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Wearing a white t-shirt with the letter T makes men more attractive . The top creates an illusion of a V-shaped, masculine body . Research found men who wore the top were 12 per cent more attractive . | dbb73304696c6a652cfeabf05c17ca08bd24a824 | Success: The way to a woman's heart is simple - wear a t-shirt . Forget expensive designer clothes, a simple T-shirt could be the best way to capture a woman’s heart. Wearing a plain white short-sleeved top with a large black letter T printed on the front can make a man up to 12 per cent more attractive, scientists claim. Researchers suggest it creates an illusion that broadens the shoulders and slims the waist, producing a more V-shaped body – a sign of masculinity. The best results were observed in participants who were most out of shape, with already toned individuals only gaining a slight increase in perceived attractiveness. In contrast, all those wearing a top with an inverted ‘T’ - with the bar running around their waist - were deemed up to 12 per cent less attractive. It suggests shifting the focus to a man’s gut reduces his desirability. The team said a waist-to-chest ratio (WCR) of between 0.7 and 0.8 - where the shoulders are around 20 per cent broader than the hips - was seen as the ideal. Nottingham Trent University psychologist Dr Andrew Dunn said: ‘The wider barred ‘T’ seems to emphasise the upper chest when upright, which accentuates men’s ‘optimum’ shape. The opposite happens when inverted. ‘WCR is one of just a number of body measures that humans use to judge attractiveness and health. 'Our ability to detect, process and use this information appears to be implicit. 'The brain and sensory mechanism . underpinning this are probably evolved and are almost certainly managing . what we look for and how we respond. Improving chances: Women who were shown images of men wearing the white t-shirt with a large black T were 12 per cent more likely to be attracted to them . ‘The effect was most notable for normal men with a waist as wide as their shoulders. Whereas with those who are already in . good shape, the T was simply amplifying the body shape they already . had, so the benefit was less marked.’ The study involved showing 30 female undergraduates, aged 18 to 25, images of five different male body shapes and asked them to mark their perceived attractiveness and health. Each male model wore a plain white t-shirt with no T, and with an upright and inverted T-illusions of varying shapes and sizes. The results showed that upright T-illusions increased attractiveness and health perceptions. Dr Dunn said the horizontal bar on the T-shirt had to be as equal or longer than the vertical bar for optimum effectiveness. He said: ‘Clearly there are individual tastes and preferences, but we can see here how fashion could have an implicit positive or negative effect on perceived attractiveness and health. ‘It suggests that you can use this kind of optical illusion that artists and fashion designers use all the time to tap into our basic sensory psychology.’ |
Juan Mata left Chelsea for Manchester United in January 2014 . The Spain midfielder had been frozen out by Blues boss Jose Mourinho . Eden Hazard was saddened, but admits the move was inevitable . Mata faces his old club for the first time since his £37.1 million move . | fa29fb4f6f9b7c1154a78d5c8f391346612da23d | Chelsea ace Eden Hazard admits he was upset at Juan Mata's move to Manchester United, but confesses it was inevitable after he was frozen out by Blues boss Jose Mourinho. Mata made the move to United for a fee of £37.1 million in January 2014, and will face his old club for the first time on Sunday afternoon. One of the opponents lining up against him is old friend Hazard, who has spoken of his sadness at the Spain midfielder's exit. VIDEOS Scroll down to watch . Juan Mata (left) and Eden Hazard (right) celebrate with Fernando Torres when the pair played for Chelsea . Mata celebrates a goal for Manchester United - he was warming the bench at Chelsea, but not for the Reds . 'I was sad when Juan left because he was such a good player,' Hazard told the Sunday Mirror. 'But at the end of his time at Chelsea, he was on the bench and he didn't play a lot.' 'When you're a great player, it's normal that you want to play, so I respect his choice, but I wanted him to stay here because it was a pleasure to play with him.' Chelsea sit top of the Premier League and, after Manchester City's slip-up yesterday, the Blues can go six points clear after just nine matches if they beat United at Old Trafford. Mata celebrates after scoring a goal for Chelsea against current club United - the tables turn on Sunday . Old team-mates and current friends Mata (left) and Hazard (right)... the pair face each other on Sunday . Hazard and Mata share a hug while celebrating after the former scored at Stamford Bridge in October 2012 . This raises the importance of an already feisty derby; one which Hazard reveals he is fully focused on. Despite his friendship with Mata, he has not made contact in the lead-up to Sunday's match. 'Juan is my friend, but on Sunday he plays for Man United, I play for Chelsea and I want to win. I've not been in touch with him this season. Last season, yes, but not this one.' |
Photographer Igor Shpilenok spent seven months observing the bears . The brown bears live at the Kronotsky Nature Reserve in Russia's far east . | 7be4487ef0940ac00ea90630cc4f4d15280bba25 | These brown bears are keen to play with discarded barrels - because they have developed a nose for aviation fuel. The creatures sniff kerosene and gasoline from containers left in the Kronotsky Nature Reserve in the far east of Russia. They take deep breaths for minutes at a time before digging a shallow hole and lying in a 'nirvana' position. A bear lies back in the 'nirvana' position in the snow after sniffing aviation fuel . Dozens of brown bears sniff air fuel from barrels left on the plains of South Kamchatka Sanctuary in Russia's Far East . A brown bear named Suzemka explores a discarded barrel in the sanctuary, which is a Unesco-protected World Heritage site . The fuel is used to power generators and helicopters used by nature reserve workers. Photographer Igor Shpilenok, 52, spent seven months with the community of bears. He said some of the addicted predators even stalked helicopters, waiting for take off and drops of fuel to leak onto the hard soil for them to hoover up. He added: 'In another case a helicopter brought a few barrels of gasoline. 'Workers of the nature reserve didn't take them in time and a female bear named Suzemka - who is apparently fasciated by the smell of fuel - used the opportunity. 'She seems to be one of the addicts.' The Kronotsky Nature Reserve, in South Kamchatka, is home to more than 700 brown bears. Suzemka rolls the barrel along the ground in the sanctuary to claim it as her own . Suzemka takes a deep breath of kerosene through a crack in the fuel container . They are thought to be the largest brown bears in the world, weighing up to 1,200lb. The sanctuary covers 225,000 hectares of land and is listed as a Unesco World Heritage site. The climate ranges between extremely hot and cold - earning it the label 'land of fire and ice'. A bear approaches a helicopter, perhaps hoping some drops of fuel will fall from the aircraft . |
Frank and Louie - 'Frankenlouie' - was brought to Tuffs University in North Grafton by a breeder in September 1999 to be euthanized . Known as a Janus cat, named for a Roman god with two faces. Vet nurse Marty Stevens decided to take him home . Expected to die, he went on to live for 15 years . He was euthanized at Tuffs University on Thursday from cancer . Broke a Guiness World Record in 2012 as the oldest surviving Janus cat . | f0f8616d65c42710db426d766d55360158bda74e | This cat had two faces - but only nine lives. A feline named Frank and Louie after he was born with two faces, two mouths, two noses and three blue eyes has died at the age of 15. The Telegram of Worcester reports that 'Frankenlouie' died Thursday at the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University in North Grafton. The cat's owner, Marty Stevens, said veterinarians believe the cause of death was cancer. Scroll down for video . R.I.P: 'Frankenlouie', the world's oldest Janus cat - a feline with two faces - died at the age of 15 on Thursday December 4, 2014, after suffering what was believed to be cancer . Rare: The Guinness World Record holder passed away at the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tuft's University in Grafton, Massachusetts, according to owner Martha 'Marty'Stevens . Precious: Marty Stevens is seen here at home with her beloved cat. She called the face on the left Frank, while the face on the right is identified as Louie . The cat's owner, Marty Stevens, said veterinarians believe the cause of death was cancer. Frank and Louie made it into the 2012 edition of Guinness World Records as the longest-surviving member of a group known as Janus cats, named for a Roman god with two faces. Janus cats almost never survive, and most have congenital defects. They usually only live a few days. A breeder brought the rare feline to Stevens, a vet nurse, to be euthanized in September of 1999. However Stevens, not believing the cat would survive, decided to take him home with her and care for him. She fed Frankenlouie using tubes in both mouths, soon realizing that only the 'Frank' side was connected to his esophagus. He did, however, eat enough for two. Stevens said her cat quickly developed a strong personality and loved to walk around her neighborhood in North Grafton. 'He’s just so affectionate and sweet he usually wins people over,' she told The Telegram-Gazette in 2011. Beloved: The Janus cat was set to be euthanized by a breeder in 1999, but Stevens, a vet nurse, decided to bring him home with her . Fascinating: Frankenlouie was blind in his center eye, but his outer eyes function as per usual . He functioned as a regular cat. While blind in his center eye, both his outer eyes worked fine, and while he had two noses and mouths, he had only one brain. Stevens is now understandably devastated to lose her pet of 15 years. She said her fell quite ill around Thanksgiving and she she took him to the Tuffs University clinic. The vet told her it was best to euthanize him, because he was in quite a lot of pain. Stevens says once her sadness passes she wouldn't mind looking for another Janus to bring home with her, just like she did with Frankenlouie in 1999. 'I would love to do it again,' she said. |
A map using points of blue light to show how Facebook connections across the globe shows a jump in users in India, Africa, and South America . But China, where Facebook has been banned for years, remains in the dark . | ae5297ac4570b69ce1bf4bc54acd85ca3476bf2e | The future looks bright for Facebook, or at least brighter now that Mark Zuckerberg has released a new map with all the friends connected through the site across the world represented by shining points of light. Countries worldwide are bathed in blue on the striking map, and far more users are represented than were on a similar map released in 2010. The map shows the rising popularity of the social media site in Africa, South America, and India. But it has one undeniably black hole: it sits directly over the nation of China. September 2013: Mark Zuckerberg has proudly made this map his Facebook page's new cover photo. It shows how all the world is connected through the social media behemoth . December 2010: An older map, while impressive, proves just how much Facebook's reach has spread. Notice a darker Africa, South America, and India. China, where Facebook is blocked, is a black hole on the new and old maps . Blue planet: According to Facebook, over a billion users logged on to the social media site each month in 2013, up 23 percent from 2012 . As noted by Slate, the People’s Republic is no big fan of Facebook. The communist government has blocked Facebook for years—blaming it, at least in part, on the riots in Urumqi that left 140 dead in 2009—along with Twitter, Youtube, and other sites. Instead of Facebook, Chinese internet users interested in social media log onto the sites Weibo, Weixin, and Renren. Also a dark spot, on both the new and old Facebook connection maps, is the Dark Continent. Africa’s more populous coastal and southern regions are alight, but no connections are leaping out of the continent’s center. Telecom infrastructure here is far less developed, though tech giants like Facebook and Google are working to change that. Russia is another dark area on the map, though that’s owed less to a restrictive government and more to its citizen’s preferences. Facebook is only the second most used social network in Mother Russia after the more popular Vkontakte. While the darker areas of Facebook’s maps have remained relatively unchanged, many of the brighter spots have become even more so. The booming economy of India has no doubt fueled its increased connections on Facebook. Brazil, another rapidly industrializing country, has also increased its Facebook use, despite the longstanding popularity of Google’s Orkut in the South American nation. While Facebook may not be breaking into the Chinese market, just a glance at these maps makes it clear that the site’s popularity is on the rise worldwide and won’t be going away any time soon. |
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 . | f84cb320ab796bb400fb70dc4e5faf1cba023520 | 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 (above) 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. |
David De Gea dislocated his finger while away with Spain last week . It was believed De Gea would miss four weeks due to the injury . Manchester United goalkeeper could now be fit for Saturday however . Louis van Gaal's side travel to Arsenal in the Premier League . | 760a506d3773d3cd695c4481cf80d9ccf1d45c5f | Manchester United goalkeeper David De Gea is set to hand manager Louis van Gaal an almighty boost by declaring himself fit for Saturday evening’s visit to Arsenal. De Gea dislocated his little finger during a Spain training session last week but the injury is understood to have improved to such an extent that he now believes he has a high chance of starting at the Emirates Stadium. Sources close to the Spanish team told Sportsmail on Tuesday evening that the United No 1 has ‘an 80 per cent’ chance of making the starting line-up when his club return to Barclays Premier League action this weekend. Manchester United could be handed a boost with the news David de Gea might play against Arsenal . The Spain stopper injured a finger while away with the national team last week . De Gea will be assessed by United’s medical staff and goalkeeping coach Frans Hoek upon his return to Carrington and providing the swelling continues to go down, he should be passed fit. It is telling that De Gea has been allowed to remain with Spain despite suffering the injury. He was also named on the bench for the 3-0 victory over Belarus on Saturday and the clash against Germany in Vigo on Tuesday night. He has started every United game this season and has often been the stand-out performer during the opening months of Van Gaal’s reign. De Gea will be assessed by United’s medical staff and goalkeeping coach Frans Hoek upon his return . VIDEO Man Utd still facing injury problems . |
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 . | 3825bcd252816d87f63a58f5ba3db9c753c5d1f2 | 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 (left), 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 (centre) 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. |
Heston Blumenthal's ham hock terrine was introduced last Christmas . But since then, the terrine has proved remarkably difficult to buy . One shopper revealed she has tried to order it 13 times in recent months . Reviews on Waitrose website offer a distinctly mixed verdict . | 30eca0b42ebed4069ea4098689da0840dfa97d16 | It was introduced last Christmas as a special party food treat under the banner of Michelin star chef, Heston Blumenthal. However, the ham hock and piccalilli terrine sold by Waitrose has since proved remarkably elusive. One shopper has revealed that she has tried to order the terrine 13 times in recent months via the supermarket’s website without once seeing it arrive in her kitchen. Scroll down for video . The ham hock and piccalilli terrine sold by Waitrose under the banner of Michelin star chef, Heston Blumenthal, has proved remarkably ellusive . Heston offered a glowing description when the terrine was launched, saying: ‘This is a chunk ham hock and smoked ham mixed with zingy piccalilli – a pork and pickly combo to really get your teeth into.’ The absence of the terrine is something of a mystery and suggests either Waitrose has been unable to keep up with demand or, more worrying for Heston, that production has been restricted because of poor demand. The reviews on the Waitrose website and food blogs offers a distinctly mixed verdict, with some suggesting it has left a nasty taste in the mouth. The single review on the Waitrose website from a woman who lives near Devizes in Wiltshire, appears under the heading ‘Underwhelming’. It adds: ‘Absolutely nothing special about this, nowhere near as good as my own fromage de tête (J Grigson recipe), will not buy again.’ Blumenthal pictured outside his Fat Duck restaurant in, Bray, Berkshire, offered a glowing description when the terrine was launched . A blog on a food lovers website offers an even grimmer description, suggesting the two slices in the pack, ‘do look alarmingly like dog food with a bit of colour added’. It adds: ‘I peeled back the cellophane and it was like someone had just farted in my face.’ The blog concluded: ‘The texture was really good, it wasn’t over processed and had chunks of ham alongside the broken down pulled apart pork, it was a satisfying meaty mouthful. ‘Unfortunately that is where the positives end, because it didn’t taste too good. In fact it tasted just like cheap hot dog sausages.’ However, there were other positive reviews on the web, particularly the Ocado website. One five star rating described it as the ‘nicest pate we’ve had in a long time’. Another reviewer wrote: ‘A rather coarse terrine but tasty all the same. Comes in two slices individually packaged which is extremely handy for picnics or packed lunch. Has a nice mix of flavour with a kick from the pickle.’ A Waitrose spokesman said: 'This is a speciality product and branches don't hold a great deal of stock - so we are sorry this has caused availability problems for this online customer. We are very sorry for any inconvenience caused.' |
Archaeologists have discovered hundreds of graves at ancient Roman site . Individuals believed to have been buried during first or second century AD . Several bodies were buried with iron shackles on their necks and ankles . Site may have been used to dispose of the dead from nearby arena . Scientists now hope to identify how and why the individuals died . | 86a4be2fcf35395bd57cf5263e2bf71715527082 | Archaeologists have unearthed hundreds of Roman graves in southwest France, some of which contain skeletons still bound by shackles on their necks and ankles. The incredible excavation is located at a building site about 250m west of the Saintes amphitheatre once used for battles between gladiators and wild animals. Among the hundreds of graves found, five skeletons - four adults and one child - were found shackled or chained. A skeleton uncovered at the Roman burial site pictured exactly as the individual was buried - with an iron shackle attached to his neck . A wider photo shows the same skeleton - thought to be a man - with a shackle on his ankle as well as his neck . This group of four people were buried head-to-toe in a small, trench-style grave . Dating back to the first and second centuries AD, the grave site is thought to have been an important necropolis used for those massacred at the nearby stadium. Three skeletons were found with iron chains attached to their legs, another was buried in a crude shackle around his neck and a child was found with a device on its wrist. Several of the graves were found to be mass burials - pictures show individuals buried side-by-side, head to toe in trench-style graves. The site was first identified as a possible necropolis last year and scientists are now hoping they can establish the individuals' cause of death. Roman necropoleis were usually constructed in the country as a site for burials and cremations to take place away from tombs built within a city. In this photo, another skeleton can be seen buried with a shackle still attached to its ankle . Unfortunately, the graves at Saintes have yielded almost no artefacts or possessions. Only a few vases were found with the remains of one man, and a child was found with coins resting on his eyes. Roman custom was to place coins on the eyes of the deceased so the person's spirit could pay the ferryman to take them across the river Romans believed divided the world of the living and that of the dead. The period of Roman rule across what is now France is commonly referred to as Gallo-Roman, and the graves discovered in Saintes this week fall within this category. The period in which the graves were used - the first and second centuries AD - corresponds to a time in history when Saintes' was a thriving Roman town. It was established as a regional capital during this period because of its location where the major road between Lyon and Acquitaine met with the Charente River. It is famed for its Roman Colosseum-style arena, which when completed, held up to 18,000 people. Construction on the area started during the reign of Tiberius (14 - 37AD) and finished under Claudius (41 - 54AD). It is the largest and oldest remaining Roman amphitheatre in France. |
Lauren Hill, a college freshman at Mount St. Joseph's, will get to play her first college basketball game on November 1 . Hill, 19, has just weeks to live as the result of an inoperable brain tumor she learned about last November . The Lawrenceburg, Indiana, native is getting a chance to take the court after the NCAA agreed to allow her school to move up their home opener . | a56f22f3aebcc02975d52a99b10488b11445a7c1 | A young athlete who dreamed of playing college basketball will get her chance to start in her first game - even though she has an inoperable brain tumor and just weeks to live. Lauren Hill, 19, of Lawrenceburg, Indiana, was a standout high school player who committed to playing at Mount St. Joseph’s University, also in Indiana, in October of last year. Then, last November, she found out she had an inoperable brain tumor. Scroll down for video . Hoop dreams: Lauren Hill (center in uniform) has an inoperable brain tumor and just weeks to live, but will get to play her first college basketball game at Mount St. Joseph's on November 1 . Inspiration: The teenager, who was a high school standout (left) and prom queen (right) has stayed positive despite her diagnosis . While doctors at first gave the teenager two years to live, a recent MRI showed that her tumor had grown, and she now just has weeks left. Not that even that was enough to stop Hill, who has Diffused Intrinsic Pentene Gleoma, a cancer with roots at the base of her brain stem with growing tentacles weaving through her nerves. 'I never gave up for a second even when I got a terminal diagnosis; never thought about sitting back and not living life anymore,' she told Local 12. And now she will be getting to fulfill her dream of playing college ball, thanks to some help from her school and the NCAA. During her surprise birthday party on October 1, exactly one year from the date she signed to play at Mt. Saint Joseph's, Hill learned that the school contacted the NCAA who agreed to move up their opening game against Hiram College from November 15 to November 1 so she can take the court. It will be her first, and last, time playing college basketball. Hope: Instead of being scared of death, Hill (above with mother Lisa) says she is just excited about getting to play basketball for her team just once . Mount Saint Joe's basketball coach, Dan Benjamin, said, 'She's a special person. This girl is so strong, she's dealing with death and all she's thinking about is everyone else. Her team first her family first, and just to give her that one last wish would be incredible for our program and our players.' As for Hill, those few weeks she has left won't be filled with fear or tears it seems, but rather excitement and hope. Said the teenager, 'I love the roar of the crowd, the squeaking of the shoes. I can't wait to be on this court and wearing #22.' |
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 . | c451c2328b9ee7b41625ab1fff21244649165d85 | 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. |
Senior adviser said blackouts would bring home scale of energy crisis . Sir John Armitt argued power cuts would be 'best possible thing' Comments come as first Arctic blast of winter is predicted . | 1e127b65db55b66ccc8d290d3157e17abe9c81a2 | Sir John Armitt argued power blackouts are the 'best possible' thing for the country . One of Ed Miliband’s most senior advisers sparked fury yesterday by saying that power blackouts would be good for the country. Sir John Armitt argued that the blackouts would be the ‘best possible thing’ because they would bring home the scale of the energy crisis facing the country. Sir John’s inflammatory remarks – which coincided with forecasts of the first Arctic blast of the winter – revived the fierce debate over energy prices and supplies which was triggered by Mr Miliband’s party conference pledge in October to freeze gas and electricity bills. The Conservatives immediately lept on Sir John’s comments, claiming that blackouts would be an indictment of Mr Miliband’s failure to plan for the future when he was Energy Secretary. Sir John, who is advising Labour on the future of the country’s long-term infrastructure needs, said: ‘In harsh political terms [blackouts] would be the best possible thing because this country is extremely good in a crisis.’ In the interview with construction industry magazine Building, he added that the UK was nearing the crisis because too little was being done to replace ageing coal-fired and nuclear power stations. He said: ‘We are down to (just a) 4 per cent (surplus of energy capacity) because we’ve gone slower than we should have done on nuclear.’ His remarks are particularly controversial because of the continuing fury within the energy industry over Mr Miliband’s plans for an energy price freeze. Energy bosses said that his move would threaten the security of supply and mean ‘the lights would go out’. The comments have revived the debate surrounding Labour party leader Ed Miliband's promise to freeze gas and electricity bills . Tory MP Charlie Elphicke said: ‘Labour had 13 years to take the long-term decisions to meet Britain’s energy needs, including when Ed Miliband was Energy Secretary, but failed to do so. 'Instead they took short-term decisions. And now Labour’s key economic adviser thinks it would be a good thing for families, vulnerable older people, and even hospitals treating patients to suffer power cuts.’ Last night, Energy Minister Greg Barker said: ‘This is utter madness, but if Sir John thinks power cuts will be a good thing for Britain then he is certainly working for the right man – because Ed Miliband would deliver them.’ |
President Barack Obama lit the tree outside White House with First Daughters, Michelle and Michelle's mother Marian Robinson . Malia, 16, and Sasha, 13, looked cheerier than they did on Thanksgiving . Obama said the tree is 'symbol of hope', urged people to think of soldiers . Tom Hanks hosted the event, kissed Michelle on the cheek to celebrate . | 542f83d99d7336f71f933ba6bba2ee52120366c5 | President Barack Obama and the first family have lit the national Christmas tree. And this time, his daughters Sasha and Malia remembered to smile. Flanking their father, their mother Michelle, and their maternal grandmother Marian Robinson, the teenagers beamed as they clustered around the light switch just feet away from the White House. SCROLL DOWN FOR VIDEO . Joyful joyful! The entire first family looked full of Christmas spirit at the annual tree-lighting ceremony . The big moment: Malia, 16, beamed out at the crowds and Sasha, 13, stared excitedly at the light-switch as their father told citizens to remember those on military service when they look at the tree, a symbol of hope . Not so spritely: The first daughters' sullen expressions on Thanksgiving prompted a wave of reaction . It was a welcome change after the pair appeared less than festive at the annual turkey pardon for Thanksgiving, which prompted former Republican communications officer Elizabeth Lauten to call them 'classless'. Her controversial comments sparked outrage and Lauten's subsequent resignation. There was no sign of sullenness on Thursday night's event though - both girls, wrapped up warm in J Crew coats, were seen smiling and giggling. Michelle read from The Night Before Christmas at the event hosted by Tom Hanks and his wife Rita Wilson, while the major musical performances came from singers Patti LaBelle and Steve Miller . In his address, Obama said the national tree is a 'symbol of hope and holiday spirit.' He urged Americans to remember members of the U.S. military serving overseas, as well as their families. Glittering: The ceremony was the 92nd to be held outside the White House, with crowds gathered to watch . Joking around: The scene was a change in tone from Malia and Sasha's somber attitude on Thanksgiving . The moment: The girls, both wrapped up warm in J Crew coats, pushed the button together to turn on the glittering red, white and green light display . Hundreds gathered to watch the 47-foot tree light up before speeches and festive story-telling . Support: The Obama girls were accused of failing to show their father support on Thanksgiving but their jovial attitude on Thursday night, walking arm-in-arm with their father, sent a clear message to their critics . 'As we hold our loved ones tight, let's remember the military families whose loved ones are far from home,' Obama said. 'They are our heroes.' There followed performances from artists including singer NE-YO, pop performers Nico & Vinz, singing group The Tenors, and country singer Chely Wright. This year's ceremony marks the 92nd annual lighting of the Christmas tree just steps from the White House. The tradition was started by President Calvin Coolidge in 1923, according to the National Parks Service. A festive kiss: Tom Hanks planted a kiss on Michelle Obama's cheek as they celebrated the annual event . Nativity fun: Michelle and Mo'ne Davis looked animated as they read from The Night Before Christmas . Success! She high-fived her fellow performer, the famed 13-year-old baseball player, when they finished . |
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 . | 53453ef9d8f3143f19f7497c5cb29f75576c1f46 | 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 (left) 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 . |
Southampton target Lorient defender Bruno Ecuele Manga . Considered a potential replacement for wantaway defender Dejan Lovren . The Croatian is eyeing up a move to Liverpool . | c4c9ea633e05dc32b70ab3d466227c15e8f861d8 | Southampton are considering Lorient centre-back Bruno Ecuele Manga, 25, as they consider their next move with wantaway defender Dejan Lovren. The club are drawing up contingency plans in case they are forced into a climb down over Dejan Lovren. Southampton are making plans to rebuild their squad and don't intend to sell Lovren even if he goes on strike. VIDEO Lovren criticises Saints over Liverpool bid . Show of strength: Bruno Ecuele Manga (left) vies with Mbaye Niang during a French game this year . Head gone: Dejan Lovren is ready to join Liverpool after criticising Southampton . However, ultimately that may not prove healthy for the club. Liverpool are threatening to move on to other targets if there is no change on Lovren soon. Manga ironically was a player watched by Liverpool last year. The 25-year-old Gabon international was also a target for Everton. This time round, Borussia Monchengladbach and Lazio are also monitoring Manga who was Laurent Koscielny's replacement. |
Harry Redknapp had criticised Moroccan for being overweight . Owner Tony Fernandes tweets criticism of the QPR midfielder . But Fernandes deletes his comments soon after . | 6425fc57fe964ad80239cc39cb4d1494bd827933 | Click here to read Adel Taarabt's response to Harry Redknapp's 'overweight' claims . QPR owner Tony Fernandes has backed Harry Redknapp following his scathing attack on Adel Taarabt at the weekend. The Loftus Road boss accused the mercurial Moroccan of being ‘three stone overweight’ after he was left out of the squad for Sunday’s 3-2 defeat against Liverpool. Redknapp fumed: ‘He played in a reserve match the other day, and I could have run around more than he did. Adel Taarabt has been criticised by his manager Harry Redknapp for being overweight . QPR owner Fernandes echoed Redknapp's comments on Taarabt, but later deleted his tweet . Fernandes cannot bear to watch as his team concede a late goal to Liverpool after fighting back from behind . QPR midfielder Adel Taarabt has hit back at manager Harry Redknapp's claim that he is overweight . ‘I am a professional — this is not about retaliation'... Taarabt spoke his mind in full about the situation . ‘I want players who want to try and work every day at a good club like QPR, and show a good attitude - and that’s what I got from the players against Liverpool. ‘When he starts doing that, whether he ever can even do it, maybe he’ll get a game. I can’t keep protecting them, when he’s three stone overweight and on 60, 70 grand a week and don’t train. What’s the world coming to?’ Struggling to recover from a string of ankle injuries, Redknapp said Taarabt is 'about three stone overweight' Taarabt's work ethic was challenged by Redknapp, who alluded to the Moroccan having a bad attitude . Redknapp questioned the QPR midfielder's willingness to show he deserves his '60 to 70 grand-a-week' wages . Taarabt has featured just twice since his loan spell at AC Milan last season, and Fernandes has lent his support to Redknapp after his verbal volley at the midfielder. He tweeted: ‘Professional players must be fit . if I do a Job. I’m ready to do he job. Full stop. The bucks stops at you . its your body and your career’ The QPR owner has since deleted the tweet. Former Tottenham midfielder Taarabt insists he can only get fitness playing Premier League football . Taarabt made his only start of the season against Burton, but has come off the bench twice in the league . |
Moussa Sissoko has been in fine form for Newcastle United this season . Arsenal want to bring in a midfielder in January and are keen on Sissoko . Newcastle want to offer Sissoko new contract to ensure he stays . Arsenal also hold interest with Everton holding midfielder James McCarthy . | 5d16eb821ee4b5579cb5e8f90d10c940f777ded4 | Newcastle are preparing a new contract for midfielder Moussa Sissoko amid tentative interest from Arsenal. The 25-year-old France international has been a pivotal figure in the renaissance of Alan Pardew’s side this season although he was sent off against West Ham on Saturday after frustration got the better of him in their defeat. Arsenal want a defensive midfielder who can link defence with attack and provide energy to their side. Sissoko (right) celebrates scoring Newcastle's winner against QPR at St James' Park last month . The midfielder was sent off by referee Mike Dean against West Ham at the weekend . Newcastle manager Alan Pardew (centre) wants to tie down Sissoko to a long-term deal . Everton’s James McCarthy is also a confirmed target of Arsene Wenger but both Everton and Newcastle have little wish to sell in January even if faced with substantial bids. Sissoko still has four years left on his contract but Newcastle are happy to reward his form with improved terms. They are also keen to tie him down as Cheick Tiote continues to attract interest from clubs in Russia and a bid is expected for January. Newcastle, meanwhile, are keen on Danny Ings of Burnley but expect him to see out his contract and are maintaining an interest in MK Dons midfield prospect Dele Alli who has been the subject of enquiries from Liverpool and Brentford also. Newcastle have maintained an interest in Burnley and England Under 21 striker Danny Ings . |
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 . | fda5cfb9f753069ef08e3f60abd6ad75818d2291 | 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. |
Kala Kaiwi now holds record for largest 'non-surgically made' flesh tunnels . The tattoo and body modification artist travelled to Milan to collect his award . He has hundreds of other body adaptations, including horn implants and face tattoos . | 1e5280a52f0bfbc745afd30ce33fc99d76f5e23c | A Hawaiian man has claimed the Guinness World Record for the largest non-surgically made stretch earlobes - which are so big you can fit a hand through them. Kala Kaiwi, who unsurprisingly works as a tattoo and body modification artist, has earlobe stretches or 'flesh tunnels' measuring 109mm (4.3 inches) in diameter, to go with his hundreds of other wacky body adaptations. He has just returned from Milan, Italy where he picked up his award, almost certainly setting off airport security scanners on his way. Kala Kaiwi is the new Guinness World Record holder for the largest non-surgically made stretch earlobes in the world. They measure 109mm in diameter and can fit a hand through . Kala has hundreds of other body modifications, including nostril piercings, face tattoos and horns on his head . Along with his flesh tunnels, he has had silicon horns implanted on his head, stretches in his nostrils, tattooed eyebrows and studs all over his face. He even split his own tongue using dental floss, and has bolt holes on his forehead with spikes screwed in. Kala trained in Las Vegas in 1999 before moving back to Hawaii to open Sin City Body Modification and Tattoo shop. To find out more about Kala Kaiwi and body modification click here . Ear stretches have become increasingly popular in recent years. The practice originated from indigenous people but has now become mainstream in the western world. Ancient Egyptian Pharaoh King Tutankhamen is known to have had them, although these days, you are far more likely to see them on a regular person than you are royalty. The trendsetter was Otzi the Ice Man, who dates all the way back to 3300BC and is the oldest human mummy in the world. He was discovered by German tourists in the Italian Alps in 1991 and as well as having 7-11mm ear stretches, he is covered in tattoos. When they first filtered into western cultures they were adopted by subcultures such as punks and rockers, but nowadays, you can find stretches on celebrities such as McBusted's Dougie Poynter or rapper Lil Wayne, as well as all over the streets of any town or city. However, extra large flesh tunnels are still associated with counter culture. Professor Victoria Pitts-Taylor, from the Graduate Center of the City University of New York, says they are 'a slightly more committed body art than temporary practices or ear piercing. The more you stretch the skin, the more commitment you are expressing to a counter cultural look.' |
The white people were asked to hold hands in solidarity during the demonstration following a class walk-out on Tuesday . The die-in was slated to last for 4.5 minutes to represent the 4.5 hours Michael Brown lay lifeless in the street after he was shot by Darren Wilson . Hundreds participated in the demonstration at the Columbia, Missouri campus . | e6bb8008e0c47cd5ca1810e01e364986348a413e | Organizers of a University of Missouri demonstration held Tuesday in protest of the exoneration of Darren Wilson asked that 'only people of color' participate in their 'die-in.' The group's email blast about the event asked 'non-people of color to stand holding hands in solidarity' at the Columbia, Missouri campus event. A class walk-out that preceded the die-in was open to anyone interested in demonstrating. However, some are criticizing the organizers' choice to exclude 'non-people of color.' Organizers of a University of Missouri demonstration held Tuesday in protest of the exoneration of Darren Wilson asked that 'only people of color' participate in their 'die-in' The group's email (pictured) about the event asked 'non-people of color to stand holding hands in solidarity' at the Columbia, Missouri campus event. The College Fix spoke to one organizer about the decision. 'The "die-in" is meant to represent black bodies that are killed unjustly. It was requested that others stand in a circle holding hands,' explained student Ebony Francis. The demonstration lasted four-and-a-half minutes as a nod to the four-and-a-half hours that Michael Brown's body lay on the street after he was shot dead by Officer Darren Wilson. Demonstrations lasted about an hour and a half total on Tuesday and were meant to protest the grand jury decision not to indict Wilson. It was also meant as a demand for an equal justice system. One student told the College Fix that demonstrators failed, at least with that goal. 'If they are trying to make a message that is against racism,' said junior Daniel Beaman, 'I think they may have failed. The email makes it appear as if white people are not victims of police brutality. Like it’s only a black issue.' Die-ins like this one at Atlanta's Emory University have happened all over America in the wake of grand jury decisions in the Michael Brown and Eric Garner cases . |
Queens Park Rangers are hosting a second fan park event in Mumbai . Premier League club will have their own dedicated coaches at the event . Rangers charity has been working with Indian youngsters for five-years . | 42ceb896e0764e99d1ec950bb765a2c557f70e7f | Queens Park Rangers will see the benefits of five years work when the Barclays Premier League make it’s first foray into the Indian market later this month. The Premier League will host their second international fan park event in Mumbai between December 13-14, which, among other events, will see coaches from England’s top-flight clubs head to India to hold clinics. However, QPR will be represented by their own Mumbai-based coaches at the two day event, which takes place at Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority Grounds. QPR have developed their own coaches to work with Indian youngsters in Mumbai (L-R) Jesse Foyle (Education Manager), Fardin Shaikh, Gulafsha Ansari, Sheetal Hedulkar, Kumar Rathod, Martino Chevannes (Community Trust Manager) Rangers – through the work of their charitable arm QPR in the Community Trust and their academy set-up – have been working in India’s most populous city for five years, through their the Mumbai Soccer Challenger initiative, which serves as a talent hunt for local youngsters at coaching clinics conducted by QPR coaches. And those coaches will lead QPR’s presence during the event, which will be attended by Premier League legends Peter Schmeichel and Robbie Fowler. Joey Barton (centre) takes part in a QPR training session back home in London . Manager Harry Redknapp (left) and assistant Glenn Hoddle discuss plans ahead of their next league game . Sheetal Hedulkar (28), Kumar Rathod (21), Gulafsha Ansari (18) and Fardin Shaikh (21) will join dozens of UK-based coaches from other Premier League clubs in delivering workshops. QPR’s vice chairman, Amit Bhatia, who was born in London and educated in Delhi, said: ‘We are the pioneers in breaking new ground in India and it gives me a great sense of pride when I see the impact QPR’s work is having in Mumbai, in particular. ‘Prior to our involvement in the Mumbai Soccer Challenger, children from municipal schools rarely got a platform to compete in tournaments thereby depriving them an opportunity to showcase their skills.’ |