in warmer waters .
A great white shark heading for British waters could be bringing some smaller ferocious fish with her, scientists have revealed. The deadly predator – named Lydia – became the first tagged great white shark to cross the Mid-Atlantic Ridge and scientists charting her progress have now revealed that the 15ft shark might be swimming towards Europe to give birth to pups. She is just 800 miles (1,255km) off the coast of Cornwall and Ireland in the Atlantic Ocean and has now turned away from the UK. Scroll down for video . The great white sharked named Lydia has travelled 313 miles in the past 72 hours. She is currently headed west But experts believe the shark is pregnant and in search of a nursery for her pups and could be en route to the Mediterranean . Very little is known about the reproduction of great white sharks. Great white sharks are thought to reach sexual maturity aged around 15. The oldest female ever recorded was 40 years old. The predators are ovoviviparous which means that eggs develop and hatch in the uterus and continue to develop until birth. The great white shark has an 11 month gestation period and the pups' jaws start to form at one month. Unborn sharks feed on ova produced by the mother and are born in spring and summer. Mother sharks typically give birth to between two and 12 pups. But experts think she may be aiming for Turkey in search of a nursery in the long-run. Lydia, who weighs 2,000lb has covered more than 19,400 miles in the past year since being fitted with a tracking device. She is being tracked as part of a ground-breaking marine life study by Osearch that aims to learn more about sharks' movements. Scientists have been following the ferocious fish for over a year and her progress can be followed on the project’s website. ‘Lydia pinged in this morning headed NW!’ researchers tweeted this morning. Experts say they are shocked by Lydia’s recent dash towards Europe and she has travelled 313 miles in the past 72 hours. Chris Fischer, expedition leader and founding chairman of the Ocearch shark tagging project, said Lydia may be looking for somewhere to rear young. He said: ‘I would guess that Lydia is pregnant and that she has been out in the open ocean gestating her babies and that this spring she will lead us to where those baby white sharks are born - the nursery.’ He thinks her chosen location may end up being off the coast of Turkey. Record breaker: The deadly predator has become the first tagged shark of its species to cross the Mid Atlantic Ridge, an enormous underwater mountain range under the ocean. She is currently swimming to the west Deadly cargo: Tagging the shark was a feat in itself, with heavy machinery used to hoist Lydia from the water in order to fit the tracking device . The Mid-Atlantic Ridge is a ridge found along the floor of the Atlantic Ocean. This rift marks the actual boundary between adjacent tectonic plates, where magma from the mantle reaches the seafloor, erupting as lava and producing new crustal material for the plates. It forms part of the longest mountain range in the world and separates the Eurasian Plate and North American Plate in the North Atlantic, and the African Plate from the South American Plate in the South Atlantic. Great White Sharks normally give birth to between two and 12 pups at a time after a gestation period of 11 months. Blood samples didn't show Lydia was pregnant when researchers used a 34,000kg hydraulic platform to hoist her from the water to fit her tracking device. But Mr Fischer, who has led numerous ocean expeditions, said there is uncertainty over how exactly Great Whites reproduce. ‘The sperm from the male comes in a packet with a shell on it. They [the female sharks] can carry it around for a while until a special organ inside them breaks down the shell and they get pregnant. ‘We know its 18 months from when we discover the breeding aggregation to when they lead us to the nursery. ‘What we don't know is how long they carry that sperm packet and how long is it until their body breaks down the shell.’ Lydia had been heading north but made a sharp turn back towards the U.S. Ladbrokes bookkeepers revealed odds of 2-1 for Lydia visiting Cornwall as her first port of call. Lydia has become the first tagged great white to cross the Mid Atlantic Ridge - an underwater mountain range which separates the Eurasian and North American Plates - at around 10am on March 9 . Her GPS tag only gives off a signal when she's near the water's surface so scientists sometimes have to wait days between new readings. Mr Fischer said it was impossible to predict where she'll head next. He said: ‘If you forced me to guess where that was, I'd say it was over in the Mediterranean, near Turkey - but that's long-ball I'm playing. ‘She could turn around right now and head back to Florida.’ She became the first tagged great white to cross the Mid-Atlantic Ridge - an underwater mountain range which separates the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates - on the morning of March 9. Great whites are traditionally tracked off the coasts of South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, the west coast of America from California up to Alaska, the Gulf coast and Hawaii. Shark biologist Ian Fergusson tweeted: ‘WhiteShark Lydia pinged in on the other side of MidAtlanticRidge! Welcome to the history books, Lydia,’ while Chris Fischer, who is involved in the project, tweeted: 'Lydia turns E toward UK continuing first doc Trans/Atl migration n hist!’ Lydia was tagged by the Ocearch project, which aims to monitor sharks to learn more about their movements . Dr Gregory Skomal, 52, senior fisheries biologist with Massachusetts Marine Fisheries, said: ‘I have no idea what to expect from her . next. I've been working with sharks for a very long time now and I have . never seen anything like this.' ‘It's anyone's guess where she is going to go next but she has been heading east so she might continue to do so.’ ‘She's just short of 800 miles away from your coast now but in the grand scheme of things that really isn't far for her. It's all very exciting. ‘It's hard to say how long it might take her to get there. If she decides she wants to get to England she could get there in days. ‘Having said that, she is quite likely to meander. It could take her days, it could take her months, or it might not happen at all. ‘I think it would be great to see her turn up in the UK though.’ Though Lydia's journey is impressive, great whites are known for their marathon migrations. In 2003 a great white nicknamed Nicole travelled from South Africa to Australia and back - some 12,400 miles. In recent years there have been several sightings of Great whites off the coast of Britain. In September last year, fisherman David Bond said he had spotted a 14ft beast swimming close to his boat off the coast of Looe in southern Cornwall. The suspected sighting came just a day after a fisherman on board a lobster boat said he spotted a 'giant shark' get close to his vessel. All those who witnessed the shark dismissed the idea it could be a basking shark, saying the creature was much larger, prompting experts to consider the possibility it was a great white. Great white sharks are the largest predatory fish in the world, reaching up to 20ft in length and more than 4,400lb in weight. Satellite tracking of the giant species has afforded researchers and scientists more accurate information about their habits and long-distance journeys. The OCEARCH Global Shark Tracker Project has tagged around 100 sharks since 2009. The study has shown that Great whites can travel up to 3,000 miles in three months. They . are traditionally tracked off the coasts of South Africa, Australia, . New Zealand, the west coast of America from California up to Alaska, the . Gulf coast and Hawaii. The . creatures have a ferocious reputation but are responsible for between a . third and a half of the average 100 shark attacks across the world each . year. They are highly adapted predators, detecting a single drop of blood in 100 litres of water up to three miles away. Their mouths are lined with around 300 serrated teeth, arranged across several rows. Gathering . speed and approaching their prey from beneath, Great whites can leap . clear of the water, breaching like whales to attack. They commonly feed on sea lions, seals, small toothed whales, and sea turtles. The predators live for up to 25 years and eat around 11 tonnes of food each year. If food is scarce, the sharks will try to avoid fighting, instead engaging in a tail-slapping contest along the surface of the water. The winner delivers the most slaps. Scientists . do not have a reliable idea of the species' population across the . world, but agree their number are decreasing due to overfishing and . sharks being caught accidentally in nets. They are listed as an endangered species.
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Australia is gripped by a property boom, causing houses to be overvalued . The price of these houses has plunged after prolonged time on the market . Some of them have dropped over 40%, meaning savings of $1 million .
With property markets heating up across the country, Generation Y are increasingly opting to live with their parents, while squalid properties are selling for millions. Amid the ongoing property boom gripping the Australian real estate market, these properties give prospective home buyers a bid to find some bang for their buck. But Property Observer have risen to the occasion and tracked down the 10 biggest property discounts across Australia. Here are the 10 biggest price slashes, ranging from as low as $170,000 to a staggering million dollar cut. 10. 21 Cotton Court, Strathalbyn, South Australia - Discount of $173,000 . The Circa 1990's character property features three bedrooms, an open fire, spacious kitchen with modern appliances and lounge room with slow combustion, beautiful timber floors and double car accommodation . After three years and three months on the market, the three bedroom property has fallen from $498,000 to $325,000 - that's a saving of $173,000. Set in a cul-de-sac location, the Circa 1900's character home features three good size bedrooms - two with built in robes, open fire places and plenty of linen space and a beautifully renovated bathroom and large laundry. Sprawled across 1229 square-metre block of land, the enclosed garden offers shedding, shade homes, rainwater and a double car accommodation, with plenty of open space play areas. 9. 219 Bernard Road North, Carabooda, Western Australia - Discount of $773,000 . Sitting on a sizeable 15 hectares, the three bedroom home offers a perfect rural lifestyle with current 36,000Kl water licence, farm sheds and just kilometres from the imminent Alkimos CBD, freeway and railway line . The rural abode was previously listed on the market, with an asking price of $3.5 million. But after being on the market for 467 days, the price has dropped a staggering $773,000 off its original price tag - it's now on the market for $2,727,000. Sitting on a sizeable 15 hectares or 37.9 acres of land, the property offers three bedrooms, three garage spaces and is situated in the proposed landscape enhancement zone with the discretionary use for many tourist attractions. Located just four kilometres from the imminent Alkimos CBD, freeway and railway line, the beautiful farm offers a rural lifestyle and a perfect opportunity for new home owners or developers to upgrade for a tremendous scope to capitalise from the block of land. 8. 2 Wellington Street, Richmond, Tasmania - Discount of $1,000,000 . The heritage-listed property features four bedrooms, four bathrooms, additional rooms - perfect to turn into a studio, media and entertainment areas, double garage and a self contained cottage . The heritage-listed property has been on the market for 428 days, with an asking price of $2.8 million . But after failing to attract home buyers, it's now listed for $1.8 million - that's a full million dollar drop . With a picturesque backdrop of the old Richmond Bridge, the property offers exceptional accommodation and amenities and a double garage - perfect for the family and their guests . The heritage-listed property has been on the market for 428 days, with an asking price of $2.8 million. But after failing to attract home buyers, it's now listed for $1.8 million - that's a full million dollar drop. Known as the Mill House, it features four bedrooms, four bathrooms in the main house and a self contained cottage, sprawled across a beautifully landscaped garden, which features existing dwellings, orchard, raised garden beds and recreational facilities. With a picturesque backdrop of the old Richmond Bridge, the property offers exceptional accommodation and amenities and a double garage - perfect for the family and their guests. Featuring a very spacious attic - perfect for a studio or gaming room, which has been plumbed for an additional bathroom and bedroom if required. 7. 1/23 Albuera Street, Battery Point, Tasmania - Discount of $800,000 . The stunning apartment offers three double bedrooms with walk-in and build robes, formal living and dining rooms, polished timber floors and window shutters and a large lock-up garage . The lavish apartment has been on the market for the past three years. But after failing to attract buyers, the original price at $2.2 million has slashed $800,000 off - it's now listed for $1.4 million . The lavish apartment has been on the market for the past three years. But after failing to attract buyers, the original price at $2.2 million has slashed $800,000 off - it's now listed for $1.4 million. Protected by security gates and high fences at the front of the property, level entry leads to a capacious front foyer and out to a central terraced area with water feature, citrus fruit trees and a variety of mature plantings. With plenty of visitor parking, the stunning apartment offers three double bedrooms with walk-in and build robes, formal living and dining rooms, polished timber floors and window shutters and a large lock-up garage. 6. 28a Malsbury Street, Bicton, Western Australia - Discount of $550,000 . The two bedroom unit was previously on the market for over a year, with an asking price of $1.5 million. But vendors are not asking for $950,000 - which is $550,000 off the original price . The two bedroom unit was previously on the market for over a year, with an asking price of $1.5 million. But vendors are not asking for $950,000 - which is $550,000 off the original price. Situated just off the Swan River, the flat is listed for rent at $480 per week. 5. 292 Carabooda Road, Carabooda, Western Australia - Discount of $618,000 . The farm offers a three bedroom cottage, double garage, shed and bore, and just driving distance to the imminent Alkimos CBD, freeway and railway line . Set within close proximity of the state forest with miles & miles of bridle trails, the new home owners will get the opportunity to grow fruit trees and vegetable gardens as well as a build a tennis court . The 7.2 hectare farm is believed to be the most discounted home in Western Australia. At an initial tag of $1.65 million, the property can now be snatched up for $$1,032,000 - that's a price slash of $618,000. The farm offers a three bedroom cottage, double garage, shed and bore, and just driving distance to the imminent Alkimos CBD, freeway and railway line. Set within close proximity of the state forest with miles & miles of bridle trails, the new home owners will get the opportunity to grow fruit trees and vegetable gardens as well as a build a tennis court. 4. 61 Woolgen Park Road, Leppington, New South Wales - Discount of $600,000 . Sprawled across 5 acre block of land, the cottage-style home features two bedrooms and is presently rented for a measly $300 a week - perfect for a good investment with future capital growth . Sprawled across 5 acre block of land, the cottage-style home features two bedrooms and is presently rented for a measly $300 a week - perfect for a good investment with future capital growth. The property is a steal at $950,000, particularly in light of its $1.55 million price tag a mere five months ago - That's a saving of $600,000. 3. 78 Walters Road, Wattle Grove, Tasmania - Discount of $815,000 . Sitting on a sizeable 10 acres of land, the beautiful modern home features three bedrooms with built in robes, two bathrooms - both with spa baths and walk-in shower and four carport spaces . The Riverfront property was most recently the most discounted home in the country, with a staggering drop from $1.5 million to $685,000 in just over a year on the market - that's a saving of $815,000. Sitting on a sizeable 10 acres of land, the beautiful modern home features three bedrooms with built in robes, two bathrooms - both with spa baths and walk-in shower and four carport spaces. The kitchen is finished in a crisp white look, with ample bench space and an island bench, stainless steel appliances and stunning designs with modern architecture. With waterfront views and rural outlooks, the home offers a luxurious country lifestyle in a light filled open plan style, which allows the views to be enjoyed regardless of whether inside or outside. 2. 948 Priestdale Street, Rochedale, Queensland - Discount of $1,150,000 . The home features three bedrooms, two bathrooms, huge rumpus with a pool table, with multiple sheds and barns - perfect for a family wanting to live the 'rural' lifestyle . The 20 paddock property was previously listed on the market for $2.8 million for 412 days. But after failing to attract buyers, the price has slashed $1,150,000 off the initial price tag - it's now a bargain at $1.65 million . The 20 paddock property was previously listed on the market for $2.8 million for 412 days. But after failing to attract buyers, the price has slashed $1,150,000 off the initial price tag - it's now a bargain at $1.65 million. With just walking distance from the new shopping centres, public and private schools as well as job opportunities with earnings between $700 to $1000 per week. The home features three bedrooms, two bathrooms, huge rumpus with a pool table, with multiple sheds and barns - perfect for a family wanting to live the 'rural' lifestyle. 1. 2 Louisa Street, Ranelagh, Tasmania - Discount of $1,005,000 . The luxurious home boasts a 25 bed main residence and two cottage rooms, eight bathrooms and was once used as a boutique bed and breakfast for around ten years . The property has halved during the near two years it has been on the market. It was previously listed on the market at an initial asking price of $2 million but vendors are now seeking offers at $995,000 - that's a saving of $1,005,000. The luxurious home boasts a 25 bed main residence and two cottage rooms for guests or staff accommodation, which was once used as a farming enterprise and a boutique bed and breakfast for around ten years. The charm and beauty of Clifton was passed through a single family for over a century before hitting the market around 2000. Sprawled across
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Leon Fenner, the suspected gunman in a $2million diamond heist was apprehended in Maryland on Wednesday . Fenner and his accomplice, Rondu Frisby, reportedly stole countless jewels and 20 luxury watches from Watch Standard Jewelry last month . It has also been reported that Fenner pistol whipped the store owner's father during the robbery .
The suspected gunman involved in a brazen New York City diamond heist has been apprehended by authorities. Leon Fenner was captured in Maryland on Wednesday night, almost one month after he and another man are believed to have robbed Watch Standard Jewelry of $2million in jewels. The November 11 heist also left the elderly father of the store owner injured after he was reportedly pistol whipped by Fenner. Scroll down for videos . Captured: Leon Fenner the suspected gunman in a $2million heist was apprehended in Maryland on Wednesday . Shut it down: The robbery on November 11 cause authorities to shut down a Manhattan city block . Fenner will appear Thursday before a magistrate judge in federal court in Maryland according to the New York Post. The other man in the heist, Rondu Frisby, was a friend of store owner Daniel Mikhaylov, and picked up just a week after the incident. The robbery, which happened on the same day as the city's Veteran's Day Parade that had shut down traffic just a block away, forced police to close down an entire city block as they searched for the armed gunman. Lots of loot: Fenner and his accomplice made of with numerous jewels and 20 luxury watches . They were able to make a quick escape however, with Frisby buzzing Fenner into the store and the two men getting out before any alarms were sounded. Boris, the store owner's father, emptied the safe for the criminals. The men were captured however on surveillance cameras along the block as they entered and exited the building. Among the items looted by the men were 20 luxury watches and countless jewels.
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The 26-year-old Girls star won over critics in her three-hour live NBC adaptation on Thursday - but the show had its fair share of problems . Captain Hook star Christopher Walken accused of lip-syncing and bizarre performance . One critic tweeted: 'Is Christopher Walken playing Hook, or is Capt. Hook playing a caricature of Christopher Walken?' Peter Pan Live! reached 9.1 million viewers - less than half what The Sound of Music did for NBC last year . Lena Dunham tweeted: 'Allison is about to undertake one of the greatest drag roles in history and we are so proud we could burst' NBC Nightly News host Brian WIlliams took the night off anchoring duties to watch his daughter's performance from the wings .
Allison Williams won over critics as she transformed into Peter Pan on Thursday but her live TV performance was not without the odd high-wire hitch. The 26-year-old actress, better known for playing character Marnie in hit show Girls, had a wobbly take-off at the start of the NBC show. Williams almost crashed into a wall in an opening scene where Peter demonstrates his magical flying powers to Wendy. Scroll down for videos . Flying high: Allison Williams takes off on Thursday during her live musical performance as Peter Pan on NBC . Williams had a near-miss with the wall while on the high-wire but quickly recovered to give a performance which won over viewers . The 26-year-old Girls star received high praise from viewers on social media for her role as the 'boy who wouldn't grow up' The actress recovered quickly, cushioning herself against the wall with her hand and shook off the minor mishap. The three-hour production of Peter Pan Live! also starred Christopher Walken as a charismatic Captain Hook - complete with tap-dancing. However the veteran actor also came under fire for apparent lip-syncing. One critic tweeted: 'Is Christopher Walken playing Hook, or is Capt. Hook playing a caricature of Christopher Walken?' But the performance appeared to be a hit with some viewers as Today anchor Savannah Guthrie quipped on Friday: 'It was not Peter Pan-ned.' On Twitter, one viewer, @joey_aulisio, wrote: 'Allison Williams killed it. Walken killed it. That wooden gator killed it. Tiger Lily - call me. THAT DOG! Great job everyone.' Another, @ryansatin, wrote: 'If you're not watching Walken as Hook, you are missing out on a truly special moment in TV history.' Williams got a boost of support before tackling the three-hour live performance from her co-star Lena Dunham, Katy Perry and her dad, news anchor Brian Williams . We're Hooked: Veteran star Christopher Walken showed off tap-dancing skills with his band of pirates as Peter Pan's arch nemesis Captain Hook . Peter Pan's nemesis Captain Hook, played by Christopher Walken was a hit with viewers, with Mia Farrow tweeting: 'Christopher Walken = Gold, no matter what' Surprise cameo: The voice of the narrator throughout, Minnie Driver came out at the very end to play Wendy Darling after she was all grown up - and still hoping for Peter Pan's return . The blue-and-purple crocodile which torments Captain Hook and his pirates was a big hit with viewers . Girls co-star Lena Dunham tweeted: 'Allison is about to undertake one of the greatest drag roles in history and we are so proud we could burst. She will slay.' Celebrity fans also offered their support. Katy Perry tweeted: 'I believe in you Allison Williams!' Zach Braff joked: 'Brian Williams is crushing this.' The NBC Nightly News host took the night off anchoring duties to watch his daughter's performance from the wings. Mr Williams told TVNewser: 'We will be watching the broadcast - immediate family only - sequestered in an undisclosed location... close enough to the production as to burst through the stage door the moment the credits roll.' Alanna Saunders, a 22-year-old woman of Cherokee descent, was plucked from obscurity to play the starring role of Native American princess character Tiger Lily . Peter Pan, played by Allison Williams, meets Wendy, played by Broadway star Taylor Louderman However there were grumbles from viewers, as one Twitter user, @KittyKateMD, wrote: 'Although Allison Williams is singing beautiful, but her English accent is horrible! PeterPanLive'. Another fired back: 'Chill with the hate people. Just be thankful its not as awful as Carrie Underwood in The Sound Of Music PeterPanLive'. Christopher Walken delighted viewers with his drawling, sashaying Captain Hook. His tap dancing, alongside an accomplished band of pirates, drew high praise. One viewer, rather unbelievably, compared him to Fred Astaire. But as Mia Farrow tweeted: 'Christopher Walken = Gold, no matter what.' The Darling children take flight under Peter Pan's instructions with the NBC telecast making much use of the high-wire during the three-hour production . Peter Pan leads the Darling children off to Neverland in the live adaptation of the 1954 Disney-animated film . Peter Pan with Wendy Darling and her brothers fly off to Neverland in the live telecast of the children's classic . Williams looked a world away from her Girls character Marnie with her hair in a pixie crop to play Peter Pan . Peter Pan Live! came a year after NBC's three-hour live telecast of The Sound of Music starring Carrie Underwood revived the idea of a broadcast network mounting a full-scale musical for live TV. That attracted nearly 19 million viewers but came in for criticism with Carrie Underwood, who played Maria, panned for her 'amateur' acting and Stephen Moyer, as Captain Georg Von Trapp, written off for 'clenched' singing. This time, there was much more dancing, the addition of complicated flying routines, some mermaids, sword fights, digital overlays like Tinkerbell and shadows, and a live dog. Director and choreographer Rob Ashford had his work cut out for him. Like The Sound Of Music, Peter Pan Live! wisely leaned on Broadway performers, including five-time Tony Award-nominee Kelli O'Hara, who was sadly underused, as Mrs Darling. The show also starred Jake Lucas (who was in Broadway show Newsies) as John Darling and a very good Taylor Louderman (Bring It On: The Musical) as Wendy. The beefy-armed Christian Borle, a Tony winner and veteran of last year's The Sound of Music Live!, played Mr Darling. (In a twist, Borle won his Tony playing Captain Hook in the Peter Pan play Peter and the Starcatcher.) Borle, who also stars in NBC’s Smash, actually played two characters - the children’s strict dad Mr Darling as well as Hook’s right-hand pirate, Smee, a character he was far more successful at playing. But one of the stand-out performances came from the show’s second biggest star, Minnie Driver, despite only being seen onscreen for the last five minutes. Despite being the first voice we heard as the narrator throughout, Minnie came out at the very end to play Wendy Darling after she was all grown up - a mother who was still longing for Peter Pan’s return. Captain Hook's pirates were also big hits with viewers during the spirited three-hour special performance . The tea party: The Lost Boys perform a routine with Allison Williams as Peter Pan The merry band of Peter Pan's Lost Boys during a scene from Thursday's performance. Peter Pan Live! wisely leaned on Broadway performers . Wendy's emotional moment at the end as Peter Pan finally returns - and she allows her daughter to follow him to Neverland - was one which moved many fans to tears. It was also a more culturally sensitive Peter Pan, with Alanna Saunders, a 22-year-old woman of Cherokee descent, portraying the Native American princess character Tiger Lily, and the offensive song Ugg-a-Wugg transformed into True Blood Brothers. However the biggest reaction went to a rather unexpected cast member - a crazy bright purple-and-blue crocodile, who tormenting Captain Hook and his pirates throughout. 'And the blue crocodile just broke Twitter,’ viewer Zach Brooks tweeted. Wendy Darling sings a romantic song expressing her unrequited love for Peter Pan in a performance which stayed true to JM Barrie's classic novel . Wendy Darling (pictured right) was played by Taylor Louderman who has also appeared in Broadway musical Bring It On . Showdown: Captain Hook and Peter Pan come face-to-face in the musical performance on Thursday . Christopher Walken's Captain Hook character delighted viewers with his drawling dialogue and dancing . Allison Williams' Girls co-star Lena Dunham tweeted: 'Allison is about to undertake one of the greatest drag roles in history and we are so proud we could burst. She will slay.' Katy Perry: 'I believe in you Allison Williams!' Zach Braff joked: 'Brian Williams is crushing this.' Mia Farrow tweeted: 'Christopher Walken = Gold, no matter what.' Anna Kendrick went on stream of tweets as she watched. She posted: 'Dog is already the only character I care about PeterPanLive. 'Tinkerbell sounds just like the iPhone alarm and these kids are still asleep? I don't buy it. PeterPanLive' 'OH s!!! Neverland is an acid trip and I never want get sober. PeterPanLive' Sarah Silverman: 'There are only two women in PeterPanLive and they're both Christopher Walken' Sarah Michelle Gellar: 'I wonder what next years live musical will be?? I'm hoping for @MariahCarey in HelloDolly. Anyone else have any ideas? Aubrey Plaza: 'CHRISTOPHER WALKEN IS EVERYTHING' Judd Apatow: '@billyeichner: .@BillCosby u watchin Peter Pan?” He is more of a Sleeping Beauty guy. Isn't it odd to think he is sitting with someone now'
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Real Madrid have 12 players nominated for FIFA's World XI . Cristiano Ronaldo is favourite to retain his Ballon d'Or title . Los Blancos are top of La Liga and flying in the Champions League . Carlo Ancelotti could also win FIFA's coach of the year award .
When the final FIFA FIFPro World XI is announced at the Ballon d'Or award ceremony at the Kongresshaus in Zurich on January 12, it could end up reading a lot like one of Carlo Ancelotti's team-sheets. Real Madrid have one goalkeeper, five defenders, three midfielders and three strikers in the 55-player shortlist. Coach Ancelotti could also pick up the manger's gong and Cristiano Ronaldo, with a record breaking 17 goals in last season's Champions League campaign, is favourite to win the main prize – the Ballon d'Or. Real Madrid forward Cristiano Ronaldo is favourite to retain his Ballon d'Or crown in Zurich next month . Carlo Ancelotti could claim FIFA's coach of the year award after leading Real to Champions League glory . Manuel Neuer, Dani Carvajal, Diego Godin, Sergio Ramos, Philipp Lahm; James Rodriguez, Toni Kroos, Angel di Maria; Gareth Bale, Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi . Real Madrid players in bold . The current European champions are on a run of 17 straight wins that should extend to 20 with home games against Celta Vigo, Ludogorets and Almeria to come before they travel to Morocco where they will play the Club World Cup. By the time the awards ceremony comes around they could be sat on top of the world, as well as favourites to become the first side ever to retain the Champions League. The manner in which they have won their last five Champions League games has seen to that. Their La Liga form – brushing aside Barcelona when the two teams in met in October - has them on top and expected to take that crown, too. When FIFA finally announce their team of teams Madrid will have to cede some territory to other clubs. After a poor World Cup, Iker Casillas maybe be back to his best in La Liga but it will surely be too late to prevent Manuel Neuer from being voted best goalkeeper. Atletico Madrid's Diego Godin should be picked in the defence and that will mean that Sergio Ramos and Pepe – both worthy of spots in the XI – will have to contest the other centre-back position. As one of the Ballon d'Or finalists Lionel Messi will make the team so Real Madrid's BBC forward line of Gareth Bale, Karim Benzema and Ronaldo will not be able to make a clean sweep of the front three. Welshman Gareth Bale has been nominated for FIFA's World XI after a fine first season in Madrid . Summer signing James Rodriguez, pictured scoring against Cornella, is one FIFA's nominated midfielders . Ballon d'Or: Cristiano Ronaldo . Best goalkeeper: Iker Casillas . Best defenders: Dani Carvajal, Sergio Ramos, Pepe, Marcelo, Raphael Varane . Best midfielders: Toni Kroos, James Rodriguez, Luka Modric . Best forwards: Cristiano Ronaldo, Gareth Bale, Karim Benzema . The midfield could well be made up of current Real stars and players who were integral to Madrid's success last season - Luka Modric, James Rodriguez and Toni Kroos are in competition with Angel di Maria and Xabi Alonso. Whatever shape the final team takes it could comfortably have five Madrid players in it, plus those sold in the summer. And the powers that be at the Bernabeu won't even mind if players let go in August make the cut. Such has been the success of new faces Kroos and Rodriguez that the sales of Alonso and Di Maria, that stung so much at the start of the season, now no longer trouble supporters. Rodriguez already has nine goals – just two short of Di Maria's total of 11 for the last campaign. It now looks a masterstroke especially as the Colombia star is on £1.5million-a-year less than the Argentine would have cost under the terms of the new deal he felt – with some justification after his brilliant season – that he deserved. Scooping the individual prizes in Zurich in January will be no guarantee that come the end of the season Real will have another cupboard full of trophies but there does seem to be a drive about the squad that is missing both from Barcelona and some of the teams they are likely to come up against in the Champions League knockout stages. A clean sweep in the FIFA FIFPro team is unlikely but they look on course to go on dominating football for some time. VIDEO Real Madrid in cruise control .
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France and US announce £40 million fund for Holocaust survivors . Victims transported by France's state rail company will be eligible . Spouses or descendants of victims may also be entitled to compensation . SNCF transported about 76,000 French Jews to concentration camps . Survivors should get around £62,000 ($100,000) in compensation . Move described as 'an important recognition of their (survivors) pain'
Thousands of Holocaust victims transported to Nazi concentration camps by a French railway company will be entitled to compensation. France and the US have agreed a £40 million ($60 million) settlement fund, that will be financed by the French Government. Survivors who were deported by France's state rail company SNCF during World War II will be able to make a claim. Scroll down for video . Hundreds of holocaust victims transported to Nazi concentration camps by the French state railway company will be entitled to compensation, it has been announced. French President Francois Hollande pictured at a train car that represents the Drancy concentration camp, in Drancy, a Paris suburb, France (file picture) As part of the deal, the US Government will work to end lawsuits and and compensation claims against SNCF. The rail company is currently bidding for a lucrative high-speed rail contract in the US and some State Legislators had been trying to punish it SNCF for its Holocaust actions. 'This is another measure of justice for the harms of one of history's darkest eras,' said the U.S. Special Adviser on Holocaust Issues, Stuart Eizenstat, who spent three years working with French officials on the agreement. SNCF transported about 76,000 French Jews to Nazi concentration camps, though experts disagree on its degree of guilt. It is believed only an estimated 3,000 French Jews survived the horrendous concentration camps. SNCF has expressed regret for what happened, but argues it had no effective control over operations during the Nazi occupation from 1940 to 1944. The French Foreign Ministry and U.S. State Department announced an accord Friday on the compensation fund, which will be financed by the French government and managed by the United States. The agreement will be signed Monday in Washington, but it still must get approval from the French Parliament, which could take months. The French government has already paid more than $6 billion in reparations — but only to French citizens and certain deportees. Victims could be entitled to up to £62,000 as part of the agreement between France and the US. Pictured French Holocaust survivors gathering at the site of the former Drancy detention camp, north of Paris, France (file picture) The French Government are paying for the compensation fund. French President Francois Hollande standing at attention in front of a train car that represents the Drancy camp (file picture) The new deal will allow compensation for Americans, Israelis and some others who were not eligible for other French reparations programs. There are around 250 people in the U.S. who are eligible under the new fund as direct survivors or spouses, according to an advocacy group, but several thousand may be eligible as heirs to survivors or spouses. The money should break down to about $100,000 each for survivors, and tens of thousands of dollars for spouses, Eizenstat said. Although SNCF is not a party to the agreement, the company will contribute $4 million over the next five years to fund Holocaust memorials and museums in the U.S., Israel and France, according to Eizenstat. The French government has pledged to encourage French lawmakers to approve the deal, Eizenstat said. 'The objective today was to be able to provide reparations — even 70 years later — that they could claim, given the trauma, the barbarity and the horror that the deportation represented for them,' said Patrizianna Sparacino-Thiellay, a French ambassador for human rights who was a key architect of the deal. The French government is holding several events marking 70 years since the Allies liberated France from Nazi control in 1944. U.S. Rep. Carolyn B. Maloney of New York, who had pushed the U.S. government to pressure France to agree to compensation, hailed the deal as a 'breakthrough in a decades-long struggle for justice.' The Anti-Defamation League, a Jewish civil rights organization, also welcomed the accord. 'There is no amount of money that could ever make up for the horrific injustice done to these victims and their families,' said Abraham Foxman, ADL's national director and a Holocaust survivor. 'But agreements like this provide some modest redress, an important recognition of their pain, and acknowledge the responsibility of governments and institutions to leave no stone unturned in seeking every possible measure of justice for Holocaust victims.' The deal comes as France, home to western Europe's largest Jewish community, is battling new concerns about anti-Semitism. French authorities and Jewish leaders denounced a rape and robbery attack with anti-Semitic overtones this week against a French couple. The number of anti-Semitic incidents in France has grown 91 percent this year compared to last year, according to CRIF, France's leading Jewish organization. Jewish groups in France are also concerned about rising Islamic extremism and the resurgent far right.
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Ever since Colorado made recreational marijuana use legal, the state has felt a boom in tourist revenue . Denver hotel searches on Hotels.com have increased by 73 per cent nationwide when compared to the same time frame in 2013 . More and more tourists are visiting Denver from outside the U.S. than ever before .
Those headed out to Denver are willing to shell out for more than just eggs on Easter weekend which also falls on April 20, the nation's unofficial holiday for the celebration of marijuana. Ever since Colorado made recreational marijuana use legal, the state has felt a boom in tourist revenue and this weekend, the numbers are expected to smoke out old records. CBS reports that Denver hotel searches on Hotels.com have increased by 73 per cent nationwide when compared to the same time frame in 2013. SCROLL DOWN FOR VIDEO . Joe Rey, a grower at 3D Cannabis Center, waters marijuana plants at the company facility in Denver where recreational marijuana use is legal . Hotels.com shows a graph exhibiting the increase in searches for Denver hotels ever since the legalization of marijuana in Colorado . Denver was previously listed as one of the top 20 U.S. destinations and is a popular location for skiing and other snow sports. Ever since marijuana has made Denver an even more popular tourist spot more and more people are expected to visit the city from all over the globe. 'People are coming nationally from all over the U.S. but I’m also seeing a lot of international guests as well,' said Christine Lunsford, operations director at the Denver weed shop 3D Cannabis Center. 'They’re all coming here because cannabis is legal in Colorado and they’re all excited to be here,' CBS spoke with a few of Denver's Easter weekend visitors to see what made them decide to visit Colorado for the special holiday. Jourdan Yelvington came all the way from Daytona Beach, Florida to attend the 4/20 celebrations . 'People are coming nationally from all over the U.S. but I¿m also seeing a lot of international guests as well,' said Christine Lunsford, operations director at the Denver weed shop 3D Cannabis Center . 'I just think it’s an awesome opportunity that I’m actually here to experience it,' said Jourdan Yelvington who came all the way from Daytona Beach, Florida to attend the 4/20 celebrations. Yelvington was unable to check in early at her hotel because it was so busy. The marijuana enthusiast decided to kill some time at a pot shop which she describes as a surreal experience. 'I would say that the 4/20 weekend is a destination weekend here in Denver because we have people coming from all over and for tourism there’s been a huge spike,' Lunsford said. This year Denver will host the fourth annual High Times cannabis Cup. Last year had the highest attendance yet after the recreational legalization of marijuana use. Even though smoking pot is legal in Colorado doesn't mean that there aren't laws surrounding its use. Residents and visitors are not permitted to travel with marijuna, smoke in public areas or on federal land. Nor are they permitted to drive while under the influence of drugs.
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Home Secretary: ‘More than one third of all new housing demand caused by immigration' Said research house prices will be 13 per cent higher over next 20 years than if migration were at zero . Fewer than one in every 150 . last-ditch immigration appeals is successful, ministers will reveal today as they launch plans to combat ‘spurious’ court actions. Critics say the appeals are often a ploy to let illegal immigrants and failed asylum seekers prolong their time in Britain.
Said research house prices will be 13 per cent higher over next 20 years than if migration were at zero . House prices will rise by more than 10 per cent unless mass immigration is controlled, Theresa May warned yesterday. The increases in the years to come would go beyond other pressures on the housing market – dealing a blow to young Britons already struggling to get on the property ladder. In a speech in London, the Home Secretary delivered a blunt analysis of the impact of Labour’s ‘open door’ immigration policy. Home Secretary Theresa May announced plans for a simplified visa applications for overseas students . She said the influx had driven down wages for the working classes and placed huge pressure on schools and social cohesion. Mrs May cited house prices as an . example of how demand created by migrants was having an impact on the . wider public. Her officials pointed to research by Professor Stephen . Nickell which predicted that, if net immigration runs at 190,000 a year, . house prices will end up 13 per cent higher over the next two decades . than they would if migration were at zero. Currently, net migration – the . difference between the number of people arriving in the UK and those . leaving – is 183,000, though Mrs May has vowed to reduce it to the ‘tens . of thousands’. Busy: The need for housing is growing . She said: ‘More than one third of all new housing demand . in Britain is caused by immigration. ‘And there is evidence that without . the demand caused by mass immigration, house prices could be 10 per cent . lower over a 20 year period.’ Mrs May delivered her speech to the . Policy Exchange think-tank only 24 hours after publication of the 2011 . census. The survey showed how, under ten years of Labour, nearly four . million immigrants joined the population of England and Wales. In total, 7.5million people who were . born abroad were living here last year – and more than half of these . have arrived since 2001. In a blistering attack on the Labour . years, Mrs May criticised the last government for failing to measure the . impact of immigration on public services and housing, and for assuming . it had no impact on the jobs and wages of the settled population. She warned that mass immigration . undermines social cohesion by making it ‘impossible’ to establish the . relationships, family ties and social bonds that create a community. Mrs May said the Migration Advisory . Committee, which is a panel of government advisers, had found ‘a clear . association between non-European immigration and employment in the UK’ – . with 160,000 British workers ‘displaced’ between 1995 and 2010. Some 23 British workers were kept out . of employment for every additional 100 immigrants employed, she said, . adding: ‘For those on lower wages, more immigration means more workers . competing for a limited number of low-skilled jobs. ‘The result is lower wages – and the . people who lose out are working-class families, as well as ethnic . minority communities and recent immigrants themselves.’ In future, government impact . assessments will no longer assume that migrants make a positive . contribution to the economy by paying taxes and spending their wages. The burden they place on public services will also be considered, she said. Mrs May also denounced the student visa policy inherited from Labour as a ‘mess’ which was ‘abused on an industrial scale’. Last night Sir Andrew Green, chairman . of Migration Watch, said: ‘At last we have a Home Secretary who is . honest about the consequences of mass immigration and ready to take on . the bogus arguments for it.’
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Ukip ranked bottom in league table of 76 parties from across the EU . On average its MEPs turned up for just 61.1% of votes over five years . Lib Dems best UK party with more than 3 MEPs, attending 87% of votes . David Cameron says European Parliament elections 'do matter'
Ukip has been revealed as the laziest party in the whole of Europe, missing more than one in three votes in Brussels. Nigel Farage’s MEPs turned up for just 61.1 per cent of votes, putting them at the bottom of a league table of 76 parties from across the EU. David Cameron has urged voters to back the Tories in next week’s European elections, because his MEPs will ‘turn up and vote for Britain’. An analysis of voting records in the European Parliament reveals Ukip MEPs turn up for fewer votes than any other party . An analysis of voting records of the last five years in the European Parliament reveals Ukip members are the worst attendees. The study by VoteWatch Europe for The Times looked at all parties with more than three MEPs from across the 26 nations in the EU bloc. Ukip was ranked 76th out of 76 parties, attending on average 61.1 per cent of votes over the five-year Parliament. Among the six worst MEPs out of 764, three were from Ukip. It includes controversial figure Godfrey Bloom, who resigned as a Ukip MEP after calling a room of women at a party event ‘sluts’ last year. Mr Bloom attended just 23.11 per cent of votes, the lowest of any politician in the EU, although in 2012 he was treated for cancer and spent time away from Brussels and Strasbourg. By contrast, the 12 Lib Dems in Brussels turned up for 86.9 per cent of votes, putting them at 29th in the league table, Labour ranked 41st on 85 per cent and the Conservatives 60th on 80.4 per cent. Mr Cameron yesterday insisted it was vital that British MEPs take part in votes in the European Parliament to influence new laws. ‘These elections do matter,’ the Prime Minister told LBC 97.3. ‘The European Parliament makes rules that apply to our businesses, it spends money that comes out of our taxpayers’ pockets. ‘We should send people there who are going to turn up and vote for Britain. ‘One of the things about my budget cut in Europe, that saved Britain £8bn, is actually the Ukip MEPs, including Nigel Farage, voted against it in the European Parliament. ‘So, you know, it’s like that expression, a dog is for life not just for Christmas, you’re sending men and women to the European Parliament, send those that have got a plan for sorting our Britain’s relationship and defending our interest.’ David Cameron has insisted voting in the European Parliament elections does matter . Ukip leader Mr Farage was ranked 759th after taking part in 43 per cent of votes. He has previously defended his party’s voting record, , insisting Ukip's policy of engaging ‘sufficiently’ with the EU to provoke debate had proved successful. ‘Our objective as MEPs is not to keep voting endlessly for more EU legislation and to take power away from Westminster,’ he said in March. ‘Our view in 15 years has been that we engage sufficiently here and we use that information to get a debate going back in the United Kingdom. ‘It seems to me, given the debate we are now having on the European Union, that the Ukip policy has been pretty successful.’ However Doru Frantescu, policy director of Vote-Watch, told The Times: ‘The fact that a political group or a national party delegation is less participative than others when voting clearly diminishes its power to influence the outcome of EU legislation.’ "Many people don’t realise that a vote for UKIP is a vote for the laziest party in the European Parliament" Richard Howitt, a Labour MEP, said: ‘Ukip has vacated its duties in the European Parliament just as it would leave Britain with an empty seat at the EU table. 'Voters need to understand quite how lazy Ukip MEPs are. They are not only among the fringe parties in Europe but are also the laziest.’ Liberal Democrat MEP Fiona Hall: 'There is no doubt about it, UKIP MEPs offer the worst possible value for money for their constituents. Time and again they fail to turn up for crucial votes that benefit British citizens, whether it's research funding for our leading universities, slashing roaming charges for holidaymakers or ending wasteful overfishing in our seas. 'As the hardest-working delegation in Brussels, Lib Dem MEPs strive day in and day out to stand up for British interests and build a stronger, fairer and greener economy.' The Green Party has two MEPs, so was not included in the study. However, the party said its MEPs turned up to more than 90 per cent of votes. Green MEP Keith Taylor said: 'This new research makes it clear that UKIP simply can’t be trusted to represent their constituents. Their MEPs happily claim the parliamentary salary and expenses, but they don’t even show up to four in ten of the key votes. 'Many people don’t realise that a vote for UKIP is a vote for the laziest party in the European Parliament.'
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Real Madrid Castilla beat Conquense 2-1 at home on Sunday . Enzo Zidane came on as a substitute to make his debut for the side . His father, Zinedine Zidane, is assistant manager of Castilla team . Zidane's other two sons, Theo and Eliza, also in Real youth set-up .
Zinedine Zidane's eldest son, Enzo, made his debut for Real Madrid's B side during their 2-1 victory at home to Conquense on Sunday - with his father helping lead the team from the touchline. Real Castilla assistant boss Zidane sent his progeny on with just two minutes left of the match on Sunday. The 19-year-old midfielder failed to score in his extremely short cameo appearance but is expected to become more involved with first-team affairs at the Segunda B - or Spanish third division - side in the coming weeks. Enzo Zidane (right, pictured in March), son of Zinedine, made his debut for Real Madrid Castilla on Sunday . Zinedine Zidane is the assistant coach of Real Madrid's Castilla side and sent his son on as a substitute . Zinedine Zidane , playing for Real Madrid back in 2006, and his son Enzo, for their youth side in March . Despite only being on the pitch for a matter of minutes, Enzo managed to pull off an impressive 'roulette' trick. Unsurprisingly, Enzo has been courted by both France and Spain as they look to secure him for their national set-ups. Having already played for the Spanish Under 15 side, the young midfielder was called to France to undertake medical tests with their Under 19 team and has since decided to represent the country of his birth. He was named after Enzo Francescoli, who made 73 appearances for Uruguay and scored 17 goals, as well as playing for French side Marseille. The youngster, who has elected to play for the France Under-19 side, came on in the 88th minute . Enzo Zidane had represented Spain at Under-15 level but has now switched allegiance to France . Zidane's two younger sons, Theo and Eliza, are also being groomed by Real Madrid's academy and their father hopes they will make it into the squad in the future too. Enzo is renowned for his trickery and below is a Vine showing him performing outrageous skills during the Real youth side's match with Sevilla in June. Zidane Snr has been reported by the Spanish National Football Coach Education Centre for his lack of coaching badges - but he is now registered as the assistant coach to Santiago Sanchez having first been named as the manager. However, Miguel Galan, who reported him, claims Zidane is very much the man in charge.
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Sergio Aguero leads the Premier League scoring charts with 14 goals . Pablo Zabaleta believes his team-mate is the 'best striker in the world now' Stevan Jovetic insists only Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo compare . Manchester City are looking to close the gap on Chelsea during festive run . READ: Man City could find themselves level with Chelsea by New Year .
CLICK HERE to read who Sportsmail Columnists Jamie Redknapp and Martin Keown think will win the two-horse title race between City and Chelsea . For once, the sound of team-mates lavishing praise on a colleague was not laden with toe- curling cliches. It is the norm for players, when pressed on the merits of a comrade, to trot out well-worn words which, ultimately, hold no substance whatsoever. But as Pablo Zabaleta and Stevan Jovetic stood outside the dressing-rooms at the Stadium of Light, there was relief and appreciation that the subject of their post-match reflection was in their team. Sergio Aguero had been awesome and Zabaleta made it plain how much the striker is valued. Sergio Aguero's opening strike at Sunderland was among the best of his goals so far this season . The reigning champions have closed the gap on Chelsea at the top of the table to six points . The Argentinian forward is almost single-handedly responsible for City's recent resurgence . ‘Everything he does right now looks so quick, sharp and clinical,’ said the defender. ‘He is working really hard for the team off the ball and that is also something you have to appreciate from Sergio, because the strikers normally want to play only with the ball. ‘He is probably the best striker in the world at the moment. We are very lucky to have Sergio in the team.’ A hundred yards along the corridor, Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini was echoing their salute, likewise Sunderland boss Gus Poyet. Aguero won warm applause on a cold night from the home fans when, after two goals and an assist during Wednesday’s 4-1 victory, he was substituted late on. Four days earlier, those same supporters had jeered Chelsea’s Diego Costa after he was shackled by Sunderland’s backline during a goalless draw. Aguero's brace this season has taken his league tally to 14 goals - top of the Premier League scoring charts . Argentina team-mate Pablo Zabaleta's only regret is that Aguero was not fit and fully firing at the World Cup . But they, like their striker Jozy Altidore who mouthed ‘Oh my God!’ following Aguero’s stunning equaliser, were in awe of the City marksman. Zabaleta is already a two-time Premier League champion, in large part thanks to Aguero. But he could have been a World Cup winner had his Argentine compatriot not been troubled by a loss of form and fitness in Brazil. ‘Of course you think what might have been in the World Cup if he’d been fit,’ said Zabaleta, who was part of the team beaten in the final by Germany. ‘But I have known him for a long time and this is probably the best moment of his whole career.’ It is little wonder Jovetic was queuing up to join the appreciation society, for he had profited from Aguero’s brilliance to net his fourth goal of the season. Stevan Jovetic points to Aguero after the free-scoring Argentine set up his goal against Sunderland . Jovetic believes Aguero is behind only Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo as the world's best players . Given their proximity on the pitch, the Montenegrin is well placed to offer assessment of his 26-year-old strike partner. ‘He is the best player I have played with — he and David Silva,’ said Jovetic, referencing the Spanish playmaker who could return from a knee injury against Everton tomorrow. ‘But Sergio can score some goals! He is great. He does it every game, and for me it is Messi and Ronaldo and then him — one of the best players in the world. ‘I liked the first goal because when he stopped the ball it was going away from him, and in the last second he did a nutmeg, and scored. ‘Then his assist for me was great as well. He is on fire, and if he is like this we can do big things.’ Manuel Pellegrini will be hoping his side can take advantage of a friendly set of festive fixtures . This, though, is not simply the Sergio Aguero show. Zabaleta, Fernandinho and Jesus Navas were all outstanding in midweek. And that is why — especially given the kindness of their fixtures amid the festive frenzy — it is they who could be top of the tree when the time arrives to take down the decorations; Leicester, Crystal Palace, West Bromwich and Burnley — four of the bottom six — could well represent the 12 points of Christmas for Pellegrini’s men. With Silva and Edin Dzeko set to return and the positive prognosis on Vincent Kompany’s hamstring meaning he could be back at Leicester next weekend, it is looking like a winter of content for a team who have now won four on the spin. Aguero is on the scoresheet and his pals are giving praise from the same songsheet. Suddenly, everything is in tune at the Etihad.
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England's World Cup winners Gordon Banks, Bobby Moore and Bobby Charlton make the team . Celtic's European Cup winning captain Billy McNeill plays at the back . Denis Law, Kenny Dalglish and Tom Finney lead the attack .
‘Good luck finding a Scot,’ smirked one of the bosses in the office when they asked me to choose the all-time greatest combined team from north and south of the border, even as the Auld Enemies gird their loins for this week’s revival of the most ancient fixture in football’s international calendar. Easier than he thinks. The assembling of a mighty composite XI ended up balancing six Englishmen with five Scots. To squeeze in the highest feasible quota of superlative skills requires the selection of a majestic back three in a 3-3-1-3 formation. The starting point, beyond argument, is the Englishman who just happens to be the world's greatest ever goalkeeper: . GORDON BANKS - World Cup winner in 1966, immortalised by that flying save from Pele’s leaping header, stands imposingly at the base of this awe-inspiring team. ALAN HANSEN - one of football’s most cultured centre backs, in his golden years at Liverpool the most decorated of all Scots in the old First Division/Premier League. Gordon Banks won the World Cup for England and makes the No 1 spot and Alan Hansen earns his spot . BILLY McNEILL – the colossus at centre half for Celtic, who he captained to Britain’s first winning of the European Cup. BOBBY MOORE – one of the two greatest defenders of all time, in company with Franz Beckenbauer. The only England captain to raise the World Cup aloft, his statue still guards the gates to Wembley . Scotland's Billy McNeill and England's soon-to-be World Cup-winning captain Bobby Moore lead their sides out for a friendly at Wembley in 1965 . GRAEME SOUNESS – tackled like a vice, passed like a laser, scored when it mattered, one of the great all-time, all-round, most-feared midfield men . BRYAN ROBSON – as Captain Marvel for Manchester United and England, embodied all the Souness attributes and was the bravest of never-say-die competitors . Graeme Souness was a tough tackling midfielder for Scotland and here stands over Mark Hateley in 1985 . Bryan Robson was England's Captain Marvel, winning 90 caps for his country . BOBBY CHARLTON – not only the most creative of all English midfield players but also the scorer of stupendous goals, 49 of which still keep him in possession of the England record – after 44 years . PAUL GASCOIGNE – self-destructed before completely fulfilling his phenomenal potential but this maverick remains one of England’s most naturally gifted prodigies . Bobby Charlton , shooting against the Scots in 1965, still holds the England goalscoring record with 49 . Paul Gascoigne broke Scottish hearts with this stupendous volley for England at Euro 96 . TOM FINNEY – still the greatest of all English footballers, as deadly at centre forward as he was unplayable on the wing, quite simply a genius . DENIS LAW – scorer of 237 goals for Manchester United and 30 in 55 games for Scotland, the archetypal poacher-striker, widely held to be his country’s second best player ever and their only winner of the Ballon d'Or. Tom Finney heads the ball towards goal in a game against Scotland at Wembley in 1953 . Denis Law celebrates scoring for Scotland against England in 1968 . KENNY DALGLISH – The Greatest Scot, maker and taker of wondrous goals, both conductor and virtuoso of the team, football’s Albert Einstein. Subs: John Greig, Jim Baxter, Kevin Keegan, Stanley Matthews, Jimmy Greaves . Apologies – to countless others who have made our game so beautiful. Kenny Dalglish, beating Colin Bell in the air in 1973, is the best player to have pulled on a Scotland shirt .
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Clara Mae Blasingame learned to drive the 1937 Ford coupe when it was brand new and she was 13 . She had repeatedly expressed nostalgia for the black Ford . Last month the 91-year-old fulfilled her bucket list wish of driving it again . Her family got the vehicle back in working order and surprised her .
To the cheers of her family and the ka-thunk of her 77-year-old car, a 91-year-old Northern California woman recently made good on a bucket-list wish to once again steer the 1937 Ford coupe she learned to drive in. Clara Mae Blasingame, a long-retired schoolteacher, had repeatedly expressed nostalgia for the black Ford she had inherited from her father, Blasingame's two sons, Ron and Ken Blasingame, told the Santa Rosa Press Democrat. 'She wanted to drive it once again before she went home,' Ken Blasingame told the newspaper. Scroll down for video . Bucket list wish: Clara Mae Blasingame, a 91-year-old Northern California woman, recently drove the 1937 Ford coupe she learned to drive in . All smiles: Ms Blasingame couldn't hide her delight as she climbed in to get behind the wheel . Getting into gear: The 91-year-old drove it for two loops in the parking lot, then stepped out of the car to the shouts of her family . Clara Mae Blasingame had learned to drive in the car in Knoxville, Tennessee, when it was brand new and she was 13. She drove it much of her life before the engine gave out around 25 years ago. Earlier this year, her sons took the old car out of storage and fixed it up for one last ride. Co-pilot: Malik Blasingame, 15, got in the front passenger seat, riding shotgun as his grandmother took the steering wheel . Blasingame's sons tweaked the engine - a replacement transplanted decades ago from a Ford Mustang - enough to get the car running again, barely. Late last month, Blasingame's family told her they were taking her out for a family trip, and instead pulled into a large public parking lot in Santa Rosa. The '37 coupe was waiting there. Vroom vroom: A stock image of a 1937 Ford coupe similar to the one Blasingame inherited from her father . 'Oh, that's the Ford! That's the Ford!' she cried out. Her grandson, Malik Blasingame, 15, got in the front passenger seat, riding shotgun as his grandmother took the steering wheel. 'I don't know if I can drive or not,' she said. After a couple of tries at the ignition, the engine started. The 91-year-old drove it for two loops in the parking lot, then stepped out of the car to the shouts of her family.
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Gun’s serial number was checked with the police records and it was confirmed to be the same weapon used in the attempted killing of Wallace . Wallace was running for president at the time of the shooting in 1972 . Arthur Bremer shot Wallace during a campaign stop for the Democratic nomination for president in Maryland, which Wallace later lost to George McGovern . Wallace remained paralyzed from the waist down and it led to the jailing of Bremer, who was released in 2007, after serving 35 years . Wallace was known for his Southern populist and segregationist attitudes during the African-American civil rights movement . He eventually renounced segregationism .
An Illinois auction house says it is selling the revolver that almost killed former Alabama Governor George Wallace. Rock Island Auction Company specializes in rare firearms. It listed the revolver for sale on Friday. Company vice president Judy Voss says it's the same gun used to shoot Wallace during a 1972 assassination attempt. Voss says the serial number on the gun matches that listed on police reports. Voss says a date etched in to the gun also matches law enforcement records. Governor George Wallace blocks the entrance to the University of Alabama as he turned back a federal officer attempting to enroll two black students at the university campus in Tuscaloosa, Alabama in 1963 . The gun that almost killed former Alabama Gov. George Wallace in an assassination attempt in 1972, is being sold by an Illinois auction house . In this June 11, 1963 photo, Vivian Malone and James Hood stand in the doorway of Foster Auditorium where they hold what they called their 'first and final news conference' after the two African-American students registered at the University of Alabama . Arthur Bremer shot Wallace during a Maryland stop as the governor campaigned for president. It left Wallace paralyzed from the waist down. The auction company gave a presale estimated value of between $15,000 and $30,000. Voss did not say who was selling the gun. Nine years before his assassination, one of the most iconic moments in the history of America's civil rights movement took place with the infamous 'stand in the schoolhouse door'. It was on June 11, 1963, when then governor George Wallace tried to stop two black students from registering for classes at the University of Alabama. Governor George Wallace, right, attempted to prevent James Hood and Vivian Malone from registering for classes at the university in 1963 . President John F Kennedy, who ordered Wallace to stand aside, delivers a speech at a rally in Fort Worth, Texas, several hours before his assassination in 1963 . Alabama Governor George C. Wallace and his wife Cornelia. The Governor was paralyzed from the waist down by one one of four gunshot wounds he suffered while campaigning at a shopping center in Maryland . He stood in the door at the university's Foster Auditorium and, in defiance of federal law, refused Vivian Malone and James Hood entry. When federal marshals intervened, he stood firm and delivered an impassioned speech against desegregation. Wallace eventually relented when a U.S. general acting under orders issued by President John F Kennedy demanded he make way. Malone and Hood then entered. The incident brought Wallace into the national spotlight and led to the desegregation of the university as Malone and Hood made history by becoming the first black students to enroll. James Hood pictured going to class and outside his dormitory at the University of Alabama in 1963 . Historic site: The Foster Auditorium on the campus of the University of Alabama . Wallace, shown here at the age of 67 in 1987 served four terms as Governor. The wheelchair bound Wallace who ran for president four times and stood in the schoolhouse door to block integration said he was concerned with how history will treat him . Former four-term Alabama Governor George Wallace in an emotional moment in 1994 as he hugged friend Connie Harper at a celebration of Wallace's 75th birthday. Wallace's daughter, Peggy Wallace Kennedy, said her family has lived in the shadow of the schoolhouse door ever since . George Wallace's symbolic attempt to stop black students enrolling followed his inaugural promise of 'segregation now, segregation tomorrow, segregation forever' and stop the desegregation of schools. Eleven years earlier, the U.S. Supreme Court handed down its landmark decision in Brown Vs Board of Education of Topeka, Kansas, in which it was argued the education of black children separate from white children was unconstitutional. The Brown case meant the University of Alabama had to be desegregated. But in the years that followed hundreds of African-Americans applied for admission, but all were denied. The university worked with police to find any disqualify them, or when this failed, intimidated the applicants. But in 1963, three African-Americans with perfect qualifications - Vivian Malone Jones, Dave McGlathery and James Hood - applied, and refused to be intimidated. In early June a federal district judge ordered that they be admitted, and forbade Governor Wallace from interfering. Then on June 11, Malone and Hood arrived to register, with Wallace attempting to uphold his promise. Federal marshals told Wallace to step aside but Wallace cut Katzenbach off and refused, giving a speech on States' rights. It took General Henry Graham to command Wallace to step aside, saying: 'Sir, it is my sad duty to ask you to step aside under the orders of the President of the United States.' Wallace, who survived an assassination attempt that left him in a wheelchair, died in 1998 having renounced segregationism.
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Diego Costa returned from Spain duty with an illness . He required hospital treatment and his condition has improved . But the prolific frontman is still a doubt for Sunday's Man United clash . Costa also sustained a groin injury playing for Spain in Euro qualifiers . With Loic Remy also a doubt, Didier Drogba could spearhead attack .
Diego Costa is a major doubt for Chelsea's trip to Manchester United on Sunday after being taken to hospital with a mystery illness. The £32m striker has not trained since returning from international duty with Spain and missed the win at Crystal Palace but his condition is improving following treatment in hospital. The absence of Costa, who has scored 10 goals for club and country this season, is a big blow for Jose Mourinho ahead of the Old Trafford visit. VIDEO Scroll down to watch Mourinho suggests Costa will miss United game . Diego Costa is a major doubt for Chelsea's trip to Manchester United on Sunday after picking up a bug . Hot-shot Costa returned from Spain duty with the illness and hasn't trained since . Jose Mourinho faces a selection dilemma up front after Loic Remy suffered a groin injury . Costa also returned from Spain's Euro 2016 qualifiers against Slovakia and Luxembourg with a groin strain which could keep him out even if he recovers from the bug. Mourinho is also without Loic Remy, who faces a fortnight on the sidelines after sustaining a groin injury in Chelsea's Champions League rout of Maribor on Tuesday. It means the 36-year-old Didier Drogba could lead the Blues line against Louis van Gaal's team on Sunday. Chelsea remain unbeaten this season and currently have a five-point lead at the top of the Barclays Premier League. Didier Drogba could lead the line for Chelsea at Old Trafford if Costa and Remy don't recover in time . VIDEO Mourinho suggests Costa will United game .
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Ahmed H. Aden, 34, of Kansas City, was charged Friday in Jackson County . He allegedly killed Abdisamad Sheikh-Hussein, 15, in the crash . A witness reported seeing the teen 'fly through the air' However, Aden initially told authorities that he had lost control of his SUV . Members of the Somalian community prayed for the boy after his death .
An SUV driver who was accused of deliberately running down a Muslim teenager in a 'hate crime' has been charged with first-degree murder. Ahmed H. Aden, 34, of Kansas City, was charged in Jackson County in the crash that killed Abdisamad Sheikh-Hussein, 15, outside a Somali community center. The convenience store manager was seen driving the sport utility vehicle toward the teen as the boy got into a car Thursday evening. Fatal: Ahmed H. Aden, 34, left, was charged in the crash that killed Abdisamad Sheikh-Hussein, 15, right, . A witness saw Hussein 'fly through the air' as the SUV hit him then ran over him. His legs were nearly severed, and he later died in hospital from his wounds. According to the witness, Aden crashed the SUV then got out of the vehicle with a knife. Occupants of the car told officers they followed him and pointed him out to police. One witness said the suspect swung what appeared to be a baseball bat at people, and another witness reported that Aden pulled out a handgun and said to 'Stay there' as he walked away. However, Aden initially told authorities that he had lost control of his vehicle and struck the teen because he thought he looked like a man who'd threatened him several days earlier. FBI spokeswoman Bridget Patton said: 'Federal agents are assisting in the investigation and have opened this matter as a federal civil rights investigation as a potential hate crimes violation.' Patton said she could not release any information on why the case could be considered a hate crime, but Muslim leaders had called for such an investigation early Friday. Scene: The crash unfolded outside the Somali Center, pictured, which the boy's father heads. Community members said that the driver had previously pulled a gun on people there for being Muslim . Death: Teenager Abdisamad Sheikh-Hussein, who also called himself 'Adam' is seen here in Facebook photos . In the weeks before the crash, worshipers said they saw a black SUV painted with threatening messages at the center and cruising around a nearby shopping area. Mohamed Ahmed, 13, of Kansas City said: 'One of the messages was 'Islam Is Worse Than Ebola.' 'I would have thought the police would have taken care of it, but they didn't,' he said. But there was no mention of those incidents in court records and police didn't immediately comment on whether they're connected to the teen's death. Prayer: Men gather to pray the day after 15-year-old Abdisamad Sheikh-Hussein was struck and killed by a hit-and-run driver in front of the Somali Center of Kansas City, Mo., Friday, Dec. 5, 2014 . Mohamed Farah, 50, a friend of the boy's family, said he called police more than once in October about a suspicious man who was coming around the center. 'I feel like I lost a part of my body,' he said after the teen's death. Bakar Abdalla, 31, of Kansas City, said the boy's father was a teacher at the center. He said the man who had been frequenting the area with hateful messages was like a bullet in a gun waiting to be triggered. Khadra Dirir, the victim's aunt, said her nephew regularly studied the Quran and had delivered a group prayer the night he died. 'If you asked him a verse, he could tell the chapter,' she said. 'I feel like I woke up in a bad dream.'
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Ron Gourlay has been chief executive at Chelsea for the past five years . Gourlay is leaving the club to 'pursue new business opportunities' He said it has been a 'privilege' to play a role in club's achievements . Club thank Gourlay for his many years of service and support his decision .
Chelsea have announced Ron Gourlay is to leave his role as chief executive. The Scot, who joined the club in 2004 and worked as chief operating officer before succeeding Peter Kenyon as chief exec in 2009, departs on amicable terms to seek new opportunities. Marina Granovskaia, one of Roman Abramovich's advisers, is set for a bigger role behind the scenes at Chelsea. Here, Sportsmail tells you everything you need to know about the situation at Stamford Bridge. Marina Granovskia with Didier Drogba in 2010 and the Premier League trophy, FA Cup and Community Shield . Granovskaia with Drogba (and his son Isaac), Salomon Kalou (second right) and Michael Emenalo . A smiling Granovskaia, Roman Abramovich's former PA who is set to hold much more power at Chelsea . GOURLAY’S GONE, WHAT’S NEXT? 'Chelsea Football Club announces that Ron Gourlay, after 10 successful years at the club including five as chief executive, is leaving Chelsea in order to pursue new business opportunities. 'The club, and in particular the owner (Roman Abramovich) and directors, wish to thank Ron for his many years of service to Chelsea and support his desire to seek new challenges. 'Ron's efforts have helped the club to achieve its position as one of the leading football clubs in the world. 'Pending additional appointments, chairman Bruce Buck and director Marina Granovskaia will assume additional executive responsibilities.' Marina Granovskaia. Keep hold of her coat-tails, she is the next big thing at Chelsea Football Club and is clearly going places after the announcement that Gourlay is on his way out. Gourlay was responsible for the day-to-day running of the club from Stamford Bridge. He was initially commercial director at Chelsea and filled Kenyon's shoes in 2009. Thankfully, we have never had to endure the type of press conference Kenyon squirmed through when Avram Grant was appointed Mourinho’s successor in September 2007. ‘He’s the right man for the job, we are absolutely convinced.’ Gourlay - or ‘Galloping’ as he was affectionately nicknamed by the media - negotiated Chelsea’s massive kit deal with Adidas, although as one industry insider said: ‘They pay, we wear, not difficult’. Gourlay was in the boardroom suite at Crystal Palace on Saturday and there was no hint the chief executive was about to quit Chelsea. Director of football Michael Emenalo was there, along with affable secretary Dave Barnard, chairman Bruce Buck and the up-and-coming figure of Granovskaia. She runs the show now. Ron Gourlay has worked at Chelsea for 10 years, including five as chief executive . HOW POWERFUL IS A CHELSEA CHIEF EXECUTIVE? The most powerful man at Chelsea is Roman Abramovich, period. Beyond that Eugene Tenenbaum, chairman Bruce Buck and the highly-influential Granovskaia jostle for position within Abramovich’s inner circle. To be fair to Gourlay he has overseen a period when Chelsea have become an acceptable face in European football and they are now respected by some of the biggest clubs on the continent. He is a decent, all-round nice guy. Gourlay was famously at the club's training ground on the day Jacob Mellis set off a smoke bomb. Mellis was later fired. Public speaking was never his thing and he gave an awkward interview with Buck to talkSPORT when John Terry had been banned for insulting Anton Ferdinand. Owner Abramovich, pictured celebrating against Arsenal, wields the most power at Chelsea . WHAT DOES IT MEAN FOR CHELSEA IN THE SHORT-TERM? The accounts department at Chelsea might notice fewer receipts coming in from Lucio Italian restaurant on Fulham Road. It’s a regular haunt for the power-brokers at Stamford Bridge and takings won’t be down for long. Beyond that, Jose Mourinho will give a gushing tribute to Gourlay at his press conference on Friday and his departure will be recorded in the matchday programme for the fixture with QPR at Stamford Bridge on November 1. AND FURTHER DOWN THE LINE? The next chief executive will come under pressure to find a solution to Chelsea’s long-running problem over a new stadium. Rebuilding Stamford Bridge appears to be impossible and they have lost out on the regeneration project of Battersea Power Station. Gourlay pictured with Chelsea chairman Bruce Buc, who will assume additional responsibilities . 'It has been a privilege to have played a role in the club's considerable achievements both on and off the pitch over the last 10 years, but I feel the time is right to move on to other challenges. 'I would like to thank Mr Abramovich, the directors, the manager and players and all the staff for their support during my time at the club, and wish them much continued success in the future.' They floated the idea of ground-sharing with the RFU at Twickenham for a season while they remodelled Stamford Bridge, but it was met with fierce opposition from local MP Vince Cable. Finding somewhere in the borough to build a new super-stadium - to compete with the biggest clubs in Europe in terms of attendances and matchday revenue - will become more acute over the next few years. WILL THIS AFFECT JOSE MOURINHO’S ROLE? Mourinho was used to being the main man in his first period in charge at Chelsea, but he accepted a different set of conditions and criteria when he returned to the club at the start of last season. He reports to the football club board now and they make the big decisions in terms of policy. Mourinho has his say, but his job is to coach the team and make transfer recommendations. The Chelsea chief executive pictured with former England manager Fabio Capello at Stamford Bridge . MARINA GRANOVSKIA WILL ASSUME 'ADDITIONAL EXECUTIVE RESPONSIBILITIES' - WHO IS SHE? Abramovich’s former PA. She has been close to a number of players in the past and has been on texting terms with them, which is not unusual for a modern-day executive. ANY WORD ON A LONG-TERM SUCCESSOR? Marina Granovskaia. Her time is now.
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Heidi and Maryellen Olson conceived first daughter using donor sperm . Heidi gave birth to Sequoia on Nov 7, Maryellen wanted to breastfeed too . Maryellen followed a program of birth control pills and a milk-enhancing drug for three months before the birth at home in Santa Cruz, California . Now, both mothers nurse their daughter, claim it enhances their closeness .
It is one of the key bonding experiences for a mother and child: breastfeeding. So lesbian partners Heidi and Maryellen Olson wanted to share that with their first-born Sequoia. They both nurse their one-month-old daughter. Phenomenon: Maryellen Olson, 25, nurses her daughter Sequoia despite not giving birth . Both breastfeeding: Her wife Heidi, 26, naturally lactates meaning they can both nurse their first-born . Dubbed 'co-nursing', the little-known practice requires Maryellen, who didn't give birth, to induce lactation and take a natural drug to boost breastmilk. According to the new parents, it has changed everything. 'It is so worth it for the closeness I feel with Sequoia, and also for the sanity-saving it provides both of us,' graduate student Maryellen, 25, told MailOnline from the family's home in Santa Cruz, California. 'We both feel pretty amazed. 'It's amazing to see what our bodies can do, and we felt lucky to have this additional bonding experience available for both of us.' The couple, who married in 2012, discovered the treatment - more common among adoptive families - in a group for lesbians trying to conceive and immediately agreed to pursue it. Maryellen followed a program named the Newman-Goldfarb protocol, which made her body simulate pregnancy. Starting four months before the birth, she took birth control pills and a breastmilk-enhancing drug called Domperidone. The drug does not yet have FDA approval but is prevalent in Europe, some US states, and Canada, where Heidi and Maryellen eventually bought their dosage. Experience: The couple from Santa Cruz, California, said it has made them stronger as a family . Journey: Maryellen started taking birth control pills and a drug called Domperidone four months before Heidi gave birth to Sequoia on November 7. They conceived using artificially inseminated donor sperm . Maryellen stopped the birth control pills six weeks before Heidi's due date, to make her body believe she had given birth, and started 'pumping' up to six times a day. The pump is designed to make a woman's body produce more milk. By the time Sequoia was born on November 7, Maryellen was ready to nurse. She will continue with Domperidone and herbal tablets called 'More Milk Special Blend' until Sequioa is no longer breastfeeding. 'Our friends are fascinated by the fact that my wife and I both breastfeed our daughter,' Heidi, a 26-year-old nurse, said. 'We get a lot of: "Wow, that's amazing!" and "I didn't know that was possible!"' It came after a long battle to conceive. Heidi endured a year-long battle with endometriosis and ovarian cysts that threatened to affect her fertility. In spring this year, she was finally able to undergo an intrauterine insemination to implant a donor's sperm in her uterus. But it took ten cycles before the pregnancy test flashed pink. 'It was a heart wrenching time and very hard on us both,' Heidi said. 'Every cycle and negative test was harder than the last, and the doctors were less and less hopeful. Birth: Having followed the meticulous program, Maryellen was able to nurse Sequoia as soon as she was born . Joy: They celebrated the birth at their family home and say they are already easing into their nursing routine . 'Our positive pregnancy test came just in the nick of time, and we were so glad.' Now, four weeks after their home birth, photographed by Santa Cruz Birth Photography, Heidi, Maryellen and Sequoia are easing into their unconventional routine. For Sequoia, it means she doesn't have to wait around - even though she is sometimes stubborn ('she really makes us work for it!'). 'We don't really have a set schedule or rotation,' Maryellen said. 'Whoever is near the baby or holding her will feed her, and the other will try to pump then or shortly after.' 'We are able to sleep in longer chunks due to this, since it's not all on one mama to have to feed her and stay awake. We switch whenever the awake mama feels like she needs help or sleep.' Makes everything easier! Both nursing, it means either can respond to Sequoia's cries if the other is busy . But the crucial benefit is their connection. Maryellen said: 'For me, I am able to feel even closer to her. 'I am absolutely in love with her and feel incredibly connected to her ever since she was in utero, but since she's been out of the womb and I'm breastfeeding, I feel even more connected. 'I know other non-carrying lesbian mothers who feel like they are not as close to their child as the mom who carried the baby, and I know that breastfeeding has helped me feel incredibly bonded to her. 'When she is breastfeeding and falls asleep on me or lays her hand on me, I feel an overwhelming amount of love for her that I wouldn't have were I not breastfeeding.'
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Philip Hammond told security summit of plans to bolster presence in Gulf . Says it will allow UK and allies in region to 'tackle threats we face together' UK already has four minehunter ships stationed at the Mina Salman Port . Defence Secretary Michael Fallon said more and larger ships will be sent .
A £15 million British military base will be established in Bahrain marking Britain's clear commitment to a 'sustained presence east of Suez', the Foreign Secretary has said. Philip Hammond told a security summit that bolstering the Royal Navy's presence in the Gulf would allow the UK and its allies in the region to 'tackle the threats we face together'. Britain already has four minehunters permanently based at the Mina Salman Port, but the plans will allow for an increase in the number and size of warships sent to the area. Scroll down for video . £15million development: Britain is to establish a new military base in Bahrain in a Gulf security deal . Under the deal – described by Chief of the Defence Staff General Sir Nicholas Houghton as 'symbolic and strategically important' – the port will be expanded and a forward operating base established, with Bahrain paying most of the costs. Although military chiefs are understood to have been working towards the move for around two years, the threat from Islamic State has heightened the focus on Britain's presence in the region. 'To our partners in the Gulf my message is this: Your security concerns are our security concerns,' Mr Hammond said in a speech in Manama, Bahrain. 'So our strategic priority for the Gulf and for the wider region is to build partnerships. Partnerships for security; partnerships for prosperity; partnerships for stability.' He added: 'The expansion of our footprint that this arrangement will now allow means we will have the capability to send more and bigger ships, and to sustain them and their crews in permanent facilities. Philip Hammond said the new base would accommodate ships including Type 45 destroyers, such as the HMS Dauntless, above . 'A clear statement of our commitment to our sustained presence east of Suez. 'A reminder of our historic and close relationship with Bahrain and one example of our growing partnership with Gulf allies to tackle the threats we face together. 'And those threats have taken on a new and insidious form: in Benghazi and in Mosul, in Yemen and in Northern Nigeria, we face a common but shadowy enemy: extremists who seek to hijack Islam to impose their own perverted agenda by fear and by the sword; who reject all norms of civilised behaviour; who challenge all structures of established order.' The move was described as 'symbolic' by Chief of the Defence Staff General Sir Nicholas Houghton and reverses a 1960s' decision to withdraw British forces stationed 'east of Suez'. Under the deal, existing facilities at the port will be expanded and a forward operating base established, with Bahrain paying most of the £15 million infrastructure costs. Defence Secretary Michael Fallon said: 'This will enable Britain to send more and larger ships to reinforce stability in the Gulf.' Britain already has four minehunters naval ships permanently based at the Mina Salman Port, above . Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond said the plans would help 'tackle the threats we face together' while Defence Secretary Michael Fallon said more ships will be sent to the Gulf . 'This new base is a permanent expansion of the Royal Navy's footprint and will enable Britain to send more and larger ships to reinforce stability. We will now be based again in the Gulf for the long term.' Mr Hammond signed the deal with Bahrain's foreign minister Sheikh Khalid bin Ahmed bin Mohammed Al-Khalifa. Sheikh Khalid said: 'It reaffirms our joint determination to maintain regional security and stability in the face of challenging circumstances, and gives further strength to our multifaceted partnership. 'Bahrain looks forward to the early implementation of today's arrangement and to continuing to work with the UK and other partners to address threats to regional security.' A string of human rights groups, including Human Rights Watch, have criticised the state's human rights record, and anti-arms campaigners protested outside a This is Bahrain conference in Westminster earlier this year, demanding the Government and royal family sever all ties with the regime. General Houghton told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: 'It's the strategic importance of this. Rather than just being seen as a temporary deployment to an area for a specific operational purpose, this is more symbolic of the fact that Britain does enjoy interests in the stability of this region. The £15million expansion of Mina Salman Port means more ships and larger ships will be sent to the Gulf. Above, the HMS Duncan arriving in Cardiff earlier this year . 'And the fact that the Bahraini authorities and government agreed to fund infrastructure within the country to base our maritime capability forward, both is a recognition from their perspective of the quality of the relationship with the United Kingdom, but also of our interest over time in maintaining the stability of this very important area.' Shadow Defence Secretary Vernon Coaker said: 'Labour supports the Royal Navy having a strong international footprint with the ability to respond quickly to events in a uncertain global environment. 'British defence policy must be strategically-led. The Strategic Defence and Security Review and a National Security Strategy are due to take place next year, and it was expected long term issues like this would be assessed and decided then. 'The Government should therefore clearly set out its reasons for making this particular decision at this time.'
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Yamazaki Single Malt Sherry Cask 2013 given title by Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible . For first time, the 2015 edition features no Scottish distillery in its top five . European Whisky of the Year went to Chapter 14 Not Peated, from English Whisky Company . Yamazaki Single Malt from Japan’s oldest distillery, which dates to 1923 .
Japan has given the Scotch whisky industry a ‘wake up call’ - after a single malt from the Far East was named the best in the world. Yamazaki Single Malt Sherry Cask 2013 has been given the title by Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible - which describes the drink as a work of ‘near incredible genius’. For the first time, the 2015 edition of the renowned publication features no Scottish distillery in its top five. Scroll down for video . Yamazaki Single Malt Sherry Cask 2013 has been given the title by Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible - which describes the drink as a work of ‘near incredible genius’ And to rub salt in Scotland’s wounds, the auld enemy has won European Whisky of the Year - the honour going to Chapter 14 Not Peated, from the English Whisky Company. The Yamazaki Single Malt, from Japan’s oldest distillery which dates back to 1923, was given 97.5 marks out of 100 by Murray - who hailed its ‘nose of exquisite boldness’ and finish of ‘light, teasing spice’. Varieties of Scotch whisky has been named best in the world by Murray in two of the last three years - Old Pulteney’s 21 year-old single malt in 2012 and Glenmorangie Ealanta in 2014. Varieties of Scotch whisky has been named best in the world by Murray in two of the last three years - Old Pulteney’s 21 year-old single malt in 2012 and Glenmorangie Ealanta in 2014. But the expert says that the emergence of such high quality overseas tipples should be a ‘wake up call’ for the Scottish industry. He accused producers of taking their ‘eye off the ball’ adding that the Yamazaki drink is ‘a single malt which no Scotch can at the moment get anywhere near’. Robert Burns loved his whisky and even has a single malt named after him Murray said he had sampled hundreds of Scotch whiskies while tasting 4,700 varieties from around the world for his 2015 bible. In a savage critique of the Scottish industry - whose quality was written into folklore by the likes of Robbie Burns, he complains: ‘Where were the complex whiskies in the prime of their lives?’ Scottish bard Burns’s 1785 poem Scotch Drink celebrates whisky as ‘thy strong heart’s blood’ and ‘guid auld’ drink. But Murray bemoans the lack of innovation in the present-day industry. He writes: ‘Where were the blends which offered bewildering layers of depth? ‘Where were the malts which took you on hair-standing journeys through dank and dingy warehouses? ‘Some have taken their eye off the ball and not brought into account the changes which have altered the face of whisky. ‘They began to believe their own PR hype and standard brands started standing still or going backwards.’ The winning Yamazaki whisky - of which only 18,000 bottles were made - is only sold in a few hundred specialist shops in the UK and retails for £100.
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Breona Synclair Watkins, 19, was pulled over around 1am Tuesday morning . Officers heard crying from her cars trunk and found the 5-month-old baby inside, lying on a pair of large hedge-cutters . Watkins was arrested on seven charges including child abuse and driving without a license .
Dangerous: 19-year-old Breona Synclair Watkins was arrested early Tuesday after officers found her driving with her 5-month-old baby in the trunk of the car . A young mother was arrested early Tuesday after she put her 5-month-old baby into the trunk of her car, to avoid getting a ticket for not driving with a car seat. Broward County, Florida sheriff's deputies first spotted 19-year-old Breona Synclair Watkins driving a car with a headlight out around 1am, when she pulled out 15 feet into an intersection at a red light, and then backed up. They then attempted to pull her over, but she continued through the green light and another quarter-mile before coming to a stop. The 14-year-old sitting in the passenger seat said the 2005 Dodge Stratis belong to her mother. When another deputy showed up and heard crying from the trunk, so they opened it up and found Watkins' 5-month-old laying on a pair of large hedge-cutting shears. The temperature in the trunk was noticeably warmer than outside, and was littered with other hazardous materials like a rusty metal hanger and tire iron, a plastic CD case and a used gas can. Watkins told police officers that the 14-year-old was holding the baby in her lap when she noticed the cops. Not wanting to get ticketed for driving without a car seat, Watkins had the passenger put the baby in the truck through an opening in the back seat. She then had the passenger close the opening and continued to drive before being pulled over. Watkins was arrested on seven charges including child abuse, resisting an officer, driving without a license and failure to have a child restraint. She was held overnight at Broward County Jail on $7,000 bond.
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Scotland beat the Republic of Ireland 1-0 at Celtic Park on Friday night . Manager Gordon Strachan compared it to a heavyweight title fight . Scotland now sit third in Euro 2016 qualifying Group D .
Gordon Strachan compared Scotland's bruising, euphoric victory over the Republic of Ireland to a heavyweight title fight. Shaun Maloney's sublime goal 15 minutes from the end of a tight, nip-and-tuck qualifier with the Irish completed a memorable and crucial Euro 2016 victory. Drawing level with the Republic on seven points after Poland's emphatic 4-0 win in Georgia, the Scots secured all three points in a frenetic clash. VIDEOS Scroll down to watch . Shaun Maloney celebrates as Steven Naismith gives chase after Scotland open the scoring . Strachan will now ring the changes for Tuesday's friendly with England after admitting the game wrung every ounce of effort from his men. 'I think so,' confirmed the Scots boss. 'They put so much into that game tonight. That was like one of those big heavyweight boxing matches. 'I absolutely wouldn't second-guess the outcome of this group now.' The Scots had some sterling individual displays in goalscorer Maloney and man-of-the-match Charlie Mulgrew, called into midfield after an illness to James Morrison before the game. 'Charlie was immense, absolutely immense,' said Strachan. 'Normally we would come in here and say: 'What a game Scott Brown has had'. But Charlie has actually taken the mantle tonight and ably backed up by the people round about him. Scotland manager Gordon Strachan celebrates on the touchline at full-time as his side win 1-0 . 'I am really pleased with Shaun as well, as I am with Steven Naismith, Ikechi Anya and others but Charlie was the best man on the pitch I think — ably backed by the others. 'But the smaller ones like Andrew Robertson, Maloney, Naismith and Anya showed brave play when the ball was flying about and there were tackles everywhere. 'They showed bravery on the ball.' Poland's triumph in Tblisi ramped up the pressure on the Scots before kick-off. Strachan had dismissed talk of a 'must-win' beforehand, but the joyous celebrations of the Tartan Army afterwards told another tale. 'People have been telling me since the Georgia game it is must-win,' the Scotland boss said. 'They said it before Poland and this one. Every game seems to be a must-win. 'I said before the game that one goal had decided all of the previous games in the group, apart from the one involving Gibraltar. It has happened again. 'We did say set plays were going to be vital and it happened. 'As for a pure footballing spectacle, it wasn't that great. Maloney curls a low strike into the far corner as Scotland take the lead in Glasgow on Friday . 'But as a spectacle of two groups of players not wanting to give an inch, it was mesmerising. They all wanted to jump higher than each other, run quicker and battle harder.' The Scots blew a raft of chances in both halves and survived a moment of anxiety in injury time when Grant Hanley's defensive header almost spun into his own net, crashing off the bar. Insisting his team now believe in themselves after one defeat in four matches — to world champions Germany in the opener — Strachan added: 'When we've played we've believed we can play football. Tonight it was a more physical duel. Charlie Mulgrew celebrates the victory as Scotland move up to third in Group D . 'We dealt with that as well because the players trust each other. 'They know fine well if they're not having a great night the guy next to him will help them out. 'And I think that's what happened tonight.' Asked what his over-riding emotions were ahead of an England friendly at the same venue, Strachan said: 'There are lot of emotions chucked in there, every emotion possible. But the good thing is I can go home, get to my bed and chill. That's what I'll do, go home and watch a bit of telly and fall asleep. I'm looking forward to that.' Steven Fletcher will miss the England game after limping off in the second half with an ankle injury.
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Jerome Champagne wants to take Sepp Blatter's job as FIFA president . He has told the Mail on Sunday that five officials are being investigated . The officials, who were involved in the bidding process for the 2018 and 2022 World Cups, are at the centre of a Swiss criminal investigation . Corruption allegations have swirled around the bid decision .
Five officials with connections to FIFA and who were all involved in the bidding process for the 2018 and 2022 World Cups are at the centre of a Swiss criminal investigation, according to the man who wants to be FIFA’s next president. And Jerome Champagne, a former long-standing FIFA insider who is the only currently declared rival to Sepp Blatter for next year’s presidential race, has told the Mail on Sunday that if any of the five are found guilty of wrong-doing, the entire bidding process should be invalidated. Russia was awarded the 2018 tournament and Qatar the 2022 event in a vote that happened four years ago next month. But corruption allegations have persistently swirled around those decisions and FIFA announced last week they had lodged a criminal complaint with the Office of the Attorney General of Switzerland into ‘the possible misconduct of individual persons in connection with the awarding of the hosting rights of the 2018 and 2022 World Cups.’ Jerome Champagne told the Mail on Sunday that five FIFA officials are to face a Swiss criminal investigation . No information has been confirmed by FIFA about the number of individuals or their identities although it is believed more than one are FIFA ExCo voters who influenced the destination of the 2018 and 2022 events. This development came amid the ongoing controversy of the FIFA ethics judge Hans-Joachim Eckert’s summary of FIFA investigator Michael Garcia’s investigation into the process. ‘I am a strong defender of the principle of innocent until proven guilty but it is clear that what is at stake is enormous,’ Champagne told The Mail on Sunday. ‘We need to know how the voting unfolded and how it was influenced. Even if one vote was improperly influenced that is too many. ‘Was it one or none? Or five? If it was five then is that enough to change outcome? Yes. Qatar won 14-8. The problem is we need to know and we don’t know.’ Corruption allegations have swirled around the decision to award Russia and Qatar World Cups . Champagne added that it is his belief that FIFA’s probe into corruption allegations is effectively ongoing. ‘It is an unfinished FIFA ethics investigation … the request [to the Swiss Attorney General] is about five officials of FIFA.’ Champagne called for the full findings of Garcia’s report to be made public, even though Eckert has insisted that will never happen. ‘I’ve consistently and repeatedly called for transparency,’ Champagne said. ‘What has happened over the past week only reinforces the need for that, more than ever. ‘It has been almost four since that vote on 2 December 2010 and it continues to make me sad that the World Cup, the pinnacle of our game, remains tainted. We need to know what happened.’ This Brazilian fan holds up a sign towards the end of the 2014 World Cup, saying 'See you Russia 2018' Eckert’s 42-page summary caused huge controversy in identifying - and then traducing - two whistleblowers who gave extensive assistance to Garcia. Bonita Mersiades, a former Australian bid insider, and Phaedra Almajid, who worked for Qatar 2022, spoke out in these pages last week about their disgust at their treatment. They both subsequently made formal complaints to FIFA about Eckert allegedly breaching article 16.1 of FIFA’s own ethics code in making them clearly identifiable in his summary. They have not even received any acknowledgement of their complaint, let alone any explanation. ‘I was stunned that the whistleblowers were described in the way they were so that they could be identified,’ Champagne says. ‘They are courageous people and they were failed by this report.’ Eckert effectively dismissed both Mersiades and Almajid as inaccurate and unreliable. But the Mail on Sunday can exclusively reveal that Garcia found them so valuable to his intelligence-gathering that he used tens of thousands of dollars of FIFA money to facilitate meeting them. Meanwhile, campaigning MP Damian Collins, who has a track record of pushing for FIFA reform, has secured a parliamentary debate on December 1 in the House of Commons on the subject of the Serious Fraud Office and FIFA. It is expected that various allegations of corruption surrounding the world governing body and the 2018 and 2022 process will be aired under parliamentary privilege.
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Premier League leaders Chelsea are unbeaten after 21 games this season . Jose Mourinho says going an entire season without losing is 'impossible' Brazil midfielder Oscar insists the Portuguese will keep his side grounded . Eden Hazard says team have bought into Mourinho's defensive philosophy . Didier Drogba could remain at Stamford Bridge beyond this season .
CLICK HERE to read who Sportsmail Columnists Jamie Redknapp and Martin Keown think will win the two-horse title race . It's the ‘U’ word Jose Mourinho doesn’t want to hear, but can’t avoid at present. Unbeaten. After 21 games this season, Chelsea’s record reads: won 16, drawn 5, lost 0. In fact, the last time Chelsea lost was against Atletico Madrid in their Champions League semi-final second-leg on April 30 — 23 matches ago. The last time they lost a Premier League game was against Sunderland on April 19 — a run of 17 matches. Chelsea celebrate a 3-0 victory over Tottenham that takes their unbeaten run to 21 games this season . Brazilian midfielder Oscar insists that Jose Mourinho will keep Chelsea from getting complacent . The Portuguese has said that Chelsea going an entire season unbeaten is 'impossible' Burnley 1-3 Chelsea . Chelsea 2-0 Leicester . Everton 3-6 Chelsea . Chelsea 4-2 Swansea . Chelsea 1-1 Schalke . Man City 1-1 Chelsea . Chelsea 2-1 Bolton . Chelsea 3-0 Aston Villa . Sporting Lisbon 0-1 Chelsea . Chelsea 2-0 Arsenal . Crystal Palace 1-1 Chelsea . Chelsea 6-0 Maribor . Man United 1-1 Chelsea . Shrewsbury 1-2 Chelsea . Chelsea 2-1 QPR . Maribor 1-1 Chelsea . Liverpool 1-2 Chelsea . Chelsea 2-0 West Brom . Schalke 0-5 Chelsea . Sunder 0-0 Chelsea . Chelsea 3-0 Tottenham . As much as the Special One wants to escape it, he can’t ignore the ‘U’ word. And nor, it seems, can his players. ‘The unbeaten run is on our minds,’ admitted Oscar. ‘But the team just starts again every time and plays for a win, and if we win or if we draw it is OK. What is important is that we don’t lose. ‘Of course, we feel confident because we are not losing games. So you start confidently, but we need to continue like this.’ With Mourinho around, though, any bouts of over-confidence will be nipped in the bud. The Portuguese, despite his own self-confidence, isn’t one to tolerate arrogance in his players. Before Wednesday’s win over Tottenham, Mourinho was adamant an undefeated season in all competitions was ‘impossible’. As quickly as the subject is broached, the Chelsea manager does his best to leave the issue behind. He views it as unnecessary pressure on his players when he wants them focused on winning matches — not producing an undefeated season. With Manchester City building up a head of steam behind them, Mourinho’s men do not need any other distractions. ‘The manager speaks before every game and he tells us not to be too confident,’ revealed Oscar. ‘Mourinho speaks before the games and makes sure our feet stay on the floor. We have so many games to play and we need to continue to win them. Of course he wants us to stay confident, but not too much because that can be dangerous. ‘He tells the attacking players to go for goals, to play our football, but when you don’t have the ball you have to defend. That is the way we have been winning games.’ Belgium forward Eden Hazard celebrates after scoring the opening goal against Spurs . Hazard insists the whole team has bought into Mourinho's philosophy of defending without the ball . Chelsea have a six point lead over City at the top . That was backed up by Eden Hazard, who said: ‘Defensively we are very strong. All the players want to defend for the team, even the attacking players, even me. We are very strong and it’s important.’ You could, though, forgive Mourinho for briefly turning his mind to an undefeated campaign. He isn’t new to success but such an achievement would cement his place — if it isn’t already — as one of the greatest managers in history. His squad is certainly strong enough to make a decent fist of it, too. Question marks over how the Blues would deal without the suspended Diego Costa against Spurs were emphatically answered by Didier Drogba who scored one and made another goal in the 3-0 win. It prompted Mourinho to reveal he is keen for the striker to continue playing for the club past his current deal that expires in the summer. Didier Drogba wheels away after turning back the clock with an inspirational performance against Tottenham . Mourinho has hinted that Drogba could stay at Stamford Bridge beyond this season . Sources close to the Blues legend insisted no decision would be made until after talks with Mourinho towards the end of the season. But Oscar made his opinion on Drogba crystal clear, saying: ‘Ah, Didier — he is fantastic. Fantastic player, fantastic person and I am so happy he is a part of the team. ‘I learn from him. He speaks before the game to the attacking players. He wants to score every game. I watched him on TV when I was young, and we now play together.’ They’ll be lifting trophies together soon enough, too. Redknapp and Keown compare Jose Mourinho's 2005-06 title winners and this season's side .
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Arsenal beat Borussia Dortmund on Wednesday to seal place in last 16 . Victory means Arsenal have reached second round 15 years in a row . Arsenal have eighth highest revenue and seventh highest wage bill . North London club have seventh highest attendance in Europe . Ticket prices at the Emirates are some of the highest around . Gunners should be aiming higher than just a place in the last 16 . Arsenal have yet to win the Champions League .
After Arsenal qualified for the second round of the Champions League for the 15th successive season, Arsene Wenger joked that he would send someone different to the draw. When they have played their final group game against Galatasaray in Istanbul next month, where Wenger is ‘90 per cent’ sure they will finish second in the group, the last 16 will hold all the usual pitfalls. It is an achievement to reach the second round, but nothing more than that. Arsenal beat Borussia Dortmund at the Emirates on Wednesday to qualify for the last 16 . Yaya Sanogo celebrates scoring his first Arsenal goal with supporters at the Emirates Stadium . 1. Real Madrid (£411.5m) 2. Barcelona (£382.39m) 3. Bayern Munich (£341.66m) 4. Manchester United (£335.80) 5. Paris St Germain (£316m) 6. Manchester City (£250.54m) 7. Chelsea (£240.4m) 8. Arsenal (£225.26) Based on Arsenal’s status within the game, progressing to the last 16 of the Champions League is standard for a club of this size. They are up there now with the biggest teams in the world and expectations at a club with the commercial clout of Arsenal are high. This club charges more than any other to watch their football and yet they consistently sell their supporters short in the Champions League. They are much, much bigger than the club will allow you to believe because it gets them off the hook when they are beaten by Bayern Munich or Barcelona when the competition gets serious. The minimum acceptable target for one of the biggest teams in world football is to reach the quarter-finals as a matter of course. Arsenal's victory over Dortmund meant they have now qualified for the second round 15 years in a row . Alexis Sanchez celebrates after scoring in Arsenal's 2-0 victory on Wednesday . Arsene Wenger's side are yet to win the competition despite making the second round 15 years in a row . 1. Manchester City (£102,653 per week) 2. Real Madrid (£96,027) 3. Barcelona (£94,256) 4. Bayern Munich (£84,671) 5. Manchester United (£83,120) 6. Chelsea (£76,626) 7. Arsenal (£75,037) (average wage per player) At least Wenger, who developed an obsession with the competition, accepts that it is not enough to reach the second phase. He wants more, just as he did when his team came close to beating Barcelona in the 2006 Champions League final in the Stade de France. ‘When you work at the football club we realise it’s not a waste to have that continuity and consistency and I’m very proud of that,’ he admitted. ‘The club deserves a lot of credit for that. But it’s not enough. We want more than that.’ His ambition is admirable, but this club is geared up for far more than the occasional appearance in the quarter-final of the competition. Arsenal's team may not be as expensively assembled as their rivals, but their wage bill is right up there . Arsenal were beaten 2-1 by Barcelona in the 2006 final at the Stade de France in Paris . Steven Gerrard scores a penalty in Liverpool's 5-3 quarter-final victory in 2008 . 1. Borussia Dortmund (80,295) 2. Manchester United (75,205) 3. Barcelona (72,115) 4. Real Madrid (71,565) 5. Bayern (71,000) 6. Schalke 04 (61,570) 7. Arsenal (60,015) (average attendances per game) Since reaching the final in 2006, they have lost in the second round to PSV Eindhoven, Barcelona, Milan and Bayern Munich . They were beaten by Liverpool in 2008, cuffed by Manchester United in the second leg of the semi-final in 2009 and taken apart by Barcelona in 2010, when they lost 6-3 on aggregate. Winning it takes a special team and a good slice of luck, but we still laud the achievements of 10-time winners Real Madrid, Milan , Bayern , Liverpool , Barcelona and Ajax . Every which way you look at the set-up around the Emirates, from matchday revenue to salaries to stadium and training ground facilities to transfers, Arsenal should be doing better in Europe. According to Deloitte’s Money League, published last January, Arsenal are the eighth biggest club in European football by revenue. Last year, Arsenal were beaten 3-1 on aggregate by Bayern Munich in the first knockout round . David Villa scores for Barcelona as they beat Arsenal 4-3 on aggregate in the last 16 in 2011 . Here they are: Real Madrid (£411.5m), Barcelona (£382.39m), Bayern Munich (£341.66m), Manchester United (£335.80), Paris St Germain (£316m), Manchester City (£250.54m), Chelsea (£240.4m) and Arsenal (£225.26). In terms of wages, sportingintelligence.com’s salary survey, which was published in April claims the Arsenal squad have the seventh biggest wage packets in world football. Here is the list: Manchester City (£102,653 per week), Real Madrid (£96,027), Barcelona (£94,256), Bayern Munich (£84,671), Manchester United (£83,120), Chelsea (£76,626) and Arsenal (£75,037). This team, which qualified for the next phase of the competition after beating Borussia Dortmund 2-0 last night, also has the seventh biggest attendances in European football. Borussia Dortmund (80,295), Manchester United (75,205), Barcelona (72,115), Real Madrid (71,565), Bayern (71,000), Schalke 04 (61,570) and Arsenal (60,015). With a state-of-the-art stadium, always packed with fans, Arsenal need to start acting like a club of their size . Manchester United got the better of Arsenal in 2009 in the Champions League semi-finals . Where Arsenal really are streets ahead of the competition is, of course, their season ticket prices. That is where their fans are forced to pay through the nose. According to a BBC study last month, the cheapest season ticket at the Emirates is £1014, although this does include seven cup credits on top of 19 games in the Barclays Premier League. Remember, you can buy a season ticket to watch Cristiano Ronaldo play every other week at Real Madrid, who won the Champions League last season, for £174.65. You can watch the other best player in the world Lionel Messi, who has already won the Champions League three times, at the Nou Camp for £103.38. The seats will be up in the gods, but Barcelona fans can still get to watch a genuine great setting records. A season ticket to watch Real Madrid play costs as little as £174.65 . A season ticket to watch Lionel Messi's Barcelona in action starts at £103.38 . At Arsenal, where ticket prices can fetch £97 for a seat, they get to admire the brilliance of Alexis Sanchez now that he is wearing their famous red and white shirt. It is something of a shame that Arsenal continue to announce their official attendance because it is actually the number of seats sold. Last night, for example, there were perhaps 5,000 more empty seats dotted around the stadium. Still, the cash has already been counted from the fans who pay through the nose to watch this team and that means they can pay the bills. When the draw for the second round of the Champions League on December 15, it is time for Arsenal to pay them back.
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Men and women join the Israel Defense Forces to defend the Jewish state . There are about 2,000 lone soldiers currently serving in the military . For Jews who have never lived there, their service is voluntary . Some speak little to no Hebrew and have only recently been to Israel .
The two Americans killed in fighting in the Gaza Strip followed in the footsteps of scores of Jews from around the world who have volunteered to fight for Israel. Israel calls them the lone soldiers: They are men and women in the prime of their lives who have left their parents and often comfortable lives behind in places like Sydney, London, Los Angeles and elsewhere to join the Israel Defense Forces, marching in the desert and taking up arms to defend the Jewish state. There are about 2,000 lone soldiers currently serving in the military, said Marina Rozhansky, spokeswoman at the Israel Consul General in Los Angeles. Max Steinberg, left, grew up in Southern California's San Fernando Valley and Nissim Sean Carmeli, 21 right, was from South Padre Island, Texas. The two Americans killed in fighting in the Gaza Strip . Groups for families of lone soldiers have recently started in Los Angeles and other cities, providing a support network as the fighting intensifies. For Jews who left Israel before the age of 15 or who never lived there, their service is voluntary. For many, it is a calling, a way to get back to their roots and unite the world's Jewish population. Some have dual citizenship. Others speak little to no Hebrew and have only recently been to Israel. Max Steinberg, 24 , joined six months after he visited Israel for the first time on a Birthright Israel trip with his younger brother and sister in June 2012, according to his brother Jake Steinberg . Max was a sharpshooter in the Golani Brigade, was among 13 Israeli soldiers and scores of Palestinians over the weekend who died during the first major ground battle in two weeks of fighting between Israel and Hamas . Max Steinberg, 24, who grew up in Southern California's San Fernando Valley, joined six months after he visited Israel for the first time on a Birthright Israel trip with his younger brother and sister in June 2012, according to his brother Jake Steinberg. Max was a sharpshooter in the Golani Brigade, was among 13 Israeli soldiers and scores of Palestinians over the weekend who died during the first major ground battle in two weeks of fighting between Israel and Hamas. The Jewish Journal was first to report Steinberg's death. 'He got there and felt a connection to Israel, saw that as a place he could live and be successful, and he went for it,' Jake Steinberg said. Israeli soldiers carry the coffin of Sgt. Nissim Sean Carmeli, during his funeral at the military cemetery in the northern Israeli city of Haifa . Thousands of people attended Carmeli's funeral in the northern Israeli port town of Haifa after a Facebook status called for Israelis to come in droves so that the lone soldier would be not be alone at this final resting place. Carmeli was the youngest of three and has two sisters who currently live in Israel. He was 'loved by his parents infinitely' Nissim Sean Carmeli, 21, the second American killed, was from South Padre Island, Texas, and he felt that same strong connection to the country he had only moved to four years ago. 'Lone soldiers are a kind of star in Israel,' according to the Jewish Journal in a report. 'For Israeli kids, army service is a rite of passage. But because it is a choice for the young members of the Diaspora who re-direct their own life paths to protect Israel, those enlistees are given a hero's welcome - and a lifetime of Shabbat dinner invitations from their fellow soldiers, who become their surrogate families.' Thousands of people attended Carmeli's funeral in the northern Israeli port town of Haifa after a Facebook status called for Israelis to come in droves so that the lone soldier would be not be alone at this final resting place. Tearful mourners rested their heads on his coffin, which was draped in an Israeli flag. Before it was lowered into the grave, piles of flowers were set upon the coffin, as mourners cried beside it. Mike Fishbein, who grew up in Los Angeles, said he felt like he was missing a connection to his Jewish identity in California. He spent a year volunteering and studying in Israel, but that experience only deepened his desire to do more. Max Steinberg, left, poses on a trip to Israel with his siblings Paige Steinberg, center, and Jake Steinberg . The Steinberg family during a trip to Israel. 'Lone soldiers are a kind of star in Israel,' according to the Jewish Journal in a report . 'I believe in that country. I believe in the Jewish people and the country's reason to exist, so I thought I can't just go back home to Los Angeles,' said Fishbein, who served about two years with the Israel Defense Forces starting in 2009. After Fishbein enlisted, he spent 30 days learning Hebrew along with more than two dozen others from Panama, South Africa, Australia and other nations. He then went through basic training, which included a 40-mile nighttime march through the desert. He lived for almost four months inside a worn tent from the Vietnam War era. Israeli troops wondered why he would leave the palm trees and beaches they had seen in movies. 'They didn't understand why a kid from Hollywood was there,' he said. 'But after you stuck around, they would respect you and understand we're here together to try and protect the same thing.' When Fishbein heard of the two Americans killed, it touched him deeply, he said. He has struggled to post on his Facebook page his emotions or even give an explanation to his friends in California as to why he felt the need to serve. He never wanted to join the U.S. armed forces, Fishbein said. Mike Fishbein, middle, a U.S.-born soldier from Los Angeles, with fellow Americans David Wisefield, left, and Ilan Benjamin, all fighting for the Israel Defense Forces . Fishbein who grew up in Los Angeles, said he felt like he was missing a connection to his Jewish identity in California. He spent a year volunteering and studying in Israel, but that experience only deepened his desire to do more. He served two years with the IDF starting in 2009 . After Fishbein, left, enlisted, he spent 30 days learning Hebrew along with more than two dozen others from Panama, South Africa, Australia and other nations . For the 25-year-old commercial production assistant, serving in the Israel Defense Forces was the culmination of milestones in his life, he said. In ninth grade, he accompanied his father with a documentary crew filming the unearthing of Jewish artefacts in a once largely Jewish town in Poland that was destroyed in the Holocaust. 'That was a surreal experience for a ninth-grade kid to go through, but it set me up to go to Israel and serve,' he said. 'Every lone soldier has had something similar.' Josh Reznick, 24, who works for a real estate investment firm in Baltimore, briefly considered joining the U.S. military, but after living on a kibbutz for a year, he realized his calling. Israeli soldiers participate in a military operation in Sderot, south Israel bordering the Gaza Strip . An Israeli soldier takes a nap under a tree in Yad Mordekhai, south Israel bordering the Gaza Strip . Israeli soldiers participate in a military operation in Sderot, south Israel . He served in the same unit as the two Americans killed during the weekend. He did not know either of them, but he did know one of the fallen Israeli troops. Reznick believes the Steinberg and Carmeli will be 'shining examples' for other lone soldiers. He was inspired by Michael Levin, a lone soldier from Pennsylvania killed fighting for Israel in 2006. He visited his grave site in Israel, where his tombstone is covered in Phillies baseball hats and Eagles jerseys. 'It's very nice living in America and everything is fine. But I'm sure people right before WWII felt the same way about living in Germany,' he said. 'If only there had been a place to run to for the Jews. That's why it's important to keep Israel, a Jewish nation, alive.' Isaac Cohen, 18, of Silver Spring, Maryland, starts this month at an Israeli military prep school before joining the army next year. He isn't deterred by the recent violence. 'They teach you how to survive in Israel,' said Cohen, who lived there for six years. 'You kind of have to survive there. I feel a lot stronger when I'm there.'
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Markus Kaarma fired four bullets into Diren Dede, 17, in his garage . He has pleaded not guilty and claims he was defending himself . His barber said Kaarma told her: 'I've been up 3 night with a shotgun waiting to kill some kids...I'm not kidding you'll see this on the news' Development came as prosecutors opened Montana case on Thursday . Two teenagers testified, said they think their 'garage-hopping' prompted Kaarma to plot revenge before killing Dede .
The homeowner accused of deliberately shooting dead a German exchange student allegedly told his barber just days before: 'I've been up three night with a shotgun waiting to kill some kids'. Markus Kaarma is charged with baiting Diren Dede, 17, into his garage on April 27 before firing at him four times with a shotgun. It came weeks after two teenagers stole from Kaarma's garage - a move prosecutors say sparked the Montana father-of-one to plot his revenge. Kaarma has pleaded not guilty and claimed that he was legally defending his life and his property when he opened fire. But that argument took a blow today as his hair stylist Tanya Colby told a court he said: 'I've been up three night with a shotgun waiting to kill some kids.' He added: 'I'm not kidding, you're seriously going to see this on the news,' she claimed. Case opened: Markus Kaarma listened as the court heard he said he was waiting to kill teenagers with a gun . The development came as prosecutors opened their case on Thursday. On the first day of testimony, two teenagers, Mykle Martin, 17, and Trsitan Staber, 18, described how they went 'garage hopping,' or burglarizing garages, in search of alcohol and other things after dark and hit Markus Kaarma's house. Martin and Staber have been convicted in the incident in which they stole a wallet, marijuana, alcohol and an iPhone from Kaarma's garage about a week before Dede was shot. Staber said he acted as lookout while Martin stole the items. 'I was the previous break-in,' Martin said, his voice at times barely audible. 'I'm the reason he was waiting for another person.' Both teens said Kaarma and his partner made a call to Karma's iPhone. Staber said he heard Kaarma's partner Janelle Pflager make a threat; Martin said the couple didn't. Victim: Diren Dede , 17, was shot dead on April 27 after allegedly breaking into Kaarma's garage . Tearful: Dede's mother Gulcin and father Celal were emotional as they watched proceedings . Kaarma has pleaded not guilty to deliberate homicide, citing fear of harm to his family and property after he had been burglarized twice before the shooting. Deputy County Attorney Jennifer Clark said Kaarma gave no warning before firing in the darkened garage four times after tripping the motion sensor, and that Kaarma paused between the third and fourth shots. 'Neighbors heard the sequence of shots,' Clark said. 'They heard boom, boom, boom, pause, boom.' She held the pump-action shotgun used in the slaying and simulated firing it. Clark said Dede may have been crouching behind a car after the first shots were fired. 'We'll be back to ask you to hold this man responsible for deliberately taking the life of Diren Dede,' she said. Days before the shooting, Kaarma had gone for a haircut at a Great Clips and three women from the shop testified Thursday that they heard Kaarma say his house had been burglarized twice and that he had been waiting up nights to shoot an intruder. Arguments: Jennifer Clark, chief criminal deputy county attorney, demonstrates the pump action of the Mossberg 590-series shotgun, which Kaarma used to kill Diren Dede on April 27, 2014, in her opening words . 'I've been up three nights with a shotgun waiting to kill some kids,' hair stylist Tanya Colby said when asked what Kaarma talked about during the hair cut. She said he later told her, 'I'm not kidding, you're seriously going to see this on the news.' Colby also said Kaarma believed police weren't doing anything about the burglaries. Defense attorney Paul Ryan said Montana law allows homeowners to protect their residences with deadly force when they believe they are going to be harmed. Kaarma didn't know whether the person inside the garage was armed, Ryan said. He said Kaarma is a man who doesn't like to be around a lot of people, and he felt targeted and increasingly anxious for the safety Pflager and their infant son after the first burglaries. Montana's 'stand your ground' law makes it easier for people to avoid prosecution in a shooting if they felt an imminent danger, whether or not the person shot was armed. Dede, from the German city of Hamburg, was not carrying a weapon. Dede's parents, Celal and Gulcin Dede, are attending the trial. 'We have lost a bit of our joy for life,' Celal Dede said in a prepared statement to Germany's RTL Television. 'We can no longer laugh, no longer be happy. A huge part of us was taken from our lives - a part that made our family very happy.'
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Luis Suarez third in the CIES Football Observatory ranking of most valuable players . Lionel Messi is top of the list, with Cristiano Ronaldo second . England prospects Raheem Sterling and Ross Barkley are above Daniel Sturridge and Wayne Rooney . Nine current Premier League players make up the top 20 . A huge range of information is considered for each player to produce a ‘real world’ price tag .
Luis Suarez is now the third most valuable footballer in the world according to an authoritative new report, published today, that rates the Liverpool striker as worth £79million - at least. Only Barcelona’s Lionel Messi, with a ‘starting price’ of £161.5m and Real Madrid’s Cristiano Ronaldo, worth at least £85.2m, are valued more highly in the study, compiled by a Swiss-based expert research centre. The CIES Football Observatory has detailed knowledge of actual prices paid in thousands of transfers to ‘Big Five’ divisions over recent years, and have now published their annual review of players - including ‘market values’. VIDEO Scroll down to watch Messi scoring from behind the goal in training . Hit man: Luis Suarez was the Premier League's top scorer last season with Liverpool . Revealed: The 20 most valuable players in Europe . A huge range of information is considered for each player to produce a ‘real world’ price tag of what each star should objectively be worth in the transfer market this summer. Age, the length of contract remaining, position, performance data, international experience and the level at which the players are working are all considered. The stunning season enjoyed at Anfield by Uruguay forward Suarez, 27, has propelled him up the rankings of ‘most wanted’ among a string of elite clubs. The CIES study brackets his market value at between £79.4m and £92.3m. Suarez cost Liverpool £22.8m from Ajax in January 2011 and has been linked with some of Europe’s top clubs in recent days, from Real Madrid to Manchester United, who are reportedly ready to bid £65m. On the basis of the CIES study, that would represent a huge under-valuation of the player. The fourth most valuable man on the list is Chelsea’s Belgium starlet, Eden Hazard, 23, reckoned to be worth at least £61.2m. Chelsea paid around half that sum two years ago. Genius: Messi didn't have his best season at Barcelona, but is still the most valuable player in the world . The top 10 is completed by Paul Pogba of Juventus, Real Madrid’s Gareth Bale - rated at £47.1m at least, or considerably less than he cost last summer - then Arsenal’s Mesut Ozil, PSG’s Edinson Cavani and Bayern Munich’s Mario Gotze. Four England players make the top 20: Wayne Rooney plus three of the young Lions from Roy Hodgson’s World Cup squad - Raheem Sterling, Ross Barkley and Daniel Sturridge. Rooney is thought to be worth £29.6m, a bit less than the younger Sterling (£31.2m) and Barkley (£29.7m) and very lightly more than Sturridge (£29.4m). Outside the top 20, Arsenal’s Jack Wilshere is rated as worth at least £27.6m and Southampton’s Luke Shaw is worth £23.2m. Wizard: Ronaldo was named Ballon d'Or winner, with the Portugal striker enjoying a superb campaign . Value: Chelsea's Eden Hazard is fourth, and Gareth Bale, the most expensive player on earth, was seventh . Any footballer is only worth what a club will pay for him, of course, but the CIES study shows that their evaluation process stands up to scrutiny, with only a small historical variation between their valuations on players and the prices they actually move for. The margin of error is fairly insignificant 7.5 per cent. Of the 20 highest valued players, nine of them play in the Premier League, for now at least, seven in Spain’s La Liga, two in Germany’s Bundesliga (Mario Gotze and Thomas Muller at Bayern Munich), one in France’s Ligue 1 (Cavani at PSG) and one in Italy’s Serie A . At the top end of the chart, Messi’s value is almost twice that of Ronaldo’s. The report’s author’s say: ‘This is mainly related to the younger age of the Argentinian prodigy, who was born 28 months after the Portuguese superstar. ‘However, with respect to the last year, Messi’s market value has gone down (by €19m) while that of Ronaldo increased (by €4m). Prospect: Everton star Ross Barkley was ranked in the top 20 most valuable players in the World . England's future: Raheem Sterling was also in the top 20 after rising to fame with Liverpool . More information and access to the full report can be found at www.football-observatory.com .
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Rumain Brisbon, 34, was killed after Phoenix police say an officer feared the suspect was armed during a struggle . He was thought to be selling drugs and after fleeing from officers, a cop mistook a pill bottle for a gun and shot him . Now his nine-year-old daughter is telling the cop he had no right to shoot her father, while also saying he will never get to see her grow up .
The nine-year-old daughter of a black, unarmed man shot dead by a white Phoenix police officer who mistook a pill bottle for a gun is speaking out in an emotional interview. Rumain Brisbon, 34, was killed after an officer feared the suspect was armed during a struggle. Now his daughter Aiyana has made an emotional a plea to law enforcement across the country as she talks about how unnecessary the killing was, and how her father will never see her grow up. 'I felt like that it really didn't need to happen,' Aiyana Raines told Fox10. Scroll down for video . Emotional plea: Aiyana Raines, nine, gave an emotional interview after an officer shot her father and said: 'The officer did not have the right to shoot my dad or kill him' Tragedy: Rumain Brisbon (above with his youngest daughter) was killed after an officer feared he was armed during a struggle, but it was just a pill bottle. The officer shot him twice in the torse . 'He is going to miss our birthdays and how my little sisters grow up, and how we grow up because she is the only one and I am only nine, and my sister is only 10, and my dad is not going to be here for our happy moments and our sad moments.' As for the moment she found out that her father had been killed, little Aiyana said, 'I started crying cause I really didn't believe that my dad got killed.' The Phoenix Police Department claim Brisbon was sitting in a Cadillac SUV on Tuesday evening and that witnesses told an officer he was selling drugs. Police approached him and made several demands for him to show his hands, but Brisbon fled. During a scuffle, the officer - a 30-year-old male officer with seven years experience on the force - felt a pill bottle in his waistband, which he believed was a gun. 'The officer gave the suspect several commands to get on the ground but he refused to comply, yelling profanities at the officer,' the Department said in a statement. 'Fearing Brisbon had a gun in his pocket the officer fired two rounds striking Brisbon in the torso.' He was pronounced dead at the scene. Questions: Police said Brisbon (above with his youngest daughter) was carrying a vial of oxycodone pills at the time of the incident. They had earlier received reports that he was selling drugs . Missed: The sisters, who are aged nine and 10, have said they won't have a father to watch them grow up . Rap sheet: Court documents show that Brisbon was known to authorities and had a criminal record including burglary, DUI, narcotics, and paraphernalia related charges . Police said Brisbon was carrying a vial of oxycodone pills, and that a semi-automatic handgun and a jar of marijuana were found in the SUV. A nearby resident told The Arizona Republic that he went over to the window after hearing the shooting and saw the officer 'walking out, and he was cussing, you know, he was screaming, "F, f", like upset that he shot the guy'. Sergeant Trent Crump, a Phoenix police spokesman, said at the Wednesday news conference that 'this one went bad from the standpoint of how it ended' but that they stood by the officer's actions. 'Let's be very clear,' he said. 'The officer was doing what we expect him to do, which is investigate crimes that neighbors are telling him are occurring in that part of the complex.' Friends, including the man who had been in the SUV with Brisbon, said that the victim was simply on his way to deliver fast food to his children in the apartment block. One witness said he did not see police officers trying to speak with Brisbon before the altercation. 'The Phoenix Police Department does not treat white people this way,' The Rev. Jarrett Maupin, who organized a march in the city on Thursday night, told KPNX. 'What that officer did was harass and accost them.' Gathering: Crowds formed on Thursday night in Phoenix to march to the police department . Planning: There are also rallies planned for the city on Friday evening as well . Aiyana also has a message for the officer . 'To the officer that killed my dad, let me tell you something,' she said. 'You hurt three little girls that looked up to their dad. 'I am hurting, but I have to stay strong for my dad and my little sister.' More importantly, she wants people to know that above all else, her dad was a 'good dad' and that 'the officer did not have the right to shoot my dad or kill him'. Marci A. Kratter, an attorney for Brisbon's family, told The Arizona Republic that witnesses disputed the official police account and that 'we intend to pursue this to the full extent of the law'. Court documents show that Brisbon had a criminal record including burglary, DUI, narcotics, and paraphernalia related charges. About 100 people marched to the Phoenix Police Department on Thursday evening to protest the fatal shooting, which was likened to the death of Michael Brown in Ferguson, Missouri and Eric Garner in Staten Island, New York. Outrage: As the protests were underway in Phoenix, hundreds of demonstrators marched through Manhattan and across the Brooklyn Bridge following the deaths of Eric Garner and Michael Brown . Both were unarmed black men who died after altercations with white police officers. Grand juries in both cities have decided not to indict the officers - sparking massive protests across the U.S. In Cleveland, there have also been protests after a black 12-year-old boy, Tamir Rice, who was shot dead by a white rookie police officer after he mistook the boy's fake gun for a real weapon. A grand jury is deciding whether or not to pursue charges in that case. In the protests in Phoenix on Thursday, demonstrators demanded to know the identity of the police officer who killed Brisbon. Another protest is scheduled for Friday night.